IPM Practices Research Articles

“Push-pull” Technology and Companion Planting: A Dual Strategy for Insect Pest Management in High Tunnel Vegetable Production and Organic Systems

This publication is aimed to introduce “push-pull” technology and companion planting for pest management to high tunnel vegetable growers. It is also of interest to other crop producers wishing to improve their IPM practices.

Field efficacy of insecticides for suppressing white mango scale insect (Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) in southwest Ethiopia

White mango scale (WMS) Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) is a polyphagous armored scale insect which is considered one of the key pests of mango (Mangifera indica L.) around the world. Mango is widely grown in Ethiopia whereas its production is challenged by WMS in the last decade. Effective formulations that could help manage the scale as part of IPM practice were sought from field experiments at Seka mango farm, Ethiopia in 2019 and 2020 seasons. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of some formulations against WMS on mango trees. Randomized complete block designs with three replications were used for the experiments and each tree served as a plot. Allocation of each treatment within each replication was done randomly. The treatments were applied sequentially three times at 14 days interval using motorized Knapsack sprayer coinciding with peak period of natural infestation. Scale numbers before and after each spray were counted using a microscope with LCD. Sum of live crawler, female and male was registered as WMS count data. Results showed that dimethoate, diazinon, imidacloprid & λ-cyhalothrin sprayed alone; dimethoate rotated with imidacloprid & λ-cyhalothrin, chlorpyrifos-ethyl rotated with paraffin, and diazinon rotated with azadirachtin, caused total mortality of the scales. The results also showed that, chlorpyrifos-ethyl, deltamethrin, paraffin oil and λ-cyhalothrin sprayed alone caused percent reduction with range 83–95 % in both seasons. Hence, the study revealed that dimethoate, diazinon, imidacloprid & λ-cyhalothrin applied individually, dimethoate rotated with imidacloprid & λ-cyhalothrin, chlorpyrifos-ethyl rotated with paraffin and diazinon rotated with azadirachtin fully protect mango trees from WMS and significantly superior to other treatments. Therefore, chemical control of A. tubercularis may consider the use of these materials as foliar application and can be used as components for integrated pest management plans for WMS. However, application in the form of rotation is preferred to the alone spray as the former could substantially reduce the likelihood of inducing pesticide resistance. Cost implications and effects of the products on the natural enemy and residual toxicity in fruits need to be studied.

Integrated Pest Management Strategies for Fruitfly (Bactrocera cucurbitae) in Bittergourd (Bactrocera cucurbitae)

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Integrated Pest Management practices against bitter gourd fruit fly in Tiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu, India. The demonstration was conducted at farmer’s fields in two village viz., Kilambakkam and Periya kilambakkam of the district Tiruvallur during Kharif season 2018 and 2019. The front line demonstration was consisted of IPM (Field sanitation, fruit fly baits, Installation of fruit fly traps and spraying of neem oil 3%) and Non –IPM practices (Spraying of chemical insecticides). When compared to non-IPM fields, IPM techniques with fruit fly traps (with cue lure) attracted a large number of fruit flies, resulting in a 64 percent reduction in fruitfly infestation and a 3-4 times higher yield. The use of pheromone traps instead of insecticides to control fruit flies results in significant cost savings and pesticide-free bitter gourd output.Results indicated average fruit yield of 12.80 t/ha, an increase of 55.29% increase in yield over farmers practice as well as a net income of Rs.1,62,700/-. Reduction in cost of cultivation due to less investment for plant protection aspects has been recorded

Assessment of Nano-Formulated Conventional Insecticide-Treated Sugar Baits on Mosquito Control and the Effect on Non-Target Aphidophagous Coccinella septempunctata.

Mosquitoes, as disease vectors causing global morbidity and mortality through diseases like malaria, dengue, and Zika, necessitate mosquito population control methods. This study investigated the efficacy of nano-formulated insecticide-based sugar baits in controlling Anopheles gambiae populations and assessed their potential non-target impact on Coccinella septempunctata. This laboratory-based study employed thiolated polymer-coated attractive toxic sugar bait (ATSB) nano-formulations, delivering pesticides via nano-carriers. Adult and larvae populations of insects were collected from rice and cotton fields subjected to bioassays with 0.5% and 1% concentrations of each nano-formulated and conventional insecticide within ATSB solution, alongside a control 100% attractive sugar bait (ASB). Mosquitoes interacted overnight with insecticide-treated baits, and mortality was assessed. Further observations up to 72 h were conducted for potential delayed toxic effects. Results highlighted nano-ATSB carbosulfan's effectiveness, particularly among organophosphates and pyrethroids. Among pyrethroids, nano-ATSB cypermethrin exhibited high efficacy, while Deltamethrin displayed lower mortality. Among organophosphates, nano-ATSB chlorpyrifos induced substantial mortality. The nano-formulations of insecticide were harmless against C. septempunctata compared to their conventional form. Nano-formulations demonstrated enhanced mortality rates and prolonged efficacy against mosquitoes, having a benign impact on non-target beetles. We expect these results to aid in developing effective plant protection products suitable for IPM practices.

IPM practices for insect pests of most important vegetable vegetation: An define

IPM practices for insect pests of most important vegetable vegetation: An define

Compatibility of essential oils with Beauveria bassiana (Balls.) Vuil

Insect pests are a primary agricultural concern, as they can cause productivity losses. The use of pesticides has been the main means of controlling pests. Despite its significant contribution to agriculture, its indiscriminate use harms the environment. The awareness about the risks of agrochemicals using natural enemies such as fungi and alternative controls, such as essential oils, can be an alternative control. The objective of this work was to evaluate the fungicidal activity of oils essentials of Cymbopogon citratus, Cinnamomum camphora var. linaloolifera, and Thymus vulgaris on the entomopathogen Beauveria bassiana. Bioassays followed a completely randomized design in a 3x6 factorial scheme, in which one factor was the essential oils of C. camphora, C. citratus, and T. vulgaris, and the other factor was the four essential oil concentrations, plus two controls. The evaluations took place on the 3rd, 7th, and 14th day. Each treatment had five repetitions, and each repetition was a plate. When assessing compatibility with the entomopathogenic fungus, it was verified that the essential oils showed antifungal activity at all concentrations tested for that non-target organism. Thus, it is advised against the concomitant use of this entomopathogen and the tested essential oils. However, both control tools can be used at different times, with rotation and intercalation of the two methods, following the IPM practices.

Strategies for Management of Pink Boll Worm Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) in Cotton through Different Methods

The present study of experiment entitled on the strategies for management of pink boll worm Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) in cotton though different methods was conducted in famers fields as a form of Frontline Demonstration (FLD). The experiment was conducted in 30 locations in Nalgonda and Yadadri bhuvangiri distrits of Telangana during kharif 2018, 2019 and 2020 respectively. The results revealed that, due to the adoption of IPM practices in addition to good agricultural practices, the average kapas yield was high in IPM demonstration plots (1857.0 kg/ha) with 12.0% increase over the farmers’ practice (1658 kg/ha) during three years of study.
 The average gross returns of Rs.1,01,007/ha, net returns of Rs.52,027/ha, and Benefit-cost ratio of 2.05 was recorded as higher in the demonstration plot as compared to farmers practice Rs. 90,121/ha, Rs.37,430 and 1.69 respectively during the study period. The additional average net returns of Rs.14,597/ha and reduction in the cost of cultivation of Rs.1912/ha were saved per year.

Impact of Integrated Management Practices of Fruit Fly in Bitter gourd

Bitter gourd is cultivated in 125 hectares out of 310 ha occupied by gourds in. Tiruvallur district in Tamil Nadu, India. Fruit fly is the most destructive insect pests attacking bittergourd.The present study was conducted to demonstrate the Integrated Pest Management practices in bitter gourd against major insect pests in 10 farmers’ fields located in four blocks viz., Tiruvalangadu, R.K.Pet, Thiruthani, Ekadu of Tiruvallur district during 2020-2021. Technological gap between recommended practices and actual farmers’ practice was assessed.The front-line demonstration included IPM practices (field sanitation, Installation of fruit fly traps and spraying of neem oil 3%) and Non –IPM practices. Results indicated average fruit yield of 92.50 q/ha, an increase of 10.77% increase in yield over farmers practice as well as a net income of Rs.1,06,450/-. Reduction in cost of cultivation due to less investment for plant protection aspects has been recorded.

Farmers Knowledge on Pesticide Usage in Paddy and Cabbage Crops

The study was conducted to investigate the knowledge of the farmers on pesticide use in selected crops during 2019-22. Two crops namely paddy and cabbage were selected and tow districts that have higher area namely Koppal and Belagavi were selected. In each district, two taluks and eighty farmers were selected for each crop by simple random procedure to form a total sample of 160 farmers. Overall knowledge index of pesticides by farmers was higher in case of paddy (73.57%) and cabbage (64.76%) farmers. Among the various dimensions, knowledge index was highest with respect to concentration and application practice (96.72% & 82.97%), types of sprayers and maintenance (91.25% & 87.50%), IPM practices (73.75% & 70.00) among paddy, and cabbage. Further, knowledge with respect to pest identification (69.06% & 57.66%), toxicity of pesticide and labels signs (68.59% & 61.09%) and disposal of pesticides and personal hygiene (67.86% & 61.09%) was around sixty percent among cabbage and paddy growers respectively. Further, low index was observed with respect to pesticide selection (26.88% & 38.54%) in case of paddy and cabbage growers respectively. Regarding overall knowledge of the pesticide use the findings revealed that Majority (72.50%) of the growers belongs to medium knowledge of pesticide category in case of paddy, low knowledge category in cabbage crop (38.75%) there is need for orientation to the farmers on different insect pests and pathogens through training and digital media. The short video on pests in different crops may be prepared and made access to upload on smart phones of farmers.

Relationship between Socio-economic Characteristics of Sugarcane Growers with Their Knowledge and Adoption Level of IPM Practices

This investigation was conducted in two districts (Namely Saharanpur and Muzaffarnagar) of Western Uttar Pradesh which were selected purposely. A total number of 240 Sugarcane growers were selected through random sampling from sixteen villages. The structured schedule was developed keeping in view the objectives and variables to be studied. Correlation coefficient (r) between different variables and knowledge. Out of 17 variables studied, the variables i.e. education, occupation, annual income, material possession, economic motivation, and risk motivation extent of contact were found highly significant and positively correlated with knowledge extent. The variable like age, caste, type of family, housing pattern, social participation and communication media possession, the extent of contact, scientific orientation, and experience in Sugarcane cultivation was found positively correlated with knowledge extent.
 Correlation coefficient (r) between different variables and adoption. Among the 17 variables studied, the variables viz. occupation, annual income, and material possession were found highly significant and positively correlated with the level adoption. The variables like education and economic motivation were found significant and positively correlated with adoption extent. Caste, housing pattern, social participation, communication media possession, the extent of contact, scientific motivation, risk motivation, and experience in sugarcane cultivation positively correlated with extent of adoption.

One size does not fit all: Heterogeneous economic impact of integrated pest management practices for mango fruit flies in Kenya—a machine learning approach

AbstractMost previous studies evaluating agricultural technology adoption focus on estimating homogeneous average treatment effects across technology adopters. Understanding the heterogeneous effects and drivers of impact heterogeneity should enable interventions to be better targeted to maximise benefits. We apply machine learning using data from a randomised controlled trial to estimate the heterogeneous treatment effect of fruit fly IPM practices (i.e., parasitoids, orchard sanitation, use of food bait, biopesticides, male annihilation technique, and their combinations) in Central Kenya. Results suggest significant heterogeneity in the effect of IPM practices conditioned on household characteristics. The most important covariates explaining differences in treatment effects are wealth, distance to the mango fruit market, age of the household head, labour and experience in mango farming. Results further indicate that those with fewer mango trees benefit more from most IPM practices. Additional analysis across other covariates shows mixed results but generally suggests significant differences between households benefiting the most and those benefiting the least from IPM practices.

Sustainable production and distribution practices in Atlantic Canadian short food supply chains: Explorative study

IntroductionHow food is produced, processed, distributed, and consumed significantly impacts the sustainability of food supply chains. Short food supply chains (SFSCs) have been promoted as an alternative approach to offer sustainable solutions. However, empirical studies provide mixed evidence, and the findings greatly vary based on context. This study explores the social, economic, and environmental sustainability practices in Atlantic Canada's SFSCs from the perspective of farm businesses (producers).MethodsA semi-structured survey was conducted among 64 farmers/producers who participated in Atlantic Canadian SFSCs. Participants were asked what channel they used to sell their products and how far this location is in comparison to the production location if sold to an intermediary, how they believe they could better to improve the sustainability of their production methods, what barriers stood in their way of implementation, and how supply chain supporters could help achieve their sustainability goals.ResultsThe findings show that most farm businesses linked to SFCSs have applied ecologically sound production methods such as organic farming, IPM, or other sustainable practices, including regenerative agriculture and no-till farming. Over two-thirds of farm businesses applied sustainable practices such as pasture rotations, green fertilizers, low-carbon couriers, locally sourced inputs, and compostable or recyclable packaging materials. Farm businesses in the Atlantic Provinces highly value the social sustainability of SFSCs, followed by economic and environmental sustainability. Most farm businesses linked to SFSCs were robust to supply- and demand-side shocks, registered a low number of layoffs and fast recovery of operations, and increased their profits during COVID-19 compared to pre-COVID-19 levels. Yet, several barriers remain, the most important ones being high capital costs and longer payback periods. Other barriers include inconsistent inter-provincial trading restrictions, lack of qualified workers and shrinking agricultural land base.DiscussionSFSCs in Atlantic Canadian SFSCs have implemented several sustainable practices in their production and distribution systems. Most of the farm businesses linked to SFSCs are small, are focused on specific product groups, target small towns or rural areas, and rely on direct-on farm sales to individual customers, and thus can play a crucial role by complementing longer food supply chains. By taking SFSCs in Atlantic Provinces as a case, this study expands our understanding of recent efforts and challenges local producers face to adopt sustainable practices in their production and distribution systems.

Evaluation of Integrated Management Practices of South American Tomato Leaf Miner Tuta absoluta in Tomato

Tomato is grown in an area of 36000 ha in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. South American tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta has become major pest in tomato growing areas causing 50-60% damage. Even though pest damage starts from seedling stage, damage is not noticed by farmers till fruiting stage due to the pest feeding habit, and spraying chemicals repeatedly at this stage is of no use. Moreover, it causes environmental pollution and pesticide residual effects on consumers. Hence, an on-farm trial on integrated management of the Tuta absoluta was conducted during Rabi, 2020-21. The IPM practices included were installation of pheromone traps @ 25 per hectare; spraying neem oil @ 5 ml/l, twice @20 and 40 DAT and need based chemical sprays. In IPM plots, pest damage was low in crop grown under single row planting i.e., 9% followed by double row planting i.e., 12.6% whereas in farmers practice it was 21.5% and 24.3% in single row planting and double row planting respectively in crop planted during December, 2020. Crop planted during January suffered more than December planted cropi.e., in IPM plots it was 12.5% & 15.5% whereas in farmers practice it was 27.6 and 31.2% in single row planting and double row planting respectively. In December planted crop, Fruit yield of 54.2t/ha and 52.8t/ha was recorded in IPM and farmers practice respectively. In January planted crop it was 51t/ha and 49.5t/ha in IPM and farmers practice respectively. IPM along with planting of crop during December under single row method of planting found to be effective in managing the pest.

Determinants and Constraints for Adoption of Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) Practices

Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) follows agroecological principles and promotes chemical-free farming. It has emerged as cost-effective farming improving soil fertility and providing chemical-free food. For determining factors for the adoption of ZBNF practices in the purposively selected Wardha district of Maharashtra, conducted during 2022-23, Logit regression and for analyzing the constraints, factor analysis was used. The study revealed significant factors like integrated soil fertility management practices, adoption of ZBNF practices and IPM practices. The scarce raw materials for input preparation, management of weeds and pests were identified as input related whereas, lack of knowledge about liquid fertilizers, insect pest and weed management practices were reported as technology constraints, in case of the constraints related to labour and machinery, non availability of the bullock, high demand of skilled labour and high labour wages were reported. In case of institutional constraints, higher conversion period, high demand of skilled labour, and high certification fee were found. The assurance of better prices, purchase agencies at distant places, and lack of proper market structure were reported as the marketing constraints. In the case of political and legal constraints, a lesser number of FPOs, the synergy of the ZBNF practices with mainstream agriculture, lack of globalized market, and the need for convergence were found significant.

Edible plant rhizome-based biocide for management of Callsobruchus chinensis (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

Investigation on bio-efficacy of edible rhizome powder of ginger (Zingiber officinale) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) against Callosobruchus chinensis L. (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) undertaken at Department of Entomology, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat at different dosage admixed with green gram seed revealed that the turmeric rhizome powder recorded the highest adult mortality (97.00%) at 10 g/100 g (w/w) green gram seed at 72 hours after treatment (HAT) as against 31.07% in the case of ginger rhizome powder. The highest oviposition inhibition (100%) was seen in the case of turmeric against 63.23% in ginger at 10 g/100 g gram seed after 120 HAT. The LC50 values of turmeric (1.2 g/100 g seeds) were lower than ginger (11.87 g/100 g seeds) for 96 HAT. Turmeric rhizome powder showed significant adult toxicity, oviposition deterrence and ovicidal properties suggesting its possible incorporation in the IPM practices against storage insect pests of pulses.

Correlation of percentage and intensity of CPB attacks on production and loss of products due to various levels of cocoa plantation care

Aceh Tamiang District is currently developing cocoa plantations. The cocoa plantation management problem is the high attack of Plant Pest Species, especially the Cocoa Pod Borer (CPB), which causes cocoa productivity to decline. This study aimed to determine the percentage and intensity of CPB pests attacks on cocoa plantations. This research was carried out in three sub district in Aceh Tamiang District, Aceh Province. The research location was determined purposively. The selected garden samples had four different care levels: not being treated for, being treated for in moderation, being treated conventionally and practicing IPM. The results showed that CPB pests attacked all of the cacao plantation maintenance criteria. In sequence, the percentage and intensity of CPB pest attacks from the highest to the lowest were found in the criteria for farm care that practiced IPM, were treated conventionally, were treated for and not treated. The farms that were not treated had the highest percentage of attacks and CPB attack intensity. The lowest percentages in the criteria of farms that have been treated with IPM practice. The regression analysis of the relationship between the intensity of the attack and the loss of yield due to the CPB attack. The results showed that the levels of incursions by CPB pests was different depending on the classification level of the plantation The findings highlighted the importance of implementing the practice of IPM to reduce instances of CPB incursion.

Effect of IPM practices for fall army worm management

Effect of IPM practices for fall army worm management

Assessment of IPM Practices in Tomato Crop in Lucknow District of Uttar Pradesh

The study was carried out for validation of IPM practices in tomato crop. It showed that higher emergence of tomato seedling (80-90%) was recorded with bio agent treated seeds at raised bed than untreated seeds in fl at bed traditionally. Demonstrated fi eld showed minimum incidence of insects and diseases like fruit borer, whitefl y, damping-off , blights, buckeye rot, wilt and leaf curl viruses than farmer’s practices i.e. 80-90%. increase in yield over farmer practice was upto 12.00 per cent. Mostly Farmers preference to grow hybrid varieties of tomato crop with use of excess number of seeds, fertilizer and pesticides but could not get respectable yield. IPM demonstrated plot showed Rs. 75000 per ha. additional return over farmer practices with extra saving of Rs. 5000 per ha. from cost of cultivation. So, demonstrations of IPM practices in this crop were urgent ally required. It was further observed that in terms of economics higher net returns per hectare compared to framers’ practices in both years. Average per cent technology index was 35.50 indicated the urgent need of motivation of farmers for adopting the economical and sustainable technologies for increasing production, productivity and profi tability of tomato crop. Thus, adoption of IPM module is an economically, ecologically viable and profi table venture.

The status of medfly and IPM practices based on case studies in Italy

The status of medfly and IPM practices based on case studies in Italy

Ecofriendly Management of Rugose Spiralling Whitefly Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin Infesting Coconut

Studies were conducted on the incidence, intensity of infestation, infestation grade index and natural enemy complex of rugose spiralling whitefly (RSW) Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin infesting coconut palms so as to evolve ecofriendly IPM. RSW incidence was at peak in June 2018 (38.3%), subsequently declined in December 2018 (20.5%), but later attained peak again in March 2019 (47.5%). The pest intensity also showed increasing trend from January 2018 to June 2019. The mean intensity of infestation and infestation grade index were 29.5% and 1.5 (medium), respectively in 2018-2019. The incidence and intensity significantly reduced from 75.5 to 37.7% and 85.7 to 42.9%, respectively on palms treated with ecofriendly IPM practices in 2018-19. Nut yield and net return were also found more in synergy with maximum parasitism (78.5%) by the aphelinid parasitoid Encarsia guadeloupae Viggiani observed on palms treated with ecofriendly IPM practices.