Insect Diseases Research Articles

EXPLORING THE INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE OF GURUNG COMMUNITY: A CASE STUDY FROM SYANGJA, NEPAL

People have collected knowledge based on their experience and have been using such knowledge to develop new technologies. Every invention in today’s World is the result of empirical knowledge that our precedents collected which is also known as indigenous knowledge. In this paper, we have intended to study the indigenous knowledge and practices of a Nepali community. A study was conducted in Phedi Khola Rural Municipality, Syangja, Nepal to investigate indigenous knowledge and practices of the Gurung Community residing in the study area. The study covers various indigenous technologies used by the Gurung community in aspects such as seed management, crop management, disease pest management, storage, and other indigenous practices. Farmers had rich knowledge regarding the seed selection of different crop varieties. From the result, we can conclude that farmers often conserved local varieties of the crops by using their indigenous knowledge. The existing indigenous knowledge of farmers on crop insect pests and diseases management was not sufficient to secure food in the area. However, the rate of adopting new chemical pesticides and insecticides was negligible. There were various indigenous technologies of the Gurung community with great indigenous knowledge holding from generation to generation. They had both cultural and livelihood importance. The farmers possessed a great deal of local knowledge that can be documented, disseminated, and utilized. The survey provided the fact that these villages had road connections. It has been considered that once the area is totally connected or accessible to the market economy the valuable indigenous knowledge possessed by its inhabitants would be eroded forever. Hence, it was an urgent necessity to conduct a comprehensive study on the indigenous knowledge systems.

Current status and future prospects in biotic stress management in rice

Insect pests and diseases are the major biotic constraints in rice production. According to the ecosystem, the incidence of insect pests and diseases vary. The degree of loss due to different biotic stresses differ widely depending upon the predominant factors of abundance of these pests in a particular year, season or locality. Though around 800 insect species damaging rice in one way or another, the majority of them do very little damage. In India, about a dozen of insect species are of major pest status. Farmers bear an estimated average of 37% losses in rice crop due to insect pests and diseases every year. This review focuses on status of insect pests and diseases, extent of losses, different tools used in pest monitoring and management in rice. Among the important pest management tools used in rice pest and diseases management are forecasting model for real-time pest-advisory services, light trap, hyper-spectral remote sensing, computer-based decision support system, disruptive technologies (mobile apps).

Wheat intraspecific diversity suppressed diseases with subdued yield, economic return and arthropod predation services

The push for sustainable intensification requires development of alternative strategies for managing crop production that improve yields while maintaining or enhancing environmental services. We propose that intraspecific mixtures potentially exploit landscape ecosystem services to help suppress pests, impede disease spread, and ultimately improve yields. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a three-year field study of wheat cultivar mixtures compared to sole cultivar stands and evaluated pest control, yield, and economic benefits. Arthropod pests were not abundant in our experiment and predator abundance varied unpredictably across mixtures and sole cultivar stands. We found that mixtures suppressed foliar diseases at a level comparable to that of a fungicide application but had less impact on head diseases. Yield and economic return over variable costs were similar for mixtures and sole cultivar stands (3875 vs 3817 Mg ha−1 of wheat, $473 vs $462 ha−1, respectively), indicating that mixtures may provide similar yields and economic returns. In the three years of this project, there was no substantial benefit of using mixtures, but neither was there a penalty, indicating that planting mixtures can minimize risks should insect pests or disease outbreak.

Growth Performance of Eleven Improved Cassava Varieties and their susceptibility to Some Insect Pests and Diseases in Humid Tropics, Rivers State,

Study on the agronomic evaluation and disease resistance of eleven improved cassava varieties was carried out in Rivers State University Teaching and Research Farm in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The eleven varieties assessed are TMS 30572, TMS 98/0510, TMS 98/0581, TMS 98/0505, TMS 92/0326, TME 419, TMS 01/1371, TMS 01/1368, TMS 07/0593, TMS 95/0289 and TMS 96/1632 were evaluated for plant height, leaf number, number of branches, number of flowers, insect infestation and disease incidence. The plant height of the cassava varieties revealed that eight varieties (TMS 01/1371, TMS 01/1368, TMS 30572, TME 419, TMS 98/0505, TMS 96/1632, TMS 98/0510 and TMS 07/0593) are tall varieties while TMS 98/0581, TMS 92/0326 and TMS 95/0289 are short varieties. The highest leaf number was recorded in TMS 01/1371 but the tall varieties like TMS 01/1368, TMS 96/1632 and TME 419 had low leaf number. TMS 98/0581, TMS 92/0326 and TMS 95/0289 were shown to have scanty leaves. TMS 01/1371 was significantly higher (P<0.05) than other varieties in plant height, leaf number and branches. Four varieties flowered namely TMS 07/0593, TMS 01/1371, TMS 30572 and TMS 98/0505. TMS 30572 and TMS 92/0326 were highly susceptible to both African Cassava Mosaic and Xanthomona sp. (Bacterial blight diseases) while TMS 95/0289, TMS 01/1368 and TMS 98/0505 were less susceptible to African Cassava Mosaic virus disease alone. Insect infestations (White fly: Bemisia sp. and Mealybugs: Phenacoccus sp.) on the tested varieties were significantly minimal though five cultivars (TMS 98/0505, TMS 96/1632, TMS 98/0510, TMS 98/0581 and TMS 95/0289) were completely resistant. Therefore, there is urgent need to withdraw the varieties that are susceptible, and use more of the varieties that are disease resistant for high crop yield, breeding and higher productivity.

First Indian Soybean Variety Free from Off-Flavour Generating Lipoxygenase-2 Gene Identified for Release for Commercial Cultivation

Soybean seed lipoxygenase-2 is the principal contributor to off-flavour associated with soy-products and constrains the utilization of soybean in food uses. A soybean genotype NRC132 genetically free from lipoxygenase-2 was developed through modified marker-assisted backcrossing by crossing climate-smart variety JS97-52 with null lipoxygenase-2 donor PI596540, an exotic germplasm accession. Null lipoxygenase-2 gene-specific marker and SSR marker linked to Lox2 locus were deployed for foreground selection and phenotyped through lipoxygenase-2 assay. The genotype was tested at multi-locations in Southern and Eastern zone in 2017, 2018, 2019 for yield and reaction to insect pests and diseases. The genotype yielded at par and significantly higher than the best performing check in Southern and Eastern zone, respectively, and showed resistance against potential diseases and insect pests at hotspots. Soy-milk produced from NRC132 gave reduced off-flavour. The genotype identified for release as variety holds potential to boost utilization of soybean in manufacturing food products.

Effect of Weather Parameters on Pest Dynamics of Maize in Summer at District Bahawalnagar (Pakistan)

This study was designed to evaluate the association between maize pest dynamics and in relation to abiotic factors (temperature, relative humidity and rainfall) in tehsil Minchinabad district Bahawalnagar. The study was conducted from months of April to July in the crop of maize. The current study indicates that the attack of the insect pest increased on maize. These insect pests and diseases on maize are Stem borer (Chilo partellus), Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), Common earwig (Forficula auricularia), Garden snail (Helix aspersa), Red cotton stainer (Dysdercus cingulatus), Aspergillus flavus and Rotten corn disease stock have been recognized to their broad environmental distribution in Bahawalnagar as a result of weather parameters. At higher temperature there was a marked increase in the population of pests while at relative humidity 46% and temperature 400C maximum population of the pest was recorded, it means that higher the temperature and relative humidity there was a marked fluctuation in pest dynamics and hence in spite of the absence of rainfall, the pest outbreak was recorded. Statistically different results significantly different (p < 0.05) using ANOVA one-way and linear regression.

Presence of Pathogen-killed Larvae Influences Nesting Behavior of the Alfalfa Leafcutting Bee (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae).

The alfalfa leafcutting bee (Megachile rotundata (Fabricius)), a commercial pollinator used for alfalfa seed production, is susceptible to chalkbrood disease via ingested fungal spores. Diseases of insects can elicit behavioral changes in their hosts, but there are no recorded behaviors of alfalfa leafcutting bees in response to this fungal exposure. We conducted field studies to determine whether bees in pathogen-dense environments altered their nesting patterns, specifically if bees exposed to fungal spores produced higher numbers of nest cells and whether the proportions of nest cells that failed as eggs or small larvae (a state known as 'pollen ball') were greater. We found that our control bees, nontreated bees which were not exposed to chalkbrood spores other than those in the natural environment, had the highest proportion of pollen ball cells. Bees experimentally exposed to infective spores created the lowest number of nests and the fewest cells. Bees experimentally exposed to heat killed noninfective spores produced the greatest number of nests and cells overall and the greatest number of healthy progeny. We conclude that there are underlying behaviors that are elicited in response to the presence of chalkbrood spores that reduce the proportion of failed nest cells (grooming) and increase retention of bees at nesting sites (delay of bee emergence). Through further study of these behaviors, bee managers can potentially increase the productivity of their bee populations.

Incidence of Pests and Diseases in Tree Nurseries and Plantations in Kimondi Forest, Nandi County, Kenya

Increasing demand for wood is putting pressure on forest resources that are equally under threat from insect pests and diseases. Reported average annual forest loss stands at 0.2% globally, 0.8% in Africa, and 1.6% in Kenya. To meet the increasing demand for forest products in Kenya, the government and private sector have established plantations of non-native tree species dominated by Eucalyptus species, Cupressus lusitanica, and Pinus patula. To ensure successful forest plantation establishment and management schemes, there is a need for sufficient knowledge and understanding of tree growth conditions and threats including pests and diseases. This study aimed at determining the incidence of plantation and tree nurseries in Kimondi Forest, Kenya. Tree plantations were mapped into 2.5 Ha rectangular portion transects parallel to the forest roads. In randomly selected portions, observations were carried out for disease and pest signs and symptoms on various tree parts (leaves, stem, roots, fruits, and twigs). In the tree nurseries, 3 m × 1 m rectangular quadrants were placed on seedling beds and similar observations were made. Collected data indicated a high incidence of nursery seedling pests (5.3 % leaves and 5.1% stems) on Eucalyptus species and least on P. patula (2.4% leaves and 3% stems). Higher incidence of plantation pests (35.0% leaves of Eucalyptus sps.) and least on P. patula stems (1.2%) were recorded. On the other hand, twelve (12.0%) of C. lusitanica and (1.8%) Eucalyptus species plantation twigs were infested by pests. A high incidence of nursery seedling disease (9.8%) was observed on C. lusitanica leaves and least on P. patula stems (3.6%). Higher incidence of plantation diseases (32 %) on leaves of Eucalyptus sps. and least on C. lusitanica stem (1.4%) was recorded. In both tree nurseries and plantations, roots and fruits remained free from pests and disease. Major tree pests and diseases identified in Kimondi forests include (Human, wildlife, livestock, Cinara cupressi, Gonipterus scutellatus, Pinus pini, and Leptocybe invasa) and (damping-off, Fusarium wilt, Botryosphaeria canker, cypress canker, and Mycosphaerella spp.) respectively. These results suggest a need for regular monitoring and intervention measures to control pest and disease infestation in the Kimondi forest.

Modeling of growth and development of modal fir and spruce stands in Middle Siberia

At present, a significant area of Siberian dark coniferous forests is characterized by a significant decrease in resistance due to recurrent forest fires, mass reproduction of insect pests and diseases, which leads to their natural degradation and death. However, the intensity of the growth processes of the coniferous stand under certain forest conditions persists in the long term. Therefore, the creation of regression models of the course of forest growth with the identification of forest conditions is very important both from the point of view of practice and environmental monitoring. The object of the study was the stands of Siberian fir (Abies sibirica Ledeb) and Siberian spruce (Picea obovate Ledeb) of bonitet classes III-IV, growing in the conditions of the West Siberian southern taiga plain forest region on the territory of the Yenisei forestry of the Krasnoyarsk Territory. The initial data for studying the processes of natural growth of fir and spruce plantations were the materials of the mass inventory of 11097 units. As a result of the work carried out for modal fir-spruce stands, concentrated in the territory of Central Siberia (Yenisei forestry of the Krasnoyarsk Territory), regression models of the growth course have been developed, which make it possible to predict the dynamics of taxation indicators and reproduce the succession picture of the development of stands.

The impact of female mating strategies on the success of insect control technologies.

Attempts to control insect pests and disease vectors have a long history. Recently, new technology has opened a whole new range of possible methods to suppress or transform natural populations. But it has also become clear that a better understanding of the ecology of targeted populations is needed. One key parameter is mating behaviour. Often modified males are released which need to successfully reproduce with females while competing with wild males. Insect control techniques can be affected by target species' mating ecology, and conversely mating ecology is likely to evolve in response to manipulation attempts. A better understanding of (female) mating behaviour will help anticipate and overcome potential challenges, and thus make desirable outcomes more likely.

Comparison of wild rice (Oryza longistaminata) tissues identifies rhizome-specific bacterial and archaeal endophytic microbiomes communities and network structures.

Compared with root-associated habitats, little is known about the role of microbiota inside other rice organs, especially the rhizome of perennial wild rice, and this information may be of importance for agriculture. Oryza longistaminata is perennial wild rice with various agronomically valuable traits, including large biomass on poor soils, high nitrogen use efficiency, and resistance to insect pests and disease. Here, we compared the endophytic bacterial and archaeal communities and network structures of the rhizome to other compartments of O. longistaminata using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Diverse microbiota and significant variation in community structure were identified among different compartments of O. longistaminata. The rhizome microbial community showed low taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity as well as the lowest network complexity among four compartments. Rhizomes exhibited less phylogenetic clustering than roots and leaves, but similar phylogenetic clustering with stems. Streptococcus, Bacillus, and Methylobacteriaceae were the major genera in the rhizome. ASVs belonging to the Enhydrobacter, YS2, and Roseburia are specifically present in the rhizome. The relative abundance of Methylobacteriaceae in the rhizome and stem was significantly higher than that in leaf and root. Noteworthy type II methanotrophs were observed across all compartments, including the dominant Methylobacteriaceae, which potentially benefits the host by facilitating CH4-dependent N2 fixation under nitrogen nutrient-poor conditions. Our data offers a robust knowledge of host and microbiome interactions across various compartments and lends guidelines to the investigation of adaptation mechanisms of O. longistaminata in nutrient-poor environments for biofertilizer development in agriculture.

Anopheles gambiae Genome Conservation as a Resource for Rational Gene Drive Target Site Selection.

Simple SummaryMalaria is a huge public health burden that affects predominantly sub-Saharan Africa and is transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. As a measure for population control, a method called gene drive has been recently developed, which relies on genetic engineering to introduce specific genetic traits into mosquito populations. Gene drives are designed to insert at specific target sites in the mosquito genome. The efficacy of gene drives greatly depends on the selection of appropriate target sites that are functionally or structurally constrained and less likely to tolerate mutations that can hinder the spread of the desired trait in the population. The aim of this study was to perform a genome-wide analysis of highly conserved genomic regions in Anopheles gambiae and introduce a measure of conservation that could indicate sites of functional or structural constraint. The results of this analysis are gathered in a publicly available dataset that can support gene drive target selection and can offer further insights in the nature of conserved genomic regions.The increase in molecular tools for the genetic engineering of insect pests and disease vectors, such as Anopheles mosquitoes that transmit malaria, has led to an unprecedented investigation of the genomic landscape of these organisms. The understanding of genome variability in wild mosquito populations is of primary importance for vector control strategies. This is particularly the case for gene drive systems, which look to introduce genetic traits into a population by targeting specific genomic regions. Gene drive targets with functional or structural constraints are highly desirable as they are less likely to tolerate mutations that prevent targeting by the gene drive and consequent failure of the technology. In this study we describe a bioinformatic pipeline that allows the analysis of whole genome data for the identification of highly conserved regions that can point at potential functional or structural constraints. The analysis was conducted across the genomes of 22 insect species separated by more than hundred million years of evolution and includes the observed genomic variation within field caught samples of Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles coluzzii, the two most dominant malaria vectors. This study offers insight into the level of conservation at a genome-wide scale as well as at per base-pair resolution. The results of this analysis are gathered in a data storage system that allows for flexible extraction and bioinformatic manipulation. Furthermore, it represents a valuable resource that could provide insight into population structure and dynamics of the species in the complex and benefit the development and implementation of genetic strategies to tackle malaria.

Study of pesticide use on bitter gourd production at Jashore district

The study was designed to assess the extent of pesticide use and profitability of bitter gourd production at farm level in selected areas of Jashore district during January-May, 2019. Average farm size was 0.79 ha and average bitter gourd cultivated area per farmer was 0.07 ha. Most of the farmer cultivated local variety, which is called Gajkorola and some farmer cultivated hybrid korola such as Gonggajoli, Tia and BARI Korola-1 variety. About ninety-nine percent farmers sprayed insecticides and fungicides in their fields to protect crops from different insect pests and diseases. Thirty-nine percent farmers used pheromone trap for crop protection. A farmer averagely used 11.19 times spray in their fields and its range was 5-18 times in a season. The average yield of bitter gourd was 16.74 t ha-1 for non-IPM farmer and 16.16 t ha-1 for IPM farmer. The average total cost of production of bitter gourd was Tk. 203984 ha-1 for non-IPM farmer and Tk. 191246 ha-1 for IPM farmer. Gross return was Tk. 389705 ha-1 and net return was Tk. 185721 ha-1 for non-IPM farmer. While, gross return of IPM farmer was Tk. 360828 ha-1 and net return was Tk. 169582 ha-1. Benefit cost ratio was 1.91 and 1.89 for non-IPM and IPM farmer, respectively that means bitter gourd production was profitable. Cent percent farmer reported that IPM technology was time-consuming method and it was not only the measures to protect pests.&#x0D; Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 10(2): 110-115, December 2020

Effects of Crop Protection Unmanned Aerial System Flight Speed, Height on Effective Spraying Width, Droplet Deposition and Penetration Rate, and Control Effect Analysis on Wheat Aphids, Powdery Mildew, and Head Blight

As a new type of crop protection machinery, the Crop Protection Unmanned Aerial System (CPUAS) has developed rapidly and been widely used in China; currently, how to use the CPUAS scientifically has become a top priority. However, the relationships between the operating parameters of the CPUAS and the effective spraying width (ESW), droplet distribution characteristics, and control effects of insect pests and diseases are not clear yet. Therefore, three levels of flight speed (FS) as 3, 4, and 5 m/s, three levels of flight height (FH) as 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 m, and spraying volume 2.0 L/min experiments were carried out to investigate the effects of FS and FH on the ESW, droplet deposition uniformity (DDU), and droplet penetration rate (DPR) by using an electric single-rotor CPUAS CE20. Based on the obtained results, combined with the insect pests and diseases occurrence agronomic laws, the optimal operation parameters of the CPUAS were selected to control the wheat aphids, powdery mildew, and head blight. The results showed that the ESW of CE20 was not consistent, the maximum value was 5.78 m, and the minimum one was 2.51 m. The FS had a highly significant impact on ESW (p = 0.0033 &lt; 0.01), while the FH and the interaction between FS and FH had no significant impact on ESW. The coefficients of variation (CV) of the droplet deposition were between 23.3% and 34.4%, which meant good deposition uniformity. The FH (p = 0.0019) and the interaction between FS and FH (p = 0.02) had significant impacts on the DDU. The control effects on aphids were 78.71% (1 day), 84.88% (3 days), and 90.42% (7 days), the control effects on powdery mildew were 77.17% (7 days) and 82.83% (14 days), and the control effect on head blight was 88.32% (20 days). This study proved that by the optimization of parameters and the combination of agronomy, good control effects for insect pests and diseases could be achieved by the CPUAS. The research results would provide some technical supports for CPUAS application.

Chrysanthemum Production in Bangladesh: Significance the Insect Pests and Diseases Management: A Review

Chrysanthemum is a floricultural, ornamental and medicinal plant with tremendous income cash crop which is cultivated chiefly in winter. The crop charity as nerve sedative, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-angiogenic, anti-atherosclerosis and nematocidal goods. Chrysanthemum has been used for hundreds of years in manufacturing medicine. It is used to treat respiratory complications, high blood pressure, and hyperthyroidism and reduce inflammation. Leaves remedies for colds, headaches, bronchitis, rheumatism, and swellings. The plant has aesthetic significance as well. Nevertheless, outbreaks of pests and diseases have hold back Chrysanthemum cultivation in Bangladesh. Insect pest damages the plant directly by sucking cell sap and indirectly spread out of virus diseases as act of vector. Aphid resistance variety might be the effective tool for successful production of chrysanthemum plant. Sustainable crop disease management for Chrysanthemum needs a multitude of consideration of the impacts of management methods on economics, sociology and ecology by wholly understanding the mechanisms of crop disease epidemics and the functioning of normal agroecosystems. The findings of this study present clear insights into efforts that will encourage farmers to adopt effective and ecological methods of pest and disease management for successful chrysanthemum production in Bangladesh.

Management of insect pests and diseases of jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus l.) in agroforestry system: a review

The main aim of this review is to document the insect pests and diseases of jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus L.) and their management in Bangladesh compared to other jackfruit growing countries. This article was based on mostly literature review. A. heterophyllus being the national fruit of Bangladesh, is widely consumed by most of the rural people. All parts of the fruit and tree are used as human food, animal feed and wood source for furniture. Jackfruit contains anti-bacterial, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-helminthic properties. The fruit is rich in carbohydrates, minerals, carboxylic acids, dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals. The seed is rich in manganese, magnesium, potassium, calcium iron and lectins and thus meets up nutritional requirements for the rural people. Despite the importance, a number of insect pests and diseases attack jackfruit plant and fruit. Shoot and fruit borer (Diaphania caesalis Walker) and trunk borer (Batocera rufomaculata De Geer) have been reported as major insect pests, while stem and fruit rot (Rhizopus artocarpi), bacterial dieback, pink disease (Pelliculana salmonicolor), leafspot (Phomopsis artocarpina), fruit bronzing (Pantoea stewartia Smith) and Gummosis (Phomopsis artocarpi) have been reported as major diseases. The pruning and training are an effective management technique for the insect pests and diseases. This technique provides well ventilation and reduces relative humidity at tree canopy level. Bordeaux paste is a common fungicide for the management of jackfruit borer pest and rhizopus rot, leaf spot, dieback and gummosis diseases. This paper has heighted the multifarious benefits of jackfruit plant and described the problems and solutions of jackfruit cultivation in agroforestry system of Bangladesh.

DKG-PIPD: A Novel Method About Building Deep Knowledge Graph

In this study, a method about building Deep Knowledge Graph for the Plant Insect Pest and Disease, namely DKG-PIPD, was proposed. Specifically, the semi-automatic extraction of semi-structured and unstructured knowledge was carried out on the basis of domain ontology, and the knowledge graph was stored in the third-party knowledge database according to the corpus characteristic of the plant insect pest and disease, to realize the visual display of entity interactive relationship and knowledge inference. Furthermore, DKG-PIPD performed joint extraction about the entity and the relationship in unstructured knowledge in a corpus tagging method that is suitable for domain data. In this way, the entity and the relationship were annotated synchronically, and the triplet can be obtained directly through label matching and label mapping, which not only effectively improved the annotation efficiency, but also solved the problem of one-versus-many overlapping relation extraction. In addition, DKG-PIPD used a novel end-to-end model to train and predict on the crawled dataset. The experimental contrast results with other classical benchmark methods demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed method. Moreover, the related work in this paper first introduced the general architecture required for the building of knowledge graph, and then summarized its key points, that is, named entity recognition, entity relationship extraction and knowledge inference using deep learning are emphatically introduced. Finally, the improvement direction of this paper was also introduced in the discussion section.

IPM for tropical crops: lentil

Abstract Lentil is an old-world legume and grown in more than 70 countries. It is a major source of protein in plant-based diets and is often used to fix nitrogen in the soil as a rotational crop, especially with cereal crops. Canada, USA, and Australia are the major exporters of lentil. Around the globe, this crop faces various biotic and abiotic stresses. More than 35 insect pests and the same number of diseases are reported to infest lentil in different parts of the world. While the status of insect pests and diseases varies in different geographical regions, some of them are aphids, armyworm, cutworm, pod borer, Stemphylium blight, fusarium wilt, Alternaria blight, and rust. Cultural management strategies for abiotic and biotic stresses include crop rotation, the timing of seeding, appropriate seed rates, and weed management. Biological control agents are also known for several insect pests. Environmental-friendly options such as biopesticides and microbials (entomopathogenic bacteria, fungi and nematodes, neem products, and Trichoderma sp.) can be used as seed treatment and foliar application. Various tolerant and resistant lentil varieties are available around the globe. In the present article, we provide an IPM package for the management of major biotic stresses for lentil crop.

Frontline demonstrations: Integrated crop management (ICM) in field pea (Pisum sativum L.) with an innovative approach of line sowing technology for higher yield at Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh

Field pea (Pisum sativum L.) is a good source of dietary protein to complement the cereal based diet, particularly for vegetarian masses in the country. It is a Rabi pulse crop which is highly productive and is grown for food, feed and vegetable. The changing climate has its influence on flower drop, poor pod setting and low yields due to insect pest and disease incidence In this regard of view ICAR- Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sonbhdra Uttar Pradesh conducted 180 frontline demonstrations (FLDs) in an area of 30 ha area in various farmers field of different villages of Sonbhdra district during the period from 2014-15 to 2017-18. The demonstration was conducted to enhance the yield of field pea through integrated crop management technology (ICM) along with line sowing of field pea with variety Jay KPMR 522. The new technique red gram transplanting with ICM yielded highest average highest yield of 23.27q/ha where as in farmer’s practices the average yield was to 11.16 q/ha which was 109.18 percent increase in the yield over farmer practices. The average technological gap, extension gap and technological index noticed were 1.73 q/ha, 12.11 q/ha and 6.92 percent respectively and recorded the average net profit of Rs. 80,863/- per ha under demonstration while it was Rs 38,769/- per ha under farmer practices. Benefit cost ratio was 5.01 under demonstration where as it was 2.91 under farmer practices.

Performance evaluation of fourteen rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties at Gazipur eastern Uttar Pradesh

Crop genotypes play a dominant role in crop production systems. They affect crop productivity by their higher yield potentials, resistance against insect pest and diseases under different climatic conditions. A field experiment was conducted at Zonal Agricultural Research Sub Station, (ANDUAT) Ghazipur, during 2018 and 2019 to evaluate the growth, yield and yield attributing characteristics of 14 rice varieties collected from Crop Research Station, Masodha, Ayodhya namely; NDR- 2107-7-1, NDR- 2108-6-1-3-1, NDR- 2109-9-9-5-1, NDR- 2106-14-1, NDR –2110-7-1, NDR- 2111-13-1-6, NDR- 2112-20-1, NDR-2026, NDR -2103, NDR-2113-24-1, NDR-2114-13-1and and three check varieties viz. NDR 2064, NDR 2065 and NDR 359. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. The plot size of the experiment was 10 m x 10 m2. Parameters on, growth parameter viz. plant height, and number of tiller/m2; yield contributing characters such as effective tillers/m2, panicle length, number of grains panicle/panicle, sterility %/panicle, thousand grain weight and grain yield were recorded. The genotypes of NDR 2012-20-1 (57.15 q/ha) followed by NDR 2111-13-1-6 (56.17 q/ha) have high yield stability, while the genotypes of NDR 2026 (48.89 q/ha) followed by NDR 2114-13-1 (49.75 q/ha) have low yield stability. Hence, NDR 2012-20-1 and NDR 2111-13-6-1 could be recommended for cultivation by the farmers in Gazipur and these cultivars should be popularized in larger scale to make use of its superiority.