Second Fortnight Of September Research Articles

Phenophasic heat units requirement and growth variations of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) varieties under different sowing dates

The field experiment was conducted at the dry farming research station, Solapur having three different sowing dates and seven varieties of safflower. Early sown safflower requires 7-9 days more for attaining physiologicalmaturity than latest sown safflower. Among the varieties, SSF-708 was found significantly more efficient over other genotypes in duration and yield. The deviation in heat unit requirement among early and late sown safflower dueto sowing dates was <100°C. Early sown safflower completed the life cycle by obtaining 1684°C heat units. Variety SSF-708 attained physiological maturity at 1492°C and NARI-57 the late maturing variety attended physiologicalmaturity at 1628°C heat units. Similar trend was noticed in helio and photothermal units requirement ofsafflower. An increasing trend in leaf area upto 50 per cent flowering and gravitating trend towards the physiological maturity was noticed over sowing dates. Higher dry matter (DMP) was noticed under crop sown during first and second fortnight of September. At the end of physiological maturity, SSF-748 found better (94.32 g/plant) and SSF-708 (91.44 g/plant) was second in order for dry matter production.

Influence of meteorological parameters on incidence of mungbean yellow mosaic virus disease in green gram in Assam

Green gram (Vigna radiata) is one of the most important pulse crops grown in India and abroad bean yellow mosaic virus disease caused by Mung bean yellow mosaic virus has become a major threat in greengram cultivation in Assam. An experiment was conducted in the Experimental field, Department of Plant Pathology, Biswanath College of Agriculture, Assam Agricultural University, Biswanath Chariali during 2021-22, where green gram was sown in five dates starting from 5th September 2021to 3rd October 2021 at 7 days interval to study the effect of meteorological parameters in the incidence of green gram yellow mosaic virus disease, effect on growth and yield parameters so as to find out the best sowing time of the crop as a strategy for managing the disease. During the study, symptoms like, appearance of chlorotic specks along the veins, puckering of leaves, typical mosaic pattern, complete yellowing and drying of the leaves were recorded. Highest whitefly population (12.42 no/plant) was recorded in the crop sown on 19.09.2021 and the lowest (6.24no/plant) was recorded in the 05.9.2021 sown crop. Lowest (40.32%) disease incidence with highest seed yield (4.50 q/ha) was recorded in the crop sown on 05.09.2021, whereas highest (88.25%) disease incidence with lowest yield (2.50 q/ha) was recorded in the crop sown in second fortnight of September (19.09.21). Maximum temperature ranging from 29-33 oC, minimum temperature 13-23 oC with 8-9 bright sunshine hours were found to be conducive for incidence and rapid spread of the disease.

Desempenho de variedades das uvas resistentes (PIWI), 'Felicia', 'Calardis Blanc' e 'Helios' produzidas em dois locais do estado de Santa Catarina (BR)

ABSTRACT Downy mildew (Plamopora viticola) is one of the major problems to produce wine grapes in Brazil, a main cause of yield losses in the Southern region of the country. An alternative to the use of pesticides is the use of resistant varieties (PIWI): wine grapes combining high oenological potential and resistance to diseases. The goal of this work was to assess the vegetative and productive performance and maturation of three PIWI varieties (‘Felicia’, ‘Calardis Blanc’ and ‘Helios’) produced at altitudes of 840m and 1250m in the 2020, 2021 and 2022 vintages. The study is focused on four phenological stages: budbreak (BBCH 7), full bloom (BBCH 65), veraison (BBCH 81) and maturity/harvest (BBCH 89). The criteria for measuring the productive performance were, the number of clusters, average cluster weight, production per plant, yield and Ravaz index. As parameters for technological and phenolic maturation, pH, soluble solids, total acidity and total polyphenols were evaluated. The budbreak occurred at the end of August until the second fortnight of September, the flowering occurred in the second week of October, the veraison occurred during the month of December, and the maturity/harvest occurred from the second fortnight of January until the beginning of February. The earliest budbreak occurred with ‘Felicia’ in the vineyard at 1250m and the latest occurred with ‘Calardis Blanc’. Regardless of the vineyard altitude, there was practically no difference in the flowering date between varieties and the vineyards altitude, the veraison and the maturity/harvest occurred earlier in the vineyard at 840m. The varieties produced at 840 m had a shorter cycle and proved to be more productive when compared to those produced at 1250 m. The studied varieties showed good phenological adaptation, high yield and maturation indices suitable for the production of quality still and sparkling white wines at both altitudes. From the results obtained, ‘Felicia’ and ‘Calardis Blanc’ seem to be the most promising varieties for cultivation in both altitude ranges.

SEASONAL INCIDENCE OF MAJOR INSECT PESTS OF RICE IN KRISHNA WESTERN DELTA REGION OF GUNTUR DISTRICT

The seasonal occurrence of major insect pests of rice in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh during kharif 2021-22 was studied in Krishna Western Delta area in 90 farmers fields of 10 mandals (Bapatla, Kakumanu, Ponnur, Tsunduru, Amruthaluru, Vemuru, Tenali, Duggirala, Repalle and Nagaram). Fortnightly observations on pest population in parallel relation with meteorological parameters revealed the highest leaf damage due to rice leaf folder Marasmia medinalis (Crambidae: Lepidoptera)during second fortnight of September (2.95%) when the crop was more succulent. The incidence of yellow stem borer Scirpophaga incertulas (Crambidae: Lepidoptera) begun appearing during first fortnight of August with highest percent damage during second fortnight of September causing 2.62 percent dead hearts. The peak population of brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens (Delphacidae: Hemiptera) was observed during first fortnight of October (4.97 hoppers/hill) when the crop was in panicle initiation stage.

Natural Enemies of Rice White Stem Borer <i>Scirpophaga fusciflua</i> (Hampson) in Himachal Pradesh

Fortnightly surveys were made to study natural enemies of white stem borer (WSB) Scirpophaga fusciflua (Hampson) in rice. The surveys revealed that the predators of S. fusciflua first appeared in the second fortnight of July, with the peak during second fortnight of September during 2016 and 2017; and their relative proportion was- spiders (49.4% and 51.2%), dragonflies (22.2% and 22.6%) and damselflies (28.4% and 26.2%). Four species of parasitoids viz., egg- Telenomus sp. and Tetrastichus sp., larval- Stenobracon sp. and pupal parasitoids- Xanthopimpla punctata were observed from egg mass, larvae and pupae collected from Kangra valley of Himachal Pradesh. During 2016 and 2017, the % parasitization was observed to be maximum in the first fortnight of October (53.5 and 62.0%) followed by second fortnight of September (36.4 and 49.1%), respectively.

Seasonal incidence of major insect pests of jasmine Jasminum sambac L

Jasmine Jasminum sambac L. is an important ornamental crop that fetches recurrent income to farmers. The present study was carried out in three locations Sevandhanagar, Navalurkuttappattu and Horticulture farm, TNAU, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India from August 2019 to September 2020. The seasonal incidence of major insect pests such as Hendecasis duplifascialis Hampson, Nausinoe geometralis Guenee, Contarinia maculipennis Felt, Frankliniella scultzei Trybom and Tetranychus urticae Koch were studied. Hendecasis duplifascialis incidence was observed to be maximum (31.63% damaged buds) in second fortnight of October in Sevandhanagar; in Navalurkuttappattu, it was the incidence of N. geometralis (2.2 webs/ plant) that was maximum, and noticed in the second fortnight of December. In horticulture farm, maximum damage was of C. maculipennis (48.66% damaged buds) noticed in the second fortnight of September. Thrips population was significant and was observed positively correlated with maximum temperature in Sevandhanagar (r = 0.55).

Seasonal Incidence of Ectoparasitic mites and Greater Wax Moth in Apis mellifera L. Colonies

The incidence of ectoparasitic mites Varroa destructor (Anderson and Trueman), Tropilaelaps clareae (Delfinado and Baker) and wax moth Galleria mellonella (L.) on the honey bee Apis mellifera L. was assessed during 2019-20 at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Morena, Madhya Pradesh. The results revealed that V. destructor infestation was at minimum (4%) in the first fortnight of July 2019 and maximum (14%) in the first fortnight of September 2019 with the visual examination method. There existed a negative correlation with the brood area. Tropilaelaps clareae infestation was minimum (6 mites/colony) in the second fortnight of November 2019 and maximum (22 mites/colony) during the first fortnight of October 2019, as assessed by the sugar dusting method. The infestation revealed a negative correlation with colony strength. Galleria mellonella incidence was at maximum (176 larvae, 72 pupae, and 17 adults/colony) in the second fortnight of September 2019 and minimum (5 larvae, 5 pupae, and 2 adults/colony) in the first fortnight of September, August and August 2019, respectively. The number of pupae and brood area was found significantly negatively correlated (r = -0.534); while the number of adults vs. colony strength and brood area were significantly negatively correlated (r = -0.499 and r = -0.607, respectively).

Studies on insect diversity in jasmine (Jasminum sambac L.) ecosystem

Aim: Study was carried out to record the abundance and diversity of insects in jasmine (Jasminum sambac L.) ecosystem. Methodology: To determine insect pests, natural enemies and non-insect diversity, fortnight observations were taken from second fortnight of September'19 to March'20 on insect population at three adjacent locations. Abundance and diversity indices were computed using mean data. The management practices, presence of weeds and adjacent cropping systems were also recorded at three locations to determine the reasons for variation in the diversity of organisms. Results: A total of 3335 individuals arthropods belonging to 55 species, which included 32 species of herbivores and 23 species of natural enemies were recorded throughout the study period. Location 3 had perennial crops in the vicinity, un-weeded ecosystem with no chemical inputs. Among various diversity indices calculated, Margalef Richness Index of herbivores was higher at location 3 (1.67) than location 1 (1.17) and 2 (0.76). Interpretation: The abundance and diversity of insects in different jasmine ecosystem depends on the chemical inputs and adjacent cropping system.

Effect of Soil and Foliar Applications of Micronutrients on Flowering and Yield of Mango

The experiment was carried out during the spring and summer seasons of the year 2017-18 and 2018-19 at the Horticultural Research Farm, AAU, Anand to study the “Effect of soil and foliar applications of micronutrients on flowering and yield of mango variety”. The experimentcomprised of 13 treatments of different micronutrients application viz. FeSO4 100 g, ZnSO4 100 g, Borax 100 g and multimicronutrients grade-V 400 g as a soil application; FeSO4 0.5 %, ZnSO4 0.5 %, borax 0.2 % and multimicronutrients grade-IV 1.0 % as a foliar application and its combinassions and control (water spray). Soil application was done at second fortnight of September and foliar sprays of treatments were done at flower bud initiation, full bloom stage and pea stage initiationon 18 years old mango tree cv. Mallika. Experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three repetitions. Numbers of staminate, hermaphrodite and total number of flowers per panicle were found significant with respect to various micronutrients treatments during both the years of experiment. Maximum staminate flowers per panicle, hermaphrodite flowers per panicle and total number of flowers per panicle was found with soil application of multimicronutrients grade-V 400 g followed by foliar application of multimicronutrients grade-IV 1.0 % during both the years of study. The significantly higher number of fruits, average fruit weight and fruit yield per tree were recorded with soil application of multimicronutrients grade-V 400 g followed by foliar application of multimicronutrients grade-IV 1.0 % during the years 2017-18 and 2018-19.

Influence of girdling on stimulation of flowering and yield in mango (CV. Alphonso) in hard lateritic rocky areas

The investigations, conducted during the year 2018-19 at Mango Research Sub-Centre, Rameshwar, Tal. Deogad, Dist. Sindhudurg (Maharashtra), located on hard lateritic rocky area, with five girdling time treatments viz., girdling in second fortnight of August (T1), girdling in first fortnight of September (T2), girdling in second fortnight of September (T3), girdling in first fortnight of October (T4) and control (no girdling) (T5), showed early initiation of flowering at 43rd standard meteorological week with maximum flowering intensity (63.75%) and highest hermaphrodite flower (9.40%) when girdling was done in first fortnight of September (T2). This treatment also recorded highest number of fruits (149.25 fruits tree-1), yield kg tree-1 (32.68) and t/ha-1 (3.27) than against lowest of 101.25, 22.31 and 2.23 of the respective parameters in the control.

Phenology and diurnal behavior of marbled duck Marmaronetta angustirostris in the eco-complex of wetlands of Guerbes Sahhadja North-east of Algeria

Marbled duck, also called Marbled Teal, Marmaronetta angustirostris, is classified as “ vulnerable” on the red list of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. It has this status in Algeria and throughout the western Palearctic. During three consecutive winter seasons (from August to November) of 2012, 2013 and 2014, Marbled duck numbers were less important than other duck species wintering in Gareat Hadj Tahar (wetland complex of Guerbes-Sanhadja north east of Algeria). The highest number of 38 individuals was observed during the second fortnight of September 2014. This number represents a record for all Algerian north eastern coastal wetlands. The marbled duck shows a gregarious behavior and concentrates in a single group which is easily observed in the center of water body. Diurnal behavior shows that feeding dominates daytime activities with 34.97% of the time. This activity is followed by sleeping (30.18%), swimming (19.47%), feather maintenance (9.28%) and finally flying (6.01%).

Seasonal variations of Egg parasitoids on yellow stem borer, Scirpophaga incertulas (Walker) in Rice

Rice yellow stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas), a monophagous pest, is the most destructive pest causing 3 to 95% yield losses in India. Though it accounts for 50% of insecticides used in rice fields, their typical internal feeding behaviour necessitate other management options. In the present study, the extent of natural egg parasitization was assessed on yellow stem egg masses collected from rice fields of Paddy Breeding Station, Coimbatore. Egg masses were collected during September (2016) to May (2017) and the influence of weather parameters on parasitization was observed. Seasonal variation on total egg mass parasitization of yellow stem borer recorded highest parasitization during the first fortnight of December (92.31%) and lowest or no parasitization during the month of May. Individual egg parasitization on yellow stem borer revealed the maximum parasitization of Telenomus dignus in the second fortnight of September (30.82%), T. schoenobii in the second fortnight of April (54.55%), T. japonicum during the second fortnight of November (7.86%) and Trichomalopsis sp. in the second fortnight of February (2.5%).

Population dynamics and new record of larval parasitoids, Senometopia sp. and Winthemia sumatrensis (Townsend) (Diptera: Tachinidae) on banana skipper, Erionota torus Evans (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) from South Karnataka

Field study was conducted for two years (2014-16) to know the population dynamics of banana skipper, Erionota torus Evans (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) and its tachinid parasitoids, Senometopia sp., and Winthemia sumatrensis . The pooled data over the two years indicated that the skipper plant infestation ranged from 6.66 to 84.25 per cent and incidence started during the first fortnight of August (8.34 per cent incidence) when the crop was at broadleaf follower stage, and a gradual increase in the infestation level of skipper was observed with a peak activity (84.25 per cent incidence) during first fort night of January (Pre flowering period) and also extended to the flowering period (February to March). The pooled data over the years indicated the maximum incidence was recorded during pre flowering period with a mean infestation of 75.02 per cent followed by flowering period (45.67 per cent), broad leaf followers (29.58 per cent) and bunch period (1.66 per cent). Two tachinid parasitoids Senometopia sp., and W. sumatrensis were encountered during our two years study period. The larval parasitoids activity initiated from second fortnight of September (0.62 per cent) and reached its maximum population during second fortnight of November (7.25 per cent) and later parasitoid activity gradually declined till second fortnight of January (0.62 per cent). The maximum activity was noticed during pre flowering period with a mean of 3.27 per cent parasitization by Senometopia sp., and W. sumatrensis .

Infestation and population dynamics of striped flea beetle Phyllotreta striolata Fabricius in cruciferous vegetables in Kashmir

Field surveys to study the infestation and population dynamics of the most abundant striped flea beetle, Phyllotreta striolata Fabricius, on two abundantly grown cruciferous crops viz., kale (Brassica oleraceae L. var.acephala) and turnip (Brassica rapa L.) revealed that these suffered with moderate and severe infestation, respectively. The maximum infestation was at cotyledonary stage as compared to true leaf stage. The pooled data of two year study revealed the maximum mean % infestation, severity, and number of flea beetle catches/sweep on turnip as compared with kale. Southern zone revealed the highest mean % infestation, severity and number of beetle catches/sweep followed by the Central and Northern zones. The extent of damage, severity and population build-up was more during 2012 compared to 2013. Emergence of the overwintering generation started from the second fortnight of March up to the end of May in kale while the subsequent generations started emerging at the beginning of June and the maximum trap catches were obtained during the second fortnight of July i.e. from 27th to 29th standard weeks and the minimum catches by the end of October. In turnip, the pest started its activity in the first week of August i.e. from 32nd standard week, immediately after sowing and remained active until end of October. Maximum catches of flea beetles were observed in the second fortnight of September i.e. in the 38th standard week and thereafter it decreased to its lowest during the end of October. The study further revealed that the temperature influenced the activity of the flea beetles significantly.

VEGETATIVE STAGE OF STRAWBERRY DURATION DETERMINED BY THE CROP YEAR

ABSTRACT Over the years, strawberry growth has shown alterations in its phenology, involving mainly the beginning of flowering and fruiting. The aim of this study was to verify whether the growth years influence the duration of strawberry vegetative and reproductive stages in protected environment. The development of the Camarosa strawberry cultivar was observed between 2007 and 2014. The crops were settled in a greenhouse in the Horticulture Sector at the University of Passo Fundo, RS. Data like transplant date, in the beginning and end of the fruits harvest; temperature data (maximum, average and minimum) were recorded in the growth environment. These data were used for the thermal sum calculation (daily, accumulated). The data analyses were carried out in a descriptive manner, relating the temperature data with the phenological stage of each year. The accumulated thermal sum that is necessary to begin the harvest was variable throughout the years, where it was between 383 and 438 degrees days-1 for plants with interval between transplant and harvest of 73 days (2008 and 2009) at 816 degrees days-1, where the interval was 111 days (in 2014). In the first case, it accumulated 5.2 ºC/day, in 2008 and 6 ºC/day, in 2009. In the second case, it was 7.3 ºC/day, in 2014. Seedlings which were transplanted in the first fortnight of May began fruiting in the beginning of August and September. Seedlings transplanted in July 2011 and 2012 began fruiting in similar periods, that is, in the first and second fortnight of September. It was found that, because of the temperatures recorded in different periods of growth and transplant time, there is alteration mainly in the strawberry vegetative stage.

Investigation on the effect of date of sowing on the incidence of defoliator pests of sunflower

A field experiment was conducted during the Kharif / Rabi season of 2014 in Regional Agriculture Research Station (RARS) to identify the appropriate sowing time to reduce pest incidence and to get higher seed yield. The sunflower hybrid, KBSH-53 recorded highest seed yield (12.95 q/ha and 12.05 q/ha) with reduced pest incidence and per cent foliage damage during the crop sown on first fortnight of September and second fortnight of August as compared to the crop sown on second fortnight of September, first fortnight of October and second fortnight of October.

Seasonality of the common cutworm Spodoptera litura in a soybean ecosystem

Seasonal occurrence of the common cutworm Spodoptera litura (Fab.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) moths captured in synthetic sex pheromone traps and associated field population of eggs and larvae in soybean were examined in India from 2009 to 2011. Male moths of S. litura first appeared in late July or early August and continued through October. Peak male trap catches occurred during the second fortnight of September, which was within soybean reproductive stages. Similarly, the first appearance of S. litura egg masses and larval populations were observed after the first appearance of male moths in early to mid-August, and were present in the growing season up to late September to mid-October. The peak appearance of egg masses and larval populations always corresponded with the peak activity of male moths recorded during mid-September in all years. Correlation studies showed that weekly mean trap catches were linearly and positively correlated with egg masses and larval populations during the entire growing season of soybean. Seasonal means of male moth catches in pheromone traps during the 2010 and 2011 seasons were significantly lower than the catches during the 2009 season. However, seasonal means of the egg masses and larval populations were not significantly different between years. Pheromone traps may be useful indicators of the onset of numbers of S. litura eggs and larvae in soybean fields.

SPECIES DIVERSITY AND SEASONAL ABUNDANCE OF FRUIT PIERCING MOTH COMPLEX IN TAMIL NADU

ABSTRACT Based on the survey made at different localities in Tamil Nadu, five species of primary fruit piercers belonging to two genera viz., Othreis materna (L.), O. fullonia (Clerck), O. homaena Hubner, O. salaminia (Cram.) and Rhytia hypermnestra (Stoll) were found to feed on guava and citrus fruits. Among the five species, O. materna was the predominant piercer followed by O. fullonia and O. homaena. The species viz., O. salaminia and R. hypermnestra were very less abundant in all the localities surveyed. Species richness of fruit piercing moth was higher in Periyakulam (2.173), low in Mettupalayam (1.103). The overall measure of diversity and relative abundance of fruit piercing moths was high at Periyakulam and low in Mettupalayam. Regarding seasonal abundance, the activity of O. materna found from the second fortnight of July to till January and O. fullonia and O. homaena was observed from the first week of September and continuing up to first forthnight of January. The larvae of R. hypermnestra were collected during first week of October and moth activity was recorded from the second fortnight of September.

Population Fluctuations of Plassey Borer, Chilo tumidicostalis Hampson and its Parasitoid, Cotesia flavipes Cameron in Sugarcane Crop in Assam

Seasonal incidence of Plassey borer, Chilo tumidicostalis Hampson, and its larval parasitoid, Cotesia flavipes Cameron, was studied at Shillogani, Nagaon, Assam, during 2006-07. Population of C. tumidicostalis first appeared in the early part of May and peaked in the second fortnight of September in both the cropping seasons. Later it showed a declining trend till harvest. The activity of C. flavipes commenced from the first fortnight of June in both the cropping seasons and continued till the end of November, 2006 and early part of December, 2007. The extent of natural parasitism by C. flavipes varied from 2.10 to 39.43 per cent in 2006 and 1.33 to 48.30 per cent in 2007. Maximum parasitism (39.43 and 48.30 per cent) occurred during the first fortnight of October, 2006 and the second fortnight of September, 2007 in the two study years. The parasitism increased with the increase in incidence of C. tumidicostalis larvae and fairly synchronized with the latter's maximum incidence. The extent of parasitism had significant positive correlations with the incidence of host larval population and relative humidity, but showed non-significant correlations with temperature, total rainfall and sunshine in both the cropping seasons.

Aspectos Biológicos e Comportamentais de Liogenys suturalis Blanchard (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae) no Mato Grosso do Sul

Liogenys suturalis Blanchard is one of the main soil pests associated to corn, wheat and oat crops in the Southern Mato Grosso do Sul State. This work aimed to investigate the bioecological and behavioral aspects of this pest. The study was carried out in several municipalities of Mato Grosso do Sul State under field and laboratory conditions from August 2004 to December 2006. In the laboratory, we studied the incubation period and egg viability, the number of instars, and pupal and adult sex-related traits. The insect distribution was determined yearly, as well as the period of insect flying and some behavioral aspects during mating. Egg viability averaged 81.7%, with an incubation period of 22.8 + or - 4.32 days. Liogenys suturalis took the whole year to complete its life cycle, developing through three different instars. The highest larval feeding activity and development occurred in February and June, and adult flight activities were between the second fortnight of September and December. Sex dimorphism was observed in both pupae and adults. Flights were concentrated from 7:00 to 8:00 PM. The average time for mating was 9.82 min. The observed adult sex ratio was 0.63.