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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 Studies on management of aphid (Lipaphis erysimi Kalt.) on mustard(DRPCAU, Pusa, 2020) Mishra, Matangi; Mukherjee, UIn order to develop strategies for management of mustard aphid (Lipaphis erysimi Kalt.), an investigation entitled Studies on Management of Aphid (Lipaphis erysimi Kalt.) on Mustard was carried out at the Research farm, Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi, Muzaffarpur, Bihar (India). A series of experiments were conducted during two consecutive rabi seasons during 2017-18 and 2018-19. Results pertaining to different aspects of present study viz., population dynamics of mustard aphid (Lipaphis erysimi Kalt.) under different environmental factors, exploring the possibility of management of aphid on mustard through manipulations in dates of sowing, screening of mustard genotypes for resistance against mustard aphid, relative field efficacy of some synthetic insecticides against mustard aphid (Lipaphis erysimi Kalt.) are mentioned below: The incidence of aphid started from fourth standard week for both the years. Maximum number of mustard aphids attack on top 10 cm inflorescence of mustard was observed during the tenth standard week in both the years (222.4 in 2017-18 and 198.8 in 2018-19). However, the insect vanished in the thirteenth standard week for both the years. During first year (2017-18), maximum as well as minimum temperature, RH were correlated positively with mustard aphid but in 2018-19, maximum temperature, rainfall and no. of rainy days showed a negative impact on the insect outbreak; minimum temperature, RH (0700 hr and 1400 hr) were correlated positively. The R2 for mustard aphid in 2017-18 and 2018-19 were reported to be 78.4 % and 52.4 % respectively. Two natural enemies namely- Coccinella septempunctata and Syrphid fly were witnessed during both the experimental years. The predator incidence was from sixth standard week and their peak was observed in the tenth standard week (Coccinella septempunctata, 5.40 and Syrphid fly, 4.20) during the first year. However, in 2018-19, the population of natural enemies were at their peak in ninth standard week (Coccinella septempunctata 3.6 and Syrphid fly 2.4). Meanwhile, they disappeared in thirteenth standard week for both the years. In 2017-18, RH (1400 hr) was negatively correlated while RH (0700 hr), temperature (maximum and minimum) was correlated positively. In 2018-19, maximum and minimum temperature, rainfall, number of rainy days had a negative correlation but RH (0700 hr and 1400 hr) was found positively ii correlated. The R2 for Syrphid fly and Coccinella septempunctata in 2017-18 was 81.5 and 74.9 respectively while for 2018-19 the R2 was 76.6 % for Syrphid fly and 74.1 % for Coccinella septempunctata. By manipulating the dates of sowing, it was observed that the crops sown on last date possessed maximum mean number of aphid infestation for both the years (23.15 in 2017-18 and 44.64 in 2018-19). The yield was reported maximum on the crops sown on first date i.e. October 10th 1277.50 kg/ha in 2017-18 and 1245.00 kg/ha in 2018-19 along with the test weight of 250 seeds. It was observed that the crops sown earlier were reported with minimum mean number of aphids for both the years. While screening forty advanced genotype, not a single genotype/variety was found highly resistant in two years of experimentation. The mean number of aphids per 10 cm inflorescence ranged from 91.5 to 311.1 during 2017-18 while in second experimental year i.e. 2018-19, the mean number ranged in between 93.5 to 327.0. DRMR-1165-40 was reported to have minimum infestation both the years (i.e., 2017- 18 and 2018-19). Maximum genotypes in both years of investigation were found to be susceptible, followed by moderate and highly susceptible categories. The bio efficacy of newer pesticides against mustard aphid was tested during two consecutive rabi seasons of 2017-18 and 2018-19. The trend of mustard aphid population (mean number) obtained was: T1 (78.00 to 70.00), in T2 (84.00 to 77.40), T3 had a reduction from 86.80 to 79.80, T4 (89.00 to 82.2), in T5 92.00 to 84.80, T6 and T7 were reduced from 91.30 to 85.50 and 95.00 to 87.20 respectively. Meanwhile, in T8 the number of insects observed were maximum (134.00 to 137.96) during 2017-18. Meanwhile, during 2018-19, the mean number of aphid followed the trend as: Thiamethoxam (86.00 to 77.25) followed by Indoxacarb (88.00 to 81.78) followed by Novaluron (90.00 to 84.42).Spinosad (93.00 to 86.40) remained in the middle followed by Dimethoate (92.00 to 86.97), YSBE (95.00 to 90.13) and Neem Oil (95.00 to 90.87). In the untreated control, the mean number of aphid population range was as: 123.00 to 127.19. The yield in T1 (1230 kg/ha) during 2017-18 and (1171 kg/ha) in 2018-19 was found to be maximum along with the test weight (250 seed in gram) 1.080g in 2017-18 and 1.040 g in 2018-19. All the treatments showed reduction in mean number of mustard aphids except for the untreated control i.e. treatment, T8.ThesisItem Open Access Studies on resistance factors of maize plant against maize spotted stem borer, Chilo Partellus (Swinhoe)(DRPCAU, Pusa, 2020) Yadav, Manish Kumar; Rai, Arbind KumarAn experiment has been conducted during the year 2018 and 2019, in the cropping season of Kharif with twenty-five maize genotypes viz., Shaktiman-1, Shaktiman-2, Shaktiman-3, Shaktiman-4, Shaktiman-5, Devaki, Laxmi, Suwan, RHM-1, RHM-2, RHM-3, Deep Jwala, P-3535, P-3533, P-3550, P-3555, Dekalb-9188, Dekalb-9170, New Cross 76×11, New Cross 72×70, New Cross 73×11, New Cross 73×74, New Cross 52×65, New Cross 53×52 and New Cross 50×58 to assess their physical, biochemicals and molecular characteristic and find correlation between infestation levels and different traits under these observations. The physical characters included stem height, stem thickness, number of nodes, inter-node length, number of leaves, leaf length, leaf width, number of trichomes, trichome lengths and leaf angle between stem and leaf. Biochemical analyses included analysis of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, protein and chlorophyll including chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll while molecular analysis deled with real time analysis of closeness of different genotypes among each other in the term of morphological and biochemical traits. The crop sown in the Kharif in RBD design with 4 replications and for the infestation, artificial infestation has been done at the rate of 5 neonate larvae per plant on ten randomly selected plants in each replication. The data for physical characteristics was recorded at two different stages namely after 40 days of sowing and just before the tasseling stage, for biochemicals, the data was recorded of 40 days old plant while for SSR analysis, the genotypes were sown in pots separately. For the rating of infestation, leaf injury score method was adopted and infestation symptoms were rated in the scale of 1 to 9. The measurement of physical traits like stem height, leaf length and width, internode lengths were measured with the help of measuring scale while trichome density was counted with help of magnifying ocular. The data of stem thickness was recorded with help of slide caliper while the data of trichome length was recorded with help of binocular. The data of biochemicals like Nitrogen and protein have been recorded with kjel-dal and Winkelman’s formulae. Potassium was recorded with help of flame photometer while chlorophyll and phosphorus were recorded with the help of spectrophotometer. The molecular data was done with extraction of DNA and SSR analysis to obtain molecular level of diversity in the term of closeness of different genotypes. The infestation data was recorded after 20 days of artificial infestation and data leaf injury score was recorded. Total infestation per cent data was recorded on the bases of different larval injury and its immature stages presence and also other indices like excreta, pupal cases, exit holes, tunneling length were recorded after tasseling stage by splitting the stem of all maize genotypes. Recorded traits, i.e., morphological traits like height of plant, stem thickness, number of nodes, inter-node length, number of leaves, leaves length and width, trichome density and length of trichomes and biochemicals like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, protein and chlorophyll (chlorophylls a, b and total chlorophyll) influenced by several interdependent environmental fluctuations leading to an difference in tracking of these traits. But these characteristics were found to be closely associated in related genotypes. 39 There are several traits that have been identified as contributing in resistance against Chilo partellus in maize plants and a correlation between these traits and infestation have been developed to understand the quantitative relationship in different levels of pest infestation in different genotypes. In case of plant height, it was negatively significantly affecting. As per the results, it was recorded that genotypes having maximum height, were found to be less infested with the Chilo partellus. Stem diameter showed a positive but non-significant effect on infestation of maize spotted stem borer. It was observed that thicker stem supports more feeding of Chilo partellus but there is no such observation to establish a significant correlation between stem thickness and infestation. Number of nodes and inter-node length showed a negative and positive correlation respectively but non-significant association between infestation and number of nodes. Number of leaves, leaf length and leaf width are basically characterization of leaf and important in infestation due to they used as egg laying and initial feeding substrate and ultimately providing support to move towards to whorl and for further feeding. These characteristics were found to be non-significant positively correlated with infestation. It was observed that broad leaf genotypes were more susceptible in compare to narrow leaf genotypes. In case of maize, non-glandular type of trichomes are found and distributed on both leaf surfaces and stem while on lower surface very less numbers of trichomes are found in a few genotypes. They can inhibit infestation in many ways including the inhibition of egg laying and movement of neonate towards the leaf whorl. There are significant negative association between trichome density and infestation, while in case of trichome length, a positive significant association has been found. Leaf angle was measured between the stem and leaf and it was observed that plants with minimum leaf angles, found to be having greater infestation. A negative and significant correlation has been observed between leaf angle and infestation of Chilo partellus. Nitrogen and protein were recorded to be positively correlated with the infestation of maize spotted stem borer, Chilo partellus up to a significant level as it was observed that genotypes having maximum amount of nitrogen and protein showed more infestation. Nitrogen is a basic and major nutrient, required for vegetative growth and it make plants more valuable for insects more development. Many earlier workers have reported same association between nitrogen, protein and infestation. Phosphorus found in minor amount and showed a positive correlation with infestation but not up to the significant level. Potassium is very important in case of inducing resistance in plants. It was observed that genotypes having greater amount of potassium, showed less infestation of maize spotted stem borer, Chilo partellus. The association between infestation and potassium was recorded as negative and significant. Many earlier workers have reported same association between potassium and infestation. Chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll reported to be having positive correlation with infestation and chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll were found positive significant while total chlorophyll content showed non-significant association with infestation.ThesisItem Open Access Population dynamics and management of insect pests of rice and their natural enemies in different rice cultivation systems in Bihar(DRPCAU, Pusa, 2020) Ramesh, Kumbhar Chaitanya; Singh, S. PInvestigations were carried out to record the population dyanamics and Management of Insect Pests of Rice and their Natural Enemies in different Rice Cultivation Systems in rice CV Rajendra Bhagwati in Pusa, Bihar. Field experiments were conducted at the Research Farm, RPCAU, Pusa and in the Laboratory, Department of Entomology, RPCAU, Pusa during Kharif, 2016 and 2017. Results pertaining to different aspects of the study viz. to study the dynamics of pest species composition of rice stem borers, to ascertain the population dynamics and management of stem borers, leaf folder and Gundhi bug, to study the population dynamics of different natural enemies, to assess the efficacy of different insecticides against different insect pests and its effect on different natural enemies have been abstracted below: All the four species of stem borer of rice viz. yellow stem borer, Scirpophaga incertulas (Walker), pink stem borer, Sesamia inferens (Walker), white stem borer, Scirpophaga innotata (Walker) and dark headed striped borer, Chilo polychrysus (Meyrick) were prevalent during the crop season. However, yellow stem borer was found to be dominant over other species of stem borer and showed consistency with higher population in the entire four cultivation system viz. transplanting (92.70 to 93.50%), drum seeded (91.22 to 92.10%), direct seeded (94.00 to 95.17%) and SRI (89.10 to 90.00%) (System of Rice Intensification) during Kharif, 2016 and 2017, respectively. Highest population of leaf folder and gundhi bug were found in direct seeded followed by transplanting, drum seeded and SRI cultivation system with 8.73 & 17.39, 8.48 & 15.20, 6.51 & 14.63 and 6.12 & 13.61/ five sweeping net, respectively. (Plooed mean Kharif 2016 & 2017). Among all cultivation systems highest spider population were found in SRI with 13.40 followed by transplanting with 12.21 numbers of Spiders/ sq m. Lowest spider population was found in Direct seeded with 9.45 followed by Drum seeded with 10.82 numbers of Spiders/sq m. Almost similarly highest population of ladybird beetle, ground beetle and mirid bug were recorded in SRI with 16.01, 4.04 and 4.10 followed by Drum seeded with 14.26, 3.63 and 3.84; Transplanting with 13.34, 3.23 and 3.63 and direct seeded with 12.37, 3.12, 3.39 numbers of /sq m, respectively. Highest numbers of population of dragonfly and damselfly were recorded in SRI with 9.10 and 4.49 followed by Transplanting with 8.53 and 4.41 Drum seeded with 8.17 and 3.86 and 7.65 and 3.69 numbers/five sweeping nets, respectively. Seasonal incidence of Yellow stem borer (1.00 to 16.28 %, 1.71 to 17.02 %, 2.11 to 17.86 % and 2.71 to 14.85 %), Pink stem borer (1.33 to 5.91%, 1.05 to 6.52%, 1.54 to 6.70% and 0.80 to 5.43%), White stem borer (1.11 to 5.31%, 1.00 to 5.46%, 1.45 to 6.39% and 1.44 to 5.44 %) and Dard headed stem borer (0.53 to 5.42%, 0.29 to 5.74 %, 1.05 to 5.96% and 0.69 to 5.12%) were observed in transplanting, drum seeded, direct seeded and SRI cultivation system, respectively, during 4th week of July (30th SMW) to 1st week October (40th SMW). The prevailing measured weather parameters; maximum and minimum temperatures range of 31.80 0C to 33.80 and 25.9 to 26.50C, maximum and minimum relative humidities 86.00 to 90.50 per cent 68.00 to 74.50 per cent and weekly rainfall 0.0 to 152.2 mm were found during infestation period. Seasonal incidences of Rice stem borers (YSB, PSB, WSB, and DHSB) in different rice cultivation system was found in the ranges of 0.56 to 20.60 percent, 1.10 to 16.66 percent and 1.35 to 21.76 percent in transplanting, drum seeded, and direct seeded cultivation system, respectively, during 4th week of September (39th SMW) to 2nd week November (46th SMW). However, in SRI cultivation system white earhead symptom was found in the range of 0.07 to 16.78 per cent during 3rd week of September (38th SMW) to 1st week November (45th SMW). The prevailing measured weather parameters; maximum and minimum temperatures range of 31.80 0C to 33.80 and 25.9 to 26.50C, maximum and minimum relative humidities 86.00 to 90.50 per cent 68.00 to 74.50 per cent and weekly rainfall 0.0 to 152.2 mm were found during infestation period. Rice leaf folder incidence in different rice cultivation system was found in the ranges of 1.86 to 18.65 percent, 1.10 to 18.07 percent, 1.14 to 20.95 percent and 0.18 to 16.56 percent in transplanting, drum seeded, direct seeded and SRI cultivation system, respectively during 4th week of July (30th SMW) to 4th week October (44th SMW). The prevailing measured weather parameters; maximum and minimum temperatures range of 31.80 0C to 33.80 and 25.9 to 26.50C, maximum, and minimum relative humidities 86.00 to 90.50 per cent and 68.00 to 74.50 per cent and weekly rainfall 0.0 to 152.2 mm were found during infestation period. Seasonal incidence of rice gundhi bug in different rice cultivation were found in the ranges of 0.14 to 3.56; 0.07 to 4.05;0.15 to 4.97 and 0.30 to 3.18 in transplanting, drum seeded, direct seeded and SRI cultivation system, respectively, during 1st week of August (31st SMW) to 4th week October (43th SMW). The prevailing measured weather parameters: maximum and minimum temperatures range of 31.80 0C to 33.80 and 25.9 to 26.50C, maximum, and minimum relative humidities 86.00 to 90.50 per cent 68.00 to 74.50 per cent and weekly rainfall 0.0 to 152.2 mm were found during infestation period. All the treatments were found significantly superior over untreated control in respect to per cent mean Deadheart (DH) and White earhead (WEH). Among the all treatments Imidacloprid 17.8SL (4.20%, 1.37%, 1.33% and 1.62% DH) and Thiamethoxam 25WG (4.94%, 1.69%, 1.51% and DH) were found most effective in reducing percent deadheart caused by Yellow stem borer, Pink stem borer, White stem borer and Dark headed stem borer, respectively over the standard check Monocrotophos 36SL (6.73%, 1.95%, 1.68%, and 2.18% DH). However, among the all treatments Imidacloprid 17.8SL (8.58% WEH) and Thiamethoxam 25WG (9.33%WEH) were found most effective in reducing percent white earhead over the standard check Monocrotophos 36SL (12.86% WEH). All the treatments were found significantly superior over untreated control in respect to per cent mean damaged leaf (DL) infestation caused by rice leaf folder. Among the all treatments, Acephate 75SP (6.80% DL) followed by Imidacloprid 17.8SL (7.59% DL), Thiamethoxam 25WG (8.32% DL) were found most effective in reducing percent damaged leaf over the standard check Monocrotophos 36SL (11.18% DL). All the treatments were found significantly superior over untreated control in respect to number of gundi bug. Among the all treatments Imidacloprid 17.8SL (0.64/hill) and Thiamethoxam 25WG (0.87/hill) were found most effective in reducing Gundhi bug population over the standard check Monocrotophos 36SL (1.08/hill). Mean yield production was varied widely from 39.22 to 49.35q/ha with maximum and minimum being in treatment of insecticide component and untreated control, respectively. Highest yield with 49.35 q/ha and 47.78 q/ha were recorded from Imidacloprid 17.8SL and Thiamethoxam 25WG treated plots. Among all treatments Buprofezin 25SC Dinotefuron 20SG Monocrotophos 36SL Thiamethoxam 25WG Imidacloprid 17.8SL and Acephate 75SP were recorded maximum survived spider, ladybird beetle, dragonfly, damselfly, ground beetle and mirid bug population over standard check Monocrotophos 36SL.ThesisItem Open Access Studies on insect pest complex of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) and their management(DRPCAU, Pusa, 2020) Kumar, Ram; Singh, P. P.In order to study the population dynamics and management of okra shoot and fruit borer, Earias vittella Fabricius, whitefly, Bemisia tabaci Gennadius, jassid, Amrasca bigutulla bigutulla Ishida, and red spider mite, Tetranychus cinnabarinus Boisduval, a series of field experiments were conducted during two consecutive years i.e. Kharif, 2018 and 2019 at the Research Farm, Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi, Muzaffarapur (Bihar). Results related to different aspects of the present study viz. population dynamics, screening of different okra varieties, intercropping effect of different crops and foliar application of insecticides applied against pests of okra have been abstracted below: The shoot damage was first noticed during 29th standard week (3.84 %) whereas, its peak activity was observed during 31st standard week (10.09 %) when the prevailing abiotic factors viz. maximum temperature, minimum temperature, relative humidity at 7 hrs and 14 hrs and rainfall were 34.00 ºC, 26.25 ºC, 97.75 per cent, 83.25 per cent and 5.57 mm, respectively and remained active up to the 34th standard week (2.85 %). After fruit appearance, the larva moved to the fruit and caused damage. Initiation of fruit damage was noticed during 31st standard week (4.91 %) and continued till 41st standard week (6.44 %) i.e. end of the crop seasons with the highest fruit damage (29.30 %) during 34th standard week when the prevailing weather parameters viz. maximum temperature, minimum temperature, relative humidity at 7 hrs and 14 hrs and rainfall were 35.75 ºC, 27.35 ºC, 97.60 per cent, 69.20 per cent and nil, respectively. However, the larva appearance on okra fruit was first noticed during 31st standard week (1.13 larva/ 25 fruit) with its peak during 34th standard week (7.13 larva/ 25 fruit). Its activity was traced up to last harvest of the fruit (1.11 larva/ 25 fruit). The activity of whitefly, jassid and mite on okra plant commenced during 27th standard week, while their peak activity and appearance period on crop varied remarkably. The peak activity of whitefly was recorded during 31st standard week (7.59 whitefly/ 3 leaves) when the mean corresponding weather parameters viz; maximum, minimum temperature, relative humidity at 07 and 14 hrs and rainfall prevailed around 34.0 oC, 26.3 oC, 97.8 per cent, 83.3 per cent and 5.6mm, respectively, but it persisted up to 35th standard week (6.60 – 2.69 whitefly/3 leaves). Contrary to this, the peak activity of jassid (14.38 jassid/ 3 leaves) and mite (13.97 mite/2 cm2) was observed during 34th and 36th standard week, respectively. The incidence of jassid and mite were observed throughout the crop season while, its population was relatively more in reproductive stage of the crop. The appearance of natural enemies (coccinellid and spider) emerged with pests incidence i.e. 27th standard week (0.38 coccinelids and 0.44 spiders/ 5 plant, respectively) and persisted till the end of crop season. However, their highest population was noted during 35th standard week (4.56 coccinelids and 3.94 spiders/ 5 plant, respectively). A relationship between pests population and weather parameters were established to assess the impact of abiotic factors on pests population. The maximum temperature, minimum temperature and relative humidity at 7 hrs inferred positive but non-significant effect on shoot damage, fruit damage and larval population. However, relative humidity at 14 hrs exerted negative and significant effect on per cent fruit damage and larval population. Further, the effect of rainfall on per cent shoot damage, per cent fruit damage and larval population was found negative and non-significant. All the prevailing weather parameters viz. maximum temperature, minimum temperature, relative humidity at 7 hrs, and 14 hrs and rainfall collectively shared 61.60, 48.56 and 50.82 per cent contribution towards shoot damage, fruit damage and larval population fluctuation, respectively. In case of whitefly, the maximum temperature and minimum temperature were reported to respond positively with significant effect while relative humidity at 7 hrs and 14 hrs were found to effect positively but had non-significant correlation with whitefly population. Further, rainfall exerted negative and non-significant effect on whitefly population. The effect of minimum temperature and relative humidity at 7 hrs were found to respond positively but had non-significant effect on jassid and mite population while, the influence of maximum temperature on jassid was positive and highly significant but it was positive and non-significant on mite population. The effect of relative humidity at 14 hrs and rainfall inferred negative and non-significant impact on jassid and mite population. The cumulative effect of all the weather parameters collectively contributed 64.67, 53.78 and 16.25 per cent towards whitefly, jassid and mite population, respectively as indicated by R2 value (R2 = 0.6467, 0.5378 and 0.1625, respectively). Maximum temperature had positive and highly significant effect on coccinellid and spider population. But, the effect of minimum temperature and relative humidity at 7 hrs were found positive but non-significant on coccinellid and spider population. Further, the relative humidity at 14 hrs and rainfall had negative and non-significant relationship with coccinelid and spider population. The effect of all the weather parameters together governed 49.90 and 48.23 per cent to the coccinelids and spider population build up, respectively. Among the fifteen okra varieties evaluated for their susceptibility to okra shoot and fruit borer, it may be inferred that Kashi Satdhari (2.60%) was the most superior variety as it recorded lowest per cent shoot damage followed by D-1-87-5 (3.62%) and Pusa A-4 (4.24%). On the contrary, Pusa Sawani (16.23%) recorded highest level of shoot infestation followed by SB-2 (13.74%) as against Kashi Pragati (check) 10.08 per cent. Further, okra variety Kashi Satdhari (7.87%) recorded lowest fruit infestation and was considered as least susceptible variety which was at par with NO-136 (8.77%), D-1-87-5 (9.12%) and Kashi Leela (9.38%). Amongst all the okra varieties evaluated for their susceptibility to fruit infestation, Pusa Sawani and VRO-03 recorded relatively higher fruit infestation i.e. 35.17 and 33.41 per cent, respectively and registered as the most inferior varieties against (26.12%) Kashi Pragati (check). Out of fifteen okra varieties, the maximum whitefly population was recorded in Pusa Sawani (4.50 whitefly/ 3 leaves) which was statistically at par with VRO-03 (4.18 whitefly/ 3 leaves) as against check Kashi Pragati (3.69 whitefly/ 3 leaves). However, the lowest whitefly population was recorded in Kashi Satdhari (1.50 whitefly/ 3 leaves) which was at par with Kashi Leela (1.58), Kashi Lalima (1.63) and SB-8 (1.64) per three leaves. Amongst fifteen varieties screened, NO-136 registered minimum infestation (2.99 jassid/ 3 leaves) thus inferred as the best variety while Pusa Sawani recorded maximum jassid population (11.56 jassid/ 3 leaves) as against 9.20 jassid per three leaves in Kashi Pragati (check). Against mite infestation in okra variety, Masina-1 was found the most susceptible variety as it harboured the highest infestation (11.78 mite/ 2 cm2) which was at par with D-1-87-5 (10.42) and Ankur-41 (9.93) as against Kashi Pragati (check) 9.82 mite per two square centimetre. Whereas, the lowest mite population was observed on Kashi Satdhari (3.78 mite/ 2 cm2) followed by Kashi Lalima (2.58) and Pusa-A-4 (5.94 mite/ 2 cm2) regarded as the least susceptible host among all the tested varieties. The maximum number of primary branches (2.55/ plant), fruit angle (51.30º), number of lateral veins (70.88/ leaf) and leaf moisture (86.21%) were found in Ankur-41. On the contrary, the minimum number of primary branches, fruit angle, number of lateral veins and leaf moisture were recorded in Azad Bhindi-1 (0.20/ plant), VRO-03 (13.39º), SB-8 (36.26/ leaf) and Kashi Sathari (80.55%), respectively. Among all the fifteen okra varieties, SB-2 bears the maximum fruit yield (131.42 g) and fruit width (1.95 cm) whereas, the same was found minimum in NO-136 (79.76 g) and Ankur-41 (1.27 cm). The lowest trichome density on leaf lamina (5.57/ cm), midrib (5.67/ cm) and side vein (9.17/ cm) were recorded in SB-2 whereas, on fruit (292.44/ cm2) the minimum trichome density was recorded in okra variety Pusa Sawani. Moreover, the okra variety NO-136 recorded maximum trichomes per unit area on leaf lamina (29.77/ cm), midrib (27.82/ cm) and side vein (23.22/ cm) but, the maximum trichomes per unit area on fruit was recorded in SB-2 (480.52/ cm). The trichome length varied significantly among the tested varieties with minimum in SB-2 (3.02 μm) at leaf lamina and Kashi Pragati at fruit (3.98 μm), respectively. While on midrib (3.83 μm) and side vein (4.19 μm), it was the shortest in Pusa Sawani. In addition, NO-136 obtained the longest trichome at leaf lamina (7.01 μm), midrib (7.61 μm), side vein (8.21 μm) and fruit (7.27 μm). The availability of secondary metabolites varied among different varieties. The phenol and flavonoid content per gram of leaf was found maximum in Kashi Satdhari (0.339 mg and 0.177 mg, respectively) while, it was the lowest in SB-2 (0.157 mg/g) and Pusa Sawani (0.035 mg/g). Apart from this, the maximum tannin was available in No-136 (0.950 mg/ g) whereas, it was minimum in Pusa Sawani (0.098 mg/g). Amongst fifteen varieties, the potassium content was minimum in Pusa-A-4 (0.398%) while, its highest concentration was observed in Kashi Lalima (0.880%). Moreover, the maximum and minimum phosphorus content was recorded in Kashi Satdhari (0.545%) and Masina-1 (0.204%). The correlation studies between phytomorphometric attributes and fruit infestation ascribed by okra shoot and fruit borer clearly indicated that the fruit angle, fruit yield and plant height had positive but non-significant association with fruit infestation, while the primary branches showed positive and significant effect. The fruit infestation was found negatively associated with fruit width, fruit length, seed per fruit, trichome density on fruit and leaf moisture content. Moreover, trichome length on fruit had highly significant effect on fruit infestation. The correlation of whitefly population with trichome density, trichome length, primary branches and fruit yield were negative and non significant. Further, it was found that plant height, moisture content and number of lateral veins per leaf had positive and non-significant correlation with whitefly population. The trichome effect on jassid population was also found negative and non significant except trichome density on fruit and trichome length on leaf lamina. Unlike, the plant height, primary branches per plant, moisture content and number of lateral veins per leaf showed positive and non significant on jassid population. The mite incidence had negative and non-significant correlation with trichome except trichome density on leaf lamina which showed significant and negative effect on mite incidence and trichome length on side vein. However, the plant height, moisture content and number of lateral veins per leaf showed positive and non significant effect on mite population. Additionally, the primary branches per plant showed positive and significant association with mite population. The correlation of all the biochemical and nutritional factors viz. phenol, flavonoid, tannin, potassium and phosphorus showed negative impact on growth and development of shoot and fruit borer, whitefly, jassid and mite and thus reduce the population. Among the different crop combinations the lowest shoot damage (5.00%) was recorded in okra + cowpea (1:1) intercropping followed by okra + cowpea (2:1) and okra + sorghum (1:1) while the highest shoot damage (6.65%) was registered in okra + maize (2:1) intercropping system as against okra mono-croppping (7.69%). Similarly, the minimum fruit damage (12.25%) was recorded in okra + cowpea (1:1) crop combination which was statistically similar with okra + cowpea (2:1), okra + sorghum (1:1) and okra + sorghum (2:1) while the maximum fruit damage (16.41%) was registered in okra + maize (2:1) intercropping as against okra as a sole crop (18.42%). The influence of intercrops in reducing whitefly population was found maximum (3.08 whitefly/ 3 leaves) in okra + cowpea (1:1) intercropping system thus, referred as the most suitable crop combination among all and found statistically at par with okra + cowpea (2:1) and okra + sorghum (1:1) as against okra mono-cropping (4.95 whitefly/ 3 leaves). However, among all the crop combinations the maximum whitefly infestation (4.95 whitefly/ 3 leaves) was registered in okra + maize (2:1). Similarly, okra + cowpea (1:1) crop combinations also recorded minimum jassid infestation (6.10 jassid/ 3 leaves) and considered as the most efficient crop combination which was statistically at par with okra + cowpea (2:1) and okra + sorghum (1:1) as against okra monocropping (9.86 jassid/ 3 leaves). Moreover, the crop combination which was least effective in managing jassid infestation was okra + maize (2:1). With reference to mite infestation, okra + cowpea (1:1) crop combination proved as the most promising (6.92 mite/ 2 cm2) and was statistically aligned with okra + cowpea (2:1) and okra + sorghum (1:1) as against okra monocropping (9.87 mite/ 2 cm2). Moreover, okra + maize (2:1) crop combination was found least effective (8.76 mite/ 2 cm2) in managing mite infestation. From the natural enemies conservation point of view too, okra + cowpea (1:1) crop combination was proved to be the most efficient and recorded the highest coccinellid (6.02 coccinellids/ plant) and spider (4.88 spiders/ plant) population which behaved statistically at par with okra + cowpea (2:1) as against okra monocropping (4.02 coccinellids/ plant and 3.37 spiders/ plant). Furthermore, okra + maize (2:1) crop combination proved less beneficial for narural enemies conservation. Intercropping of cowpea with okra (2:1) found most superior crop combination as it recorded the maximum yield (89.0 q/ha) over sole crop (109.35 q/ha), while the minimum yield (64.5 q/ha) was obtained in maize intercropped with okra (1:1). It was critical to mention that the okra + cowpea (1:1) recorded the maximum LER (1.31) followed by okra + cowpea 1.20 at 2:1 and okra + sorghum 1.19 at 1:1 crop ratio thus rated as more efficient intercropping system over sole okra crop. On the contrary, okra intercropped with maize (2:1) was found less efficient (0.99) than the okra sole. The maximum okra equivalent yield (111.4 q/ha) was recorded in okra + cowpea intercropping (1:1) while it was minimum (100.9 q/ha) in okra + maize (2:1). Out of nine insecticides applied, three round application of profenofos 50 EC @ 500g a.i./ha at fortnightly interval was found to afford maximum protection to the okra crop against shoot and fruit borer infestation (2.55% shoot damage and 5.69% fruit damage) followed by spinosad 45 SC @ 50g a.i./ha and thiamethoxam 25 WG @ 25g a.i./ha as against untreated control (8.42% shoot damage and 18.62% fruit damage). However, among botanicals used, YBSE 5% was found better in reducing the shoot and fruit borer infestation. Further, after three spraying at fifteen days interval population of whitefly (0.50/ 3 leaves) and jassid (0.63/ 3 leaves) were found minimum in thiamethoxam 25 WG @ 25g a.i./ha treated plot which was statistically at par with acetamiprid 20 SP and profenofos 50 EC as against untreated control (5.74 whitefly/ 3 leaves and 14.12 jassid/ 3 leaves). Among the botanicals, the most promising plant product was YBSE 5% followed by NSKE 5% and Neem oil 3%. Three foliar spray of profenofos 50 EC @ 500g a.i./ha (4.74 mite/ 2 cm2) at fortnightly interval recorded better results in controlling mite incidence but their effect was not much pronounced as against untreated control (11.48 mite/ 2 cm2). However, the efficacy of neem oil 3% against mite infestation was the lowest (9.60 mite/ 2 cm2) among evaluated insecticides. The botanicals used were not much effective in controlling mite population. Three round applications of profenofos 50 EC (@ 500 g a.i./ha) recorded highest fruit yield (152.9 q/ha), while the neem oil 3% yielded the lowest (131.1 q/ha) as against untreated control (112.1 q/ha). Among the plant products, YBSE 5% yielded higher okra fruit (136.2 q/ha) as compared to other botanicals but its effect was less pronounced than chemical insecticides. The benefit-cost ratio of different treatments used as foliar application differed remarkably. It was highest (12.78:1) in case of profenofos 50 EC which was closely followed by acetamiprid 20 SP (11.57:1) and thiamethoxam 25 WG (10.11:1).ThesisItem Open Access Population dynamics and management of major insect pests of rice in relation to prevailing climaticfactors(DRPCAU, Pusa, 2020) Longkumer, I Yimjenjang; Misra, A. K.The survey conducted during Kharif 2018 and 2019 to assess the population dynamics of five insect pests of rice in relation to prevailing climatic conditions showed that the peak incidence of stem borer was recorded at 35th standard week (1st September) with a mean incidence of 9.26 and 8.96 per cent dead heart in both the years respectively whereas, white earhead recorded the peak incidence of 9.98 and 9.28 per cent during 42nd (20th October) standard week in both the years respectively. The highest activity of rice leaf folder was recorded at 34th standard week (25th August) and 36th standard week (8th september) with a mean incidence of 8.39 and 9.81 % leaf damage during Kharif, 2018 and 2019 respectively. Incase of whorl maggot the highest incidence was recorded during 38th standard week (22nd september) when the minimum temperature was 24.4°C, maximum temperature 31.8°C and relative humidity morning 91% and the highest incidence during Kharif, 2019 was recorded at 40th standard week (6th October). The highest per cent silver shoot of 7.36 and 7.83 was recorded during 35th standard week (1st September) in both the years. Similarly, the highest incidence of 7.09 and 6.82 per cent damage grains caused by gundhi bug was recorded at 45th standard week and 44th standard week during Kharif, 2018 and 2019 respectively. The impact of IPM components as compared to farmer’s practices revealed that the incidence of stem borer recorded 15 DAT to 113 DAT varied widely ranging from 1.17 to 5.42 per cent in IPM module whereas, in farmer’s practices the incidence varied from 4.88 to 6.95 during Kharif, 2018. Incase of the incidence of leaf damage from 15 DAT to 113 DAT ranged from 2.94 to 7.94 per cent incidence of leaf damage as compared to 6.61 to 10.06 per cent leaf damage in farmers practices. Similarly, it was evident that the incidence of stem borer recorded at 15 DAT up to 113 DAT varied widely ranging from 0.98 to 6.12 per cent in IPM module whereas, in farmer’s practices the incidence varied from 6.51 to 10.19 during Kharif, 2019. The data on effect of IPM technologies as against farmer’s practices presented shows that the incidence of leaf damage recorded from 15 DAT to 113 DAT ranged from 2.46 to 6.26 per cent incidence of leaf damage as compared to 6.94 to 9.97 per cent leaf damage in farmers practices. The biodiversity of natural enemies was assessed from 30 days after transplanting (DAT) till harvest of the rice crop. The survey results during Kharif 2018 and 2019 showed that 37 species from 17 families belonging to 6 insect orders and 13 species of spiders from 12 genera under 8 families constituted the fauna of natural enemies in rice ecosystem. Spiders, Coccinellids, damselflies and dragonflies were noticed in the rice field from the first observation. The relative effectiveness for new insecticides was evaluated against rice stem borer, rice leaffolder and white back plant hopper. The lowest per cent mean stem borer incidence of 5.43 was recorded with the application of Fipronil 5 SC @75gha-1 whereas, leaf damage caused by Cnaphalocrocis medinalis was lowest in Imidacloprid 17.8 SL @300/ha treated plot with a mean incidence of 3.62 per cent. The lowest per cent population of Sogatella furcifera (6.18) was recorded in the plots treated with Imidacloprid 17.8 SL @300/ha. The relative efficacy of various essential oils was also evaluated against insect pest complex of rice. Among the essential oils tested against lepidopterous insect-pests of rice viz., rice stem borer and rice leaf folder, Camphor oil @1000 ml/ha recorded the lowest incidence of 8.90 and 9.19 per cent. However, Neemazal @1000 ml/ha proved to be superior over other essential oils in reducing the population green leaf hopper, white backed hopper and hispa with a mean population of 6.77, 6.50 and 8.05 per cent. Similarly, Neemazal @1000 recorded the lowest incidence of 9.27 per cent silver shoot caused by gall midge and 7.17 per cent leaf damage caused by whorl maggot.ThesisItem Open Access Comparative morphology, life-history traits, population dynamics and management of two Bactrocera species (Diptera: Tephritidae) infesting cucurbits(Rajendra Agricultural University, 2012) Prasad, Uday Kumar; Agarwal, M. L.Two ecological homologue fruit fly species, viz. Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) and B. tau (Walker) (Diptera: Tephritidae: Dacinae: Dacini) are most pernicious pests of most cucurbits in India and many other countries. Studies/ experiments were carried out on their comparative morphology, biology, population dynamics and effect of weather components on the same, and control strategies by using different combination of baits, attractant and insecticide. Notes are given on the nomenclatural status and distribution of these Bactrocera species. Comparative morphological descriptions and illustrations have been given for immature stages, viz. eggs, three larval instars and pupae of these two Bactrocera species. Length and width of eggs of these species were 1.20-1.38 and 0.25-0.30 mm and 1.3-1.6 and 0.22-0.24 mm, respectively. In egg of B. cucurbitae anterior area behind micropyle was mammilate. Larval instars of these species had differences in the structures of their cephalopharyngeal skeletons, spiracles and caudal segments. Mouthhooks of third instar larvae of B. cucurbitae have small preapical teeth and the same was absent in B. tau. Numbers of tubules on outer margin of anterior spiracles were 17-20 and 14-16 in B. cucurbitae, and B. tau, respectively. These species had 7-14, and 14-18 spiracular hairs in dorsal and ventral bundles while their numbers were 4-7, and 5-9 in lateral bundles. Mature larva of B. cucurbitae had a dark line on intermediate area of caudal segment which was absent in B. tau. The pupa of B. cucurbitae had a dark line across the middle of posterior end. Adults of both species had three pairs of frontal setae. Gena is also yellowish in B. cucurbitae while in B. tau it has a dark spot below compound eye. Scutum is mostly rufous in B. cucurbitae and orange-brown in B. tau and three postsutural yellow vittae were present in both species. B. tau scutum has conspicuous black markings in areas between lateral and median postsutural vittae and also in areas behind humeral calli. Costal bands were continuous in both species. Wing of B. cucurbitae had a small spot on crossvein r-m and a large spot around crossvein DM-Cu while these spots are absent in B. tau. Abdominal tergites of both species had characteristic black markings. Characters of male genitalia and female ovipositors of these species have also been discussed and illustrated. Host range and nature of infestation and damage done by both species is discussed. Life history traits of both species include brief notes on adult feeding, mating, oviposition and larval activity. The preoviposition periods in B. cucurbitae and B. tau were 14-17 and 11-13 days, respectively while the number of eggs laid/ day by the female fly of these species varied between 8-15 and 6-12, respectively. Average incubation period; average larval duration; average pupal duration and total duration (egg to adult emergence) in B. cucurbitae and B. tau were 1.14, 1.24 days; 6.91, 7.10 days; 9.00, 10.40 days and 17.05, 18.74 days, respectively. The egg hatchability of B. cucurbitae and B. tau was 87.50 and 77.50 per cent, respectively. Average survival of their larvae and pupae were 82.50, 80.00; and 81.25, 75.00 per cent, respectively. Sex ratio (male: female) of these species were 1:1.36 and 1:1.27, respectively. Population dynamics of these Bactrocera species was studied at three locations during the years 2010-11 and 2011-12 by weekly count of male flies trapped in plastic bottle traps containing protein hydrolysate (as bait), cue-lure and spinosad. Adults of both species were available throughout during both years and exhibited somewhat uniform pattern in terms of their numbers during different months. Maximum mean weekly population of both species was observed in the months of August during both years of experimentation at all three locations and thereafter a decreasing trend was observed. The population of both species was either nil or negligible in the months of December and January and subsequently an increasing trend was observed in the populations of these two species. Besides this, the population of B. cucurbitae was much higher than B. tau. At all three locations maximum and minimum temperatures, minimum relative humidity at 14 hrs and rainfall showed a positive and significant correlation with populations of both species during both years while morning relative humidity at 7 hrs exhibited a negative correlation in all cases. Efficacy of different combinations of baits, attractant and insecticide was evaluated for annihilation of males of two Bactrocera species. These formulations were used in traps and had differences only in bait component. Maximum numbers of males of both species were annihilated in August followed by July. From September a decline was observed in the number of annihilated flies which reached at lowest level or nil in the months of December and January. Subsequently the rate of annihilation increased gradually with an increase in temperature. The formulation consisting of 5g Protein bait + Cue-lure (1ml) + Spinosad (0.5ml) was found most effective in annihilation of males of both species while the treatment without bait annihilated minimum numbers of flies. The results also suggested that more number of flies of both species were annihilated in first year of experimentation than second year.ThesisItem Open Access Biology, population dynamics and management of spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata G. on yam bean (Pachyrrhizus erosus L.) in Bihar(Rajendra Agricultural University, 2012) Sathi, Sanjay Kumar; Singh, P. P.Biology and population fluctuation of spotted pod borer (Maruca vitrata G.) in relation to abiotic factors on yam bean were studied. In order to develop strategies for its management through crop resistance/host evasion, effective synthetic insecticides, schedules of spray and certain eco-friendly pest control tactics, a series of field as well as laboratory experiments were conducted during two successive crop seasons viz; 2009-10 and 2010-11. The field trials were conducted at the research farm and laboratory experiment in the Departmental laboratory of Entomology, Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi, Muzaffarpur (Bihar). Results pertaining to different aspects of the present study viz; determination of the effects of different genotypes on growth and development aspects of this insects, trend of population buildup in relation to meteorological parameters, management of M. vitrata on yam bean through plant resistance, host evasion, adjustment in sowing time, foliar spray of synthetic as well as botanical insecticides and spray schedules of common insecticide against M. vitrata on yam bean have bean abstracted below. Among the eight yam bean genotypes the shortest (1.44 day) and longest (1.82 day) preoviposition period were recorded on R.M-1 and DPH-2, respectively. The oviposition period of M. vitrata varied from 3.82 to 3.95 days with minimum and maximum on DPH-2 and R.M-1, respectively. Its fecundity on DPH-2, DPH-11, DPH-17, DL-14, DPH-18, DPH-45, Nepali and R.M-1 (C) was recorded to be 65.40, 68.30, 69.30, 70.60, 71.70, 72.30, 74.60 and 80.00 egg per female, respectively. The shortest (2.50 days) and longest (4.00 days) incubation period were recorded on R.M-1 and DPH-2, respectively. The mean viability of eggs ranged from 51.83 to 72.39 per cent, the minimum and maximum being on DPH-2 and R.M-1, respectively. Of the remaining genotypes Nepali, DPH-45, DPH-18 and DL-14 occupied second, third, fourth and fifth position from egg viability point of view i.e. 70.25, 64.06, 62.22, 59.91 per cent, respectively. The length of larvae of M. vitrata got influenced by yam bean genotypes used as larval food, the longest (1.40 to 16.72 mm) and heaviest (1.80 to 17.39 mm) being on DPH-2 and R.M-1, respectively. Larval duration and larval weight was shortest and heaviest (10.80 days and 75.00 mg) on R.M-1 while longest and highest duration and weight (13.00 days and 56.30 mg) were recorded on DPH-2, respectively. The shortest (1.32 and 6.50 days) and longest (1.66 and 7.90 days) pre pupal and pupal period were recorded on R.M-1 and DPH-2, respectively. The weight of male and female pupae so developed were heaviest on the genotype R.M-1 (33.34, 35.50 mg) and lightest (27.86, 28.67 mg) on DPH-2. The weight of male and female pupae obtained from larvae reared on remaining genotypes occupied intermediate position. As regards the pupal survival of M. vitrata, the highest adult emergence (81.67%) was recorded in case of larvae reared on R.M-1 which was statistically at par to Nepali (78.33%), DPH-45 (76.67%), DPH-18 (76.67%) and DL-14 (73.33%). Thus, it became obvious that the yam bean genotypes viz; R.M-1 and DPH-2 proved most and least favourable larval foods in terms of adult emergence. The sex ratio male to female were recorded to be 1:1.3, 1:1.3, 1:1.3, 1:1.3, 1:1.4, 1:1.4, 1:1.4 and 1:1.5 on DL-14, DPH-2, DPH-11, DPH-17, DPH-18, DPH-45, Nepali and R.M-1 (C), respectively. Longevity of male and female adults was comparatively shorter (3.40, 4.70 days) on DPH-2 than on other seven test yam bean genotypes between two sexes. Female adults invariably lived longer on corresponding yam bean genotypes. Thus, both male and female adults of M. vitrata lived for shorter period (3.40, 4.70 days) on DPH-2, while longevity of both the sexes was more on R.M-1 (4.30, 5.80 days). On the basis of overall performance, the total life cycle of M. vitrata was 29.36, 29.62, 30.86, 30.90, 31.41, 32.08, 32.45 and 33.29 days in case of male while 30.86, 31.21, 31.76, 32.40, 32.91, 33.28, 34.05 and 34.69 days in case of female on R.M-1, Nepali, DPH-45, DPH-18, DL-14, DPH-17, DPH-11 and DPH-2, respectively. Among the genotypes tested the total life cycle of M. vitrata was shortest on R.M-1 (29.36, 30.86 days) while it was longer on DPH-11 and DPH-2 (32.45, 34.05 and 33.39, 34.69 days) both in case of male and female. The growth index value was worked out to be 7.17, 6.12, 5.24, 4.28, 4.21, 3.81, 3.41 and 3.11 on R.M-1 (C), Nepali, DPH-45, DPH-18, DPH-14, DPH-17, DPH-11 and DL-2 genotypes of yam bean, respectively. Of the test genotypes R.M-1 and DPH-2 proved to be the best and poor most food plants, respectively for the larvae of M. vitrata as reflected by the highest (7.17) and shortest (3.11) growth index value. The mean number of larvae, number of webs per flower shoot and extent of flower damage gradually increased from 41st standard week with maximum larval population (22.00 larvae/flower shoot) and mean number of webs (3.34/flower shoot) was recorded during 47th standard week when the mean maximum temperature, minimum temperature, average relative humidity at 7 A.M and 2 P.M prevailed around 27.200C, 13.500C, 95.45 and 44.75 per cent, respectively. On the other hand maximum flower infestation (47.67%) was recorded during 48th standard week when mean maximum temperature, minimum temperature, average relative humidity at 7 A.M and 2 P.M prevailed around 26.550C, 12.100C, 94.70 and 54.40 per cent, respectively. The pod infestation by M. vitrata commenced from 43rd standard week (8.64%) and reached its peak (36.53%) during 49th standard week when mean maximum and, minimum temperatures were fluctuating between 31.55-26.450C and 17.70-10.950C, respectively and average relative humidity at 7 A.M and 2 P.M were between 94.30-98.35 and 46.95-51.50 per cent, respectively. The larval population, flower infestation and pod damage started declining gradually from 48th standard week, 49th standard week and 50th standard week, respectively and became almost untraceable after 52nd standard week. Among the relationship between larval population, number of webs per flower shoot, per cent flower, pod damage and weather factors like maximum temperature, minimum temperature, relative humidity at 7 A.M, 2 P.M and rainfall (mm) were taken in to account for computing correlation and regression analyses. It could be inferred that except relative humidity at 2 PM, almost all the abiotic factors under study showed negative but non-significant effect on larval population, number of webs per flower shoot and flower infestation, while relative humidity at 2 P.M exerted negative but significant effect on larval population and flower infestation. However, maximum and minimum temperature as well as relative humidity at 2 P.M showed negative but highly significant effect on pod infestation whereas, relative humidity at 7 A.M and rainfall exerted significant positive and non-significant negative effects on pod infestation, respectively. However, regression equation or analysis clearly indicated that the maximum and minimum temperature, relative humidity at 7 A.M, 2 P.M and rainfall together contributed 51.70 and 52.00 per cent towards the changes in larval population and number of webs on flower shoot while the same weather parameters together shared 53.50 and 85.80 per cent towards the fluctuation of flower and pod infestation caused by M. vitrata on yam bean crop. Among the thirty yam bean genotypes evaluated under natural field condition and compared on the basis of per cent flower infestation, DPH-72 suffered least due to flower infestation (18.00%) while three genotypes viz; DPH-71, DPH-82 and DPH-2 recorded 23.33, 22.67 and 23.33 per cent flower infestation, respectively which were statistically at par to DPH-72. On the other hand DL-6 suffered most by recording highest flower infestation (82.67%) followed by DL-17 (80.00%), DL-8 (77.33%) and majority of them were intermediate in their reaction by registering mean flower infestation ranging between 25.33 to 74.00 per cent including the local check i.e. R.M-1 (64.00%). Only nine genotypes viz; DL-5, DPH-45, DPH-46, DPH-11, DPH-18, DPH-3, DL-20, DPH-48 and Nepali showed low level of flower infestation (25.33-35.33%) than local check R.M-1. Among them only one genotypes viz; DPH-72 was identified as highly resistant while DL-6 showed highly susceptible reaction to M. vitrata. On the basis of level of pod damage caused by M. vitrata among thirty yam bean genotypes the level of pod infestation varied widely from 12.77 to 43.27 percent with minimum and maximum being in DPH-11 and R.M-1, respectively. Among the remaining genotypes under test four genotypes viz; DPH-45, DPH-46, DPH-89 and DPH-18 recorded significantly less pod infestation (13.26-14.80%) which were statistically at par with DPH-11. Seven genotypes viz; DL-1, DPH-33, DPH-71, DL-18, DPH-2, DL-12 and DPH-72 occupied position next to DPH-18 with respect to pod infestation varying between 16.69-20.40 per cent. Thirteen genotypes occupied intermediate position with mean per cent pod infestation ranging from 21.39 to 30.57 while four genotypes viz; DL-20, DPH-3, DL-2 and Nepali had relatively high pod infestation level (31.10-38.64%) but significantly less than local check. On the basis of overall tolerance value twenty seven genotypes posses higher level of tolerance than standard check i.e. R.M-1, while two genotypes viz; DL-8 (1.03) and DL-6 (1.07) recorded over all tolerance values of less than R.M-1 (1.00). The yam bean crop sown earlier till first week of August suffered most and delayed sowing afterwards ensured better plant stand against M. vitrata. The crop sown on first date (18th June), second date (3rd July) and third date (18th July) recorded mean larval population ranging from 11.92 to 17.77 per flower shoot while the same declined drastically with delay in sowing beyond the third date which ranged from 1.04 to 4.67 larvae per flower shoot. The crop sown on sixth date of sowing was found free from pest attack. On the other hand, number of webs per flower shoot, percent flower and pod damage also declined with delay in sowing, while the sixth dates of sowing was found free from pest attack. From yield point of view second date (3rd July) proved to be the most suitable date of sowing followed by 18th June, among all date of sowing. Among the foliar spray of synthetic insecticides profenofos 50 EC (750g a.i./ha) when applied thrice at fortnightly interval starting at 50 per cent flower initiation stage afforded maximum protection to yam bean crop. There were reduction in larval and webs population, per cent flower and pod damage with highest seed yield (15.33 q/ha) and cost-benefit ratio (1:2.49) as compared to individual insecticides. The treatment was followed by indoxacarb 14.5 SC (60g a.i./ha) and spinosad 45 SC (73g a.i./ha) while remaining synthetic insecticides novaluran (10 EC), dimethoate (30 EC), DDVP (76 EC), acephate (75 SP), and cartap hydrochloride (50 SP) were found to be less effective than profenofos (50 EC) but significantly superior than untreated control. Foliar spray with plant products ultimately resulted into reduction of larval and webs population of the test crop i.e. yam bean cv. R.M-1 in varying degree. Among the plant products, NSKE (5%) and Neem oil (0.2%) showed their superiority in reducing larval and webs population with minimizing flower and pod infestation, highest seed yield (11.26 q/ha) with highest cost-benefit ratio (1:3.44) and proved statistically at par to the synthetic insecticide i.e. dimethoate (0.03%) but significantly superior to other plant products viz; Karanj oil (0.2%), Neem gold (0.25%), Rakshak gold (0.2%), Neemta (0.5%), and Multineem (0.2%) at their respective dose, regardless of the number of spraying besides untreated control. Among the different spray schedules of profenofos 50 EC (750g a.i./ha) three round spraying at bud stage + flowering stage + podding stage of yam bean cv. R.M-1 recorded lowest larval and webs population per flower shoot (1.40 and 1.14/flower shoot, respectively) by minimising flower (7.67%) and pod (5.77%) damage as well as enchancing yield (15.91 q/ha) and yield attributing parameters simultaneously, which was statistically at par with two rounds spraying of the same insecticide when applied at flowering + podding stage or bud + flowering stage. On the other hand, single spraying of profenofos (50 EC) at its test dose when applied at flowering stage was proved as good as two spraying of the same insecticides at bud + podding stage inrespect of minimizing pest infestation. But on the basis of cost benefit ratio among the various treatments, the highest cost-benefit ratio (1:3.89) was recorded in case of two rounds of insecticidal spray one each at flowering + podding stage followed by the same at bud + podding stage (1:3.52) while three rounds spraying at bud stage + flowering stage + podding stage occupied the third position (1:3.08) in this regard while remaining treatments occupied intermediate positions.ThesisItem Open Access Population dynamics and management strategies of rice yellow stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas Walker)(Rajendra Agricultural University, 2012) Kumar, Amit; Misra, A. K.In order to determine the population fluctuation and to develop ecologically sound and economically viable strategies for the management of rice yellow stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas Walker) for rice crop, different field experiments were conducted at the Research Farm, R.A.U., Pusa and in the Laboratory, Department of Entomology, R.A.U., Pusa during (kharif) 2010 and 2011. Results pertaining to different aspects of the study viz. to study the dynamics of pest species composition of rice stem borers, to ascertain the population dynamics and management of yellow stem borer with intervention of insect sex-pheromone trap, to study the effect of trap crop with main crop to minimize the damage caused by yellow stem borer, to evaluate the performance of different Integrated Pest Management (IPM) components for the management of yellow stem borer and to assess the efficacy of different insecticides against yellow stem borer have been abstracted below: All the four species of stem borer of rice viz. yellow stem borer, Scirpophaga incertulas (Walker), pink stem borer, Sesamia inferens (Walker), white stem borer, Scirpophaga innotata (Walker) and dark headed striped borer, Chilo polychrysus (Meyrick) were prevalent during the crop season. However, yellow stem borer was found to be dominant over other species of stem borer and showed consistency with higher population (87.00 to 93.00, 82.50 to 89.00 and 85.00 to 91.50%) at all the stages of the crop growth viz. tillering, maximum tillering and heading stage during kharif, 2010 and 2011, respectively. The yellow stem borer activity started from 30th standard week and continued upto 40th in the year 2010 and 41st standard week in the year 2011. In beginning, the moth population found to be low (1.25 in the year 2010 and 1.00 in the year 2011 moth catch per pheromone trap) which gradually increased and reached its first peak at 34th standard week (4th week of August) exhibited 6.25 in the year 2010 and 6.00 in the year 2011male moth catch per pheromone trap, which after short decline, again increased and attained its second peak at 37th standard week (2nd to 3rd week, September) with 10.75 to 11.00 male moth catch per pheromone trap in both the years, respectively. Finally, its population declined at 40th to 41st standard week with 0.50 to 1.25 moths per trap and thereafter, no population was recorded. With abiotic parameters the relative humidity (%) at 14 hrs showed significantly positive correlation (0.564) in kharif, 2010 and positive but non-significant correlation (0.478) in kharif, 2011 with respect to male moth population of yellow stem borer. However, relative humidity (%) at 7 hrs showed positive but non-significant correlation (0.380) during kharif, 2010 and significantly negative correlation (-0.490) in kharif, 2011 with respect to male moth population of yellow stem borer. The sunshine (hr) showed significantly negative correlation (-0.549) in kharif, 2010 and negative but non-significant correlation (-0.132) in kharif, 2011 to the corresponding population of male moth. However, during kharif, 2010 and kharif, 2011 maximum and minimum temperature (0C) and rainfall (mm) were positively correlated (0.077, 0.281; 0.458, 0.406 and 0.361, 0.249), respectively with the population of male moth of yellow stem borer while evaporation (mm) pronounced negative and positive correlation (-0.065 and 0.333) with the population of male moth catch of yellow stem borer during kharif, 2010 and 2011, respectively. The cumulative effect (R2) of all the weather parameters was accounted for 40.60 to 47.90 per cent male moth population of Scirpophaga incertulas during two consecutive years of the study. Further, the IPM package reduced the infestation to the tune of 4.14 to 4.26, 8.70 to 8.96, 9.23 to 9.39% DH and 9.40 to 9.44% WEH caused by rice yellow stem borer in respect to untreated control with 4.78 to 4.99, 23.55 to 23.97, 27.56 to 27.83% DH and 22.27 to 23.18% WEH at 15, 30, 50 and 90DAT, during kharif, 2010 and 2011 respectively. Moreover, IPM package gave higher yield (49.00 to 51.50 q/ha) as compared to the control (41.60 to 42.00 q/ha). It was also observed that net profit over the control was Rs. 8,200 to 15,450 with cost benefit ratio 1:1.88 to 1:2.66 with IPM package in both the years of study. The combination treatment of main crop with trap crop and application of carbofuran 3G plus monocrotophos 36SL was found superior over all other treatments (7.34 to 7.49, 7.74 to 7.95 % DH and 7.54 to 7.85% WEH) at 30, 50 and 90 days after transplanting, respectively during kharif, 2010 and kharif, 2011, while combination treatment of main crop with application of carbofuran 3G plus monocrotophos 36SL was found at par with combination treatment of main crop with trap crop and application of carbofuran 3G, followed by combination treatment of main crop with trap crop in comparison to the control (23.96 to 24.96, 27.67 to 28.89% DH and 23.67 to 24.26% WEH) at 30, 50 and 90 days after transplanting during kharif, 2010 and kharif, 2011, respectively. However, combination treatment of main crop with trap crop and application of carbofuran 3G plus monocrotophos 36SL was found superior (61.80 to 62.91 q/ha) to all other treatments, while combination treatment of main crop with application of carbofuran 3G plus monocrotophos 36SL was found at par with combination treatment of main crop with trap crop plus application of carbofuran 3G, followed by combination treatment of main crop with trap crop as against the control (42.50 to 43.34 q/ha) during kharif, 2010 and kharif, 2011. Moreover, the maximum net profit over the control was obtained in combination treatment of main crop with trap crop plus application of carbofuran 3G and monocrotophos 36SL (Rs. 38848 to 43723) followed by combination treatment of main crop with application of carbofuran 3G plus monocrotophos 36SL, combination treatment of main crop with trap crop and application of carbofuran 3G and combination treatment of main crop with trap crop during kharif, 2010 and kharif, 2011 respectively. The maximum cost benefit ratio was pronounced by combination treatment of main crop with trap crop (1:32.03 to 1:39.53) followed by combination treatment of main crop with trap crop and application of carbofuran 3G, combination treatment of main crop with trap crop and application of carbofuran 3G and monocrotophos 36SL and combination treatment of main crop with application of carbofuran 3G and monocrotophos 36SL during both the years (kharif, 2010 and 2011) of observation. The maximum protection was exhibited in treatment of chemical component (7.96 to 8.00, 8.37 to 8.39% DH and 7.93 to 8.00% WEH) followed by combination treatment of chemical and non-chemical component, farmer’s practice and treatment of non-chemical component as compared to the control (24.39 to 23.65, 27.80 to 28.16% DH and 22.17 to 22.60% WEH) at 30, 50 and 90 days after transplanting, respectively during kharif, 2010 and kharif, 2011. Further, with regard to higher yield production during kharif, 2010 and kharif, 2011, treatment of chemical component was found superior (54.00 to 54.60 q/ha) followed by combination treatment of chemical and non-chemical component, farmer’s practice and non-chemical component as against the control (42.00 to 42.60 q/ha). Moreover, the maximum net profit over the control was obtained from treatment of chemical component (Rs. 20780) followed by combination treatment of chemical and non-chemical component, farmer’s practice and treatment of non-chemical component during kharif, 2010 and kharif, 2011. However, the maximum cost benefit ratio was provided by treatment of chemical component (1:3.25) followed by farmer’s practice, combination treatment of chemical and non-chemical component and treatment of non-chemical component during kharif, 2010 and kharif, 2011 respectively. Among the tested insecticides, fipronil (5SC) @ 25.0 g a.i./ha was found to be the best with low infestation (7.57 and 8.84% DH and 7.50% WEH in 2010 and 7.64 and 8.81% DH and 7.47% WEH in 2011) followed by acephate (95SG) @ 592 g/ha, acephate (75SP) @ 667 g/ha and carbofuran (3G) @ 1.0 kg a.i./ha as compared to the control (25.78 and 30.19% DH and 25.55% WEH in 2010 and 23.47 and 27.55% DH and 24.21% WEH in 2011) at 30, 50 and 90 days after transplanting, respectively. Further, Fipronil (5SC) @ 25.0 g a.i./ha resulted the higher yield (54.40 to 55.34 q/ha) followed by acephate (95SG) @ 592 g/ha and carbofuran (3G) @ 1.0 kg a.i./ha against untreated control (41.20 to 41.47 q/ha) during kharif, 2010 and kharif, 2011. Moreover, the maximum net profit over the control was contributed by fipronil (5SC) @ 25.0 g a.i./ha (Rs. 31490 to 33165) followed by acephate (95SG) @ 592 g/ha and carbofuran (3G) @ 1.0 kg a.i./ha, while maximum cost benefit ratio was recorded with fipronil (5SC) @ 25.0 g a.i./ha (1:21.85 to 1:22.96) followed by acephate (95SG) @ 592 g/ha in both the years during kharif, 2010 and kharif, 2011.ThesisItem Open Access Studies on Biology and Integrated management of giant African snail, Achatina fulica Bowdich (Stylommatophora : Achatinidae)(Rajendra Agricultural University, 2011) Kumari, Priti; Agarwal, M. L.Present study envisages the results of studies conducted on various aspects of biology and management of giant African snail, Achatina fulica Bowdich. In the laboratory snail made depression in the soil before oviposition and then laid eggs with large amount of mucus while in fields eggs were laid by making a small depression on moist soil or in shady covered places under litter or debris having enough moisture. The clutch size was ranging between 125-312 eggs per clutch and hatching percentage varied between 67.50 to 79.10 per cent in different clutches. Incubation period was observed ranging between 6-21 days. The hatchability of eggs from four different egg clutches consisting of 125, 271, 210 and 252 eggs was observed as: 74.40, 67.50, 72.80, and 71.03 per cent, respectively. Brassica oleracea var. capitata was found most effectual food for snails as maximum mean gain in weight and length, i.e. 0.87 g and 0.20 cm, respectively were recorded when snails were fed on this host. Mean gain in weight and length with respect to Dolichos lablab as food was found to be lowest. At the time of hatching the snails were smaller in length (0.5 cm), lighter in weight (1.20 g) and have lesser number of whorls (2). The length, weight and number of whorls in 80 days old snail were 6.5 cm, 25.23 g and 4.5, respectively. The results indicated that availability of food had positive correlation with growth potential of the pest. Snail moved fastest on plain soil surface (118 cm in 30 minutes) in comparison to other surfaces. Distance travelled by snail on, undulated soil surface, cemented floor, Bitumen road and concrete based road was 110.0 cm, 91 cm, 82 cm and 71 cm, respectively. The snail was able to move fast on Colocasia esculenta leaf (99.0 cm) followed by on banana stem (80 cm), Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (78 cm) and Carica papaya (68 cm), respectively while restricted movement (61 cm) was observed on glass pane. Snail pest appeared one week after the first monsoon shower in 2008 and the population reached up to 19.47 snail/25 m2 in 21st standard week. The pest activity increased gradually and reached its peak in 39th standard week, i.e. 94.20 snails/25 m2, thereafter population gradually decreased from 40th standard week and decline to its lowest level (4.20 snail/25 m2) by 47th standard week. Optimum condition of good summer rainfall and increase relative humidity provided favourable environment for growth and abundance of pest. The population of snail showed similar trend during 2009 as that of previous year. Both maximum and minimum temperature exhibited a positive correlation with pest population and minimum temperature was observed to have significant influence on development and survival of snails. The combined effect of weather factors on A. fulica population was 73%. In 2009, results with respect to correlation of snail population and weather parameters were in accordance as that of previous year. The cumulative effect of weather factors on population dynamics of A. fulica was 62% in this year. The pooled data of both the years indicated that snail population had a positive and significant correlated with minimum temperature (r = 0.600 **), maximum relative humidity (r = 0.706**), minimum relative humidity (r = 0.674**) while positive but non-significant relationship with maximum temperature (r = 0.260) and rainfall (r = 0.266). The coefficient of determination R2 was 0.692. A. fulica showed clear preference for particular plant species when fed in different hosts, viz. vegetables, fruits, ornamentals, cereals, pulses, oilseeds, spices, fodder crops, etc. Momordica charantia, Allium sativum, A. cepa, Sacharum officinarum, Daucus carota, Nicotiana tabacum and Parthenium hysterophorus appeared as non host plants for the pest. Amount of food eaten by the different stages of pest was found to vary widely from one host plant to another. Among hosts, Brassica oleracea var. capitata was preferred by all size groups of A. fulica where the consumption percentage values appeared as 12.90, 14.40 and 15.13 for infant, growing and adult, respectively. Darkness provides suitable environment for feeding as food consumption was recorded much higher in dark than light condition. Among all 24 foods provided, ingestion quantity was maximum for Brassica oleracea var. capitata both in light (6.75 g) and dark (15.50 g) condition while snail consumed minimum amount of drumstick, Moringa oleifera (0.25 and 1.45 g) under light and dark conditions. The mean percentage seedling damage per snail varied widely from 4.5 in Capsicum annum to 35.80 in Brassica oleracea var. capitata indicating thereby that later proved to be most susceptible host. Handpicking was found very effective if done thoroughly on a regular basis. The mean number of snails collected per week was maximum in month of September (78.25) and minimum numbers of snails were collected in the month of November. Highest number (34.26) of snails were attracted to vegetable waste (cabbage and cauliflower leaf) while lowest number of snail (1.00) was attracted by farmyard manure. Invertebrate predators, viz. Millipede (Orthomorpha sp.), centipede (Scolopendra sp.) and vertebrate predators like toad (Bufo melanostictus) and common myna (Acridotheres tristis) were found to be capable of killing snail pest. Among mammals, common house rat (Rattus rattus) and bandicoot rat (Bandicota indica) were observed as effective predators of snail. Among botanical pesticides, nicotine sulphate (1.25%) resulted in 70% mortality after one day of treatment and 100% mortality on 4th day after treatment. Metaldehyde granules 2.5% and cartap hydrochloride 2% were most effective barriers as no snail could cross these barriers. In dipping test conducted to kill the snails, carbolic acid (0.5%) and cartap hydrochloride (0.075%) resulted in 100% mortality of snails within one hour of continuous dipping. Bait mixtures containing any one of the ingredient like: marigold juice, long gourd juice, papaya pulp, sponge gourd juice and banana pulp in addition to common ingredients, viz. wheat bran, paddy husk and jaggary were preferred by the snails. Among different formulation of pesticides tested against snail, highest kill (80%) was obtained with metaldehyde (2.5%) at 1.5 kg a.i./ha within one day after treatment. It was followed by cartap hydrochloride (50SP) at 2.0 g/L, metaldehyde pellet (2.5%) at 1.5 kg a.i. and combination of metaldehyde (2.5G) and carbofuran (3G) at 0.75 kg a.i./ha resulted into 64, 50 and 50% mortality of the pest population, respectively. After 3rd day treatment highest mortality (100%) was obtained with metaldehyde (2.5%) @ 1.5 kg a.i./ha and cartap hydrochloride (50SP) @ 2.0 g/L. Hundred per cent mortality was noted from 4th day after treatment with metaldehyde pellet 2.5% and cartap hydrochloride 50 SP at 1.5 g/ha. Taking into consideration the results obtained in the present study an integrated management approach has been enumerated to bring the snail population below economic injury level.
