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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 BIOLOGY, VARIETAL SUSCEPTIBILITY OF SORGHUM AND CONTROL OF ARMYWORM [Mythimna separata (Walker)](AAU, Anand, 2001) Sisodiya, Dilipsinh B.; PATEL, J. R.Experiments were conducted on effect of various host crops on development and fecundity oi Mythimna separata Walker under laboratory as well as net house conditions, field activity of larval parasite, Apanteles ruficrus Haliday on M. separata infesting maize, sorghimi, bajra and wheat crops, oviposition deterrent and antifeedant properties of some solvent extracted plant materials against M. separata, comparative studies on ovicidal and larvicidal effect of recommended synthetic insecticides against M. separata reared on different hosts in the laboratory of Department of Entomology, Bansilal Amrutlal College of Agriculture, Gujarat Agricultural University, Anand Campus, Anand and field studies to evaluate the resistant variety against M. separata at Forage Research Farm, Gujarat Agricultural University, Anand Campus, Anand during 1998 to 2001. The developmental period of larval, pupal, adult stage as well as total life span remained shorter on maize than bajra and wheat. The longer oviposition and post oviposition period alongwith higher fecundity, egg hatching and larval survival was found on maize. The activity of larval parasite, A. ruficrus during kharif was started from I week of August on M. separata and remained for longer period in maize field, whereas during rabi, it was started from II week of December, The extent of parasitism was higher on sorghum. The activity of A. ruficrus was found to be influenced by abiotic factors. Neem seed kernel extract with methanol (NSKEM) 1% had higher oviposition deterrent property, whereas neem leaves extract with benzene (NLEH) 1% proved superior in their antifeedant property against M. separata. Chlorpyriphos 0.04% proved superior in it's ovicidal and larvicidal property against M. separata followed by quinalphos 0.05% and monocrotophos 0.04%. Among the different sorghum varieties, sorghum C-10-2 was found comparatively with higher resistance against M. separata.ThesisItem Open Access MANAGEMENT OF PULSE BEETLE, CALLOSOBRUCHUS MACULATUS FABRICIUS IN STORED MUNGBEAN(AAU, Anand, 2000) Patel, Vipul A.; Patel, A. M.The population buildup of C. maculatus was found faster after 60 days of the storage. The population of pulse beetle increased upto 964 folds in mungbean grains as compared to initial number released. Due to pulse beetle infestation in mungbean, 98.05 per cent seed damage, whereas 39.74 per cent weight loss and cent per cent germination loss was observed within 120 days of the storage after initial infestation. All the stages (egg, larvae and pupae) of pulse beetle were controlled by exposing the grains to open sun for six hours between 9 a.m. (30.3 C) to 3 p.m. (39.6 C). Seed germination of seeds was hampered by 8.75 per cent due to solar heat treatment. The different varieties of mungbean were screened to identify resistant varieties against C. maculatus. Varieties GM-9315, GM-3 and GM-9206 proved to be resistant against pulse beetle amongst 8 varieties screened. The effect of various physico-chemical properties of mungbean varieties on the oviposition preference and adult emergence of C. maculatus exhibited. Low oviposition preference and adult emerengence were observed in the varieties of mungbean with high protein while weight and volume of seeds showed no correlation.ThesisItem Open Access LIFE TABLE, SEASONAL ABUNDANCE AND CONTROL OF LUCERNE POD BORER, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) Hardwick(AAU, Anand, 2003) DABHI, MAHENDRASINH VINODBHAI; Patel, C. C.Present investigations on life table, seasonal abundance and control of lucerne pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) Hardwick were carried out at the Department of Entomology, B. A. College of Agriculture, Gujarat Agricultural University, Anand Campus, Anand and Main Forage Research Station, Gujarat Agricultural University, Anand Campus, Anand- 388 110 during the year 2001-2003. Study on life table of H. armigera on different hosts clearly indicated that the maximum expectancy of newly deposited eggs was recorded on chickpea followed by sorghum and lucerne. The highest survival of immature stages was recorded on lucerne followed by chickpea and sorghum. On the basis of net reproductive rate (Ro), the host can be categorized in descending order as chickpea > sorghum > lucerne. The lowest mean length of generation was recorded on sorghum and highest on lucerne. The intrinsic rate of natural increase in numbers (rm) was 0.1185 and 0.1195 and 0.1302 females per female per day on sorghum, lucerne and chickpea, respectively. Considering the value of 'rm' the host can be arranged as chickpea > lucerne > sorghum. Similarly, the finite rate of increase in numbers (X,) ranged from 1.137, 1.126 and 1.46 females per female per day on lucerne, sorghum and chickpea, respectively. A study on seasonal abundance showed that the pest was active from first week of January to the second week of May. The pest incidence started in first week of January, which slowly increased and reached to a peak in the first week of February. The larval population remained steady during second and third week of February (1.3 and 1.1 larvae/sq. meter area). However, it reached to peak of 2.8 larvae/sq. meter area during fourth week of February. Thereafter, the activity of the pest steadily declined from beginning of March to the end of March. The population remained steady from the first week of April to the first week of May (0.7 to 0.9 larvae/sq. meter area) and reached to a peak of 1.2 larvae per sq. meter area in the second week of May. Thus, there were three population peaks during first week of February (2.1 larvae/sq. meter area), fourth week of February (2.8 Jarvae/sq. meter area) and second week of May (1.2 larvae/sq. meter area). Role of different physical factors of environment in causing the fluctuation of larval population in lucerne was determined. The correlation study in lucerne crop revealed that maximum temperature and relative humidity in the morning hours were negatively and positively correlated with the population buildup of H. armigera, respectively, whereas other physical factors had no any effect in causing fluctuation of the pest population. Various insecticides were tested for the control of lucerne pod borer, H. armigera in lucerne seed production. Among various treatments, endosulfan 0.07 per cent was significantly superior over the rest of the treatments in controlling the larval population and it was at par with quinalphos 0.05 per cent in increasing the seedyield. Polytrin C 0.044, chlorpyriphos 0.05 and cypermethrin 0.01 per cent were at par with each other in controlling the pest as well as increasing the seed-yield. Considering the economics of the insecticides, all the treatments gave appreciable NICBR (Net Incremental Cost Benefit Ratio). The chronological order of various insecticidal treatments based on NICBR is : quinalphos 0.05 per cent (1:26.98) > chlorpyriphos 0.05 per cent (1:24.53) > cypermethrin (1:22.81) > endosulfan 0.07 per cent (1:21.21) > NSKS 5 per cent (1:19.82) > Gronim 0.0005 per cent (1:13.15) > Polytrin C 0.044 per cent (1:12.12) > profenophos 0.05 per cent (1:10.34) > HaNPV 250 LU (1:6.85). However, the highest NICBR was recorded in the treatments of quinalphos 0.05 per cent followed by chlorpyriphos 0.05, cypermethrin 0.01, endosulfan 0.07 and NSKS 5 per cent.ThesisItem Open Access BIOLOGY, POPULATION DYNAMICS AND MANAGEMENT OF SORGHUM APHID, Rhopalosiphum maidis Fitch AND SUCCESSION OF DIFFERENT PESTS OF FORAGE SORGHUM(AAU, Anand, 2003) PATEL, CHIRAG JAGDISHCHANDRA; Patel, C. C.Present investigations were made on biology, population dynamics and management of sorghum aphid, R. maidis and succession of different pests of forage sorghum at the Gujarat Agricultural University, Anand campus, Anand during the year 2001. Study on biology of R. maidis on sorghum was carried out at fluctuating temperature ranging from 28.0 to 31.9°C (Av. 29.82 ± 1.16°C) and average relative humidity of 68.42 percent, while biology of R. maidis on maize was carried out at fluctuating temperature ranging from 28.0 to 31.9°c (Av. 29.68 ± 1.16°C) and relative humidity of 69.49%. The aphid passed through four distinct nymphal instars. The average duration of first, second, third and fourth instar nymph on sorghum was found to be 1.20 ± 0.08, 1.48 ± 0.10, 1.72 ± 0.12 and 1.16 ± 0.07 days with body length of 0.68 ± 0.06, 0.82 ± 0.03, 0.95 ± 0.05 and 1.47 ± 0.03 mm and breadth of 0.30 ± 0.040, 0.36 ± 0.03, 0.45 ± 0.06 and 0.66 ± 0.07 mm, respectively. On maize, duration of first, second, third and fourth instar nymph was found to be 1.08 ± 0.05, 1.24 ± 0.09, 1.12 ± 0.07 0.07 and 1.04 ± 0.04 days with an average body length of 0.70 ± 0.07, 0.86 ± 0.04, 0.99 ± 0.06 and 1.50 ± 0.07 and breadth 0.33 ± 0.07, 0.38 ± 0.03, 0.47 ± 0.08 and 0.69 ± 0.08 mm, respectively. On sorghum, the average body length of adults was recorded 1.77 ± 0.06 mm and breadth of 0.90 ± 0.04 mm. Whereas, on maize the average length and breadth were 1.78 ± 0.13 and 0.93 ± 0.06 mm. The pre- reproduction, reproduction and post reproduction periods were recorded to be 0.52 + 0.14, 22.84 + 0.53 and 4.96 ± 0.21 days, respectively, on sorghum, whereas on maize it was 0.28 ± 0.10, 18.92 ± 0.69 and 4.44 ± 0.26 days, respectively. The average longevity of R. maidis on sorghum and maize was 28.22 ± 0.62 and 23.40 ± 0.72 days. Whereas, average fecundity was 54.48 ± 2.66 and 64.44 ± 2.51 nymphs per female on sorghum and maize. The average life span was recorded to be 33.88 ± 7.0 days on sorghum and 28.16 ± 7.7 days on maize. The study on persistent residual toxicity of different insecticides against sorghum aphid revealed that imidacloprid persisted for longer period (16 days) than rest of the insecticides. It was followed by monocrotophos (13 days), phosalone (12 days) and lufenuron (11 days). Karenj oil persisted for shorter period (7 days). On the basis of PT value, the order of relative efficacy was imidacloprid (1077.44) followed by monocrotophos (795.51), lufenuron (683.32), phosalone (673.83), endosulfan (633.63), dimethoate (584.46), thiamethoxam (582.17), azadirachtine (553.70), neem oil (541.08), karenj oil (413.14) and NSKS (405.44). Different insecticides can be ananged as Imidacloprid (1.00), monocrotophos (0.7383), lufenuron (0.6341), phosalone (0.6253), endosulfan (0.5880), dimethoate (0.5424), thiamethoxam (0.5021), azadirachtine (0.5139), neem oil (0.3834), karenj oil (0.3834) and NSKS (0.3762) on the basis of RPT value. The result on the comparative bio-efficacy of different insecticides against aphid on sorghum crop showed that dimethoate 0.03%, imidacloprid 0.06% and monocrotophos 0.036% found to be most effective insecticides for the control of the pest. The percent reduction in aphid population was maximum in dimethoate treated plot followed by imidacloprid and monocrotophos. Maximum yield was recorded in plot treated with monocrotophos 0.036% followed by dimethoate 0.03%) and imidacloprid 0.06%. Dimethoate 0.03% was observed to be the most effective and economical insecticide giving net incremental cost benefit ratio (1: 24.50) followed by monocrotophos 0.036% (1: 14.57) and imidacloprid 0.06% (1: 7.61). Study on the activity ofR. maidis on sorghum revealed that the activity of pest commenced from the third week of July which reached to its peak during last week of September and was present up to harvesting. Activity of natural enemies of aphid viz., coccinellid beetle; syrphid larvae and the larvae of chrysopid were found to be positively correlated with the pest population. Among different weather parameters, minimum temperature, mean temperature and sunshine hours exhibited positive effect, whereas, relative humidity, vapour pressure, rainfall and wind speed were negatively correlated with the pest population. The effect of weather parameters on the activity of coccinellids indicated that minimum temperature, mean temperature and sunshine hours were significantly positively correlated, whereas, relative humidity, vapour pressure and rainfall had significant negative correlation. Chrysopid population was found to be positively correlated with minimum temperature, mean positively correlated with minimum temperature, mean temperature and sunshine hours, whereas, relative humidity was found to be negatively correlated. Minimum temperature, mean temperature and sunshine hours were significantly positively correlated in case of syrpbid fly population. Whereas, relative humidity, vapour pressure and rainfall were significantly negatively correlated. The activity of shoot fly was found up to one month after sowing. The maximum numbers of dead hearts were found during the fourth week of July. Among different abiotic factors minimum temperature and sunshine hours were negatively correlated with the dead heart formation. Whereas, relative humidity, vapour pressure and maximum temperature were positively correlated with dead heart formation. Occurrence of stemborer was first observed during the last week of July and was found active up to harvesting. The pest population increased and reached to its peak in the second week of September. Parasitism of Chilo partellus Swinhoe by Apentelus flavipes L. was found positively correlated with the pest. Different abiotic factors such as maximum temperature, mean temperature, vapour pressure and sunshine hours were found to be positively correlated with the pest population. Relative humidity showed negative correlation with the pest activity. The effect of different weather parameters on the activity of A. flavipes indicated that maximum temperature and sunshine hours exhibited significantly positive effect, whereas relative humidity, vapour pressure and wind speed showed significantly negative effect. Appearance of nymphs and adults of Pyrilla perpusilla Wlk. on sorghum started from the first week of August. The population reached to its peak during first week of October and was present up to harvesting. The pest activity was found positively correlated with percent parasitism by Epericania melanoleuca Fletcher. Among the different weather parameters maximum temperature, minimum temperature, mean temperature and sunshine hours were found to be significantly positively correlated with the pest population. Whereas, relative humidity was found to be negatively correlated with the pest population. The activity of Myllocerous maculocus Desbroachers was started after one week of sowing and was present up to harvesting. The pest reached to its peak during first week of September. Among the different weather parameters vapour pressure was found significantly negatively correlated with the pest population. The activity of thrips commenced fi-om third week of July, reached to its peak during second week of September and was found up to harvesting. Among different weather parameters minimum temperature, mean temperature and sunshine hours exhibited significant and positive correlation with pest population. Whereas, relative humidity showed negative correlation. The activity of jassid was first observed in the second week of July, reached to its peak in the last week of August and was present up to harvesting. Among the different weather parameters maximum temperature, minimum temperature, mean temperature, sunshine hours and wind speed were found to be positively correlated with the pest population. Whereas, relative humidity, vapour pressure and rainfall were found to be negatively correlated with the pest population. However, no any weather parameters produced significant effect on population fluctuation of the pest.ThesisItem Open Access BIOLOGY, POPULATION, DYNAMICS, VARIETAL SUSCEPTIBILITY AND CHEMICAL CONTROL OF LEAF WEBBER AND CAPSULE BORER, Antigastra catalaunalis (Duponchel) (PYRALIDAE: LEPIDOPTERA) ON SESAMUM (Sesamum indicum Linnaeus)(AAU, Anand, 2003) SENGAR, SEEMA; JHALA, R. C.Sesamum leaf webber and capsule borer, Antigastra catalaunalis (Duponchel) have been studied in relation to its nature and extent of damage, biometrics and comparative biology on leaves and flowers of sesamum, preference for pupation and oviposition, natural enemies, population dynamics in relation to weather parameters, sensitivity to various sesamum genotypes/varieties and insecticides during 2000-01 at Gujarat Agricultural University, Anand Campus, Anand. The larvae fed on leaves, flowers and ovary and also bore into the capsule of sesamum. The damage ranged from 2.43 to 3.96 per cent on leaves, 23.11 to 46.96 per cent on flowers and 4.71 to 24.18 per cent on capsules in the field of sesamum crop. Eggs were oblong in shape and creamish colour. The larva was typically cruciform and passed through five instars. Pupa was cylindrical and adicticous and obtect type. The studies on biometrics and comparative biology indicated that the length and breadth of second instar larvae (2.89 ± 0.61 mm and 0.42 ± 0.02 mm, respectively) and third instar larvae (4.53 ± 0.59 mm and 0.55 ± 0.01 mm, respectively), length of fourth instar larvae (10.63 ± 0.46 mm), width of head capsule in third (0.47 ± 0.02 mm), fourth (0.65 ± 0.03 mm), fifth (0.94 ± 0..04 mm) instar larva, and width with wing expanded in female adult (17.83 ± 0.40 mm) were significantly bigger in the culture reared on flowers compared to the culture reared on leaves. The growth index in the culture reared on flowers (6.86) was high than in the culture reared on leaves (5.56). The period of third instar (1.60 ± 0.49 days), fourth instar (2.67 ± 0.79 days) and, fifth instar (3.33 ± 0.47 days); total larval period (10.13 ± 1.02 days); total life cycle in male and female (21.17 ± 1.77 days and 23.67 ±2.00 days, respectively) were significantly shorter in the culture reared on flowers as compared to the culture reared on leaves. Two cultures did not differ significantly in respect of biometrics and period of rest of the stages. The hatching percentage (78.01 ± 2.71) was also significantly higher in the culture reared on flowers than that on leaves (72.44 ± 1.88), but two culture did not differ in fecundity. Fourth and fifth instar larvae were cannibalistic and fed on earlier instars. Larva significantly preferred to pupate in leaves followed by capsules and flowers. The flowers were preferred most for oviposition. Females had a preponderance over males in laboratory as well as in field condition. The average per cent parasitism to the larvae of A. catalaunalis by Diadegma sp. (Ichneumonidae : Hymenoptera) was 21.62 and 19.59, respectively during 2000 and 2001. Phenerotoma sp. (Braconidae : Hymenoptera) caused on an average 7.34 per cent parasitism in the year 2001. The average per cent parasitism by both the parasitoids was 29.61 during the year 2001. The egg and larval population in sesamum crop was found at higher level during September. The greater difference in the maximum and minimum temperature(hotter days and cooler nights) i.e., 8 to 14°C(X17) longer sunshine hours i.e.,1 to 8 hrs (X1), low wind speed i.e.,3 to 4 km/hrs (X14) and no rainfall were found to be congenial conditions for the development of higher population of pest in sesamum crop. The relationship between population (Y) and meteorological parameters (X) in the form of regression equation with coefficient of determination (R2) given in bracket was : Y = 0.4650 + 0.0635 X17 (R^:0.5960) for the eggs and Y = 0.8688 + 0.0352X1 - 0.0445 X14 (R2:0.54) for the larvae. The sesamum genotypes, AT-80 and AT-78, recorded less than 10 percent flower damage and 5 percent capsule damage under Large scale varietal trial were found less susceptible to the larvae. Among synthetic insecticides, Spark 36EC a ready-mix insecticide (deltamethrin 1% + triazophos 35%) used @ 0.036%, while among botanical/neem based formulations, neem seed kernel extract used @ 5% suspension were found most effective treatments for the control of infestation by the larvae in sesamum crop.ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON ENTOMOPATHOGENIC NEMATODE, Steinernema (nr. riobrave) FOR THE BIOLOGICAL SUPPRESSION OF CUTWORM, Agrotis ipsilon HUFNAGEL (LEPIDOPTERA : NOCTUIDAE) ON POTATO(AAU, Anand, 2003) MATHASOLIYA, JANAKKUMAR BHUPATBHAI; Vyas, R. V.Studies on entomopathogenic nematode , Steinernema (nr. riobrave) for tlie biological suppression of cutworm, A. ipsilon through laboratory bioassay followed by efficacy in pots and field, storage at different temperatures, vertical dispersal of Us in two soil types and compatibility of potent isolate with selected pesticides were carried out during 2001-2002. The pathogenicity of Steinernema (nr. riobrave) native isolates viz., GAU-A, GAU-D and GAU-M showed that among all the three, GAU-D was moderately virulent against A. ipsilon. Further studies on this Isolate indicated that 2nd and 3rd stage larvae of A. ipsilon were more susceptible compared to other stages. IJs of GAU-D (in vivo) survived for longer duration (6 weeks) at temperature 27 ± 2 °C compared to low (4-10 °C) and high (40 °C) temperatures. IJs vertically downward movement towards prey was better in sandy soil compared to medium black soil under laboratory condition and observed to move up to 40 cm in 96 h. GAU-D showed 96.6 % mortality of A. ipsilon at 2 x 10 power 5 IJs dose after 144 h in pots, where as. in field there was 68.9 % larval reduction over control by GAU-D @ 2 x 10 power 5 / m2 and found comparable to endosulfan and farmer's practices for cutworm suppression. More over, potato plant damage in GAU-D was low (10.92 %) over control (28.29 ,%). Endosulfan, carbaryl, carbofuran and methyl parathion were found less toxic and well tolerated by GAU-D at different doses tested.ThesisItem Open Access BIO-ECOLOGY AND CONTROL OF PSYLLA, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama INFESTING KAGZI LIME(AAU, Anand, 2002) PATEL, BHARAT KUMAR J.; PATEL, J. R.Various studies were carried out on development of psylla, Diaphorvmcitri Kuwayama under different biotic and abiotic conditions and it's non-pesticidal management using various plant species having insecticidal properties and different azadirachtin based formulations at Gujarat Agricultural University, Campus Anand during 2000 to 2002. The developmental period of egg, nymphal and adult, reproduction period, fecundity and lifespan of D. citri remained shorter during monsoon days, whereas egg hatching was observed higher during monsoon season. The nymphal development of D. citri took longer time to reach adult stage on Adenima lime than Seedless lime, Tirupati lime, Maxican lime, Coorg lime and Kagzi lime. Among the nine plant species tested for their insecticidal properties against D. citri, neem (Azadirachta indica A Joss) seed kernel 5% suspension found most effective against D. citri. Three per cent neem seed kernel suspension and leaf extract suspension of neem and ardusi (Adhatoda vasica Nees.) showed higher ovipositional deterrent property against D. citri. The nymphal period, female lifespan and egg hatching were influenced by higher (3.0%) concentration of neem seed kernel suspension and neem leaf extract suspension, whereas reproduction period, fecundity and male lifespan were not influenced by higher (3.0%) concentration. Among the four azadirachtin based formulations studied for management of D. citri, Neemazal 5% w/w (0.0015% azadirachtin) showed its higher effectiveness against psylla, D. citri.ThesisItem Open Access POPULATION DYNAMICS, VARIETAL SUSCEPTIBILITY AND MANAGEMENT OF SERPENTINE LEAFMINER, Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess) ON CASTOR, Ricinus communis L.(AAU, Anand, 2000) Pitlehra, Suresh; BORAD, P. K.Investigations on population dynamics, varietal susceptibility and management of serpentine leafininer, Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess) on castor were carried out at B. A. College of Agriculture, Gujarat Agricultural University, Anand during the year 1998-99. The plant fauna surveyed for the host range of L. trifolii, pulses(6), oilseeds(4), vegetables(16), fruits(2), spices(3), green manure(2), fibre crop(l), fodder(2), medicinal(10), ornamentals(14) and weeds(12) were observed as hosts of this pest. The female of L. trifolii lays eggs in leaf tissues. On hatching, the larva feeds between two layers of castor leaf and makes characteristic serpentine mine. Such mines were observed to be whitish when seen from upper surface. At peak activity period, it creates more than 700 mines in a single leaf. Such mines coalesce later giving an appearance of blotch. These blotches then turn brown and become brittle. The infested leaves drop off prematurely, which adversely affects vegetative growth. The activity of L. trifolii on castor crop showed two peaks, the first being observed during 2nd week of October, and the second during 3rd week of December. However, a single peak of the pest was observed in mustard (2nd week of January), safflower (1st week of January) and fenugreek (4th week of December). The activity of parasitoids (Chrysonotomyia sp. and Gronotoma sp.) exhibited significant positive correlation with the pest, infesting castor, mustard, safflower and fenugreek crops. The mean temperature had significant positive association with L. trifolii population on castor, but significant negative relationship between these two variables was established on mustard and safflower. Castor and tomato were found as the most preferred hosts, whereas marigold, cowpea, mustard and safflower were moderately preferred hosts of L. trifolii. Among the tested crops, spinach was the least preferred host followed by fenugreek. In castor crop, the activity of parasitoids {Chrysonotomyia sp. and Gronotoma sp.) was recorded during 1st week of August to 2nd week of January with peak activity in the 3rd week of October and 3rd week of December. Total parasitism by these parasitoids on L. trifolii was upto 15.20 per cent with an average of 7.04 per cent. The peak activity of these parasitoids on mustard (3.70%), safflower (3.85%) and fenugreek (3.35%) was recorded on 2nd week of January 1st week of January and 3rd week of December, respectively. The mean temperature had significant positive association with the activity of parasitoids on L. trifolii in castor crop. However, it negatively influenced the activity of Gronotoma sp. and total parasitism on this pest infesting mustard, safflower and fenugreek. Among the twelve cultivars/genotypes screened against L. trifolii under filed and laboratory conditions, none of the cultivars/genotypes was found resistant against the pest. However, VP-1, SKI-73, GCH-4 and GCH-5 cultivars of castor were found to be relatively less susceptible to L. trifolii. The indigenous plant materials viz., Neem Seed Kernel Extract (NSKE), Ardusi Leaf Extract (ADLE) and Karen Leaf Extract (KLE) at 3 per cent each; azadirachtin-based formulations viz., Neemazal-T/S 0.75 per cent and Gronim 0.5 per cent and synthetic insecticides as cyromazine 0.045 per cent, abamectin 0.009 per cent, monocrotophos 0.04 per cent and endosulfan 0.07 per cent were found effective in reducing the oviposition by L. trifolii female on castor. Among the eight indigenous plant materials, NSKE, ADLE and KLE; azadirachtin-based formulations viz., Neemazal-T/S and Gronim and synthetic msecticides viz., cyromazine, abamectin and monocrotophos provided maximum protection to castor crop against L. trifolii damage. The treatment of indigenous plant material KLE yielded maximum castor seed (11.74 q/ha), followed by NSKE and ADLE. The loss in seed yield due to L. trifolii infestation ranged from 0.47 to 14.22 per cent in different treatments. The NICER was 1: 6.33, 1: 6.10 and L- 4.66 in the treatments KLE, NSKE and ADLE, respectively. Of the azadirachtin-based formulations evaluated, Neemazal-T/S treated plots registered highest yield (12.64 q/ha) of castor followed by NSKE and Gronim. The avoidable losses were 4.27 to 22.86 per cent in different treatments. Highest NICER (1: 7.56) was recorded in the treatment NSKE followed by Neemazal-T/S (1:4.59). In synthetic insecticides, maximum castor yield (13.52 q/ha) was harvested from the treatment cyromazine, followed by abamectin and monocrotophos. The avoidable losses were 3.77 to 27.14 per cent in different treatments. Maximum net realization (Rs.6641/ha) was obtained in the treatment cyromazme followed by abamectin (Rs.5545/ha) and monocrotophos (Rs.5177/ha). The treatments monocrotophos and fenvalerate recorded NICER as 1: 4.75 and 1: 4.41, respectively.ThesisItem Open Access POPULATION DYNAMICS OF VARIOUS SPECIES OF THRIPS ON DIFFERENT HOST CROPS AND THEIR CHEMICAL CONTROL(AAU, Anand, 2000) Panickar, Bindu K.; Patel, J. R.Studies were carried out on (i) population dynamics of thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood, Thrips tabaci Lind. and Kdegalurothrips usitatus Bagnall on chilli, cotton and pigeonpea respectively (ii) screening of different genotypes/cultivars of chilli for their resistance to S. dorsalis (iii) bio-efficacy of different recommended synthetic insecticides against different species of thrips infesting chilli, cotton and pigeonpea and (iv) curling intensity in chilli against thrips, S. dorsalis protected with recommended synthetic insecticides during 1998-99 to 1999-2000. The activity of S. dorsalis on chilli was started from 3rd week of October '98 and continued till 2nd week of January '99 during first year while during second year, it was observed during 1st week of September '99 to 1st week of January, 2000. The thrips, S. dorsalis showed negative correlationship with minimum temperature, mean vapour pressure and mean relative humidity. While the activity of T. tabaci was foimd on cotton leaves starting from 2nd week of August during both the years and continued till 1st week of January '99 during first year and 2nd week of November '99 during second year. Windspeed, minimum temperature and mean temperature showed positive correlationship with population buildup of T. tabaci. In case of M. usitatus infesting pigeonpea, the activity started from 1st week of October '98 during first year and 2nd week of October '99 during second year and continued till 1st week of December during both the years. The thrips, M. usitatus had significant negative correlationship with mean temperature. The chilli ACS-92-4 and G-4 found less susceptible to thrips, S. dorsalis, whereas both tlie local chilli cultivars Jwala and S-49 were found to be most susceptible among all the genotypes/cultivars tested. However, both the local chilli cultivars Jwala and S-49 proved to be with higher yield potential. Need based application of triazophos 0.04 per cent, monocrotophos 0.04 per cent and acephate 0.075 per cent on chilli S-49 managed the infestation of S. dorsalis effectively and economically in middle Gujarat agroclimatic condition, while in case of cotton H-6 and pigeonpea GT-100 need based spray of methyl-o-demeton 0.025 per cent was found most effective along with triazophos 0.04 per cent, acephate 0.075 per cent and phosphamidon 0.03 per cent against thrips. The chilli S-49 protected with triazophos 0.04 per cent against thrips, S. dorsalis had the lowest incidence of leaf curl followed by crop protected with acephate 0.075 per cent.