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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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2013 - 201924
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Subject: Entomology × End date: 2019 × Start date: 2012 × Thesis Type: M.Sc ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Studies on the stunt nematode, Tylenchorhynchus mashhoodi Siddiqi and Basir on maize crop
    (Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur (Bihar), 2019) G, Santhosh; Singh, Uma Shankar
    Studies on the stunt nematode, Tylenchorhynchus mashhoodi Siddiqi and Basir on maize crop were conducted to know i) intensity and frequency of distribution of plant parasitic nematodes in general and stunt nematode, Tylenchorhynchus spp. In particular in maize growing fields around Pusa-Dholi. ii) Pathogenicity of stunt nematode, Tylenchorhynchus mashhoodi on maize cv. Dewaki to determine threshold level in terms of plant growth characters, nematode reproduction, quantum root index, yellowing index and effects of stunt nematode infection on chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll contents of leaf, iii) Screening of different maize varieties/lines for source(s) of resistance against stunt nematode T. mashhoodi during 2018-2019. The salient findings are as under. i) Important plant parasitic nematodes namely species of Tylenchorhynchus, Pratylenchus, Rotylenchulus, Helicotylenchus, Hoplolaimus were found in dominating population around the rhizosphere of maize in Pusa-Dholi area. Frequency of occurrence was found to be higher in Garhia and Harpur village of Samastipur District. ii) An inoculums level of 100 nematodes and above /plant proved detrimental to the growth and development of maize cv. Dewaki. The nematode population/ plant significantly increased progressively with an increase in nematode inoculums from 10 to 10,000 nematode/ plant. Nematode reproduction rate was maximum (88.5 times) at 10 nematodes/ plant and minimum (9.5 times) at 10,000/ plant. Chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll contents significantly reduced with an increase in inoculums levels from 100 to 10,000 nematodes/ plant. Un-inoculated plants had significantly more chlorophyll contents over other treatments. iii) Screening of 8 maize varieties/ lines namely Shaktiman-1, Shaktiman-2, Shaktiman-3, Shaktiman-4, Shaktiman-5, Laxmi, Dewaki, Ganga safed-2 against T. mashhoodi indicated that none of variety/ line was resistant. All the varieties tested were categorized as susceptible to T. mashhoodi.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Seasonal incidence of top borer Scirpophaga excerptalis (Walker) and efficacy of newer insecticides for its management
    (Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur (Bihar), 2019) K M, Nithyashree; Chand, Hari
    Results of the experiments conducted to study the seasonal incidence of sugarcane top borer Scirpophaga excerptalis (Walker) and efficacy of newer insecticides for its management in sugarcane variety BO-154 are presented. The field experiments were carried out at Pusa Farm, Sugarcane Research Institute, RPCAU, Pusa during 2018. The pest population was observed throughout the experimental period, i.e. March – December, 2018. Maximum larval and pupal population was recorded during the 2nd fortnight of June and it declined subsequently reaching at its minimum during November - December. The larval and pupal population showed significant and positive correlation with maximum and minimum temperatures and the values of „r‟ were 0.934** and 0.829**; and 0.793** and 0.707**, respectively. Maximum RH showed a negative and non-significant correlation with larval population and values of „r‟ was -0.041NS while minimum RH and rainfall both showed a positive but non-significant correlation with larval population and values of „r‟ were 0.306NS and 0.286NS. Minimum RH and rainfall both showed a positive but non-significant correlation with pupal population and values of „r‟ were 0.210NS and 0.181NS, respectively. The lowest 4.87% infestation was observed in the month of December when the maximum and minimum temperature ranged from 23.070C to 25.740C and 7.850C to 10.020C, respectively, with RH at 0700hrs and 1400hrs ranged from 81.20 to 52.93 and 83.13 to 57.80 per cent, respectively and rainfall recorded was 0.00 mm. The highest 13.87% infestation was observed in the month of June with corresponding weather parameters, i.e. maximum and minimum temperature ranged from 35.890C to 36.170C and 26.900C to 25.740C, respectively, with RH at 0700hrs and 1400hrs ranged from 81.46 to 82.13 and 59.80 to 61.00 per cent, respectively and rainfall recorded was 5.60 to 38.80 mm. Maximum parasitisation of top borer larvae by Cotesia flavipes was observed during 2nd fortnight of December (49.62%) while it was lowest in 2nd fortnight of June (10.50%). The correlation between parasitisation and maximum and minimum temperatures were negative and significant and the values of „r‟ were -0.860** and -0.737**, respectively. However, RH and rainfall exhibited non-significant correlation with parasitisation. The data pertaining to damage intensity of S. excerptalis clearly indicated that an increase in the damage intensity by the pest adversely affects the cane both qualitatively and quantitatively in terms of juice quantity, cane weight, bagasse weight, sucrose (%) and CCS percentage. The top borer incidence decreased significantly in all newer insecticidal treatments as compared to control. Among the treatments, T1 (rynaxpyr) was found most effective in terms of cane infestation, single cane weight and yield; however, remaining treatments were also significantly superior over control. The experimental plots treated with T1 also yielded superior canes in terms of brix, pol percentage as well as CCS (%). The incremental benefit-cost ratio in terms of Rs./ha varied with respect to average yield obtained in various insecticidal treatments and the treatments T1 (rynaxpyr 18.5 Sc% @ 17g a.i./ha) gave highest IBCR (9.43:1) followed by T3 (fipronil 5% SC @ 75g a.i./ha) (IBCR – 6.57:1).
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Biology, population dynamics and trapping of Zeugodacus (Zeugodacus) tau (Walker) (Diptera: Tephritidae)
    (Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur (Bihar), 2019) Vasudha, Ambati; Agarwal, M.L.
    Results of the experiments conducted to study the biology, population dynamics and trapping of Zeugodacus (Zeugodacus) tau (Walker) are presented. Pre-oviposition period was 11-13 days and female laid 6-12 eggs/ day. Average incubation period was 1.21 ± 0.06 days and per cent hatchability of eggs was 80.0 ± 7.07 per cent. Average larval duration was 6.60 ± 0.15 days and larval survival was 75.00 ± 12.80 per cent. Average pupal duration was 7.45 ± 0.22 days while percentage of adult emergence was 70.00 ± 8.10 per cent. Sex ratio (male: female) of emerged flies was 1:1.27 and life-cycle was completed in 15.26 ± 0.23 days. Egg was elongated, elliptical, glistening white, 1.3-1.4 mm long and 0.22-0.24 mm wide. Third instar larva ranged from 7.8-9.0 mm, anterior spiracles have 14-16 tubules while posterior spiracle with spiracular hairs arranged in dorsal and ventral bundles (with 14-18 hairs) and lateral bundles (with 5-9 hairs). Pupa exarate, 4.9-5.5 mm long, brownish or reddish-brown, with free appendages, encapsulated within a barrel-shaped puparium. In adult, face yellow with two oval black spots; chaetotaxy reduced. Three pairs of equal sized inferior orbital (lower fronto-orbitals) setae; one pair superior orbital (upper fronto-orbitals) setae. Ocellar, postvertical setae absent, median and lateral vertical setae present. Scutum brownish-grey, with 3 postsutural yellow vittae; scutellars 2 pairs. Wing infuscations light brown, costal band continuous and expands into a large dark brown spot at apex. Crossvein R-M oblique, both R-M and dm-cu crossveins without spot. Anal band light brown that fills cell bcu and part of cell cu1. Abdominal tergite 3 of male with pecten on each side and yellow to orange-brown; with lateral black markings; terga III-V with a black T pattern while anterolateral corners of terga IV and V with broad black markings. Male genitalia and female ovipositor have been described and illustrated. Z. tau adults were available throughout the experimental period except when temperature was very low. It was maximum during 20th and 25th standard weeks, i.e. 79.50 and 56.50 flies/ trap/ week, respectively and no fly was captured during 1st and 2nd standard weeks of 2019. Thereafter a gradual increase in fly population was observed till 13th standard week of 2019. During May, 2018 fly population was maximum (42.65 flies/ trap) followed by June, 2018 (25.81 flies/ trap) and during subsequent months of 2018 the fly population reduced significantly up to September, 2018. Z. tau population had a positive and significant correlation with maximum and minimum temperature while negative and non-significant correlation was observed with maximum and minimum RH. For maximum and minimum temperatures, values of ‗r‘ were 0.426** and 0.296*, respectively. For RH values of ‗r‘ were -0.272NS and -0.013NS, respectively. Rainfall also showed positive but non-significant correlation with fly population and value of ‗r‘ was 0.097NS. The cumulative effect of weather factors on population fluctuation of Z. tau was 27 per cent (R2= 0.271). Maximum flies were annihilated during 20th standard week of 2018 in treatment with protein bait (79.50 flies/ trap/ week). The rate of male annihilation in treatment with molasses as bait and without bait did not differed significantly. In all treatments, 10094 males of Z. tau were annihilated during the period of experimentation. Mean numbers of flies/ trap annihilated in different treatments were: 400.25 (no bait), 733.25 (protein bait), 503.00 (jaggery as bait), 480.75 (fruit pulp as bait) and 406.25 (molasses as bait), respectively. In colour traps maximum flies were annihilated during 19th standard week and the order of trap based fly catches (flies/trap/week) was: yellow (73.75) > orange (34.00) > transparent (30.25) > green (11.75) > red (7.75). The captures of Z. tau were significantly greater in yellow trap during May, 2018 (215.50 flies/ trap/ month) followed by orange trap (131.50 flies/ trap/ month). In all coloured bottle traps, 9307 males of Z. tau were annihilated during the period of experimentation. Mean number of flies/ trap annihilated in different coloured bottle traps during experimental period were: 180.25 (red), 708.25 (yellow), 522.00 (orange), 402.75 (green) and 513.50 (transparent), respectively.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Bio efficacy of some newer insecticides against insect pests of Okra, Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) moench and residues of imidacloprid in /on Okra fruits
    (Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur (Bihar), 2019) Meher, Chanchala; Singh, S.P.
    Bio-efficacy of seven newer insecticides - thiamethoxam (50 g a.i. /ha), indoxacarb (50 g a.i./ha), flubendiamide (40 g a.i./ha), rynaxypyr (40 g a.i./ha), novaluron (75 g a.i./ha), spinosad (50 g a.i./ha) and imidacloprid (40 g a.i./ha) was evaluated against jassid, Amrasca biguttula biguttula (Ishida), whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) and shoot and fruit borer, Earias vitella (Fab.) in okra, Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) under field conditions at the University Apiary of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa during Kharif 2018. Thiamethoxam @ 50 g a.i./ha recorded lowest infestation of jassid and was at par with imidacloprid @ 40 g a.i./ha, spinosad @ 50 g a.i./ha, rynaxypyr @ 40 g a.i./ha, and flubendiamide @ 40 g a.i./ha. The next best treatment was novaluron @ 75 g a.i./ha. Indoxacarb @ 50 g a.i./ha was relatively less effective in reducing jassid population. Against whitefly, imidacloprid @ 40 g a.i./ha was most effective and recorded lowest infestation and was at par with thiamethoxam @ 50 g a.i. /ha and spinosad @ 50 g a.i./ha treatments. The next best treatments were flubendiamide @ 40 g a.i./ha, rynaxypyr @ 40 g a.i./ha, and novaluron @ 75 g a.i./ha. Indoxacarb @ 50 g a.i./ha was relatively less effective in reducing whitefly population. All the insecticides recorded reasonably less shoot and fruit damage due to Earias vittella in okra crop in comparison to untreated control and the treatment differences were significant. Flubendiamide @ 40 g a.i./ha treatment was recorded as most effective against shoot and fruit borer with lowest infestation and was statistically at par with spinosad @ 50 g a.i./ha followed by rynaxypyr @ 40 g a.i./ha and novaluron @ 75 g a.i./ha. Imidacloprid @ 40 g a.i./ha and thiamethoxam @ 50 g a.i. /ha were found relatively less effective in reducing the shoot and fruit borer damage in okra. The plot treated with flubendiamide @ 40 g a.i./ha recorded the maximum fruit yield (98.69 q/ha) of okra and was statistically at par with spinosad @ 50 g a.i./ha (94.24 q/ha). Imidacloprid @ 40 g a.i./ha treatment (78.26 q/ha) recorded the lowest yield among all the insecticidal treatments. Flubendiamide recorded the maximum cost benefit ratio of 1: 7.51 as compared to other treatments. It was closely followed by spinosad and thiamethoxam with ICBR of 1:4.37 and 1: 3.96, respectively. Residues of imidacloprid (40 g a.i./ha) were estimated quantitatively by HPLC in /on okra fruits. Mean initial deposit of imidacloprid on okra fruits was 0.742 mg/kg which dissipated to 0.028 mg/kg on 10th day after third spray with a corresponding loss of 96.23 per cent. On 15th day, the residue dissipated to below determination level (< 0.008 mg /kg). The rate of dissipation of imidacloprid residue was rapid up to 5 days accompanied by gradual to slow at subsequent intervals. The half – life value of imidacloprid on okra fruits was 2.28 days and safe waiting period was found as 1.87 days. Simple washing of treated okra fruits with tap water removed insecticide residue in significant amount. The per cent removal of imidacloprid residue was to the extent of 34.51 per cent on 0 day and 19.61 per cent on 5th day.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Relative abundance of Honey Bees and effect of bee pollination on Onion
    (Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur (Bihar), 2019) T, Sathya; Kumar, Neeraj
    The present studies on “Relative Abundance of Honey Bees and Effect of bee pollination on onion” were carried out during the year 2018-19 at University Apiary, RPCAU, Pusa. Objectives of this investigation were to study the relative abundance of insect pollinators on onion, foraging behavior of Apis mellifera on onion, quantitative evaluation of nectar sugar concentration of onion and effect of Apis mellifera pollination on onion seed yield. The results indicated that the total sixteen insect species visited onion flowers, viz. 11 hymenopterans, 3 dipterans and 2 lepidopterans. Among these Apis mellifera, Apis dorsata, Apis florea, Xylocopa sp., Eristalis sp., Polistes sp., were found to be most frequent pollinators. The relative abundance (no. of insect/m2/10 minutes) revealed that Apis mellifera (14.02) was most dominant species followed by Apis dorsata (11.16), Apis florea (8.71), Eristalis sp. (4.11), lepidopterans (3.56) Xylocopa fenestrata (3.0), Polistes sp. (2.39) and Halictus sp. (2.11). Irrespective of species, the population was maximum (10.3/m2/10 minute) at 1300 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 behavior of Apis mellifera revealed that they started visiting onion flowers in early morning and ceased their activity later in the evening. It remained active throughout the flowering period. The foraging rate of Apis mellifera was minimum in afternoon (11.6 flowers/min) and maximum during evening (24.3 flowers/min) and its foraging speed was maximum in afternoon (12.1 sec) and minimum in evening (6.5 sec) and there was inverse relation between foraging rate and speed. The heaviest pollen load was carried by the Apis mellifera in afternoon which indicated that more pollen were collected by Apis mellifera during afternoon from onion flowers. The maximum nectar sugar concentration per flower of onion was at 1300 h (14.14%) and the minimum was at 0700 h (8.8%). The coefficient of correlation between mean nectar sugar concentration and temperature was found positive and significant while negative correlation was found with relative humidity indicating that temperature and relative humidity plays an important role in nectar sugar concentration in onion flower. The seed yield of onion increased significantly by Apis mellifera pollination. The highest number of pod set was recorded in OP (321.9), followed by BP (302.9), XP (283.4) while lowest pod set was recorded in PE (80.1). The number of seed/umbel was recorded 806.4, 755.6, 633.4 and 236.0 in OP, BP, XP, PE, respectively. The number of seed/plant was recorded 2131.3, 1971.1, 1570.1 and 506.4 in OP, BP, XP, PE, respectively. Test weight of onion seeds were 4.2 g, 4.1 g, 4.1 g, and 4.0 g in OP, BP, and XP, PE, respectively. The maximum seed yield/plant was found in OP (8.8 g) plant followed by BP (8.5 g) and XP (6.8 g). The minimum seed weight/plant was obtained in PE (2.2 g). The maximum seed yield in onion was obtained in OP (7.8 q/ha) and minimum yield was obtained in PE (2.0 q/ha), while in BP, XP was 7.3 q/ha and 5.9 q/ha, respectively. Maximum germination percentage in onion was recorded in BP (87%) followed by XP (85%), OP (84.6%). The minimum germination percentage was recorded in Pollinator Exclusion treatment (83.1 %). The yield increase over Pollinator Exclusion was highest in open pollination (290%) followed by 265%, 195% in BP, XP, respectively. The result depicts that insect pollinators provide an important pollination service to the onion seed production. Among different insect pollinators, Apis mellifera was found most efficient pollinator of onion. Utilization of Apis mellifera bee colonies for seed production in onion will be highly remunerative as due to pollination, higher quantity of quality seed is produced.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Population Dynamics of Whitefly and Thrips on Capsicum (Capsicum annum L.) and their management through use of newer insecticides under polyhouse condition
    (Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur (Bihar), 2019) Sarkar, Prapti Partha; Kumar, Manoj
    Population dynamics of whitefly and thrips on capsicum (Capsicum annum L.) and their management through the use of newer insecticides (imidacloprid @ 20 g a.i. ha- 1, thiamethoxam @ 50 g a.i. ha-1, spinosad @ 50 g a.i. ha-1, novaluron @ 75g a.i. ha-1, rynaxypyr @ 40g a.i. ha-1, indoxacarb @ 50 g a.i. ha-1, flubendiamide @ 40g a.i. ha-1) was studied in capsicum variety ‘California Wonder’ under polyhouse condition at Hi- Tech Horticulture unit of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa during Rabi 2018-19. Peak population (21.24 per three leaves) of whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) was observed on 75th day after transplanting. Temperature (max. and min.) had a positive significant correlation, while morning and evening relative humidity had a negative non-significant correlation. The correlation coefficient (r) was computed for max. Temperature (0.726), min. Temperature (0.449), morning relative humidity (-0.019) and evening relative humidity (-0.033), respectively. The weather parameters were found to contribute around 44.83 per cent impact on population of whitefly when acted together (R2 = 0.4883). In case of thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis), peak population (24.43 per three leaves) was observed on 80th day after transplanting. Temperature (max. and min.) had a positive significant correlation, while morning and evening relative humidity had a negative non-significant correlation. The correlation coefficient (r) was computed for max. Temperature (0.602), min. temperature (0.448), morning relative humidity (-0.029) and evening relative humidity (-0.016), respectively. The weather parameters were found to contribute around 51.51 per cent impact on population of Scirtothrips dorsalis when acted together (R2 = 0.5151). The mean per cent reduction in whitefly population over control after third, seventh and fourteenth day of 1st, 2nd and 3rd spray of insecticides was maximum (50.38, 63.65 and 74.78%) in Imidacloprid @ 20 g a.i. ha-1which was found superior to all the insecticidal treatments and statistically at par with thiamethoxam @ 50 g a.i.ha-1 (48.68, 59.92 and 69.03 %) and spinosad @ 50 g a.i. ha-1 (42.74, 53.84 and 64.50 %). The minimum per cent reduction was found in flubendiamide @ 40 g a.i. ha-1 (26.20, 31.64 and 45.24 %). In thrips, the mean per cent reduction in population over control after third, seventh and fourteenth day of 1st, 2nd and 3rd spray of insecticides was maximum in thiamethoxam @ 50 g a.i.ha-1 (53.46, 66.13 and 74.65%) which was found superior to all the treatments and statistically at par with imidacloprid @ 20 g a.i. ha-1 (53.46, 62.08 and 71.17 %) and spinosad @ 50 g a.i. ha-1 (49.53, 59.63 and 68.02 %). The minimum reduction was found in indoxacarb @ 50g a.i. ha-1 (27.34, 41.91 and 50.90 %).The benefit cost ratio was highest inimidacloprid @ 20 g a.i. ha- 1 (20.13:1) followed by thiamethoxam @ 50 g a.i.ha-1(17.59:1) and spinosad @ 50 g a.i. ha-1(15.45:1).
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    ThesisItemOpen 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, Rabindra
    Population 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.
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    ThesisItemOpen 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. Abbas
    During 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.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    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%).