CROP PROTECTION

  • Bio-ecological studies of important insect pests of mango have been carried out and forecasting models for fruit fly and hopper of mango have been developed.
  • Methyl eugenol wooden block traps were found highly efficient in trapping male mango fruit flies to reduce the population of this important pest.
  • A forecasting model for the prediction of powdery mildew was developed. A temperature regime of 7.80- 14.40 0 C (Min.) and 28.10- 36.40 0 C (Max.) prevailed during February and March was found congenial for the appearance of powdery mildew.
  • Five antagonists, isolated from mango phylloplane ( Bacillus coagulans ), fruit surface (LSF-8) and organic liquid pesticides (BDB-I, II & III) when applied against mango bacterial canker under field conditions (5.50-10.55 & 21.11- 26.34) was almost found comparable with antibiotic (9.98-18.70 & 20.0-21.33) in checking the disease incidence and intensity, respectively. These antagonists were identified as species of Bacillus , Pseudomonas and Acenetobacter .
  • Four distinct bacterial isolates have been found to exhibit nemato-antagonistic potential. Out of four, two ( Flavobacterium sp. & Sphingomonas terrae ) appears to be new nematode antagonists.
  • Chemical control measures of important insect pests and diseases of mango have been standardized and spray schedules have been developed for their commercial adoption.
  • Integrated Pest Management (IPM) module for mango insect pests and diseases have been developed and standardized. The technology is being demonstrated in six districts of Uttar Pradesh.
  • Efficient pollinators for mango, guava and aonla have been identified.
  • A simple technique for control of postharvest diseases is developed which involves covering fruits on trees with paper bags one month prior harvest, which eliminates all postharvest diseases in eco-friendly manner.
  • Inoculation technique (stem hole inoculation) for reproduction of wilt in guava has been standardized. Gliocladium roseum has been found most potent causal pathogen for guava wilt, as it produces symptoms in grown up plants in field within 2 months of inoculation.
  • Papaya ring spot virus (PRSV) has been identified as the most important viral disease of papaya, which causes considerable loss to the crop. Aphid vectors for the transmission of this virus have been identified.
  • Major nematode pests of papaya have been identified and synergistic interaction of root-knot nematode with PRSV has been its established.