Thumbnail Image

Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, Solan

Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan, was established on 1st December, 1985 with the objective to promote education, research and extension education in the fields of Horticulture, Forestry and allied disciplines. Late Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar, the first Chief Minister and the architect of Himachal Pradesh perceived the importance of Horticulture and Forestry to develop and improve the State economy which led to the establishment of this University. Its history lies in erstwhile Himachal Agricultural College, Solan, established in 1962 and affiliated to the Panjab University. It became one of the campuses of Agriculture Complex of Himachal Pradesh University on its formation in 1970. Consequent upon the establishment of Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya in 1978, this campus became its Horticulture Complex and finally in 1985, assumed the status of a State University, being the only University in the country engaged exclusively in teaching, research and extension in Horticulture and Forestry. The University is located at Nauni in Solan District of Himachal Pradesh, 13 km from Solan on Solan-Rajgarh Road, at an elevation of 1300 metres above mean sea level. Solan town is situated on national highway (NH-22) and is well connected by train and bus services. The University has four constituent colleges, out of which, two are located at the main campus Nauni, one for horticulture and the other for forestry, having 9 and 7 departments, respectively. The third College i.e., College of Horticulture & Forestry is located at Neri in Hamirpur District on Nadaun-Hamirpur state highway, about 6 Km from Hamirpur town and is well connected with bus service. The college offers three Undergraduate Degree Programmes i.e. BSc (Hons.) Horticulture, BSc (Hons.) Forestry and B. Tech. Biotechnology and MSc degree programme in a few subjects. The fourth college i.e. College of Horticulture and Forestry, Thunag (Mandi) is located at Thunag District Mandi. This college offer BSc (Hons.) Horticulture and BSc (Hons.) Forestry degree programme. In addition, there are five Regional Research Stations, 12 Satellite Stations and five Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) situated in different zones of the State.

Browse

2019 - 201962020 - 202421
Reset filters
Subject: Entomology × Start date: 2019 × Type: Thesis × Thesis Type: Ph.D ×
Reset filters

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 9 of 27
  • Thumbnail Image
    ThesisItemOpen Access
    STUDIES ON MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF BACTERIAL PATHOGEN(S) AND EVALUATION OF NON-CHEMICAL CONTROL METHODS IN HIVE BEES
    (UHF Nauni, 2024-02-21) DIKSHA DEVI; Meena Thakur
    The present investigation entitled Studies on molecular characterization of bacterial pathogen(s) and evaluation of non-chemical control methods was conducted during the year 2021-23 in the Department of Entomology, Dr. YSP University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh. The per cent infection of bacterial diseases in Apis mellifera varied from 0.00-30.15 and 0.00-60.00 in Himachal Pradesh, 0.00- 15.00 and 0.00-5.71 in Punjab and 0.00-6.67 and 0.00-10.00 in Haryana, respectively during the year 2021 and 2022. The per cent infection of bacterial diseases in A. cerana varied from 0.00-40.00 and 0.00-60.00 in Himachal Pradesh during 2021 and 2022, respectively, no A. cerana apiaries were maintained in Punjab and Haryana. In A. mellifera apiaries, diseased larvae were found in 10, 9 and 3 apiaries during rainy, summer and winter season. Whereas, in A. cerana apiaries disease was found only in 2 apiaries during summer season and 3 apiaries during rainy season. The bacterial load (Log CFU/g) and diversity (aerobic and anaerobic) was found statistically higher in rainy season. Based on morphological, biochemical and pathogenicity tests, a total of 26, 10 aerobic and 20, 7 anaerobic bacteria were isolated from A. mellifera and A. cerana diseased larvae, respectively. In in-vitro pathogenicity assay, 17 bacterial isolates showed diseased symptoms in healthy A. mellifera larvae and were identified as a proved bacterial pathogen for hive bees. In-vivo pathogenicity studies revealed that A. mellifera larvae inoculated with K. rosea (MKiSAN1), L. fusiformis (CKRAJ9), A. salmonicida subsp. salmonicida (MSiSAN3), E. mexicanum (MKRAN3) and P. aeruginosa (MSoSAY1) had highest per cent mortality of 76.00, 72.00, 68.00, 64.00 and 56.00 per cent, respectively. The selected 13 probiotic isolates obtained from A. mellifera, possessing probiotic potential (above 70%) were identified as Morganella morganii subsp. morganii HMN1 (89.33%), Pusillimonas gingsengoli HMN2 (82.67%), Proteus mirabilis HMN4 (76.00%), Bacillus safensis subsp. safensis HMN5 (81.33%), Pantoea pleuroti HMN7 (73.33%), B. stercoris HMN8 (80.00%), B. paralicheniformis HMN12 (45.33%), B. safensis HMN19 (72.00%), Alcaligenes faecalis HMN24 (80.00%), Staphylococcus equorum HMM1 (89.33%), Lactiplantibacillus argentoratensis HMM6 (100.00%), L. pentosus HMM8 (97.32%) and S. caprae HMM9 (90.67%) and 9 from A. cerana were identified as Bacillus stercoris HCN2 (92.00%), Enterococcus mundtii HCN5 (78.67%), E. caseliflavus HCN6 (92.00%), B. safensis HCN8 (74.67%), B. paralicheniformis HCN10 (77.33%), Alcaligenes faecalis subsp. phenolicus HCN11 (81.33%), A. faecalis subsp. phenolicus HCN12 (96.00%), B. safensis subsp. safensis HCN15 (93.33%) and Lactiplantibacillus argentoratensis HCM2 (100.00%). In in-vitro studies, L. argentoratensis HMM6 (0.48 mm @ 125 μL MIC), L. pentosus HMM8 (0.36 mm @ 150 μL MIC) and S. caprae HMM9 (0.36 mm @ 175 μL MIC) had good inhibition effect against almost all the pathogens tested even at lower concentration. Neem oil and neem extract had inhibition zone of 1.24 and 0.32 mm at 20 per cent. In-vivo management studies indicated statistically minimum per cent infection (26.15%) due to use of L. argentoratensis HMM6, with minimum per cent infection (32.85%) for P. aeruginosa. In-vitro and in-vivo non-chemical management practices revealed L. argentoratensis (HMM6) and L. pentosus (HMM8) as most effective treatment against bacterial pathogens. The presence of previously recorded pathogens Paenibacillus larvae and Melissococcus plutonius could not be confirmed in the present study though Lysinibacillus fusiformis, Serratia fonticola, Exiguobacterium profundum and Kocuria rosea were reported to cause similar symptoms under both in-vitro and in-vivo condition on healthy larvae of A. mellifera. The status of these proved pathogens in hive bees and the disease they cause need to be further confirmed and designation for the diseases is required.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ThesisItemOpen Access
    POLLINATION ECOLOGY OF SOME MEDICINAL PLANTS UNDER MID HILL CONDITIONS OF HIMACHAL PRADESH
    (UHF Nauni, 2024-03-07) PRIYANKA RANI; Raj Kumar Thakur
    The present investigations were conducted on four medicinal crops viz., holy basil (Ocimum sanctum L.), glory lily (Gloriosa superba L.), German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) and linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) during 2021-2023 to study floral biology, insect diversity and their effect on pollination along with qualitative studies of honey obtained from these crops. Holy basil flowers remained open for two days with viable pollen grains on day-1 and receptive stigma on day-2. Glory lily flower had nine stages with maximum pollen viability (88.40%) on one day after anthesis and stigma receptivity (80%) on the day of anthesis. German chamomile flower had six reproductive stages with maximum pollen viability (87.3%) on stage-5 and stigma receptivity was synchronized with anther dehiscence. Linseed anthesis was synchronized with sunlight with maximum stigma receptivity on day of anthesis and pollen viability (92.8%) at 04 hours after anthesis. Hymenopterans were most abundant visitors on all crops except German chamomile where Dipterans especially syrphids were most abundant visitors. Relatively maximum diversity of insect floral visitors was recorded on holy basil (23) followed by glory lily (19), German chamomile (13) and linseed (12). Relative abundance of insect visitors except Lepidopterans and Coleopterans had positive correlation with temperature and had negative correlation with relative humidity except Bombus haemorrhoidalis and Lepidopterans. Foraging rate of insect visitors was maximum in glory lily (13.64 flowers/minute) and minimum in holy basil (3.49 flowers/minute). Foraging speed of all insect visitors was maximum in holy basil (17.64 seconds/flower) and minimum in glory lily (5.01 seconds/flower). B. haemorrhoidalis carried maximum loose pollen grains (169.80 thousand) in glory lily while, maximum no. of loose pollen grains adhered to Apis mellifera in holy basil (81.40 thousand), linseed (79.43 thousand), German chamomile (9.32 thousand). The nectar of these crops primarily comprises sugars, namely glucose, fructose, sucrose and raffinose was uniquely found in holy basil and glory lily nectar. There were significant variations in nectar volume, nectar sugar concentrations and dry nectar sugars based on flower size. Yield per plant, germination percentage and test weight of holy basil (29.45g, 37.10mg and 68.26%) and linseed (11.57g, 12.00g and 99.53%) along with germination percentage of German chamomile (95.57%) was maximum in honey bee pollination system. In glory lily, fruit set, pod length and seed colchicine content (87.31%, 7.93cm) was highest in hand pollination whereas, number of seeds per pod, test weight and per cent germination was maximum in blower pollination (27.30, 2.27g and 84.48%) followed by honey bee pollination (25.50, 2.04g and 79.02%). Honey obtained from these crops consists of bioactive compounds like apigenin, β-caryophyllene, eugenol, rosmarinic acid, urosoilc acid, viomellein (holy basil); coumaric acid, quercetin, myricetin, chlorogenic acid, baicalin, stevol glucoside (glory lily); caffeic acid, quinic acid, apigenin, carnosol, chlorogenic acid, luteolin, rutin (German chamomile); gallic acid, caffeic acid hexoside I, syringic acid, sinapic acid, vitexin, luteolin 6,8-c-pentoside and lucenin-2 (Linseed). The quality parameters of linseed, holy basil and chamomile honey were found to be good in terms of physical as well as chemical parameters especially DPPH, phenols, flavonoids and HMF content. So, honey obtained from studies may be promoted as Indian brand and the area under cultivation of these crops can be expanded for quality honey production.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ThesisItemOpen Access
    DISSIPATION KINETICS AND DIETARY RISK ASSESSMENT OF SOME PESTICIDES IN BELL PEPPER UNDER PROTECTED AND OPEN FIELD CONDITIONS
    (UHF,NAUNI, 2024-01) PRIYANKA SHARMA; P L SHARMA
    The present investigations entitled “Studies on natural enemy complex of potato aphid, Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Thomas)” were conducted during the year 2021 and 2022 at Dr. Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh. The diversity of natural enemies varied with host crop and Tomato was more diverse in natural enemy complex of M. euphorbiae having 12 species viz., Coccinella septempunctata (Linnaeus), Hippodamia variegata (Goeze), Episyrphus balteatus De Geer, Melanostoma sp., Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Fabricius), Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemii (Esben-Peterson), Harmonia dimidiata (Fabricius), Oenopia sauzeti (Mulsant), Propylea dissecta Mulsant, Episyrphus viridaureus (Wiedemann), Sphaerophoria indiana Bigot and Aphelinus asychis Walker as compared to potato having only 7 species namely C. septempunctata, H. variegata, E. balteatus, S. indiana, Ischiodion scutellaris (Fabricius), Eupeodes confrator (Wiedemann) and E. viridaureus. Both M. euphorbiae and its natural enemies (coccinellids, chrysopids, syrphids and parasitoid) followed negative binomial distribution throughout the season on potato and tomato. In laboratory studies on demographics, predatory potential and density responsiveness natural enemies like C. zastrowi sillemi, C. septempunctata, H. variegata, O. sauzeti and A. asychis showed promise against M. euphorbiae. The predatory potential increased with increase in age of predators. In each case, significant negative linear coefficients were obtained after logistic regression analysis between proportion of prey nymphs consumed (Na/N) and initial prey density (N) which indicated the Type-II functional response for all the stages of natural enemies. The attack rate decreased and handling time increased with the advancement of the development stage of the prey in all the cases. The natural enemies showed mutual interference when two or more individuals foraged in an arena. Signature
  • Thumbnail Image
    ThesisItemOpen Access
    DISSIPATION KINETICS AND DIETARY RISK ASSESSMENT OF SOME PESTICIDES IN BELL PEPPER UNDER PROTECTED AND OPEN FIELD CONDITIONS
    (UHF,NAUNI, 2024-01-16) HIMANI GAUTAM; Sapna Katna
    The present investigation on “Dissipation kinetics and dietary risk assessment of some pesticides in bell pepper under protected and open field conditions” was carried out during 2021 and 2022 in the Department of Entomology, Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan. Results of this investigation revealed that all tested pesticides on bell pepper dissipated slowly under protected conditions compared to open field conditions. Under protected conditions, average initial deposits of buprofezin (@ 75 and 150 g a.i./ha), fenvalerate (@ 75 and 150 g a.i./ha), flupyradifurone (@ 250 and 500 g a.i./ha), imidacloprid (@ 25 and 50 g a.i./ha), novaluron (@ 33.5 and 67 g a.i./ha), profenofos (@ 500 and 1000 g a.i./ha), spirotetramat (@ 60 and 120 g a.i./ha) and tetraniliprole (@ 60 and 120 g a.i./ha) were found in the range of 0.450- 0.794 mg/kg, 0.564 - 1.073 mg/kg, 0.515 - 0.951 mg/kg, 0.262- 0.454 mg/kg, 0.313 - 0.581 mg/kg, 1.274- 2.215 mg/kg, 0.321- 0.588 mg/kg and 0.431 - 0.795 mg/kg, respectively with half life values ranging from 2.30 to 4.72 days. However, under open field conditions, average initial residues of buprofezin, fenvalerate, flupyradifurone, imidacloprid, profenofos, spirotetramat and tetraniliprole at X and 2X doses ranged between 0.429 –0.749 mg/kg, 0.532 – 1.016 mg/kg, 0.501 – 0.907 mg/kg, 0.214 – 0.387 mg/kg, 1.208 – 2.151 mg/kg, 0.313 – 0.570 mg/kg and 0.405 – 0.759 mg/kg, respectively with half life values varying from 1.66 to 3.03 days. Residues of all test pesticides were found to be below the limit of quantification in bell pepper cropped soil in both protected and open field conditions at harvest. In terms of acute and chronic dietary risk, all of the test pesticides when applied on yellow as well as green bell pepper were deemed safe for consumption by all age groups in rural and urban areas. Treatment with 1% NaCl most effectively (60.62-78.06 %) removed the residues of buprofezin, fenvalerate, imidacloprid, novaluron, profenofos and spirotetramat, while 5% NaHCO3 most efficiently reduced the residues of flupyradifurone and tetraniliprole (59.46-69.06 %) from both yellow and green bell pepper fruits.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ThesisItemOpen Access
    BIOEFFICACY AND RESIDUE DYNAMICS OF SOME PESTICIDES USED AGAINST INSECT PESTS OF BRINJAL AND CHILLI
    (UHF,NAUNI, 2023-08-04) SHIVANI BHARTIYA; SAPNA KATNA
    ABSTRACT The present investigation on “Bioefficacy and residue dynamics of some pesticides used against insect pests of brinjal and chilli” was carried out during 2021 and 2022 in the department of Entomology, Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan. Bioefficacy studies revealed that fenazaquin @ 250 g a.i./ha (81.98% and 82.80%) was most effective in reducing jassids population, whereas, chlorantraniliprole @ 80 g a.i./ha was effective against shoot and fruit borer in reducing shoot infestation (2.22% and 2.45%) and fruit infestation (6.78% and 6.13%) on brinjal crop. In case of thrips in chilli, cyantraniliprole @ 120 g a.i./ha (83.06% and 85.27%) proved to be most effective during 2021 and 2022, respectively. No phytotoxicity symptoms were observed on the brinjal and chilli plants after application of pesticides at given doses. Population of coccinellids after imposing the treatments declined to some extent in a decreasing order viz., chlorantraniliprole > fenvalerate > spiromesifen > fenazaquin > chlorpyriphos in brinjal and flubendiamide > cyantraniliprole > spirotetramat > fenazaquin > imidacloprid in case of chilli. The highest benefit cost ratio of 4.22:1 and 4.29:1 was recorded in the plots treated with chlorantraniliprole @ 40 g a.i./ha in brinjal and 2.98:1 and 3.11:1 in the plots treated with cyantraniliprole @ 60 g a.i./ha in chilli during 2021 and 2022, respectively. Dissipation studies in brinjal and chilli showed that all the pesticides followed first order kinetics. The average initial deposits of spiromesifen (@ 96 and 192 g a.i./ha), fenazaquin (@ 125 and 250 g a.i./ha), chlorantraniliprole (@ 40 and 80 g a.i./ha),, fenvalerate (@ 75 and 150 g a.i./ha) and chlorpyriphos (@ 200 and 400 g a.i./ha) on brinjal fruits were 0.672 and 1.133 mg/kg, 0.457 and 0.761mg/kg, 0.867 and 1.433 mg/kg, 0.587 and 1.233 mg/kg and 0.918 and 1.825 mg/kg at single and double dose, respectively. On chilli, the average initial deposits of cyantraniliprole (@ 60 and 120 g a.i./ha), imidacloprid (@ 25 and 50 g a.i./ha), spirotetramat (@ 60 and 120 g a.i./ha), flubendiamide (@ 50 and 100 g a.i./ha) and fenazaquin (@ 125 and 250 g a.i./ha) reduced to half in a range of 1.46 – 3.10 days and 1.64 – 3.47 days at single and double dose, respectively. In brinjal field soil and in red chilli and chilli field soil the residues detected were below limit of quantification at harvest at both X and 2X doses for all the tested pesticides. Risk assessment of all the pesticides calculated as hazard quotient was less than 1 and as theoretical maximum daily intake was less than maximum permissible intake, thus all the tested pesticides on both the crops considered to be safe, provided proper waiting period of 2-3 days in brinjal and 5-11 days in chilli should be followed
  • Thumbnail Image
    ThesisItemOpen Access
    BIOEFFICACY, PERSISTENCE AND HARVEST TIME RESIDUES OF APPROVED PESTICIDES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF INSECT PESTS OF HIGH DENSITY APPLE PLANTATIONS
    (UHF,NAUNI, 2023-05) SHARMA, SONALI; DUBEY, J K
    ABSTRACT The present investigation entitled, “Bioefficacy, persistence and harvest time residues of approved pesticides for the management of insect pests of high density apple plantations” were carried out in a private high density apple orchard located at Sadhupul, Solan and high density apple orchard, Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.) during two consecutive years 2021 and 2022. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the bioefficacy of different pesticides against insect-pests of high density apple plantations, to validate the QuEChERS technique as well as evaluate its persistence on high density apple fruits and soil; and risk assessment from consumption point of view. The results of the investigation revealed that highest average (season I (2021) and II (2022)) per cent reduction of 91.46 and 89.75 per cent were provided by the treatments T6 (fenazaquin @ 320 g a.i. ha-1) and T3 (bifenthrin @ 480 g a.i.ha-1), respectively, being statistically at par with each other against European red mite population. Whereas, in case of woolly apple aphid colony count and size, treatment T6 (chlorpyriphos @ 4000 g a.i. ha-1) provided highest average (season I (2021) and II (2022)) per cent reduction of 92.01 and 92.31 per cent, respectively. No phytotoxicity symptoms like leaf injury, wilting, vein clearing, necrosis, epinasty, hyponasty was observed on high density apple plantation after application of different pesticides at both the locations. Significant effect of different treatments was seen on the population of coccinellid beetles after spray on high density apple plantations at both locations. In case of pesticidal economics against European red mite, the highest IBCR of 159.42: 1 and 146.22:1 was noticed in the treatment T11 (propargite @ 1140 g a.i. ha-1) and T8 (hexythiazox @ 87.2 g a.i. ha-1) during season I (2021) and II (2022), respectively. Whereas, in case of pesticidal economics against woolly apple aphid, the highest IBCR of 132.33:1 and 143.66:1 was noticed in the treatment T8 (malathion @ 2000 g a.i. ha-1) during season I (2021) and II (2022), respectively. After second foliar application, the average initial deposits at single and double dose were 0.827 and 1.691, 1.583 and 1.822, 0.711 and 1.543, 0.596 and 1.153, 0.955 and 1.651, 1.067 and 1.759, 1.272 and 1.980, 0.672 and 1.114; and 1.381 and 1.784 mg kg-1, respectively of bifenthrin, chlorpyriphos, fenazaquin, hexythiazox, malathion, oxydemeton methyl, propargite, spiromesifen and thiacloprid on high density apple fruits, respectively. The safe waiting period of 5.80, 4.53, 16.14, 8.04, 16.52, 25.85 and 8.50 days, respectively was suggested for bifenthrin, chlorpyriphos, fenazaquin, hexythiazox, oxydemeton methyl, spiromesifen and thiacloprid on high density apple fruits. Theoretical risk assessment of all the pesticides done by calculating Hazard Quotient and Theoretical maximum daily intake, rendered the use of all the pesticides as safe for all age groups, provided proper waiting period was followed.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ThesisItemOpen Access
    STUDIES ON DIVERSITY, POPULATION DYNAMICS AND PREDATORY POTENTIAL OF SYRPHIDS AGAINST Brevicoryne brassicae (L.) INFESTING CRUCIFEROUS CROPS IN HIMACHAL PRADESH
    (UHF,NAUNI, 2023-03) PALIAL, SHIVANI; VERMA, SUBHASH CHANDER
    ABSTRACT The present study entitled “Studies on diversity, population dynamics and predatory Pradesh” conducted during 2019-2022 at Department of Entomology, Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh. A total 27 species of syrphids belonging to 12 genera were recorded from the four agroclimatic zones of Himachal Pradesh. The maximum number of syrphids were found in Zone-II (23) followed by Zone-I (17), Zone-III (13) and Zone-IV (11). The syrphid population appeared on the crop during 3rd-4th standard meteorological week which coincided with the appearance of cabbage aphid population in the field condition and the peak was recorded in the mid of March during both the cropping seasons. The population of E. balteatus, E. corollae, E. pseudonitens, I. scutellaris and S. indiana showed the significant and positive correlation with cabbage aphid and with maximum and minimum temperature except for S. pyrastri and B. isaaci whose population remained low during both the cropping seasons while non-significant correlation was observed with the relative humidity and total rainfall. The first, second and third instar larvae of E. balteatus, E. corollae, E. pseudonitens, I. scutellaris, S. indiana, S. pyrastri consumed on an average 21.70, 21.15, 24.2 , 11.84 , 9.10 and 12.70, 97.21, 71.70, 95.60, 46.75 and 81.53, 278.56, 287.10, 327.0, 272.17, 217.56 and 328.70 aphids, respectively. The maximum value of net predation rate (Co) was recorded for E. pseudonitens (430.14 aphids) whereas the gross reproductive rate (33.18 offspring/ individual), net reproductive rate (29.20 offspring/individual), intrinsic rate of increase (r=0.132), finite rate of increase (λ= 1.141), stable host- kill rate (ψ =18.63) and finite host- kill rate (ω =21.07) were recorded for E. corollae. Logistic regression analysis on the proportion of aphids consumed and the initial density of aphids confirmed the Type-II functional response for all the larval stages of syrphids. The third instar larva of syrphids was the most voracious feeder with the highest attack rate, shortest handling and highest prey consumption. Hence, among dominant syrphid predators, E. corollae is the potential predator against the cabbage aphid, B. brassicae and can be used in the integrated pest management program
  • Thumbnail Image
    ThesisItemOpen Access
    DIVERSITY AND ALTITUDINAL FOOD PREFERENCES OF BUMBLE BEE SPECIES IN DIFFERENT AGRO-CLIMATIC ZONES OF HIMACHAL PRADESH
    (UHF,NAUNI, 2023-02) NEGI, NEHA; RANA, KIRAN
    ABSTRACT The present investigations entitled ‘Diversity and altitudinal food preferences of bumble bee species in different agro-climatic zones of Himachal Pradesh’ was conducted during the years 2020- 2022 at Department of Entomology, Dr.Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh. The diversity of bumble bee species was explored in 27 locations of four agro-climatic zones of Himachal Pradesh and seven bumble bee species identified were B. haemorrhoidalis, B. tunicatus, B. rufofasciatus, B. melanurus, B. miniatus, B. hypnorum and B. albopleuralis. The Zone-IV contributed maximum diversity of bumble bee species (5) and Zone-II (2) contributed minimum diversity of bumble bee species. In the present findings, B. albopleuralis from Sirmaur, B. rufofasciatus and B. tunicatus from Shimla, B. miniatus and B.tunicatus from Kinnaur and B. hypnorum from Lahaul Spiti were recorded for the first time from these study areas of Himachal Pradesh. Simpson Diversity Index (1-D’) (0.746) and Shannon Diversity Index (H) (1.443) was recorded highest in agro-climatic Zone-IV and minimum was recorded in agro-climatic Zone-II. In the present studies, comparative morphometric studies were carried out on seven bumble bee species collected from four agro-climatic zones of Himachal Pradesh. The present findings indicated that the morphological parameters varied from species to species and caste to caste. The queen was larger in size compared to drone and worker in bumble bee species. The survey studies were carried out to determine the food plants of bumble bee species through visual observation method. A total of 57 in agro-climatic Zone-I, 68 in agro-climatic Zone-II, 74 in agro-climatic Zone-III and 43 bumble bee food plants in agro-climatic Zone-IV were recorded and these plants belonged to families viz., Acanthaceae, Actinidiaceae, Aizoaceae, Alliaceae, Apiaceae, Apocynaceae, Asteraceae, Balsaminaceae, Bignoniaceae, Boroginaceae, Brassicaceae, Convolvulaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Fabaceae, Hydrangeaceae, Lamiaceae, Lythraceae, Malvaceae, Oxalidaceae, Polygonaceae, Rosaceae, Solanaceae, Verbenaceae and Veronicaceae. The identified plants were categorized according to their economic importance viz., ornamental plants, vegetables, fruit plants, medicinal plants, wild plants and weed plants. Attempts were made to rear different bumble bee species, out of which Bombus tunicatus Smith was reared successfully under laboratory conditions at 27±1 0C temperature and 65-70 per cent relative humidity. The average time for wax secretion was 19.3±1 days. The average development time from egg to adult was observed 32.3±1.5 days. The total survival period of colonies was 149± 8.03 days from the day of trapping.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ThesisItemOpen Access
    EFFECT OF FIPRONIL AND LAMBDA CYHALOTHRIN ON COLONY PERFORMANCE OF Apis mellifera UNDER FIELD AND SEMI-FIELD CONDITIONS IN ONION (Allium cepa L.)
    (UHF,NAUNI, 2023-01) WASEEM, MOHAMMAD ABDUL; THAKUR, MEENA
    ABSTRACT The present investigation “Effect of fipronil and lambda cyhalothrin on colony performance of Apis mellifera under field and semi-field conditions in onion (Allium cepa L.)” was conducted during the period 2020-2021. The effect of spray of fipronil 80 WG @ 0.12g/l and lambda-cyhalothrin 5% E.C @ 0.85g/l on onion bloom, was evaluated on foraging activity, mortality and colony performance viz., brood area, nectar stores, pollen stores and bee strength of A. mellifera under field and semi-field (cage) conditions. The contact, oral toxicity and larval toxicity of these chemicals to A. mellifera and A. cerana was also evaluated under laboratory conditions. Under semi-field conditions, the foraging activity of A. mellifera significantly reduced to 6.50 bees/m2/2 min in fipronil and 1.55 bees/m2/min in lambda cyhalothrin on the day of spray. No significant difference among the day hours in the foraging activity was observed. In comparison to the colony parameters, one day before introduction of the colonies to different treatments, significantly low brood area could be seen on 7th and 14th day and significant reduction in nectar and pollen area on 7th day. Overall comparison of brood area and nectar area among the treatments indicated significantly higher brood area in control followed by lambdacyhalothrin and fipronil. Significant decrease in pooled bee mortality was recorded up to 3rd day after exposure to fipronil and 2nd day after exposure to lambda- cyhalothrin under semi-field conditions. Overall average bee mortality was significantly higher (45.66 bees/day) in fipronil followed by lambda cyhalothrin (18.30 bee/day) exposure followed by control (6.94 bees/day). Under field conditions, sharp decline in A. mellifera activity after spray of fipronil (5.83 bees/day) and lambda-cyhalothrin (5.77 bees/day) was recorded as compared to control. Significant recovery in bee activity was observed on 10th and 9th day after spray in fipronil and lambdacyhalothrin treatments. The brood area decreased non significantly on 7th day and significantly thereafter in fipronil exposure, whereas effect of lambda-cyhalothrin was not much pronounced. Non-significant variations were found in pollen area under the influence of both the chemicals under field conditions. A significant decline in bee strength on 7th day after exposure to fipronil and non- significant decline under the effect of lambdacyhalothrin was recorded. The contact toxicity and oral LD50 of fipronil and lambda-cyhalothrin to A. mellifera adults was 0.005, 0.052 and 0.040μg/bee and 0.83μg/bee whereas in A. cerana adults it was 0.006, 0.046 and 0. 04, 0.501 μg/bee, respectively after 24 hours exposure period under laboratory conditions. As observed in the present investigations the foraging activity and colony parameters of A. mellifera was negatively affected under field and semi-field conditions. Fipronil and lambda cyhalothrin have lethal and sublethal effects on colony performance of A. mellifera at the field relevant doses and should be applied in a restricted manner.