Brinjal Plants Research Articles

Evaluation of brinjal and tomato scions for enhancing yield and quality attributes in grafted brimato plants

To meet the growing demand for fresh produce in cities, promoting peri-urban and urban farming is essential to reduce reliance on rural areas for vegetables. One innovative approach developed at ICAR-IIVR, Varanasi (2019-2022), is the dual grafting of brinjal and tomato on a single brinjal plant, termed 'Brimato' (Brinjal + Tomato). Using the vigorous, waterlogging and salinity-tolerant brinjal rootstock IC 111056, four brinjal cultivars (Kashi Sandesh, Kashi Uttam, Kashi Manohar, Kashi Vijay) and three tomato cultivars (Kashi Aman, Kashi Chayan, Vani) were selected as scions. Over three years, experiments showed that scion cultivars significantly impacted Brimato productivity. Kashi Manohar combined with Kashi Aman or Kashi Chayan yielded the highest brinjal fruit numbers, while Kashi Aman combined with hybrid brinjal Kashi Sandesh resulted in the highest tomato fruit numbers. The highest fruit yields were observed with the Kashi Sandesh + Kashi Chayan combination, yielding 2.58 kg/plant. The Kashi Aman + Kashi Sandesh combination produced a cumulative yield of 5.98 kg/plant. Physiological traits like photosynthetic rate and chlorophyll fluorescence yield varied significantly among scion cultivars, with Kashi Manohar and Kashi Aman scions exhibiting the highest photosynthetic rates. Grafted Brimato plants showed enhanced fruit quality, particularly in vitamin C and β-carotene content. These findings highlight the potential of Brimato plants for urban agriculture, offering a viable solution for sustainable fresh produce supply.

Exploring selected bioinsecticides for management of cotton aphids (Aphis gossypii Glover) of brinjal in Bangladesh

Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) is a popular vegetable in Bangladesh being nutritious, tasty, and cultivable throughout the year. Insect pests are the major constraint to its successful cultivation and production. The present study was conducted during the winter season when the sucking insect pests especially cotton aphids (Aphis gossypii Glover) are most abundant. Aphid infestation was observed in the brinjal plants since the early vegetative stage and sometimes the infestation rate reached up to 100 percent. Moreover, the infestation rate fluctuated with plants or duration. Aphids suck the cell saps resulting in stunting the growth of plants and yield reduction. As brinjal is consumed without peeling, contamination with toxic insecticides is a health concern. To address this, some bioinsecticides including abamectin preparation ‘Biomax M’, sodium lauryl ether sulphate preparation ‘Fizimite’, azadirachtin preparation ‘Fytomax’, Saccharopolyspora spinosa and Bacillus thuringiensis var. Kurstaki broth mixture preparation ‘Spinomax’, and potassium salt of fatty acid preparation ‘Fytoclean’ were selected to combat aphids. Besides, Voliam Flexi was applied as chemical control. A field study showed that abamectin preparation Biomax M was very potent against aphids showing zero percent aphid infestation. In addition, the chemical control Voliam Flexi 300 SC also provided zero percent aphid infestation. Therefore, Biomax M might be the non-toxic alternative to Voliam Flexi 300 SC for controlling aphids.

Comprehensive analysis of little leaf disease incidence and resistance in eggplant

BackgroundLittle leaf disease caused by phytoplasma infection is a significant threat to eggplant (also known as brinjal) cultivation in India. This study focused on the molecular characterisation of the phytoplasma strains and insect vectors responsible for its transmission and screening of brinjal germplasm for resistance to little leaf disease.ResultsSurveys conducted across districts in the Tamil Nadu state of India during 2021–2022 showed a higher incidence of phytoplasma during the Zaid (March to June), followed by Kharif (June to November) and Rabi (November to March) seasons with mean incidence ranging from 22 to 27%. As the name indicates, phytoplasma infection results in little leaf (reduction in leaf size), excessive growth of axillary shoots, virescence, phyllody, stunted growth, leaf chlorosis and witches’ broom symptoms. PCR amplification with phytoplasma-specific primers confirmed the presence of this pathogen in all symptomatic brinjal plants and in Hishimonus phycitis (leafhopper), providing valuable insights into the role of leafhoppers in disease transmission. BLAST search and phylogenetic analysis revealed the phytoplasma strain as “Candidatus Phytoplasma trifolii”. Insect population and disease dynamics are highly influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, relative humidity and rainfall. Further, the evaluation of 22 eggplant accessions revealed immune to highly susceptible responses where over 50% of the entries were highly susceptible. Finally, additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) and won-where biplot analyses identified G18 as a best-performing accession for little leaf resistance due to its consistent responses across multiple environments.ConclusionsThis research contributes essential information on little leaf incidence, symptoms, transmission and resistance profiles of different brinjal genotypes, which together ensure effective and sustainable management of this important disease of eggplants.

Effective nutrient removal from aquaculture wastewater utilizing an indoor nutrient film technique hydroponic system

AbstractAquaculture wastewater treatment must remove nutrients to prevent eutrophication of receiving waters and to allow for possible re‐use of the treated water. This study aims to evaluate the shoot and root growth of crops produced in Nutrient Film Technique hydroponic systems and treat aquaculture wastewater using phytoremediation. The average physico‐chemical parameters of the aquaculture wastewater during the study period were pH 6–6.4, temperature 25°C–27°C, EC 0.7–0.8 mS/cm, and total dissolved solids (420–560 ppm). The operating conditions of hydroponic treatment units were hydraulic loading rate of 857.28 m/day, hydraulic retention time of 0.3 h, organic loading rate of 12567.8 Ibs‐BOD5/ft^2/day (BOD5 is 5 – day Biochemical Oxygen Demand) and flow rate of 54 L/h. The study found that the average elimination efficiency of nitrate‐nitrogen in aquaculture wastewater treatment varied from 78.28% by Money plants (Epiprennum aureum), 71% by Crotons (Codiaeum varigatum), 70.25% by Arrowhead plants (Syngonium podophyllum), 67.25% by Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida), 68.62% by for Spinach (Spinacea oleracia), and 42.85% by Brinjal plants (Solanum melongena). The average removal effectiveness of BOD5 varied from 71.07% by Money plants (Epiprennum aureum), 68.62% by Crotons (Codiaeum varigatum), 78% by Arrowhead plants (Syngonium podophyllum), 72% by Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida), 68% by Spinach (Spinacea oleracia), and 70% by Brinjal plants (Solanum melongena). Thus, environmentally friendly and economically advantageous method for reducing and removing nitrate‐nitrogen and BOD5 from aquaculture effluent is hydroponic phytoremediation. The promising potential of using indoor NFT hydroponic systems for nutrient removal particularly nitrate‐nitrogen, from aquaculture wastewater. Each plant species is assessed for its ability to uptake and reduce nitrate‐nitrogen levels, growth patterns, and overall suitability for wastewater treatment. The study emphasizes the eco‐friendly and sustainable wastewater management nature of the proposed method.

A Review on Efficacy Effect of Newer Insecticides and Biopesticides against Brinjal Fruit and Shoot Borer (Leucinodes orbonalis) Guenee

A Review on Efficacy Effect of Newer Insecticides and Biopesticides against Brinjal Fruit and Shoot Borer (Leucinodes orbonalis) Guenee

Potential biocontrol agents involved in induction of defense related enzymes in brinjal (solanum melongena l.) Against phomopsis blight caused by phomopsis vexans

Phomopsis blight, caused by Phomopsis vexans (P. vexans) in brinjal plants is one of the main diseases in India. In order to manage this malady, we initially screened seed samples of 14 cultivars obtained from seed suppliers for the disease incidence. Based on the disease incidence and severity, the samples were categorized as resistant and susceptible cultivars of brinjal. It was established that MEBH-9' was a sensitive cultivar, while the Kolar local was resistant to the disease. Two ideal strains of Rhizosphere colonizing bacteria (RCB), Pseudomonas putida strain Has-1/c (HM229805), and Phylloplane Colonizing Bacteria (PCB), Bacillus subtilis strain Br/ph-33 (KJ867501), previously characterized as potential plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, were tested for their potential biocontrol of this disease. Both susceptible and resistant cultivars' seedlings were treated with different combinations of PCB and RCB, PCB alone, RCB alone, and challenge inoculated with P. vexans. In order to ascertain whether there was signalling between defense enzyme activation and plant protection after PCB and RCB treatment, defense enzymes were quantified. Brinjal plants treated with PCB+RCB combination and challenge inoculated with P. vexans showed a significant increase in the activity of Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), Peroxidase (POX), Lipoxygenase (LOX), Polyphenol oxidase (PPO), Catalase, Chitinase, β -1,3-glucanase, and Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content. The current study reveals that the defense enzymes and PR-proteins are gradually induced and accumulated, which enhance the resistance in brinjal plants against P. vexans-causing fruit rot disease.

Preparation of Plant Growth Enhancing Bioformulation from Agricultural Wastes by Solid State Fermentation

Preparation of organic waste based bioformulation through solid state fermentation technology for application in the field offers an ecofriendly and viable alternative to sustainable food production. The present study deals with the potential of seven agrowastes as substrate carriers for the growth of indigenous strains of Pseudomonas fluorescens (Pf) and Bacillus subtilis (Bs) that stimulate plant growth. The cosubstrate (CS) with equal proportion of the seven agrowastes and both the bioinoculants (CSPfBs) proved as the best substrate carrier with highest population load of the bioinoculants at 45 days after storage (DAS). Thereafter the population declined steadily in all the bioformulations from 60 DAS to 90 DAS. However, CSPfBs gave the highest population load at 90 DAS. As individual substrate for both Pf and Bs, vermicompost performed best with a population load of 9.95 of Pf and 9.98 of Bs at 90 DAS. The bioformulations CSPfBs, VBs and VPf when applied in soil, gave the best yield in brinjal plants (Solanum melongena L. cv. Pusa Kranti) at 30 days after transplanting. Similar trends were also observed in the other yield parameters. The study indicates the scope of the prepared bioinoculant as a low cost eco friendly option for promotion of growth and yield of crops.

Effectiveness of GRAS substances for managing leaf diseases in brinjal (<em>Solanum melongena</em> L)

Leaf diseases in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) are common and drastically lower its yield. As synthetic fungicides are hazardous to the environment and human health, non-fungicidal approaches to foliar disease control are being adopted progressively. The current investigation assessed the effectiveness of Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) substances in the management of leaf diseases in brinjal. The efficacy of the selected GRAS substances, including 400 μM of salicylic acid, 0.1% of sodium bicarbonate, and botanical extracts such as 200 ppm of garlic clove extract, 200 ppm of neem extract and 200 ppm of eucalyptus extract, were assessed. Six treatments and four replicates were employed in a completely randomized design for this present study. The natural occurrence of leaf diseases was taken into account in the experiment. Disease incidence (%), disease severity (%), number of leaves per plant, plant height (cm) and number of branches per plant were recorded seven weeks after transplanting. Analysis of variance was used to assess the significance of treatment effects. The findings confirmed that the exogenous spraying of salicylic acid and garlic clove extract significantly (P<0.05) decreased the disease severity and incidence, with statistically equivalent efficiency for both substances. Moreover, number of branches per brinjal plant (3.3), plant height (51.4 cm) and number of leaves per brinjal plant (31.5) were significantly (P<0.05) enhanced by salicylic acid compared to control. Hence, spraying garlic clove extract and salicylic acid may therefore be an environmentally potential means of managing brinjal leaf diseases during the vegetative growth stage.

Comparative evaluation of sublethal doses of different insecticides on the ovipositional behavior of whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) in Brinjal

The world's worst invading insect is the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). For B. tabaci's thorough field control, research on the sublethal impacts of popular insecticides is crucial. We examined the effects of sublethal insecticide concentrations on whiteflies' predilection for oviposition on treated plants of brinjal (Solanum melongena L. cv. Hisar Shyamal) using a multiple-choice test during the 2019 and 2020 growing seasons. The insecticide efficacy was evaluated on the basis of the oviposition preference of B. tabaci on brinjal plants that were raised in pots and repeatedly treated with a distinct dosage of insecticides. The biochemical changes of treated brinjal leaves were also examined in this research, along with their connection to oviposition tendency. The findings showed that whiteflies favored fenpropathrin 30 % EC and deltamethrin 2.8 % EC treated plants for oviposition over diafenthiuron 50 % WP and thiamethoxam 25 % WG. In comparison to untreated control plants, most eggs were deposited on sublethal doses of fenpropathrin 30 % EC treated plants at 50 g a.i./ha and deltamethrin 2.8 % EC at 7.5 g a.i./ha. The findings of biochemical tests showed that with the exception of lesser dosages of fenpropathrin (30 % EC) as well as deltamethrin (2.8 % EC), all insecticidal treatments reduced total sugar and amino acids. Additionally, all the pesticides reduced the overall phenol level and significantly altered the crude protein content. The treated brinjal plant with deltamethrin 2.8 % EC and fenpropathrin 30 % EC attracted whiteflies for oviposition because it provides an improved site for them in terms of nourishment.

Exploration of natural colourant of (Solanum melongena L.) brinjal plant residues for fabric dyeing: a novel approach towards textile processing

Natural products have become the main focus of mankind due to increasing environmental pollution. The current study was concerned with brinjal plant residues as a source of bio colourant for cotton dyeing. Various media have been employed for the extraction of colourant. Present studies illustrated that excellent colourant yield was obtained in 4% acidified methanol. Cotton fabric was dyed at 50 °C, for 55 min and showed optimised dyeing conditions. Varying chemicals and bio-mordants have been used to achieve elegant shade. Chemical mordanting results revealed that 2% FeSO4as pre-mordant, and 6% TA as post-mordant while in bio- mordanting, 8% of pomegranate peel extract as pre-mordant and 2% pomegranate peel extract as post-mordant indicated a darker shade to mordanted fabrics. Bio-mordanting gave darker shade, and fastness which revealed that bio-mordants have improved the fastness characteristics. FTIR results revealed the confirmation of flavonoids as a colourant for cotton dyeing.

Assessment of soil yeasts Papiliotrema laurentii S-08 and Saitozyma podzolica S-77 for plant growth promotion and biocontrol of Fusarium wilt of brinjal.

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of the soil yeasts Papiliotrema laurentii S-08 and Saitozyma podzolica S-77 for plant growth promotion (PGP) and biocontrol of wilt disease in brinjal plants while applying yeasts individually or as a consortium in pot experiments. The yeasts were tested for various PGP characteristics and antagonistic activity against the phytopathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melongenae. Both the yeast isolates demonstrated some PGP attributes as well as inhibited the growth of the phytopathogen. A gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the yeast metabolites revealed the presence of several antifungal compounds. The pot experiment performed under nursery conditions showed that applying these yeasts, individually or in consortium, decreased the percent disease incidence in brinjal seedlings while significantly enhancing their growth parameters. Papiliotrema laurentii S-08 and S. podzolica S-77 can be used in brinjal plants as plant growth promoters and also as biocontrol agents against the brinjal wilt disease.

He-Ne laser irradiation in brinjal leads to metabolic rewiring and accumulation of bioactive components in fruits

Seed germination, seedling growth and healthy, virtue-based, uniform crop establishment are essential for considerable agricultural productivity. Physical and chemical techniques are widely utilized to promote and speed up seed germination. Due to their low cost, lack of side effects, environmental friendliness, non-destructive and low-power irradiation techniques such as laser, magnetic energy, and ultrasound are utilized successfully in various crops. The most well-known and well-studied laser in the agriculture sector is the Helium-Neon laser. The current study aimed to examine potential interactions between plants and laser rays and the possible use of the He-Ne laser to alter and enhance fruit metabolites. Fruits from field-grown brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) plants were collected at various developmental stages, such as 15, 30, 45, and 60 days post-anthesis (DPA), from the un-irradiated control and laser-irradiated plants for fruit metabolite profiling. Principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) indicated that the 15 DPA groups showed the highest variation compared to the other developmental stages. The observed metabolites were primarily divided into primary and secondary metabolites and are related to amino acids and derivatives, alkaloids and glycoalkaloids, fatty acids, organic acids, sugars, sugar alcohol, and terpenoids. Furthermore, the secondary metabolites were identified and classified into pigments, alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and glycoalkaloids. In the fruit tissues of the laser-irradiated groups, it was observed that the shikimate-derived phenolic pathway was not altered. On the other hand, the mevalonate route (MVP) and methylerythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathways were changed in the fruit tissues from the laser irradiation groups, according to the characterization of sterols, terpenoids, and alkaloids. Based on our previous reports and the current analysis, the biostimulatory role of the He-Ne laser was revealed with significant alterations in the abundance of bioactive molecules and their associated pathways in the developmental stages of brinjal fruits.

Management of bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum) of brinjal using Bacillus cereus, Trichoderma harzianum and Calotropis gigantea consortia in Bangladesh

BackgroundBacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum is a devastating disease of brinjal in Bangladesh. The study was targeted to evaluate the bacterial wilt management ability of microbial consortia composed of isolated and identified native Bacillus cereus, Trichoderma harzianum and Calotropis gigantea for the first time in Bangladesh.ResultsTwenty bacterial strains were isolated from the rhizosphere of the brinjal plant following serial dilution method. Among the strains, HSTUB 17 showed maximum zone of inhibition (1.5 ± 0.1 cm) against R. solanacearum in the dual culture method. Molecular characterization using 16 s rRNA partial coding sequence revealed HSTUB 17 as B. cereus. Consortia composed with the identified B. cereus HSTUB 17 (108 CFU ml−1 @ 5 ml/plant), previously isolated T. harzianum (@5 mm size of four mycelial disk/plant) and aqueous leaf extracts of C. gigantea (1:1, w/v basis @ 40 ml/plant) were applied in the root zone following soil drenching method and found to reduce bacterial wilt incidence by 74.87, 66.67 and 66.67% at 30, 50 and 70 days after transplanting, respectively, in comparison with plants received only R. solanacearum (108 CFU ml−1 @ 5 ml/plant). The single application of B. cereus HSTUB 17, T. harzianum and C. gigantea also minimized wilt incidence by 21.16–37.34, 33.33 and 21.48–28.14%, respectively, on all the days of observations. The consortia of B. cereus HSTUB 17, T. harzianum and C. gigantea also resulted in maximum plant height (56.67 cm), the number of branches/plants (10.33), the number of fruits/plants (8.33) and fruit yield (25.56 ton/ha) in comparison with the plant exposed to R. solanacearum only.ConclusionThe findings of the study revealed the potentiality of consortia composed of B. cereus HSTUB 17, T. harzianum and C. gigantea for the eco-friendly management of bacterial wilt of brinjal for the first time in Bangladesh.

Effective nutrient removal using nutrient film technique hydroponics unit under varying nitrate nitrogen concentrations

AbstractSurface and groundwater are both susceptible to nitrate nitrogen contamination that has emerged as an issue around the globe in past few years. The main goal of this research was to treat nitrate‐contaminated water through phytoremediation in a hydroponic system with reduced cost and also assess the root and shoot growth of plants cultivated in NFT hydroponic systems. Four different nitrate‐nitrogen concentrations (30, 60, 90, and 120 mg/L) were given to hydroponic treatment unit. The results revealed that shoot growth, root growth, leaf number, and shoot numbers were increased with increasing nutrient solution concentration. The study's findings demonstrated that the average elimination efficiencies of nitrate‐nitrogen varied from 44.5% to 88% for money plants, 30.77% to 80.66% for crotons, 42.56% to 86% for arrowhead plants, 32.03% to 72.25% for vetiver grass, 28.08% to 70% for spinach, and 38.11% to 75.5% for brinjal plants, respectively. Thus, hydroponic phytoremediation has emerged as the environmental and cost‐effective technique for diminishing and removing nitrate nitrogen from wastewater.

Translaminar activity of different insecticides against Bemisia tabaci

One of the main mechanisms of action for many insecticides is translaminar redistribution or local systemic. The present study was carried out at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana during 2019 and 2020 to investigate the translaminar activity of different insecticides having different doses and sprays on treated brinjal plant having Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) nymphs. Different treatments, i.e. diafenthiuron 50% WP (150, 210, and 300 g a.i./ha), fenpropathrin 30% EC (50, 70, and 100 g a.i./ha), thiamethoxam 25% WG (25, 35, and 50 g a.i./ha), and deltamethrin 2.8% EC (7.5, 10.5 and 15 g a.i./ha) were frequently sprayed on brinjal plants (var. Hisar Shyamal) growing in pots. Insecticides effectiveness was measured through nymphal mortality of B. tabaci (whitefly). Similar study was conducted in 2020 to ensure reliability of results. The results revealed that, almost similar trendswere obtained during 2019 and 2020, hence proving reliability. Among all tested insecticides, maximum translaminar effect was observed in thiamethoxam 25% WG treated plant at 50 g a.i./ha (50.72% nymphal mortality). Whereas, deltamethrin 2.8% EC treated plant at 15 g a.i./ha showed minimum translaminar effect (0.63% nymphal mortality) as compared to other treatments. Translaminar effect of leaves treated with diafenthiuron 50% WP and fenpropathrin 30% EC was found at par with each other. Nymphal mortality is low in sub-lethal doses of insecticides as compared to lethal doses. It can be concluded that resistance may develop due to sub-lethal doses of insecticides. Farmers and agricultural experts would benefit from this study's findings.

Evaluation of power generation in plant microbial fuel cell using vegetable plants

For exploring the possibility of producing power and food simultaneously, PMFC study was explored. Vegetable plants of Brinjal, Tomato and Chili were studied in triplicates for power generation using plant microbial fuel cell (PMFC) for 27 days. All the plants of Chili and Tomato died on 11th day of study, while the plants of Brinjal survived till 26th day. This suggested that Brinjal plants are more tolerant towards stress arising in the rhizosphere due to presence of electrode. The rise in the magnitude of power from 1 to 200 mW to 300–1300 mW was observed after first 12 days of the study in all PMFC sets. It was due to higher rhizospheric microbial activity as compared to the control sets. This suggests that stressed plants suppressed the rhizospheric microbial activity and resultantly overall power generation in PMFC.

Nano Capsules of Nske (Neem Seed Kernel Extract) On Solanum Melongena ---A Promising Organic Pesticide

Pests are a new sense to all the farmers being a vegetable/fruit crop. A natural pesticide is more promising than a chemical one. Neem seed kernel Extract (NSKE) is a potential pesticide currently used at a dosage of 1 litre/sqhectar. Silver nano capsules of NSKE is far better than NSKE at a dosage of 250 ml/ sqhectar. The brinjal plant when sprayed with nano solution is more efficient than the normal NSKE(Neem Seed Kernel Extract).

Biochemical, pathological and molecular characterisation of Phomopsis vexans: A causative of leaf blight and fruit rot in brinjal

The pathogen Phomopsis vexans causes leaf blight, fruit rot, and damping off in brinjal plants, all of which are extremely detrimental. The pathogen affects host plant photosynthetic efficiency and fruit quantity and quality. An appreciation of the pathogenicity of P. vexans is essential for the effective control of infections in the field. Consequently, the goal of this study was to characterise P. vexans in terms of their biochemistry, molecular diversity, and pathogenicity. In terms of cellulase (97.7 U), catalase (12.2 U), and ascorbate peroxidase (147.3 U) activity, isolate PV1 performed best, followed by PV5 (CL-97.0 U, CAT-11.1 U and APX-144.4 U), and PV8 (CL-88.8 U, CAT-9.8 U and APX-141.9 U). In a greenhouse pathogenicity test, isolate PV1 had the highest incidence (97%) and severity (88.6%) of disease, whereas isolate PV6 showed the lowest incidence (57.2%) and severity (70%) of disease. The biochemical enzyme activity of P. vexans corresponds well with its greenhouse pathogenicity results, and its combination can be exploited to identify pathogenic P. vexans isolates. Using RAPD and ISSR primers, molecular characterisation indicated genetic diversity but could not distinguish isolates by geographical origin or pathogenicity. The pathogen P. vexans was verified by ITS1 and ITS4 molecular analysis, and the sequences were subsequently deposited in the NCBI database. In conclusion, the enzyme activity relevant to pathogenicity (CL, CAT and APX) in conjunction with the invivo pathogenicity assay might be utilised to differentiate between pathogenic (virulent) and non-pathogenic (avirulent) P. vexans isolates and develop suitable disease management strategies.

Influence of Weather Factors on Incidence and Infestation of Shoot and Fruit Borer in Brinjal

Aims: To correlate the influence of weather variables on population dynamics, incidence and infestation of Brinjal shoot and fruit Borer (BFSB) in Brinjal.
 Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at Regional Research and Technology Transfer Station (RRTTS) at Ranital, Bhadrak Odisha and at Instructional Farm at OUAT, Bhubaneswar, Odisha for period of 1 year.
 Methodology: The population of Brinjal shoot and fruit Borer were recorded from transplanting to harvest of the crop. Five random plants were selected and tagged for observation recording, except boarder plants. To determine the percentage of affected shoots, brinjal plants showing signs of delicate shoots drooping, withering, and drying were counted. Similarly, the population was correlated with weather conditions and the number of fruits showing signs of bore holes on fruits was tallied to estimate the percent fruit infection.
 Results: The investigation indicates that quantitatively establish the relationship of weather parameters as varied with the dates of sowing (23 May,20 November2021, 21 January2022) and Brinjal fruit and shoot borer (BFSB).The studies revealed that the peak population of brinjal shoot and fruit borer was observed during 34th SMW (22-28 August), 5th SMW(30 January- 5 February) and 18th SMW(1-7May) with shoot infestation(38.44%), (11.10%) and (57.99%) respectively. The fruit was infested with a peak of 47.55%, 27.07% and 63.84% on 39th SMW (26 September- 2 October), 9th SMW (27February-5March) and 18th SMW (1-8May) respectively. The BSFB shows positive significant correlation with relative humidity.
 Conclusion: The population of BSFB fluctuates with change in temperature, rainfall, and relative humidity. On first sowing date BSFB population has a less population dynamics comparatively to other two sowing dates. So it is concluded for early sowing results in less pest population.

Mating and Oviposition Behaviour of Brinjal Shoot And Fruit Borer, Leucinodes Orbonalis Guenee

Mating and oviposition behaviour of brinjal shoot and fruit borer (BSFB), Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee (Lepidoptera:Pyralidae) were carried out in the laboratory on brinjal plants maintaining the temperature (20-250C) and relative humidity (80-85%). The moths were found active at night for mating and oviposition. Mating usually occurred at late night but a few moths were found to continue mating up to 8.0 hour of the day. Maximum moths completed mating between 4.00 to 6.00 hour of the day. Mating period ranged from 28-50 minutes. Mating occurred in first and second night of the adult emergence. Majority of the moths (90.80%) were found to mate in the first night and the rest went for mating in the following night. Oviposition always occurred at night. Females were always found to oviposit at night with an average 86.62% oviposition during the first half of the night. Again 60% egg deposition of first half of the night occurred during 20.00 to 22.00 hours. A female laid 241.50 eggs in an average of 2.70 days of oviposition. The egg laying pattern indicates that the egg laying continued for a maximum of 4 days showing a decreasing pattern of deposition with the increase of age. About 50% of the total eggs were deposited on the first day. The BSFB females preferred brinjal leaves for oviposition. Distribution of the eggs on the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves was found 1:2.74. Females showed higher preference for upper canopy of the brinjal plant as oviposition site.
 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 46(3): 285-296, September 2021