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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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.
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, Nagendra
Present 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.
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, Hari
The 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.
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.
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, Anil
In 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.
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.