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Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, Guntur

The Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University (APAU) was established on 12th June 1964 at Hyderabad. The University was formally inaugurated on 20th March 1965 by Late Shri. Lal Bahadur Shastri, the then Hon`ble Prime Minister of India. Another significant milestone was the inauguration of the building programme of the university by Late Smt. Indira Gandhi,the then Hon`ble Prime Minister of India on 23rd June 1966. The University was renamed as Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University on 7th November 1996 in honour and memory of an outstanding parliamentarian Acharya Nayukulu Gogineni Ranga, who rendered remarkable selfless service for the cause of farmers and is regarded as an outstanding educationist, kisan leader and freedom fighter. HISTORICAL MILESTONE Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU) was established under the name of Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University (APAU) on the 12th of June 1964 through the APAU Act 1963. Later, it was renamed as Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University on the 7th of November, 1996 in honour and memory of the noted Parliamentarian and Kisan Leader, Acharya N. G. Ranga. At the verge of completion of Golden Jubilee Year of the ANGRAU, it has given birth to a new State Agricultural University namely Prof. Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University with the bifurcation of the state of Andhra Pradesh as per the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act 2014. The ANGRAU at LAM, Guntur is serving the students and the farmers of 13 districts of new State of Andhra Pradesh with renewed interest and dedication. Genesis of ANGRAU in service of the farmers 1926: The Royal Commission emphasized the need for a strong research base for agricultural development in the country... 1949: The Radhakrishnan Commission (1949) on University Education led to the establishment of Rural Universities for the overall development of agriculture and rural life in the country... 1955: First Joint Indo-American Team studied the status and future needs of agricultural education in the country... 1960: Second Joint Indo-American Team (1960) headed by Dr. M. S. Randhawa, the then Vice-President of Indian Council of Agricultural Research recommended specifically the establishment of Farm Universities and spelt out the basic objectives of these Universities as Institutional Autonomy, inclusion of Agriculture, Veterinary / Animal Husbandry and Home Science, Integration of Teaching, Research and Extension... 1963: The Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University (APAU) Act enacted... June 12th 1964: Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University (APAU) was established at Hyderabad with Shri. O. Pulla Reddi, I.C.S. (Retired) was the first founder Vice-Chancellor of the University... June 1964: Re-affilitation of Colleges of Agriculture and Veterinary Science, Hyderabad (estt. in 1961, affiliated to Osmania University), Agricultural College, Bapatla (estt. in 1945, affiliated to Andhra University), Sri Venkateswara Agricultural College, Tirupati and Andhra Veterinary College, Tirupati (estt. in 1961, affiliated to Sri Venkateswara University)... 20th March 1965: Formal inauguration of APAU by Late Shri. Lal Bahadur Shastri, the then Hon`ble Prime Minister of India... 1964-66: The report of the Second National Education Commission headed by Dr. D.S. Kothari, Chairman of the University Grants Commission stressed the need for establishing at least one Agricultural University in each Indian State... 23, June 1966: Inauguration of the Administrative building of the university by Late Smt. Indira Gandhi, the then Hon`ble Prime Minister of India... July, 1966: Transfer of 41 Agricultural Research Stations, functioning under the Department of Agriculture... May, 1967: Transfer of Four Research Stations of the Animal Husbandry Department... 7th November 1996: Renaming of University as Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University in honour and memory of an outstanding parliamentarian Acharya Nayukulu Gogineni Ranga... 15th July 2005: Establishment of Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University (SVVU) bifurcating ANGRAU by Act 18 of 2005... 26th June 2007: Establishment of Andhra Pradesh Horticultural University (APHU) bifurcating ANGRAU by the Act 30 of 2007... 2nd June 2014 As per the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act 2014, ANGRAU is now... serving the students and the farmers of 13 districts of new State of Andhra Pradesh with renewed interest and dedication...

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202314
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Subject: Entomology × End date: 2023 × Start date: 2023 × Type: Thesis ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    STUDIES ON SEASONAL OCCURRENCE OF INSECT PESTS VIS-À-VIS USE OF PESTICIDES IN RICE ECOSYSTEM OF GUNTUR DISTRICT OF ANDHRA PRADESH
    (Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, 2023-12-02) VALLURI JHANSI HIMA VARSHA; CHERUKURI SREENIVASA RAO
    The studies were carried out on occurrence of insect pests, insecticide usage pattern and pesticide residues in Guntur District of Andhra Pradesh during rabi 2020-21 in NSJ Canal area and kharif 2021-22 in Krishna Western Delta in 45 and 90 farmers fields, respectively. The farm gate and market rice samples were analyzed at ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited Pesticide Formulation and Residue Analytical Centre (PFRAC) of National Institute of Plant Health Management. Seasonal occurrence of insect pests during rabi 2020-21 in NSJ Canal area revealed that rice leaf folder, yellow stem borer, brown planthopper, white backed planthopper, armyworm and gall midge incidence was found in the entire crop growth period among which leaf folder, yellow stem borer incidence was more evident and the pest incidence was always below the ETL. The incidence of all insect pests was below ETL due to application of 345 pesticides in 177 applications / sprayings, with an average of 4.32 sprayings / applications per farmer, and 8.41 pesticides in each field during the crop season. The commonly used pesticides in the area were acephate, flubendiamide and propineb, out of a total of 34 pesticide formulations (17 insecticides; 12 fungicides; 4 herbicides and one bio chemical product) used by the farmers. The farmers of the area majorly used (92.75%) recommended pesticides, but 45.94 per cent of the pesticide applications at higher doses. Seasonal occurrence of insect pests during kharif 2021-22 in KWD area revealed that leaf folder, yellow stem borer, brown planthopper, rice hispa and rice leafhopper incidence was found but always below the ETL except for BPH where the pest has crossed ETLs in very few fields in one week. The incidence of insect pests was below ETL, due to application of 703 pesticides in 280 applications / sprayings, with an average of 3.45 sprayings per farmer, and use of 8.67 pesticides. xxvi The commonly used pesticides in the area are bispyribac sodium, fenoxaprop-p-ethyl and metsulfuron methyl + chlorimuron ethyl, all herbicides, because the farmers in this area follow direct seeding of rice. Among insecticides, and fungicides, pymetrozine and hexaconazole, respectively, were highly used. A total of 50 pesticide formulations (25 insecticides; 20 fungicides; one bactericide; three herbicides and one unregistered product i.e., bio chemical pesticide) are used in the area. The majority of the pesticide applications (92.32 %) with recommended pesticides, and applied (57.01 %) with recommended doses. A comprehensive study on general awareness and knowledge of farmers on pesticide use and handling reveals that majority of the farmers in the study areas were unaware about the recommended pesticides in rice, pesticide classification based on toxicity, pesticide residues in food, rejection of the food exports due to pesticide residues, use of personal protection equipment, and disposal of empty containers. A significant relation was found between the educational qualification of farmers and awareness on first aid practices and toxicity classification. However, it was recorded that majority of them in both areas were using recommended pesticides in rice as per the suggestions of pesticide dealers / officials of department, as majority of the farmers contact retail pesticide shop dealers (82.22 % in NSJ Canal area and 66.3 % in KWD area). The farm-gate rice (de-husked brown) samples from ZBNF farmers and polished rice samples from market were free from pesticide residues, due to non application of pesticides in ZBNF farms and may be removal of pesticide residues due to processing in polished rice samples. About 28.8 % of farm-gate rice (de-husked brown) samples from NSJ canal area were detected with pesticide residues, but all with recommended pesticides only. However, the use of higher dosages of pesticides (94.44 % applications of propiconazole; 37.5 % applications of hexaconazole) in the area led to occurrence of pesticide residues above FSSAI MRL in 10 % samples with propiconazole, 4 % samples with hexaconazole and 4 % samples with buprofezin residues above FSSAI MRLs. About 25.5 % of farm-gate rice (de-husked brown) samples from NSJ canal area were detected with pesticide residues, but all with recommended pesticides only. However, the use of higher dosages of pesticides (100 % applications of quinalphos; 42.85 % applications of thiamethoxam) in the area led to occurrence of pesticide residues above FSSAI MRL in 9 % samples, where quinalphos and thiamethoxam residues were above MRLs. Risk assessment was conducted taking Highest Residue (HR) into consideration for each pesticide in rice and it was revealed that the hazard quotients (HQ) for individual pesticides and the hazard index (HI) which is cumulative of all the detected pesticides from all the samples were less than unity i.e., HQ and HI < 1, indicating that food is safe for consumption. The comprehensive studies on pest and pesticide management in two major rice areas in Guntur district reveals that the insect pests were under control due to continuous use of pesticides, principally the recommended pesticides as per CIBRC, but sprayed at higher doses incase of insecticides and fungicides. The awareness on safe handling and reading the labels found to be lacking among farmers in both areas. Residue analysis for rice collected from study area farmers indicate that about 10 % samples are with residues above FSSAI MRLs, and residues can be managed through simple mitigation advisories such as avoiding use of higher doses through extension networks.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    STUDIES ON FIELD SCREENING OF OKRA VARIETIES AND MANAGEMENT OF OKRA FRUIT AND SHOOT BORER, Earias vittella (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
    (Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, 2023-12-02) ANKIREDDY JAWAHAR REDDY; D.V. SAI RAM KUMAR
    Earias vittella commonly known as spotted bollworm or okra fruit and shoot borer is a major pest of the economically important crops, viz., cotton and okra. Since the introduction of Bt cotton, the insecticidal usage was drastically reduced for the management of E. vittella in cotton, at the same time there are many reports on increased infestation of E. vittella in okra crop, so this study mainly focused to find out the resistant genotypes, role of biophysical and biochemical characters of genotypes to impart the resistance against E. vittella, management of E. vittella with biopesticides under field conditions and finally genetic diversity studies among the E. vittella populations collected from different geographic locations of Andhra Pradesh, India. Observations on incidence of E. vittella were recorded at weekly interval corresponding to rabi 2020-2021, kharif and rabi 2021-2022. Twenty four okra genotypes were screened against E. vittella, the minimum shoot infestation was recorded in Abelmoschus tetraphyllus var. tetraphyllus (5.64%) and 1685 (6.04%) which is at par with IC-0117024 (6.72%) and IC-0112502 (6.96%). The highest infestation recorded in genotypes, A. Abhay (18.96%) which is statistically at par with IC-0601181(18.29%), IC-0039139 (18.72%) and IC-0602982 (17.55%). Similarly, xix pooled mean data on fruit infestation indicted that the per cent fruit infestation varied from 9.04 to 33.57 per cent. The minimum fruit infestation was recorded in Abelmoschus tetraphyllus var. tetraphyllus (9.04%) and IC-0112502 (13.80%) which is at par with 1685 (14.74%) and IC-0117024 (15.46%). The highest infestation recorded in genotypes, A. Abhay (33.57%) which is statistically at par with IC-0601181 (33.00%), IC-0039139 (32.34%), IC-0042491 (31.66%), IC-0602982 (31.46%), IC-0022283 (31.34%), IC-0117319 (29.56%), IC-0601181 (29.30%), IC-0601433 (29.16%). Categorization of okra genotypes on the basis of pooled mean shoot infestation data of three seasons i.e., rabi 2020-2021, kharif and rabi 2021-2022 indicated that none of the genotypes were neither immune nor resistant to E. vittella. But eleven genotypes viz., Abelmoschus tetraphyllus var. tetraphyllus (5.65%), 1685 (6.04%), IC-0117024 (6.72%), IC-0112502 (6.96%), IC-0112196 (9.20%), IC-0117331 (10.07%), IC-0117343 (11.16%), IC-0117028 (12.37%), IC-0116967 (12.61%), IC-0601433 (12.89%), IC-0112499 (13.43%), IC-0116966 (14.18%), IC-0022283 (14.75%), IC-0057733 (13.24%) and IC-0601182 (14.67%) were found to be moderately resistant. However nine genotypes viz., IC-0042491 (15.31%), IC-0039140 (16.87%), IC-0601411 (16.12%), IC-0117319 (16.78%), A. Anamika (15.68%), IC-0602982 (17.55%), IC-0601181 (18.29%), IC-0039139 (18.72%) and A. Abhay (18.96%) were found as moderately susceptible genotypes. Categorization of okra genotypes on the basis of of cumulative mean fruit infestation data of three seasons i.e., rabi 2020-2021, kharif and rabi 2021-2022 indicated none of the genotype recorded immune as well as resistant response to E. vittella, but three genotypes viz., Abelmoschus tetraphyllus var. tetraphyllus (9.04%), IC-0112502 (13.80%) and 1685 (14.74%) were found as moderately resistant against E. vittella. Eleven genotypes viz., IC-0117024, IC-0117343, IC-0117331, IC-0112196, IC-0057733, IC-0116966, IC-0116967, IC-0601182, IC-0112499, IC-0117028 and IC-0117319 recorded mean fruit infestation of 15.46, 18.40, 19.02, 20.11, 24.78, 26.34, 27.48, 29.30, 26.79, 26.36 and 29.56 per cent fruit infestation on number basis respectively, were found as moderately susceptible. While, rest of the genotypes viz., IC-0022283 (31.34%), A. Abhay (33.57%), IC-0601181 (33.00%), IC-0602982 (31.46%), IC-0039139 (32.34%), A. Anamika (31.87%), IC-0601411 (32.10%), IC-0042491 (31.66%) and IC-0039140 (30.63%) were found susceptible. Among the physico-morphic characters viz., trichome density has negative significant correlation with per cent fruit infestation (-0.717, -0.744 & -0.743) during all the seasons. However fruit angle and fruit length showed negative correlation with -0.409, -0.402, -0.474 and -0.307, -0.395, -0.341 against per cent fruit infestation) during all the seasons. While strongly negative significant correlation (-0.929, -0.953 & -0.941) was found with fruit yield per plant against per cent fruit infestation during all the three seasons. However biochemical characteristics viz., nitrogen and protein per cent of fruits have positive significant correlation with per cent fruit infestation 0.539, 0.451, 0.785 and 0.541, 0.456, 0.782 during all the three seasons. While potassium content of fruits has significant negative correlation against per cent fruit infestation by E. vittella (-0.567, -0.487 & -0.608). However total chlorophyll showed strongly significant xx positive correlation with 0.873, 0.705 and 0.790 against per cent fruit infestation by E. vittella. Positive significant correlation was found with ascorbic acid (0.437, 0.527 & 0.539), while strongly negative significant correlation was found with phenol (-0.881, -0.550 & -0.735) against per cent fruit infestation by E. vittella. Anthocyanin showed non significant negative correlation (-0.354, -0.147 & -0.254) against per cent fruit infestation by E. vittella during all the three seasons. All the native Bt isolate treatments recorded more than 50% per cent mortality in the laboratory evaluation against E. vittella by fruit dip method. The highest mortality was recorded with native Bt isolate 493 (90.00%) and the lowest mortality was recorded with isolate 49 treated larvae (60.00%). The median lethal concentration (LC50) ranged from 1.947x107 to 5.246x1010 CFU ml-1. The lowest LC50 value was recorded with HD 1 strain and the highest LC50 was recorded with isolate 49. The fastest lethal action against E. vittella larva was shown by reference strain HD1 (106.99 hpi) and the highest LT50 was recorded by isolate 52 (141.82 hpi). A field experiment was conducted with 13 treatments including seven native Bt isolate treatments viz., HD1, 49, 51, 52, 55, 16 and 493 along with commercial Bt treatment (Dipel), three Entomopathogenic fungal treatments viz., M.anisopliae, B. bassiana, M. rileyi, one chemical check viz., Chlorantraniliprole and untreated control. Cumulative efficacy of three sprays during rabi 2020-2021 indicated that Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC @ 0.27 ml l-1 was found superior with lowest mean fruit infestation (7.69%) and it was on par with M. rileyi (1x108 CFU g-1) @ 5 g l-1 (9.50%), Isolate 493 (1x1010 CFU g-1) @ 3 g l-1 (9.64%) and M. anisopliae (1x108 CFU g-1) @ 5 g l-1 (9.76%). However Isolate 55 (1x1010 CFU g-1) @ 3 g l-1 , Isolate 51 (1x1010 CFU g-1) @ 3 g l-1, Isolate 49 (1x1010 CFU g-1) @ 3 g l-1 and B. bassiana (1x108 CFU g-1) @ 5 g l-1 were least effective treatments with 12.29, 12.93, 13.29 and 12.47 per cent respectively, which were on par with each other. The cumulative efficacy of different treatments tested for the management E. vittella on okra during kharif 2021-2022 revealed that all the treatments were found effective over untreated control (20.08%). Among the treatments, Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC @ 0.27 ml l-1 was found superior with lowest mean fruit infestation (8.05%) and it was on par with M. rileyi (1x108 CFU g-1) @ 5 g l-1 (9.70%), Isolate 493 (1x1010 CFU g-1) @ 3 g l-1 (9.17%), M. anisopliae (1x108 CFU g-1) @ 5 g l-1 (9.90%) and Isolate 16 (1x1010 CFU g-1) @ 3 g l-1 (9.87%). However Isolate 52 (1x1010 CFU g-1) @ 3 g l-1, Isolate 49 (1x1010 CFU g-1) @ 3 g l-1, Isolate 55 (1x1010 CFU g-1) @ 3 g l-1, Isolate 51 (1x1010 CFU g-1) @ 3 g l-1, and B. bassiana (1x108 CFU g-1) @ 5 g l-1 were least effective treatments with 11.89, 12.78, 13.40, 13.53 and 13.95 per cent respectively, which were on par with each other. During rabi 2021-2022 all the treatments were found effective over untreated control (23.82%). Among the treatments, Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC @ 0.27 ml l-1 was found significantly superior over all the other treatments with lowest mean fruit infestation 6.73 per cent. While, Dipel ES (5x109 CFU ml-1) @ 3 ml l-1 emerged as next best treatment with 9.48 per cent which is on par with M. rileyi (1x108 CFU g-1) @ 5 g l-1 (9.88%), Isolate 493 (1x1010 CFU g-1) @ 3 g l-1 (9.81%), M. anisopliae (1x108 CFU g- xxi 1) @ 5 g l-1 (10.17%) and Isolate 16 (1x1010 CFU g-1) @ 3 g l-1(11.03%). However Isolate 55 (1x1010 CFU g-1) @ 3 g l-1, Isolate 49 (1x1010 CFU g-1) @ 3 g l-1, Isolate 52 (1x1010 CFU g-1) @ 3 g l-1, Isolate 51 (1x1010 CFU g-1) @ 3 g l-1, and B. bassiana (1x108 CFU g-1) @ 5 g l-1 were least effective treatments with 12.75, 12.95, 11.24, 12.31 and 12.07 per cent respectively, which were on par with each other. Genetic diversity among the E. vittella populations (39 locations) was studied by using RAPD primers. A total of eight RAPD primers were used to detect the polymorphism among the populations. Among the eight RAPD primers tested, OPA-09, OPA-11, OPA-12 and OPK-14 resulted in 100 per cent polymorphism with PIC value of 0.842. A dendrogram was constructed using similarity matrix, which showed four major clusters. A lone cluster contained the larval population from Yemmiganur which is considered as uni subcluster among all subclusters. The differences in the banding patterns with the RAPD primers revealed that polymorphism existed within the populations, which might be due to variations in single nucleotide resulting in variation in restriction sites. To obtain species specific primers for easy identification of E. vittella, among the RAPD primers used for genetic diversity studies, OPA-09 and OPA 10 were selected for development of SCAR markers. Using the OPA 10 primer which produced a unique DNA amplicon of 391 bp was specifically amplified in all 39 larval populations. Subsequently sequencing confirmed that actual size of these amplicons were 370 bp. Based on this sequence, several pairs of PCR primers were designed and screened. Among them the primer pair EV-OPA10F/EV-OPA10R, was shown to be able to specifically amplify a 375 bp amplicon in all the 39 larval populations. Another SCAR marker was developed using OPA 09 primer, which was EV-OPA09F/EV-OPA09R, amplified 220 bp amplicon in all the 39 larval populations. Therefore, these primer pairs were designated as the SCAR marker for easy identification of E. vittella. The specific mt COI primer was used in the current study enabled successful amplification of most collected specimens, which were sequenced bidirectional and then submitted in NCBI website for accession numbers. Generated sequences of present study showed 97 to 99 per cent similarity with data base sequences. A phylogenetic tree was constructed using neighbor joining (NJ, ML) method depicted cohesive clustering of the identified sequences of E. vittella. Tajima’s D statistic revealed the existence of low genetic polymorphism among the 35 mt COI sequences of E. vittella populations.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    STUDIES ON MANAGEMENT OF PULSE BEETLE, Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab.) (COLEOPTERA: CHRYSOMELIDAE) ON STORED CHICKPEA (Cicer arietinum L.) WITH NOVEL TECHNIQUES
    (Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, 2023-12-02) PANATHULA CHAITHANYA; T. MADHUMATHI
    The present investigation entitled “Studies on management of pulse beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on stored chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) with novel techniques” was carried out in the laboratory of Department of Entomology, Agricultural College, Bapatla during 2020-21 and 2021-22. A total of twenty chickpea genotypes were screened against C. maculatus through no-choice and free-choice test. The data were recorded on number of eggs laid, adult emergence, mean developmental period, growth index, per cent grain damage by count and weight, per cent weight loss, number of exit holes on grains. The chickpea genotypes were categorized based on mean and standard deviation of different parameters studied through free-choice test as less susceptible (NBeG 452, NBeG 1129, ICC 86111, NBeG 49 and NBeG 776), moderately susceptible (NBeG 3, NBeG 47, JG 11, NBeG 699, NBeG 779, NBeG 857, NBeG 1137, NBeG 1174, NBeG 119, NBeG 810, KAK 2 and Vihar) and highly susceptible (NBeG 440, NBeG 789 and NBeG 833). Certain physical parameters and biochemical constituents of chickpea genotypes also influenced their relative susceptibility to C. maculatus. The less susceptible genotypes were desi type, small to medium sized grains with wrinkled surface nature. NBeG 452 and NBeG 1129 were found with high phenol content (119.06 and 115.71 mg CAE 100 g-1), tannin content (5.46 and 4.94 mg TAE g-1) and low total soluble sugars (55.94 and 59.98%), protein content (20.16 and 18.67%), medium test weight (24.73 and 25.27 g) and high seed coat thickness (0.173 and 0.207 mm); ICC 86111 with less test weight (17.27 g) recorded low number of eggs (24.33, 25.33 and 25.67) and adult emergence (19.67, 19.00 and 20.67) per 100 grains, low growth index (2.89, 2.73 and 2.90), lesser grain damage (17.75, 18.18 and 19.89%), low weight loss (4.86, 4.35 and 3.78%) and minimum number of exit holes per ten grains (2.67, 2.67 and 3.00) and less susceptible genotype, NBeG 49 was xviii found with high phenol content (118.91 mg CAE 100 g-1) and tannin content (5.15 mg TAE g-1), NBeG 776 with more seed coat thickness (0.210 mm) and less total soluble sugars (60.11%). Whereas highly susceptible genotypes were kabuli type, medium to bold sized grains with smooth surface nature, apart from these, NBeG 440 and NBeG 789 were found with less phenol content (84.48 and 74.25 mg CAE 100 g-1), tannin content (2.75 and 2.23 mg TAE g-1), more total soluble sugars (75.36 and 73.65%), medium test weight (31.33 and 35.67 g), less seed coat thickness (0.060 and 0.103 mm) and NBeG 833 with more test weight (44.60 g), low seed coat thickness (0.093 mm), more total soluble sugars (72.53%) and low tannin content (3.06 mg TAE g-1). Bioassay studies through jute cloth disc impregnation method revealed the lowest LC50 (0.00006%), LC75 (0.0002%) and LC90 (0.0006% and 0.0008%) values for emamectin benzoate and chlorfenapyr at 72 HAT and found relatively more toxic as compared to malathion (233.33, 191.00; 156.50 and 117.38 times, respectively) and deltamethrin (41.67, 83.00; 151.50 and 113.63 times, respectively). Permethrin @ 0.14% was found to be most effective against C. maculatus with highest average toxicity (62.38%) and with high PT index (11228.57) and recording relatively minimum population build-up of C. maculatus and per cent grain damage and weight loss of chickpea grains up to 150 DAT. However, among the novel insecticides, spinosad @ 0.1% was found to be effective with an average toxicity of 39.05 per cent against C. maculatus with 5857.14 PT index. The microwave radiation treatment of pre infested chickpea grains at 900-Watt power level with 30 s exposure time was found to be effective with less number of adult emergence of C. maculatus per 100 grains (6.67) with prolonged mean development period (30.01 days), low per cent adult emergence (17.32%), growth index (0.58) and number of exit holes per ten g grains (6.00). The microwave treatment, 720 W 30 s was found to be optimum in controlling growth and development of pulse beetle with 15.67 number of adults emerged per 100 g sample and 0.64 growth index along with maintenance of viability and germination above 80 per cent, followed by treatment at 540 W 30 s found to be effective in maintaining the viability and germination percentages above 90 per cent with 22.33 number of adults per 100 g sample and 0.69 growth index. Among the immature stages of C. maculatus, pupa was found to be resistant to microwave radiation with respect to highest range of per cent adult emergence of C. maculatus from the irradiated chickpea samples containing pupal stages (0.00 to 79.33%) followed by late larval (0.00 to 74.67%), early larval (0.00 to 72.00%), and egg stage (0.00 to 69.33%) at 900 W 90 s to 180 W 30 s, respectively. Chickpea grains stored in super bags recorded zero number of adult beetles of C. maculatus, zero grain damage by count and weight, zero weight loss, no moisture change, and above 90 per cent viability and germination of chickpea grains up to six months storage period followed by triple layer plastic bags and found to be most effective when compared to other types of bags tested.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    STUDIES ON MANAGEMENT OF ANGOUMOIS GRAIN MOTH, Sitotroga cerealella (Oliver) (Lepidoptera:Gelechiidae) IN STORED PADDY
    (Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, 2023-12-01) A. RAJA MALLIKA; T. MADHUMATHI
    The present investigation entitled “Studies on management of Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella (Oliver) (Lepidoptera : Gelechiidae) in stored paddy” was conducted in the Department of Entomology, Agricultural College, Bapatla, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh during 2021-22. A total of 38 released and pre released paddy genotypes were screened for their susceptibility to S. cerealella. Screening was done in two methods viz., no choice test, free choice test based on the following parameters viz., number of moths emerged, mean developmental period and susceptibility index. The genotypes were categorized as “least susceptible”, “susceptible” and “highly susceptible” based on susceptibility index values. In no choice test the paddy genotypes viz., MTU-1290, MTU-1156, NLR-3041, NLR-30491, NLR-28600, NLR-40058, BPT-2766, MTU-1184 when screened against S. cerealella recorded a prolonged mean developmental period, lower susceptibility index (7.51-9.74) with lesser adult emergence, were categorized as “Susceptible” varieties. Similarly, in free choice test the paddy genotypes viz.,MTU-1190, MTU-1184, MTU-7029, MTU-1156, MTU-2077, NLR-3041, NLR-3083, NLR-40058, NLR-33671, BPT-1235, BPT-2824, BPT-2776, BPT-2776 were categorized as “Susceptible” varieties (7.24 - 10.05). Remaining all the genotypes were found to be falling under the category of moderately resistant and highly susceptible to S. cerealella infestation. The per cent weight loss of paddy genotypes due to infestation by S. cerealella were ranged from 2.26 to 14.78% and 0.88 to 14.28% in no choice and free choice test respectively. Similarly, the per cent grain damage of paddy genotypes due to infestation by S. cerealella were ranged from 1.67 to 12.33% and 1.33 to 11.33% in no choice and free choice test respectively. Based on the susceptibility index values 15 genotypes were selected to evaluate physical and biochemical parameters. The grain hardness, grain length, grain breadth, husk thickness of paddy genotypes ranged from 102.02 N to 55.59 N, 7.52 to 9.56 mm, 1.96 to 2.86 mm, 0.09 to 0.23 mm respectively. The protein, total soluble sugars, amylose, ash and silica contents of uninfested paddy genotypes ranged from xiv 6.13 to 9.03%, 70.44 to 78.67%, 20.87 to 35.37%, 7.13 to 11.84%, 2.91 to 6.18% respectively. Significant positive correlation was observed between per cent damage and per cent weight loss due to S. cerealella with regard to total soluble sugars, protein and ash content of paddy genotypes, whereas, negative correlation was observed with regard to amylose and silica content of paddy genotypes. The infestation of S. cerealella on paddy genotypes showed significant increase in protein and ash contents after three months period of storage. Bio efficacy of botanicals, inorganic minerals and novel insecticides against S. cerealella in var. BPT-5204 was tested by two methods i.e., by mixing with grain and by surface spraying or dusting on jute bags. In mixing with grain method, among the inert minerals, botanicals and novel insecticides, zero adult emergence was observed in diatomaceous earth, sweet flag powder, neem leaf powder, spinosad, spinetoram and permethrin respectively. Seed viability and seed germination was recorded more in diatomaceous earth (95.33 and 95.67%) followed by sweet flag powder (95.00 and 94.33%) against untreated control (79.33 and 79.00%). In surface spraying or dusting on bags method, among the inert minerals, botanicals and novel insecticides least adult emergence was observed in diatomaceous earth (17.67), neem leaf powder (19.00), sweet flag powder (21.33), spinosad and permethrin (2.67) spinetoram (4.67) which were found to be best. Seed viability and seed germination was recorded more in diatomaceous earth (94.67 and 95.33%) followed by china clay (93.33% and 93.67%) against untreated control (78.33 and 73.67%).
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    STUDIES ON ARTHROPOD DIVERSITY AND ABUNDANCE IN COLLEGE FARM, AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE, BAPATLA
    (Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, 2023-12-01) SAMINENI DIVYA SRI; B. RATNA KUMARI
    The present investigation entitled “Studies on Arthropod Diversity and Abundance in College Farm, Agricultural College, Bapatla” was carried out during September, 2021 to February, 2022. The College farm consisted of four blocks viz., Floriculture block, Orchard block, Southern block and Northern block. One acre area was selected in each block for the enumeration of macro and micro-arthropods by using pitfall traps and berlese funnel apparatus. Coleoptera, Collembola, Acarina, Orthoptera, Araneae, Dermaptera, Hymenoptera, Chilopoda and Diplopoda were the groups encountered during the course of the study. A total of 6248 soil arthropod individuals were obtained in all the four blocks. The most prevalent group in each block was Coleoptera. The number of soil arthropods recorded in Floriculture block were 3333, 1152 in Orchard block, 804 in Southern block and 959 in Northern block. The Floriculture block had the highest Shannon-Weiner diversity index, Simpson's index and Evenness values of 2.29, 0.87 and 0.70, respectively, while the Northern block had the lowest values of 2.00, 0.78, and 0.57. Sorenson’s similarity index (0.74) revealed that more similarity existed between Floriculture block and Northern block. In the Floriculture block, the highest soil arthropod population was recorded highest in November month (752) and lowest (298) in February month. Similarly, the number of individuals in the Orchard block was also found to be highest in November (346) and lowest in February (63). In the Southern block, the total number of individuals (222), Shannon-Weiner diversity index (2.33) and Simpson's index (0.88) were found highest in the September month and lowest in the February month. The total number of individuals (280), Shannon-Weiner diversity index (2.09) and Simpson's index (0.79) were found highest in the month of September and lowest in the month of February in the Northern block. The population of soil arthropods had significant positive correlation with rainfall and soil moisture and significant negative correlation with soil temperature. xv The three crops, sorghum, maize, and bengal gram were the focus of the diversity research conducted in the College farm. A total of 2956 soil arthropods were collected. About 1037 of these individuals were collected in the sorghum crop, 1090 in the maize crop and 829 in the bengal gram crop. In three of the crops, Coleoptera made up the majority (41.75%) of the soil arthropods. The maize crop had the highest Shannon-Weiner diversity index (2.35), Simpson's index (0.88) and Evenness (0.80), while the bengal gram crop had the lowest indices values 2.19, 0.86 and 0.74, respectively, and the sorghum crop had the lowest Evenness (0.72). Sorenson’s similarity index revealed that more similarity (0.92) existed between maize and bengal gram crop. In the sorghum crop, a total of 525 foliar arthropods were observed. Out of these, 152 phytophagous fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) individuals were found. In the maize crop, a total of 791 foliar arthropods were collected. About 160 fall armyworm and 201 aphids were found in the maize crop. In the bengal gram crop, a total of 348 foliar arthropods were observed. Pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) was the only pest contributing to 17.24 per cent of the total foliar arthropods. Coleoptera (Coccinellidae) and Araneae were the major natural enemies found in all the three crops. The other groups found in the three crops were Neuroptera, Odonata, Hemiptera (Pyrrhocoreidae, Pentatomidae) and Diptera. The Shannon-Weiner diversity index (1.62) and Simpson’s index (0.77) for the above ground arthropods were more in the maize crop and less in the bengal gram crop. Evenness was 0.50 for sorghum, maize and bengal gram.
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    MOLECULAR CHARACTERISATION OF NATIVE Bt ISOLATES AND LABORATORY EVALUATION OF THEIR NANO-FORMULATIONS ON Helicoverpa armigera (Hub.)
    (Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, 2023-12-01) BODAPATI ANUSHA; D. V. SAI RAM KUMAR
    The present study on “Molecular characterisation of native Bt isolates and laboratory evaluation of their nano-formulations on Helicoverpa armigera (Hub.)” was conducted at Department of Entomology, Agricultural College, Bapatla during the period 2021-22. Molecular diversity studies of seven Bt isolates including a reference strain HD1 was done using 10 RAPD decamer primers (OPA-02, OPA-05, OPA-07, OPA-09, OPA-10, OPA-12, OPA-18, OPC-19, OPK-14 and OPN-05). All the primers showed polymorphism. The polymorphic information content of primers ranged from 00.388 (OPA-09) to 0.478 (OPA-12). The dendrogram constructed using NTSYSpc 2.02i revealed that the seven isolates fell into two different clusters comprising of three (Isolates 49, HD1 and 55) and four isolates (Isolates 16, 52, 493 and 51) respectively. PCoA constructed using PAST software revealed that isolate 16 and 52 showed close genetic relationship and also isolate 49 and HD1 were found to show close genetic relationship among themselves and higher divergence with the remaining isolates. Crystal protein profiling of Bt isolates done using SDS-PAGE revealed the presence of band at 130-140 kDa indicating presence of Cry1 protein in isolates-16 and HD1, Vip3 protein of 92kDa in isolate- 49 & 493 and Cry2 protein of 65-70 kDa in isolates- 51, 52 & 55 were observed. To know the bioefficacy of native Bt isolates viz., isolate 16, 49, 51, 52, 55 and 493 along with a reference strain HD1 were grown on nano enriched media and bioassay was conducted on the third instar larvae of H. armigera. Mortalities were observed from 48h after treatment for isolates 16, 493 and HD1 and maximum mortality was observed after 72h of treatment. Mean per cent mortalities ranged from 21.67 to 96.67 for all the isolates with NPs. For Bt grown on CaO based nano enriched media, the mortalities ranged from 25 to 96.67% and for MgO and ZnO based nano enriched media, the mortalities ranged from 23.33 to 95% and 21.67 to 93.33%, respectively. xvi To confirm the insecticidal activity of seven native Bt isolates including a reference strain HD1, bioassay was conducted on the third instar larvae of H. armigera using diet incorporation method. Mean per cent mortality of native isolates ranged between 23.33 and 91.67 and the LC50 values were between 2.78 × 107 and 7.73 × 1011 CFU ml-1 and LT50 in the range of 104.62 to 140.57 hpi at a dose of 1× 1012. The highest mortality of 91.67 per cent was observed in HD1 with LC50 and LT50 values of 2.78 × 107 CFU ml-1 and 104.62 hpi, respectively. Among the native isolates the lethal action with reference to LT50 was recorded by isolate 493 followed by isolate I-16, I-51, I-49 and I-55 with 119.95, 130.78, 136.51 and 136.53 hpi respectively and the LC50 of 1.75×109, 1.09×1010, 2.90×1010 and 5.04×1010 respectively. LC90 values were in the range of 5.89 × 1011(HD1) to 5.75×1016(isolate- 52) and LT90 values were in the range of 162.47 hpi (HD1) to 245.93 hpi (isolate-55). Bioassay studies revealed that, the reference strain HD1 (96.67%) was more effective than the nanobased formulations of native isolates although, CaO based nano formulation of 493 (91.67%) was more effective among the native isolates.
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    STUDIES ON IMPACT OF SOWING DATES AND FIELD SCREENING OF RICE GENOTYPES AGAINST LEAF FOLDER, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Guenee.) IN DIRECT SEEDED RICE
    (Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, 2023-12-01) NALLI SACHIN; C. SANDHYA RANI
    A field experiment entitled “Studies on impact of sowing dates and field screening of rice genotypes against leaf folder Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Guenee) in direct seeded rice” was conducted at Agriculture College Farm Bapatla during kharif, 2021. Sowing was done in four different dates to study the impact of sowing dates against rice leaf folder in direct seeded rice. Fifteen genotypes were screened to find out the resistant genotypes and their physical and bio chemical parameters were analyzed to find out the factors responsible for resistance against the leaf folder. The mean per cent damage in different sowing dates were recorded as 9.44 (1st DOS), 11.27 (2nd DOS), 14.86 (3rd DOS) and 16.64 (4th DOS). The results revealed that damage per cent was increased from first DOS to fourth DOS. During the period of experiment, number of adults with light trap was recorded. Average number of moths trapped during 1st DOS was 4.45, 4.50 in 2nd DOS, 4.53 in 3rd DOS and 4.54 in 4th DOS. Correlation analysis of light trap catch data shown a positive correlation with morning (r = 0.373) and evening (r = 0.186) relative humidity while a negative correlation with maximum (r = - 0.182) and minimum (r = - 0.017) temperatures and rainfall (r= - 0.154). Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) of trapped adult number and climatic conditions at different sowing dates revealed that weather parameters contributed to the variation in moth number trapped in light trap by 35.4 per cent in first date of sowing, 42.2 per cent in second date, 59.6 per cent in third date of sowing, 50.7 per cent in fourth date of sowing. Yield at different sowings recorded were 5156 kg ha-1(1st DOS), 4719 kg ha-1(2nd DOS), 4026 kg ha-1(3rd DOS) and 3632 kg ha-1(4th DOS). Yield gradually decreased from 1st DOS to 4th DOS. The mean per cent leaf folder damage ranged from 9.04 (BPT 2411) to 31.24 (TN-1). Among the 15 screened genotypes, ten genotypes i.e. BPT 2411, BPT 2231, BPT2824, BPT 2766, BPT 2776, BPT 2841, BPT 2595, BPT 2846, BPT 2848 and BPT 2295 were found to be resistant with damage scale of 1, four genotypes i.e. BPT 5204, BPT 2858, and BPT 2270 were found moderately resistant with damage scale of 3 when compared to TN-1 which found to be susceptible with damage scale of 5. xii Pertaining to physical parameters of genotypes viz. leaf length, leaf width, leaf sheath thickness, pubescence scale were recorded. The average leaf length ranged from 38.96 cm (TN-1) to 48.19 cm (BPT 2411). Leaf width ranged from 1.26 cm (BPT 2231) to 1.89 cm (TN-1). Eight genotypes were found to be with weak pubescence scale (3) and seven were with medium pubescence scale (5).Leaf sheath thickness among the genotypes ranged from 0.06 mg/mm2 to 0.08 mg/mm2. Correlations between physical parameters and per cent damage revealed that, there was a positive correlation with leaf width (r = 0.612) and negative correlation with leaf length (r = - 0.735) and leaf sheath thickness (r = - 0.731). The biochemical parameters viz. phenols, total sugars, silica were analysed at both tillering and milky stages. Phenol content ranged from 1.86 mg/g to 2.93 mg/g and 2.75 mg/g to 3.78 mg/g, total sugar content ranged from 23.61 mg/g to 39.50 mg/g and 12.94 mg/g to 24.98 mg/g whereas silica content ranged from 2.86 per cent to 3.89 per cent and 4.59 per cent to 7.26 per cent respectively at both stages. Correlations between per cent damage and biochemical parameters at active tillering and milky stage shown a positive correlation with total sugars (r = 0.818, r = 0.670 and negative correlation with phenols (r = - 0.762, r = - 0.806) and silica content (r = - 0.798, r = - 0.912). Yield among the genotypes ranged from 3510 kg ha-1 (TN-1) to 5795 kg ha-1 (BPT 2411). All genotypes recorded significantly higher yield when compared to TN -1.
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    EVALUATION OF PHEROMONE BLENDS AND BIORATIONAL INSECTICIDES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera : Noctuidae) IN MAIZE
    (Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, 2023-12-01) NARAM RAJASEKHAR; N.V.V.S. DURGA PRASAD
    Studies on ‘Evaluation of Pheromone Blends and Biorational Insecticides for the Management of Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera : Noctuidae) in Maize’ were conducted at Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Lam, Guntur during four seasons i.e., kharif 2019, rabi 2019-20, kharif 2020 and rabi 2020-21 with an aim to study the survey on the incidence of S. frugiperda in Guntur, Krishna and Prakasam districts of Andhra Pradesh, evaluation of pheromone blends against fall armyworm, assessment of damage potentials of fall armyworm at different crop growth stages and evaluation of bio-rational insecticides against fall armyworm. Highest per cent leaf damage was observed in Prakasam district with 21.91per cent during kharif 2019 and lowest per cent (6.87%) of leaf damage was observed in Guntur district during rabi 2020-21. Among three crop growth stages reproductive stage recorded highest per cent leaf damage of 24.29 per cent during kharif 2019 and lowest per cent leaf damage of 3.47 per cent was recorded in reproductive stage during during rabi 2020-21. Study on evaluation of pheromone blends against S. frugiperda in maize during kharif 2019 and 2020 demonstrated that among the seven different pheromone blends, Z9-14Ac:Z11-16Ac:Z7-12Ac (85.5:12.5:2) pheromone blend was found to be most effective blend which attracted highest number of moths at 98 DAS (50.00 moths/trap/week) and lowest number of moth catches at 49 DAS (7.17 moths/trap/week). Z9-14Ac:Z11-16Ac (99.4:0.6) blend was next best effective blend which attracted more number of moths at 98 DAS (39.67 moths/trap/week) and least number of moth catches was observed at 49 DAS (1.83 moths/trap/week). Z9-14Ac:Z11-16Ac (87:12.5:0.5) pheromone blend attracted more number of moths (15.33 moths/trap/week) at 77 DAS and lowest at 7 DAS (1.00 moths/trap/week). Whereas, Z9-14Ac:Z11-16Ac:Z7-12Ac (10:1:0.1) and Z9-14Ac:Z11-16Ac:Z7-12Ac xvii (10:1.5:0.1) attracted more number of moths (8.50 and 5.84 moths/trap/week) at 63 and 35 DAS respectively. Similar results were obtained during rabi 2019-20 and 2020-21 also. Assessment of damage potentials of S. frugiperda at different crop growth stages during kharif 2019, 2020 and rabi 2019-20, 2020-21 indicate that completely protected plot was recorded with 8.08 to 14.73 per cent leaf damage with 0.50 to 1.30 damage scale and achieved 68.24 to 70.45 q ha-1 yield. Completely unprotected plot recorded 100 per cent leaf damage at 42 DAS with 9.00 damage scale and achieved 10.97 to 13.66 q ha-1 yield. Completely protected plot recorded 57.27 and 56.79 q ha-1 incremental yield compared to unprotected plot in kharif and rabi seasons respectively with 9.02 and 6.07 per cent yield loss. In 60 days protected plot recorded 49.12 and 50.28 q ha-1 incremental yield and 18.34 and 16.30 per cent yield loss respectively compared to unprotected plot. In 40 days protected plot with management practices up to 42 DAS, 29.69 and 31.87 q ha-1 incremental yield was noted as compared to unprotected plot, with 45.79 and 49.30 per cent yield loss respectively. Whereas, unprotected plot had received 10.97 and 13.66 q ha-1 incremental yield with 85.38 and 81.79 per cent yield loss compared to fully protected plot. Among the seven treatments tested, the lowest per cent of leaf damage was observed in spinosad 45% SC treatment by 21.50 per cent (0.06 larvae/plant) at 3 DAT, which is statistically on par with emamectin benzoate 5% SG (23.39% and 0.09 larvae/plant) and novaluron 10% EC (28.79% and 0.11 larvae/plant). The remaining treatments i.e azadirachtin 1500 ppm, NSKE 5%, Bacillus thuringiensis (Berliner) and Metarhizium rileyi (Farlow) had recorded 43.30, 45.73, 49.38, 50.98 per cent leaf damage and 0.25, 0.30, 0.36, 0.48 larvae/plant respectively. Similar trend was observed at 7 and 10 DAT. Similar trend of per cent leaf damage and larval population was also observed in rabi 2019-20 and 2020-21. During rabi season M. rileyi was performed better compared to B. thuringiensis. Spinosad 45% SC (92.41%) and emamectin benzoate 5% SG (89.96%) were found effective in reducing the larval population over control, they were followed by novaluron 10% EC (85.46%). Lowest per cent population reduction over control was observed in B. thuringiensis (55.19%) and M. rileyi (43.98%) treatments and were statistically at par with one another. Similar trend was observed at 7 and 10 DAT. Similar trend of per cent population reduction over control was observed in rabi 2019-20 and 2020-21 also, but in rabi season M. rileyi was performed better compared to B. thuringiensis. Regarding yields highest kernel yields of 67.50 and 76.40 q ha-1 was obtained from plots treated with spinosad 45% SC in kharif and rabi seasons respectively. Emamectin benzoate 5% SG and novaluron 10% EC which were on par with spinosad 45% SC recorded the yields of 65.04, 73.77 and 59.70, 69.38 q ha-1 respectively. Azadirachtin 1500 ppm, NSKE 5%, B. thuringiensis and M. rileyi were on par and recorded the yields of 50.33, 47.11, 36.71, 30.70 and 62.18, 55.63, 45.19, 49.20 q ha-1 respectively in kharif and rabi seasons. Control plot recorded lowest yields of 27.65 and 35.24 q ha-1 in kharif and rabi seasons respectively.
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    STUDIES ON OCCURRENCE OF INSECT PESTS, INSECTICIDE USE PATTERN AND PESTICIDE RESIDUES ON RABI MAIZE IN WEST GODAVARI DISTRICT OF ANDHRA PRADESH
    (Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, 2023-12-01) KUNTUMALLA JAGADEESH; CHERUKURI SREENIVASA RAO
    The studies were carried out on occurrence of insect pests, insecticide usage pattern by Maize farmers in West Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh during rabi 2021-22 with special reference to use and handling. Studies on pesticide residues in maize samples collected from farm-gate were carried out at Pesticide Formulation and Residue Analytical Centre (PFRAC), Pesticide Management Division, National Institute of Plant Health Management (NIPHM), Hyderabad, Telangana. Seasonal occurrence of insect pests revealed that Fall armyworm larval population was observed from 44th standard meteorological week (29th Oct- 4th Nov) to 6th SMW (5th Feb- 11th Feb) with the average population of 0.32 larva per plant and the peak population was noticed at 51st SMW with 0.548 larva/plant. One week after germination the initial infestation was 25.6 %, which gradually increased to 29.44 % during 45th SMW with maximum infestation (32.4%) at 51st SMW, and then decreased to low levels. Leaf damage severity scale was 1.79 at 44th SMW, which increased to 2.40 at 45th SMW and 2.06 at 46th SMW. Later, the damage severity gradually decreased and reached to minimum of 0.94 at 51st SMW. The cob severity scale was 0.48 at 44th SMW, increased to 0.54 at 1st SMW and the peak scale (0.72) noticed at 6th SMW. The pheromone trap data were recorded for fall armyworm adult male moths’from first week after sowing to harvesting stage. Initially, during 44th Standard meteorological week, 5.1 moths/week/trap were recorded and peak adult catch (13.2 moths/trap/week) was noticed at 46th SMW. The aphid infestation was noticed from the 52nd SMW to 6th SMW. Initially 1.36 aphids/cm2 leaf area was recorded at 52nd SMW, then the population was gradually increased and reached the maximum at 3rd SMW with the average population of 5.17 aphids/cm2 leaf area. A total of 19 pesticides were commonly used by the maize farmers in study area during rabi 2021-2022. Out of 19 pesticides used by the maize farmers of the study xvi area, nine are non -recommended for use in maize as per CIBRC. A total of 270 sprays/applications were given by 30 farmers during the season, with an average of seven sprays in each field where as five farmers have applied seven sprays and the two farmers have applied thirteen sprays. Out of a total of 270 applications given by 30 farmers during the entire crop season, fungicides were applied frequently (100 sprays) followed by insecticides (92 sprays), herbicides (52 sprays) and bactericides (26 sprays). Out of a total of 270 pesticide sprays / applications given by all farmers during the season, 65.6% of them are with recommended pesticides, while 34.4% of sprays with non recommended pesticides. In case of insecticides, 95.6% sprays / applications are with recommended insecticides, where as 40% fungicide sprays are with using recommended fungicides and 60% sprays with non-recommended fungicides. Out of 52 sprays of herbicides, 49 are with recommended herbicides while only 3 sprays are with non recommended herbicides. Majority of the sprays (51%) of various pesticides are sprayed at higher doses (>10%) than recommended, where as 17% of the sprays are lower doses (<10%) than recommended, and 32.00% of the total applications of various registered pesticides are used at recommended doses. A study on general awareness and knowledge on pesticide usage reveals that 63% of the farmers are aware about recommended pesticides and 37% are not aware about recommended pesticides, twenty three per cent farmers are aware about the pesticide classification and 77% farmers are not aware. Majority of the farmers (63%) use bottle cap for measurement of pesticide while 27% of them measure approximately. Majority of spray men (54%) did not use any personal protection equipment (PPE) such as hand gloves, goggles, nose masks, and full sleeve shirts during spraying, while 20% use nose mask, and 26% of them wear full sleeve shirts during the spraying of pesticides. About 38% of farmers are unaware about that the issue of pesticide residues in food commodities, while 12% of farmers know about that pesticide residues. Among the 30 farmers, 3% of them aware about that export rejections due to presence of pesticide residues, whereas 90% of the framers are unaware about the pre harvesting intervals. The farm maize gate samples collected from 30 farmers and analyzed at NIPHM, Hyderabad, an ISO/IEC 17025:2018 accredited laboratory. None of the sample is detected with any pesticide residues. This is because of sufficient period between harvest and last spray, as all farmers stopped using pesticides at least 30-45 days before harvesting.