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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 Population dynamics and management of major sucking insect pests of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata Linn.)(RPCAU, Pusa, 2023) DEVI, DHARANIKOTA LALITHAMBICA; Sunil Kumar MandalThe present investigation entitled “Population dynamics and management of major sucking insect pests of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata Linn.)” was conducted during 2023 cropping season at Vegetable Research Farm, RPCAU, Pusa, Bihar. The study focused on survey of major insect pests of cowpea in Samastipur, Bihar to investigate the incidence of insect pests affecting cowpea. Field observations were carried out at three blocks in Samastipur district during the entire growth period of crop. The major findings acknowledged were sucking pests like aphids (19.89/10 cm twig) observed maximum in Kalyanpur block whereas whiteflies (4.83/ 3 leaves/ plant) and leafhoppers (2.82/3 leaves/plant) in Samastipur block and thrips (8.44/ 5flower buds/plant) in Pusa block. The population of pod sucking bug (5.58/plant) was highest in Samastipur block and maximum pod damage (21.26 damaged pods/100 pods) was recorded in Pusa block. The findings on population dynamics of major sucking insect pests of cowpea revealed that aphid, leafhopper and whitefly population were commenced first on 4th week of March (12th SMW) and reached its peak of 22.80 aphids/ 10 cm twig, 8.17 leafhoppers/3 leaves /plant and 11.20 whiteflies/ three leaves/plant on 3rd week of April (16th SMW). Population of thrips was commenced on 5th week of March (14th SMW) and maximum population was noted during 3rd week of April (16th SMW). The population of aphid, leafhopper, whitefly and thrips showed positive and significant correlation with maximum temperature and negative significance with relative humidity. The bioefficacy of various newer insecticides were also evaluated against sucking insect pests of cowpea. Among them, Thiamethoxam 25% WDG proved most effective causing maximum population reduction of major sucking insect pests viz., aphids, leafhopper, whitefly, and thrips followed by Imidacloprid 17.8% SL. Diafenthiuron 50% EC, Acetamiprid 20% SP, Buprofezin 25% SC, Fipronil 5% SC stood in middle order of efficacy and Dimethoate 30% EC (Standard check) had least efficacy. The maximum yield 97.26 q/ha was obtained in the plots treated with Thiamathoxam 25% WDG followed by Imidacloprid 17.8% SL (92.13 q/ha). The minimum yield of 81.10 q/ha was obtained in the plots treated with Dimethoate 30% EC (standard check).ThesisItem Open Access Bio-ecology and Management of Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda S. on Kharif Maize(RPCAU, Pusa, 2023) DEY, AMIT; GIRI, GOURI SHANKARThe present study entitled “Bio-ecology and Management of Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda S. on Kharif Maize” was conducted at the Research Farm of Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi, Muzaffarpur, Bihar. The research study focused on the population fluctuation of fall armyworm in relation to biotic and abiotic factors of the environment, biology, biophysical and biochemical bases resistance among genotypes against fall armyworm and management of its thorough some insecticides as seed treatment and foliar spraying. It was observed that the larva was first noticed during 30th SMW (0.20 larvae per plant) followed by adult moth during 31st SMW (2.00 moths per trap). The larval population as well as moth catches per trap reached its first peak during 37th SMW (1.45 larvae per plant and 4.50 moths per trap, respectively) during the vegetative stage and a second peak was observed during 40th SMW (1.35 larvae per plant and 4.50 moths per trap, respectively) during the reproductive stage of crop. Both larvae per plant and moth catches per trap had a positive and significant relationship with morning (r = 0.566* and 0.497*, respectively) and evening (r = 0.570* and 0.529*, respectively) relative humidity and a negative and significant relation with bright sunshine hour (r = -0.509* and -0.564*, respectively). Number of moths per trap had a positive and significant correlation with evaporation (r = 0.574*) while the larvae per plant had a negative correlation with evaporation (r = -0.748**). The predator population in maize ecosystem showed a positive and significant correlation with both trapped moths and larval population. Under laboratory conditions, the total lifecycle was completed within 32.02 and 34.47 days for male and female moth respectivelyu. The incubation period lasts for 2.60 days, larval period for 14.77 days, pupal period for 10.46 days. The lifespan of adult male was 4.18 days whereas for female adult moth it was 6.63 days. Out of 36 genotypes screened, 4 were found resistant, 22 were moderately resistant and 10 were found susceptible. Cob width had a positive and significant correlation (r = 0.335*) whereas number of husk layers had a negative and significant correlation (r = -0.820**) with per cent cob infestation. Trichome density had a negative and significant correlation (r = -0.861**) with per cent plant infestation. Biochemical parameters like total protein (r = 0.852**) and P/C ratio (r = 0.868**) had a positive and significant relation with per cent plant infestation whereas total carbohydrate (r = -0.875**), total phenols (r = -0.868**) and total chlorophyll (r = -0.836**) had a negative and significant relationship with per cent plant infestation. Plots where seeds were treated with Cyantraniliprole 19.8 % + Thiamethoxam 19.8 % @ 6 ml/kg of seed followed by application of Chlorantraniliprole 18. 5 % SC as spray @ 0.4 ml/litre at 4 weeks after germination was found most effective against fall armyworm as the per cent plant infestation (9.21 and 11.54 per cent, respectively), larval population (4.75 and 5.50 larvae per 10 plants, respectively) and mean Davis score (Davis score of 1.70 and 1.83, respectively) was found lowest in both vegetative and reproductive stage in those plots.ThesisItem Open Access VARIETAL PREFERENCE AND MANAGEMENT OF SWEET POTATO WEEVIL (Cylas formicarius) THROUGH BIOPESTICIDES UNDER CHANGING CLIMATE(RPCAU, Pusa, 2023) KUMAR, MAHENDER; Alam, TanweerThe present investigation "Varietal Preference and management of sweet potato weevil (Cylas formicarius) through biopesticides under changing climate" was conducted during the Kharif season 2022 at the Research farm of Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi, Muzaffarpur, Bihar. The study focused on the evaluation of different varieties of sweet potatoes upon the attack of the sweet potato weevil, Cylas formicarius, the effect of meteorological parameters as well as bio-physical characteristics of different varieties. Also, the effect of different bio-pesticide on sweet potato weevil had been studied. Among different varieties evaluated during this trial, Rajendra Shakarkand-07 (29.70 %) and Rajendra Shakarkand-47 (29.24 %) have performed well with lesser vine infestation as well as tuber infestation of weevil. In the first case, the Rajendra Shakarkand-5 (19.90 %) showed the least mean per cent vine infestation as well as tuber infestation whereas, the Cross-4 (46.13 %) variety showed maximum damage regarding mean per cent vine and tuber infestation. In the second case, the biophysical basis evaluation had been conducted. There no significant relationship between different plant and tuber characteristics had been established except tuber infestation with the depth of the tuber (-0.126*) and their neck length (-0.072NS). The shape of the tubers also affected the infestation of weevil in the tubers. Also, the girth of the vine or vine thickness is affected by the weevil damage or mean percent vine infestation. In the third case, the efficacy of various bio-pesticide along with conventional usage of chemical pesticides have been evaluated. Among the bio-pesticides, Beuvaria bassiana (61.42 %) gives the best output along with Heterorhabitdis bacteriophora (53.16 %). They also give the second and third highest benefit-cost ratio among all treatments. The conventional usage of chlorpyriphos 20 % EC (2.8:1) gives the best output, but in this case, the output of Beuvaria bassiana (2.4:1) and Heterorhabitdis bacteriophora (2.1:1) are comparable with the conventional usage. So, it may be used as an alternative to the conventional (2.8:1) or regular pesticides.ThesisItem Open Access BIO-INTENSIVE MANAGEMENT OF MUSTARD APHID Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.)(RPCAU, Pusa, 2023) SINGH, HAMENDRA; Mukherjee, U.The present investigation entitled “Bio-intensive Management of Mustard aphid Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.)” was conducted during 2022-23 cropping season at Research Farm of Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi, Muzaffarpur, Bihar. The study focused on evaluation of 42 Brassica genotypes for their Resistance or susceptibility against mustard aphid (Lipaphis erysimi) and to check the efficacy of some botanicals and entomopathogens against mustard aphid population in field conditions. During the screening of 42 Brassica genotypes, overall mean population of aphids per top 10 cm of inflorescence ranged from 41.82 to 137.79. The genotypes KMR(E) 21-1 and KGMH 9198 were infested with minimum and maximum numbers of aphid population, respectively. whereas, susceptible and resistant check varieties Yellow sarson (66-197-3) and Kranti had aphid population of 137.48 and 43.48 aphids/top 10 cm of inflorescence, respectively. Based on aphid infestation index (AII), 42 genotypes were categorized into five groups viz. highly resistant, resistant, moderately resistant, susceptible and highly susceptible. Two genotypes were grouped as resistant. 11 genotypes as moderately resistant, 25 genotypes as susceptible and 4 genotypes were grouped as highly susceptible. The lowest and highest AII was recorded in KMR(E) 21-1 (1.43) and KGMH 9198 (4.03), respectively. Check varieties Yellow sarson (66-197-3) and Kranti had aphid infestation index of 3.54 and 1.96, respectively. Further phenol and total sugar contents of top six promising genotypes also shown the negative and positive correlation of the aphid infestation. Molecular identification proved the east Asian strain of mustard aphid i.e., Lipaphis erysimi pseudobrassicae. The efficacy of various entomopathogens and botanicals was also evaluated against mustard aphid and its natural enemies. Among the entomopathogens and botanicals tested on mustard aphid, the per cent reduction of mustard aphid population over untreated control following the first and the second spray was the highest in Verticillium lecanii @ 5g/liter of water that is (85.33) followed by Beauveria bassiana @ 5g/liter of water (84.5%) and Metarhizium anisopliae @ 5g/liter of water (84.06%), Onion bulb extract @5% (77.24), Garlic bulb extract @5% (75.54) and Ginger rhizome extract @5% (74.11) respectively besides with higher population of natural enemies. However, chemical check Dimethoate 30EC @ 1ml/liter of water showed 93.8% reduction over control. Additionally based on B: C ratio Verticillium lecanii @ 5g/liter of water 2.24:1 was found to be better followed by Beauveria bassiana @ 5g/liter of water (2.20:1) and Metarhizium anisopliae @ 5g/liter of water (2.18:1).ThesisItem Open Access Studies on Impact of Bee Pollination on Yam Bean (Pachyrhizus erosus L.)(Dr.RPCAU, Pusa, 2023) BISWAS, DEBANAND; KUMAR, NEERAJThe current investigation titled “Studies on Impact of Bee Pollination on Yam bean (Pachyrhizus erosus L).” was executed at the experimental farm of TCA, Dholi (Muzaffarpur), RPCAU, Pusa during two consecutive Kharif seasons of 2020-21 and 2021-22 with Rajendra Mishrikand -1 variety of Yam bean. Findings related to bees and important insect visitors, their relative abundance and foraging behavior and impact of bee pollination on Yam bean seed yield and the results have been outlined below: A total of 6 important insect species visiting Yam bean flowers were recorded during the year 2020-21 and 2021-22 from Yam bean flowers. Collected insect species were killed and dried preserved properly labelled. Based on the number of insect visitors recorded, the most frequent and important insect visitors were in hymenoptera order and hence were counted for observations viz. Giant Honeybee (Apis dorsata Fabricius 1793), Eastern honeybee (Apis cerana Fabricius 1798), Dwarf honeybee (Apis florea Fabricius 1787), European honeybee (Apis mellifera Linnaeus 1758), Megachile sp. Fabricius 1781 and Carpenter bee (Xylocopa fenestrata Linnaeus 1758). Pooled mean population of Giant honeybee (Apis dorsata) was highest on 43rd SMW (15.50 insects/m2/10min) and during 13:00hrs (17.27 insects/m2/10min) of the day having Pooled mean population of 12.47 insects/m2/10min. Eastern honeybee (Apis cerana) population also attains peak on 43rd SMW (12.92 insects/m2/10min) and during 13:00hrs (13.94 insects/m2/10min) of the day with Pooled mean population of 10.79 insects/m2/10min. Dwarf honeybee (Apis florea) population attained peak on 44th SMW (10.52 insects/m2/10min) and at 13:00hrs (12.17 insects/m2/10min) of the day with mean population of 8.57 insects/m2/10min. European Honeybee (Apis mellifera) reaches peak on 43rd SMW (13.50 insects/m2/10min) and during 13:00hrs (14.30 insects/m2/10min) of the day and mean population of 11.31 insects/m2/10min. Population of Megachile sp. observed highest on 43rd SMW with mean population of 11.77 insects/m2/10min during 13:00hrs (12.67 insects/m2/10min) of the day with Pooled mean population of 9.28 insects/m2/10min. Carpenter bee (Xylocopa fenestrata) population was highest on 43rd SMW with mean population of 13.73 insects/m2/10min and during 13:00hrs (15.18 insects/m2/10min) of the with Pooled mean population 10.87 insects/m2/10min. Correlation and Regression studies of the Pooled data for all the observed bees and important insect visitors showed positive relation with average temperature and negatively related with average relative humidity. Apis dorsata showed positive and significantly correlation with average temperature and negatively non-significant with relative humidity in Pooled data (0.816* and -0.495), Apis cerana (0.894** and -0.608), Apis florea (0.817* and -0.367), Apis mellifera (0.792* and -0.434), Megachile sp. (0.837* and -0.483) and Xylocopa fenestrata (0.803* and -0.523) respectively. Regression coefficient (R2) recorded for Apis dorsata, Apis cerana, Apis florea, Apis mellifera, Megachile sp. and Xylocopa fenestrata for Pooled data (0.855, 0.918, 0.849, 0.895, 0.949, 0.772), respectively. Initiation time and Cessation time (Pooled mean) of Apis dorsata for both the season was 07:49hrs and 17:01hrs, respectively with duration of foraging (09:11hrs). Apis cerana (07:55hrs and 16:49hrs) with foraging duration (08:54hrs), Apis florea (07:58hrs and 16:45hrs) with duration of foraging (08:46hrs), Apis mellifera (07:51hrs and 16:49hrs), with duration of foraging (08:58hrs), Megachile sp. (08:06hrs and 16:33hrs), with foraging duration (08:26hrs). Xylocopa fenestrata (08:14hrs and 16:58hrs), with foraging duration (08:44hrs). The pollen load carried out by Apis mellifera (Pooled) was heaviest (11.68mg) at 07:00hrs and lightest (6.28mg) at 13:00hrs of the day. Also the mean pollen load by Apis mellifera during both the season was 9.20mg. Data on foraging rate (Pooled mean) reveals Apis dorsata on different dates was highest of 12.86 flowers/min with maximum during 11:00hrs (13.57flowers/min) and mean foraging rate (10.37flowers/min). Apis cerana attained peak of 10.50flowers/min with maximum during 13:00hrs (11.64 flowers/min) and mean foraging rate (8.22 flowers/min). Apis florea was attained highest of 10.23 flowers/min with maximum during 13:00hrs (11.86 flowers/min) and mean foraging rate (8.58flowers/min). Mean foraging rate of Apis mellifera attained highest of 10.14flowers/min with maximum during 11:00hrs (12.07flowers/min) and mean foraging rate (8.17flowers/min). Mean foraging rate of Megachile sp. attained peak of 9.66flowers/min with maximum during 13:00hrs (11.57flowers/min) and mean foraging rate (7.83 flowers/min). Mean foraging rate of Xylocopa fenestrata was highest of 13.18flowers/min with maximum during 13:00hrs (15.71flowers/min) and mean foraging rate (10.27 flowers/min). The Pooled mean Foraging speed of Apis dorsata during different dates was highest of 7.82 sec/flower with minimum at 13:00hrs (5.37sec/flower) and mean Foraging speed was 6.61 sec/flower. Apis cerana Foraging speed reached highest of 7.07 sec/flower with minimum at 11:00hrs (6.44sec/flower) with mean Foraging speed of Apis cerana (5.57 sec/flower). Apis florea Foraging speed was found minimum at 13:00hrs with mean Foraging speed of 4.39 sec/flower. Apis mellifera foraging speed reached highest of 7.22 sec/flower with minimum at 13:00hrs (5.40sec/flower) and mean Foraging speed of 5.65sec/flower. Megachile sp. reached highest of 7.45 sec/flower with minimum at 13:00hrs (6.49sec/flower) and mean Foraging speed of Megachile sp. (5.57 sec/flower). Xylocopa fenestrata Foraging speed reached highest of 5.35 sec/flower with minimum at 13:00hrs (4.22sec/flower) and mean Foraging speed of Xylocopa fenestrata was 3.41 sec/flower. Bees play a crucial role in seed production over the pollinator exclusion condition. Yield parameters of open pollination conditions are found to be superior over other pollination conditions. Pooled values showed that there is no relation between number of inflorescence/plant and number of flower/inflorescence and different pollination methods. Number of pod/inflorescence showed significant differences among the treatments i.e. open to all pollinators (8.45), pollinator exclusion (6.98) and bee pollination (7.45). Number of seeds/pod showed significant differences among the treatments i.e. open to all pollinators (8.02), pollinator exclusion (6.26) and bee pollination (6.94). Seed yield/plant observed maximum in open to all treatment (79.05kg/ha), followed by bee pollination treatment with 66.37kg/ha and pollinator exclusion treatment with 50.31kg/ha. All the treatments were significantly different and seed yield of Yam bean is highly influenced by different pollination methods. 100- Seed weight was observed maximum in open to all treatment (27.27g) and followed by bee pollination treatment with 26.71g and pollination exclusion treatment with 24.13g. Percent increase in seed yield was highest recorded in open to all treatment with 56.93%, and increase of 31.89% was observed in seed yield of bee pollination treatment over the pollinator exclusion treatment.ThesisItem Open Access FIELD EFFICACY, PERSISTENCE AND METABOLISM OF THIAMETHOXAM IN MUSTARD AGAINST APHID(Dr.RPCAU, Pusa, 2023) SUJATHA, B.; Sahoo, S. K.Field assessment was done to evaluate the bioefficacy of thiamethoxam 25% WG at different doses at 12.5 (T1), 16.67 (T2), 25 (T3), 37.5 (T4), 50 (T5) g a.i. per ha, standard check of dimethoate 30% EC at 200 (T6) g a.i. per ha and untreated control (water spray) (T7) over Lipaphis erysimi sprayed twice with an interval of 10 days. In 2020-21 and 2021-22, T5, T4 and T3 gave lowest aphid population and were statistically at par in terms of their effectiveness followed by T6, T2, T1 and T7. The plots treated with thiamethoxam at 50 g a.i. per ha gave highest seed yield and benefits over the cost incurred and it was in line with the results of thiamethoxam 37.5 and 25 g a.i. per ha. The persistence and metabolism of thiamethoxam in mustard leaves, flowers and soil was studied following thiamethoxam application at 12.5, 16.67, 25, 37.5, 50 g a.i. per ha. Mustard leaves, flowers and soil samples were analyzed by Reverse phase-Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. During 2020-21, the initial deposits of thiamethoxam and its metabolites were found to be 2.20, 2.63, 4.43, 6.86 and 9.40 mg kg-1 in leaves collected at 0 (1 hr after application), however, during 2021-22, the residues were 2.17, 2.76, 4.32, 6.71 and 8.42 mg kg-1, respectively. During 2020-21, the initial deposits of thiamethoxam and its metabolites were found to be 1.43, 1.85, 2.63, 4.37 and 5.73 mg kg-1 in flowers collected at 0 (1 hr after application), however, during 2021-22, the residues were 1.36, 1.73, 2.54, 4.24 and 5.46 mg kg-1, respectively. The residue in mustard leaves and flowers reached below LOQ (0.05 mg kg-1) after 30 days of application of thiamethoxam during both the years. But in soils, residues of thiamethoxam reached LOQ after 30 days of treatment except when applied at 12.5 and 16.67 g a.i. per ha where it took 15 days to reach below LOQ. The samples of oil and seed cake did not reveal the presence of thiamethoxam residues at harvest during both the years. Samples of clay loam, silt loam and sandy loam soil were collected from different geographical locations of Bihar. Each soil samples were fortified at three levels of thiamethoxam i.e. 100, 200 and 400 mg kg-1. The whole experiment was conducted at 25 ± 2°C under laboratory conditions. The limit of quantification of thiamethoxam and its metabolites was worked out to be 0.05 mg kg-1. The total residues of thiamethoxam and its metabolites in clay loam, silt loam and sandy loam soil after 7 days of its application @ 400 mg kg-1 were found to be 212.94, 191.01, 184.55 mg kg-1, respectively. The persistence of thiamethoxam was found to be more in clay loam followed by silt loam and sandy loam soil. Thiamethoxam after degradation resulted in the formation of clothianidin (main metabolite) followed by 1- methyl-3 nitroguanidine. Out of the various microbial isolates that were isolated from the soil and tested for thiamethoxam degradation, Bacillus cereus and Acinetobacter rudis were found to be prominent in degrading thiamethoxam as compared to control. Soil amended with B. cereus, A. rudis and consortium, the residues of thiamethoxam and its metabolites reached LOQ after 42 days of treatment when fortified at 50 mg kg-1 of soil whereas it took 56 days to reach LOQ when unamended.ThesisItem Open Access Studies on Population Development on Pulse Grains and Eco-friendly Management of Pulse Beetle on Pigeon pea in Storage(Dr.RPCAU, Pusa, 2022) NAKAMBAM, SONALI; Singh, P. P.In order to study the population development of pulse beetle on different pulse grains and eco-friendly management of pulse beetle on pigeon pea in storage, a series of laboratory experiments were conducted in the Entomology laboratory of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar during the two consecutive years viz., 2020-2021 and 2021-2022. Findings related to different aspects of the present investigation viz., ovipositional preference, adult emergence, mean developmental period, index of susceptibility, per cent and weight loss caused by C. chinensis on different pulse grains, efficacy of various oils, botanicals and insecticides and performance of different storage structures in pigeon pea storage have been outlined below: For assessment of population development of pulse beetle and quantitative losses caused by pulse beetle on different pulse grains, the trials were conducted on six different hosts (lentil, field pea, green gram, bengal gram, pigeon pea and black gram) replicated four times under Completely Randomised Block Design. The preference for egg laying by C. chinensis on different pulse hosts revealed that eggs laid per 50 grains ranged from 62.37 to 110.37 eggs/50 seeds and maximum oviposition was recorded on pigeon pea (110.37 eggs/50 seeds) while lowest was observed on lentil (62.37 eggs/50 seeds). Likewise, average egg count/seed was computed which resulted minimum and maximum number of eggs laid on lentil and pigeon pea with values 1.25 and 2.21 eggs per seed, respectively. Subsequently, emergence of adult beetles as well as per cent survival of adults emerged from different host grains recorded highest in pigeon pea with 99.88 numbers and 90.40 per cent while lentil recorded lowest in both the parameters recording 41.13 and 65.34 per cent, respectively. The development period of pulse beetle (C. chinensis) on six different hosts revealed that shortest mean developmental period of beetles from egg to adult was found in pigeon pea (25.64 days) while beetle development in lentil took longest period (34.76 days). The result on index of susceptibility showed pigeon pea and lentil as the most and least susceptible to C. chinensis with susceptibility index of 7.79 and 4.56, respectively. On the basis of categorization given by Dobie (1974) pigeon pea falls in moderately resistant category while lentil comes under resistant category. Assessment of grain damage as well as weight loss was carried out at different days interval. Per cent grain damage at 30 days after insect release (DAIR) revealed maximum grain damage in pigeon pea (16.84%) followed by green gram (14.97%), bengal gram (13.49%), black gram (11.77%), field pea (9.51%) and lentil (7.06%). At 60 days after insect release, pigeon pea recorded highest per cent grain damage with 37.62 per cent which was followed by green gram (32.07%), bengal gram (30.78%), black gram (22.71%), field pea (14.51%) and lentil (12.11%). Likewise at 90 and 120 days after insect release, pigeon pea recorded maximum with (60.41, 81.89%), green gram (54.56, 77.16%), bengal gram (50.63, 69.28%), black gram (31.24, 51.95%) and no significant difference was observed between field pea (16.87%) and lentil (15.45%) at 90 DAIR but at 120 DAIR, significant difference was recorded between field pea (31.45%) and lentil (23.83%). Per cent weight directly correlated with the per cent grain damage in the present findings and there was significant variation among all the host grains. Starting from the initial month (30 DAIR) till 120 DAIR, pigeon pea recorded maximum weight loss followed by green gram, bengal gram, black gram, field pea and lentil. The order of per cent weight loss in all the four months study period is as follows: Pigeon pea (10.94, 17.00, 33.86, 62.63%), green gram (9.33, 15.55, 29.24,56.53%), bengal gram (7.89,13.44, 28.37%), black gram (6.88, 12.50, 20.04, 50.25%), field pea (4.76, 11.21, 14.72, 31.42%) and lentil (3.74, 8.07, 11.80, 17.88%). Pigeon pea being widely cultivated pulse crop, the efficacy of various grain protectants including oils, botanicals and safer insecticides were assessed with regard to of reduced per cent egg laying, emergence of adult, per cent grain damage and weight loss for a duration of four months at monthly interval (30 to 120 DAIR). The series of experiments consisted of ten treatments including untreated control with three replications under Completely Randomised Block Design (CRBD). Among all the treatments lowest number of eggs were laid on seeds treated with cypermethrin (10 EC) @ 0.05 ml/kg seeds (11.17 eggs/50 seeds) followed by spinosad (45 SC) @ 4 ppm/kg seeds (20.50 eggs/50 seeds). Among botanicals, lowest oviposition was recorded in mustard oil @ 5ml/ kg seeds (24.67 eggs/50 seeds) and all the treatments proved to be significantly effective in reducing the egg laying of Callosobruchus chinensis and superior over untreated control (98.67 eggs/50 seeds). Based on oviposition data, oviposition inhibition was computed which yielded maximum inhibition in seeds treated with cypermethrin (10 EC) @ 0.05 ml/kg seeds (88.67%) and minimum inhibition was recorded in seeds treated with YBSP @ 5g/kg seeds (39.91%). The data recorded on adult emergence and inhibition of adult emergence revealed that minimum adult emergence (12.93%) and maximum inhibition of adult emergence (84.54%) were recorded on seeds treated with cypermethrin (10 EC) @ 0.05ml/kg seeds while maximum adult emergence and minimum inhibition of adult emergence were recorded on seeds treated with YBSP @ 5g/kg seeds (67.43 and 18.93%). Efficacy of oils, botanicals and insecticides against C. chinensis infesting pigeon pea indicated that 30 DAIR, seeds treated with cypermethrin (10 EC) @ 0.05 ml/kg seed recorded the least grain damage (by count) with maximum protection of 0.87 per cent while maximum damage was recorded in YBSP @ 5g/kg seed (8.70%). Cypermethrin (10 EC) @ 0.05 ml/kg seed proved to be the most efficient treatment in reducing grain damage till 120 DAIR with 1.19, 2.14 and 3.10% while maximum damage was recorded in YBSP @ 5g/kg seed (17.71, 27.35 and 28.45%) at 60, 90 and 120 days, respectively. Grain damage (by weight) nearly inferred same pattern with the previous grain damage (by count). Cypermethrin (10 EC) @ 0.05 ml/kg seed proved to be the best treatment with significantly less per cent grain damage from 30 DAIR till 120 DAIR. At 30 DAIR, cypermethrin (10 EC) @ 0.05 ml/kg seed recorded 0.53 per cent damage which was on par with spinosad (45 SC) @4 ppm/kg seed (0.84%). Among botanically derived grain protectants mustard oil @ 5ml/kg was the most efficient one in reducing per cent grain damage with 1.28 per cent which was on par with turmeric leaf oil @ 5ml/kg (1.47%). Intermediate protection of grains was provided by seed treatment with garlic extract @ 5% (1.96%), neem oil @ 5ml/kg (2.48%), NSKE @ 5ml/kg (3.85%) and maximum grain damage with least protection was observed in seeds treated with YBSP @ 5g/kg seed (5.94%) followed by YBSE @ 5ml/kg (4.99%). Even after 120 DAIR, cypermethrin (10 EC) @ 0.05 ml/kg seed was the most efficient treatment with 1.99 per cent and seed treatment with YBSP @ 5g/kg seed recorded maximum grain damage (12.57%). The per cent weight loss also increased consequently with increased in storage period and corresponded with per cent grain damage. At 30 DAIR, cypermethrin (10 EC) @ 0.05 ml/kg seed provided maximum protection (0.54%) against C. chinensis. Among botanicals, mustard oil @ 5ml/kg (1.22%) also provided maximum protection and maximum weight loss was observed in YBSP @ 5g/kg seed (5.86%). All the treatments were found to be superior over untreated control (10.43%). From 60 to 120 DAIR, cypermethrin (10 EC) @ 0.05 ml/kg seed recorded lowest with values (0.65, 1.38, 1.81%) while maximum was observed in YBSP @ 5g/kg seed (14.20, 23.35%, 24.25%). All the treatments were superior over untreated control (10.43, 16.03%, 32.27 and 55.51 %) at 30, 60, 90 and 120 DAIR. YBSP @ 5g/kg seed was found to be on par with YBSE @ 5ml/kg seed and neem oil @ 5ml/kg seed with NSKE @ 5ml/kg seed at 120 days after insect release. The effect of oils, botanicals and insecticides on germination and seed vigour of pigeon pea seeds were tested at the end of storage period (120 DAIR) and germination percentage varied from 22.67 to 77.00 per cent with minimum in untreated control and maximum in cypermethrin (10 EC) @ 0.05 ml/kg seed. No significant difference was observed between neem oil @ 5 g/kg seed (63.17) and garlic extract @ 5% (62.33%) which was followed by NSKE @ 5 ml/kg seed (59.09%). The lower per cent germination was recorded in YBSP @ 5 ml/kg seed (54.50%) which was on par with YBSE @ 5 ml/kg seed (54.84%) and all treatments were significantly superior over untreated control (22.67%). The data on seed vigour index revealed that maximum was recorded in seeds treated with cypermethrin (10 EC) @ 0.05 ml/kg seed (1600.22) which was statistically on par with spinosad (45 SC) @ 4ppm/kg seed (1584.18) followed by mustard oil @ 5 ml/kg seed (1442.96) and lowest seed vigour index was observed in YBSE @ 5 ml/kg seed (1103.76) followed by YBSP @ 5 g/kg seed (1138.89) as against untreated control (381.96). For evaluation of the performance of various storage structures against C. chinensis, seven treatments including jute bag as check was taken which was replicated thrice under Completely Randomised Block Design. The data on per cent grain damage, weight loss, germination percentage and seed vigour index were recorded at two months interval i.e., 2 and 4 months after storage (MAS). At 2 MAS, seeds stored in Polythene lined jute bag (PLJB) provided maximum protection with lowest grain damage (7.64%) and least protection of grain with maximum damage was recorded in jute bag (19.84%) while at 4 MAS, PLJB provided maximum protection with least damage of grains of 9.98 per cent. The next best treatment was recorded in plastic jar (12.16%) followed by earthen pot (14.30%), HDPE bag (16.63%), PP bag (18.46%). Among all the different treatments, least protection of grains was recorded in seeds stored in jute bag (30.91%). Data recorded on per cent weight loss at 2 MAS revealed maximum protection was recorded in pigeon pea seeds were stored in PLJB (3.65%) and maximum weight loss was recorded in jute bag (11.61%) followed by cloth bag (10.20%) and at 4 MAS, lowest weight loss was recorded in pigeon pea grains stored in PLJB (5.05%) and maximum weight loss was recorded in cloth bag (15.29%) and all the storage structures performed better than jute bag (19.05%) taken as check. The data on germination and seed vigour index of pigeon pea seeds revealed that at 2 MAS, earthen pot performed best with maximum percent germination (91.33%) and was found to be on par with plastic jar (91.17%) and lowest was recorded in jute bag (77.33%) while at 4 MAS, germination percentage ranged from 65.17 to 90.33 per cent with minimum and maximum being recorded in jute bag and PLJB, respectively. At 2 MAS, maximum seed vigour index was recorded in pigeon pea seeds stored in earthen pot (1894.20), followed in decreasing order by PLJB (1877.06), plastic jar (1865.19), HDPE bag (1775.38), PP bag (1743.10), cloth bag (1659.46) and jute bag (1570.78) of which plastic jar, PLJB and earthen pot were on par and PP bag and HDPE bag were statistically similar while at 4 MAS, PLJB and plastic jar were on par and the most effective treatment in maintaining the seed vigour of pigeon pea seeds with values 1919.95 and 1850.77, respectively and all the storage structures were found to be significantly superior over check (1331.82) i.e., jute bag.ThesisItem Open Access Screening of Rapeseed-mustard Genotypes and Eco-friendly Management of Mustard Aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.).(Dr.RPCAU, Pusa, 2022) KARTHIK, SOMALA; Mukherjee, U.The current investigations were conducted on “Screening of Rapeseed-mustard genotypes and eco-friendly management against mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.)” during 2019-2020 & 2020-21. The surveys conducted during the year 2020 across India, revealed that Lipaphis erysimi pseudobrassicae was present in all the 16 locations surveyed belonging to 13 states and one Union Territory at over altitude ranging from 40.42 m (Dariapur) to 980.80 m (Barapani). The selective RAPD primers viz., OPA-02, OPA-04, F2 and SSR primers viz., ApH04M, Ap-01 and ApH08M were considered as informative for genetic diversity analysis based on polymorphic band percentage (>70), higher PIC, EMR, MI and RP. DNA barcoding of 16 locations with universal primer (LCO1490- Forward and RHCO2- Reverse) employed were amplified at 657 bp of mtCOI gene in Lipaphis erysimi pseudobrassicae. The phylogenetic tree showed the clustering of all 16 locations with L. e. pseudobrassicae reference sequence. Among 16 locations, Jorhat of North-Eastern India was found to be highly diverged with higher branch distance (0.13) in the phylogenetic tree and higher dissimilarity of 30.0 and 31.0 % in RAPD and SSR dendrograms respectively. The association of bacterial endosymbionts with L. e. pseudobrassicae showed that Buchnera sp, a primary endosymbiont was found in all the 16 locations. Whereas in secondary endosymbionts, Wolbachia sp, Rickettsia sp, and Hamiltonella sp dominated the most with 81.25 % and Cardinium sp liberated with 31.25 %. Among all 16 locations, Jodhpur and Ranchi had a 100 % incidence of endosymbionts and lower incidence was found in Ludhiana, Raipur, Dharwad, Alipur Bihta, Delhi, Jorhat (42.85 %). The inspections on population of alate mustard aphids and natural enemies i.e., adult coccinellids, syrphids and parasitoids in relation to weather parameters revealed their peak on 8th SMW (157.1, 6.48, 5.63, 14.62/ 4 traps) respectively and shown strong positive correlation with maximum temperature (0.445, 0.608*, 0.595*, 0.618*) and sunshine hrs (0.602*, 0.654*, 0.633*. 0.662*) respectively. Different Rapeseed-mustard genotypes were screened against mustard aphid resulting in identification of six promising genotypes among which, genotype RTM 314 had shown low AII (1.3), ADI (1.0) and ARI (1.15). The biochemical analysis also revealed the highest glucosinolates (109.87 µmole/g) and phenols (6.51 mg/g) content in RTM 314. Further, GC-MS analysis indicated the existence of biologically active compounds like 2-(hydroxymethyl)-2-nitro-1,3-Propanediol; 5-(Methylsulfinyl)pentanenitrile and 1-Isothiocyanato-4-(methylsulfinyl)butane only in RTM 314 which could be the reason for resistance against mustard aphid. Among different intercrop combinations, mustard + wheat (3:1) followed by mustard + barley (3:1) have recorded lowest aphid population (41.46, 42.79/ top 10 cm inflorescence of 10 plants) respectively and highest population of coccinellids (8.29, 7.76/ 10 plants), syrphids (6.57, 6.35/ 10 plants), parasitoids (14.01, 13.34/ 10 plants) and spiders (4.39, 4.21/ 10 plants) with superior yield (1213, 1201 kg/ha) respectively. The efficacy of various botanicals was also evaluated against mustard aphid and its natural enemies. Among the botanicals tested on mustard aphid, the % reduction of mustard aphid population over untreated control following the first and the second spray was the highest in Neem Seed Kernel Extract (NSKE) @ 5% (70.69, 87.97 %) followed by Yam Bean Seed Extract (YBSE) @ 5% (66.58, 86.06 %) and Bhang Leaf Extract (BLE) @ 5% (64.25, 84.56 %) respectively besides with higher population of natural enemies. However, based on B: C ratio, BLE @ 5% with 6.86:1 was found to be better followed by NSKE @ 5% (3.61:1) and YBSE @ 5% (3.31:1).ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON BIONOMICS OF BRINJAL SHOOT AND FRUIT BORER (Leucinodes orbonalis Guenée), ITS MANAGEMENT THROUGH NEWER INSECTICIDES AND THEIR RESIDUES IN/ON BRINJAL (Solanum melongena L.) FRUITS(Dr.RPCAU, Pusa, 2022) N, PONNUSAMY; Singh, S. P. N.The total 11 species of pests belongs to the 11 genera, 9 families and 3 orders were recorded associated with the brinjal ecosystem. And also noticed several natural enemies belongs to 9 species, 8 genera, 6 families and 5 orders. Whereas, the incidence of L. orbonalis were also observed in Solanum tuberosum, S. nigrum, S. indicum, S. torvum and S. lycopersicon which belongs to family Solanaceae. And also studied life cycle of L. orbonalis under laboratory conditions during 2019-20 and 2020-21 in Rabi and Zaid/ summer seasons. The incubation period was recorded around 3.93 and 4.25 days in Rabi, but 3.66 and 3.86 days in Zaid/ summer in both the years. The total larval period was around 15.86 and 16.32 days in Rabi and whereas, 11.37 and 11.83 days in Zaid/ summer. Though, the pupal period was recorded around 5.76 and 5.97 days in Rabi and 5.08 and 5.28 days in Zaid/ summer. The longevity of the male moth was recorded 4.05 and 3.73 days in Rabi, but 3.21 and 3.41 days in Zaid/ summer and female moth was recorded around 5.50 and 5.35 days in Rabi still 4.40 and 4.55 days in Zaid/ summer. The pre-oviposition was also observed around 1.51 and 1.74 days in Rabi and 1.07 and 1.30 days in Zaid/ summer. Oviposition period was 2.95 and 3.07 days in Rabi and 1.65 and 2 days in Zaid/ summer during both the years. The studies of population dynamics of brinjal shoot and fruit borer during Rabi and Zaid/ summer seasons of 2019-20 and 2020-21 revealed that, the peak shoot infestation was recorded around 9th and 11th week after transplantation during Rabi and Zaid/ summer, similarly the fruit infestation reached its peak at 21st and 21st on number basis, respectively whereas, on the basis of weight 9th and 16th week after transplantation. The maximum temperature was the only abiotic factors significantly (positive) correlated with shoot and fruit infestation of L. orbonalis in both the seasons. While, other weather parameters like minimum temperature, morning and evening relative humidity, rainfall, evaporation and sunshine were either significantly or non-significantly (positive or negative) correlated with shoot and fruit infestation. Bio-efficacy of new insecticides- chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC @ 40 g a.i.ha-1 was significantly superior to all the insecticidal treatments and also recorded maximum fruit yield (295 q ha-1). It was followed by emamectin benzoate 5% SG @ 10 g a.i. ha-1 (259.25 q ha-1), spinosad 45% SC @ 84 g a.i. ha-1 (256 q ha-1), lambdacyhalothrin 5% EC @ 15 g a.i. ha-1 (219.25 q ha-1), thiacloprid 21.7% SC @ 180 g a.i. ha-1(209.5 q ha-1), dimethoate 30% EC @ 200 g a.i. ha-1 (171.5 q ha-1), pyriproxyfen 5% EC + fenpropathrin 15% EC @ 150 g a.i. ha-1 (159.75 q ha-1), betacyfluthrin 8.49% + imidacloprid 19.81% OD @ 60 g a.i. ha-1 (138.5 q ha-1) and were at statistically at par with each other. The maximum B: C ratio (1: 2.86) was obtained in chlorantraniliprole compared to other treatments like emamectin benzoate (1: 2.63), spinosad (1: 2.38), lambda-cyhalothrin (1: 2.24), thiacloprid (1: 1.90), dimethoate (1:1.73), pyriproxyfen + fenpropathrin (1: 1.57) and betacyfluthrin + imidacloprid (1: 1.44). Quantitative estimation of the residues of chlorantraniliprole in/on brinjal was done by HPLC. The samples of brinjal were processed using QuEChERS technique. The mean recovery of chlorantraniliprole was found 80.92 to 82.07 per cent, respectively. The mean recoveries of matrix matched standards were about 92.77 to 95.20 per cent. The matrix effect (%) were -13.60, +11.9, +1.22, -9.28 and +17.05 for different concentrations viz., 2, 1, 0.5, 0.1 and 0.05 μg ml-1. The LOQ was observed to be 0.05 mg kg-1. The mean initial deposit of chlorantraniliprole @ 40 g a.i. ha-1 was obtained to be 0.43 mg kg-1 and 0.92 mg kg-1 @ 80 g a.i. ha-1. The residues of chlorantraniliprole was found to be dissipated to a mean level of 0.26 mg kg-1 and 0.54 mg kg-1 one day after spraying which shown a dissipation 39.53 and 41.30 per cent residues at single as well as double doses. The mean level of residue was found to be 0.15 mg kg-1, 0.27 mg kg-1. It showed per cent dissipation about 65.12 and 70.65 per cent residues in 3 days after spray. The mean level of residue was found to be 0.10 mg kg-1 and shown a dissipation about 89.13 per cent in 5 days after spray at double dose. The residues were found below the limit of quantification (LOQ) in 5 and 7 days after spray at single and double doses. The T1/2 of chlorantraniliprole were calculated to be 0.974 and 1.610 days when applied at single and double doses after 3rd spray on brinjal. The mean initial deposits of chloantraniliprole was observed to be below the MRL in one day after spray at both the doses on brinjal. The mean initial deposit of washing effect was obtained to be 0.43 mg kg-1 of chlorantraniliprole which was reduced to 0.36 mg kg-1 for single dose in zero day after spray. Whereas, the mean initial deposit was found to be 0.26 mg kg-1 which was reduced to 0.23 mg kg-1 for single dose in one day after spray. For double dose, the initial deposit was found to be 0.92 mg kg-1 which was reduced to 0.69 mg kg-1 in zero day after spray. Though, the initial deposit was gained to be 0.54 mg kg-1, it reduced to 0.42 mg kg-1 for double dose in one day after spray.