Polyhouse Conditions Research Articles

Sustainable Management of Root-knot Nematodes in Tomatoes: Effects of Inoculum Levels under Polyhouse Conditions in Northeast India

The study aims to evaluate the impact of different inoculum levels of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) on tomato plants under polyhouse conditions in Northeast India. The research provides early predictions of nematode infestation severity and guides farmers on sustainable management practices, including biological control, to keep nematode populations below the economic threshold. Soil samples from key tomato-growing areas in Nongpoh, East Khasi Hills, and West Jaintia Hills districts of Meghalaya were collected, and inoculum levels ranging from 500 to 8000 J2 were tested using completely randomized design. The study found a significant increase in root gall index, egg mass production, and nematode population with higher inoculum levels. Even low inoculum levels (500 J2) caused notable damage to the plants. These findings underscore the importance of managing nematode populations early to reduce crop losses and highlight the need for efficient, low-inoculum control strategies. This study contributes to the sustainable management of nematodes in agricultural practices.

Estimation of genetic variability parameters and trait association in cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. var. cerasiforme)

Cherry tomatoes are the smaller version of classic tomatoes but are valued for their sweet taste and captivating colors. They are highly favored by the urban elite and the chefs catering to high-profile restaurants. To formulate selection criteria for utilization in breeding programs, variability parameters, an association between different characters, and direct and indirect effects of component traits of 29 cherry tomato genotypes were assessed under polyhouse conditions. Sufficient genetic variability was found for the morphological and yield traits studied, as revealed by the variance analysis. Plant height, primary branches per plant, days to 50 percent flowering, flower clusters per plant, flowers per cluster, fruits per cluster, days to first harvest, fruits per plant, fruit length, fruit girth, fruit weight, locules per fruit, pericarp thickness, days to final harvest, yield per plant, total soluble solids, lycopene, ascorbic acid, reducing sugars and non-reducing sugars showed high estimates of heritability and genetic advance as percent of the mean. Correlation analysis demonstrated a significant positive relationship between fruit yield per plant and pericarp thickness (0.727), fruit length (0.685), fruit girth (0.536), fruit weight (0.530), and the number of fruits per cluster (0.386). Principal component analysis identified the primary component (PC1) as the main contributor to variance. Path analysis revealed that fruit length, pericarp thickness, number of fruits per plant, flowers per cluster, and fruit weight had the highest direct effect on yield. These traits were the key factors influencing fruit yield per plant in cherry tomatoes.

Study of Different Aged Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus L.) Rootstocks on Softwood Grafting Success under Different Environmental Conditions

An investigation was conducted to find out the optimum Jackfruit rootstock age for softwood grafting and to find out the suitable environmental condition for the success of Jackfruit grafts was conducted at Department of Biotechnology and Crop Improvement, College of Horticulture, Kolar, Karnataka during the year 2023. Six different aged Jackfruit rootstocks (15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 days old) were softwood grafted and evaluated under three environmental conditions (Shadenet, Polytunnel and Polyhouse) in a factorial completely randomised design with four replications. The morpho-physiological results revealed that, 15 days old rootstock grown under shadenet took highest number of days for sprout initiation (24.02 days) compared to others. Significantly highest graft success (50.20 %) was recorded in 90 days old rootstock grafts grown under polyhouse condition 30 days after grafting. Maximum number of leaves per graft (4.95, 6.95 and 9.15) and maximum RWC % (83.63, 86.98, and 90.61 %) was recorded in 90 days old rootstock grown under polyhouse at 30, 60 & 90 days after grafting respectively. Similarly, significantly highest chlorophyll (4.70 mg/g FW), root length (18.52 cm), root fresh weight (9.43 g/plant), root dry weight (1.35 g/plant) and root biomass (3.64 g/plant) found in 90 days old rootstock grafts grown under polyhouse conditions. The maximum root-to-shoot ratio was recorded on fresh weight (0.73 g) and dry weight (0.56 g) in 90 days old rootstock grown under polyhouse condition. Significant maximum graft survival (44.71 %) recorded in 90 days old rootstock grafts grown under polyhouse. Significantly highest graft dry matter (3.95 g/plant) was recorded in 90 days old rootstocks grafts grown under polyhouse whereas least in shadenet (2.99 g/plant). In conclusion, it is found that grafting of 90 days old Jackfruit rootstocks performed better under polyhouse conditions for most of the traits.

Effect of IBA Concentration (Indol Butaric Acid) and Growing Condition on Performance of Cuttings in Mogra (Jasminum sambac)

An experiment was laid out to study influence of different levels of IBA and growing condition on cuttings of Mogra (Jasminum sambac) at Sheth D. M. polytechnic in Horticulture College, Anand Agricultural University, Model farm, Vadodara during 2022 to 2024. The study was conducted using completely randomized design with factorial concept and three replications for each treatment. Total 10 treatment combination of two factors viz., growing condition (open and NVPH) and IBA concentration (500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 ppm) were compared with control (deepen in distilled water). IBA significantly improved the performance of cuttings under naturally ventilated poly-house condition. 1500 ppm IBA concentration recorded significantly lower days to sprout (13.83 days), higher shoot length at 30, 45 and 60 DAP (2.80 cm, 7.64 cm and 11.63 cm), root length (4.18 cm), number of leaves at 30, 45 and 60 DAP (2.87, 6.03 and 8.47), fresh weight (11.63g), dry weight (4.18g) and survival percentage (66.11%). Where as in growing condition, naturally ventilated poly-house recorded significantly lower days to sprout (13.27 days), higher shoot length at 30, 45 and 60 DAP (2.40cm, 7.26 cm and 11.80 cm), root length (3.89 cm), number of leaves at 30, 45 and 60 DAP (2.72 , 4.80 and 7.85), fresh weight (11.80 g), dry weight (3.89 g) and survival percentage (64.56%). Semi hardwood cuttings of Jasminum sambac treated with 1500 ppm IBA concentration treatment for 5 min and planted in polybags under Naturally ventilated poly-house showed promising growth with higher sprouting and survival percentage as compared to other treatments. It was recommended to propagate semi hardwood cuttings of Jasminum sambac with 1500 ppm IBA concentration for 5 min and plant them in naturally ventilated polyhouse to get maximum sprouting percentage and quality planting material.

Effect of Different Seed Treatment on Germination of Fishtail Palm (Caryota urens) under Naturally Ventilated Poly-house Conditions

An investigation was conducted to study the effect of different seed treatments comprising of mechanical scarification, chemical and plant growth regulator on germination of Fishtail palm (Caryota urens) seeds under naturally ventilated poly-house at sheth D. M. Polytechnic in Horticulture College, Anand Agricultural University, Vadodara during 2021 to 2023. There were total 12 treatments under study which was replicated trice and statistically analysed by completely randomized design at 90 days after sowing. The results revealed that treatment T12 i.e. seeds treated with GA3 1000 ppm for one day recorded significantly lesser days to initiation of germination (46.33 days) along with higher germination percentage (86.67 % and 85.00 %), germination rate index (5.90 %/day and 5.70 %/day) and germination index (255 and 243.67), coefficient of velocity of germination (6.18 and 6.02), timpson’s germination index (1275 and 1218), modified timpson germination index (42.50 and 40.61) and survival percentage (88.33 and 86.67) at 90 days after sowing during first and second year respectively. While, seed without any treatment kept in open condition treatment T1 showed poor performance in germination percentage as well as survival percentage. Thus, Fishtail palm (Caryota urens) seeds soaked in solution of 1000 ppm GA3 along with sowing them in polybags and kept under NVPH condition provides better germination and survival.

Effect of Potassium Fertigation Levels on Jalapeno Pepper Growth in Red Bole Soil under Polyhouse Conditions

A field experiment was conducted at Instructional Farm Polyhouse, Dr. Sharadchandra Pawar College of Agriculture, Baramati during June 2023 to September 2023. The study aimed to investigate the Influence of Graded levels of Potassium Fertigation on Growth of Jalapeno Pepper Grown in Red Bole Soil Under Polyhouse. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with four replications. The treatments were five, viz., T1- Control, T2- Recommended dose of fertilizer, T3- Recommended dose of nitrogen and phosphorus (RDNP) + 125% Recommended dose of potassium (RDK), T4- Recommended dose of nitrogen and phosphorus (RDNP) + 150% Recommended dose of potassium (RDK) and T5- Recommended dose of nitrogen and phosphorus (RDNP) + 175% Recommended dose of potassium (RDK). Data were taken on growth contributing characters and the collected data were statistically analyzed for evaluation of the treatment effects. Data on growth parameters, including plant height, leaf area and chlorophyll content, were recorded at 20, 35, 50 and 65 days after transplanting (DAT) and analyzed statistically. The results indicated that the maximum plant height (95.65 cm), leaf area (61.61 dm²) and chlorophyll content (58.83) at 65 DAT were significantly higher in treatment T5 (RDNP + 175% RDK). This study concludes that the application of RDNP + 175% RDK via fertigation from 10 DAT to 60 DAT is optimal for the growth of Jalapeno pepper in red bole soil under polyhouse conditions, highlighting its potential for improving crop yield and quality.

Incremental Cost Benefit Ratio (ICBR) of Poly House and Open Field Conditions in Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) after Chemical Intervention

This study evaluates the Incremental Cost Benefit Ratio (ICBR) between Poly house and Open field conditions in cabbage cultivation chemical intervention. The research aimed to compare the economic feasibility of adopting poly house technology over traditional open field methods, considering costs and benefits associated with chemical inputs. A comparative cost analysis was conducted to assess production expenses like costs for insecticidal treatments and labor charges. Yield data from both environments were collected to determine output differences and subsequent economic returns. Results indicate that Incremental cost benefit ratio of cabbage heads yields to the cost of treatments in poly house and open field presented as there was a significant superior difference in ICBR ratio of poly house with 1: 0.946 as compared to open field with 1: 0.639 of cabbage heads. The economic analysis revealed that the higher yields and quality achieved in poly house conditions due to less dissipation and undisturbed environmental factors on insecticide applied. Resulting in a favorable incremental Cost benefit ratio compared to open field cultivation.

Assessment of genetic variability for quality traits in F1 generation tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) grown under polyhouse conditions

Assessment of genetic variability for quality traits in F1 generation tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) grown under polyhouse conditions

Enhancing Capsicum Cultivation under Polyhouse, Shadenet House and Open Field Conditions with Drip Fertigation

Capsicum cultivation is a highly challenging task in open field conditions because of the extreme climatic conditions and poor input delivery system. Hence, the protected cultivation of capsicum is catching up. The present study evaluates the comparative performance of polyhouse, shadenet house and opens field conditions on the biometric, yield, fruit quality and economics of capsicum using drip and fertigation system. The study also determines the optimum dose of irrigation water and fertilizer application using drip irrigation methods under different protected cultivation structures. The study was conducted at Precision Farming Development Centre, IIT Kharagpur, for two consecutive years during 2022 and 2023. The irrigation water requirement of capsicum under polyhouse, shadenet house and open field conditions was estimated using FAO-56 Penman Monteith approach. When compared to open field cultivation, drip irrigated capsicum requires approximately 35.2% less water under polyhouse conditions and 25.5% less under shade net houses. The study also found that biometric parameters, yield and quality of capsicum are superior under polyhouse in comparison to the capsicum grown under shadenet and in open field conditions. Polyhouse treatments, particularly 100% RDF with 80% WR, demonstrated superior biometric parameters, quality metrics, and water productivity compared to other treatments. Capsicum grown under shadenet house conditions with 120% RDF with 80% WR also showed enhanced yield and quality over open field conditions. Economic analysis revealed that polyhouse cultivation, despite higher initial costs, yielded the highest net profit and benefit-cost ratio, followed by shadenet house and open field conditions. These findings underscore the importance of controlled environments in improving capsicum production and economic returns, highlighting the potential of polyhouses and shadenet houses in optimizing crop performance and resource use efficiency.

Growth Characterization of Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) under Salinity and Drought Stresses at the Seedling Stage

This study aimed to assess the combined effects of salinity and drought stresses on the growth and physiology of sugarcane. The pot experiment was carried out in the Autumn cropping season of 2021 under the polyhouse conditions at the Vietnam National University of Agriculture. The experiment consisted of four treatments: non-stress treatment (control), drought stress, salt stress, and salt and drought stress (combined stress). Five weeks after transplanting, salt stress was applied first for four weeks and followed by drought stress for another two weeks. The results showed that under the impact of stresses, sugarcane growth was inhibited with decreases in plant height, number of leaves, Fv/Fm, SPAD, and the fresh and dry weights of roots and stems. The growth and physiology indicators were the lowest under the combined effects of salinity and drought stress.

Optimizing growth conditions and biostimulant application for enhanced growth, yield and quality in Butter bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) cultivar KKL 1

Butter beans (Phaseolus lunatus) are prized for their significant nutraceutical benefits, which are crucial in addressing malnutrition in developing countries. Given their nutritional advantages, global cultivation demand is increasing. This study aims to boost production and improve crop quality through effective agronomic practices. To minimize dependence on synthetic chemicals, the study investigates the use of biostimulants as an alternative, offering a promising method for enhancing crop growth and performance. The experiment took place under 2 different conditions: polyhouse (G1) and open field condition (G2) at Horticultural and Forestry Research Station, Kodaikanal, from December 2023 to June 2024. Various biostimulants were applied in foliar parts in different doses: control (B1) seaweed extract at 3 % (B2) and 5 % (B3), panchagavya at 3 % (B4) and 5 % (B5), vermiwash at 5 % (B6) and 10 % (B7) and fulvic acid at 6 g/L (B8) and 9 g/L (B9), each replicated 3 times. Among the treatment combinations, G1B3 (seaweed extract 5 % under polyhouse condition) was most effective in all growth, yield and quality parameters including days to first flower emergence (48.50 days), number of pods per plant (96.33), pod yield (4.98 t/ha), highest soluble protein (37.36 %) than G2B1 (control group under open field condition). It resulted in a greater number of days for flower emergence (57.85 days), lowest values in number of pods per plant (69.91), pod yield (2.96 t/ha) and soluble protein (24.69 %). These findings suggest that seaweed extract has great potential as a sustainable agricultural input, enhancing productivity and crop performance in butter bean cultivation. The main goals were to investigate how different biostimulants and growing conditions affect the growth and yield of butter beans and to identify effective organic growth promoters that could improve the yield and quality of butter bean crops in various growing environments. The results of this study are discussed in the following sections.

Performance of tomato cultivars grafted on root-knot nematode resistant Solanum torvum rootstock for growth and yield parameters

Aim: To study the grafting of tomato cultivars on root-knot nematode resistant Solanum torvum for plant growth, yield parameters and nematode damage under polyhouse conditions. Methodology: Three tomato cultivars viz., Arka Samrat, Saaho and SVTD8323 were grafted on Meloidogyne incognita-resistant S. torvum Sw. (IC618029) by cleft grafting technique. The experiment was conducted in a polyhouse using factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with two factors. The first factor was planting material with grafted and non-grafted tomato cultivars. The second factor was with and without nematode infestation. Observations on plant growth and yield parameters were taken. Results: Grafted and non-grafted tomato cultivars differed significantly in terms of flowering and yield parameters and nematode damage. Under nematode-infested conditions, grafted cultivars yielded significantly more number of flowers per cluster (4.22 to 4.47), flower clusters per plant (11.25 to 11.63), fruits per cluster (3.74 to 4.19), higher percentage of fruit set (89.78 to 94.00) and fruit yield per plant (2,984.6 to 3114.36 g), with less nematode damage (10.60 to 11.53 galls per root system) as compared to non-grafted cultivars (302.53 to 314.33 galls per root system). Interpretation: Tomato grafting with S. torvum rootstock can be utilized in root-knot nematode management, especially in protected cultivation. Key words: Meloidogyne incognita, Nematodes, Rootstock, Tomato grafting, Wild brinjal

Comparative Study of the Agronomic and Organoleptic Performances of Some Varieties of Papaya (Carica papaya L.) Grown Outdoors and in Polyhouse in Kerala (India)

The present study was undertaken with the objective to evaluate the performance of papaya varieties under two growing conditions (open and polyhouse) in terms of yield and quality attributes. The study was conducted in Fruits Crops Research Station, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur during 2022-2023. The seedlings of seven papaya varieties, CO-3, CO-7, Arka Surya, Arka Prabhath, Coorg Honey Dew, Pusa Delicious and Red Lady were planted under both open field and polyhouse condition at a spacing of 2 m x 2 m in CRD with five plants per variety. Compared to the plants grown in open field, the plants grown under polyhouse showed an early flowering (75.68 days), minimum fruit cavity index (15.47 %), zero disease incidence to PRSV, maximum TSS (13. 67 ˚B) and total sugars (11.26 %) in CO-7 while maximum fruit length (18.84 cm) and fruit mass (2605.34g) were observed in CO 7. It was also observed that CO-7 grown under polyhouse showed an increased yield (55.20 kg/plant) as compared to the plants under open condition. Hence, it can be concluded that CO-7 can be successfully cultivated under polyhouse condition in Kerala with good yield and quality.

Growth, yield, and fiber quality of cotton plants under drought stress are positively affected by seed priming with potassium nitrate

Growth, productivity, and fiber quality of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), a vital fiber-producing cash crop, are severely affected under drought conditions. Seed priming has a proven role in enhancing crop tolerance to abiotic stress, including drought. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of seed priming with KNO3 on cotton productivity and fiber quality under drought stress. A germination experiment was established under laboratory conditions with five treatments of seed priming (non-primed or control treatment, hydropriming, and priming with 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 g KNO3 L−1). Another experiment under polyhouse conditions based on the same seed priming treatments was conducted under three levels of soil water contents (field capacity [FC] 100%: FC100, 75%: FC75, and 50%: FC50). The results obtained showed that there was a clear reduction in the different parameters tested at FC50 in comparison to FC100 (39–54%, 32–44%, 6–12%, and 7–12% reduction for boll number per plant, seed cotton yield, fiber strength, and leaf relative water content, respectively, across all priming treatments). Seed priming with KNO3 at 5 g L−1 effectively alleviated the detrimental effects originated from drought stress and caused 61–73%, 13–16%, and 16–23% increase in seed cotton yield, fiber length, and fiber strength, respectively, across soil moisture levels when compared with the control treatment. The same KNO3 dose caused an increase of 78% in water productivity in comparison to the control plants at FC50. Priming cotton seeds with 5 g KNO3 L−1 holds promise to obtain synchronized germination, enhance fiber quality, and increase yield, especially under water-limited conditions, thereby promoting economic viability and environmental sustainability. Additionally, this practice enhances water productivity, leading to significant water savings and reduced irrigation costs for cotton farmers. This method could be used as potential technology in advancing sustainable agriculture in water-constraint conditions.

Standardization of pruning month and growth regulators application on flower quality characteristics of jasmine (Jasminum sambac (L.) aiton) during off season flower production under polyhouse condition

Standardization of pruning month and growth regulators application on flower quality characteristics of jasmine (Jasminum sambac (L.) aiton) during off season flower production under polyhouse condition

Growth and flowering of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii) as affected by different concentrations of micronutrients and humic acid under naturally ventilated polyhouse conditions of Prayagraj

Growth and flowering of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii) as affected by different concentrations of micronutrients and humic acid under naturally ventilated polyhouse conditions of Prayagraj

Enhanced metabolite yield with compensatory biomass reduction revealed by moisture stress induction in <i>Centella asiatica</i> (L.)

The exposure to any kind of stress tends to accelerate the secondary metabolism in medicinal plants increasing the production of secondary metabolites. The present investigation was undertaken to study the effect of moisture stress (100, 75, 50, 25 and 10% pot capacity) and control (as without plant) on growth, yield and metabolite content of Centella asiatica var. ‘Arka Prabhavi’, for two growing seasons under polyhouse conditions. Results revealed that moisture stress treatments had a significant effect on all observed growth and yield traits. Plants maintained at 100% PC exhibited luxurious vegetative growth with maximum leaf length (6.28 cm), leaf breadth (8.14 cm), petiole length (22.32 cm) and fresh biomass yield (164 g/pot). Cumulative water transpired and water use efficiency of the plants was also observed to be maximum at 100% PC. In contrary to biomass yield, increased asiaticoside (1.864%, 1.892%), madecassoside (2.856%, 3.382%) and total triterpenoid content (5.356%, 5.578%) at higher moisture stress levels of 75% and 50% PC, respectively, was observed. Hence, it is appropriate to grow Centella either at 100% or 75% PC to get optimum biomass and metabolite yield on a commercial scale.

Enhancing Agricultural Productivity: A Comparative Study of Vegetable Cultivation under Polyhouse and Open Field Conditions in Punjab, India

This study investigated the comparative agricultural performance of cucumber, capsicum and tomato cultivation in polyhouse structures versus open field conditions in Punjab, focusing on yield, market prices, cost of production and overall profitability. The study included 42 polyhouse technology adopters and 60 non-adopters randomly selected from six districts with high polyhouse concentration. Results revealed that cucumber, the most suitable crop under polyhouse conditions, exhibited significantly higher yields (347 q/acre) compared to open field cultivation (166 q/acre). Polyhouse-grown cucumbers also fetched better market prices (Rs. 22-23/Kg) than those cultivated in open fields (Rs. 13/Kg) due to off-season production. Despite higher production costs in polyhouse conditions, the gross and net returns as well as the benefit-cost ratio (B:C ratio of 2.84) was considerably better in polyhouse cultivation compared to open field cultivation. Similarly, capsicum and tomato crops demonstrated over 1.5 times higher yields in polyhouse conditions compared to open fields. The market prices for polyhouse grown capsicum and tomato were significantly better, compensating for the higher production costs. The benefit-cost ratios for capsicum and tomato in polyhouse conditions were 2.37 and 2.42 respectively, outperforming open field cultivation. The study ranked cucumber as the most profitable crop under polyhouse structures followed by tomato and capsicum. Extension and technology gaps were identified highlighting the need for capacity building through extension programs to bridge existing gaps. Extension yield gaps ranged from 21.7-32.5 q/acre while technology gaps attributed to cultivation practices, crop varieties and technical knowledge ranged between 38-55 q/acre. In conclusion, polyhouse technology presents a viable strategy for enhancing agricultural productivity particularly for cucumber, capsicum and tomato crops in Punjab. The findings underscored the need for targeted extension programs and improved practices to bridge existing gaps promoting sustainable agricultural practices in Punjab.

Effect of Gibbrellic Acid, Kinetin and Potassium Nitrate on Seed Germination of Papaya (Carica papaya L.) cv. Red Lady

Seed germination is the most important aspect for raising the nursery for successful seedling production of papaya. The research was carried out at the Faculty of Agriculture, Guru Kashi University, Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda (Punjab) during 2023 to evaluate the impact of different pre-soaking chemicals on seed germination and vigour of papaya seedling. The experiment was laid out Randomized block design with three replications and included ten different treatments., namely T1 (Control- double distilled water), T2 (GA3 @ 50 ppm), T3 (GA3 @ 100 ppm), T4 (GA3 @ 200 ppm), T5 (Kinetin @ 25 ppm), T6 (Kinetin @ 50 ppm), T7 (Kinetin @ 75 ppm), T8 (KNO3 @ 500 ppm), T9 (KNO3 @ 1000 ppm), T10 (KNO3 @ 1500 ppm), were soaked for 24 hours. The seeds were sown in a blend of sand, soil and vermiculite with a ratio of 2:1:1 and maintained under controlled polyhouse condition. Among the treatments, T3 (GA3 @100 ppm) demonstrated the most rapid seed germination, highest percentage of germination (56.20) and maximum survival percentage (53.44) and the T4 (GA3 @ 200 ppm) resulted in the lowest days to first emergence of seedling (3.66), maximum plant height (32.33), maximum number of leaves (8.66) and highest girth of seedling (5.86) at 60 days after sowing. In Conclusion, the most effective approach for enhancing seed germination in papaya involved pre-treating the seeds with GA3 @ 200 ppm in var. Red lady.

Diversity study of Beauveria bassiana species for finding the most virulent strain to manage Bemisia tabaci in cotton

Beauveria bassiana (Bal.-Criv.) is an important entomopathogenic fungus being used for the management of various agricultural pests worldwide. However, all strains of B. bassiana may not be effective against whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, or other pests, and strains show diversity in their growth, sporulation, virulence features, and overall bioefficacy. Thus, to select the most effective strain, a comprehensive way needs to be devised. We studied the diversity among the 102 strains of B. bassiana isolated from 19 insect species based on their physiological features, virulence, and molecular phylogeny, to identify promising ones for the management of B. tabaci. Strains showed diversity in mycelial growth, conidial production, and their virulence against B. tabaci nymphs. The highest nymphal mortality (2nd and 3rd instar) was recorded with MTCC-4511 (95.1%), MTCC-6289 (93.8%), and MTCC-4565 (89.9%) at a concentration of 1 × 106 conidia ml−1 under polyhouse conditions. The highest bioefficacy index (BI) was in MTCC-4511 (78.3%), MTCC-4565 (68.2%), and MTCC-4543 (62.1%). MTCC-4511, MTCC-4565, and MTCC-4543 clustered with positive loading of eigenvalues for the first two principal components and the cluster analysis also corresponded well with PCA (principal component analysis) (nymphal mortality and BI). The molecular phylogeny could not draw any distinct relationship between physiological features, the virulence of B. bassiana strains with the host and location. The BI, PCA, and square Euclidean distance cluster were found the most useful tools for selecting potential entomopathogenic strains. The selected strains could be utilized for the management of the B. tabaci nymphal population in the field through the development of effective formulations.Key points• 102 B. bassiana strains showed diversity in growth and virulence against B. tabaci.• Bioefficacy index, PCA, and SED group are efficient tools for selecting potential strains.• MTCC-4511, 4565, and 4543 chosen as the most virulent strains to kill whitefly nymphs.