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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 Population dynamics and management of pod borer (Etiella zinckenella Treit.) and aphid (Aphis craccivora) on lentil (Lens culinaris L.)(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, 2018) Kishor, Deepak Ranjan; Prasad, RabindraPopulation dynamics and management of aphid (Aphis craccivora) and pod borer (Etiella zinckenella) was studied at Research Farm Tirhut College of Agriculture Dholi, (Muzaffarpur) during Rabi, 2017-18. Lentil variety HUL-57 was selected for experimentation. The incidence of aphid started from 4th standard meteorological week (SMW) (23.80 aphid/plant/10 cm apical twigs). The aphid population gradually increased and reached to its peak (35.40 aphid/plant/10cm apical twigs) on 7th SMW (22nd February) and thereafter its population gradually decreased. The aphid population had significant negative correlation with minimum temperature and maximum temperature (r = -0.613, r = -0.671). Relative humidity at 7 and 14 hrs had non significant positive correlation. The incidence of pod borer was observed from 7th SMW (4.0%) and the per cent pod damaged gradually increased and reached to its peak (14.30 %) on 9th standard meteorological week. Its infestation gradually decreased from 10th standard week (12.10%). The per cent pod damage had positively significant correlation with minimum temperature (r = 0.582) while maximum temperature and 7 hrs relative humidity showed non-significant positive correlation. All the screened genotypes differed significantly in respect of mean number of aphid/plant at 50% flowering stage. Among the genotypes, PL 4, VL 148, VL 126, LL 1320, PL 406, NDL 14-12, LL 1370, PL 063 and LL 1397 were found statistically at par with check variety HUL 57. However, at 50 % podding stage PL 4, VL 148, VL 126, PL 406 and LL 1397 were found to be statistically at par with check variety HUL 57. None of the genotypes screened was found superior to check variety. The lowest pod damage (7.8 %) by pod borer was recorded with the genotype VL 148 which was statistically at par with LL 1320 (8.0 %) and NDL 14-12 (9.4 %) and significantly superior over check HUL 57 (12.8 %). Genotype VL 148 was recorded as the least susceptible genotype (-64.1 % susceptibility) followed by LL 1320 (-60.0 % susceptibility), NDL 14-12 (-36.2 % susceptibility) and VL 126 (-23.1 % susceptibility). Genotype L 4751 was found as the most susceptible genotype. All the insecticidal treatments were significantly superior to control in reducing the aphid population. It varied from a minimum of 6.3 aphid / plant to the maximum of 33.9 aphid / plant in control. The per cent reduction in aphid population over control ranged from 65.8 to 81.5 per cent. Among treatments, foliar application of profenophos (50 EC) was found to be most effective in reducing aphid population and was at par with flubendiamide (39.4 EC) and fipronil (5% SC) treatments. All the treatments were also found significantly superior over control in minimizing mean per cent pod damage. The lowest mean per cent pod damage (2.0 %) was recorded by the application of profenophos (50 EC) as against 14.0 per cent in untreated control. The per cent reduction in pod damage over control was maximum (85.8 %) by the application of profenophos 50 EC followed by flubendiamide 39.4 EC which was at par with fipronil 5% SC whereas minimum by the application of novaluron 10 EC. Maximum grain yield (15.6 q / ha) was recorded with foliar application of profenophos (50 EC) which was statistically at par with flubendiamide 39.4 EC (14.7 q /ha), fipronil 5 % EC (13.8 q /ha) and imidacloprid 17.8 SL (13.3 q/ha) applied at their test doses. Maximum net profit was obtained with profenophos 50 EC followed by flubendiamide 39.4 EC and fipronil 5% SC (Rs 17999, 14350 and 10411 / ha, respectively). Profenophos 50 EC treatment recorded maximum benefit cost ratio of 9.47:1 closely followed by flubendiamide 39.4 EC with benefit cost ratio of 7.21:1.ThesisItem Open Access Biochemical and molecular studies on different chickpea genotypes against infestation of pod borer, Helicoverpaarmigera (Hübner)(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur), 2018) Kumar, Pankaj; Ahmad, Md. AbbasDuring the course of investigation, Helicoverpa armigera was observed on chickpea genotypes from 51 to 114 days after sowing. The overall lowest mean larval population was recorded on Pusa 391 closely followed by RSG 888 during crop season 2017-18. The overall highest mean larval population (4.46) was recorded on JGK 1 which was at par with GJG 3, JAKI 9218, JG 315, JG 63 and JG 218.The maximum per cent pod damage (15.52%) was observed on JGK 1 genotype and minimum per cent pod damage (2.77%) in Pusa 391. Results of biochemical experiments indicated that genotype JGK 1 recorded the lowest phenol (0.045 mg/g), flavonoids (0.047 mg/g) and tannin content (0.675 mg/g) and highest protein content (17.27g/100g) as compared to other genotypes. In genotype KAK 2 protease inhibitor activity was very high(18.22 mg/g), where as it was lowest (7.42%) in GJG 3. The genotypes JGK 1, GJG 3 and JG 315 with high protein content recorded higherper cent pod damage(15.52%, 13.25% and 12.44%, respectively) indicating that the genotypes were more preferred by the H. armigera. On the other hand, low per cent pod damage on Pusa 391 (2.77%) and Vishal (4.74%)may be attributed to low protein content.Highly significant and negative correlation was observed between pod damage (%) and all major biochemical parameters studied. .On the basis of molecular studies, all the fifteen chickpea genotypes were divided into seven clusters. Eachcluster contains chickpea genotypes with similar characteristics. Cluster A comprised of JG 11, cluster B consisted of ICCV 2 and KAK 2, cluster C consisted of Pusa 391 and RSG 888, cluster D consisted of JGK 1, cluster E contains GJG 3, JG 315, JG 218 and JG 63, cluster F contains ICCV 10, RSG 44 and Vishal, and the cluster G consisted of JAKI 9218 and KPG 59 genotype.ThesisItem Unknown Studies on diversity of parasites and predators associated with major insect pests(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur), 2018) Moses, Shriti; Misra, A. K.Studies on diversity of parasites and predators associated with major insect pests of rice was done in kharif season of year 2017 at Pusa farm of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Samastipur, Bihar. The objectives of investigation were monitoring of parasites and predators associated with major insect pests of rice during kharif season, to identify and quantify pests and natural enemies, to establish the correlation of pest population with parasites and predators and the rate of parasitization/predation with weather parameters. Insect pests infestation are the primary constraints in rice (Oryza sativa) production systems. The rice stem borer, leaf folder and brown plant hopper have the largest share. Rice ecosystem favorable for proliferation of insect-pests is equally congenial for multiplication of the natural enemies of these pests. Rice Stem borer, leaf folder and plant hopper were found as active pest during kharif season at Pusa. The month of August and September were identified as the peak activity period for most of the insect pests in sweeping net and hand picking method. Higher intensity of insect pest were observed during first week of August to second week of October. Yellow stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas), leaf folder (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis) and brown plant hopper (Nilaparvata lugens) were found as the dominant species at Pusa. The peak activity period for most of the rice insect pest was observed during the 33rd standard week of August to 40th standard week of October. The damage symptom was highest for stem borer infestation which was observed in the 37th standard week of September. The infestation of leaf folder damaged leaves was observed in highest intensity during the 34th standard week of August. Both the species of plant hopper i.e. brown plant hopper (BPH) and white backed plant hopper (WBPH) were observed. The peak activity period for BPH and WBPH were observed during the 40th standard week of October. In species composition study, Scirpophaga incertulas (YSB) of rice stem borer, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis of leaf folder and Nilaparvata lugens of plant hopper were the dominant species at Pusa. The important predators observed in the rice ecosystem of Pusa are spider, lady bird beetle, staphylinid beetle, green mirid bug, dragonfly and damselfly. Predatory spider, dragonfly and damselfly were found most active during the month of July while, lady bird beetle, staphylinid beetle and green mirid bug were found most active in the month of August and September in sweeping net sampling and handpicking method. The highest count for most of the predators and parasitoids were observed in the month of August and September but spiders, dragonfly and damsel fly were found most active during the month of July. The important egg parasitoids of major insect pests of rice were observed for stem borer egg mass and leaf folder egg mass. The dominant egg parasitoid which was actively present throughout the kharif season on stem borer eggs was Trichogramma japonicum and it was found most active during the 33rd standard week of August (51.42%) and least active in the 30th standard week of July (3.03%). The dominant egg parasitoid observed for leaf folder was Trichogramma chilonis which was found also most active during the 33rd standard week of August (42.40%) and least active in the 31st standard week of August (4.72%).ThesisItem Unknown Management of whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) on mung bean and its impact on yellow mosaic virus(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur), 2018) Patil, Vinodakumargoud; Singh, P. P.In order to study the management of whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) on mung bean and its impact on yellow mosaic virus through varietal screening and the relative efficacy of synthetic insecticides and plant products, a series of field experiments were conducted during summer season 2017 at research farm of T.C.A., Dholi, Muzaffarpur (Bihar). The activity of whitefly and mung bean yellow mosaic virus (MYMV) disease incidence on mung bean gradually increased from 16th and 17th standard metrological week (SMW) of March and April 2017, respectively with maximum whitefly population (10.4/trifoliate leaf) and MYMV disease incidence (47.8%) was recorded during 20th and 25th SMW of May and June, respectively when the corresponding weather parametersviz., maximum, minimum temperature (0C), relative humidity (7hrs and 14 hrs) and rainfall (mm) were 37.6 0C, 23.7 0C, 96.8per cent, 66.7 per cent, 8.4 mm and 34.3 0C, 26.3 0C, 97.1 per cent, 73.0 per cent and 38.0 mm, respectively. The maximum temperature, minimum temperature and relative humidity at 7 hrs showed positive non-significant effect with whitefly population (r = 0.505,r = 0.150 and r = 0.273, respectively), whereas relative humidity at 14 hrs and rainfall (mm) showed negative non-significant effect on whitefly population (r = - 0.080 andr = - 0.050, respectively). The minimum temperature showed positive significant effect on MYMV (r = 0.914) disease development and transmission while maximum temperature, relative humidity at 7 hrs and 14 hrs and rainfall showed positive non-significant effect (r = 0.003, r = 0.463, r = 0.050 and r = 0.332, respectively). However, all the weather parameters together contributed 42.7 and 97.7 per cent, in whitefly population and MYMV disease development, respectively on mung bean crop. Among sixteen mung bean genotypes evaluated against whitefly and MYMV disease incidence, four genotypes viz., SMP17-17, SMP17-18, SMP17-24 and SMP17-25 recorded less number of whitefly (1.62 to 3.2 /trifoliate leaf) with disease incidence of 1 to 10 per cent and were categorized as resistant (R) with disease rating 3, four genotypes viz., SMP17-19, SMP17-20, SMP17-21 and SMP17-29 exhibited 11-20 per cent MYMV disease incidence having disease rating scale 5 and categorized as moderately resistant (MR) and remaining eight genotypes viz., SMP17-22, SMP17-23, SMP17-26, SMP17-27, SMP17-28, SMP17-30, SMP17-31 and LGG-450 were categorized as susceptible (S) against MYMV disease rating scale 7 showing disease incidence 21 to 50 per cent. Among the foliar spray of synthetic insecticides and plant products imidacloprid 17.8 SL (@ 0.005%) and thiamethoxam 25 WG (@ 0.025%) when applied thrice at fortnightly interval starting after one month of sowing, provided maximum protection to mung bean crop in minimizing whitefly population 1.9, 1.2 and 0.5 whitefly/trifoliate leaf and 2.0, 1.5 and 0.9 whitefly/trifoliate leaf, respectively; as against 4.1, 6.6 and 4.8 whitefly/trifoliate leaf in untreated control after first, second and third spraying, respectively. The lowest MYMV disease incidence 10.2 and 8.9 per cent was recorded with foliar application of imidacloprid 17.8 SL (@ 0.005%) at vegetative and reproductive stage, respectively which was at par to thiamethoxam 25 WG (@ 0.025%) as against 44.3 and 41.1 per cent disease incidence in untreated control at vegetative and reproductive stage, respectively. The highest seed yield of mung bean (10.8 q/ha) was obtained in imidacloprid but did not differ significantly with thiamethoxam (10.0 q/ha) as against 5.3 q/ha in untreated control. The investment in foliar application of imidacloprid 17.8 SL, profenophos 50 EC, thiamethoxam 25 WG, dimethoate 30 EC, YBSE 5% and cypermethrin 10 EC proved profitable in comparison to neem oil at 2%, at their test doses.ThesisItem Open Access Studies on population dynamics and management of whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum on chrysanthemum under polyhouse conditions(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur), 2018) habiba, Rumi; Singh, Mukesh KumarPopulation dynamics of whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum) and its management through use of synthetic insecticides (Profenophos @ 500 g a.i./ha, deltamethrin @ 10 g a.i./ha, imidacloprid @ 20 g a.i./ha, thiacloprid @ 20 g a.i./ha, thiamethoxam @ 20 g a.i./ha and buprofezin @ 10 g a.i./ha) and botanical insecticides (neem oil @ 5%, neem oil @ 2%, karanj oil @ 5 %, karanj oil @ 2%, neem seed kernel extract (NSKE) @ 5%, and yam bean seed extract (YBSE) @ 5%) in chrysanthemum variety ‘Aris’ was studied at Hi-Tech Horticulture Unit of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa during Rabi 2017-18. Whitefly population was present on the crop throughout the cropping period. In the beginning, the whitefly population was low (4.72 whitefly/ three leaves) and reached to 67.26 whitefly/three leaves in the 49th SMW of December, 2017. Thereafter, whitefly population decreased continuously and the minimum population (22.66 per three leaves) was observed at the end of cropping season. The temperature (maximum and minimum) had a negative correlation with whitefly population while relative humidity in morning (7.00 hrs) had a positive correlation and the evening relative humidity (14.00 hrs) had a negative correlation. The weather parameters were found to contribute around 53.80 per cent impact on population of whitefly when acted together (R2 =0.5380). The mean per cent reduction over control in whitefly population by synthetic insecticides after first spray varied among the treatments. It was maximum (59.80%) in imidaclorprid treatment @ 20 g a.i./ha closely followed by profenophos @ 500 g a.i./ha (54.24%) and buprofezin @ 10 g a.i./ha (51.91%). After second spray, the mean per cent reduction was again maximum in imidacloprid treatment @ 20 g a.i./ha (63.43%) closely followed by profenophos @ 500 g a.i./ha (57.04%), buprofezin @ 10 g a.i./ha (54.41%) and thiacloprid @ 20 g a.i./ha (52.60%). Deltamethrin treatment @ 10 g a.i./ha recorded lowest mean per cent reduction (44.75%) in whitefly population. All the botanical insecticidal treatments were also significantly superior to untreated control in reducing the whitefly population on chrysanthemum. The mean per cent reduction over control in whitefly population varied from 30.84 - 47.65% after first spray, from 34.54 – 51.26 % after second spray and 41.84 to 55.69 % after third spray. Neem oil (5%), neem oil (2%) and NSKE (5%) were superior over other insecticidal treatments. All the synthetic insecticides were significantly superior over untreated control in increasing the yield of chrysanthemum flowers. The mean yield varied from 11.80 to 13.33 q/ha in insecticide treated plots. The increase in yield varied from the maximum of 3.00 q/ha in imidacloprid @ 20 g a.i./ha to the minimum of 1.50 q/ha in deltamethrin @ 10 g a.i./ha showing a corresponding increase of 29.12 and 14.56%, respectively. The cost - benefit ratio was found maximum in imidacloprid @ 20 g a.i. /ha (1:8.57) closely followed by profenophos @ 500 g a.i/ha (1:7.11) and buprofezin @ 10 g a.i. /ha (1:6.50). Deltamethin treatment@ 10 g a.i./ha recorded lowest cost benefit ratio (1:3.81). In botanical insecticides treated plots, the mean yield of chrysanthemum flowers varied from 11.53 to 12.32 q/ha. The increase in yield varied from the maximum of 1.67 q/ha in neem oil @ 5% to the minimum of 0.88 q/ha in karanj oil @ 2% showing a corresponding increase of 15.68 and 8.26% in yield of chrysanthemum cut flowers under polyhouse conditions. The cost -benefit ratio was found maximum in neem oil @ 5 % (1:6.32) closely followed by NSKE @ 5% (1:4.63) and neem oil @ 2 % (1:4.26)ThesisItem Unknown Screening of Chickpea Genotypes against Pulse beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis (L.) Resistance under the Laboratory Conditions.(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur), 2018) Kumari, Lovely; Ahmad, Md. AbbasScreening of chickpea genotypes against Callosobruchus chinensis resistance with the biophysical and biochemical parameters, observations in the laboratory in the Department of Entomology at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa during 2016-17, the results indicated that C1025 (97.22 eggs) was highly preferred for egg laying by C. chinensis while, C1021 (46.82 eggs) was found least preferred for oviposition. The minimum per cent adult emergence was observed on C1088 (59.14%) and the maximum percent adult emergence was observed on C1022 (76.22%). The maximum time for the development on C1021 (30.06 days).The minimum developmental period was recorded on C1120 (24.90 days). BG256 was found to be least susceptible to the attack by C. chinensis showing lowest growth index (2.09). The C1120 was found to be highly susceptible for the attack of beetle showing the highest growth index (3.10). The per cent loss in weight varied from maximum of 47.76% on C1025 to minimum of 09.81% on C1147. The results indicated that seed coat thickness ranged from 0.09 to 0.31 mm with maximum in C1064 (0.31 mm) and minimum in C1021 (0.09 mm). 100 seed weight ranged from 13.88 to 31.53 grams with maximum in BG 256 (38.03g) and minimum in C1063 (13.88g). The female beetle laid the lowest number of eggs on rough and small seeds of C1021, however, it preferred to highest number of eggs on smooth and medium seeds of C1025. None of the genotypes were completely resistant to the attack of C. chinensis differed in the resistance, which may seems to be due to the physical seed characters (colour, shape, size , texture, seed coat thickness and 100 seed weight) of chickpea genotypes. The results indicated that genotype C1120 (22.77g/100 grams of seed) with high protein content recorded high growth index (3.10) indicating that the genotypes were more preferred by the C. chinensis. On the other hand, low growth index on BG256 (18.56g./100 grams of seed) genotype may be attributed to low protein content. Genotypes C1022, C1121, C1021, C1063, C1023 with less phenol content had more growth index as compared to less susceptible genotypes C1156, C1088, and BG372 which showed less growth index. The genotype C1120 (0.39 mg/g) with less flavonoids content had high growth index as compared to moderately susceptible genotypes C1022 (0.76 mg/g seed) and less susceptible genotypes BG256 (0.88 mg/g).The lowest tannin content was drowned in genotypes, C1088 (0.260). However, highest tannin content was recorded in genotypes C1025 (0.433).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 Unknown 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.