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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 POPULATION DYNAMICS, LIFE TABLES AND MANAGEMENT OF PIGEONPEA POD BORERS(AAU, Anand, 2003) JHA, ANAND; Koshiya, D. J.Investigations were carried out on population dynamics, life tables and management of pigeonpea pod borers at B. A. College of Agriculture, Gujarat Agricultural University, Anand Campus, Anand during the year 2001-02 and 2002-03. Study on seasonal abundance of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) on different hosts under middle Gujarat cropping pattern clearly indicated that during kharif season, the pest started its activity on okra, Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench crop from the beginning of July. Thereafter, the population shifted to cotton, Gossypium hirsutum and tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. Maximum larval population of this pest in cotton was recorded in the third week of October, when the crop was at fruiting stage. Then the population moved to pigeonpea fi"om cotton crop and attained its peak during third and second week of November during the year 2001-02 and 2002-03, respectively. During the winter season, the pest was active on chickpea, Cicer arietinum L. The highest population was recorded in the third week (2001-02) and fourth week (2002-03) of January. The pest also appeared on tobacco, Nicotiana tabacum L. during this period, but it could not build up its population on this crop. During the summer season, the pest started its activity on summer groundnut, Arachis hypogaea L., Indian bean, Lablab purpureus [=Dolichos labalab (L.)], Lucerne, Medicago sativa L. and okra Mid was active up to July on these crops. Thus, the study clearly revealed that the pest population started its activity on okra, then shifted to cotton and tomato during the kharif season and it shifted from cotton to pigeonpea. Later on it started infesting chickpea during the winter season. A study on population dynamics of H. armigera revealed that the pest first appeared on pigeonpea during first week of October and remained active throughout the crop season and the highest population was recorded during fourth week of November. Correlation between the population and weather factors (WF) was worked out. The study indicated that among the different parameters, mean relative humidity (MRH), evening vapour pressure (VP2) and mean vapour pressure (MVP) showed significant negative correlation indicating that population of this pest increased with decrease in MRH between the range of 54 to 48.5 per cent. Infestation of blue butterfly, Euchyrops cnejus Fabricius commenced fi-om first week of October and remained active up to the end of December. During this period, its population showed violent fluctuations with three different population peaks. Among the different physical factors of envirormient, evening relative humidity (RH2); morning vapour pressure (VP1); MRH, VP2 and MVP showed significant negative correlation with pest population. Regression study indicated that decrease in magnitude of MRH and bright sunshine hour (BSS) in the range of 54 to 48.5 per cent and 10 to 8 hrs were found favourable for the build up of the pest population. Larval population of plume moth, Exelastis atomosa Walsingham was active from the first week of October to fourth week of December in this crop. The pest incidence was low in the beginning, but then the population rapidly increased and attained its peak during second week of December. Correlation study indicated that maximum temperature (MaxT), minimum temperature (MinT), mean temperature (MT), VP1, morning vapour pressure deficit (VPD1), evening vapour pressure deficit (VPD2) , mean vapour pressure deficit (MVPD) and wind speed (WS) have significant negative correlation with the pest population. Regression study revealed that increased in VP2 (10.5 to 11%) proved favourable for population build up but MaxT (35 to 31°C) and VPDl (14 to 12 mm of Hg) decreased the population. The study further indicated that the pod fly, Melanogromyza obtusa Malloch infestation commenced from the first week of October. The pod damage increased up to the harvesting of the crop. Study on correlation for the effect of weather factors indicated significant negative correlation between MaxT, MinT, MT, VP1, VP2, VPD2, MVPD and WS and pod damage. Regression study revealed that MT playing an important role for build up of the population and damage due it. Results of investigations on life fecundity tables of H. armigera on pigeonpea, cowpea, green gram and Indian bean revealed that maximum expectancy of newly deposited eggs was on Indian bean followed by pigeonpea, cowpea and green gram. The highest survival of immature stages was recorded on Indian bean followed by green gram, cowpea and pigeonpea. On the basis of reproductive potential (R0), the host can be arranged in descending order as pigeonpea > green gram > cowpea > Indian bean. The mean length of generation was maximum on Indian bean followed by green gram, cowpea and pigeonpea. The intrinsic rate of natural increase in number (rm) ranged from 0.126 to 0.1473 females per female per day on different hosts. Thus, considering the value of rm, the hosts can be arranged as: pigeonpea > cowpca > Indian bean. The finite rale of increase in number (λ) ranged from 1.134 to 1.158 females per female per day on different hosts. The population on reaching a stable age distribution comprised of approximately 99 per cent of immature stages. A study on field life tables on this crop clearly indicated that among the various mortality factors, a larval pupal parasite, Eucarcella illota Curr. was found to be effective in causing suppression in pest population. A study on determination of resistance to recommended insecticides viz., endosulfan, monocrotophos, quinalphos and cypermethrin in field population of H. armigera showed that the populations collected from different localities of Gujarat state had developed 1.05 to 27.26 fold resistance against these insecticides. The population collected from the Bharuch district found susceptible to all the insecticides under test except cypermethrin. However, the population collected from Vadodara showed comparatively higher level of resistance to all the insecticides. Junagadh population exhibited its susceptibility to cypermethrin, whereas Anand population showed low levels of resistance (1.05 to 5.80 fold) to all the insecticides under test. A field study on evaluation of different newer insecticides for the control of pigeonpea pod borers, treatments with Polytrin-C 0.044 (cypermethrin 4% + profenophos 40%), alphaniethrin 0.0075, indoxacarb 0.015 and acephate 0.075 per cent proved to be the most effective in controlling H. armigera. It has been further observed that all the insecticides under test except NSKS 5 per cent proved effective for the control of E. cnejus,, whereas Polytrin-C 0.044, carbosulfan 0.025 and indoxacarb 0.015 per cent proved effective in managing E. atomosa. The results further indicated that treatments with Polytrin-C 0.044, Koranda 0.028 (Fenvalerate 3% + acephnfc 25%), carbosulfan 0.025, indoxacarb 0.015 and acephate 0.075 per cent found to be effective in reducing pod damage due to different pod borers. Yield data clearly indicated that plots treated with alphamethrin 0.0075 per cent registered the highest (1363.17 kg ha-1) yield and was at par with Koranda 0.028 (1321.37 kg ha-1), profenophos 0.05 (1189.56 kg ha-1), carbosulfan 0.025 (1186.34 kg ha-1), indoxacarb 0.015 (1179.91 kg ha-1) and endosulfan 0.07 per cent (1156.33 kg ha-1). Considering economics and efficacy of the treatments, alphamethrin 0.0075 (1:10.97), Koranda 0.028 (1:6.49) and endosulfan 0.07 per cent (1:5.35) gave appreciable net incremental cost benefit ratio (NCBR). Thus, these treatments can be recommended for the management of pod borers in pigeonpea crop.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 POPULATION DYNAMICS AND MANAGEMENT OF PEST COMPLEX OF OKRA, Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) MOENCH(AAU, Anand, 2003) NARANGALKAR, ANAND LALBA; Koshiya, D. J.Investigations were carried out on population dynamics, varietal susceptibility, evaluation of IPM modules and never insecticides for management of pest complex of okra at B. A. College of Agriculture, Gujarat Agricultural University, Anand Campus, Anand during the year 2000-01 and 2001-02. Studies on population dynamics of jassid, Amrasca biguttula biguttula (Ishida) on okxa revealed that the pest appeared after 3rd week of sowing and remained active throughout the kharif season. The population reached to its peak during 9th, 6th and 12th week after sowing (WAS) in May, June and July plantings, respectively. It was also observed that May and July plantings supported higher population as compared to June sown crop. Correlation studies between the population and weather factors (WF) indicated significant negative relationship between bright sun shine hours (BSS), maximum temperature (Max T), Mean temperature (MT), relative humidity (RH), temperature range (TR) and population for May sown crop. However, all the factor except RH1 and Min T showed significant positive correlation on the population in July planting, which suggesting that July planted crop proved more vulnerable to the attack and build up of this pest. Thus, the study clearly revealed that jassid population increased with decrease in BSS and evening relative humidity (RH2) between the range of 5 to 2.1 hrs and 72.15 to 80.40 per cent, respectively. Infestation of aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover appeared on okra crop during 5th\ 3rd and 3rd WAS in May, June and July plantings, respectively. It has been also found that the aphid activity was high in June sown crop, compared to May and July plantings. Among the different physical factors of environment, BSS, MT, Max T, TR, mean vapour pressure deficit (MVPD) and evening pressure deficit (VPD2) showed significant negative correlation, whereas RH2, MRH and rain fall (RF) had positive correlation with the build up of aphid population. The regression study indicated that BSS and Max T in the range of 1.20 to 5.00 hrs and 30 to 32 °C were found favourable for the build up of the pest population. The study further revealed that damage to shoots due to Earias vittella (Fab.) started after 3rd WAS in June planted crop and 4th WAS on crops sown in May and July. The pest started damaging the fruits, when the crop was at fruiting stage. The damage commenced 7th , 8th and 8th week after sowing in three respective dates of plantings. Thus, it is evident from the study that the pest appeared earlier in May and June planted crops compare to July planting. Correlation studies indicated that RH1, VP1, VP2 and MVP had significant positive effect, whereas VPD caused significant negative effect on the pest activity and damage, whereas none of the weather parameters had significant influence on shoot infestation in the May and June planted crops. It was also observed that BSS, Max T, Min T, MVP, VPD1, MVPD and RF have significant negative correlation in May sown crop. Similar correlation was also observed for RH1, RH2, MRH, VPl, MVP and WS, when the crop planted in July. Regression study indicated that BSS and Max T played an important role for fruit damage in May sown crop. Considering the incidence of different pest and role of weather factors for fluctuation of their populations in three dates of sowing, the early planted crop (15th May) showed fast and luxuriant growth resulted in tolerance to these pests, whereas late sown crop (15th July) showed slow growth and become more favourable to the attack of the pests under study. Looking to the yield and incidence of different pests, May planting is more suitable for obtaining higher marketable fruit yield, and minimize damage of E. vittella to fruits. The studies on population dynamics of jassid in summer season revealed that the pest appeared 3rd and 4th WAS, when the crop planted in February and March. The population attained its peak during 10th (18.30 jassid per leaf) and 11th (16.68 jassid per leaf) WAS in February and March sown crops, respectively. The correlation study for the effect of weather factors indicated positive correlation between jassid and BSS, Min T, Max T, MT, VPD1, VPD2 and MVPD, when the crop was planted in February, whereas such effect of MT, RHl, RH2, MRH, VPD1, VPD2 and MVPD was observed in March planting with highly significant negative correlation with TR. Further, it has been observed that none of the weather factors showed significant effect on the population, when the crop was planted in April. Regression study indicated that Min T (20.75 to 24.75 °C) and MVP (20.85 to 22.60 mm of Hg) helped in suppressing the pest population. The results on population of aphids revealed that aphid (A. gossypii) appeared 3rd, 4th and 4th WAS in February, March and April sown crops. But the pest population remained very low during the summer season. The highest population of whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) was recorded 5th, 7th and 4th WAS with 1.11, 0.98 and 0.81 whitefly per leaf on February, March and April sown crops, respectively. It was also observed that pest was active throughout the crop season in march sown crop. Correlation study indicate that among different physical factors, BSS showed significant negative association with the population in February sown crop, whereas BSS, Max T, MT, VPD2, MVPD and TR indicated significant positive correlation and RH2 and MRH showed significant negative correlation in April sown crop. Regression study showed that the population was at increasing tremendous when ranged BSS from 8.85 to 10.90 hrs.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 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.