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Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur
The history of agricultural education in Kerala can be traced back to the year 1896 when a scheme was evolved in the erstwhile Travancore State to train a few young men in scientific agriculture at the Demonstration Farm, Karamana, Thiruvananthapuram, presently, the Cropping Systems Research Centre under Kerala Agricultural University. Agriculture was introduced as an optional subject in the middle school classes in the State in 1922 when an Agricultural Middle School was started at Aluva, Ernakulam District. The popularity and usefulness of this school led to the starting of similar institutions at Kottarakkara and Konni in 1928 and 1931 respectively.
Agriculture was later introduced as an optional subject for Intermediate Course in 1953. In 1955, the erstwhile Government of Travancore-Cochin started the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at Mannuthy, Thrissur for imparting higher education in agricultural and veterinary sciences, respectively. These institutions were brought under the direct administrative control of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Animal Husbandry, respectively. With the formation of Kerala State in 1956, these two colleges were affiliated to the University of Kerala. The post-graduate programmes leading to M.Sc. (Ag), M.V.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees were started in 1961, 1962 and 1965 respectively.
On the recommendation of the Second National Education Commission (1964-66) headed by Dr. D.S. Kothari, the then Chairman of the University Grants Commission, one Agricultural University in each State was established. The State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) were established in India as an integral part of the National Agricultural Research System to give the much needed impetus to Agriculture Education and Research in the Country. As a result the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) was established on 24th February 1971 by virtue of the Act 33 of 1971 and started functioning on 1st February 1972. The Kerala Agricultural University is the 15th in the series of the SAUs.
In accordance with the provisions of KAU Act of 1971, the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, were brought under the Kerala Agricultural University. In addition, twenty one agricultural and animal husbandry research stations were also transferred to the KAU for taking up research and extension programmes on various crops, animals, birds, etc.
During 2011, Kerala Agricultural University was trifurcated into Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU), Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) and Kerala Agricultural University (KAU).
Now the University has seven colleges (four Agriculture, one Agricultural Engineering, one Forestry, one Co-operation Banking & Management), six RARSs, seven KVKs, 15 Research Stations and 16 Research and Extension Units under the faculties of Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering and Forestry. In addition, one Academy on Climate Change Adaptation and one Institute of Agricultural Technology offering M.Sc. (Integrated) Climate Change Adaptation and Diploma in Agricultural Sciences respectively are also functioning in Kerala Agricultural University.
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ThesisItem Open Access Endophytic fungi for the management of spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata Fab.(Lepidoptera:Crambidae) in cowpea.(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture ,Vellanikkara, 2022-12-09) Smitha Revi; Madhu SubramanianThe spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata Fab. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is a major constraint in the production of legumes because of its wide host range, distribution and destructiveness. In cowpea, the loss due to pod borer infestation varies from 20 to 60 per cent, often reaching upto 80 per cent in severe cases. Application of pesticides can hardly be recommended in cowpea as the pods are harvested at alternate days. Biological control of M. vitrata using entomopathogenic microorganisms has received considerable attention in recent times. Previous studies have demonstrated the potential of entomopathogenic organisms to colonise an array of plants and confer protection from insect pests. In this context, a study entitled “Endophytic fungi for the management of spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata Fab. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in cowpea” was undertaken with an objective of isolation and characterization of endophytic entomopathogenic fungi in cowpea, standardization of method of inoculation of entomopathogenic fungi in cowpea, and evaluation of selected endophytic fungi for management of the spotted pod borer, M. vitrata. Purposive sampling surveys were conducted in the major cowpea growing areas of Kozhikode, Thrissur, Kottayam and Thiruvananthapuram districts of Kerala. A total of 235 endophytic fungal isolates were obtained from the cowpea plant samples collected from 40 locations. This comprised of 103 isolates from roots, 63 from stems, 31 from leaves, 33 from pods and five from flowers. Nine accessions of cowpea with different levels of resistance were also screened for the isolation of fungal endophytes. All the accessions were found to harbor endophytic fungi and yielded 32 isolates. Among these accessions, Palakkadan thandan payar yielded the maximum number of seven endophytic fungi. Lola and Mysore local had the lowest number of isolates. In contrast to the results of survey, the leaves of cowpea plant harbored more endophytic fungi than other plant parts. A total of 267 isolates were obtained from survey samples and cowpea accessions. Three isolates were found to be pathogenic to M. vitrata. They were identified as Fusarium oxysporum (EEF 1) and two isolates of Purpureocillium lilacinum (EEF 4 and EEF 64) through morphological and molecular characterization. These isolates were evaluated along with Beauveria bassiana (NBAIR strain) for their bioefficacy against M. vitrata. The best two organisms in the bioefficacy studies, viz., B. bassiana (NBAIR strain) and P. lilacinum (EEF 4) were used for standardizing the inoculation technique for endophytic colonization in cowpea plant. Three different methods of inoculation viz., seed, soil and foliar inoculation were evaluated for identifying the best method for colonization of entomopathogenic fungi in cowpea plants. The effect of fungal colonization on infestation of spotted pod borer in cowpea was further assessed under field condition. Foliar inoculation with B. bassiana registered the lowest mean pod damage of 12.53 per cent. B. bassiana applied as foliar application resulted in the highest marketable pod yield of 152.83g plant-1 , followed by P. lilacinum as foliar application (149.33g plant-1 ). Based on the polyhouse and field studies, it was inferred that foliar application of B. bassiana was found to be the best treatment against the target pest, M. vitrata. In addition, the results of the current study suggested that that endophytic colonization in cowpea had little adverse impact on plant growth and yield. Foliar application of B. bassiana, which was identified as the most effective treatment against pod borer in the previous studies, was selected for comparative evaluation with the diamide insecticide, flubendiamide against M. vitrata. Cowpea plants treated with both flubendiamide and B. bassiana had significantly less number of infested pods than control, with 8.41 and 15.05 per cent infestation respectively. Control plants recorded the highest infestation of 21.28 per cent. Mean marketable pod yield showed significant difference between flubendiamide (166.14g plant-1 ) and foliar inoculation of B. bassiana (155.14g plant-1 ). Both these treatments also had significantly higher marketable pod yield compared to control plants (139.29g plant-1 ). In conclusion, the present study revealed that use of B. bassiana as an endophyte could be a useful tool in integrated pest management of pod borer in cowpea. However, further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms through which the endophyteThesisItem Open Access Mealybugs of vegetable ecosystems and tritrophic interactions of brinjal mealybugs(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture ,Vellayani, 2022) Anitha, N; KAU; Mithra, MohanThe study on “Mealybugs of vegetable ecosystems and tritrophic interactions of brinjal mealybugs” was conducted at College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2017 to 2020 with the objectives to identify mealybugs and their natural enemy fauna in solanaceous and cucurbitaceous vegetables, to carry out the molecular characterization of mealy bugs in solanaceous and cucurbitaceous vegetables and to find out the tritrophic interactions of mealybugs infesting brinjal. An investigation on mealybug diversity in solanaceous and cucurbitaceous crops of Kerala revealed a total of six mealybug species viz., Coccidohystrix insolita, Ferrisia virgata, Paracoccus marginatus, Phenacoccus solenopsis, Planococcus citri and Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi. Besides, four mealybugs viz., Crisicoccus hirsutus, Maconellicoccus hirsutus, Planococcus lilacinus and Rastrococcus iceryoides infesting other vegetable crops were also recorded from Kerala. The study also revealed that the population of mealybug, C. insolita collected from different regions of Kerala exhibited significant morphological variation. The molecular characterization studies proved that the population belongs to C. insolita and the variations may be environmental induced. An exploration of the host range of mealybugs infesting solanaceous and cucurbitaceous vegetables in Kerala revealed a total of 113 plants under 73 genera belonging to 31 families, out of which 14 plants were recorded as new host reports. A rich natural enemy fauna on mealybugs belongs to five orders viz., Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Diptera, Neuroptera and Hymenoptera were documented from Kerala. Twenty species of mealybug predators from five different families were recorded, among which the predominant family was Coccinellidae with 16 species under six genera. Among the various predators collected, Cacoxenus sp. was recorded for the first time as a predator of P. jackbeardsleyi. Eleven hymenopteran parasitoids belonging to five families were documented from mealybugs, of which the majority belongs to the family Encyrtidae. Four new host-parasitoid associations were also recorded for the first 288 time. The study also identified six hyperparasitoids under the family Encyrtidae, of which two species were recorded as new report which includes Cheiloneurus sp. and Prochilonerus sp. associated with the mealybug P. solenopsis. The ants associated with mealybugs in different agroecosystems were also investigated and a total of 14 species of ants belonging to nine genera under three subfamilies were recorded, of which the most dominant subfamily was Formicinae followed by Myrmicinae and Dolichoderinae. The present study also revealed 15 new ant-mealybug associations for the first time. The molecular characterization of eight mealybug species was carried out that complemented the morphological identification of species. A total of eight nucleotide sequences were submitted to NCBI GenBank and accession numbers were generated. The sequences were also submitted to BOLD and illustrative barcodes were generated. The barcodes of C. insolita, C. hirsutus and P. jackbeardsleyi were generated for the first time. The diversity of endosymbionts of the mealybug C. insolita was carried out for the first time. The study revealed a total of 15 phyla of endosymbionts on C. insolita, of which Proteobacteria was the predominant one. An experiment was conducted at Instructional Farm, Vellayani to identify the tritrophic interaction in brinjal, C. insolita and its natural enemies. The study revealed that out of the ten brinjal cultivars evaluated, the lowest mean population of mealybugs was observed in Pusa Uttam whereas the hybrid cultivar, Udit recorded the highest number of mealybugs. The lowest mean per cent leaf infestation was recorded in Pusa Purple Long which was statistically on par with Pusa Uttam whereas the hybrid cultivar, Udit was severely damaged by the mealybugs. Among the tested cultivars, Pusa Purple Long was recorded under the group resistant whereas Udit and Haritha were included under the highly susceptible group based on the mean per cent leaf infestation caused by C. insolita. The cultivar Haritha attracted the highest number of predators whereas the maximum mean population of spiders were observed in Pusa Purple Long. 289 The correlation analysis on the mean population of mealy bugs with biophysical parameters revealed that trichome density, length width ratio of leaf and number of branches exhibited a significant positive correlation with mean population of mealybugs. Correlation studies on the mean population of natural enemies with biophysical parameters revealed that plant height exhibited a significant negative correlation whereas leaf thickness and number of branches revealed a non-significant negative correlation with the mean population of natural enemies. Among the biochemical parameters of brinjal cultivars, total phenol content exhibited a significant negative correlation with the mean population of mealybugs whereas total chlorophyll content showed a significant positive correlation. The correlation between biochemical parameters of brinjal cultivars with the mean population of natural enemies revealed that total phenol and carotenoid content exhibited a non-significant negative correlation whereas total protein content, reducing sugar and total chlorophyll content showed a nonsignificant positive correlation. The info-chemical mediated interactions in brinjal cultivars, mealybug and its natural enemies were studied using a multi-armed olfactometer and Y-shaped olfactometer assay. The results revealed that the cultivar Udit attracted the highest number of natural enemy Chrysoperla zastrowii sillemi while the cultivar Pusa Uttam attracted the lowest number. The variation in preference shown by the natural enemies may be related to the difference in volatile compounds emanating from the host cultivar. The GC-MS analysis of the synomonal compounds of the cultivar, Udit revealed a total of eleven compounds whereas the cultivar Pusa Uttam was recorded with a total of five compounds. The Y shaped olfactometer studies revealed that C. zastrowi sillemi adults showed more preference towards the synomonal compounds of mealybug infested plants than that of healthy plant synomonal extracts. On comparing the volatile profile of synomones of mealybug infested and healthy plants revealed that the synomonal extracts of the mealybug infested cultivar Udit comprised of 11 compounds whereas healthy plant synomonal extracts contained nine compounds. 290 The relative response of C. zastrowi sillemi towards the kairomonal compounds of C. insolita was evaluated in a Y tube olfactometer and the results revealed that the highest mean number of adult lacewings were attracted to the kairomonal compounds of mealybug compared to control. The kairomonal extracts of the mealybug comprised of seven compounds and the composition of these hydrocarbons may determine the selectivity of natural enemies towards the preferred host. The present study recorded a total of six mealybug species infesting solanaceous and cucurbitaceous vegetables and its host range, natural enemies and associated ants in different agro ecological regions of Kerala. The molecular characterization studies supported the morphological taxonomy and the sequences were submitted to NCBI Genbank and BOLD. The study also elucidated the interactions mediated by plant traits and info-chemicals in brinjal-mealybugnatural enemy tritrophic systems. The study recorded Pusa Purple Long as resistant cultivar and Udit and Haritha as highly susceptible cultivar to C. insolita. The plant traits viz., trichome density, length width ratio of leaf, number of branches, total phenol content and total chlorophyll content exhibited significant correlation with mean population of mealybugs whereas plant height exhibited significant correlation with mean population of natural enemies. The study on info-chemical mediated tritrophic interactions revealed that the concentration and composition of volatile compounds determine the differential selectivity of natural enemies. The volatile compounds identified in this study can also be used as a cue in moderating the behavior of natural enemies in the ecosystems. So a thorough knowledge on the tritrophic relations in the ecosystem will aid in manipulating these interactions to devise a better pest management strategy.ThesisItem Open Access Mealybugs of vegetable ecosystems and tritrophic interactions of brinjal mealybugs(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2022) Mithra, Mohan; KAU; Anitha, NThe study on “Mealybugs of vegetable ecosystems and tritrophic interactions of brinjal mealybugs” was conducted at College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2017 to 2020 with the objectives to identify mealybugs and their natural enemy fauna in solanaceous and cucurbitaceous vegetables, to carry out the molecular characterization of mealy bugs in solanaceous and cucurbitaceous vegetables and to find out the tritrophic interactions of mealybugs infesting brinjal. An investigation on mealybug diversity in solanaceous and cucurbitaceous crops of Kerala revealed a total of six mealybug species viz., Coccidohystrix insolita, Ferrisia virgata, Paracoccus marginatus, Phenacoccus solenopsis, Planococcus citri and Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi. Besides, four mealybugs viz., Crisicoccus hirsutus, Maconellicoccus hirsutus, Planococcus lilacinus and Rastrococcus iceryoides infesting other vegetable crops were also recorded from Kerala. The study also revealed that the population of mealybug, C. insolita collected from different regions of Kerala exhibited significant morphological variation. The molecular characterization studies proved that the population belongs to C. insolita and the variations may be environmental induced. An exploration of the host range of mealybugs infesting solanaceous and cucurbitaceous vegetables in Kerala revealed a total of 113 plants under 73 genera belonging to 31 families, out of which 14 plants were recorded as new host reports. A rich natural enemy fauna on mealybugs belongs to five orders viz., Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Diptera, Neuroptera and Hymenoptera were documented from Kerala. Twenty species of mealybug predators from five different families were recorded, among which the predominant family was Coccinellidae with 16 species under six genera. Among the various predators collected, Cacoxenus sp. was recorded for the first time as a predator of P. jackbeardsleyi. Eleven hymenopteran parasitoids belonging to five families were documented from mealybugs, of which the majority belongs to the family Encyrtidae. Four new host-parasitoid associations were also recorded for the first 288 time. The study also identified six hyperparasitoids under the family Encyrtidae, of which two species were recorded as new report which includes Cheiloneurus sp. and Prochilonerus sp. associated with the mealybug P. solenopsis. The ants associated with mealybugs in different agroecosystems were also investigated and a total of 14 species of ants belonging to nine genera under three subfamilies were recorded, of which the most dominant subfamily was Formicinae followed by Myrmicinae and Dolichoderinae. The present study also revealed 15 new ant-mealybug associations for the first time. The molecular characterization of eight mealybug species was carried out that complemented the morphological identification of species. A total of eight nucleotide sequences were submitted to NCBI GenBank and accession numbers were generated. The sequences were also submitted to BOLD and illustrative barcodes were generated. The barcodes of C. insolita, C. hirsutus and P. jackbeardsleyi were generated for the first time. The diversity of endosymbionts of the mealybug C. insolita was carried out for the first time. The study revealed a total of 15 phyla of endosymbionts on C. insolita, of which Proteobacteria was the predominant one. An experiment was conducted at Instructional Farm, Vellayani to identify the tritrophic interaction in brinjal, C. insolita and its natural enemies. The study revealed that out of the ten brinjal cultivars evaluated, the lowest mean population of mealybugs was observed in Pusa Uttam whereas the hybrid cultivar, Udit recorded the highest number of mealybugs. The lowest mean per cent leaf infestation was recorded in Pusa Purple Long which was statistically on par with Pusa Uttam whereas the hybrid cultivar, Udit was severely damaged by the mealybugs. Among the tested cultivars, Pusa Purple Long was recorded under the group resistant whereas Udit and Haritha were included under the highly susceptible group based on the mean per cent leaf infestation caused by C. insolita. The cultivar Haritha attracted the highest number of predators whereas the maximum mean population of spiders were observed in Pusa Purple Long. 289 The correlation analysis on the mean population of mealy bugs with biophysical parameters revealed that trichome density, length width ratio of leaf and number of branches exhibited a significant positive correlation with mean population of mealybugs. Correlation studies on the mean population of natural enemies with biophysical parameters revealed that plant height exhibited a significant negative correlation whereas leaf thickness and number of branches revealed a non-significant negative correlation with the mean population of natural enemies. Among the biochemical parameters of brinjal cultivars, total phenol content exhibited a significant negative correlation with the mean population of mealybugs whereas total chlorophyll content showed a significant positive correlation. The correlation between biochemical parameters of brinjal cultivars with the mean population of natural enemies revealed that total phenol and carotenoid content exhibited a non-significant negative correlation whereas total protein content, reducing sugar and total chlorophyll content showed a nonsignificant positive correlation. The info-chemical mediated interactions in brinjal cultivars, mealybug and its natural enemies were studied using a multi-armed olfactometer and Y-shaped olfactometer assay. The results revealed that the cultivar Udit attracted the highest number of natural enemy Chrysoperla zastrowii sillemi while the cultivar Pusa Uttam attracted the lowest number. The variation in preference shown by the natural enemies may be related to the difference in volatile compounds emanating from the host cultivar. The GC-MS analysis of the synomonal compounds of the cultivar, Udit revealed a total of eleven compounds whereas the cultivar Pusa Uttam was recorded with a total of five compounds. The Y shaped olfactometer studies revealed that C. zastrowi sillemi adults showed more preference towards the synomonal compounds of mealybug infested plants than that of healthy plant synomonal extracts. On comparing the volatile profile of synomones of mealybug infested and healthy plants revealed that the synomonal extracts of the mealybug infested cultivar Udit comprised of 11 compounds whereas healthy plant synomonal extracts contained nine compounds. 290 The relative response of C. zastrowi sillemi towards the kairomonal compounds of C. insolita was evaluated in a Y tube olfactometer and the results revealed that the highest mean number of adult lacewings were attracted to the kairomonal compounds of mealybug compared to control. The kairomonal extracts of the mealybug comprised of seven compounds and the composition of these hydrocarbons may determine the selectivity of natural enemies towards the preferred host. The present study recorded a total of six mealybug species infesting solanaceous and cucurbitaceous vegetables and its host range, natural enemies and associated ants in different agro ecological regions of Kerala. The molecular characterization studies supported the morphological taxonomy and the sequences were submitted to NCBI Genbank and BOLD. The study also elucidated the interactions mediated by plant traits and info-chemicals in brinjal-mealybugnatural enemy tritrophic systems. The study recorded Pusa Purple Long as resistant cultivar and Udit and Haritha as highly susceptible cultivar to C. insolita. The plant traits viz., trichome density, length width ratio of leaf, number of branches, total phenol content and total chlorophyll content exhibited significant correlation with mean population of mealybugs whereas plant height exhibited significant correlation with mean population of natural enemies. The study on info-chemical mediated tritrophic interactions revealed that the concentration and composition of volatile compounds determine the differential selectivity of natural enemies. The volatile compounds identified in this study can also be used as a cue in moderating the behavior of natural enemies in the ecosystems. So a thorough knowledge on the tritrophic relations in the ecosystem will aid in manipulating these interactions to devise a better pest management strategy.ThesisItem Open Access Eumolpinae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) of southern India(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2021) Amritha Kumari, S; KAU; Prathapan, K DThe present study entitled “The Eumolpinae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) of southern India” was carried out at Collage of Agriculture, Vellayani from October 2015 to March 2020. The study was designed with the objectives of collection and identification of the eumolpine leaf beetles of south India, preparation of illustrated keys to genera and species with emphasis on the characters of male and female genitalia and documentation of host plants in all possible cases. One thousand five hundred and two specimens from various ecosystems in south India were studied. Hand picking, aspiration, sweep netting and light traps were used to collect eumolpines. Specimens were also procured on loan basis from different institutions in India and abroad. Collected specimens were mounted and labelled. Available ecological and biological information was gathered in all cases. Genitalia was dissected as per standard procedures. Inflation and eversion of endophallus follow Yamasako & Obhayashi (2011). Specimens were identified tentatively based on the available literature and then confirmed by comparing with type specimens or consulting with experts. Measurements were made with a calibrated ocular micrometer and pertinent ratios were worked out. Illustrated keys, descriptions and diagnosis are provided. Male genitalia, including endophallus and female genitalia are described and illustrated. The Afrotropical genus Microeurydemus is newly reported from the Oriental Region. Malegia and Scelolanka are new reports to India. Pagria ingibbosa, P. ceylonica and P. pseudograta are new species records for India. Range of distribution of Basilepta subcostata and Trichochrysea are extended to south India. Tricliona Lefèvre, 1885 new snynonym is a new junior synonym of Bathseba Motschulsky, 1866. Neofidia Strother new name, is proposed as the replacement name for Fidia Baly, 1863, a junior homonym of Fidia Motschulsky, 1861. Bathseba syzygium n. sp. and Pseudostonopa palynophaga n. sp. are described as new to science. Eleven putative new species in the genera Mesocolaspis, Malegia, Microeurydemus, Basilepta, Cleoporus, Dermorhytis, Edistus, Pagria, Scelolanka and Trichochrysea were described. New host plant records include Anacardium occidentale L. (for Fidia kanaraensis), Ixora (for Eurypelta modesta), Aegle marmelos (for Colasposoma downesi), Mallotus atrovirens (for Cleoporus inornatus), Antidesma acidum (for Edistus sp.), Milletia pinnata (for Scelolanka). Bathseba syzygium n. sp. has been reported on Syzygium cumini and Pseudostonopa palynophaga n. sp. has been reported as a pollen feeder of Poaceae. Pagria signata species group warrants further investigations, due to inconsistencies in morphological, genetalic and molecular characters. The eumolpine leaf beetle fauna of south India comprises 146 species placed in 35 genera. Checklist of Eumolpinae of south India is provided. The study treated 53 species under 20 genera. Two new species, 11 putative new species in 10 genera, 12 new host plant records, several new distributional records and new characters of taxonomic value are reported. Nomenclature of many economically important eumolpines are updated.ThesisItem Open Access Galerucine leaf beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Galerucini) of southern India(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2021) Viswajyothi, K; KAU; Prathapan, K DThe study entitled ‘The galerucine leaf beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Galerucini) of southern India’ was carried out at College of Agriculture, Vellayani during September 2016−April 2021. The study was designed with the objectives of collection and identification of galerucine leaf beetles of southern India; documentation of host plants and other ecological data in all possible cases; preparation of illustrations and descriptions, with emphasis on characters of male and female genitalia; and preparation of an illustrated key to species. The study area encompasses the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. Eight hundred and thirty-three specimens belonging to 41 species in 27 genera were studied. Detailed descriptions were prepared, with colour photographs of dorsal, ventral, lateral and anterior habitus as well as diagnostic characters, including male and female genitalia. Additionally, internal sac or endophallus was everted in relevant and possible cases and illustrated. Measurements and proportions are provided. An illustrated key to select genera and species of Galerucini of south India is given. A checklist of known galerucine leaf beetles of south India is provided. Two putative new genera and two putative new species are described and illustrated. A new species Charaea sahyadrica Bezdek and Viswajyothi was published from this study. The habiti of 20 species in colour, male genitalia of 22 species and female genitalia of 24 species are given for the first time. Twenty-seven new host plants, including eleven (40.7%) economically important ones, were recorded. New host plant records are Aulacophora calva on Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt, Cucumis sativus L. and Cucurbita moschata Duchesne ex Poir. (Cucurbitaceae); A. cincta on Manilkara hexandra (Roxb.) Dubard (Sapotaceae); A. frontalis on Trichosanthes tricuspidata Lour. (Cucurbitaceae); A. impressa on Cucumis sativus L., Cucurbita moschata Duchesne ex Poir. and Trichosanthes cucumerina L. (Cucurbitaceae); A. opacipennis on Momordica charantia L. and Trichosanthes tricuspidata Lour. (Cucurbitaceae); Cassena bengalensis on Mucuna bracteata (L.) DC. (Fabaceae); Erganoides flavicollis on Naravelia ceylanica (L.) DC. (Ranunculaceae) and an unidentified legume (Fabaceae); Galerotella sp. on Cayratia Juss. sp. (Vitaceae); Hoplosaenidea indica on Aphanamixis polystachya (Wall.) R. N. Parker (Meliaceae); Monolepta longitarsis on Piper nigrum L. (Piperaceae) and Spondias pinnata (L. f.) Kurz (Anacardiaceae); Oides affinis on Spermacoce hispida L. and Spermacoce ocymoides Burm.F. (Rubiaceae); Oides flava (Olivier) on Cayratia sp. (Vitaceae); Gallerucida sp. on Cayratia sp.; Sphenoraia hopei on Desmodium triflorum (L.) DC. (Fabaceae) and Myristica fragrans Houtt. (Myristicaceae); Trichomimastra hirsuta on Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels) (Myrtaceae); Genus 1 on Spatholobus parviflorus (DC.) Kuntze (Fabaceae) and Genus 2 on Aporosa lindleyana (Wight) Baill. (Phyllanthaceae). New distribution records include two new country records and 10 new state records. The new records to India are A. opacipennis in Karnataka and Kerala and A. tibialis in Kerala. The new records to Kerala are A. frontalis; Cassena bengalensis; Erganoides flavicollis; Galerotella simplicicollis; Kanarella unicolor; Liroetes apicicornis; Mimastra alternata; Oides flava (Olivier); Genus 1 and Genus 2. The new records to Karnataka are Aulacophora parambikulamensis; Hoplasoma costatipennis; Mimastracella hirsuta; Sastroides besucheti and Trichomimastra hirsuta. Aulacophora calva is being reported for the first time in Karnataka and Kerala.ThesisItem Open Access Lamiinae (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) of southern India(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2021) Sangamesh, R Hiremath; KAU; Prathapan, K DThe present study entitled “The Lamiinae (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) of southern India” was carried out at College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2015 to 2020 with the objectives of collection and identification of the flat faced long-horned beetles (Lamiinae) of southern India, preparation of descriptions and illustrated key to species, with emphasis on characters of male and female genitalia and documentation of host plants in all possible cases. The specimens were collected using different methods viz., hand picking, sweep netting, light traps, jackfruit twig trap and rearing from the infected plant parts. The specimens were processed following the standard procedures. Similarly, dissections, photographs and illustrations were prepared. Details of the specimens examined and the measurements of different body parts including that of male and female genitalia are included under each species. All the species included in the present study were identified using available literature. Taxon descriptions were prepared by considering all the morphological variations and also including the variations of male and female genitalia wherever available. A checklist of the species and illustrated key to the genera documented in the present study are also provided. Present study has generated taxonomic and ecological information on the Lamiinae fauna of south India. Sixty six species belonging to 41 genera of south Indian Lamiinae were studied. Detailed descriptions and illustrations, including that of male and female genitalia, are provided. Species-wise distribution and host plant data are furnished wherever available. Ecological information is also provided for a few of the species. Descriptions of two new species, Miccolamia ferruginea and Notomulciber viraktamathi were published. These include species descriptions, key to Indian species of the respective genera and a discussion on the need for redefinition of the respective subgenera. Description of the male of Monochamus shembaganurensis, with additional information on its distribution, was published. Four new species were recognised, one each belonging to the genera Eunidia and Falsoropica and two of Glenea. New distributional and ecological data are furnished for Acalolepta tenuipes, Agelasta quadrimaculata, Apomecyna saltator, Apriona trilineata, Batocera rufomaculata, Coptops aedificator, Epepeotes uncinatus, Eucomatocera vittata, Eunidia bicolor, Eunidia variegata, Eunidia simplex, Exocentrus (Camptomyne) vittatus, Hirtaeschopalaea albolineata, Macrochenus tigrinus, Nupserha bicolor, Olenecamptus bilobus, Phelipara indica, Sthenias grisator, Sybra praeusta, Thylactus angularis, Zotalemimon posticatum and Zotalemimon procerum. Among the south Indian Lamiinae, Apomecyna saltator, Batocera rufomaculata, Celosterna scabrator, Cleonaria bicolor, Coptops aedificator, Glenea multiguttata, Nupserha bicolor, Olenecamptus bilobus, Sthenias grisator and Sybra praeusta are well known pestiferous species. There are many Lamiinae still awaiting discovery and formal naming. Hence, studies encompassing the different ecozones of the country are sure to add several new species of flat faced longhorned beetles to the Indian fauna. Many species are known only by original descriptions based on a single specimen. Hence, there is an urgent need for intensive studies to generate information on their natural history. Future studies should concentrate on revising and updating the taxonomy of Lamiinae of economic importance so as to develop effective IPM programmes. To promote and facilitate studies on biodiversity and conservation of the native fauna of longhorned beetles, there is an urgent need to digitalize the type specimens of Indian Cerambycidae deposited in several European natural history museums besides developing a database with interactive keys for easy identification. The future taxonomic works on Indian Cerambycidae should also aim for Phylogeny of Indian fauna based on integrative taxonomy.ThesisItem Open Access Biotic agents for the management of American serpentine leaf miner, Liriomyza trifolii(Burgess) (Diptera:Agromyzidae)(Department of agricultural entomology, College of horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2014) Jyothi Sara, Jacob; KAU; Maicykutty P, MathewA study on “Biotic agents for the management of American serpentine leaf miner, Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess) (Diptera: Agromyzidae)” was carried out at the Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Horticulture, K.A.U., Vellanikkara during 2011-2013 with the objectives of collection and identification of indigenous natural enemies and to assess the pathogenicity of the entomopathogens to explore the feasibility of utilizing them for its management. Surveys were conducted in the vegetable fields for the collection and identification of natural enemies associated with L. trifolii in three districts, namely, Thrissur, Ernakulam and Kottayam from January to March, 2011. The surveys revealed the occurrence of nine species of hymenopteran parasitoids. The per cent parasitism varied from 10.96 to 58.99 per cent among the crops surveyed. Three species of eulophids, namely, Cirrospilus acadius Narendran, C. brevicorpus Shafee & Rizvi and Aprostocetus sp. as well as the braconid, Toxares sp. are new reports for India. Among the parasitoids, Closterocerus spp. were the dominant group followed by Chrysonotomyia sp. All parasitoids were solitary, larval endoparasitoids except Toxares sp. which was larval-pupal in nature. One species each of small ants (Formicidae) and a dipteran fly (Dolichopodidae) were observed as predators on L. trifolii. In the study, no entomopathogens were observed from L. trifolii. Considering the level of pesticide consumption in vegetable crops that undermine the potential of insect parasitoids and also that no entomopathogens could be observed during the survey, it was decided to evaluate entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) as biocontrol agents against L. trifolii. Isolation of EPNs from 72 soil samples from Thrissur, Ernakulam and Kottayam districts yielded four isolates of Steinernema carpocapsae. Bioefficacy studies carried out on these four isolates along with Steinernema bicornutum and Heterorhabditis indica showed that S. carpocapsae Isolate - 1 had the lowest LC 50 , LC 90 and LT values indicating their higher effectiveness against the maggots of the pest. 50 Pot culture study conducted to compare the potential of S. carpocapsae Isolate - 1 with other treatments showed that azadirachtin 1 EC at 0.005% was the most effective causing 84.51 per cent mortality to the maggots of L. trifolii. This was followed by the foliar application of H. indica at 32 infective juveniles (IJs)/ maggot which caused 18.98 per cent mortality. Application of Beauveria bassiana at 1×10 7 spores/ ml was not effective. In the field evaluation, fipronil 5 SC at 0.002% was found to be the most effective treatment for controlling L. trifolii followed by azadirachtin 1 EC at 0.005%. Compatibility of the IJs of the S. carpocapsae Isolate - 1, S. bicornutum and H. indica was studied with ten commonly used insecticides in the laboratory by direct exposure method. Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC at 0.005% was found to be the most compatible insecticide with S. carpocapsae isolate - 1 causing only 0.17 per cent mortality to IJs at 72 hours after treatment (HAT). Quinalphos 25 EC at 0.05% and chlorpyriphos20 EC at 0.05% were highly incompatible, causing 96.17 and 92.87 per cent mortality of the nematodes. Dimethoate 30 EC at 0.04% was the most compatible insecticide with S. bicornutum and caused only 0.60 per cent mortality at 72 HAT and was followed by azadirachtin 1 EC at 0.005% with 0.78 per cent mortality to the IJs. Quinalphos 25 EC at 0.05% caused 99.93 per cent mortality at 72 HAT. Heterorhabditis indica was compatible with all insecticides except quinalphos 25 EC at 0.05% which was moderately toxic resulting in 39.6 per cent mortality. The virulence, pathogenicity and multiplication of the survived IJs were not affected by the insecticide treatments. Parasitoids and EPNs were observed as potential candidates for the management of L. trifolii. Hence future studies on the bio-ecology and mass production of dominant parasitoids and standardization of methods to improve the efficacy of EPNs are suggested for the successful control of L. trifolii in polyhouses as well as in the field.ThesisItem Open Access Characterization, evaluation and formulation of beauveria bassiana (Bals.) strains against rice bug, leptocorisa spp. (Hemiptera:alydidae)(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2021) Nasiya Beegum, A N; KAU; Madhu SubramanianThe rice bug, Leptocorisaspp. is one of the most important sap sucking insect pests of rice in the tropics. Both nymphs and adults suck sap from developing rice grains during the milky grain stage, leading to discoloured, empty or half-filled grains. Yield loss due to the bug infestation ranges from 10 to 35 per cent. Management of the bug essentially involves spraying with insecticides, for want of safer options. Biological control of rice bug remains hampered by absence of ideal bioagents. The entomopathogenic fungus (EPF), Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) has been reported as infecting rice bug, from several parts of the world, including India. In this context, the present study was undertaken with the objectives of collection, isolation and molecular characterization of local strains of B. bassiana, evaluation against Leptocorisa spp., identification of a cost effective mass production technology for the selected strain of B. bassiana, and formulation of the most effective strain of B. bassiana. Surveys were conducted over two seasons during 2016-17 at major rice growing tracts of Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Palakkad districts of Kerala to collect EPF infecting rice bug. However, EPF infected rice bug cadavers were obtained only from one location i.e., Pattambi in Palghat district.As only one isolate was obtained, a potential fungal pathogen earlier obtained from rice bug at Vellanikkara, Thrissur and maintained at AICRP on BCCP was also included in further studies. The above two isolates were identified through study of colony characters as well as through ITS sequencingand Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST). The isolate from Vellanikkara was identified as Beauveria bassiana, while the isolate from Pattambi was identified as Choanephora cucurbitarum. The pathogenicity of the two isolates was assessed through laboratory as well as pot culture studies. In the laboratory, B. bassianaisolate recorded more than 90 per cent reduction in population of rice bug nymphs and adults five andseven days after treatment respectively at all concentrations evaluated while C. cucurbitarum recorded only 18 to 53 per cent reduction in bug population. Pot culture studies confirmed the superiority of B. bassianaisolate over C. cucurbitarum with B. bassiana treated pots registering over 99 per cent mortality by 20 th day after treatment as against 27 to 31 per cent mortality in case of the latter.B. bassianaisolate was further evaluated at its most effective concentration, under field conditions in both Thrissur and Palakkad districts.B. bassiana proved to be on par with the insecticide malathion from 10 th day onwards at both locations. The compatibility of B. bassiana isolate with selected insecticides and fungicides was assessed using poisoned food technique. The results showed that the insecticide acephate was the most compatible with 31.29 per cent growth inhibition while the fungicide propiconazole was the least compatible with 85.71 per cent inhibition. Methods for talc based, oil based and aqueous formulations of B. bassianawere standardized.Palm oil was identified as the most suited carrier for oil based formulation through inhibition zone technique as well as through assessment of viability of B. bassiana spores. Glycerol(3%), carboxy methyl cellulose (0.5%) and chitin (5%) formed the best adjuvants for oil based, aqueousand talc based formulations respectively, based on viable cfu count 30 days after storage. All the three formulations were as effective as malathion in reducing rice bug populations in field trials. However, talc formulation was significantly superior to the remaining formulations in terms of yield as well as grain damage. Talc, oil and aqueous formulations had shelf life durations of six, five and four months respectively.ThesisItem Open Access Population dynamics and management of aphids in vegetable ecosystem(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2009) Thamilvel, D; KAU; Hebsy, BaiEight species of aphids viz., A. gossypii, A. craccivora, A. spiraecola, A. fabae, A. nerii, H. setariae, M. persicae and L. erysimi were recorded from 32 vegetables in a survey conducted in the four taluks of Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. Occurrence of A. gossypii on C. grandis, M. oleifera and P. tetragonolobus; A. craccivora on C. gladiata, P. tetragonolobus and S. grandiflora ; A. spiraecola on A. tricolor, C. sativus, C. tetragonoloba, M. oleifera, M. charantia, M. koeingii, P. tetragonolobus and S. androgynus ; M. persicae on A. tricolor and R. sativu; A. nerii on C. annuum and C. frutescens was recorded for the first time from the State and H. setariae on A. tricolor and A. dubius from South India. One hundred and twenty two other plants were identified as host plants of the different aphids. A. gossypii was the dominant species noted, closely followed by A. craccivora, and A. spiraecola. Maximum species of aphids were recorded on amaranthus followed by winged bean. Among the vegetables surveyed, chilli and coccinia were highly susceptible to A. gossypii and winged bean and cowpea to A. craccivora. Mosaic disease incidence was noted in 10 vegetables. Predators were the predominant group of natural enemies associated with the aphids with the coccinellids constituting the major predatory fauna. Twenty species of coccinellids were recorded from different species of aphids on various host plants of which 13 species were new records from Kerala. M. sexmaculatus was the dominant species followed by C. transversalis, S. latemaculatus and C. septempunctata, Four species of syrphids were recorded of which I. scutellaris was predominant. P. yerburiensis and D. aegrota were recorded for the first time from Kerala. Leucopis sp. was the only Chamaemyiid species recorded from the vegetable fields. The chrysopids, C. carneae and A. octopunctata and the hemerobiid, Micromus sp. were the Neuropteran predators of the aphids recorded of which Micromus sp. was dominant. A. octopunctata was recorded for the first time from Kerala. Eleven species of spiders were observed in the vegetable fields among which, O. javanus, T.mandibulata, O. quadridentatus, O. shweta and Phidippus sp. were the frequently encountered species. Aphidius sp. was the most dominant parasitoid in the vegetable ecosystem. Aphelinus sp. and D. rapae were the other parasitoids recorded. Seven species of ants were observed attending the aphids. Studies on the population fluctuation of A. gossypii in chilli and A. craccivora in winged bean during a cropping season indicated that high population was seen during November and December. Correlation studies revealed a significant and positive correlation between the population of both the aphids with the insect predators, spiders and parasitoids. None of the climatic parameters had any significant influence on the aphid population. Excepting, maximum temperature which had a positive influence, all the other weather parameters viz., minimum temperature, relative humidity, rainfall and wind velocity had a negative influence on the population of the predators and parasitoids. Among the botanicals screened in the laboratory, only neem oil- garlic emulsion 2% and NeemAzal T/S 4 ml/l recorded more than 50 per cent mortality of A. gossypii and A. craccivora. Among the insecticides, the neonicotinoids viz., acetamiprid 0.002% imidacloprid, 0.003%, and dimethoate 0.05% proved superior to all other treatments. Dimethoate 0.05% was highly toxic to the coccinellids, syrphids and a hemerobiid (Micromus sp.) predator under laboratory condition. Between the two neonicotinods, acetamiprid 0.002% registered higher mortality than imidacloprid 0.003% whereas NeemAzal T/S 4 ml/l and neem oil + garlic emulsion 2% were safe to the predators. Foliar application of dimethoate 0.05%, acetamiprid 0.002% and imidacloprid 0.003% gave good control of A. gossypii, A. biguttula biguttula, S. dorsalis and A. dispersus in chilli and A. craccivora, A. dispersus, R. pedestris and M. vitrata in winged bean. NeemAzal T/S 4ml/l and neem oil garlic emulsion 2% too checked the population of the pests appreciably. Dimethoate 0.05% was highly toxic to the predators and parasitoids followed by acetamiprid 0.002% both in the chilli and winged bean fields. Comparatively, imidacloprid 0.003% was less toxic. The botanicals were safer to the natural enemies. Dimethoate 0.05% was highly toxic to soil fauna and flora whereas acetamiprid and imidacloprid were less toxic while NeemAzal T/S 4ml/l and neem oil + garlic emulsion 2% were non toxic. In both the trials, significantly higher yield was obtained from all the treatments. However, no significant difference was noted in the yields obtained from acetamiprid 0.002%, imidacloprid 0.003% and dimethoate 0.05% treated plots. Residues of imidacloprid were detected in chilli and winged bean fruits five days after spraying. While on the tenth day after spraying, residues of acetamiprid, and dimethoate were detected in chilli fruits, only residue of acetamiprid was recorded from winged bean pods. Imidacloprid was below detectable level (BDL). Residues of all the three insecticides were below detectable level when estimated fifteen days after spraying. Based on the results of the study, early detection of aphids on weeds and other host through regular monitoring, proper weed and ant management, conservation of the beneficials, application of neem oil + garlic emulsion 2% or NeemAzal T/S 4ml/l during the early stage of infestation and use of imidacloprid 0.003% when needed are suggested for aphid management in vegetables.
