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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 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 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 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.ThesisItem Open Access Estimation of residues of Pyriproxyfen and Fenpropathrin in Chilli, Capsicum annum L.(DRPCAU, Pusa, 2020) Chandrika, Thanikanti; Sahoo, Sanjay Kumar“Estimation of Residues of Pyriproxyfen and Fenpropathrin in Chilli, Capsicum annum L.” was carried at “Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa” during 2019-2020. Representative samples of chilli at varying intervals after third spray were analysed following slightly modified QuEChERS techniques. Spraying of chilli crop with pyriproxyfen @ 50 and 100 and fenpropathrin @ 75 and 150 g a.i. ha-1 led to the initial residues ranging from 0.43 to 0.52 and 0.70 to 0.89 and 0.12 to 0.14 and 0.19 to 0.22 mg/ kg, correspondingly. Pyriproxyfen and fenpropathrin residues in chilli dissipated fast and found below limit of quantification later 3 and 5 days at low and high doses, accordingly. The T1/2 of pyriproxyfen in chilli were calculated to be 0.66 and 1.11 days whereas, for fenpropathrin, the values were 2.41 and 1.92 days. Residue of pyriproxyfen on chilli was found below the MRL of 0.02 mg/ kg after 2.97 days when practiced @ 50 g a.i./ha. However, residues for fenpropathrin on chilli collected 0 day after spray was below MRL following application @ 75 g a.i./ha. Therefore, experimental findings suggest a pre harvest interval of 3 and 1 day for pyriproxyfen and fenpropathrin at single dosage on chilli if followed good agricultural practices. Among various household processing methods, boiling reduces 56.52 per cent residue followed by washing (50.65 per cent), dipping in salt solution (47.17 per cent), dipping in sodium bicarbonate solution (41.30 per cent), dipping in acetic acid solution (39.78 per cent) and dipping in KMnO4 solution (39.13 per cent) after 0 (2hours after spray) day of treatment of pyriproxyfen @ 50 g a.i./ ha in chilli. Samples taken after 1 day of application when subjected to different household processing, the reduction per cent were ranged from 12.50 to 37.50 per cent with highest reduction with boiling and least with dipping in sodium bicarbonate solution. The mean initial deposits of fenpropathrin residue on chilli samples after third spray @ 75 g a.i./ ha accounted a loss of 72.50, 55.83, 52.50, 52.50, 50.00 and 41.67 per cent, as a result of dipping in KMnO4 solution, washing, boiling, dipping in sodium bicarbonate solution, salt solution and acetic acid solution, respectively. But in 1 day samples, the mean residue of fenpropathrin on chilli were BDL thereby, accounted the loss of 100 per cent. Key words: Pyriproxyfen, fenpropathrin, residues, waiting period, household processing.ThesisItem Open Access Studies on population dynamics, varietal screening and management of sweet potato weevil (Cylas formicarius)(DRPCAU, Pusa, 2020) Reddy, Nakkala Divakar; Prasad, RabindraTo study the population dynamics of sweet potato weevil in relation to meteorological parameters, varietal screening of sweet potato genotypes and evaluation of field efficacy of some botanical pesticides against sweet potato weevil a series of field experiments had been performed at the research farm, of Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi, Muzaffarapur, (Bihar) during September-February, 2019-20. The results of male weevil caught on pheromone trap revealed that maximum number of weevils (815 male weevil/pheromone trap) is recorded during 51st standard week when maximum and minimum temperatures are 18.50C and 9.50C respectively, Relative humidity(%) at 7 am and 2 pm is 100% and 96% respectively and there is no significant rainfall during the period. Correlation of weevil population with the abiotic factors reveals that that maximum, minimum and mean temperature (0C) showed negative correlation coefficient (-0.576, -0.545, -0.587) respectively. Relative humidity (%) at 7 am is non-significantly positively correlated with correlation coefficient of (0.349) whereas; R.H. at 2 pm. is positively correlated with correlation coefficient (0.507) and significant at 1%. Rainfall is negatively correlated with correlation coefficient (-0.60) with the male weevil population and it is non-significant. The coefficient value of determination (R2) computed as 0.3576 indicating 35.76 per cent. The weather parameters when acted together were found to contribute about 35.76 per cent male weevil population fluctuation of Cylas formicarius. Ten genotypes of sweet potato were evaluated for their response against sweet potato weevil. On the basis of vine infestation (%), tuber infestation (%), neck length (cm),vine thickness (cm), colour and shape of tuber and marketable tuber yield (t/ha) genotype-440127 is categorized as resistant, while genotype-TSP-16-3 is categorized as highly susceptible. Ten treatments were evaluated for their field efficacy against the sweet potato weevil. From the data obtained it is found that vine treatment with chlorpyriphos 20 EC @ 1lit/ha + spraying of neem oil @ 2% is effective in reducing vine infestation, tuber infestation and also offered protection to tubers in storage up to 1 month after harvesting. When cost-benefit ratio is considered spraying of neem oil @ 2 % with cost-benefit ratio of 1:14.1 is economical when compared to other treatments.ThesisItem Open Access Studies on population dynamics and management of mango hoppers through synthetic and botanical insecticides(DRPCAU, Pusa, 2020) Swamy, Malla Balarama; Singh, P. P.The research titled, “Studies on population dynamics and management of mango hoppers through synthetic and botanical insecticides” was carried out in the mango orchard at Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi, (Muzaffarpur), Bihar. The experiment was conducted during 2019-2020. Study of mango leafhoppers incidence was conducted during the period January 2019 to January 2020 and results revealed that the mango leafhoppers were noticed throughout this period in mango ecosystem. The maximum population of mango leafhoppers on mango (cultivar Amrapali) was noticed between fourth week of March to first week of May with peak population in the first week of April. The least incidence was found during December-January. The studies of correlation coefficient revealed that among the various weather parameters, minimum temperature and rainfall showed non-significant positive correlation effect on mango leafhoppers incidence. Both mean and maximum temperature had significant and positive correlation on mango leafhoppers indicating that the increase in pest infestation with the increase in magnitude of these weather parameters. The morning, afternoon and mean relative humidity showed significant but negative correlation on mango leafhoppers exposing that the increase in these weather parameters magnitude resulted in reduction of pest infestation. Among the six synthetic and two botanical insecticides evaluated against mango leafhoppers for their efficacy revealed that the order of effectiveness as thiamethoxam (2 g/tree) followed by emamectin benzoate (4 g/tree), acetamiprid (2 g/tree), dimethoate (10 ml/tree), profenophos (10 ml/tree), deltamethrin (5 ml/tree), yam bean seed extract (5%) and neem oil (2%), respectively. From the overall data obtained for the fruit yield and insecticide efficacy of synthetic and botanical insecticide treatments, revealed that the maximum mango fruit yield and least mango leaf hopper population was found in thiamethoxam treated mango tree (160.33 kg/tree and 3.93 hoppers/inflorescence) followed by emamectin benzoate (127.66 kg/tree and 4.47 hoppers/inflorescence), acetamiprid (109 kg/tree and 5.14 hoppers/inflorescence), dimethoate (85.66 kg/tree and 5.42 hoppers/inflorescence), profenophos (62 kg/tree and 5.95 hoppers/inflorescence), deltamethrin (36.66 kg/tree and 6.53 hoppers/inflorescence), yam bean seed extract (30.66 kg/tree and 7.47 hoppers/inflorescence), neem oil (23 kg/tree and 7.93 hoppers/inflorescence) and untreated (16 kg/tree and 19.63 hoppers/inflorescence). And after considering the data of economics of different insecticides along with their field efficacy and fruit yield, it is evident that foliar application of thiamethoxam recorded maximum fruit yield (16033 kg/ha), gross income (Rs 320660/ha), net realization (Rs 315758/ha), realization over control (Rs 283758/ha) and ICBR (1:57.88), followed by emamectin benzoate (1:42.17), acetamiprid (1:40.22), dimethoate (1:26.41), profenophos (1:12.97), deltamethrin (1:7.13), yam bean seed extract (1:2.43) and neem oil (1:0.39), which resulted in negative ICBR value considering it as uneconomical in the management of mango leafhoppers.ThesisItem Open Access Biology and management of pulse Beetle (Callosobruchus chinensis L.) on Green Gram in storage(DRPCAU, Pusa, 2020) Limma, Sangita; Singh, S. P. N.Pulse beetle (Callosobruchus chinensis L., Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a major stored grain pest of pulses in India causing major losses to pulses. A laboratory study was carried out on biology and management of pulse beetle (C. chinensis) on green gram var. HUM 16 at Department of Entomology, Dr. RPCAU, Pusa, Bihar during the year 2019-20. Study of biology of C. chinensis revealed that insect completes one generation from late August to last week of September, 2019. The egg of C. chinensis is cigar shaped, smooth in appearance and white in color which further changed to milky white color and opaque before hatching. This study indicates 4.3 ± 1.03 days of incubation period and 24.25 ± 1.65 days of larval and pupal period. The larve is apodous, short, stout, creamy color with brown color head and „C‟ shaped scarabeiform which makes a circular hole for its entry into seed while the pupal stage are inactive. Larval and pupal stage passed inside the seed. The adult beetles are small, oval shaped and red brown color with some patches of black, grey and white color on its elytra. This species shows sexual dimorphism where male having pectinate type of antenna and female having serrate type of antenna. The adult female was hefty and larger than male. Adult longevity of male was 7.10 ± 1.02 days and for female was 8.75 ± 1.33 days. Total developmental period was 36.3 ± 3.65 days. Pre oviposition, oviposition and post oviposition periods were 0.25 ± 0.44 days, 7.05 ± 0.75 days and 1.55 ± 0.51 days, respectively. Average number of egg laid per female i.e. fecundity was 105 eggs with hatchability of 92 per cent. Sex ratio of male and female was 1:1.27 where number of male was lower than number of female. Average multiplication rate from single pair was 87. Six plant powder viz. Neem leaf powder, Neem seed powder, Neem cake, Curry leaf powder, Chili fruit powder and Bael leaf powder each at 5g/kg and Mustard oil at 5ml/kg of grains were applied to test its effectiveness as protectant of grains against C. chinensis infestation. The result revealed that mustard oil and neem seed powder were more effective. However, all the treatments were better than untreated seed in protecting green gram seed. The descending order of remaining treatments was neem cake 5g/kg > neem leaf powder 5g/kg > curry leaf powder 5g/kg > chili fruit powder 5g/kg > bael leaf powder 5g/kg which were significantly superior over control. A comparatively less effectiveness was seen in curry leaf powder, chili fruit powder and bael leaf powder but these were superior over control. It was also found that treatments do not affect the germination of seeds. So, the botanicals are not only effective in giving protection against C. chinensis but also it does not affect seed germination.ThesisItem Open Access Succession and management of major sucking insect pests on cucumber under polyhouse condition(DRPCAU, Pusa, 2020) K, Mareppa; Singh, Mukesh KumarIn order to study the succession and management of major sucking insect pests on cucumber under polyhouse condition through pest monitoring and relative efficacy of insecticides, a field experiment was carried out under the agro-climatic conditions of the North Bihar during late Kharif season 2019 at experimental farm (Hi-Tech Horticulture unit) of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, in the district Samastipur of Bihar. Results pertaining to different aspects of the present investigation viz., succession of insect pests on cucumber and effect of different insecticidal treatments used for the management of major sucking insect pests of cucumber crop have been abstracted below: Studies on succession of insect pests on cucumber under polyhouse condition reviles that, insects which are observed during investigation are whiteflies Bemisia tabaci Gennadius: (Alyrodidae: Hemiptera), thrips Thrips tabaci Lindquist: (Thripidae: Thysanoptera), aphids Aphis gossypii Glover: (Aphididae: Hemiptera) and cucumber moth Diaphania indica Saunders: (Crambidae: Lepidoptera). Whiteflies were found on the crop during the crop age of 15 days (during 39th SMW) i.e. during vegetative stage and they are observed up to the maturity stage of the crop. Thrips were also appeared at vegetative stage (during 40th SMW) during the crop age of 18 days and they are found up to the end of crop stage i.e. 24th November 2019. Cucumber moth was emerged as epidemic pests under polyhouse condition when the crop was at vegetative stage (during 40th SMW) and found in all the stages of the crop i.e. vegetative stage, reproductive stage and maturity stage. The pest was appeared till the end of crop stage i.e. 24th November 2019. Aphids were found on the crop when crop is having an age of 18 days (during 40th SMW) i.e. during vegetative stage and they are observed till reproductive stage of the crop under polyhouse condition. Among different insecticides tested against sucking insect pests of cucumber T3 (Lecanicillium lecanii @5g/lt (1x108 CFU) followed by T1 (Beauveria bassiana @5g/lt (1x108 CFU) found to be more effective against whiteflies, Bemisia tabaci Gennadius on cucumber under polyhouse conditions. T4 (Paecilomyces lilacinus @2kg/ha (1x108 CFU) followed by T3 (Lecanicillium lecanii @5g/lt (1x108 CFU) showed more effective in managing the thrips Thrips tabaci Lindquist population on cucumber under polyhouse conditions. T3 (Lecanicillium lecanii @5g/lt (1x108 CFU) followed by T2 (Metarhizium anisopliae @5g/lt (1x108 CFU) found to be more effective in managing the aphids Aphis gossypii Glover population on cucumber under polyhouse conditions.
