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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 Monitoring of major insect pests associated with green gram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] and their management(DRPCAU, PUSA, 2022) VAMSHI, GADHE; SINGH, S.P.N.The present research entitled “Monitoring of major insect pests associated with green gram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] and their management” was carried out at Research Farm, T.C.A., Dholi during the summer season 2022. The green gram variety HUM 16 was taken as a test variety for the research programme. During the course of my studies, the observations recorded to six species as major pests on green gram. Whitefly and jassids were first observed during the 12th standard week 21 days after sowing (0.37 whiteflies/ three leaves and 0.50 jassids/ three leaves) which increased gradually and attained its peak population (5.53 whiteflies/ three leaves and 5.70 jassids/ three leaves) during the 15th standard week, the incidence of thrips on the 13th standard week 28 days after sowing (0.83 thrips/ 10 flower buds) followed by spotted pod borer started (1.33 larvae/ 10 plants) during the 14th standard week. After that, Pod bug and gram pod borer populations began to infest the green gram (2.50 pod bugs/plant and 0.67 larvae/ 10 plants, correspondingly) (15th SMW). The population of insect pests at its maximum was found in the crop in (16th SMW) in whiteflies (6.00), jassids (8.03) and thrips (15.10). The highest population of pod bug (5.43), spotted pod borer (8.45) and gram pod borer (3.33) were noted during the 18th standard week. After that, it was noted that the population was decreasing trends during crop maturity stage. The study found the major insect pests were positively correlated with maximum and minimum temperature but negatively with relative humidity, except gram pod borer was favourable association with evening relative humidity. Pod bug, spotted pod borer, and gram pod borer populations were positively correlated with rainfall, while whitefly, jassids, and flower thrips populations were negatively correlated with rainfall. All the treatments are were found significantly superior over untreated control. Among all the treatments T1 flubendiamide 480 SC (0.1 ml/l) was discovered to be more efficient at suppressing the larvae population of Maruca vitrata and Helicoverpa armigera on the green gram, it was ranging from 54.18 to 76.63 per cent and 49.25 to 75.27 per cent reduction over control followed by T4 indoxacarb 14.5 SC (0.3 ml/l). The lowest amount of pod damage was noticed in flubendiamide 480 SC 4.00 per cent treated plot followed by indoxacarb 14.5 SC 4.33 per cent and the maximum was found in NSKE (5%) treated plots. The flubendiamide 480 SC treatment obtained the highest grain yield (915 kg/ha), which is statistically superior to all other treatments. indoxacarb 14.5 SC {13.23:1} had the highest incremental cost-benefit ratio and was at par with emamectin benzoate {10.33:1}.ThesisItem Open Access DIVERSITY OF BEE POLLINATORS IN MUSTARD & SWEET BASIL(DRPCAU, PUSA, 2022) SATISH, BUDI; Kumar, NagendraThese studies were carried out during the period of December 2021 to January 2022 on “Diversity of Bee pollinators in mustard & sweet basil’’ at Rpcau, (pusa)with the objective of diversity of bee pollinators, foraging behaviour and impact of weather on population of Bee pollinator had been recorded. In mustard a total of 7 bee pollinators belong to 3 families which includes Apidae, Halcitidae and Andrenidae were recorded during the blooming period. In mustard, we obtained total 564 individuals & the results showed Shannon index 1.46, Simpson index 0.74 and evenness index 0.751. In sweet basil a total of 17 Bee pollinators belong to 3 families which includes Apidae, Halcitidae and Andrenidae were recorded. We obtained total 926 individuals & results showed Shannon index 1.82, Simpson index 0.79 and evenness index 0.644. In mustard for A. dorsata the mean time of initiation of foraging was 7:45 hrs and mean cessation of foraging time was 16:51 pm of the day with average duration of foraging was 8.86 hours. In A. mellifera the mean time of Initiation of foraging was 8:13 hrs and mean cessation time of foraging was 16:47 pm of the day with average duration of foraging was 8.26 hours. For A. cerana the mean time of initiation of foraging was 8:28 hrs & mean cessation time of foraging was 16:34 pm of the day with average duration of foraging was 7.95 hours. In sweet basil for A. dorsata the mean time of initiation of foraging was 7:46 hrs. & mean cessation time of foraging was 16:52 pm of the day with average duration of foraging was 8.96 hours. For A. mellifera the mean time of initiation of foraging was 8:11 hrs & mean cessation time of foraging was 16:49 pm of the day with average duration of foraging was 8.37 hours. A. cerana the mean time of initiation time of foraging was 8:26 hrs. & mean cessation time of foraging was 16:31 pm of the day with average duration of foraging was 8.05 hours. In mustard the greatest foraging rate for Apis dorsata was noticed at 17:00 hours which were 14.83±3.39 flowers/min. the greatest foraging rate for Apis mellifera was noticed at 17:00 hours which was 14.47±3.14flowers/min. In Apis cerana the maximum foraging rate was observed at 17:00 hours which were 18.69±3.99 flowers/min. In sweet basil, for Apis mellifera the maximum foraging rate was observed at 17:00 hours which were 14.77±2.98flowers/min. In Apis dorsata the highest foraging rate was noted at 17:00 hours which were 14.42±2.98flowers/min. In Apis cerana the maximum foraging rate was observed at 17:00 hours which were 18.30±3.77flowers/min. In mustard average foraging speed of Apis mellifera over complete period of flowering was 3.65±0.53 sec/flower. Average foraging speed of Apis dorsata over complete period of flowering was 3.70±0.58sec/flower. Average foraging speed of Apis cerana over complete period of flowering was2.82±0.53sec/flower. In sweet basil the average foraging speeds of Apis mellifera over complete period of flowering was3.68±0.52sec/flower. Average foraging speed of Apis dorsata over complete period of flowering was3.73±0.57sec/flower. Average foraging speed of Apis cerana over complete period of flowering was 2.89±0.52sec/flower. Pearson correlation co-efficient (r) revealed that in both mustard & sweet basil bee pollinators sunlight, maximum and lowest temperatures are positively connected. In contrast bee pollinators were negatively correlated with relative humidity &rainfall.ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON POPULATION DYNAMICS AND MANAGEMENT OF APHIDS ON FENUGREEK(DRPCAU, PUSA, 2022) Reddy, Kallem Manish; Prasad, RabindraThe investigations on “Studies on population dynamics and management of aphids on fenugreek” revealed that aphid Aphis craccivora (Koch) was recorded at Muraul research farm of Trihut College of Agriculture, Dholi, Muzaffarpur, Bihar during Rabi season, 2021-22. The incidence of aphid, A. craccivora on fenugreek was observed from 1st SMW to 13th SMW with population ranging from 7.67 to 97.33 aphids/ 5 plants in different standard meteorological weeks respectively. Peak period of occurrence of aphid were recorded on 7th SMW with maximum population of A. craccivora (97.33 aphids per 5 plants) recorded at maximum temperature of 24.070C, minimum temperature of 9.740C, morning relative humidity (95.86%) and evening relative humidity (53.86%) respectively. Minimum temperature showed negative significant impact on the incidence of A. craccivora [-0.579*]. Highly significant positive correlation between natural enemies (lady bird beetle and green lace wing) and aphid population. Among twenty genotypes screened for their resistance against aphid, Aphis craccivora on fenugreek crop, but all genotypes are infested by aphids. However, the genotypes RM-12, RM-28, RM-190 and RM-198 were categorized as least susceptible, RM-192, RM-200, RM-203 and Rajendra Kranti were categorized as highly susceptible and the remaining genotypes RM-13, RM-15, RM-170, RM-187, RM-195, RM-205, RM-209, RM-212, RM-214, RM-215, RM-217 and RM-219 are moderately susceptible against aphid, A. craccivora. Out of eight treatments, (including six botanical pesticides, one insecticide and control respectively) Dimethoate 30 EC 0.03% @ 150 g a.i./ha proved most effective against aphid, Aphis craccivora on fenugreek crop. However, treatments which found next in order of efficacy were NSKE 5% which is equivalent to Garlic bulb extract 5%, Neem oil 2% followed by tobacco decoction 5% which was at par with Karanj oil 2%. The least effective treatment was YBSE 5% . Among the evaluated eight treatments, the maximum seed yield (1722.05 kg/ha) was documented with the treatment of Dimethoate 30 EC (0.03%) @ 150 g a.i./ha followed by NSKE 5% (1632.85 kg/ha), Garlic bulb extract 5% (1592.46 kg/ha), Neem oil 2% (1559.26 kg/ha), tobacco decoction 5% (1510.75 kg/ha), karanj oil 2% (1466.18kg/ha), Yam bean seed extract (YBSE) 5% (1422.54 kg/ha) and control (1338.15 kg/ha) respectively. Considering the economics of these treatments, the maximum ICBR (1:9.23) was recorded in Dimethoate 30 EC 0.03% @ 150 g a.i./ha then after that tobacco decoction 5% (1:4.50), Garlic bulb extract 5% (1:4.30), NSKE 5% (1:4.03), Karanj oil 2% (1:1.57), Neem oil 2% (1:1.34) and the lowest ICBR (1:0.35) was recorded in Yam bean seed extract (YBSE) 5% respectively. Taking in consideration to the overall efficacy, yield and economics of various treatments against aphids, the treatment of Dimethoate 30 EC 0.03% @ 150 g a.i./ha, NSKE 5%, Garlic bulb extract 5% and tobacco decoction 5% had been proved to be better than the remaining treatments and can be suggested for efficient and cost-effective management of A. craccivora from incidence on fenugreek.ThesisItem Open Access Field screening of Brassica genotypes against Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.) and its population dynamics(DRPCAU, PUSA, 2022) Tudu, Lohit; Mukherjee, U.The present investigation entitled “Field screening of Brassica genotypes against Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.) and its population dynamics” was conducted during 2021-22 cropping season at Research Farm of Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi, Muzaffarpur, Bihar. The study focused on evaluation of 41 Brassica genotypes for their susceptibility or resistance against mustard aphid (Lipaphis erysimi) and exploring the population dynamics of mustard aphid and coccinellid beetles in relation to weather parameters. During the screening of 41 Brassica genotypes, overall mean population of aphids/ top 10 cm of inflorescence ranged from 23.46 to 104.78. The genotypes DRMR 2018-19 and PDZ 14 were infested with minimum and maximum numbers of aphid population, respectively, whereas check variety Yellow sarson (66-197-3) had aphid population of 76.17 aphids/ top 10 cm of inflorescence. Based on aphid infestation index (AII), two genotypes were grouped as resistant. 13 genotypes as moderately resistant, 19 genotypes as susceptible and 7 genotypes were grouped as highly susceptible. The highest and lowest AII was recorded in PDZ 14 (4.23) and DRMR 2018-19 (1.65), respectively. Check variety Yellow sarson had aphid infestation index of 3.5. The population dynamics of aphid (L. erysimi) in relation to weather parameters was studied on four rapeseed-mustard varieties viz., T-27, GSC-6, BSH-1 and Rajendra Sufalam. Aphid infestation in all the varieties started from 3rd standard meteorological week (SMW) and except for T-27 (minimum population in 10th SMW) continued till 11th standard meteorological week (SMW). Peak infestation was observed during 7th SMW irrespective of all the varieties, when maximum and minimum temperature were 24.07℃ and 9.74℃ and relative humidity at 07:00 hours and 14:00 hours were 95.86 and 53.86 per cent, respectively. The correlation analysis revealed that among the various weather parameters, minimum temperature had negative significant impact on the aphid population of T-27 (-0.642*) and GSC-6 (-0.638*), whereas relative humidity at 07:00 hours had positive significant correlation with the population build-up of aphids across all the varieties viz., T-27 (0.646*), GSC-6 (0.654*), BSH-1 (0.633*) and Rajendra Sufalam (0.638*). Other abiotic factors had non-significant impact on the population fluctuation of aphids. On the other hand, the population of ladybird beetle was in positive and highly significant correlation with aphids on each variety of rapeseed-mustard.ThesisItem Open Access Studies on population dynamics and management of pod fly (Melanagromyza obtusa) and pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) on pigeonpea(DRPCAU, PUSA, 2022) Patel, Yogesh Kumar; Singh, P.P.The research entitled “Studies on population dynamics and management of pod fly (Melanagromyza obtusa) and pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) on pigeonpea” was carried out under field conditions at research farm of T.C.A., Dholi (Muzaffarpur) during Kharif season 2021-2022. The maximum population of M. obtusa maggots and pupae (12.77 maggot and 14.63 pupae/50 pods) on pigeonpea variety Rajendra Arhar-1 was recorded during 11th and 12th SMW, respectively while maximum larval population of H. armigera (6.17 larvae/5plants) was recorded on 11th SMW. Maximum activity of natural enemies was recorded on 11th SMW during observation period. The M. obtusa maggot’s population showed non-significant positive correlationwith the maximum and minimum temperature, morning relative humidity and rainfall showed non-significant negative correlation, while evening relative humidity showed significant negative correlation. The correlation analysis between M. obtusa pupae and abiotic factors showed that only rainfall had non-significant negative correlation and maximum and minimum temperature showed significant positive correlation, while morning and evening relative humidity were found to have negative but significant correlation. The larval population of H. armigera showed non-significant positive correlation with maximum and minimum temperature while morning relative humidity and rainfall had a non-significant negative correlation. Whereas, evening relative humidity was found significant negative correlation. Among 16 pigeonpea genotypes screened against the pod fly, no single genotypes were found highly resistant and 2 genotypes, i.e., DA 15-1 and DA 16-1, were reported as moderately resistant while 8 genotypes BRA 301, Pusa 153, BRA 302, Pusa 171, Pusa 172, DA 17-1, DA 19-1 and DA 18-1 were identified as Intermediate resistant. Four genotypes viz; BRA 303, Pusa 181, Pusa 182 and DA 18-2 were identified susceptible as against Rajendra Arhar-1 and Bahar used as moderately tolerant and susceptible. The pod damage per cent due to M. obtusa and H. armigera on different genotypes was varied significantly. Among all 16 genotypes the maximum pod damage was recorded in DA 18-2 (66.67% and 35.33%), while the lowest pod damage was observed in pigeonpea genotype DA 16-1 (26.67% and 21.33%) as against Rajendra Arhar-1 (35.33% and 22.67%) used as moderately tolerant check and Bahar (61.33% and 32.67%) used as susceptible check due to M. obtusa and H. armigera, respectively under the natural conditions. Among all 16 genotypes maximum seed damage was recorded in DA 18-2 (33.61% and 21.41%), while the lowest seed damage were observed in the genotypes DA 16-1 (17.25% and 13.96%) as against Rajendra Arhar-1 (22.31% and 15.16%) used as moderately tolerant check and Bahar (32.67% and 20.04%) used as susceptible check, respectively. Nine treatments including six synthetic and two botanical insecticides applied twice at 50% flowering and 50% podding stage stage were tested for their field efficacy against the M. obtusa and H. armigera. All the treatments are found significantly superior over untreated control. Among all the treatments flubendiamide (480 SC) @ 30 g a.i./ha was found most effective in controlling pod fly and gram pod borer incidence with less pod and grain damage and maximum yield (10.67% pod damage, 6.31% grain damage and 1740 kg/ha) which was at par with indoxacarb (15.8% EC) @ 50 g a.i./ha. (12.67% pod damage, 7.62% grain damage and 1545 kg/ha) as against control (35.67% pod damage, 20.54% grain damage and 748 kg/ha). On the basis of economic parameters highest incremental benefit-cost ratio (14.51:1) was obtained by indoxacarb followed by buprofezin (10.38:1), thiamethaxon (9.98:1), profenofos (7.43:1), flubendiamide (6.94:1), fipronil (6.48:1), NSKE (4.79:1) and the treatment of YBSE was found lowest incremental benefit-cost ratio (1.16:1).ThesisItem Open Access Morpho-molecular characterization and assessing the effect of sowing time on aphid incidence in wheat(DRPCAU, PUSA, 2022) A, KEERTHANA; Reddy, M. S. SaiThe present investigations were carried out on “Morpho-molecular characterization and assessing the effect of sowing time on aphid incidence in wheat” during 2020-22. The studies revealed that 43 species of arthropod fauna were infesting the wheat crop which belonged to nine orders covering 12 families. Among these nine orders, three orders such as Hemiptera, Diptera and Coleoptera have highest relative abundance. In particular to Hemipterans, there were six aphid species which were found to be the most predominant insects during the 2021-22 cropping season. Along with these aphids, shoot fly and jassids were also known to infest the wheat crop throughout the cropping season. The succession of these major insect pests showed that aphids, Rhopalosiphum maidis, Rhopalosiphum rufiabdominalis, Jassids and Shoot fly were found on vegetative stages and Rhopalosiphum padi, Sitobion avenae, Schizaphis graminum and Metoplophium dirhodum were found on reproductive stages of the crop. Whereas the population of Rhopalosiphum maidis and Rhopalosiphum rufiabdominalis were completely absent in the timely and late sown crop. The seasonal incidence of all major insect pests showed that evening relative humidity, maximum temperature and bright sunshine hours were significantly correlated with the population of aphids whereas jassids showed a significantly positive correlation with maximum temperature and shoot fly showed a significantly negative correlation with minimum temperature. In molecular characterization and phylogenetic divergence of wheat aphids revealed that Metopolophium dirhodum and Sitobion avenae belonged to tribe Macrosiphini whereas the remaining species Rhopalosiphum padi, Rhopalosiphum rufiabdominalis, Rhoplosiphum maidis and Schizaphis graminum belonged to a tribe Aphidini. In screening of one hundred and fifty-three wheat genotypes, 141 genotypes were found resistant to aphids. Among these genotypes, HPW487, VL3029, VL3030, HPW483, HPW484, HPE486, HS688, VL2050, VL907(C), RAJ4083(C), MP1378, HI8830(d)*, MACS6795, DBW316#*, PBW833*, JKW261(I)(C), NIAW3170(C), HD3397, HD3400, HD3418, HI1654*, CG1029(C) were the best genotypes for biotic stresses as well as for other morpho-physiological traits. The effect of sowing dates on aphid incidence revealed that, the early sown wheat varieties were heavily infested by aphids compared to timely and late sown crop. It was found that the variety HD 2967 showed resistance under all three different and also found to have better morphophysiological traits.ThesisItem Open Access FIELD BIOEFFICACY AND RESIDUE DYNAMICS OF THIACLOPRID AND EMAMECTIN BENZOATE IN CHILLI AGAINST THRIPS, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood(DRPCAU, PUSA, 2022) DAS, ABHIBANDANA; Sahoo, Sanjay Kumar“Field Bioefficacy and Residue Dynamics of Thiacloprid and Emamectin Benzoate in Chilli against Thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood” was carried out at “Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa” during the summer season of 2022. Thiacloprid 21.7% SC and Emamectin benzoate 5% SG was sprayed three times on the chilli crop at their recommended dose, 1.5 times the recommended dose and twice the recommended dose for bioefficacy study. Emamectin benzoate at its double dose reduced the thrips population to 1.20 / 3 leaves / plant after 10 days from the 3rd spray, with the highest overall mean reduction over control (86.63 %). Highest green chilli yield of 76.30 q/ha was obtained from this treatment with an 18.72 % increase in yield over control and ICBR of 1:3.86. For residue study insecticides were sprayed at recommended and double the recommended dose. Representative chilli samples were analysed by UHPLC following slightly modified QuEChERS technique. After second and third application, initial residue deposit for thiacloprid at recommended and twice the recommended dose varied from 0.67-0.69 mg/kg and 1.14-1.19 mg/kg, respectively. Initial emamectin benzoate residues at 0 day for recommended and double dose ranged from 0.29-0.30 mg/kg and 0.42-0.48 mg/kg, respectively. Thiacloprid residue dissipated below the LOQ level after 7 and 10 days for recommended and double dose, respectively. Residue of emamectin benzoate at recommended and double dose reached below LOQ level after 5 days. After assessment of dissipation pattern of thiacloprid, its half-life value in chilli was found to be 2.01-1.94 days at recommended dose and 1.96-2.30 days at double dose. Initial residue amount from recommended dose decreased to reach below the prescribed MRL value after 8.79-8.75 days. Similarly, initial deposit from the double dose reduced below MRL value after 10.22-11.96 days. Residue of emamectin benzoate at recommended and double dose reached half-life value at 0.76-0.88 days and 1.25 days, respectively. The residue level of emamectin benzoate at recommended and double dose was calculated to reach below the prescribed MRL value after 2.08-2.42 days and 3.85-4.02 days, respectively. Thus, a safe waiting period of 9 days is suggested for thiacloprid in chilli at recommended dose. Similarly, a safe waiting period of 3 days is found suitable for emamectin benzoate when sprayed at its recommended dose. Among the three doses of thiacloprid, its application at 72 g a.i./ha effectively decreased thrips population, with good ICBR and had an acceptable waiting period. Similarly, emamectin benzoate at 10 g a.i. per ha was found to effectively manage thrips population, besides having a high ICBR value, safe waiting period and posing less residue load on the environment. Between both the insecticides, the recommended dose of emamectin benzoate is more effective in managing thrips population along with high returns, high ICBR and low waiting period for safe consumption of chilli by following GAP.ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL DISTRIBUTION OF HONEY BEE ON MUSTARD WITH REFERENCE TO FORAGING PATTERN AND YIELD PARAMETERS(DRPCAU, PUSA, 2022) Verma, Raj Dev; Kumar, NeerajThe experiment entitled “STUDIES ON SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL DISTRIBUTION OF HONEY BEE ON MUSTARD WITH REFERENCE TO FORAGING PATTERN AND YIELD PARAMETRES” was carried out at Beekeeping Unit, TCA, Dholi (Muzaffarpur) and University Apiary, RPCAU, Pusa (Samastipur) during „Rabi 2021-22‟ on cultivation of mustard „Rajendra suflum‟. Various observations were taken for calculating distribution, foraging pattern of honey bee species and yield parameters. Spatial distribution of bee species in Pusa and Dholi showed that population of Apis mellifera was comparatively higher at Pusa (16.92 ± 3.21/ m2/10 minutes) as compared to Dholi (14.52 ± 3.14/ m2/10 minutes), whereas others species of honey bees viz Apis cerana, Apis dorsata and Apis florea were more abundant in Dholi as compared Pusa. Apis florea and Apis cerana were most abundant during early flowering and mid flowering stage, respectively, whereas Apis mellifera and Apis dorsata were abundant at peak flowering stage at both the places. Maximum population (Number of bee / m2/10 minutes) of Apis mellifera (27.79, 25.62), Apis dorsata (15.71, 22.08), Apis cerana (12.78, 19.22) and Apis florea (10.63, 16.27) were observed at 13:00, 15:00, 11:00 and 09:00 at Dholi and Pusa, respectively. Population of Apis mellifera and Apis dorsata increased with increase in temperature while population reduced with increasing relative humidity, whereas Apis florea and Apis cerana showed exactly opposite pattern. Duration of foraging was maximum in Apis dorsata and minimum in Apis florea. Initiation time of Apis dorsata was 6:59 AM which was earliest of all and activity ceased at 17:24 PM. Foraging speed was maximum in Apis dorsata (9.35 sec.) followed by Apis mellifera (9.12 sec.), Apis cerana (8.45 sec.) and Apis florea (7.23 sec.). Foraging rate was highest in Apis florea (20.41 flowers) followed by Apis cerana (14.88 flowers), Apis mellifera (14.49 flowers) and Apis dorsata (8.24 flowers). Application of insecticide (Imidacloprid 17.8 % SL) completely ceased the activity of honey bee species on flowers of mustard for 3 days. Effect of insecticide on foraging behaviour was observed for 7-8 days in domestic bee species while it was only for 4-5 days in wild bee species. Highest values for all yield parameters were received from OP followed by BP and last PE. Yield of OP, BP and PE was 15.37, 13.46 and 9.06 q/ha, respectively. The present findings indicated that honey bee had significant impact both quantitatively and qualitatively on yield of mustard. Hence, providing support of managed pollination in mustard will give higher economic return due to enhancement of crop production and productivity.ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON COMPARATIVE DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF RICE WEEVIL (Sitophilus oryzae L.) ON DIFFERENT CEREALS(DRPCAU, PUSA, 2022) MAJI, SOURAV; GIRI, GOURI SHANKARThe present investigation entitled “Studies on comparative development and management of rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae L.) on different cereals” was carried out at Department of Entomology, Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi, Bihar during 2021-22. The study focused on host preference and damage potential of rice weevil, correlation between population build up and biochemical parameters of different cereals and evaluation of the bio-efficacy of some entomopathogenic fungi against rice weevil on different cereals. Among different cereals, wheat was found as the most preferred host with 14.38 ± 0.48 numbers of weevils after 25 days of release and F1 progeny of 329.13 ± 6.75 numbers. Maximum and minimum kernel damage (%), weight loss (%) and consumed grain weight was recorded on wheat and ragi, respectively. A negative and highly significant relation (r = -0.925**) between phenol content and number of F1 progeny produced was observed. The LC50 value of Beauveria bassiana after 72 hours of treatment varied from 1.778 g/kg of seeds (on ragi) to 2.011 g/kg of seeds (on maize), whereas, that of Metarhizium anisopliae was varied from 1.870 g/kg of seeds (on ragi) to 2.196 g/kg of seeds (on wheat). Significant interaction was found between tested cereal grains and entomopathogenic fungi, also between days after treatment and entomopathogenic fungi. It was observed that Metarhizium anisolpliae in combination with diatomaceous earth and alone was found most effective on rice, maize and barley as compared to Beauveria bassiana in combination with diatomaceous earth and alone, respectively, whereas, opposite case was observed on wheat, oat and ragi. Complete mortality of weevils (100 %) was observed on 15 days after treatment when seeds were treated with either Beaveria bassiana or Metarhizium anisopliae in combination with diatomaceous earth in all cereal except on ragi where it was observed on 7 days after treatment when grains were treated with Metarhizium anisopliae in combination with diatomaceous earth.It was observed that, after 50 days of treatment there was no significant effect on germination percentage of different cereals when seeds were treated with Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae alone or in combination with diatomaceous earth (DE).
