In organicfarming production system, biopesticides like botanicals and mycopathogenicformulation are of greater importance in managing the pest population. Theevaluation of botanicals and mycopathogenic formulation were tested for theirefficacy against okra leafhopper, aphids and whitefly at Organic FarmingResearch Centre, Navile, Shivamogga during 2009. The performance of botanicalsand mycopathogenic formulation against leafhopper revealed that the Neemazol @3.5% recorded 2.43 and 2.60 leafhoppers/3 leaves, Neem oil @ 2% recorded 2.63and 3.50 leafhoppers/3 leaves and NSKE @ 5% recorded 3.53 and 4.00 leafhoppers/ 3 leaves. These three treatments were found superior among botanicals and Beauveriabassiana @ 2.5 g / l recorded 2.5 and 3.6 leafhoppers/3 leaves and was onpar with other mycopathogens at 10 DAS of first and second spray, respectively.Results on aphids and whitefly were recorded as follows: Neemazol @ 3.5%recorded 1.67 and 3.17 aphids/3 leaves and 2.00 and 2.63 whitefly/3 leaves,Neem oil @ 2% recorded 1.93 and 4.33 aphids/3 leaves and 2.17and 3.40whitefly/3 leaves and NSKE @ 5% recorded 2.00 and 6.00 aphids/3 leaves and 3.00and 4.00 whitefly/3 leaves at 10 DAS on the first and the second sprayrespectively and these were found superior among botanicals. Verticilliumlecani @ 2.5 g/l showed 2.53 and 6.67 aphids/3 leaves and 2.80 and 3.53whitefly/3 leaves at 10 DAS on the first and the second spray respectively andwas on par with other mycopathogens.

In manycommercial EPNs-based biopesticide companies, formulations ranging from the impregnationof EPNs on artificial sponge to highly advanced granular formulations have beendeveloped. Major challenges have included the development of room-temperatureshelf stability, ease of use, and contamination control. The aim of this workwas to evaluate the suitability of two indigenous EPNs, Heterorhabditisbacteriophora (BA1) and Steinernema carpocapsae (BA2), forformulation and storage on Hydrogel, Kaolinite and Calcium Alginate at roomtemperature. The survival and virulence of both nematodes in the threeformulations were discussed. Comparing the two nematodes, it was found that thestorage potential of BA2juveniles was only superior to that of BA1 in case offormulation with Calcium alginate. The pathogenicity of the two EPNs in the threeformulations was tested against the wax moth, Galleria mellonella. Itwas concluded that BA2 was more virulent than BA1 to the larvae of the waxmoth, G. mellonella in all tested formulae.

Biologicalcontrol is an innovative, cost effective and eco-friendly approach for control ofrice diseases. Brown spot Trichoderma sp. is known for its mycoparasiticand antagonistic mechanism for the control of wide range of fungal disease inall types of crops. Trichoderma sp. is an ecofriendly organism that doesnot cause any harmful and side effect on human beings and domestic animals whenhandled. This research is based on the principle of biological control offungal diseases infection in rice plants by the use of T. harzianum and T.viride. Cultures of T. harzianum and T.viride were collectedand isolated from agricultural soil and were used in laboratory condition forthe control of rice diseases of brown spot. The present study used T.harzianum and T. viride as biocontrol agents to control ricedisease of brown spot, investigating the effectiveness of the control agents.Satisfactory results were obtained in both biocontrol agents against ricepathogen Bipolaris oryza.

A survey wasmade in Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu on Pasteuria penetrans sporeattachment on different phytonematodes and laboratory condition during kharifseason of 2010. The study revealed that the nematodes Meloidogyne incognita,Heterodera cajani, Radopholus similis, Helicotylenchusmulticinctus, Pratylenchus coffeae and Hoplolaimus spp.wereencumbered with P. penetrans spores ranging from 26 to 35. Thespore attachment was higher on M. incognita compared to H. cajani,R. similis, H. multicinctus, P. coffeae and Hoplolaimusspp. Hence it is inferred that the rate of parasitism by P. penetransdiffers significantly among phytonematodes.

Vegetables,cultivated on 4.65 million ha with annual production of 53.5 million t in Southand Southeast Asia, are subject to severe yield losses from insect pests anddiseases in the tropics. Chemical pesticides account for onethird to one-halfof the total mean material input cost for vegetable production in the region.Extensive and inappropriate pesticide use has led to pests developingresistance to major groups of pesticides, resurgence of secondary pests, highpesticide residues in produce, and decimation of natural enemies. The adverseeffects on human and environmental health cannot be ignored. Integrated pest management(IPM) strategies often have been suggested to mitigate such a problem. Althoughvarious IPM strategies have been developed and promoted for vegetables,adoption remains low due to IPM’s limited effectiveness in managing insectpests compared with chemical pesticides. Moreover, IPM has been promoted as acombination of techniques without giving due consideration to the compatibilityof each component. Biopesticides could play a crucial role in IPM strategies althoughthey cover only about 4 percent of the global pesticide market. Biopesticideshave high compatibility with other pest management techniques such as naturalenemies, resistant varieties, etc. Integrating biopesticide could enhanceperformance of IPM strategies. For instance, with the adoption of Bacillusthuringiensis based biopesticides, parasitoids such as Diadegmasemiclausum, Cotesia plutellae and Diadromus collaris establishedin several countries, and provided significant control of diamondback moth (Plutellaxylostella) on brassicas in South- and Southeast Asia. An IPM strategybased on sex pheromone for managing the eggplant fruit and shoot borer (Leucinodesorbonalis) has reduced pesticide abuse and enhanced the activities ofnatural enemies including Trathala flavoorbitalis in Indo-Gangeticplains of South Asia. Thus, this paper reviews some of the most effectivevegetable IPM strategies developed and/or promoted by AVRDC – The WorldVegetable Center to manage insect pests on brassicas, eggplant, vegetablelegumes and tomato in tropical Asia, and presents a discussion of anappropriate public – private partnership model in dissemination and adoption ofvegetable IPM strategies.

Eight carbon,ten nitrogenous sources and various pH regimes were tested for their effect ongrowth and sporulation of C.gloeosporioides. Out of eight carbon sources tested, starch and xylloseproved to be the best for the growth and sporulation followed by glucose andsucrose. Out of ten different nitrogenous sources tested, potassium nitrateproved to be the best for the growth and sporulation of the pathogen. Studieson pH revealed that fungus produced the maximum dry mycelial weight andsporulation at pH 5.5 and pH 6.5 in liquid media respectively. Thus the use ofundegraded organic manures, potassium nitrate bases fertilizers and slightly acidicsoil favors the disease.

Investigation onanthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Penz. and Sacc.) of Indianbean (Lablab purpureus L) under south Gujarat conditions was carried outin the Department of Plant Pathology, N. M. College of Agriculture,Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari during the year 2008-2009 to find outsuitable management strategies. A field experiment was conducted in Rabi2008 to screen five varieties and thirty nine germplasms of Indian beanagainst anthracnose. Out of these, three varieties Kapasi, JNP-4, Katargam andtwo germplasms NWP8 and NWP21 showed resistant reaction againstanthracnose while fifteen germplasms viz., NWP12, 19, 20, 22, 24, 25,26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 32, 35, 37, 39 were found to be moderately resistant,whereas variety NPS1 was found highly susceptible to anthracnose ofIndian bean under south Gujarat conditions.

Induction ofdefense enzymes phenol, peroxidase (PO), polyphenol oxidase (PPO),phenyl ammonia lyase (PAL), super oxide dismutase (SOD) and chitinase by Pseudomonasfluorescens isolate Pf1, against challenge inoculation of Meloidogynegraminicola in rice was studied in vitro. The activity of phenol,PO,PPO, PAL and chitinase was higher in the bacterized rice plants. Theanalysis of isoform profiles revealed unique PO, PPO and SOD isoforms inducedin plants treated with P. fluorescens. The present study implies earlierand higher accumulation of phenols and defense enzymes viz., PO, PPO,PAL and chitinase in rice root tissue resulting in significant reduction innematode infection.

Nematodesassociated with insects are referred to as entomophagous nematodes.Entomopathogenic nematodes

are highlypotential biocontrol agents for several lepidopteran and coleopteran insectpests. These nematodes are mutually symbiotic with the bacteria Xenorhabdus andPhotorhabdus spp. and the bacteria are responsible for the death of thehost. The biology of three species of Steinernema viz., Heterorhabditis wasstudied under laboratory conditions at a temperature of 28±2oC. The infectivejuveniles caused mortality of Corcyra cephalonica in about 48 hours.Hermaphrodites were observed 72 hrs after infection. Females and males ofamphimictic generation were observed 120 hrs after infection in Heterorhabditisand 48 hours after infection in Steinernema spp. Exit of infective juvenilesfrom cadavers of C. cephalonica was observed after 192 hrs in Heterorhabditis.In Steinernema glaseri and thermophilum the exit of infectivejuveniles was observed 120 hrs after infection while in S. tami the exitof infective juveniles was observed 96 hrs after infection. The study revealedthat H. indica completed two generations (First generation -hermaphrodite and Second generation - Amphimictic) in one insect. But all thethree species of Sterinernema completed only one generation(Amphimictic) in the insect host.

The emergence ofbiodegradable pesticides as safe option has reduced the problems that resultfrom the use of synthetic insecticides, thus creating a renewed interest intheir development and use in integrated pest management of crops. The objectiveof this study was to investigate the insecticidal properties of the water extractsof Jatropha curcas, Vernonia amygdalina, Ageratum conyzoides, Chromolaenaodorata (L) and Annona squamosa on two species of flea beetles (Podagricauniforma and P. sjostedti (Coleoptera : Chrysomelidae)infesting okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench), variety NHAE 47-4).The leaves and seeds of the plants used in the experiment were collected fromthe locality, washed and shade dried. A synthetic insecticide,lambda-cyhalothrin (karate) was included in the treatments as a standard checkalongside the untreated (control). The experiment was laid out in a randomizedcomplete block design (RCBD) with seven treatments and four replicates. Theefficacy of the treatments was based on reduction in flea beetles and percentagereduction in population of the pests. The results showed that only three of theplant extracts (Jatropha curcas, Vernonia amygdalina and Annona squamosa)significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the population of the two flea beetles at64%, 55% and 49%, respectively. Though the other two botanicals were notsignificant in reducing the population of the pests, they were better than thecontrol. All the plant extracts tested were not as effective as the syntheticinsecticide in reducing flea beetles population. Among the tested plants, J.curcas, was found to be more effective, hence its use by resource poorfarmers is recommended in the protection of okra against the infestation of P.uniforma and P. sjostedti.

The pseudostemweevil (Odoiporus longicollis) is one of the most dangerous pests inbanana crop. On farm and laboratory experiments were carried out at the KrishiVigyan Kendra, Pechiparai, Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, India during theperiod 2010-2011 to assess the bio-efficacy of Beauveria bassiana,Azadirachtin 10000 ppm and monocrotophos (spray and injection) insecticideagainst pseudostem weevil, Odoiporuslongicollis Oliver (Coleoptera :Curculionidae) in Red banana. Injection of monocrotophos @ 4ml/plant registeredthe highest per cent reduction (76.07%) followed by the injection ofAzadirachtin 2ml/plant (70.0%), application of B. bassiana @ 25g on thepseudostem trap (56.75%) and monocrotophos spray (38.39%). However, applicationof monocrotophos (4ml/plant) and Azadirachtin (2ml/plant) by stem injectionproved to be more effective than by spraying of monocrotophos. Stem injectionof monocrotophos, Azadirachtin and the application of B. bassiana recordedthe highest per cent mortality of 96.15, 84.74 and 75.36%, respectively, after96 hrs of application. All the treatments were found to increase the fruityield with better cost benefit ratio.

“Rice is Life” for millions of people and staplefood for more than half of the worlds’ population. The demand for rice isgrowing with ever increasing population. At present the grain yield in rice hasto be increased and the yield achieved has to be sustained. The field studiesat Wetlands, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Coimbatore resulted incompilation of agronomical use of neem and its by products in rice cultivation.The Wetland Farm at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Coimbatore issituated in the Western Agro Climatic Zone of Tamil Nadu at 11° North Latitudeand 77°East Longitude at an altitude of 426.72 m above MSL. The properties ofneem as insecticide, antifeedant, hormonal, antifungal, antiviral andnematicide properties is well known .These activities are brought out with neemuse in the form of leaves, leaf extracts, seeds, cakes, oil and fruit extracts.The neem and its products are used in seed treatment, manurial application, increasingnutrient efficiency by which the grain yield in rice crop is enhanced and itssustainability is seen in rice based cropping system. Evaluation of theseproducts in managing the rice crop, through agronomial cultural practices atvarious stages of crop growth has been discussed in detail in this paper

The toxicity ofthree concentrations (10%, 15% and 20% w/v) and foliar spraying schedules ofplant extracts from Azadiracta indica (Meliaceae), neem kernel and Vitexnegundo (Verbenaceae), Aloe vera (Asphodelacea) Gloriosa superba (Colchicaceae),Chrysanthimum cinearifolium (Asteraceae) and Ocimum tenuiflorum (Lamiaceae)for managing a major leaf pest of Curcuma longa, was investigated. Theinsect pest was Panchaetothrips indicus Bagnall (Thysanoptera :Thripidae) which causes the folding of leaves and affects the yield of itsrhizome. Two concentrations of extracts which proved efficacy in lab studieswere tried upon P.indicus in field in two seasons. Higher concentrations(20% w/v) and a combination of neem seed kernel and Vitex negundo leafextracts significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the number of the insect pest comparedto the untreated control in both years. Leaf damage was significantly reducedand rhizome yield increased compared to untreated plants.

Azadirachtins(azas) are known as a family of natural phagorepellents and antifeedantsisolated from the seeds of the neem tree Azadirachta indica A. Juss.(Meliaceae). They exert a strong negative influence on behavior (feeding andmating activity), postembryonic development (molts), and fecundity of insectsresulting in significant reduction of general fitness. The history of discoveryand characterization of azas as a unique family of natural products was full ofsurprises and obstacles. But after the labors lasting 4 decades in various labsin Europe (Kraus, Schmutterer, Butterworth and Morgan, Ley) and in North America(Nakanishi), the complicated multifunctional tetranortriterpenoid aza A emergedand was characterized by elemental composition of C35H44O16. The structureproposals, although arrived at independently in competition and by completelydifferent methods (NMR and X-ray analysis), ultimately converged into acommonly accepted structure individually published side by side in 1987. It wasreconfirmed by Veitch et al. in 2007 in Ley’s group in Cambridge,England, through total synthesis and therefore can be considered as ultimateproof and as valid without any remaining doubt. The 25^th anniversaryof this scientific achievement is reason for celebration. A new member of theazadirachtin family was discovered at Giessen in 1991 and named marrangin. Itoccurs in seeds of the marrango tree Azadirachta excelsa (Jack)Jacobs and has the elemental composition of C35H44O15. In some insect speciesbut also in mites like Tetranychus urticae, its biological activity issignificantly superior to azadirachtin A. The value of these biorationalcompounds, with their very low vertebrate toxicity and their low toxicity toinsect members of the third level of the food chain, today is globallyrecognized. Quite recently, azas and analogs are gaining increasing acceptancein veterinary and human medicine.

Pulse beetles Callosobruchuschinensis and Callosobruchus maculatus are the most serious pests instored legumes in majority of tropical countries. Attention has been given tothe possible use of plant products or plant derived compounds as promisingalternatives to synthetic insecticides in controlling insect pests of stored products.Various indigenous plant species in different forms such as crude ethanol (CE)extracts, vegetable oils, dry powders and combinations of plant materials withinsecticides and effect of their concentration were tested against Callosobruchusspp. in laboratory conditions. The highest bioactivity (90 – 100% mortality)was manifested by the crude ethanol extracts of Azadirachta indica (Neem),Anona reticulata (Anona) and Ocimum sanctum (Maduruthala/sacredbail) among the crude ethanol extracts tested. Oils of O.sanctum at1.5 μL and A.reticulata at 3.0 μL completely inhibited oviposition andadult emergence. Clove powder was the most effective among the four powderstested for adult mortality followed by root dust of papaya. Among the plant powderstested, Maduruthala (O. sanctum) was the most effective for suppressingoviposition significantly followed by Getathumba (Leucas zeylanica). Ourexperiments also revealed enhanced toxicity and persistence of the insecticidein causing significant mortality to Callosobruchus spp. when combinedwith vegetable oils. Further, these results revealed that the potentialapplicability of some indigenous plant materials as stored grain protectants.The modes of action of these substances are not yet known and further studiesmust be carried out especially to clarify how it is involved in the physiologyof reproduction.

Silvernanoparticles (Ag NPs) were synthesized by using aqueous leaves extracts of Euphorbiaprostrata as a simple, non-toxic and ecofriendly green material. Thepresent study was based on assessments of the pesticidal activity to determinethe efficacies of aqueous leaves extracts of E. prostrata, silvernitrate (AgNO3) solution (1mM)and synthesized Ag NPs against the adult of Sitophilus oryzae L. Thesynthesized nanoparticles were characterized with UV- visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) andScanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. The nanoparticles were rod inshape and size of 25- 80nm with an average size of 52.4 nm. Pesticidalbioassay tests were conducted at varying concentrations for 14 days. The LD50 values ofaqueous extract, AgNO3solutionand synthesized Ag NPs were 213.32, 247.90, 44.69 mg/kg -1; LD90=1648.08,2675.13, 168.28 mg/kg -1, respectively.These results suggest that the leaves aqueous extracts of E. prostrata,and synthesized Ag NPs have the potential to be used as an ideal eco-friendlyapproach for the control of the S. oryzae. This is the first report onthe pesticidal activity of the plant extracts and synthesized nanoparticles.

Bacterial andfungal plant diseases affect virtually all crops of economic importance and aredifficult to control, resultingdevastating financial losses to farmers. The antimicrobial activity of eightfruit seed extract were tested against fourplant pathogens viz., Ralstonia solanacearum, Xanthomonascampestris, Phytophthora capsici and Pythium aphanidermatum byagar well diffusion method. Methanolic extract of Eugenia jambolana showedthe maximum inhibitory effect against X.campestris with theinhibitory zone of 34 mm, whereas the aqueous extract recorded aninhibition zone of 22 mm.

Nematicidalactivities of extracts from plants were assayed against Meloidogyneincognita. Ten different plants were collected from in and around Sivakasiarea. The plants were shade dried and powdered. The plant extracts were preparedby soxhlet apparatus using methanol as a solvent. Methanol extracts of tenplants were screened for egg hatchability and nematicidal activity againstsecond stage juveniles of M. incognita in the laboratory. Thenematode egg and juveniles exposed 24, 48 and 72 hrs in different concentrations(10 ppm to 100 ppm) of plant extracts. The plant extracts of Couroupita quianensisand Nepeta cataria exhibited highly promising mortality 73-86% after72 hrs exposure. There was a gradual decrease in egg hatching with increase inextract concentration. Nepeta cataria, Couroupita quianensis and Pentanemaindicum were found to be most effective in reducing egg hatching. Larvalhatching and nematode mortality were strongly influenced by concentration of extract,plant species and duration of exposure.

The biocidalactivity of various isothiocyanates (ITCs) released by Brassica tissuesis well-known for its potential to suppress a range of soil-borne pests anddiseases. A study was carried out to evaluate the effect of incorporating freshcrucifer residue on root knot nematode, Meloidogyne hapla inoculumdensity, root knot disease development and celery yield. The ethanol extractsof cabbage, cauliflower, radish and Chinese cabbage leaves after harvest wasapplied to moist soil with high nematode population and covered with lowdensity polyethylene sheets (50 micron thickness). After 15 days the sheet wasremoved and celery seedlings were planted. Observation on shoot length, rootlength, green leaf and stalk yield and nematode population were recorded.Biofumigation with sulphur containing cruciferous vegetable waste at the rateof 1kg/5 kg soil was found to reduce significantly the root knot nematode, M.hapla infecting celery and enhance plant growth and yield. Among thevarious sources evaluated radish leaf residue was the most effective resultingin 60.6 % reduction in nematode population in soil and 41.9% increase in celerygreen leaf and stalk yield compared to untreated control.

Chilli (Capsicumannuum L.) is an important profitable cash crop. However, the productivityof the crop is decreasing sharply day by day mainly due to leaf curl complex.Chilli thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood) and yellow mite (Polyphagotarsonemuslatus Banks) are the two major pests responsible for this devastating problem.Seven IPM modules including a non-IPM module were evaluated for sustainablemanagement of these pests. Experimental findings revealed that all theIPM-modules proved superior to non IPM-module. The module T4 having one sprayof Boom Tet followed by Abamectin and again Boom Tet at 21 days interval provedmost effective in reducing pests population as well as in terms of benefit-costratio followed by module T5(Redux+ Garlic extract + Diafenthiuron) and T6 (NSKE + Redux + Boom Tet) when sprayedsuccessively at same interval. It can be concluded that module T4, T5 and T6 may beconsidered for sustainable production of chilli.

Metallicnanoparticles have been traditionally synthesized using wet chemical techniques,where the chemicals used are quite often toxic and flammable. In this research,we present a simple and ecofriendly biosynthesis of Ag nanoparticles using Ulvafasciata crude ethyl acetate extract as reducing and capping agent. The bionanoparticlecharacterized with UV-vis Spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, SEM and EDX. Characterizationreveals that the nanoparticles are crystalline in nature, spherical in shapeand poly-dispersed with size ranging from 28 to 41 nm. The alkyne group(3424.30 cm-1) of U.fasciata crude ethyl acetate extract shifted and reduced the AgNO3. GC-MS analysisrevealed the presence of 1-(Hydroxymethyl)–2, 5, 5, 8A-tetramethyl decahydro-2-napthalenol as reducing agent and hexadecanoic acid was found to be astabilizing agent. Ulva fasciata based bionanoparticles inhibited thegrowth of Xanthomonas campestris pv. malvacearum (14.00±0.58 mmZone of inhibition), with a Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of 40.00±5.77μg/mL.The study shows that U. fasciata crude ethyl acetate extract could beused as a reducing agent for simple ecofriendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles.However, more studies are essential before recommending them for diseasemanagement.

Seaweeds are theextraordinary sustainable resources in marine ecosystem which have been usedtraditionally as source of food, feed and medicine. The biological effects ofthallium Hexane (HE), Chloroform (CH), Methanol (ME) and Water (AQ) extract of Ulvafasciata Delile (UF) and Ulva lactuca Linnaeus (UL) were testedagainst Dysdercus cingulatus (Fab.) third instar nymphs at differentconcentrations (100, 200, 400, 600 and 800 ppm). Tested green algae caused dosedependent mortality. The ME of UF (LC50= 313.59 ppm) and UL (LC50= 399.27 ppm)shows more nymphicidal activity at 96 hrs. It is concluded that methanolextract of both UF and UL possesses nymphicidal, antiovipositional activity,reduced fecundity, hatchability, adult longevity and relative growth rate.However, more detailed studies are essential before recommending them for pestmanagement programme.

The study wascarried out to determine the antifeedant activity of different solvent extracts(0.625, 1.25, 2.5 and 5%) of Calotropis procera leaves against thirdinstar larvae of Spodoptera litura by leaf dip method. The maximum activitywas recorded in chloroform extract followed by hexane, ethanol, acetone, ethylacetate and methanol. Chloroform extract exhibited the best larvicidal activityagainst the S. litura. The antifeedant activity was directlyproportional to the concentration of the extract. Antifeedant effect in insectis one of the major parameters to assess the efficacy of crop protections. Theresults clearly indicate that the chloroform extract of C. procera possessesmany useful properties to control insect pests.

The impact ofleaf and flower extracts of Calendula officinalis on total protein andtotal carbohydrate contents of the hemolymph, midgut and midgut content of Spodopteralitura larvae were studied. Among the leaf and flower extracts tested inthe hemolymph, the highest reduction in protein content of the larvae wascaused by chloroform leaf and benzene flower extracts whereas in the midgut,chloroform leaf and petroleum ether flower extracts reduced the protein to themaximum. Aqueous leaf and flower extracts had least activity in both hemolymph andmidgut. However, in the midgut content, methanol leaf and chloroform flowershowed maximum reduction in protein content and petroleum ether leaf andmethanol flower showed least reduction. Total carbohydrate content was reducedby chloroform leaf, and petroleum ether flower extracts in hemolymph with leastreduction in benzene leaf and flower extracts treated larvae. In the midgut,chloroform leaf and flower extract caused maximum reduction whereas in themidgut content, methanol leaf and petroleum ether flower extracts showed reductionin carbohydrate content, while aqueous leaf and flower extracts showed anincrease in carbohydrate content in midgut content contrary to midgut. However,when compared to control, the protein and carbohydrate content were reduced inall the tissues of treated larvae irrespective of the extracts tested. Theseresults suggest that Calendula extracts affect the nutritional status ofSpodoptera litura larvae.

Botanicalpesticides have pesticidal or ovicidal or ovipositional or antifeedant orrepellent activities. The development of resistance to existing conventionalsynthetic pesticides and the increasing public concern over environmentalpollution and health hazards created by synthetic pesticides, generate a greatneed for new types of pest management agent’s advantage with higher activityagainst the target pests, and lower impact on humans and environmental quality.By keeping this idea in our mind, experiments were carried out to formulate andto determine the repellency of thallus extract and emulsifiable concentrations(EC) of Caulerpa scalpelliformis (R.Br.) Web. V. Bosse against thirdstadium Spodoptera litura larvae and Dysdercus cingulatus nymphsby Yshape olfactometer. Obtained results indicated that the formulated sea weedextract showed more repellent property than crude extract in dose dependentmanner. Crude chloroform extract highly repel S. litura (API = -1.00 at150 min after exposure) than D. cingulatus (API = -1.00 at 180 min afterexposure) than methanol and hexane extract of C. scalpelliformis. Allthe prepared EC formulations (EC 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0%) having good physicallystable and were highly effective against S. litura and D. cingulatus respectively.Hence, C. scalpelliformis -based formulation can be utilized forthe management of agricultural pests like S. litura and D.cingulatus.

Potato (Solanumtuberosum L.) is cultivated in India in a commercial scale and this crop issusceptible to various insect pests of which epilachna beetle (Henosepilachnavigintioctopunctata Fabr.) causes heavy damage. Studies were made toevaluate efficacy of extracts from plants such as Pongamia pinnata L.(Karanja) and Nicotiana tabacum L., botanical insecticide such asazadirachtin (1500 ppm), microbial insecticides like Beauveria bassianaVuillemin against epilachna beetle infesting potato crop under fieldconditions of the sub Himalayan region of north-east India during the rabiseason. Methanol was used as solvent for extracting from fruits of Pongamia andwater for leaves of Nicotiana tabacum. Cartap hydrochloride 50% SP wasused as check. Three sprays at 10-day intervals were made, starting with theinitiation of infestation. Total epilachna beetle numbers (both adult and grub)per plant were counted at 4 and 9 days after treatment (DAT). The data thusobtained were converted to the per cent reduction of the epilachna beetle populationand analyzed statistically. Significant differences were found in the efficacyof different treatments in reducing the pest population and their persistence atdifferent DAT. Cartap hydrochloride was found the most effective treatment forthe controlling epilachna beetles, followed by botanical insecticide,azadirachtin. It was observed that botanical insecticide, azadirachtin andextracts of Pongamia at a concentration of 5 % gave satisfactory control,recording more than 50 % mortality. The azadirachtin was found very effectiveagainst the epilachna beetle, achieving more than 60% mortality at 4 days afterspraying. Plant extracts, botanical insecticides and microbial insecticides arebiopesticides having less or no hazardous effects on human health and theenvironment, and therefore, they can be incorporated in IPM programmes andorganic farming.

Effect oforganic amendments (farm yard manure, neem cake, mahuva cake) was studied onFrench bean (variety Sln9; Bush type) during 2006-2007 at Regional CoffeeResearch Station, Thandigudi. The treatment combination, farm yard manure (FYM)(25 tonnes/ha) + neem cake (NC) (22kg) + mahuva cake (MC) (22 kg) + P (100kg/ha), FYM (25 tonnes/ha) + NC (45kg) + biofertilizers + P (100 kg/ha) withneed based application of neem oil (2%) reduced (by 84.21 and 86.29%) the incidenceof stemfly, Ophiomyia phaseoli (Tryon) and pod borer, Lampides boeticus(L.) (by 67.75 and 82.16%); also resulted in higher grain yields and bettercost benefit ratios.

A fieldexperiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a biointensive moduleincluding organic nutrients, botanicals and bio-control agents against majorinsect pests of coleus (Coleus forskohlii Briq.). The results of thestudy revealed that biointensive module for coleus (BIMC) II was effective inreducing the incidence of major pest of coleus, recording the mean leaf damageof 5.6 per cent with a reduction of 68.8 per cent for thrips (Scirtothripsdorsalis), 3.4 per cent with a reduction of 63.8 per cent for scale insects(Orthezia insignis) and 7.0 per cent with a reduction of 65.8 per centover full dose of NPK for defoliator (Orphanostigma abruptalis). Same modulerecorded the natural enemy activity equal to untreated check and recorded thehighest yield of 25,623 kg wet tubers/ha.

The efficacy ofleaf extracts of Momordica charantia and Bacillus thuringiensis hasbeen proven against larvicidal and pupicidal activities of the malarial vector,Anopheles stephensi. The present study investigated the larvicidal andpupicidal activity against the first to fourth instar lavae and pupae of thelaboratory-reared mosquitoes, An. stephensi. The plant extract showedlarvicidal and pupicidal effects after 24 h of exposure. All larval instars andpupae have considerably moderate mortality; however, the highest larval andpupal mortality was the methanol extract of leaf M. charantia againstthe first- to fourth instars larvae and pupae values of LC50=I instar was 93.45ppm, II instar was 123.74 ppm, III instar was 167.17 ppm, and IV instar was216.15 ppm, and pupae was 256.66 ppm, respectively and bacterial insecticide, B.thuringiensis for the first-to fourth instars larvae and pupae recorded theLC50 values: 53.47 ppm, 62.09 ppm, 79.15 ppm, 95.39 ppm, and 105.76 ppm for theI- IV instar larvae and pupae, respectively. The combined treatment recordedthe values of LC50 85.09 ppm, 90.51 ppm, 111.91 ppm, and 137.61 ppm for I to IVinstars and 154.40 ppm for pupae respectively. The results of the presentinvestigation revealed effect of methanolic extract of M. charantia and B.thuringiensis for controlling of larvicidal and pupicidal properties ofagainst malarial vector, A. stephensi.

The presentstudy was carried out to establish the properties of Acalypha alnifolia leafextract and microbial insecticide, Metarizhium anisopliae on larvicidaland pupicidal activity against the lymphatic filarial vector, Culex quinquefasciatus.The methanol extract of A. alnifolia leaf showed larvicidal andpupicidal effects after 24 h of exposure; with, the highest larval and pupalmortality was recorded against the first- to fourth-instar larvae and pupae ofvalues LC50= 5.67% 1st instar, 6.62% 2nd instar, 7.53% 3rd instar and 9.05% 4thinstar, and 10.20% pupae respectively, and microbial insecticide, M.anisopliae against the first to fourth instar larvae and pupae with LC50 values1st instar was 10.53%, 2nd instar was 15.57%, 3rd instar was 23.06%, and 4th instarwas 31.36%, and pupae was 42.54%, respectively. Moreover, combined treatment ofvalues of LC50 values of 1st instar was 3.73%, 2nd instar was 4.72%, 3rd instarwas 5.55%, and 4th instar was 7.66%, and pupae was 9.16%, respectively. Nomortality was observed in the control. The results shows the leaves extract of A.alnifolia and the entomopathogenic fungi, M. anisopliae arecandidates for controlling lymphatic filarial vector, C. quinquefasciatus.Hence, A. alnifolia and M. anisopliae can be considered foreco-friendly vector control programs.

Seasonal massinvasion of a litter-dwelling detritivorous beetle, Luprops tristis (Fabricius)(Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) into residential buildings prior to the onset ofsouth west monsoon showers and subsequent aggregation in prolonged state ofdormancy render them a very serious nuisance pest in rubber plantation tracts inthe Western Ghats. Despite their widespread presence as a nuisance pest withastonishing abundance, no efficient strategies for controlling the populationbuild up of L. tristis have been developed and its presence in residentialbuildings during the rainy season and in the bottom layers of rubber litterduring post rainy season makes insecticide based control a tough task.Predatory efficiency of weaver ants (Oecophylla smaragdina, Fabricius)on L. tristis were tested in both lab and field conditions. Active predationof the weaver ants on the beetle L. tristis during both nocturnal anddiurnal conditions and the non-deterrence by the gland secretions indicatesthat weaver ants is an efficient natural predator of L. tristis, and hasthe potential to be used as an effective biocontrol agent to regulate thepopulation build up of L. tristis. However, the lack of host plants of weaverants in the monoculture rubber plantations and the negative attitude ofstakeholders in view of their aggressiveness may hinder the introduction ofweaver ants as an effective predator of L. tristis in rubber plantations.

Sugarcane woollyaphid (SWA), Ceratovacuna lanigera Zehntner, appeared in an epidemicform in southern Maharashtra and Northern Karnataka, India during 2002 andbiological control of pest with potential predator, Micromus igorotus Bankswas found to be dependable remedy. So the predator was mass multiplied inlaboratory on SWA, and then released in sugarcane ecosystem. The adults werereared using plastic container of 25 cm (ht.) X 11.25 cm (dia) size and werereleased @ 25 pairs per container. SWA was given as adult food and cotton thread[15 cm (length) and 0.155 cm (thick)] was used as ovipositional substrate. Thelarvae were reared in plastic box with ventilated lid [10.00 cm (ht.) X 25.50cm (dia)] @ 100 larvae per box. At the time of pupation corrugated brown paperof 15.0 cm (l) X 12.0 cm (w)] was provided for pupation. The pupae of thepredator were released in SWA infested sugarcane fields @ 500, 1000 and 1500pupae/ha. Studies on predatory dosage, level of incidence and gestation periodfor suppression of SWA to desired level indicated that there exists choice inaltering the dosage depending on the severity of aphid incidence, age of thecrop and gestation period targeted for suppression of pest. Augmentation of 500pupae/ha was adequate to suppress the pest in 90 days when it was prevalent atgrade 2 – 3 on 6 – 7 month crop during June – November. To reduce the gestationperiod and thus to prevent growth and loss of cane, release of 1000 pupae/ha on6 – 7 months crop infested with SWA at 3 – 4 grade ensured the suppression ofthe pest in 60 days after release (DAR) in June – November. A dosage of 1500 pupae/haproved effective to lower the SWA incidence from sever state of grade 5 – 6 oncrop of 6 – 7 months in 30 DAR during June to November. In all the fieldrelease studies, native population of SWA predator assisted the augmentedpopulation.

Identificationof rubber plantation litter floor as the breeding and feeding habitat of thehome invading nuisance pest, Luprops tristis (Fabricius) and presence ofits egg, larval forms and pupae in litter layers leads to the possibility ofusing litter dwelling predatory ants as a potential biocontrol agent to controlits population build up. Search for data on the predatory litter ant speciesassociated with rubber plantations revealed that no data exists on the speciescomposition and abundance of litter ant community associated with the rubberplantation forests of the Western Ghats. In the present study, collection oflitter ants from the rubber plantations were done following the annual leafshedding employing pit fall traps and with traps baited with live mobile andimmobile L. tristis beetles to identify the ants that may prey upon thebeetles. Results revealed low abundance and species richness of litter ants inrubber plantation litter habitat and none of the ant species present in therubber plantation litter could be used as a biocontrol agent to control L.tristis as all are deterred either by the defensive gland secretion or bythe larger size and the active movement of L. tristis beetle.

Pulse beetle, Callosobruchusmaculatus (F.) (Bruchidae: Coleoptera) is a major pest of stored blackgram,greengram, cowpea and other pulse grains. Nnatural incidence of bruchidparasitoid Dinarmus sp. (Pteromalidae: Hymenoptera) have been recordedin the stored blackgram seeds and also at field level. 500 blackgram seeds werereleased with 2 pairs of fresh bruchid adults in 5 different sets (A to E) withthree replications. Two pairs of freshly emerged adult parasitoids werereleased at 5, 10, 15 and 20 days (A to D) after bruchid inoculation. A set ofcontrol (E) was maintained with no parasitoid release. Among the treatments,parasitoid released on 5th and 10th day had more adult parasitoid emergence(9.0 and 11.0) in the first generation and bruchid adult emergence was low (3.0and 2.0) in the treatments. The parasitoid and bruchids were allowed up to fourgenerations in the same set of seeds. The adult parasitoid emergence was thehighest in second generation and in subsequent generation the emergence ofparasitoid and bruchid was the least. After second generation the seeds were totallydamaged in the control. The mass culturing techniques of the parasitoid and thefeasibility for large scale release to control bruchids to be studied infuture.

The resultsrevealed that awareness on the use of bio-control methods against tukra anduzifly was created due to the demonstrations conducted by the scientists andmajority of the farmers found that the biocontrol agents were effective inchecking the pest incidence. However, the farmers did not follow the technologyafter the demonstration. Non-availability of biocontrol agents was the primaryreason expressed by the farmers for nonadoption of the technology.

The Rice blue beetle, Leptispa pygmaea Baly,reported earlier as a minor pest, is recently attaining the status of a majorpest by causing much concern in several rice growing tracts of Palakkad,Kannurand Kasaragod districts in Kerala, India. Attempts have been made for the firsttime in Kerala to study the morphometrics and morphology of the beetle for itscorrect identification and management. The beetle was found to lay oval shapedeggs on the rice leaves and the egg measured 0.20 mm length and 0.12 mm width.The eggs hatched into creamy white grubs with two spiny projections on the headand two tubular projections on the posterior end of the body. The grubs hadfive larval instars and the head capsule of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th instarsmeasured a width of 0.17, 0.20, 0.23, 0.26 and 0.26 mm respectively. The grubpupated on the leaf and was seen attached loosely by its posterior end. Thebrown coloured pupa measured 3.89 mm (length) and 1.32 mm (width). The adultbeetle was metallic greenish yellow in colour with longer antennae, narrowthorax and a long body. The female rice blue beetle could be differentiated byits shorter antennae, broader thorax and stouter body. The antennal scape wasbroader in the female compared to that of the male. The male reproductivesystem consists of aedeagus with two parts of tegmen and siphon.The aedeagusshowed an average length of 1.36 mm and width 0.07 mm (anterior) and 0.10 mm(posterior). The female reproductive system showed spermatheca and two lateralcoxites with an average length of 1.60 mm and a width of 0.52 mm

Indian Treepie Dendrocittavagabunda parvula (Latham, 1790) (Passeriformes: Corvidae), is a widespreadresident bird commonly found in coconut and areca palm plantation belts. Foodand feeding habits of Indian Treepie were studied by direct focal observationmethod gut content analysis and faecal matter analysis in an agricultural beltin south Malabar, North Kerala. Indian Treepie prefers coconut and areca palmplantations for foraging activities, and is an omnivore feeding on animal andplant items ranging from invertebrate to vertebrate species, with insectsforming the main group. Its unique prey catching methods namely, hang feedingand shake and wait catch methods enable the bird to consume the hiding insectsfrom the lengthy fronds of coconut and areca palms, which are inaccessible toother insectivorous birds. Capacity of Indian Treepie to feed on the lower sideof the fronds is the reason for its higher incidence in coconut and areca palmplantations. This feature makes it as a natural enemy of the insects living onthe fronds of palm trees. As it feeds up on many pests of agricultural cropslike grasshopper, red palm weevil, banana stem weevil, cockroaches, nestlingsof house rat and squirrel, Indian Treepie is an important biocontrol agent inthe agro ecosystem of the region. Areca nut harvesting practices and predationby Jungle Crow are the major causes of egg loss and nestling loss of Indian Treepiein the region.

Developing Biointensive Integrated PestManagement (BIPM) package involving bio agents and safer insecticides facilitateto achieve sustainable yield and quality and monitory benefits to farmers and sugarmills and brings out green environment. In order to find out the effect ofvarious BIPM components to sugarcane borer complex an investigation wasundertaken at Sugarcane Research Station, Melalathur during 2010-2011. Thetreatments imposed were: T1 carbofuran 3G @ 1 kg a i ha-1 at basal and 105 DAP(days after planting), T2-rynaxypyr 20 SC @ 75 g aiha-1 (sett treatment) + soildrenching at105 DAP @ 75 g a i ha-1, T3-intercropping of blackgram+ mechanicalremoval of top borer infested shoots and egg masses of internode and topborers, T4- neemcake @ 125 kg ha-1 at basal and 105 DAP, T5-release of T.chilonis@ 2.5 cc ha-1 release-1 starting from 30 to180 DAP at 15 days interval (11releases), T6-combination of T4 + T5, T7- intercropping of blackgram +Detrashing at 150, 180 and 210 DAP+ T6 and T8 untreated check. Observations onthe incidence of shoot borer were recorded on 30, 45, 60 and 90th days afterplanting and percentage of shoot borer incidence was recorded and pooledincidence were worked out. The internode borer incidence was recorded at thetime of harvest based on number of canes affected with respect to total numberof canes in a randomly selected row in each plot and percentage incidence ofinternode borer was worked out. The yield parameters like cane yield, sugar yieldand per cent CCS recorded at the time of harvest. Results clearly showed thatrynaxypyr 20 SC @ 75 g ai ha-1 recorded lowest percent damage of early shootborer followed by T7. The incidence of internode borer was the lowest in T2 whichrecorded highest cane yield of 102.50 tonnes/ha followed by T7

Sericulture is an agro-based enterprise, highlysuited to small and marginal farm holdings with less capital investment. Cocoonproduction involves two distinct activities namely, mulberry leaf production,which is the sole feed for silkworm and silkworm rearing. Both mulberry andsilkworm are infested with a number of pests, which affect the cocoon qualityand productivity resulting in economic loss to the farmers. Chemical controlmeasure of pests is widely adopted by the farmers and its hazardous effects onhuman health and beneficial organisms are the least considered. Therefore,Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques mainly involving suitablebiological measures have been evolved and popularized for the control ofmulberry and silkworm pests. However, despite the favourable results, theadoption level has remained low. In this context, a study was conducted inThirunelveli and Virudunagar districts of Tamil Nadu with the informationcollected from 60 randomly selected farmers to understand the gap betweenavailable scientific knowledge in IPM practices and its adoption by sericulturefarmers. The results revealed that there was the highest technological gap(87.60 %) in the adoption of biological control measures against the mulberrypests whereas the gap with cultural/ mechanical practices was 33.30 % andminimum 9.80% in the adoption of chemical measures. In case of management ofuzifly menace on silkworms, there was no technological gap with respect tomechanical method of using nylon net to prevent the entry of uzifly inside the rearinghouse, whereas the technological gap of 77.00 % and 71.50% was observed forbiological and chemical control methods, respectively. Thus, the IPM practiceswith the special emphasis on biocontrol method needs to be popularized amongthe farmers by intensified extension efforts for wider adoption at the farmer’slevel.

Bacillusthuringiensis (Bt)was investigated in three different habitats (vegetable and crops-cultivated soils,phylloplanes and insect guts) of Bangladesh. A total of 61 Bacillus cereus-likeisolates were obtained by selective methods and 57 of those were identified as Bacillusthuringiensis isolates based on their hemolytic activity, presence ofparasporal crystal proteins, plasmid profile and crystal protein profile. Theprevalence of Bt was highest (60%) in soil samples followed by leaf andinsects. Five different types of parasporal crystal proteins (spherical,bipyramidal, irregular pointed, cuboidal and irregular shaped) were observedamong the isolates which indicates the diversity of the local Bt isolatesexamined. In addition, confirmation of the strain identification was done using16S rDNA gene sequencing. Plasmid analysis recovered from the isolatesyielded at least one 15kb DNA, which is well comparable to the referencestrain, B. thuriginesis kurstaki var. HD-73. Further similaritybetween the test and standard strains was observed while analyzing crystalproteins on a SDS-polyacrylamide gel that produced major bands of Cry1, Cry2and Cry9 type proteins. Bioassay performed with isolates Bt-01i, Bt-25f andreference strain, Bt kurstaki var. HD-73 against pulse beetles Callosobrochuschinensis resulted LC50 values of 0.30, 0.72 and 0.22 mg/ml crude proteinsrespectively which demonstrated their competency in Biopesticide production andapplication.

Microbial andherbivore induced phytochemical changes were studied in okra variety, Arkaanamika and hybrid,  CoBhH1, againstshoot and fruit borer, Earias vittella. Induction was done either bymicrobial alone (microbial talc-based bioformulation Pseudomonas fluorescens(Pf1), Beauveria bassiana B2 isolate, Pf1+B2 consortia) or by bothmicrobial and herbivore (E. vittella infestation). Herbivore alone infestedplants served as infested control and undamaged plants left as absolutecontrol. Biochemical pathways encompassing induced resistance viz.,phenols and oxidizing defense enzymes such as peroxidase (PO), phenylalanineammonia lyase (PAL) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) were assessed to envisage thedevelopment of induced resistance. Accumulation of phenol was high in Pf1+B2consortia inoculated plants as against absolute control in variety, Arkaanamika and hybrid, CoBhH1. Inoculation with both microbial consortia and E.vittella caused 9.8 times increased accumulation of phenolics in ArkaAnamika and 8.6 times in CoBhH1. Defense enzymes activity was alsosignificantly higher in Pf1 + B2 consortia treated plants as against absolutecontrol. Further, infestation by E. vittella resulted in the enhancementof accumulation of phenols, induction of PO, PAL and PPO activity. In absolutecontrol, CoBhH1 had higher phenolic accumulation and increased activity ofdefense enzymes than Arka Anamika.

The continuoususe of inorganic fertilizers over a period of time cannot sustain the cropyield for a long time, in view of their harmful effects on soil aggregation,and poor root anchorage for normal nutrient and moisture uptake. The organicmanures play an important role in supplying macro and micronutrients andimprove the physical, chemical and biological property of the soil. The presentstudy was undertaken to study the effect of organic nutrients supplementingthrough foliar spray of panchakavya (5 and 10%), vermiwash (10 and 15%) and seriboost(0.2%) on 15, 25 and 35 days after pruning following basal doses of vermicompostand inorganic fertilizers in normal recommendation in mulberry garden. Thetreatment of panchakavya and vermiwash showed better performance in mulberrygrowth parameter viz., number of shoots/plant, total biomass and leafyield. The average incidence of pest tukra mealy bug Maconellicoccushirsutus (Green), Pseudodendrothrips mori, leaf webber D.pulverulentalis were minimum in the treatment of panchakavya and vermiwash.On the food consumption and utilization of Bombyx mori L. larvae (CSR2 xCSR4) fed on leaves treated with panchakavya, vermiwash and seriboost revealedthat with advancing instars, irrespective of the treatment food consumption increased,but the pattern of food consumption differed significantly. The rate of feeding(Cr), Assimilation (Ar), and production (Pr) were higher in larvae treated withpanchakavya (10%) and vermiwash (15%), over control. The assimilationefficiency and larval growth of the larvae fed on leaves treated withpanchakavya, vermiwash and Seriboost increased over control.

Disruptingjuvenile hormone (JH), an important hormone that has a major role in insectdevelopment and reproductive function, will disrupt insect development. JH wasshown to be primarily metabolized by two hydrolytic enzymes in the a /b-hydrolasefold family known as JH esterase (JHE; EC 3.1.1.1) and JH epoxide hydrolase(JHEH; EC 3.3.2.3). The major routes of JH metabolism in Lepidoptera are esterhydrolysis by JHE and epoxide hydration by JHEH. These catabolic pathwaysgenerate three metabolites (JH-acid, JH-diol and JHacid- diol) that are eachbelieved to be physiologically inactive. The most direct use in disruptinginsect life cycle is with baculoviruses through increasing the efficiency ofthem by introducing these two metabolic enzymes into baculovirus genome. Thisrecombinant technology provides in vivo long-term stability andefficiency for pest control. Recombinant baculoviruses with JHE or JHEHproteins represent valuable technology that may has great potential foreffective integration pest management system. Such a demonstration wouldindicate that JHE or JHEH, as novel anti-JH agents, make them as potentbiopesticides and may represent a major step toward a more sustainableagriculture.

Non-chemicalmethods for control of the most important aphids on apple in Bulgaria, rosyapple aphid (Dysaphis plantaginea Pass.) and spiraea aphid (Aphisspiraecola Patch.), were evaluated under field conditions in the regionof Plovdiv (Central-South Bulgaria). Two treatments with the kaolin containingproduct, SurroundâWP, applied in October, significantly reduced thenumber of winter eggs of D. plantaginea. Its effectiveness was comparableto that of the defoliation of apple trees. The botanical insecticides Neem AzalT/S (azadirachtin) and Pyretrum FS EC (pyrethrum) showed an excellenteffectiveness against rosy apple aphid but were ineffective againstspiraea aphid. The microbial insecticides Naturalisâ (Beauveria bassiana)and Preferal WG (Paecilomyces fumosoroseus) had a delayed initialeffect. However, on five to seven days after treatment, these pesticides showeda very good effectiveness against A. spiraecola and excellenteffectiveness against D. plantaginea.

Potato (Solanumtuberosum L.) is an important commercial vegetable crop widely grown inmore than 100 countries. Potato cyst nematodes, Globodera rostochiensis (Wollenweber)and G. pallida (Stone) are basically found in temperate climate and arethe most important quarantine pests since they are causing concern to potato productionand trade throughout the world. Studies were conducted to assess thecompatibility of the egg parasitic fungi Pochonia chlamydosporia withother bio control agents viz., Pseudomonas fluorescens and Trichodermaviride and carbofuran 3G in the management of cyst nematode, Globodera sppin potato. The biocontrol agents were evaluated individually and in differentcombinations under pot culture conditions. Observations on plant growth andnematode population were recorded. Combined application of the egg parasiticfungi, P. chlamydosporia along with P. fluorescens and T.viride and carbofuran resulted in significantly higher plant growth andlower cyst nematode population in soil and root. The tuber weight increased by70.57 per cent and the cyst population in soil decreased by 71.93 per cent.There was also significant reduction in the population of eggs and juveniles.The results revealed that the P. chlamydosporia is compatible with otherbiocontrol agents namely P. fluorescens and T. viride andcarbofuran and can be included in integrated cyst nematode management programs.

Efficacy of somepromising botanicals and the synergists were compared to the commonly usedchemical dichlorvos (76EC) against jassid Empoasca flavescens F.infesting mulberry as well as their biosafety to natural enemies. Among thebotanicals, sole application of neem oil (3%), FORS (2%) and pongamia oil (3%)recorded 48.73, 46.88 and 42.49% reduction in jassid population respectively,whereas the NSKE (5%) exhibited least among all (33.59% at 1 DAS).Thesynergistic effect of neem oil and FORS recorded the best, 72.64% reduction followedby Pongamia oil + FORS (62.81%) and neem oil + pongamia oil (60.16%). Thoughdichlorvos was effective than all treatments (88.57% reduction) the chemicalalso eliminated more than 90% population of predatory coccinellids and spidersbut the botanicals found relatively safer. Hence, the combination of neem oil (3%)with fish oil rosin soap (2%) could be used as an alternate to dichlorvos tomanage jassid menace in mulberry as well as to conserve the natural enemies.

Continuous usageof pesticide is the main cause of cellular damage by generation of freeradicals. Antioxidants are intimately involved in the prevention of cellulardamage. Hence the present investigation is mainly focused to study theantioxidant property of cyanobacterial extracts from diverse environments inorder to prevent the free radicals toxicity. The alcoholic extracts ofdifferent cyanobacterial isolates including Oscillatoria salina Synechcococcus,Oscillatoria annae, Oscillatoria chlorina, Spirulina sabsalsa and Spirullinaplatensis were analyzed for their antioxidant property by physical bodyweight change, swimming time and biochemical parameters (superoxide dismutaseactivity and total reduced glutathione activity) by using Swiss mice. Stress wasinduced by forced swimming test and the antioxidant efficiency of cyanobacterialextracts was determined. The results showed that Spirulina platensis possesssignificant antioxidant property and Synechcococcus sp possess leastactivity when compared to other cyanobacterial isolates and control.

The presentstudy was undertaken to evaluate the effect of soil amendment with urea coatedwith nimin (neembased product with neem-triterpenes) and oils of neem, castor,and rocket- salad on the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, andplant growth of mung in pots. Soil amendment with urea coated with different dosesviz., 0.02g, 0.04g and 0.06g/pot of nimin and oils of neem, castorrocket-salad significantly reduced the development of the root-knot nematodeand thereby improved plant growth and increased chlorophyll content of mungleaves at 1% and 5% level of signicicance. The highest improvement was observedin plants treated with urea coated with nimin than neem oil, castor oil androcket-salad. A significant reduction in root-nodulation was also observed as aresult of soil amendment with urea coated with different doses of nimin andplant oils at 1% and 5% level of significance. Soil amendments with urea coatedwith the larger doses of the treatments were more effective than soil amendedwith smaller doses.