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Anand Agricultural University, Anand
Anand Agricultural University (AAU) was established in 2004 at Anand with the support of the Government of Gujarat, Act No.(Guj 5 of 2004) dated April 29, 2004. Caved out of the erstwhile Gujarat Agricultural University (GAU), the dream institution of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Dr. K. M. Munshi, the AAU was set up to provide support to the farming community in three facets namely education, research and extension activities in Agriculture, Horticulture Engineering, product Processing and Home Science. At present there seven Colleges, seventeen Research Centers and six Extension Education Institute working in nine districts of Gujarat namely Ahmedabad, Anand, Dahod, Kheda, Panchmahal, Vadodara, Mahisagar, Botad and Chhotaudepur
AAU's activities have expanded to span newer commodity sectors such as soil health card, bio-diesel, medicinal plants apart from the mandatory ones like rice, maize, tobacco, vegetable crops, fruit crops, forage crops, animal breeding, nutrition and dairy products etc. the core of AAU's operating philosophy however, continues to create the partnership between the rural people and committed academic as the basic for sustainable rural development. In pursuing its various programmes AAU's overall mission is to promote sustainable growth and economic independence in rural society. AAU aims to do this through education, research and extension education. Thus, AAU works towards the empowerment of the farmers.
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ThesisItem Open Access BIOECOLOGY OF SPOTTED POD BORER, Maruca vitrata (Fabricius), BIOEFFICACY AND RESIDUAL STATUS OF SOME INSECTICIDES IN RELATION TO INSECT PEST COMPLEX OF COWPEA [Vigna unguiculata (Linnaeus) Walpers](AAU, Anand, 2004) PANICKAR, BINDU M. K.; JHALA, R. C.The investigations in cowpea on comparative biology and biometrics of spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata (Fabricius) on different host crops (cowpea, green gram, black gram, pigeonpea and Indian bean), population dynamics in relation to weather parameters and field life table of M vitrata, evaluation of various insecticides for their efficacy against insect pest complex and toxicity to lady bird beetles and residual status of some insecticides on cowpea were carried out during 2001-2003 at Anand Agricultural University, Anand. The studies on comparative biology and biometrics indicated that significantly higher length (mm) of egg (0.64), 1st (3.18), 3rd (9.39), 4th (12.05) and 5th (16.23) instar larva, male (13.55) and female (13.64) pupa, male (11.81) and female (11.99) moth; significantly higher breadth (mm) of 1st (0.73), 2nd (0.88). 3rd (1.66), 4th (2.81) and 5th (3.56) instar larva and female moth (24.85); significantly higher width (mm) of head capsule in 1st (0.29), 2nd (0.39). 3rd (0.52), 4th (0.59) and 5th (0.66) instar larva; significantly shorter period (days) of egg (2.32), 1st (2.30), 3rd (2.75), 4th (2.75), 5th (2.60) instar larva; significantly shorter total larval (13.71 days), pre-pupal (1.59 days), pupa! (5.36 days) and pre-oviposition (1.10 days) periods; significantly longer oviposition periods (4.30 days) in the female and adult period (6.40 days) of male; significantly shorter total life cycle (29.36 days) of female and significantly higher fecundity (41.80 eggs) and growth index (5.71) were recorded in the culture of M. vitrata reared on cowpea [V. unguiculata (L.)] as compared to green gram [V. radiata (L.)], black gram [V. mungo (L.)], pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.)] and Indian bean [Lahlah purpureus (L.)]. Based on these parameters, it was concluded that cowpea is the most preferred host for growth and development of M. vitrata. Per cent damaged pods ranged from 2.20 to 55.52 and 2.77 to 29.43 in kharif cowpea crop during 2001 and 2002, respectively. The infestation commenced 1 to 2 week(s) after initiation of pod setting and it was higher in the month of August. The correlation coefficient was significant only in case of maximum and mean temperatures having positive correlation and mean relative humidity having negative correlation with per cent pod borer damage during kharif, 2001. It was significant with evening vapour pressure (X8) having positive correlation in kharif, 2002. The regression equations showing relationship between per cent pod borer damage (Y) and mean temperature (X5) was found to be : Y = -656.08 + 23.7570 X5 [R2 = 0.4161] for kharif 2001 and Y =-136.18 + 6.6927 X8 [R2 = 0.4314] for kharif, 2002. Field life table studies on M vitrata revealed that a larval-pupal parasite Agathis sp. accounted for 48.14 and 32.52 per cent mortality in 2001 and 2002, respectively. Studies on key mortality factor analysis indicated that big size larvae and pupal stage were most valuable stages for managing this pest. Based on overall rank for bioefficacy against pest complex plus safety to lady bird beetles, the chronological order of various insecticides with green pod yield in kg/ha and incremental cost benefit ratio, respectively given in bracket was : lambdacyhalothrin @ 0.0025% (3337 and 1:31.68) > methyl-o-demcton @ 0.025% (3160 and 1:29.99) > fenvalerate @ 0.01% (2882 and 1:33.50) > deltamethrin @ 25% tablet (6962 and 1:49.53) > alphamethrin @ 0.01% (3742 and 1:28.53) > deltamethrin @ 0.0014% (5729 and 1:71.53):- endosulfan fa) 0.07% (5150 and 1:45.50) > quinalphos @ 0.05% (4045 and 1:29.21) > indoxacarb @ 0.00725% (4454 and 1:18.45) > methomyl @ 0.08% (5364 and 1:16.53) > azadirachtin @ 0.001% (2498 and 1:13.08) > Btk@ 0.75 kg/ha (2188 and 1:2.51) > NSKE @ 5% (1890 and 1:12.98).ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON NATIVE INSECT PATHOGENS FOR BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF DBM (Plutetta xylostella Linnaeus) AND HEAD BORER [Helicoverpa armigera Hubner) ON CABBAGE {Brassica oteracea var. Capitata),(AAU, Anand, 2004) GAURAHA, DEEPAK KUMAR; Vyas, R. V.Studies on bioefficacy of three native insect patliogens viz. Bacillus thuringiensis (Berliner) (GAU T0B1), Heterortiabditis sp. (GAU A02) and Metarhizium anisopliae var. anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin (GAU Ma) against Plutella xylostella (Linn.) and Helicoverpa armigera (Hub.) Infesting cabbage were carried out in laboratory, micro plot and field conditions at Gujarat Agricultural University, Anand Campus, Anand during 2002-2003. Laboratory bioassay revealed that native Bt isolate (GAU T0B1) induced maximum mortality (77.50 and 82.50 %) at higher concentration, 10^ sporecrystal mixture/m2 P. xylostella and H. armigera after 168 hrs of treatment respectively. Heterorhabditis sp. (GAU A02) and M. anisopliae (GAU Ma) were also found effective, which incurred more than 50 per cent larval mortality from 168 hrs of treatment at highest dose tested. The bioefficacy of these pathogens against P. xylostella and H. annigera in micro plot under net house conditions, indicated better larval mortality in Bt (65.0 and 67.50%) followed by EPN (42.50 and 42.0%) and M. anisopliae (30.0 and 35.0%). All the treatments remained significantly superior over control. Field experiment showed that among the three pathogens, Bt treatment showed lowest populations 0.75 and 0.10 larva/head of P. xylostella and H. armigera, respectively on 7th day of application followed by EPN and M. anisopliae treatments. Endosulfan reduced quickly maximum pests population of both the insects. The head damage in insect pathogen treatments was observed to be constant, while in control it was further aggravated. Highest yield among the native isolates was recorded in order as Bt (1475.3 kg/ha) followed by Heteroffiabditis sp. (1310.44 kg/ha) and M. anisopliae (1110.65 kg/ha). All the three native pathogens were able to check the populatbn of P. xylostella and H. anvigera effectively and thereby reduced the head damage in cabbage ultimately giving economic yield over control. Considering the yield economics and mortality inflicted, Bt @ 109 spore crystals/m2 was the best among the pathogen evaluated for management of DBM and head borer on cabbage.ThesisItem Open Access BIO-ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT OF STEM BORER, Chilo partellus Swinhoe INFESTING MAIZE(AAU, Anand, 2005) PATEL, PIYUSHKUMAR JITUBHAI; Borad, P. K.Investigations on bio-ecology and management of Chilo partellus Swinhoe infesting maize were carried out at B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand during 2003 to 2004 in kharif season. It is an important pest of maize causing severe damage in middle Gujarat conditions. Of the plant flora surveyed for the host range of C partellus, sorghum and bajra were found as hosts of this pest in this region. The newly hatched larvae feed on the leaves of the central whorl. Here it mines the sheath and often tunnels inside the midrib. The older larvae bore down inside the funnel of the plant and feed on internal tissues of stem which caused 'dead hearts'. Their course from the leaf to stem was interspersed with small punctures on the leaf. The early instar larvae also feed on tassels. The female moths laid the eggs in clusters usually on lower surface of leaves near the midrib and sometimes on upper surface of leaves. The freshly laid eggs were creamy white in colour and ultimately become black before eclosion. It was oval in shape and overlapping each other in rows. The length and breadth of eggs were 0.98 + 0.07 and 0.68 + 0.03 mm, respectively. The incubation period was 3.42 + 0.53 days with hatching per cent of 63.47 + 12.29. The caterpillars passed through six larval instars. First instar larva was orange with black head. Three pairs of thoracic legs and four pairs of prolegs were present. Nine pairs of spiracles situated on the prothoracic and first eight abdominal segments were visible. Bands of deep orange colour were present on each segment. Small dark hairs were present on each segments give a spiny appearance to the body. The body colour of second instar larva becomes slightly darker than that of first instar larva. There was one dark line running laterally on either side of the prothorax to the anal segment. The prothoracic segment was darker in colour than the remaining segment. The third instar larva was stout bodied and darker than the second instar larva. The antennae were visible and the dark spot from which the hairs arise become darker than that of the second instar larva. The lateral dark lines on either side of the larva disappear and spiracle becomes very prominent. The fourth instar larva was light brown in colour with dark brown head. The prothoracic shield was very prominent. The thoracic as well as abdominal segments have some scattered tubercles each with one, two or even three setae and spiracles were well developed. The fifth instar larva resembles the fourth instar larva except that the tubercles were quite prominent. The sub-dorsal stripes, one on either side were present along the body length of the larva. The head was reddish brown in colour and prothoracic shield was light brown in colour. The sixth instar larva was quite different from fifth instar larva. The tubercles were larger. The sub-dorsal stripes disappear. Prothoracic shield was dark brown in colour and body was dirty white. Posterior region of each segment appears white. The duration of first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth instar larva was 3.70 + 0-70, 4.13 ± 0.94, 2.91 ± 0.79, 4.17 + 1.07, 4.00 ± 1.01 and 3.96 ± 1.12 days. respectively. The total larval period was 21.80 + 3.73 days. Length of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth instar larva was 1.84 + 0.37,4.51 + 0.33, 7.73 ± 0.48,13.13 + 0.95, 16.97 + 0.73,22.80 + 0.40 mm, whereas the breadth was 0.21 + 0.04, 0.69 ± 0.06, 0.97 ± 0.10, 1.66 + 0.07, 2.61 + 0.12 and 3.13 ± 0.10 mm incase of breadth, respectively. The duration of pre-pupae was 1.96 ± 0.56 days. The length, breadth and width of head capsule was 15.70 ± 0.40, 3.38 ± 0.31 and 2.25 ± 0.34 mm, respectively. The pupation took place within the maize stem in a chamber constructed by the mature larva. Pupa was creamy yellow when freshly formed and turned reddish brown subsequently. It possessed six spines arranged in two rows at the tip of the abdomen. The length of male and female pupa was 11.21 + 0.18 and 14.78 + 0.07 mm, whereas breadth was 2.44 + 0.04 and 3.05 + 0.03 mm, respectively. The distances between genital and anal pore for male and female was 0.23 + 0.03 and 1.14 + 0.02 mm, respectively. The duration of male and female pupa was 4.12 + 0.95 and 4.23 + 1.42 days, respectively. The moth was straw coloured with fore wings slightly darker than the hind wing and a pair of prominent palpi projecting in front of the head like a beak. The longevity of male and female adult was 3.07 + 0.64 and 3.43 + 0.62 days, respectively. The length of male and female moth was 9.90 + 0.31 and 13.45 + 0.79 mm, while the breadth with expanded wing was 20.29 ± 0.21 and 27.21 + 0.56 mm, respectively. The pre-oviposition, oviposition and post-oviposition periods were noted as 1.75 + 0.50, 1.25 ± 0.50 and 0.75 ± 0.95 days, respectively. The fecundity was 19.57 ± 9.50 eggs per female. The sex ratio (male : female) under field and laboratory conditions was 1 : 1.18 and 1 : 1.21, respectively. The total life span for male and female was 34.69 + 2.09 and 35.06 + 2.56 days, respectively. The incidence of the pest begins from 1st week of July and continued up to 2nd week of September with a peak activity in August. Parasite Apanteles flavipes showed significant positive correlation with number of larval population during both the years. The abiotic factors, sunshine hrs and rainfall had significantly negative and positive association with C. partellm on maize during 2004, respectively. . Among the 20 varieties/genotypes screened, Ganga Safed 2, Narmada Moti and GM 3 were found resistant to C. partellus. and registered higher grain yield. Of the five indigenous plant materials, five azadirachtin based formulations and eleven synthetic insecticides evaluated against C. partellus larvae infesting maize, Neemark (2.50 %), NeemAzal-F (0.015 %), neem seed kernel extract (5 %), carbofiiran, phorate and cartap (10 kg/ha) performed better to protect the maize from infestation of C partellus. Among the botanicals, Neemark treated plots registered highest (23.90 q/ha) grain yield followed by NeemAzal-F (23.66 q/ha) and NSKE (22.67 q/ha). In the above treatments, yield increase over control ranged between 40.37 and 47.98 per cent, whereas avoidable losses were upto 5.14 per cent. The effective botanicals NSKE, NeemAzal-F and Neemark recorded 1 : 1.66,1 : 1.01 and 1 : 0.61 NICER, respectively. Of the synthetic insecticides, carbofiiran treated plots produced highest (27.47 q/ha) grain yield followed by phorate (27.25 q/ha) and cartap (26.90 q/ha). Increase in yield over control in these treatments varied from 61.66 to 65.08 per cent, whereas avoidable losses were upto 2.07 per cent. The NICBR was calculated as 1 : 2.50, 1 : 3.10 and 1 : 2.57 for the effective treatments of carbofiiran, phorate and cartap, respectively.ThesisItem Open Access BIOEFFICACY OF Bacillus thuringiensis ISOLATES AGAINST SPOTTED POD BORER, Maruca testulalis (Geyer.) ON COWPEA (Vigna unguiculata L.)(AAU, Anand, 2004) PATEL, B. D.; Vyas, R. V.Studies on bioefficacy of native Bacillus thuringiensis (Berliner) isolates (TOM-1, TOB-I and CT-2) in laboratory, pot as well as field conditions against Maruca testulalis (Geyer) on cowpea variety pusa falguni were carried out at Gujarat Agriculture University, Anand campus during Kharif 2002 and 2003. Bioassay study of B. thuringiensis isolates (TOM-1, TOB-1 and CT-2) against M. testulalis indicated that significant larval mortality was started after 48 hrs. of application and it was increase with increased in concentration and exposure period. The isolate B.T. TOM-1 gave highest larval mortality (83.33 %) at 144 hrs. followed by B.t. CT-2 and B.t. TOB-1 which exhibited highest mortality (80.00% and 76.67%) respectively,after 144 hrs. at 10 to power 9 spore crystal mixture/ ml. Thus the bioassay of three native isolates showed substantial efficacy and scope for effective suppression of M testulalis.ThesisItem Open Access SUCCESSION OF MAJOR INSECT PESTS, THEIR POPULATION DYNAMICS AND MANAGEMENT IN BRINJAL (Solanum melongena L.)(AAU, Anand, 2004) BHATT, HEMALKUMAR VINODRAI; Koshiya, D. J.Investigations were carried out on succession of insect pests, their population dynamics and management in brinjal (Solatium melongena L.) at B. A. College of Agriculture, Gujarat Agricultural University, Anand during the year of 2001-02 and 2002-03. Siudy on succession of ir.portant insect pests and their natural enemies indicated that sucking pests viz; jassid , Amrasca biguttula biguttula Ishida; whitcfly, Bemisia tabaci Gennadius and aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover appeared during early vegetative stage and was active ihroughout the crop life span, whereas the activity of shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orhonalis Gtienee observed initially on shoots and subsequently on fruit during the fruit formation stage of the crop. The population of natural enemies viz; ladybird beetle Coccinella septempunctata L.; green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea Steph. and geocoris bug, Geocoris ochropterus Fab. also coincided with their host population. A correlation study among the incidence of sucking pests and occurrence of natural enemies revealed that population of jassid and whitefly were positively correlated with ladybird beetle. Similar relationship was also observed between whitefly and predators green lacewing and geocoris bug. The study further indicated that peak population of aphid and jassid was (Miservcd when whitefly population was at its low level showing avoidance of competition among the sucking pests. Infestation of shoot and fruit borer, L orbonalis found throughout the Crop season. Initially, it was observed on tender shoots, then moved to fruits. Correlation study indicated that fruit damage had positive correlation with occurrence of green lacewing and geocoris bug. Similar association was found between aphid population and borer activity for shoot damage. A study on population dynamics of jassid revealed that pest appeared during third week of September and was active throughout the crop season. The highest population was recorded during fourth week of November. Correlation between population of jassid and weather factors (WF) was worked out. The study indicated that among the different physical factors of environment, maximum temperature (MaxT), evening vapour pressure deficit (VPD2)mean vapour pressure deficit (MVPD) and temperature range (TR) showed positive correlation, while negative correlation with evening relative humidity (RH2), mean relative humidity (MRH) and wind speed (WS). Regression study indicated that increase in MVPD (11 to 18 mm of Hg) and decreased in WS (4 to 2 KMPH) playing an important role for build up of the jassid population. Thus, dry atmosphere with low wind speed favoured the build up of the population. Infestation of whitefly, (B. tabaci) commenced from third week of September and reached to its highest level during December. Among the different physical factors of environment MaxT, minimum temperature (MinT), mean temperature (MT), morning vapour pressure (VPl), evening vapour pressure (VP2) and WS showed negative correlation with whitefly population indicating that population of this pest increased with decreased in Min T (17° to 10° C) and it flourished well in cold weather. Population of aphid, A. gossypii was active from third week of September to second week of January. During this period population showed violent fluctuations with three different peaks. Correlation study between population of aphid and WF revealed that bright sunshine hour (BSS) and WS showed negative correlation with pest population. The study further indicated that decrease in magnitude of BSS in the range of 9 to 7 hours proved favourable for the build up of pest population. It suggesting that cloudy weather favoured the build up of its population. Activity of shoot and fruit borer (L. orbonalis) found throughout the crop life span. Damage to shoots commenced from third week of September was maximum during last week of October. After fruit formation, it moved to fruits and the highest fruit damage observed during the month of December. Correlation study indicated that shoot damage showed positive correlation with MaxT, MinT, mean temperature (MT), morning relative humidity (RHl), VPl, VP2, mean vapour pressure (MVP), evening vapour pressure deficit (VPD2) and MVPD. Similar study for fruit damage revealed that MaxT, MinT, MT, RH2, MRH, VPl, VP2, MVP, morning vapour pressure deficit (VPDl) and WS showed negative correlation, which indicating that decreased in Min T between the range of 23° to 15° C proved favourable for this pest. A study on screening of sixteen genotypes/varieties of brinjal for their susceptibility against major insect pests during kharif season revealed that genotypes/varieties JB-64-1-2, GBH-1, Doli-5, AB-99-16, GBL-1, H-7, JBPR-98-2, Brinjal Castor Long and H-8 proved to be resistant to jassid, whereas Brinjal Green Round, Junagadh Long, Junagadh Oblong, PLR-1, AB-00-7 and AB-99-32 found moderately resistant by registering low jassid population. The population of whitefly was found low in genotypes/varieties Brinjal Green Round, GBH-1, Doli-5, Junagadh Long, Junagadh Oblong, JB-64-1-2, AB-99-16, JBPR-98-2 and GBL-1 and found to be resistant, whereas genotypes/varieties JB-64-1-2, AB-99-16, GBH-1, Doli-5, Brinjal Green Round, PLR-1, Brinjal Castor Long, JBPR- 98-2 and H-8 exhibited lower aphid population and showed resistant reaction to this pest. Further, a study on effect of morphological characters and biochemical contents of brinjal leaves on sucking pests indicated that hair density and hair length on leaves as well as thickness of midrib and lamina and leaf area are the important characters for imparting resistant to brinjal. Similarly, total soluble sugars, amino acids and total phenols of brinjal leaf provide basis for the resistance. Observation on shoot damage due to L. orbonalis revealed that genotypes/varieties Brinjal Green Round, GBH-1, H-7, Doli-5, JB-64- 1-2, AB-99-16, Brinjal Castor Long and H-8 proved to be resistant, whereas low fruit damage was recorded in genotypes/varieties JB-64-1-2, GBH-1, Doli-5, Brinjal Castor Long, Brinjal Green Round, H-7, H-8, Junagadh Long and PLR-1 and found resistant against this pest. Study on effect of morphological characters and biochemical contents of fruit revealed that morphological characters had no any effect on fruit damage, however, total soluble sugars, amino acids and total phenols play a vital role in imparting resistant to this pest. The yield data clearly indicated that a genotypes JB-64-1-2, GBH-1 and Doli-5 which proved resistant to sucking pests as well as shoot and the fruit borer and also registered the higher marketable fruit yield. A field study on evaluation of different newer insecticides for the control of pest complex of brinjal indicated that carbosulfan 0.025, monocrotophos 0.04, difenthiuron 0.05 and endosulfan 0.07 per cent effectively suppressed the jassid population. It has been further observed that whitefly population effectively controlled by difenthiuron 0.05, endosulfan 0.07, monocrotophos 0.04 and carbosulfan 0.025. Treatments with azadirachtin 0.00012 per cent found almost ineffective in controlling both the sucking pests. The results further revealed that all the insecticidal treatments proved significantly superior in reducing fruit damage due to L. orbonalis. However, carbosulfan 0.025 recorded the minimum fruit damage and was at par with monocrotophos 0.04 and endosulfan 0.07 per cent, whereas the treatment with azadirachtin could not prove effective in reducing the fruit damage. Yield data clearly indicated that plots treated with carbosulfan 0.025 registered the highest fruit yield (332.08 q ha-1), which was at par with monocrotophos 0.04 (322.64 q ha-1) and endosulfan 0.07 per cent (318.03 q ha-1). Considering the economics and efficacy of the treatments, monocrotophos 0.04, carbosulfan 0.025 and endosulfan 0.07 per cent gave appreciable net incremental cost benefit ratio (NICER) of 1:29.52, 1:26.54 and 1:22.32, respectively. Thus, these treatments can be recommended for the effective management of pest complex of brinjal.ThesisItem Open Access BIONOMICS, POPULATION DYNAMICS AND MANAGEMENT OF LEAF WEBBER, Orthaga euadrusalis Walker IN MANGO, Mangifera indica L.(AAU, Anand, 2004) PATEL, DEVANG BHARATKUMAR; BORAD, P. K.Investigations on bionomics, population dynamics and management of Orthaga euadrusalis Walker infesting mango were carried out at B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand Campus, Anand during 2002-03 to 2003-04. It is an important pest of mango causing severe damage in middle Gujarat conditions. The newly hatched caterpillars feed gregariously on leaf chlorophyll by scraping the leaf surface. The advance stages web the leaves together and live within it and feed voraciously on leaves. The tents (webs) were clearly visible from a distance on attacked mango trees. The female moth laid eggs singly or in clusters on lower surface of leaves, occasionally on tender mango twigs. The eggs were greenish dull, oval and flattened. The length and breadth of eggs were 0.86 + 0.04 and 0.58 + 0.06 mm, respectively. The incubation period was 4.29 + 0.47 days with hatching per cent of 93.03 ±4.51. The leaf webber passed through seven larval instars. The first instar larvae were pale green to light yellow in colour with shining brownish head. A pink transverse band on first abdominal segment, four brownish longitudinal streaks and several scattered thin white hairs were found on lateral part of the body. The second instar larvae were similar to the first instar larvae in its general appearance and colour except having brown head with dark brown spots and black to brown prothoracic shield. The third instar larvae were also similar to the earlier instar larvae in its colour except morphological characters. On lateral side, it has single light green longitudinal line and pink transverse band on first abdominal segment was become indistinct. The larvae of the fourth instar did not show any remarkable change except the pink coloured transverse band on first abdominal segment disappeared completely. The fifth instar larvae were dark greenish black in colour and small white seta was arised at dorsal region on either side of mid dorsal line. The sixth instar larvae were similar to earUer instar except morphological characters. The colour of longitudinal stripes change to green in this instar. The full grown seventh instar larvae were pale greenish to black in colour with two broad dark green longitudinal stripes. The duration of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh instar larvae was 4.16 ± 0.68, 4.68 ± 1.13, 3.48 ± 0.74, 3.58 ± 1.21, 3.86 ± 1.40, 4.18 ± 1.19 and 5.76 + 1.70 days, respectively. The average larval duration was 29.70 + 3.77 days. The length of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh instar larvae was 1.34±0.18,4.55±0.78,6.67±0.44,10.98 ±1.13,16.84 ±1.14,20.80± 1.26 and 27.12 ± 1.94 mm, whereas it was 0.29 ± 0.02, 0.46 ± 0.04, 0.95 ± 0.21, 1.64 ± 0.12, 2.26 ± 0.13,2.65 ± 0.12 and 3.55 ± 0.33 mm in case of breadth, respectively. The width of head capsule for corresponding instar was 0.29 ± 0.04, 0.56 ± 0.04, 0.72 ± 0.05, 1.16 ± 0.22, 1.94 ±0.11,2.34 ± 0.10 and 3.26 ± 0.24 mm, respectively. The pre-pupae were pale greenish to dark black in colour. The duration of prepupae was 3.84 ± 1.25 days. The length and breadth was 21.08 ± 1.36 and 3.50 ± 0.40 mm, respectively. The pupation took place within the web, inside the silken cocoon. The pupae were dark brown in colour. The length of male and female pupae were 13.04 ± 0.68 and 13.80 ± 0.71 mm, respectively, whereas breadth was 3.76 ± 0.44 and 3.88 ± 0.33 mm, respectively. The distance between genital and anal pore for male and female was 0.42 + 0.06 and 1.09 + 0.13 mm, respectively. The duration of male and female pupae were 15.8 + 2.47 and 17.16 + 3.55 days, respectively. Adults of O. euadrusalis were brownish grey with wavy lines on forewings. Hindwings were ashy grey with fringed apical margin. The longevity of male and female was 4.00 + 0.82 and 8.3 + 0.68 days, respectively. The length of male and female was 12.12 + 0.67 and 13.0 + 0.82 mm, respectively, while the breadth with wing expanded was 25.36 +1.08 and 27.76 + 1.33 mm, respectively. The pre-oviposition, oviposition and post-oviposition period noted as 3.30 + 0.82, 3.70 ± 0.82 and 1.30 + 0.48 days, respectively. The fecundity of female was 63.00 + 20.14 eggs. The sex ratio under field condition was 1 : 1.18 and in laboratory was 1 : 1.14. The total life span for male and female was 56.6 + 6.95 and 59.6 + 7.49 days, respectively. The incidence of the pest began from end of March and continued up to third week of January with a peak activity in November. The activity of the pest during both the years showed significantly negative association with wind speed, temperature and vapour pressure. Among the 18 cultivars Rajapuri, Kesar, Langdo and Dashehari were found most preferred, whereas Amrapali, Dadamiyo, Jamadar, Mallika, Malgoa, Karanjiyo, Neeleshwari, Sardar and Vanraj were not preferred by O. euadrusalis larvae. Among the six indigenous plant materials, three azadirachtin based formulations, one microbial formulation and eleven synthetic insecticides evaluated against O. euadrusalis larvae infesting mango, neem seed kernel extract (5 %) and NeemAzal-F (0.015 %) were found effective and economical, which costed 890 to 1321 Rs/ha. However, Gronim (0.5 %), Vanguard (0.5 %) and Biolep (0.015 %) were also found effective but cost of application was too high (above 2200 Rs/ha). The treatments of synthetic insecticides such as quinalphos (0.05 %), monocrotophos (0.04 %), cypennethrin 3 % + quinalphos 20 % (0.023 %) and cypermethrin (0.01 %) effectively checked the O. euadrusalis incidence. These treatments costed 665 to 1325 Rs/ha. Carbaryl was found highly effective but cost of treatment was above 2100 Rs/ha. The treatments of neem leaf extract (5 %), neem oil (0.5 %), profenophos (0.05 %), fenvalerate (0.01 %) and malathion (0.05 %) were found inferior against the pest. Tlie microbial formulations Halt and Biolep (B. thuringiemis) @ 2 g/1 and Biosofl (B. bassiana) @ 3-4 g/1 were found highly effective, whereas Vertisoft (V. lecani) @ 2-4 g/1 and Biolep (B. thuringiemis) @ 1 g/1 performed poor in killing the O. euadrusalis larvae in laboratory condition.ThesisItem Open Access IMPACT OF HABITAT MANIPULATION ON NATURAL ENEMIES OF Helicoverpa armigera (HUBNER) (LEPIDOPTERA : NOCTUIDAE) IN TOMATO (Lycopersicon esculentum MILLIERE)(AAU, Anand, 2005) Patel, Yogeshkumar C.; YADAV, D. N.Investigations were carried out during 2003-04 and 2004-05 to enhance natural biological control of H. armigera in tomato, by manipulating cropping ecology and exploiting the behaviour of the pest. Three habitats viz., African marigold, negro coffee and bidi tobacco were manipulated with tomato. Results revealed that African marigold grown on either sides of five rows of tomato attracted Helicoverpa armigera moths for oviposition and also egg parasitoids Trichogramma chilonis and T. aciiaeae. Both collectively caused a mean parasitisation to the tune of 27.14 per cent during 2003-04 and 35.84 per cent during 2004-05 on African marigold. The resultant population of Trichogramma appeared to have shifted to tomato and caused considerable and consistent parasitisation, which alongwith other natural enemies contributed in reducing of larval population of H. armigera and higher marketable fruit yield. The enhancement of Trichogramma in tomato was also observed when negro coffee was planted on either sides of five rows of tomato. Negro coffee provided an alternate host in the form of Catopsilia pyranthe, a pierid butterfly eggs which were parasitized by T. chilonis and T. achaeae throughout the season which caused a mean per cent parasitisation of 34.31 and 39.50 during 2003-04 and 2004-05, respectively in tomato. Both 7. chilonis and T. achaeae in this habitat manipulation resulted in giving a mean egg parasitisation of 22.66 per cent and 31.67 per cent during 2003-04 and 2004-05, respectively, which was higher than in unmanipulated control, African marigold and bidi tobacco manipulated tomatoes. Consequently there was significantly lesser larval population of H. armigera than both the controls and higher marketable fruit yield. Tomato manipulated with bidi tobacco provided breeding ground for mirid bug, Nesidiocoris tenuis, which is known for its predatory nature besides, being phytophagous. On bidi tobacco, N. tenuis maintained its population throughout the season, which also helped in maintaining its sizable population on tonrrato, a natural host of N. tenuis. The N. tenuis population was significantly higher in tomato than on other manipulations suggesting that the population of bugs shifted from tobacco to tomato. Thus, higher population of N. tenuis on tomato and bidi tobacco resulted into higher predation of H. annigera eggs. Besides, N. tenuis, there were twelve species of natural enemies viz., T. chilonis, T. achaeae, Campoletis chlorideae, Eucarcelia illota, Cotesia sp., Argiope anasuja, Oxiopes wronghtoni, Peucentiasp., Thomisus sp., Rhinocoris fuscipes; Paederus fuscipes and an unidentified tetagonid were noticed during study, which also exerted natural control of the pest and contributed 24.65 per cent and 23.11 per cent higher marketable fruit yield in manipulated system than control block, respectively during 2003-04 and 2004-05. All the three habitats viz., African marigold, negro coffee and bidi tobacco were equally effective in enhancing natural biological control of H. armigera in tomato than control. African marigold and bidi tobacco maintained sizable larval population of H. armigera and were statistically at par. In view of this, periodically plucking of marigold flowers and topping of bidi tobacco at appropriate stage is suggested. Similarly, reported damaging role of mirid bug, N. tenuis to tomato flowers also warrants further study.ThesisItem Open Access BIOEFFICACY OF Bacillus thuringiensis ISOLATES AGAINST SPOTTED POD BORER, Maruca testulalis (Geyer) ON COWPEA (Vigna unguiculata L.)(AAU, Anand, 2004) PATEL, BHAUMIKKUMAR DHANJIBHAI; Vyas, R. V.Studies on bioefficacy of native Bacillus thuringiensis (Berliner) isolates (TOM-1, TOB-1 and CT-2) in laboratory, pot as well as field conditions against Mamca testulalis (Geyer) on cowpea variety pusa falguni were carried out at Gujarat Agriculture University, Anand campus during Kharif 2002 and 2003. Bioassay study of B. thuringiensis isolates (TOM-1, TOB-1 and CT-2) against M. testulalis indicated that significant larval mortality was started after 48 hrs. of application and it was increase with increased in concentration and exposure period. The isolate B.t. TOB-1 gave highest larval mortality (83.33 %) at 144 hrs. followed by B.t. CT-2 and B.t. TOB-1 which exhibited highest mortality (80.00% and 76.67%) respectively, after 144 hrs. at 10 power 9 spore crystal mixture/ ml. Thus the bioassay of three native isolates showed substantial efficacy and scope for effective suppression of M. testulalis. The bioefficacy of three B.t. isolates along with treated and untreated checks carried out against M testulalis in pots under net house conditions exhibited that larval mortality was numerically better in B.t. TOM-1 (80.00%) followed by B.t. CT-2 (72.00%) and B.t. TOB-1 (66.00%). All the treatments remained significantly superior over control. Field experiment conducted for two years showed that different treatments effectively reduced the pest population, flower damage and pod damage in order as University recommended practices followed by Delfm, 5.^T0M-1, B.t. CT-2 and B.t. TOB-1. The highest pod yield was also recorded in University recommended practices followed by Delfin, which was found at par with B.t. TOM-1, B.t. CT-2 and B.t. TOB-1. All three native B.t. isolates were able to check the population of M. testulalis and reduced the flower and pod damage and ultimately gave economic yield over control.ThesisItem Open Access MANAGEMENT OF PULSE BEETLE CALLOSOBRUCHUS MACULATES FABRICIUS INFESTING STORED GREEN GRAM(AAU, Anand, 2004) PATEL, KAMLESH B.; PATEL, A. M.The study on effect on seed germination indicates that the per cent loss in germination increased with increase in duration of storage and incidence of the pulse beetle Callosobruchus maculatus infestation and nearly 100 per cent germination loss occurred within 120 days of storage. As a result of pulse beetle infestation, quality of the pulse also changed. The increase in nitrogen content and subsequently protein content of infested grains is attributed to the selective feeding of grub on endospemi leaving the seed coat intact which contains higher protein as compared to endosperm and also because of presence of uric acid, insect fragments, exuviae cast etc. and respiration loss of carbohydrate which reach upto 61.14 per cent within 120 days of storage as compared to initial (23.67 %). Free fatty acid was initially low which increased with increasing of storage period and reached upto nine folds within 120 days of storage period. Among the different oils tested against the pulse beetles C. macualtus, coconut oil, groundnut oil and castor oil @ 6 ml/kg seed proved to be effective upto six months of storage whereas mustard oil gave good protection @ 6 ml/kg seed upto four months of storage period. The adverse effect of oils @ 4 ml and 6 ml/kg seeds on germination was recorded one week after treatments. The different varieties of mung bean were screened to identify resistant variety against C. maculatus. Varieties GM - 4, GM- 9609, GM-9815 and GM - 9601 proved to be relatively more resistant against pulse beetle C. maculatus among seven varieties screened. The effect of various physico-chemical properties of mungbean varieties on the oviposition preference and adult emergence of C. maculatus were studied. It was observed that variety having high protein content was preferred less for oviposition and adult emergence. There was no correlation with weight and volume of seed on oviposition and adult emergence.