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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 Foraging behavior of Xylocopa fenestrata Fab. and its role in pollination of ridge gourd, Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb.(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur), 2017) gautam, Prem Prakash; Kumar, NeerajThe present studies on “Foraging behavior of Xylocopa fenestrata Fab. and its role in pollination of ridge gourd, Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb.” was carried out during the year 2016-17 at University Apiary, DRPCAU, Pusa. Objectives of this investigation were to study the relative abundance of insect pollinators, foraging behaviour of Xylocopa fenestrata, and its effect on pollination of ridge gourd. The results indicated that the total eight insect species visited ridge gourd flowers, viz. five hymenopterans, two dipterans and one from odonata. Among these Apis mellifera L., A. dorsata F., A. florea F., Xylocopa fenestrata F. and Polistes sp. were found to be most frequent pollinators. The relative abundance (no. of insect/m2/10 minutes) revealed that Apis mellifera (20.0) was most dominant species followed by Apis dorsata (16.7), Xylocopa fenestrata (15.9), Apis florea (11.3), Eristalinus sp. (6.3), Polistes sp. (5.1), Paragomphus sp. (2.9) and Musca domestica (2.0). Irrespective of species, the mean population was maximum (13.3/m2/10 minutes) at 0700-h of the day. The coefficient of correlation between mean population of pollinators species and temperature was found positive and significant while negative correlation was found with relative humidity indicating that temperature plays an important role on activity of insect pollinators. The result on foraging behaviour of X. fenestrata revealed that they started visiting ridge gourd flowers in early morning and ceased their activity later in the evening. It remained active throughout the flowering period. The foraging rate of X. fenestrata was minimum in the morning (3.9 flower/min.) and evening (3.2 flower/min.) hours and maximum during the mid day hours (7.3 flower/min.) and its foraging speed was maximum in morning (17.6 sec.) and evening (23.5sec.) whereas, minimum in mid day hours (11.1 sec.) and there was inverse relation between foraging rate and foraging speed. The heaviest pollen load was carried by the Xylocopa in the evening hour while lightest pollen load was carried in the noon hour which indicated that more pollen was collected by Xylocopa during morning and evening hours from ridge gourd flowers. The yields of fruit and seed of ridge gourd increased significantly by pollination of Xylocopa. The fruit set was highest in open pollination (78.70%) followed by Xylocopa pollination, viz. XP3 (72.20%), XP2 (63.60%) and XP1 (52.70%), whereas lowest in pollination exclusion (50.00%). The number of fruits per plant was maximum in OP (18.50) followed by XP3 (16.20), XP2 (14.00), XP1 (11.50) and was lowest in PE (10.00) treatments. Similarly, fruit weight was maximum in OP (85.60 g) followed by XP3 (80.50 g), XP2 (4.30 g), XP1 (70.10 g) and was lowest in PE (51.80 g). The fruit yield was maximum in OP (82.30 q/ha), followed by XP3, XP2 and XP1 (81.00, 75.50 and 73.60 q/ha, respectively) and the lowest in PE (60.20 q/ha). The result reflected that there was 36.80% increased in fruit yield in OP while, it was 34.50% in XP3, 25.30% in XP2 and 22.20% in XP1 treatment over pollination exclusion. The highest number of seed per fruit was found maximum in OP (27.00) followed by XP3 (25.50), XP2 (24.00), XP1 (22.20) and was lowest in PE (19.50) treatment. The weight of 100-seed was maximum in OP (15.20 g) followed by XP3 (13.10 g), XP2 (12.50 g), XP1 (11.00 g) and was lowest in PE (9.00 g). The percentage increment in seed yield was recorded highest in the OP (70.00%) followed by XP3 (50.00%), XP2 (30.00%) and XP1 (10.00%) over PE treatment. The insect pollinators play significant role in pollinating ridge gourd flowers and enhancing yield of crop. Therefore, Xylocopa fenestrata can be utilized for pollinating ridge gourd for increasing qualitative and quantitative parameters of the crop and therefore, higher monetary return.ThesisItem Open Access Pyrilla perpusilla (Walker) (Hemiptera Lophopidae) – Biology and resistance in sugarcane genotypes(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur), 2017) Kumari, Ranju; Chand, HariPyrilla perpusilla biology and resistance in sugarcane genotypes experiments were conducted during 2016-17. The biology of Pyrilla perpusilla was conducted in the laboratory in the Department of Entomology and the field experiment was laid out at Pusa Farm Sugarcane Research Institute, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa to assess the resistance in different genotypes of sugarcane. Biology of pyrilla under laboratory condition revealed that the eggs were oval and laid in cluster on the under surface of leaves near midrib. Egg cluster length ranged from 12 to18 mm and covered with white fibrils of wax. Freshly laid eggs were white in colour and turning pale yellow prior to hatching. The incubation period were recorded 7 to 9 (8+ 0.4) days. Fecundity was recorded 600 to 800 with an average of 700 + 44.7. The per cent hatching of eggs ranged from 79.2 to 93 (86.1 ± 3.0) per cent. The nymph passed through five nymphal instars to complete the nymphal stage. Total nymphal period ranged from 38 to 56 (47 + 4) days. Nymphs were soft bodied possessing two anal filaments and they gradually increased in size and their colour also changed with an increase in size. Pyrilla perpusilla male and female adults both were almost similar only differ in their size and longevity. Female adults were found to be bigger and also longer longevity than male. Total life cycle of pyrilla from egg to adult was completed within a period of 71 to 99 days with an average of 85 + 6.2 days. The maximum (26/leaf) population of nymphs and adults of pyrilla were recorded on the genotype BO 130 followed by CoP 11438 (23.2/leaf), 23.0/leaf on BO 91 and 21.0/leaf population on CoP 9301 genotype which were highly susceptible based on grade scale, while three genotypes weremoderately susceptible (CoP 11436, CoLK 09204 and CoLK 12209) and remaining seven genotypes were less susceptible (CoP 11437, CoSe 11451, CoSe 95422, CoP 13438, CoP 13439, CoSe 13453 and CoSe 13454) among 14 selected sugarcane genotypes on the basis of nymph and adult population build-up. The absolute population of egg masses, nymphs and adults of pyrilla were noticed in the field from first fortnight of April to second fortnight of November, first fortnight of March to second fortnight of November and second fortnight of March to second fortnight of November, 2016, respectively. The peak population of egg masses (6.6/leaf) and nymph (5.3/leaf) were recorded in the second fortnight of August, 2016, while peak population of adult (21/leaf) was recorded in the first fortnight of August, 2016. The relationship between population of insect (egg, nymph and adult) and weather parameters showed highly significant positive correlation with maximum and minimum temperature i.e. temperature increased the corresponding population of insect also increased. Remaining weather facters(relative humidity at 07 and 14 hrs and rainfall) showed non-significant correlation with population of pyrilla. Various physio-morphic plant-characters(leaf width, leaf length, leaf spines density, cane length, cane diameter)were determined from the fourteen selected genotypes in a view to ascertain the role of these factors towards the resistance/susceptibility against the pest.The leaf-spine density showed highly significant negative correlation with population (egg masses, nymph and adult) of the insect whereas, leaf -width and leaf-length showed highly significant positive correlation. It is clearly indicated that thesugarcane varieties having less leaf spine density;longer and wider leaves are more susceptible for pyrilla population build-up.ThesisItem Open Access Seasonal incidence and control of maize stem borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) through newer insecticides on maize in Bihar(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur), 2017) Kumar, Ram; Alam, TanweerIn order to study the seasonal incidence and control of maize stem borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) through pest monitoring, screening of different maize genotypes and relative efficacy of insecticides, a series of field experiments were conducted during Kharif 2016 at the research farm, Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi, Muzaffarapur, (Bihar). Results pertaining to different aspects of the present study viz., seasonal incidence, screening of different maize genotypes and foliar spray as well as granular application of insecticides applied against maize stem borer on maize crop have been abstracted below: The activity of maize stem borer on maize commenced from 33rd standard week (2nd week of August, 2016) and continued to 44th standard week (4th week of October, 2016) with maximum maize stem borer population (2.4 larvae/plant) in the 38th standard week (2nd week of September, 2016) when the corresponding maximum, minimum temperature (oC), relative humidity (%) at 07 hrs and 14 hrs, rainfall (mm) and sunshine (hr) were 30.7, 25.4, 98.0, 86.7, 22.2 and 3.5, respectively. The per cent infestation has been initially observed in 33rd standard week (2nd week of August, 2016) and continued to 44th standard week (4th week of October, 2016) with maximum per cent infestation of 32.0 per cent during 38th standard week (2nd week of September, 2016) when the corresponding maximum, minimum temperature (oC), relative humidity (%) at 07 hrs and 14 hrs, rainfall (mm) and sunshine (hr) were 30.7, 25.4, 98.0, 86.7, 22.2 and 3.5, respectively. Among all the genotypes screened against Chilo partellus under artificial infestation condition, IIMRQPMH 1608, FQH 106 and IIMRQPMH 1606 were found least susceptible in respect to mean per cent infestation, mean leaf injury, mean per cent stem tunnelling, mean tunnel length and mean number of exit holes/plant; while the genotypes IIMRQPMH 1604, IIMRQPMH 1502 and IIMRQPMH 1610 were found susceptible. All the insecticidal treatments under test, were found significantly superior over control, however the treatment Chlorantraniliprole 20 SC followed by Carbofuran 3G was found to be the most effective and was statistically at par with Flubendiamide 480 SC followed by Carbofuran 3G. The foliar application in sequence with whorl application of Carbofuran was found to be more effective than foliar applications alone. The crop protection measures applied against maize stem borer, Chilo partellus proved profitable as indicated by B: C ratio.ThesisItem Open Access Population Dynamics of Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) and its Management on Tomato(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur), 2017) Jha, Sudeepa Kumari; Kumar, ManojPopulation dynamics of whitefly, Bemisia tabaci and its management through use of insecticides - profenophos @ 500 g a.i. ha-1, imidacloprid @ 20 g a.i. ha-1, cypermethrin @ 25 g a.i. ha-1, indoxacarb @ 50 g a.i. ha-1, profenophos (40 %) + cypermethrin (4%) @ 440 g a.i. ha-1, neem seed kernel extract (NSKE) 5 %, neem oil 2 %, tobacco decoction 5 % and yam bean seed extract (YBSE) 5 % in tomato variety ‘Avinash – 2’ was studied at Vegetable Research Farm of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa during Rabi 2016-17. Peak population (42.4 per three leaves) of whitefly was observed on 70th day after transplanting. Temperature (max. and min.) and sunshine (hrs) had a negative significant correlation, while morning and evening relative humidity had a positive significant correlation but wind speed had non- significant positive correlation. The correlation coefficient (r) was computed for max. Temperature (-0.481), min. temperature (-0.483), morning relative humidity (0.514), evening relative humidity (0.483), wind speed (0.007) and sunshine hrs (-0.641), respectively. The weather parameters were found to contribute around 55.70 per cent impact on population of Bemisia tabaci when acted together (R2 = 0.5570). The mean per cent reduction in whitefly population over control after first, fifth and seventh day of 1st, 2nd and 3rd spray of insecticides was maximum in imidacloprid @ 20 g a.i. ha-1 (47.41 %, 81.03 % and 88.14 %, respectively) followed by profenophos 40 % + cypermethrin 4% @ 440 g a.i. ha-1 (42.20, 77.38 and 85.93 %, respectively). All the insecticidal treatments proved profitable over control and increase in yield varied from the maximum of 90 q ha-1 in imidacloprid (20 g a.i. ha-1) to the minimum of 48 q ha-1 in tobacco decoction 5 %. The benefit cost ratio was highest in imidacloprid @ 20 g a.i. ha-1 (22.69: 1) followed by cypermethrin @ 25 g a.i. ha-1 (17.21:1) and lowest in YBSE 5% (1.53: 1).ThesisItem Open Access Population dynamics of Pyrilla perpusilla, Walker, its bioagents on sugarcane and bio-efficacy of some insecticides against them(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur), 2016) Chand, Prakash; Kumar, AnilField experiments were carried out during the crop season of 2015-16 with sugarcane variety BO-153 at Sugarcane Research Farm, S.R.I., Pusa to study the Population dynamics of Pyrilla perpusilla, Walker, its bioagents on sugarcane and bio-efficacy of some insecticides against them. The absolute population of egg masses recorded its peak (7.0 egg masses/10 leaves) was observed in the first fortnight of June 2015, when corresponding weather parameters viz; temperature oC (max. and Min.), RH(%) at 07 hrs and 14 hrs and rainfall (mm) were 38.20C, 25.50C, 83%, 44% and 19.8 mm, respectively to the crop. Correlation was found that temperature, (maximum and minimum) showed highly significant positive correlation with population (egg masses) of the insect. While relative humidity recorded (07 hrs) significant correlation but statistically was found as negative relationship. However, rainfall exhibited positive relation but statistically was non significant. The absolute population of nymphs ranged from 0.1 to 45.5 per 10 leaves, and reached its peak (45.5 nymphs/10 leaves) was observed in the first fortnight of June, 2015, when corresponding weather parameters viz; maximum, minimum temperature (oC), relative humidity (%) at 07 hrs and 14 hrs and rainfall (mm) were 38.20C, 25.50C, 83%, 44% and 19.8 mm, respectively. Correlation was found that temperature, (maximum and minimum) showed highly significant positive correlation with population (nymphs) of the insect. While relative humidity recorded (07 hrs and 14 hrs) significant correlation but statistically was found as negative relationship. However, rainfall exhibited positive and found statistically was non significant. The absolute population of adults recorded its peak (35.2 adults/10 leaves) in the second fortnight of May 2015, when corresponding weather parameters viz; maximum, minimum temperature (oC), relative humidity (%) at 07 hrs and 14 hrs and rainfall (mm) were 36.4oC, 24.1oC, 81%, 48% and 28.6 mm, respectively. Correlation was found that temperature, (maximum and minimum) showed highly significant positive correlation with adults population of the insect. While relative humidity recorded at 07 hrs showed significant negative correlation but statistically was found as negative relationship. However rainfall exhibited positive correlation and found yet significant correlation. The absolute population of cocoons ranged from 0.10 to 3.7 per ten leaves and reached its peak in the 2nd fortnight of August 2015, (3.7 cocoon/10 leaves)), when the maximum and minimum temperature (0C) were from 33.10C and 24.30C with relative humidity (%) 07 hrs and 14 hrs were 92% and 75% and rainfall 400.4 mm. Correlation was found that minimum temperature with relative humidity (07 hrs and 14 hrs) and rainfall showed highly significant positive correlation with population (cocoons) of the parasitoid. While maximum temperature, showed non significant correlation but statistically was found as positive relationship. The maximum (61.4%) parasitization by Epiricania melanoleuca on pyrilla during second fortnight of August, 2015 when, corresponding weather parameters i.e., temperature (0C) maximum, minimum, relative humidity (%) at 07 and 14 hrs and rainfall (mm) were 33.10C, 24.30C, 92%, 7%5 and 400.4 mm, respectively. On the other hand minimum (0.2%) parasitization was recorded during first fortnight of November, 2015. Correlation was found that minimum temperature, relative humidity (07 hrs) and rainfall, showed highly significant positive relation with parasitization of P. Perpusilla while, maximum temperature was showed positive correlation but statistically non significant with parasitization. The parasitization of pyrilla eggs by Tetrastichus pyrillae and reaching its peak 100 per cent in October to first fortnight of November 2015, thereafter parasitization was observed declined trend. The effect of the weather parameters is concerned, the maximum (100%) parasitization during October to first fortnight of November was recorded with corresponding weather parameters i.e., temperature (0C) maximum, minimum, relative humidity (%) at 07 hrs and 14 hrs and rainfall (mm) were 30.40C, 15.40C, 90%, 48% and untraceable, respectively. Correlation was found that minimum temperature, relative humidity 07 hrs, showed significant positive correlation with parasitization of pyrilla while, maximum temperature, relative humidity 14 hrs and rainfall were showed non significant positive correlation with parasitization. The data regarding the treatments along with their mean per cent mortality of pyrilla in 1, 3, 7, and 14 days after spraying of different insecticides revealed that Imidacloprid, proved significantly effective with >62% mortality, when it was recorded at 1 DAS. Profenofos was the next best treatments with about 56% mortality. Malathion, Fipronil and Thiomethoxame were moderate in action with about 38% mortality. Azadirachtin was less effective with <28% mortality. Among the different treatments, Azadirachtin proved least toxic to cocoons and egg masses of E. melanoleuca followed by Thiomethoxame and Fipronil on the basis of per cent reduction of cocoons and egg masses after 10 days treatments. Profenofos and Malathion were found moderately toxic whereas, Imidacloprid proved highly toxic. The overall performance of Imidacloprid was found to be the best in improving the cane quality followed by Profenofos, Thiomethoxame and Fipronil. The result, status obtained with respected to cane yield revealed that, application of Imidacloprid @ 0.5 ml/L (standard check) recorded the highest cane yield of 81.3 t/ha and 40.5% increase over untreated control (UTC). This was followed by Profenofos 50 EC @ 2m/L which recorded 78.2 t/ha and 35.0% increase over UTC, Malathion 50 EC @ 2ml/L recoerded 76.7 t/ha and 30.6% increase over UTC, Fipronil 5 SC @ 1ml/L recorded 75.6 t/ha and 32.5% increase over UTC. The next best treatments were Thiomethoxame 25 WG @ 1gm/L which is recorded 73.8 t/ha with 27.4% increase over UTC. Azadirachtin 0.15% @ 5ml/L also recorded significant increase in cane yield and % increase over UTC.ThesisItem Open Access Management of thrips (Megalurothrips distalis Karny) on green gram (Vigna radiata L.) through dates of sowing and insecticides.(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur), 2016) Reddy, Gajjala Charan Kumar; Prasad, RabindraIn order to study the seasonal abundance and management of mungbean thrips, Megalurothrips distalis Karny through pest monitoring, manipulation in dates of sowing and relative efficacy of synthetic insecticides and plant products, a series of filed experiments were conducted during the summer season 2015-16 at the research farm, T.C.A. Dholi, Muzaffarapur, (Bihar). Results pertaining to different aspects of the present study viz; seasonal abundance, manipulation in dates of sowing and foliar spray of synthetic as well as botanical insecticides applied against thrips on mungbean crop have been abstracted below: The activity of thrips per plant on summer mungbean commenced from 17th standard week of April, 2015 and continued to 24th standard week of June, 2015 with maximum thrips population (5.6 thrips/plant) in the 22nd standard week of June, 2015 when the corresponding maximum, minimum temperature (oC), relative humidity (%) at 07 and 14 hrs and rainfall (mm) were 40.5, 27.5, 87.7, 46.7 and nil respectively. The activity of thrips on flower has been initially observed in 18th standard week of May, 2015 and continued to 20th standard week of May, 2015, respectively with maximum thrips population of 6.6 thrips per flower during 18th standard week of May, 2015 when corresponding maximum, minimum temperature (oC), relative humidity (%) at 07 and 14 hrs and rainfall (mm) were 34.5, 21.3, 89.5, 66.1 and nil respectively. Among all the dates of sowing under test, 1st April proved as the most suitable date of sowing keeping in view to minimize the pest population on plant (2.4 thrips/plant) and flower (1.3 thrips/ flower), plant infestation (11.17%) and obtaining higher grain yield (14.6q/ha). Among the synthetic insecticides and plant products under test, significantly better control of mungbean thrips was achieved imidacloprid 17.8 SL (@0.005%), when applied twice at fortnightly intervals starting from bud formation stage with thrips population of 1.4, 1.8 and 2.4 thrips per plant as against 3.6, 4.0 and 4.4 thrips per plant in untreated control after 1st and 2nd spraying respectively which was equally effective to dimethoate 30 EC thiomethoxam 25 WG, profenophos 50 EC and triazophos 35 EC, applied at their test doses respectively. The phytotonic effect of different treatments under test, two rounds spraying of imidacloprid 17.8 SL (@ (0.005%), gave the best phytotonic effect with the maximum mean plant height (84.43 cm), number of braches per plant (9.2) and average number of pods per plant (48.2), followed by dimethoate, thiomethoxam, profenophos, triazophos, fipronil, YBSE, spinosad, neem oil respectively. The highest grain yield of summer mungbean (14.8qa/ha) was obtained with imidacloprid but did not differ significantly from dimethoate (13.1qa/ha), thiomethoxam (13.0qa/ha), profenophos (12.3qa/ha), triazophos (11.8qa/ha), fipronil (10.5qa/ha), spinosad (9.1qa/ha), applied at their test doses as against 7.2q/ha over untreated control. The investment of foliar application of imidacloprid, dimethoate, thiomethoxam, profenophos, triazophos, fipronil, spinosad, proved profitable in comparison to neem oil and yam bean seed extract at their test doses.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.