The experiment was conducted at College of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, India during Rabi, 2022-23 for the management of major lepidopteran insect pests of cabbage. The treatments viz., Isaria fumosorosea 5g/L, Beauveriabassiana4g/L, Neem Seed Pellets Powder-NSPP 30g/L, commercial neem product 1500 ppm (Neemsuper-1500) 2ml/L, Lecaniciliumlecani4g/L, Commercial Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis var kurt saki) 2ml/L, Metarhizium rileyi 4g/L, Metarhizium anisopliae 4g/L and control were laid put in Randomized block Design and applied twice with three replications. Data indicated that per cent reduction in the larval population of DBM over untreated check was maximum in both the sprays commercial Bt(92.77%; 90.76%) followed by Beauveria bassiana (91.69%; 90.00%). Whereas, per cent reduction of head borer population was maximum with commercial neem (70.56%; 74.71%), followed by commercial Bt (61.93%; 65.19%). Commercial Btobtained a higher yield (20.01 t/ha). The field efficacy of eco-friendly bio-rational indicated that promising insecticides can be used as an alternative to chemical management.

Field Bio-Efficacy of Chlorantraniliprole and Cyantraniliprole Insecticides Against Lepidopteran Pests of Maize

A study was undertaken at Sukarpara Tea Estate, Bahadur, Jalpaiguri, in the state of West Bengal, to assess the effectiveness of Glyphosate 41% SL in controlling weed flora in Tea plantation during the kharif seasons of 2022 and 2023.There were six treatments that were replicated four.The experiment revealed that the application of Glyphosate 41% SL at 3.0 L ha-1 (1.23 kg a.i. ha-1)as formulation resulted in significantly lowest total weed density and dry weight and higher green leaf yield(34.8qha-1).Although, this treatment administered did not observe any significant impact on the overall population of fungus, bacteria, and actinomycetes. Thus application of Glyphosate 41% SL at 1.23 kg a.i. ha-1(3.0 L ha-1) was most effective in managing weed flora in tea plantation.

Field Bioefficacy and Residue Dynamics of Most Effective Insecticides Against Aphids in Taro (Colocasia esculenta (L) Scott, 1832)

Study of comparative field bioefficacy of newer insecticides against major sucking insect pests of mung bean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] in Agra region: A review

Brown spot (Cercospora longipes), which was a minor fungal foliar disease is now causing serious threat to sugarcane production and had shifted to the major one. To improve the quality of sugarcane and increase its production it is necessary to prevent the crop from negative impacts of diseases. Field bioefficacy experiment was conducted to studied silicon fertilizer treatments for the management of brown spot disease of sugarcane caused by Cercospora longipes during 2022-23 at Central Sugarcane Research Station, Padegaon. A field experiment was laid out in randomized block design during Suru 2023 with eight treatments and three replications by using susceptible cv. CoM 0265. The results indicated that the brown spot disease intensity ranged from 6.82 to 38.85 per cent during period of experiment. Among the treatments, foliar spray of Potassium silicate @ 0.5% at 120 and 150 DAP was found significantly superior and the most effective for the control of brown spot disease of sugarcane as compared to the rest of the treatments and recorded minimum per cent disease intensity (6.82%) and highest 82.45 per cent disease control , highest number of internode length (23.23cm), cane girth (12.15 cm), No. of internodes (21.92/cane), single cane weight (2.14 kg), NMC (88,890/ha), CCS yield (21.96 t/ha), cane yield (147.50 t/ha), CCS% (14.89%), Brix (21.87), Purity (95.21%) and sucrose content (21.12%), respectively as compared to untreated control. The analysis of silicon and potassium concentration showed that the range of mean Si and K concentration observed was 5.97 g/kg to 11.31 g/kg and 1.25% to 2.13% respectively. The observations showed that mean Si and K concentrations were found highest in foliar spray of Potassium silicate @ 0.5% at 120 DAP and 150 DAP.

Sheath blight of rice is a global disease that significantly reduces rice yield. This study reports the antifungal activity of an active compound of essential oil, thymol, at different concentrations against Rhizoctonia solani (strain RS-Gvt). In vitro assay results indicated that thymol concentrations (0.5 mg mL-1 and 0.25 mg mL-1) completely inhibited (100%) the mycelial growth of RS-Gvt (p ≤ 0.01). Microscopic observations of thymol-treated mycelium of RS-Gvt at 0.0312 mg mL-1 and above concentrations, revealed a distorted mycelial morphology with deformed hyphae. Hyphae showed a bead-like appearance, reduction in size, and constriction of the hyphae at uneven points with increased hyphal density often entangling with each other. Further, an on-field experiment was conducted to study the field bio-efficacy of thymol for two consecutive Kharif seasons of 2022 and 2023 using a factorial RCBD design. The disease severity was measured as the percent disease index (PDI), and the results of two seasons were pooled. Pathogen (RS-Gvt) and thymol were inoculated in different combinations/methods as main treatments (M1-M3), and concentrations of thymol (0.0625-1.0 mg ML-1) as sub-treatments. The results indicated that all two factors significantly (P = 0.05) influenced the PDI and grain yield. The pooled data of two seasons indicated a significant difference between the main treatments (M1: RS-Gvt + thymol together; M2: thymol sprayed first followed by RS-Gvt; M3: RS-Gvt first followed by thymol spray) on PDI (53.39-59.67) and grain yield (4.16-4.75 t ha-1). M1 exhibited a lower PDI (53.39) and a higher grain yield (4.75 t ha-1) compared to M2 and M3, indicating a protective mode of action of thymol against sheath blight disease of rice. The sub-treatments have shown significant variation in PDI and grain yield. The PDI and grain yield ranged from 33.70 (at 1 mg mL-1) to 66.21 (at 0.0625 mg mL-1) and 4.18 (at 1 mg mL-1) to 5.26 (at 0.0625 mg mL-1) t ha-1, respectively, among the thymol concentrations. This indicates that increasing concentrations of thymol have negatively influenced the PDI and positively impacted the yield. Therefore, the spray of 1 mg mL-1 of thymol at the potential disease-infection stage is most effective in controlling the sheath blight disease of rice. This study provides an alternative green bioactive compound for controlling the sheath blight disease, and thymol can be included in developing eco-friendly integrated disease management practices. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Field bio-efficacy of some selected combination insecticides against brown plant hopper and gundhi bug in rice

Field bioefficacy of combi-formulation of hexythiazox + diafenthiuron against yellow mite in Chilli

Thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis and flea beetle, Scelodonta strigicollis are the two important destructive pest prevailing in the grapes ecosystem in the terms of economic damage is concern. Field studies were conducted during two consecutive seasons of 2022 and 2023 in order to evaluate the field bio-efficacy of a new anthranilic diamide molecule Cyantraniliprole 300 g/L OD (45, 60, 75, 90 and 105 g a.i./ ha) along with Lambda- cyhalothrin 4.90 % CS (12.5 g a.i./ha) and Emamectin benzoate 5% SG (11 g a.i./ha) as standard checks against the thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis) and flea beetle (Scelodonta strigicollis) in grapes. The two higher doses of Cyantraniliprole 300 g/L OD i.e. 90 and 70 g a.i./ha was found highly effective in managing the population of thrips and flea beetle during both the year compared to Lambda-cyhalothrin and Emamectin benzoate. The highest grapes yield was recorded in plots treated with Cyantraniliprole 300 g/L OD @ 90 g a.i./ha (19.45, 19.6136 t/ha respectively) and it was statistically on par with its lower dose of 70 g a.i./ha (19.3661, 19.52 t/ha respectively) during first and second field trials. Considering the bio-efficacy and yield, Cyantraniliprole 300 g/L OD @ 70 g a.i./ha is recommended for effective control of thrips and flea beetle pests in grapes ecosystem.

Mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi Kaltenbach is a key pest of rapeseed-mustard and form the basis of crop loss from December to March. Field assessment was done to evaluate the bioefficacy of various doses of thiamethoxam over L. erysimi in mustard agroecosystem. Thiamethoxam 25%WG @ 25g a.i per ha was highly efficient against aphid with high grain yield, cost-effective. The results of former dose was on par with 37.5 g a.i per ha and 50 g a.i per ha after first and second spray with an interval of 10 days under open field environment with > 80% of decline in aphid populations. This was further followed by standard check dimethoate 30 % EC @ 200 g a.i per ha which was on par with thiamethoxam 25%WG@ 12.5 and 16.67 g a.i per ha. The control plot was least efficient and showed huge number of the mustard aphids. To manage the aphid population that reaches ETL, two applications with thiamethoxam 25 WG @ 25 g a.i. per ha at 10 days interval will be quite effective and provide good return.

The okra fruit borer (Earias vittella) and sucking pests are a key limiting factor in okra cultivation due to their severe crop destruction behaviour. An experiment was conducted during 2019–20 to assess the bioefficacy of various new insecticides and persistence of chlorantraniliprole 18.50 sc residues in okra fruits at research farm of ICAR- Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Among various treatments, chlorantraniliprole tested at 30 g a.i./ha was reported to be effective in reducing fruit damage by E. vittella (96%), as well as sucking pests infestation (87.81–1100%) with a significantly higher marketable fruit yield (8.88 t/ha) recorded under open field situations. Ethyl acetate was used to extract the chlorantraniliprole contaminants from the okra fruit matrix, and PSA and magnesium sulphate were used to clean up the matrix. The estimate for the limit of quantification (LOQ) was 0.01 mg/kg, and the average percent recoveries ranged from 83.67–89.00. The half-life was estimated 1.72 days. Based on the field bioefficacy against insect pests and residue status in okra fruits, it can be concluded that the chlorantraniliprole 30 g a.i./ha can be utilized in the okra ecosystem to successfully manage the sucking pest complex and fruit borer without posing any health risks to consumers.

In order to assess the efficiency of different pesticides, their phytotoxicity, and the safety of natural enemies in potato fields of the Nilgiris district against the recently existing invasive pest, Liriomyza huidobrensis, two field experiments were conducted at two different locations, namely Kukkal in Kotagiri and Kappachi in Ooty, both located in the district Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu. The outcomes showed that cyantraniliprole 10.26 OD @ 75 g a.i. /ha and chlorantraniliprole 18.5 S @ 30 g a.i. /ha were helpful for managing L. huidobrensis. Following spraying, coccinellid and spider populations first declined, but gradually rose. Following it, Profenofos 50 EC @ 500 g a.i. /ha was also demonstrated to yield favourable results, but it was rejected because it significantly reduced the population of natural enemies. Additionally, it was discovered that none of the pesticides had any phototoxic effects on potato during the trial. In light of the fact that profenofos 50 EC has a similar impact on the natural enemy population as cyantraniliprole 10.26 OD and chlorantraniliprole 18.5 S @ 30 g a.i. ha-1, they can be used successfully as a management strategy for potato leaf miner.

Aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is a major sap-sucking insect pest of leguminous crops and also transmits plant viruses, leading to economic yield loss. Indiscriminate and repeated use of insecticides for control of aphid leads to the development of resistance, and is harmful to the environment, non-target organisms, etc. Plant-based extracts/seed oils (SO) are the best alternatives to insecticides. Insecticidal activities of Triadica sebifera have not been reported against A. craccivora and other insect pests to date. In the current study, the main objective was to study the insecticidal activities of leaf/bark extracts/fractions, seed oil, isolated compounds, and their combinations against A. craccivora. Results showed that, among the extracts, ethanolic bark extract 80% (LC50 = 5115.98 mg/L) was more effective against A. craccivora. Among fractions, the n-hexane fraction of leaves (LC50 = 425.73 mg/L) and the ethyl acetate fraction of bark (LC50 = 813.45 mg/L) were promising. Among compounds, gallic acid was the most effective (LC50 = 1303.68 mg/L) compared to shikimic acid and quercetin. SO (LC50 = 850.94 mg/L) was superior compared to extracts/fractions/compounds. All the combinations showed toxicity and synergistic activity. Leaf/bark extracts and SO significantly inhibited the AChE and GST activity in A. craccivora. Based on field bio-efficacy, the leaf extract/SO or their combinations can be recommended for the control of aphids.

The field experiments were carried out to evaluate the bio-efficacy and residue dynamics of Polyoxin D Zinc salt 5% SC in grape during 2014–2015 and 2015–2016 at ICAR-National Research Centre for Grapes, Pune. Polyoxin D Zinc salt 5% SC @ 600 ml ha-1 gave the best control of the disease, both in the leaves and bunches with a percent disease control of 56.4 and 75.7 respectively, as compared to untreated control. The percent disease control of the test fungicide Polyoxin D Zinc salt 5% SC @ 600 ml ha-1 was superior to all the triazoles viz. Flusilazole 40 EC, Hexaconazole 5 EC and Myclobutanil 10 WP, used in the study. The yield data reflected a similar trend wherein the maximum percent increase in yield was observed in case of Polyoxin D Zinc salt 5% SC @ 600 ml ha-1 i.e. 57.47 as compared to untreated control. However, all the triazoles manifested a higher percent increase in yield as compared to the lowest dose of the test fungicide i.e. 200 ml ha-1. For the detection and quantification of polyoxin D residue in grape, we have developed an efficient and effective analytical method, using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), in field treated samples. The residue data had excellent fit to 1st+1st order models giving r2 value of >0.99 with a half-life (t1/2) 8.0 days for recommended dose and 14.5 days for double dose. These findings are useful for effective disease management in grape crop amalgamated with food safety and consumer satisfaction.

Bioefficacy, persistent toxicity, and persistence of translocated residues of seed treatment insecticides in maize against fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda(J. E. Smith, 1797)

Soybean (Glycine max. L.) is an important crop worldwide because it has a wide of geographical adaptation, good nutritive value, functional health benefits and many end uses. Nutrient management is one of the most important factors in successful cultivation of plants. Bio fertilizers can affect the quality and quantity of crop. Hence, an experiment was conducted to study the effect of TABA-G on soybean yield. TABA-G @ 10.0 kg/ha alone and along with 100% and 75% Recommended Fertilizer Dose (RDF) were evaluated at Agharkar Research Institute's Farm Hol, Pune. Results obtained indicated that two applications of TABA-G @ 10 kg/ha as basal and 30DAS along with RDF significantly increase plant height (17.07%), number of branches/plant (33.60%), pods/plant (23.46%), seeds/pod (14.62%), harvest index (9.67%), 100 seed weight (4.91%), and yield by 16.88% over control and 9.60% over RDF. Likewise, TABA-G along with 75% RDF can also help to increase yield up to 13.03% over control and 5.99% over RDF. Therefore, we can save 25% fertilizer dose for soybean crop for getting yield up to RDF.

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) is one of the most important oilseed legumes in the world as well as in India, which is attacked byseveral insects, particularly the leaf folder (Hedylepha indicata) causes significant yield losses. Hence, a field bio-efficacy of Brigade-BL (Beauveria bassiana) an entomopathogenic fungi was evaluated against leaf folder of soybean at ARI (MACS) Pune during kharif-2015 season. Results obtained indicated that Treatment No. T-3 (Two sprayings of Brigade BL @ 2.0 ml/L) treatment resulted in reduction of leaf folder/roller larvae/m upto 45-39% individually and 95-56% in combination with chemical insecticides. Similarly, spraying of Brigade-BL @ 2.0 ml/L resulted in increase of plant height (7.44%), leaf area (7.68%), Pods/plant (21.40%) harvest index (17.90%) and yield by 19.79% over control and 4.07% over chemical insecticides. Similarly, spraying of Brigade-BL did not show any phytotoxic effect on soybean plants.

Chilli (Capsicumm annum L.) is one of the important spice and vegetable crop grown in India and World. Hence, the present trial was conducted during 2014-15 at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Jhabua (RVSKVV – Gwalior) – 457661 Madhya Pradesh, with a view to assess the bio-efficacy of Vitormone (Azotobactor chroococcum) on chilli hybrid. Vitormone study was undertaken at 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 ml/L along with 100% NPK (RDF) and 75% N and 100% PK at KVK Jhabua. Results obtained revealed that spraying of Vitormone @ 2.0 ml/L along with recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) at 35, 55 and 75 days after transplanting significantly increase in plant height (19.77%), number of branches/plant (80.0%), fruit length (81.52%), number of fruits/plant (51.12%) and yield by 43.24% over control and by 4.44% more over RDF. Likewise, spraying of Vitormone @ 2.0 ml/L did not show any phytotoxic effect on chilli crop.

A field bio-efficacy of Brigade-BL (Beauveria bassiana) an entomopathogenic fungi was evaluated against mealy bugs (Meconellicoccus hirsutus) on Thompson Seedless grapes at National Research Centre on Grapes, Manjri, Pune during 2014-15. The experiment was conducted in RBD with five replications on foundation pruning and fruit pruning. Results obtained revealed that application of Brigade-BL @ 5.0 ml/L with two sprayings resulted in reduction of mealy bug colonies upto 67.82% in foundation pruning as compared to control. Likewise, at fruiting pruning, after fifth spray of Brigade-BL @ 5.0 ml/L recorded 75.68% reduction in mealy bug population and increase in fruit yield of 92.44% over control. Similarly, there was no any abnormality and phytotoxic effect observed by spraying Brigade-BL on grapevines. Likewise, Brigade-BL was found compatible with Buprofezin 25 SC chemical insecticide.