Loading...
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.
Browse
33 results
Search Results
ThesisItem Open Access Seasonal incidence and management of scale insect, Melanaspis glomerata (Green), (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) in sugarcane(2020) Kumar, SureshField experiment were carried out at Pusa farm, Sugarcane Research Institute, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa during 2019-20 to study on the seasoned incidence and management of scale insect Melanaspis glomerata (Green) in sugarcane variety CoP-112. The incidence of scale insect during cropping season of 2019-20 was noticed in the field during the 1st fortnight of August, 2019. The insect population reached a peak in the month of November and from December to January to the crop. The relationship between population of insect and weather parameters showed significant correlation with high maximum and minimum temperature and rainfall but showed statistically negative relation with the weather parameters. Per cent infestation, intensity and infestation index were gradually increased reaching a peak in the month of November which was highly significant than that of other months of the study. The data on damaged intensity of scale insect clearly indicated highly significant difference on qualitative and quantitative parameters under investigation except high sucrose which was found statistically significant. Perusal of the data reveals that the percentage of reduction in damage intensity levels were gradually increased when number of damaged internodes were increased except 8-damaged internodes which is even lower than those of 6 and 7 damaged internodes. This might to lesser number of effective populations of scale insect feeding on internode at this damage intensity and/or physiological change like better recoverability of damaged tissues at this growth stages. The other damage intensity levels maintained the same trend. The mean incidence percentage of scale insect was significantly lower in all the insecticides than control. Among the treatment T-4 (Setts treated with Thiomethoxan + spraying of this insecticide at pest appearance) gave superior results as noticed in incidence percentage single cane weight and yield scale of evaluation. However, remaining treatments were significantly superior over control. An effect of different integrated approaches reveals that the highest Brix, Pol percentage as well as CCS (tha-1) were recorded in plots with Treatment 4. The other treatments were also highly significant than the control. It is clearly indicated from the data of different insecticides, Thiomethoxane was proved effective for managing the scale insect. The increment as well as added benefit over control (Rs./ha) varied with respect to average yield obtained in various treatments under the present investigation which were showed considerable difference within the various insecticides. Among the treatments T4, T5 and T1 achieved higher returns of Rs./ha being 181532.00, 152112.00 and 150222.00 respectively as compared to the rest of treatments. The minimum (129212.00Rs./ha) net profit achieved with Treatment-3. The increment benefit cost ratio (IBCR) was also showed wide variation within the treatments. Among the treatments T4, gave high ratio followed by T5 and T1 being the ratio of 1:3.78, 1:3.36 and 1:3.32. The minimum (1:2.40) ratio was obtained with Treatment-3.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 of Whitefly and Fruit borer on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and their management through newer insecticides under polyhouse condition(DRPCAU, Pusa, 2020) Sunil, Vyshnavi; Kumar, ManojPopulation dynamics of whitefly and fruit borer on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and their management through newer insecticides under polyhouse condition was studied in tomato variety Hem Shikhar under polyhouse condition at Hi- Tech Horticulture unit of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa during Rabi, 2019-2020. The maximum population of whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) was noticed at 46th SMW. The studies on correlation coefficient revealed that among various weather parameters, maximum temperature showed a significant positive correlation whereas, minimum temperature, evening and morning relative humidity was negatively correlated and statistically non- significant. The abiotic factors were found to contribute around over all 40 per cent impact on whitefly incidence (R2= 0.40). In case of fruit borer (Helicoverpa armigera), 13th SMW recorded the highest population. Maximum and minimum temperature was positively correlated and statistically significant, while evening and morning relative humidity was negatively correlated and statistically non-significant. The weather factors contributed around 61.50 per cent effect on Helicoverpa armigera population when acted together (R2 = 0.615). The mean per cent reduction in whitefly over control after 3rd, 7th and 14th day of 1st, 2nd and 3rd spray of insecticides was maximum (61.18%, 79.30% and 90.20%) in chlorantraniliprole + thiamethoxam @ 150 gm a.i. ha-1which was better than rest insecticidal treatments. The minimum per cent reduction was observed in chlorantraniliprole @ 30 gm a.i. ha-1 (26.45 %, 37.84% and 50.21%). In fruit borer, the mean per cent reduction population over control after third, seventh and fourteenth day of 1st, 2nd and 3rd spray of insecticides was maximum in chlorantraniliprole + thiamethoxam @ 150 gm a.i. ha-1 (65.50%, 73.41% and 91.60 %) which was found superior to all the treatments. The minimum per cent reduction was found in thiamethoxam @ 50 gm a.i. ha-1 (35.60 %, 42.67 % and 50.39 %). The benefit cost ratio was highest in chlorantraniliprole + thiametoxam @ 150 gm a.i. ha-1) (9.6:1) followed by spinosad @ 80 gm a.i. ha-1 (8.39:1) and novaluron + indoxacarb @ 80 gm a.i. ha-1 (7.34:1).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 Management of maize stem borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) through some bio-rational approaches in maize ecosystem.(DRPCAU, Pusa, 2020) Kumar, Amrendra; Alam, TanweerIn order to study the screening of different maize genotypes, effect of different intercropping system and seed treatment with insecticides and relative efficacy of insecticides against control of maize stem borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe), a series of field experiments were conducted during Kharif 2018 at the research farm, Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi, Muzaffarapur, (Bihar). Results pertaining to different aspects of the present study viz., screening of different maize genotypes, effect of different intercropping system and seed treatment and foliar spray as well as granular application of insecticides applied against maize stem borer on maize crop have been abstracted below: Among the different maize genotypes screened against C. partellus; APH2, followed by BML (C), FQH-140 (15.89), APH1 (16.57) and QQPMH-41 were found least susceptible while the genotypes susceptible check, Pratap QPM Hybrid 1 (C) (39.81) followed by FQH-148 (38.25). The remaining genotypes tested showed intermediate position and were considered as moderately susceptible Present findings showed that among different intercropping systems maize intercropped with cowpea recorded lowest per cent plant infestation, per cent cob damage, per cent dead heart, minimum length of stem tunnel and highest yield. With regard to different seed dressing materials, imidacloprid recorded lowest per cent plant infestation, per cent cob damage, per cent dead heart, minimum length of stem tunnel and highest yield. Among all the insecticides tested against C. partellus; Carbofuran 3G @ 7 kg/ha, Rynaxypyr (20 SC) @ 0.3 ml/lit and Flubendiamide (480 SC) @ 0.2 ml/lit were found to be the best treatments against maize stem borer, C. partellusThesisItem Open Access To study the biodiversity of natural enemies of major insect pests of rice(DRPCAU, Pusa, 2020) Sema, Asher; Misra, A. K.Insects are poikilotherms or cold blooded and are largely affected by the immediate environmental conditions. They are also influenced by the presence of other organism in a particular niche. The interactions of these factors play out in the paddy ecosystems and influence the population of the pest and their related natural adversaries which eventually determines the productivity of the ecosystem. Studies on biodiversity of natural enemies of the major insect pests of rice was conducted at research plot of RPCAU, Pusa, Bihar during the Kharif of the year 2019. The objectives of the study were- monitoring and estimation of natural enemies present in different ecosystem of paddy cultivation (Irrigated, semi deep and deep water) and to study the interaction between insect pest with the population of their associated natural enemies in relation to weather conditions. From this study, 12 species of natural enemies under 9 families and 7 orders were identified as natural enemies of the major insect pests infesting rice fields at Pusa. Out of these 12 species, the predatory ladybird beetle (average relative abundance of 30.74 %) , spiders (20.01%), damselflies (15.04 %), dragonflies (14.8 %), rove beetles (11.32 %) and the green mirid (8.31 %) were dominant in all the ecosystems under investigation. The presence of other natural enemies was negligible. The highest population count of ladybird beetle was witnessed in the 2nd fortnight of September. The spider population increased as the crop advanced and peaked at crop maturity. The peak population of dragonfly and damselfly was observed throughout the last fortnight of July. The green mirid bug and rove beetle highest counts viii inferred in the month of August and September. Dragonflies and damselflies were active during the initial stages of the crop, rove beetle, green mirid and ladybird beetle during the intermediary stages and the spiders during the advanced stages of the crop. The occurrence of stem borer had a positive significant correlation to RH morning, ladybird beetle, spider and rove beetle populations. Whereas, a significant and negative correlations were observed with temperature (maximum) and temperature (minimum), dragonfly and damselfly population. The incidence of whorl maggot population had no significant correlation with the weather conditions but had a significantly and positively related to the population of spider, ladybird beetle and rove beetle. The incidence of gundhi bug had a positive significant correlation with rainfall and a negative and significant correlation with minimum temperature, rainfall, dragonfly and ladybird beetle population. The incidence of the leaf folder population had a positive significant correlation with RH in the morning and RH in the evening, ladybird beetle, spider and rove beetle population and had a negative significant correlation with minimum and maximum temperature, damselfly and dragonfly population. The initial incidence of most of the pest started from July and peaked on September to October months when prevailing weather parameters were – average daily temperature ranged from 24.4 to 31.6 0C, average daily RH morning between 79 to 92 % and an average daily rainfall of 44 mm.
