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Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa
In the imperial Gazetteer of India 1878, Pusa was recorded as a government estate of about 1350 acres in Darbhanba. It was acquired by East India Company for running a stud farm to supply better breed of horses mainly for the army. Frequent incidence of glanders disease (swelling of glands), mostly affecting the valuable imported bloodstock made the civil veterinary department to shift the entire stock out of Pusa. A British tobacco concern Beg Sutherland & co. got the estate on lease but it also left in 1897 abandoning the government estate of Pusa.
Lord Mayo, The Viceroy and Governor General, had been repeatedly trying to get through his proposal for setting up a directorate general of Agriculture that would take care of the soil and its productivity, formulate newer techniques of cultivation, improve the quality of seeds and livestock and also arrange for imparting agricultural education. The government of India had invited a British expert. Dr. J. A. Voelcker who had submitted as report on the development of Indian agriculture. As a follow-up action, three experts in different fields were appointed for the first time during 1885 to 1895 namely, agricultural chemist (Dr. J. W. Leafer), cryptogamic botanist (Dr. R. A. Butler) and entomologist (Dr. H. Maxwell Lefroy) with headquarters at Dehradun (U.P.) in the forest Research Institute complex.
Surprisingly, until now Pusa, which was destined to become the centre of agricultural revolution in the country, was lying as before an abandoned government estate. In 1898. Lord Curzon took over as the viceroy. A widely traveled person and an administrator, he salvaged out the earlier proposal and got London’s approval for the appointment of the inspector General of Agriculture to which the first incumbent Mr. J. Mollison (Dy. Director of Agriculture, Bombay) joined in 1901 with headquarters at Nagpur
The then government of Bengal had mooted in 1902 a proposal to the centre for setting up a model cattle farm for improving the dilapidated condition of the livestock at Pusa estate where plenty of land, water and feed would be available, and with Mr. Mollison’s support this was accepted in principle. Around Pusa, there were many British planters and also an indigo research centre Dalsing Sarai (near Pusa). Mr. Mollison’s visits to this mini British kingdom and his strong recommendations. In favour of Pusa as the most ideal place for the Bengal government project obviously caught the attention for the viceroy.
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ThesisItem Open Access Augmentative Management of Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) by Cotesia flavipes Cameron in Maize crop.(Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur), 2015) Shrivastava, Monika Dayal; Ray, R.In order to study the augmentative management of Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) by Cotesia flavipes Cameron in maize crop, the experiments were conducted in the laboratory as well as field during Kharif 2014. The biology of Chilo partellus was studied during its mass production, on natural host (maize) and on semi-synthetic diet under laboratory condition. On natural host, incubation period varied from 3 - 6 (4.66 ± 1.52) days. The total larval period varied from 18 - 30 days (23.66 ± 6.02) in which the first, second, third, fourth and fifth instars lasted for 3 to 5 days (4.33 ± 1.16), 3 to 5 days (3.66 ± 1.15), 4 to 6 days (4.66 ± 1.16), 4 to 7 days (5.33 ± 1.52) and 4 to 7 days (5.66 ± 1.53) respectively. The pupal period lasted for 6 to 9 days (7.66 ± 1.52). The longevity of male and female moths reared in laboratory ranged from 2 to 4 days (2.66 ± 1.15) and 3 to 5 days (3.66 ± 1.61) respectively. The total life cycle of Chilo partellus varied from 30.0 to 50.0 days (41.66 ± 6.72). On semi-synthetic diet, however, incubation period varied from 3-4 days (3.33 ± 0.57). The total larval period varied from 13 to 24 days (18.66 ± 5.59). The pupal period lasted for 5 to 8 days (6.66 ± 1.52). The longevity of male and female moths ranged from 3 to 6 days (4.66 ± 1.53) and 4 to 6 days (5.33 ± 1.16) respectively. The total duration of life cycle of Chilo partellus varied from 25 to 42 days (34.33 ± 6.12). The biology of Cotesia flavipes was also studied on Chilo partellus during its mass production. The egg-larval period on an average lasted for 8 to 12 days (10.2 ± 1.48). The pupal period was 3 to 5 days (3.8 ± 0.83) with adult longevity 2-3 days (2.33 ± 1.01). The total life cycle of Cotesia flavipes on Chilo partellus lasted for 13 to 20 days (16.8 ± 3.76). The maximum parasitization by Cotesia flavipes on Chilo partellus occurred during August recording 40 per cent and minimum during September recording 25 per cent. The infestation of Chilo partellus on maize was observed from 37th standard week (12.5 per cent) which increased till 42nd standard week (41.21 per cent) and then gradually decreased till 50th standard week (19.86 per cent). All the weather parameters like temperature, relative humidity and rainfall was found negative and insignificant. The coefficient of determination was only 13 per cent indicating a very low contribution of weather factors during the period under observation. The parasitization of Cotesia flavipes on Chilo partellus under natural condition was observed from 37th standard week (8.50 per cent) which increased till 47th standard week (42.3 per cent) thereafter, gradually decreased till 50th standard week (14.6 per cent). The relative humidity was found negative and significant whereas temperature and rainfall was found negative and insignificant. The coefficient of determination was 65 per cent indicating high contribution of weather factors. The parasitization of Cotesia flavipes on Chilo partellus under augmentation condition was observed from 37th standard week (18.50 per cent) which increased till 47th standard week (51.00 per cent) thereafter, gradually decreased till 50th standard week (18.0 per cent). The relative humidity was found negative and significant whereas temperature and rainfall was found negative and insignificant. The coefficient of determination was 56 per cent indicating high contribution of weather factors. Impact of recovery of Cotesia flavipes parasitization on Chilo partellus in maize crop revealed the superiority of the augmented plot value (O) to the expected value (E) recorded in the natural infestation plot which was significant at 5 per cent level tested through Chi-square (). The maximum parasitization observed under (E) was 42.3 per cent while the same observed under (O) was 51.0 per cent. Hence, the net gain of augmentation was only 8.7 per cent, which was significant at 5%. The high level of parasitization of Chilo partellus by Cotesia flavipes under natural condition (42.3 per cent) virtually masked the impact of augmentation. Biological control is a very slow and self perpetuating process. The presence of native Cotesia flavipes in the agro-ecosystem and the ease in handling this tool for augmentative use is an encouraging indication for its possible further exploitation in the management of lepidopteran borers in other graminacious crops.ThesisItem Open Access Biology, Seasonal incidence and Management of lace bug, Cochlochila bullita (Stål) (Hemiptera: Tingidae) on Tulsi, Ocimum basilicum L.(Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur), 2015) Kumari, Smita; Kumar, NagendraPresent study envisages the result of studies conducted on various aspects of biology, seasonal incidence and management of lace bug, Cochlochila bullita (Stål) in the laboratory as well as field, experiments were conducted during 2014-15. Under laboratory conditions eggs were laid by the female bug mostly singly but sometimes in groups also on the under surface and margin of leaves and tender shoots within the air chamber. The incubation period varied from 3 - 7 (mean 5 ± 1.24) days. The nymph passed through five instars to complete the nymphal period. Newly moulted nymphs were pale brown in colour. Later on, the cuticle colour changed to brown to black. The first instar lasted for 2 to 4 (mean 2.9 ± 0.73) days. The second instar occupied 2 to 4 (Mean 2.8 ± 0.78) days. The third instar larval duration was for 2 to 3 (mean 2.3 ± 0.48) days. The Fourth instar occupied 1 to 3 (mean 2.0 ± 0.81) days. The fifth instar took 1 to 2 (mean 1.2 ± 0.42) days for its development. The total nymphal period varied from 8 to 16 (mean 19.8 ± 3.58) days. The total life cycle of C. bullita from egg to adult emergence varied from 11.0 to 23.0 (mean 19.8 ± 3.58) days. Females were significantly larger than male with respect to body length. The female can be differentiated from the male by the presence of an ovipositor whereas male has a distinct genital capsule with hidden structure (parameres). The adult individuals reared in the laboratory survived for 27 to 36 days with average of (mean 33.7 ± 4.78) days. Total life duration was recorded as: 38-59 (mean 50 ± 8.39) days. The incidence of lace bug on tulsi commenced from the October, 2014 and continued till the month of January, 2015. Maximum bug population (43.2 insects per plant) was recorded during 52 standard week of December, 2014. All weather parameters except relative humidity (RH) at 07 hrs and 14 hrs had significant impact on lace bug population on tulsi. All these weather parameters together produced 86 per cent impact on lace bug population. Among the chemical insecticides and plant products under test, overall best performance was found in case of three times spraying of prophenophos 50EC @ 1 ml/l applied at fortnightly intervals in reducing lace bug population 6.20, 4.70, 3.37 lace bug per plants as against 20.40, 33.40, 43.20 lace bug per plant in untreated control after 1st, 2nd, and 3rd spraying which was at par with imidacloprid 17.8 SL@ 0.3ml/l and malathion 50 EC@ 1ml/l. All plant products were least effective in reducing the lace bug population in comparison to synthetic chemicals but significantly superior to the untreated control. The overall mean per cent reduction in lace bug population, was recorded with prophenophos (73.97 %) followed by imidacloprid (68.40 %) and malathion (67.49 %) as compared to 45.22 %, 44.81 %, and 41.41 in karanj oil @2%, NSKE@5% and neem oil 2% after 3rd spray. Damage intensity caused due to infestation of C. bullita on the tulsi crop was also assessed by estimating the fresh herbage yield under protected and unprotected conditions. In protected plot yield was 5.4 tonnes/ ha whereas in unprotected plot yield obtained was 3.6 tonnes/ ha. Therefore, 33.33 per cent herbage yield loss was recorded in unprotected plot when compared with protected plot.ThesisItem Open Access Biology and Seasonal Incidence of Shoot borer, Chilo infuscatellus Snellen in Sugarcane.(Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur), 2015) Ingle, Dipak Shyam Rao; Chand, HariThe study on biology and seasonal incidence of shoot borer, Chilo infuscatellus Snell. experiments were conducted during 2014-15. The study on biology of Chilo infuscatellus was conducted in laboratory at Department of Entomology, whereas a field experiment was laid out at Research Farm of S. R. I., Pusa to assess the seasonal incidence of Chilo infuscatellus. The study on biology of sugarcane shoot borer under laboratory conditions revealed that the eggs were oval in shape, dorsoventrally flattened, looked like a scale of fish and were laid in masses on the under surface near to midrib of the leaf. Freshly laid eggs were creamy white in colour, which gradually changed to yellowish. The incubation period varied from 4.35 to 4.45 days (4.4±0.02). The larvae passed through five larval instars to complete the larval period. The total larval period varied from 16.66 to 17.23 days (16.94±0.12). The pupa was obtect type, brownish in colour and its period varied from 6.92 to 7.5 days (7.21±0.13). The male and adult period varied from 3.62 to 3.80 and 4.31 to 4.45 days, respectively. The per cent hatching of Chilo infuscatellus ranges from 78.3 to 92.4 per cent (85.35±3.15). Total life cycle C. infuscatellus from egg to adult emergence varied from 31.95 to 32.82 days (32.28±0.20). The absolute population of shoot borer (larvae) was noticed in the field from 1st fortnight of March, 2014 to 2nd fortnight of August. The peak population was recorded in the 1st fortnight of May. The relationship between population of insect and weather parameters showed significant positive correlation with maximum temperature i.e., as the temperature increased the corresponding population of insect also increased. The mean per cent incidence of shoot borer was recorded from March to (month), harvest of the crop. The maximum (9.32 %) incidence was recorded in the first fortnight of May, 2014 and lowest (1.2 %) incidence recorded in the second fortnight of August, 2014. The maximum temperature showed significant positive correlation with incidence whereas, relative humidity and rainfall were showed negative role. Extent of parasitization on shoot borer eggs by Trichogramma chilonis Ishii. was recorded the peak parasitization in the month of May which ranged from 12.3 to 15.6 per cent. The correlation analysis between parasitization and weather parameters, revealed that maximum temperature showed significant positive correlation whereas, relative humidity at 07 00 hrs and rainfall showed significant negative correlation.ThesisItem Open Access Studies on the biodiversity of micro-arthropods and annelids in relation to physico-chemical parameter of soil(Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur), 2014) Sagar, Ritu; Misra, A. K.The variety and galaxy of micro-arthropods and annelids with their natural beauty occupy prime place in the biological world. Only a fraction of total micro-arthropods and annelids wealth had been subjected to scientific scrutiny. A little efforts had been made during the investigation of unravel the unexplored and hidden wealth of micro-arthropods and annelids in soil of Bihar in general at Pusa in particular. The present study was carried out to know the “Biodiversity of micro-arthropods and annelids in relation to physico-chemical parameter of soil”. Five experimental sites namely paddy field, teak plantation, soil fertility trial plot, mango orchard and litchi orchard were taken during the investigation in the month of July to September 2013 at Pusa Research Farm, Rajendra Agricultural University. This investigation describes specific features of soil biodiversity characteristics of main group of micro-arthropods such as collembolan, soil mite and enchytraeids with population in sites, their habitat in soil and also with aboitic factors. At each sites five pitfall trap and ten core samples were taken at the depth of 0-15 cm, 15-30 cm and 0-20 cm taken for the extraction of collembolan, soil mite and enchytraeids with the extraction apparatus Tullgren Funnel and OʿConnorʾs Funnel. Highest population of collembolan and soil mites were found in teak plantation and enchytraeids in paddy field .The month of July to August were found to be the peak period of these micro-arthropods at Pusa. The soil of this area were calcareous in nature. To determine physico-chemical parameter (pH, EC, organic carbon, soil moisture, bulk density, N, P, K, S and micro-nutrient) of soil were studies from each sites. A high population of micro- arthropods and annelids signifies the good health of soil including good structure and high organic matter content .Soil micro- arthropods play important role in nutrient recycling and build up the soil fertility. Mango orchard, litchi orchard and teak plantation were rich in leaf litter, organic matter and nutrient which signifies presence of high number of collembolan, soil mite and enchytraeids in the soil in and around Pusa. The presence of micro-arthropods and annelids also influenced by abiotic factor (temperature, rainfall, relative humidity). Collembola, soil mite and enchytraeids showed negative correlation with soil temperature. Relative humidity showed positive correlation with collembolan, soil mite and enchytraeids. However, collembola and soil mite showed negative correlation with rainfall whereas enchytraeids showed positive correlation with rainfall.ThesisItem Open Access Bio-efficacy of some newer acaricides and population dynamics of red spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch on brinjal, Solanum melongena L.(Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur), 2013) Monica, Vamguri Latha; Kumar, AnilIn order to study the bioefficacy of newer acaricides and population dynamics of red spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch on brinjal, experiments were conducted in the laboratory as well as in field conditions from the month of March to August 2012. The bioefficacy of newer acaricides against T.urticae was determined in the laboratory at Department of Entomology, S.R.I, R.A.U, where as the field experiment was laid out at the Research Farm of Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur), Bihar, India. The results pertaining to the present studies have been abstracted below. The absolute population of two spotted mite, T.urticae commenced from the third week of March 2012 and continued its activity till the month of August. Initial population was low and gradually reached peak (6.91 mites per 1 cm2 leaf area) in the first week of June when the weather parameters viz.; maximum and minimum temperature (0C), relative humidity (%) at 07 and 14 hours and recorded 38.3, 27.1, 76 and 47 respectively. There was no rainfall (mm) during this period of observation. These weather parameters were found to be congenial for the population build up of red spider mite. The mite population gradually declined from the month of July and became untraceable in the month of August. The relationship between the population of T. urticae and the weather parameters showed significant positive correlation (r= 0.814) with maximum temperature and significant negative correlation (r= -0.425) with relative humidity at 07 hrs while, non-significant with minimum temperature, relative humidity at 14 hrs and rainfall. All these weather parameters combinedly produced 73.50 percent impact on mite population (R2 = 0.735). Eight newer acaricides including standard check (dicofol) that were tested against T. urticae on brinjal crop in laboratory conditions revealed that the treatments, T8 (dicofol @ 4 ml/ltr), T2 (fenopyroximate @ 0.8 ml/ltr), T3 (spiromesifan@ 0.7 ml/ltr ), T6 (propargite @ 4.0 ml/ltr ) and T1 (diafenthurion @ 0.75 gm/ltr) were highly effective by causing 98% mortality and possessed excellent acaricidal properties. It is quite evident from the data that the per cent mortality increased with increase in exposure period under laboratory condition. Under field conditions also, the bioefficacy of acaricides showed same pattern as that in laboratory conditions. The standard check i.e., dicofol recorded cent per cent mortality in the laboratory and 80 percent mortality in the field conditions respectively.ThesisItem Open Access Bio-efficacy of Some Newer Insecticides against Brinjal Shoot and Fruit Borer, Leucinodes orbonalis (Guen) and their residues in/on brinjal fruits.(Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur), 2013) Gupta, Surya Prakash; Singh, S. P.Bio-efficacy of six newer insecticides – emamectin benzoate (15 g a.i. ha-1), imidacloprid (20 g a.i. ha-1), indoxacarb (50 g a.i. ha-1) lambda – cyhalothrin (15 g a.i. ha-1) and spinosad (50 g a.i. ha-1) along with quinalphos (250 g a.i. ha-1) was evaluated against shoot and fruit borer (Leucinodes orbonalis Guen.) in brinjal (Solanum melongena Linn) at Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar during Rabi 2012-13. Spinosad treatment was significantly superior to others and at par with emamectin benzoate in reducing the shoot and fruit borer damage. Spinosad at 50 g a.i. ha-1 recorded the maximum fruit yield (280.42 q ha-1). It was followed by emamectin benzoate at15 g a.i. ha-1 (267.74 q ha-1) and indoxacarb at 50 g a.i. ha-1 (262.58 q ha-1). Lambda - cyhalothrin 15 g a.i. ha-1 treatment recorded maximum cost - benefit ratio of 1: 4.23 closely followed by imidacloprid 20 g and quinalphos 250 g a.i. ha-1 with ICBR of 1: 3.71 and 1: 3.43, respectively. Residues of imidacloprid at 20 g a.i. ha-1 and lambda – cyhalothrin at 15 g a.i. ha-1 were estimated quantitatively by HPLC/GLC in/on brinjal fruits. Initial deposits of insecticides were higher in imidacloprid than lambda – cyhalothrin. Initial deposits of 0.652 mg kg-1 of imidacloprid dissipated to 93.17 per cent on 10th day. In lambda – cyhalothrin the initial deposits were 0.138 mg kg-1 which dissipated to 92.75 per cent on 10th day. The degradation of imidacloprid was relatively higher as compared to lambda – cyhalothrin. Both imidacloprid and lambda – cyhalothrin had half – life values of 1.92 and 2.65 days, respectively on brinjal fruits. The safe waiting period for imidacloprid was found 4.70 days. In lambda - cyhalothrin, no waiting period is required after its application as the initial deposits were less than its MRL (0.3 mg kg-1). Simple washing of treated brinjal fruits with tap water removed insecticide residue in significant amount. The per cent removal of insecticide residues were to the extent of 25.23 – 36.20 per cent in imidacloprid and in lambda – cyhalothrin, the reduction in residue was 28.57 – 42.75 per cent.ThesisItem Open Access Comparative morphology, life-history traits, population dynamics and management of two Bactrocera species (Diptera: Tephritidae) infesting cucurbits(Rajendra Agricultural University, 2012) Prasad, Uday Kumar; Agarwal, M. L.Two ecological homologue fruit fly species, viz. Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) and B. tau (Walker) (Diptera: Tephritidae: Dacinae: Dacini) are most pernicious pests of most cucurbits in India and many other countries. Studies/ experiments were carried out on their comparative morphology, biology, population dynamics and effect of weather components on the same, and control strategies by using different combination of baits, attractant and insecticide. Notes are given on the nomenclatural status and distribution of these Bactrocera species. Comparative morphological descriptions and illustrations have been given for immature stages, viz. eggs, three larval instars and pupae of these two Bactrocera species. Length and width of eggs of these species were 1.20-1.38 and 0.25-0.30 mm and 1.3-1.6 and 0.22-0.24 mm, respectively. In egg of B. cucurbitae anterior area behind micropyle was mammilate. Larval instars of these species had differences in the structures of their cephalopharyngeal skeletons, spiracles and caudal segments. Mouthhooks of third instar larvae of B. cucurbitae have small preapical teeth and the same was absent in B. tau. Numbers of tubules on outer margin of anterior spiracles were 17-20 and 14-16 in B. cucurbitae, and B. tau, respectively. These species had 7-14, and 14-18 spiracular hairs in dorsal and ventral bundles while their numbers were 4-7, and 5-9 in lateral bundles. Mature larva of B. cucurbitae had a dark line on intermediate area of caudal segment which was absent in B. tau. The pupa of B. cucurbitae had a dark line across the middle of posterior end. Adults of both species had three pairs of frontal setae. Gena is also yellowish in B. cucurbitae while in B. tau it has a dark spot below compound eye. Scutum is mostly rufous in B. cucurbitae and orange-brown in B. tau and three postsutural yellow vittae were present in both species. B. tau scutum has conspicuous black markings in areas between lateral and median postsutural vittae and also in areas behind humeral calli. Costal bands were continuous in both species. Wing of B. cucurbitae had a small spot on crossvein r-m and a large spot around crossvein DM-Cu while these spots are absent in B. tau. Abdominal tergites of both species had characteristic black markings. Characters of male genitalia and female ovipositors of these species have also been discussed and illustrated. Host range and nature of infestation and damage done by both species is discussed. Life history traits of both species include brief notes on adult feeding, mating, oviposition and larval activity. The preoviposition periods in B. cucurbitae and B. tau were 14-17 and 11-13 days, respectively while the number of eggs laid/ day by the female fly of these species varied between 8-15 and 6-12, respectively. Average incubation period; average larval duration; average pupal duration and total duration (egg to adult emergence) in B. cucurbitae and B. tau were 1.14, 1.24 days; 6.91, 7.10 days; 9.00, 10.40 days and 17.05, 18.74 days, respectively. The egg hatchability of B. cucurbitae and B. tau was 87.50 and 77.50 per cent, respectively. Average survival of their larvae and pupae were 82.50, 80.00; and 81.25, 75.00 per cent, respectively. Sex ratio (male: female) of these species were 1:1.36 and 1:1.27, respectively. Population dynamics of these Bactrocera species was studied at three locations during the years 2010-11 and 2011-12 by weekly count of male flies trapped in plastic bottle traps containing protein hydrolysate (as bait), cue-lure and spinosad. Adults of both species were available throughout during both years and exhibited somewhat uniform pattern in terms of their numbers during different months. Maximum mean weekly population of both species was observed in the months of August during both years of experimentation at all three locations and thereafter a decreasing trend was observed. The population of both species was either nil or negligible in the months of December and January and subsequently an increasing trend was observed in the populations of these two species. Besides this, the population of B. cucurbitae was much higher than B. tau. At all three locations maximum and minimum temperatures, minimum relative humidity at 14 hrs and rainfall showed a positive and significant correlation with populations of both species during both years while morning relative humidity at 7 hrs exhibited a negative correlation in all cases. Efficacy of different combinations of baits, attractant and insecticide was evaluated for annihilation of males of two Bactrocera species. These formulations were used in traps and had differences only in bait component. Maximum numbers of males of both species were annihilated in August followed by July. From September a decline was observed in the number of annihilated flies which reached at lowest level or nil in the months of December and January. Subsequently the rate of annihilation increased gradually with an increase in temperature. The formulation consisting of 5g Protein bait + Cue-lure (1ml) + Spinosad (0.5ml) was found most effective in annihilation of males of both species while the treatment without bait annihilated minimum numbers of flies. The results also suggested that more number of flies of both species were annihilated in first year of experimentation than second year.ThesisItem Open Access Biology, population dynamics and management of spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata G. on yam bean (Pachyrrhizus erosus L.) in Bihar(Rajendra Agricultural University, 2012) Sathi, Sanjay Kumar; Singh, P. P.Biology and population fluctuation of spotted pod borer (Maruca vitrata G.) in relation to abiotic factors on yam bean were studied. In order to develop strategies for its management through crop resistance/host evasion, effective synthetic insecticides, schedules of spray and certain eco-friendly pest control tactics, a series of field as well as laboratory experiments were conducted during two successive crop seasons viz; 2009-10 and 2010-11. The field trials were conducted at the research farm and laboratory experiment in the Departmental laboratory of Entomology, Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi, Muzaffarpur (Bihar). Results pertaining to different aspects of the present study viz; determination of the effects of different genotypes on growth and development aspects of this insects, trend of population buildup in relation to meteorological parameters, management of M. vitrata on yam bean through plant resistance, host evasion, adjustment in sowing time, foliar spray of synthetic as well as botanical insecticides and spray schedules of common insecticide against M. vitrata on yam bean have bean abstracted below. Among the eight yam bean genotypes the shortest (1.44 day) and longest (1.82 day) preoviposition period were recorded on R.M-1 and DPH-2, respectively. The oviposition period of M. vitrata varied from 3.82 to 3.95 days with minimum and maximum on DPH-2 and R.M-1, respectively. Its fecundity on DPH-2, DPH-11, DPH-17, DL-14, DPH-18, DPH-45, Nepali and R.M-1 (C) was recorded to be 65.40, 68.30, 69.30, 70.60, 71.70, 72.30, 74.60 and 80.00 egg per female, respectively. The shortest (2.50 days) and longest (4.00 days) incubation period were recorded on R.M-1 and DPH-2, respectively. The mean viability of eggs ranged from 51.83 to 72.39 per cent, the minimum and maximum being on DPH-2 and R.M-1, respectively. Of the remaining genotypes Nepali, DPH-45, DPH-18 and DL-14 occupied second, third, fourth and fifth position from egg viability point of view i.e. 70.25, 64.06, 62.22, 59.91 per cent, respectively. The length of larvae of M. vitrata got influenced by yam bean genotypes used as larval food, the longest (1.40 to 16.72 mm) and heaviest (1.80 to 17.39 mm) being on DPH-2 and R.M-1, respectively. Larval duration and larval weight was shortest and heaviest (10.80 days and 75.00 mg) on R.M-1 while longest and highest duration and weight (13.00 days and 56.30 mg) were recorded on DPH-2, respectively. The shortest (1.32 and 6.50 days) and longest (1.66 and 7.90 days) pre pupal and pupal period were recorded on R.M-1 and DPH-2, respectively. The weight of male and female pupae so developed were heaviest on the genotype R.M-1 (33.34, 35.50 mg) and lightest (27.86, 28.67 mg) on DPH-2. The weight of male and female pupae obtained from larvae reared on remaining genotypes occupied intermediate position. As regards the pupal survival of M. vitrata, the highest adult emergence (81.67%) was recorded in case of larvae reared on R.M-1 which was statistically at par to Nepali (78.33%), DPH-45 (76.67%), DPH-18 (76.67%) and DL-14 (73.33%). Thus, it became obvious that the yam bean genotypes viz; R.M-1 and DPH-2 proved most and least favourable larval foods in terms of adult emergence. The sex ratio male to female were recorded to be 1:1.3, 1:1.3, 1:1.3, 1:1.3, 1:1.4, 1:1.4, 1:1.4 and 1:1.5 on DL-14, DPH-2, DPH-11, DPH-17, DPH-18, DPH-45, Nepali and R.M-1 (C), respectively. Longevity of male and female adults was comparatively shorter (3.40, 4.70 days) on DPH-2 than on other seven test yam bean genotypes between two sexes. Female adults invariably lived longer on corresponding yam bean genotypes. Thus, both male and female adults of M. vitrata lived for shorter period (3.40, 4.70 days) on DPH-2, while longevity of both the sexes was more on R.M-1 (4.30, 5.80 days). On the basis of overall performance, the total life cycle of M. vitrata was 29.36, 29.62, 30.86, 30.90, 31.41, 32.08, 32.45 and 33.29 days in case of male while 30.86, 31.21, 31.76, 32.40, 32.91, 33.28, 34.05 and 34.69 days in case of female on R.M-1, Nepali, DPH-45, DPH-18, DL-14, DPH-17, DPH-11 and DPH-2, respectively. Among the genotypes tested the total life cycle of M. vitrata was shortest on R.M-1 (29.36, 30.86 days) while it was longer on DPH-11 and DPH-2 (32.45, 34.05 and 33.39, 34.69 days) both in case of male and female. The growth index value was worked out to be 7.17, 6.12, 5.24, 4.28, 4.21, 3.81, 3.41 and 3.11 on R.M-1 (C), Nepali, DPH-45, DPH-18, DPH-14, DPH-17, DPH-11 and DL-2 genotypes of yam bean, respectively. Of the test genotypes R.M-1 and DPH-2 proved to be the best and poor most food plants, respectively for the larvae of M. vitrata as reflected by the highest (7.17) and shortest (3.11) growth index value. The mean number of larvae, number of webs per flower shoot and extent of flower damage gradually increased from 41st standard week with maximum larval population (22.00 larvae/flower shoot) and mean number of webs (3.34/flower shoot) was recorded during 47th standard week when the mean maximum temperature, minimum temperature, average relative humidity at 7 A.M and 2 P.M prevailed around 27.200C, 13.500C, 95.45 and 44.75 per cent, respectively. On the other hand maximum flower infestation (47.67%) was recorded during 48th standard week when mean maximum temperature, minimum temperature, average relative humidity at 7 A.M and 2 P.M prevailed around 26.550C, 12.100C, 94.70 and 54.40 per cent, respectively. The pod infestation by M. vitrata commenced from 43rd standard week (8.64%) and reached its peak (36.53%) during 49th standard week when mean maximum and, minimum temperatures were fluctuating between 31.55-26.450C and 17.70-10.950C, respectively and average relative humidity at 7 A.M and 2 P.M were between 94.30-98.35 and 46.95-51.50 per cent, respectively. The larval population, flower infestation and pod damage started declining gradually from 48th standard week, 49th standard week and 50th standard week, respectively and became almost untraceable after 52nd standard week. Among the relationship between larval population, number of webs per flower shoot, per cent flower, pod damage and weather factors like maximum temperature, minimum temperature, relative humidity at 7 A.M, 2 P.M and rainfall (mm) were taken in to account for computing correlation and regression analyses. It could be inferred that except relative humidity at 2 PM, almost all the abiotic factors under study showed negative but non-significant effect on larval population, number of webs per flower shoot and flower infestation, while relative humidity at 2 P.M exerted negative but significant effect on larval population and flower infestation. However, maximum and minimum temperature as well as relative humidity at 2 P.M showed negative but highly significant effect on pod infestation whereas, relative humidity at 7 A.M and rainfall exerted significant positive and non-significant negative effects on pod infestation, respectively. However, regression equation or analysis clearly indicated that the maximum and minimum temperature, relative humidity at 7 A.M, 2 P.M and rainfall together contributed 51.70 and 52.00 per cent towards the changes in larval population and number of webs on flower shoot while the same weather parameters together shared 53.50 and 85.80 per cent towards the fluctuation of flower and pod infestation caused by M. vitrata on yam bean crop. Among the thirty yam bean genotypes evaluated under natural field condition and compared on the basis of per cent flower infestation, DPH-72 suffered least due to flower infestation (18.00%) while three genotypes viz; DPH-71, DPH-82 and DPH-2 recorded 23.33, 22.67 and 23.33 per cent flower infestation, respectively which were statistically at par to DPH-72. On the other hand DL-6 suffered most by recording highest flower infestation (82.67%) followed by DL-17 (80.00%), DL-8 (77.33%) and majority of them were intermediate in their reaction by registering mean flower infestation ranging between 25.33 to 74.00 per cent including the local check i.e. R.M-1 (64.00%). Only nine genotypes viz; DL-5, DPH-45, DPH-46, DPH-11, DPH-18, DPH-3, DL-20, DPH-48 and Nepali showed low level of flower infestation (25.33-35.33%) than local check R.M-1. Among them only one genotypes viz; DPH-72 was identified as highly resistant while DL-6 showed highly susceptible reaction to M. vitrata. On the basis of level of pod damage caused by M. vitrata among thirty yam bean genotypes the level of pod infestation varied widely from 12.77 to 43.27 percent with minimum and maximum being in DPH-11 and R.M-1, respectively. Among the remaining genotypes under test four genotypes viz; DPH-45, DPH-46, DPH-89 and DPH-18 recorded significantly less pod infestation (13.26-14.80%) which were statistically at par with DPH-11. Seven genotypes viz; DL-1, DPH-33, DPH-71, DL-18, DPH-2, DL-12 and DPH-72 occupied position next to DPH-18 with respect to pod infestation varying between 16.69-20.40 per cent. Thirteen genotypes occupied intermediate position with mean per cent pod infestation ranging from 21.39 to 30.57 while four genotypes viz; DL-20, DPH-3, DL-2 and Nepali had relatively high pod infestation level (31.10-38.64%) but significantly less than local check. On the basis of overall tolerance value twenty seven genotypes posses higher level of tolerance than standard check i.e. R.M-1, while two genotypes viz; DL-8 (1.03) and DL-6 (1.07) recorded over all tolerance values of less than R.M-1 (1.00). The yam bean crop sown earlier till first week of August suffered most and delayed sowing afterwards ensured better plant stand against M. vitrata. The crop sown on first date (18th June), second date (3rd July) and third date (18th July) recorded mean larval population ranging from 11.92 to 17.77 per flower shoot while the same declined drastically with delay in sowing beyond the third date which ranged from 1.04 to 4.67 larvae per flower shoot. The crop sown on sixth date of sowing was found free from pest attack. On the other hand, number of webs per flower shoot, percent flower and pod damage also declined with delay in sowing, while the sixth dates of sowing was found free from pest attack. From yield point of view second date (3rd July) proved to be the most suitable date of sowing followed by 18th June, among all date of sowing. Among the foliar spray of synthetic insecticides profenofos 50 EC (750g a.i./ha) when applied thrice at fortnightly interval starting at 50 per cent flower initiation stage afforded maximum protection to yam bean crop. There were reduction in larval and webs population, per cent flower and pod damage with highest seed yield (15.33 q/ha) and cost-benefit ratio (1:2.49) as compared to individual insecticides. The treatment was followed by indoxacarb 14.5 SC (60g a.i./ha) and spinosad 45 SC (73g a.i./ha) while remaining synthetic insecticides novaluran (10 EC), dimethoate (30 EC), DDVP (76 EC), acephate (75 SP), and cartap hydrochloride (50 SP) were found to be less effective than profenofos (50 EC) but significantly superior than untreated control. Foliar spray with plant products ultimately resulted into reduction of larval and webs population of the test crop i.e. yam bean cv. R.M-1 in varying degree. Among the plant products, NSKE (5%) and Neem oil (0.2%) showed their superiority in reducing larval and webs population with minimizing flower and pod infestation, highest seed yield (11.26 q/ha) with highest cost-benefit ratio (1:3.44) and proved statistically at par to the synthetic insecticide i.e. dimethoate (0.03%) but significantly superior to other plant products viz; Karanj oil (0.2%), Neem gold (0.25%), Rakshak gold (0.2%), Neemta (0.5%), and Multineem (0.2%) at their respective dose, regardless of the number of spraying besides untreated control. Among the different spray schedules of profenofos 50 EC (750g a.i./ha) three round spraying at bud stage + flowering stage + podding stage of yam bean cv. R.M-1 recorded lowest larval and webs population per flower shoot (1.40 and 1.14/flower shoot, respectively) by minimising flower (7.67%) and pod (5.77%) damage as well as enchancing yield (15.91 q/ha) and yield attributing parameters simultaneously, which was statistically at par with two rounds spraying of the same insecticide when applied at flowering + podding stage or bud + flowering stage. On the other hand, single spraying of profenofos (50 EC) at its test dose when applied at flowering stage was proved as good as two spraying of the same insecticides at bud + podding stage inrespect of minimizing pest infestation. But on the basis of cost benefit ratio among the various treatments, the highest cost-benefit ratio (1:3.89) was recorded in case of two rounds of insecticidal spray one each at flowering + podding stage followed by the same at bud + podding stage (1:3.52) while three rounds spraying at bud stage + flowering stage + podding stage occupied the third position (1:3.08) in this regard while remaining treatments occupied intermediate positions.ThesisItem Open Access Population dynamics and management strategies of rice yellow stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas Walker)(Rajendra Agricultural University, 2012) Kumar, Amit; Misra, A. K.In order to determine the population fluctuation and to develop ecologically sound and economically viable strategies for the management of rice yellow stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas Walker) for rice crop, different field experiments were conducted at the Research Farm, R.A.U., Pusa and in the Laboratory, Department of Entomology, R.A.U., Pusa during (kharif) 2010 and 2011. Results pertaining to different aspects of the study viz. to study the dynamics of pest species composition of rice stem borers, to ascertain the population dynamics and management of yellow stem borer with intervention of insect sex-pheromone trap, to study the effect of trap crop with main crop to minimize the damage caused by yellow stem borer, to evaluate the performance of different Integrated Pest Management (IPM) components for the management of yellow stem borer and to assess the efficacy of different insecticides against yellow stem borer have been abstracted below: All the four species of stem borer of rice viz. yellow stem borer, Scirpophaga incertulas (Walker), pink stem borer, Sesamia inferens (Walker), white stem borer, Scirpophaga innotata (Walker) and dark headed striped borer, Chilo polychrysus (Meyrick) were prevalent during the crop season. However, yellow stem borer was found to be dominant over other species of stem borer and showed consistency with higher population (87.00 to 93.00, 82.50 to 89.00 and 85.00 to 91.50%) at all the stages of the crop growth viz. tillering, maximum tillering and heading stage during kharif, 2010 and 2011, respectively. The yellow stem borer activity started from 30th standard week and continued upto 40th in the year 2010 and 41st standard week in the year 2011. In beginning, the moth population found to be low (1.25 in the year 2010 and 1.00 in the year 2011 moth catch per pheromone trap) which gradually increased and reached its first peak at 34th standard week (4th week of August) exhibited 6.25 in the year 2010 and 6.00 in the year 2011male moth catch per pheromone trap, which after short decline, again increased and attained its second peak at 37th standard week (2nd to 3rd week, September) with 10.75 to 11.00 male moth catch per pheromone trap in both the years, respectively. Finally, its population declined at 40th to 41st standard week with 0.50 to 1.25 moths per trap and thereafter, no population was recorded. With abiotic parameters the relative humidity (%) at 14 hrs showed significantly positive correlation (0.564) in kharif, 2010 and positive but non-significant correlation (0.478) in kharif, 2011 with respect to male moth population of yellow stem borer. However, relative humidity (%) at 7 hrs showed positive but non-significant correlation (0.380) during kharif, 2010 and significantly negative correlation (-0.490) in kharif, 2011 with respect to male moth population of yellow stem borer. The sunshine (hr) showed significantly negative correlation (-0.549) in kharif, 2010 and negative but non-significant correlation (-0.132) in kharif, 2011 to the corresponding population of male moth. However, during kharif, 2010 and kharif, 2011 maximum and minimum temperature (0C) and rainfall (mm) were positively correlated (0.077, 0.281; 0.458, 0.406 and 0.361, 0.249), respectively with the population of male moth of yellow stem borer while evaporation (mm) pronounced negative and positive correlation (-0.065 and 0.333) with the population of male moth catch of yellow stem borer during kharif, 2010 and 2011, respectively. The cumulative effect (R2) of all the weather parameters was accounted for 40.60 to 47.90 per cent male moth population of Scirpophaga incertulas during two consecutive years of the study. Further, the IPM package reduced the infestation to the tune of 4.14 to 4.26, 8.70 to 8.96, 9.23 to 9.39% DH and 9.40 to 9.44% WEH caused by rice yellow stem borer in respect to untreated control with 4.78 to 4.99, 23.55 to 23.97, 27.56 to 27.83% DH and 22.27 to 23.18% WEH at 15, 30, 50 and 90DAT, during kharif, 2010 and 2011 respectively. Moreover, IPM package gave higher yield (49.00 to 51.50 q/ha) as compared to the control (41.60 to 42.00 q/ha). It was also observed that net profit over the control was Rs. 8,200 to 15,450 with cost benefit ratio 1:1.88 to 1:2.66 with IPM package in both the years of study. The combination treatment of main crop with trap crop and application of carbofuran 3G plus monocrotophos 36SL was found superior over all other treatments (7.34 to 7.49, 7.74 to 7.95 % DH and 7.54 to 7.85% WEH) at 30, 50 and 90 days after transplanting, respectively during kharif, 2010 and kharif, 2011, while combination treatment of main crop with application of carbofuran 3G plus monocrotophos 36SL was found at par with combination treatment of main crop with trap crop and application of carbofuran 3G, followed by combination treatment of main crop with trap crop in comparison to the control (23.96 to 24.96, 27.67 to 28.89% DH and 23.67 to 24.26% WEH) at 30, 50 and 90 days after transplanting during kharif, 2010 and kharif, 2011, respectively. However, combination treatment of main crop with trap crop and application of carbofuran 3G plus monocrotophos 36SL was found superior (61.80 to 62.91 q/ha) to all other treatments, while combination treatment of main crop with application of carbofuran 3G plus monocrotophos 36SL was found at par with combination treatment of main crop with trap crop plus application of carbofuran 3G, followed by combination treatment of main crop with trap crop as against the control (42.50 to 43.34 q/ha) during kharif, 2010 and kharif, 2011. Moreover, the maximum net profit over the control was obtained in combination treatment of main crop with trap crop plus application of carbofuran 3G and monocrotophos 36SL (Rs. 38848 to 43723) followed by combination treatment of main crop with application of carbofuran 3G plus monocrotophos 36SL, combination treatment of main crop with trap crop and application of carbofuran 3G and combination treatment of main crop with trap crop during kharif, 2010 and kharif, 2011 respectively. The maximum cost benefit ratio was pronounced by combination treatment of main crop with trap crop (1:32.03 to 1:39.53) followed by combination treatment of main crop with trap crop and application of carbofuran 3G, combination treatment of main crop with trap crop and application of carbofuran 3G and monocrotophos 36SL and combination treatment of main crop with application of carbofuran 3G and monocrotophos 36SL during both the years (kharif, 2010 and 2011) of observation. The maximum protection was exhibited in treatment of chemical component (7.96 to 8.00, 8.37 to 8.39% DH and 7.93 to 8.00% WEH) followed by combination treatment of chemical and non-chemical component, farmer’s practice and treatment of non-chemical component as compared to the control (24.39 to 23.65, 27.80 to 28.16% DH and 22.17 to 22.60% WEH) at 30, 50 and 90 days after transplanting, respectively during kharif, 2010 and kharif, 2011. Further, with regard to higher yield production during kharif, 2010 and kharif, 2011, treatment of chemical component was found superior (54.00 to 54.60 q/ha) followed by combination treatment of chemical and non-chemical component, farmer’s practice and non-chemical component as against the control (42.00 to 42.60 q/ha). Moreover, the maximum net profit over the control was obtained from treatment of chemical component (Rs. 20780) followed by combination treatment of chemical and non-chemical component, farmer’s practice and treatment of non-chemical component during kharif, 2010 and kharif, 2011. However, the maximum cost benefit ratio was provided by treatment of chemical component (1:3.25) followed by farmer’s practice, combination treatment of chemical and non-chemical component and treatment of non-chemical component during kharif, 2010 and kharif, 2011 respectively. Among the tested insecticides, fipronil (5SC) @ 25.0 g a.i./ha was found to be the best with low infestation (7.57 and 8.84% DH and 7.50% WEH in 2010 and 7.64 and 8.81% DH and 7.47% WEH in 2011) followed by acephate (95SG) @ 592 g/ha, acephate (75SP) @ 667 g/ha and carbofuran (3G) @ 1.0 kg a.i./ha as compared to the control (25.78 and 30.19% DH and 25.55% WEH in 2010 and 23.47 and 27.55% DH and 24.21% WEH in 2011) at 30, 50 and 90 days after transplanting, respectively. Further, Fipronil (5SC) @ 25.0 g a.i./ha resulted the higher yield (54.40 to 55.34 q/ha) followed by acephate (95SG) @ 592 g/ha and carbofuran (3G) @ 1.0 kg a.i./ha against untreated control (41.20 to 41.47 q/ha) during kharif, 2010 and kharif, 2011. Moreover, the maximum net profit over the control was contributed by fipronil (5SC) @ 25.0 g a.i./ha (Rs. 31490 to 33165) followed by acephate (95SG) @ 592 g/ha and carbofuran (3G) @ 1.0 kg a.i./ha, while maximum cost benefit ratio was recorded with fipronil (5SC) @ 25.0 g a.i./ha (1:21.85 to 1:22.96) followed by acephate (95SG) @ 592 g/ha in both the years during kharif, 2010 and kharif, 2011.