Loading...
Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa
In the imperial Gazetteer of India 1878, Pusa was recorded as a government estate of about 1350 acres in Darbhanba. It was acquired by East India Company for running a stud farm to supply better breed of horses mainly for the army. Frequent incidence of glanders disease (swelling of glands), mostly affecting the valuable imported bloodstock made the civil veterinary department to shift the entire stock out of Pusa. A British tobacco concern Beg Sutherland & co. got the estate on lease but it also left in 1897 abandoning the government estate of Pusa.
Lord Mayo, The Viceroy and Governor General, had been repeatedly trying to get through his proposal for setting up a directorate general of Agriculture that would take care of the soil and its productivity, formulate newer techniques of cultivation, improve the quality of seeds and livestock and also arrange for imparting agricultural education. The government of India had invited a British expert. Dr. J. A. Voelcker who had submitted as report on the development of Indian agriculture. As a follow-up action, three experts in different fields were appointed for the first time during 1885 to 1895 namely, agricultural chemist (Dr. J. W. Leafer), cryptogamic botanist (Dr. R. A. Butler) and entomologist (Dr. H. Maxwell Lefroy) with headquarters at Dehradun (U.P.) in the forest Research Institute complex.
Surprisingly, until now Pusa, which was destined to become the centre of agricultural revolution in the country, was lying as before an abandoned government estate. In 1898. Lord Curzon took over as the viceroy. A widely traveled person and an administrator, he salvaged out the earlier proposal and got London’s approval for the appointment of the inspector General of Agriculture to which the first incumbent Mr. J. Mollison (Dy. Director of Agriculture, Bombay) joined in 1901 with headquarters at Nagpur
The then government of Bengal had mooted in 1902 a proposal to the centre for setting up a model cattle farm for improving the dilapidated condition of the livestock at Pusa estate where plenty of land, water and feed would be available, and with Mr. Mollison’s support this was accepted in principle. Around Pusa, there were many British planters and also an indigo research centre Dalsing Sarai (near Pusa). Mr. Mollison’s visits to this mini British kingdom and his strong recommendations. In favour of Pusa as the most ideal place for the Bengal government project obviously caught the attention for the viceroy.
Browse
16 results
Search Results
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 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).
