Field-Based Evaluation of IPM Strategies for Insect-Transmitted Viral Diseases in Rice-Fallow Blackgram in Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh, India | Chapter 02 | Agricultural Sciences: Techniques and Innovations Vol. 6

 

Black gram (Vigna mungo) is an important pulse crop of India. In coastal Andhra Pradesh, it fits well under the rice fallow-pulse ecosystem with residual moisture after the harvest of paddy. However, rice fallow blackgram is mainly attacked by certain pests and diseases leading to great loss to the farmers. In response to these challenges, a potential solution for adoption is Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. This study was conducted in ten locations of the farmers’ fields during 2020-21, 2021-22, and 2022-23 by the KVK and explored the impact of IPM on the Management of Sucking pests in Rice fallow Blackgram with the emphasis on the use of resistant varieties, seed treatment and other cultural practices. Data were recorded from ten randomly selected plants from each field. The observations were recorded to assess the percentage of virus-affected plants. The seed yield, cost of cultivation, net benefit and cost-benefit ratios were also calculated. By adoption of IPM practices in all three years, the incidence of the leaf crinkle, leaf curl and YMV was reduced in comparison with farmers’ practice; while bud necrosis was not noticed in all these years. This has resulted in a reduction in the average cost of cultivation by Rs. 2690.00 per hectare, and the average net income was improved by Rs. 13596 per hectare compared to the farmers' practice. The average yield levels (1659 kg/ha) improved by 10.91 per cent compared to farmers' practice (1496 kg/ha), giving a clear indication that adoption of IPM practices helped in improving the net income levels to the resource-poor farmers. This study concluded that IPM practices are substantially more effective than indiscriminate pesticide use for managing sucking pests like Aphids, Jassids, Thrips and Whiteflies and associated viral diseases in rice fallow blackgram. To minimize early vector infestation and prevent yield losses, integrated approaches involving seed treatment, elimination of alternative weed hosts, and cultivation of resistant varieties should be prioritised.

 

Author(s)details:-

 

P. Srilatha
Open and Distance Learning Center (ODLC), A.N.G.R. Agricultural University, Lam, Guntur, India.

 

Ch. Srilatha Vani
Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), A.N.G.R. Agricultural University, Lam, Guntur, India.

 

M. Ganga Devi
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, S.V. Veterinary University, Lam, Guntur, India.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/asti/v6/6597

Management Strategies for Termite Infestation in Indian Agroforestry System: A Review with a Focus on Microtermes and Odontotermes | Chapter 10 |Research Perspective on Biological Science Vol. 8

 

Termites are considered destructive and generalised feeders of plants, and they are reported to inflict major economic injuries on various crop species all over the world. There are about 3,105 species of termites known; close to 185 are globally recognised as serious pests. Especially members of the family Termitidae are known to cause major injuries to agricultural and horticultural crops. India is rich in termite diversity; it harbours 286 species belonging to 52 genera under six families, representing almost 10% of the world’s termite fauna. In India, Odontotermes obesus and Microtermes obesi species are major pests that attack agricultural and plantation crops during either vegetative or reproductive growth stages. This study explores termite ecology and management in forestry and agroforestry systems. It also highlights knowledge gaps that are important for sustainable forest management and integrated agricultural practices. Termite attacks on live trees are basically divided into two types, with one being attacks by monophagous colonies restricted to specific host plants and localised areas, and the other being attacks by polyphagous species, which are capable of foraging in different landscapes and feeding on an array of hosts. The study also examines termite infestation behaviour in standing trees, deadwood, field crops, and horticultural systems. For the past six decades, farmers have applied chemical insecticides for termite control. There exist several traditional and indigenous methods for termite control; these methods often possess local application only, and when results are generalised, they do not yield consistent results. No single method can be termed as permanently fulfilling this role. There, perhaps, lies the root of the much-needed integrated pest management (IPM), considering coupling such cultural, mechanical, biological, and botanical methods with chemical ones for better results. Though chemical control is the most commonly used method by farmers, it is often neither sustainable nor economic. Biological control would appear to hold much promise as part of management programs. Entomopathogenic organisms, while highly potential for control of termite populations, have been hardly used, especially in the field, because of a lack of focused research and application. Further research and field studies need to be done to bring this into its true potential. On the horizon, we envisage that a combined and strategic implementation of the various control practices will help pave the way to more sustainable, environmentally friendly methods for controlling termite infestations in commercially important crops.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Nishant Ghode
Department of Forestry and Wildlife, School of Studies in Forestry & Wildlife, Shaheed Mahendra Karma Vishwavidyalaya, Jagdalpur, District - Bastar, Chhattisgarh, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rpbs/v8/6444

 

Management Strategies for Sugarcane Borers and Yield Loss Assessment under Changing Climatic Conditions in Andhra Pradesh, India |Chapter 6 | Research Perspective on Biological Science Vol. 7

 

Sugarcane is an important commercial crop that has been used for centuries as a feedstock for sugar production. Sugarcane borers are among the most critical constraints to cane yield and sugar recovery in India. In Andhra Pradesh, the early shoot borer (ESB), Chilo infuscatellus Snellen and the internode borer (INB), Chilo sacchariphagus indicus Kapur, are the predominant pests, causing substantial yield losses. Considering the severe damage caused by these borers, particularly during the early stages of crop development, effective pest management is essential to maintain optimal plant density and achieve high cane yield. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of borer infestation on cane yield and evaluate the efficacy of various management strategies, including chemical, non-chemical, and integrated pest management (IPM) methods. Field studies were conducted in a Randomised Block Design (RBD) comprised of four treatments and four replications at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Anakapalle, during 2023-24 and 2024-25. The study included four treatments, namely, chemical control, non-chemical control, integrated practices (IPM) involving both chemical and non-chemical methods, and an untreated control. The data on ESB were recorded at 30, 60, 90 and 120 days after planting. The data on INB, growth parameters, and juice sucrose were recorded at harvest. Standard procedures were followed for recording observations, and the data were statistically analysed. The results revealed that more than 30% early shoot borer (ESB) incidence and 100% internode borer (INB) infestation with 26.6% intensity reduced the number of millable canes, juice sucrose, and cane weight, resulting in 18.7 per cent yield loss compared to the protected plot with IPM module (chemical + non-chemical). The IPM module significantly reduced the ESB and INB infestations and increased cane yield by 23.1% over the untreated control, achieving a benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 2.73. In chemical and non-chemical methods alone resulted in yield increases of 19.9% and 16.7%, with BCRs of 2.69 and 2.62, respectively. The present findings emphasise the effectiveness of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies in controlling sugarcane borers, which demonstrated that combining chemical, cultural, biological, and pheromone-based methods offer an effective approach for managing borer pests in sugarcane. These results also highlight the effectiveness of adopting integrated approaches over standalone chemical or non-chemical methods for sustainable borer pest management and yield enhancement in sugarcane.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Bhavani B
Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, Regional Agricultural Research Station, Anakapalle, India.

 

Saritha R
Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, Regional Agricultural Research Station, Anakapalle, India.

 

Visalakshi M
Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, Regional Agricultural Research Station, Anakapalle, India.

 

Adilakshmi D
Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, Regional Agricultural Research Station, Anakapalle, India.

 

Mukunda Rao Ch
Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, Regional Agricultural Research Station, Anakapalle, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rpbs/v7/6265

 

Potential of Neem (Azadirachta indica) as an Organic Fertilizer and Biopesticide for Improving Soil Fertility, Foliar Pest Suppression, and Okra Growth | Chapter 11 | Agricultural Sciences: Techniques and Innovations Vol. 4

 

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) is a vital vegetable crop grown in many tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Okra provides a valuable source of vitamins, minerals, calories, and amino acids. Conventional reliance on chemical fertilisers, while enhancing soil fertility, is costly and contributes to land degradation. Additionally, global interest in biorational pesticides (botanical and microbial) is increasing for the sustainable management of pests. Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a rapidly growing tree from the mahogany family (Meliaceae), and it has traditionally been used in agriculture, the environment, and public health. Recent studies, however, have not explored the promising impact of neem as a basal and foliar organic fertiliser and pesticide. This study was conducted to investigate and examine the use of neem as a basal organic fertiliser and pesticide alternative for environmental and consumer safety. The purpose was to assess the efficacy of an organic integrated pest management (IPM) module against nematodes and insect pests of okra during the primary growing season of 2022. Using a randomised complete block design with three replications, the study evaluated seven treatments, including neem leaf paste (NLP), neem leaf extract (NLE), synthetic fertilisers (NPK), and controls in 5×4 m plots. A total of 42 (21 samples each) soil samples were taken from the study area, bagged, labelled, and transported to the laboratory for physicochemical analysis. The results revealed that the organic IPM module (NLP × NLE) significantly improved soil health parameters by increasing organic matter content by 53% compared to the control, while reducing the C/N ratio. The treatment also showed remarkable pest suppression, decreasing root-knot nematode populations by 89% and maintaining beneficial insect numbers. Neem-treated plots experienced a 40% reduction in foliar damage from Podagrica spp., resulting in a yield increase of 296% compared to the control. These findings demonstrate a practical application of neem in sustainable okra cultivation, thereby offering a low-cost and environmentally friendly solution for smallholder farmers. The result of this study presents a practical application of neem in sustainable okra cultivation by offering cost-effective and eco-friendly solutions for smallholder farmers. The organic IPM module 3 is therefore recommended for improving soil fertility, reducing soil and foliar pest pressure, and enhancing crop yield safely and sustainably.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Adams Sadick
CSIR-Soil Research Institute, Academy Post Office, Kwadaso-Kumasi, Ghana.

 

Esther Marfo-Ahenkora
CSIR-Animal Research Institute, Post Office Box AH20, Achimota, Ghana.

 

Prince Martin Gyekye
CSIR-Soil Research Institute, Post Office Box M32, Accra Centre, Ghana.

 

Judith Frimpong-Manso
CSIR-Soil Research Institute, Academy Post Office, Kwadaso-Kumasi, Ghana.

 

Mohammed Musah
CSIR-Soil Research Institute, Academy Post Office, Kwadaso-Kumasi, Ghana.

 

Augustine Agyekum
CSIR-Animal Research Institute, Post Office Box AH20, Achimota, Ghana.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/asti/v4/6273

Yellow Sticky Traps in Integrated Pest Management: Progress and Challenges| Chapter 4 | Research Perspective on Biological Science Vol. 7

Effective monitoring and controlling of insect-pests is vital for safeguarding agricultural yields and ensuring food security. Yellow Sticky Traps (YSTs) serve as essential instruments in integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, effectively aiding in the monitoring and control of flying insect pests within agricultural and greenhouse environments. These traps take advantage of the powerful visual appeal that numerous insects possess for the color yellow, which mimics floral cues and reflects light at wavelengths that are particularly noticeable to insect photo-receptors. This study emphasizes the evolving significance of YSTs as both monitoring and management tools in sustainable pest control systems. YSTs are presently used in Agriculture to cover and control pests in crops similar as tomatoes, cucumbers, and citrus), Greenhouses (to detect early infestations), Urban Pest Control (to manage houseflies and fungus gnats), and scientific exploration (to study insect geste and population dynamics). YSTs play a crucial role in spotting early infestations, pinpointing pest hotspots, and evaluating the relative abundance and movement of pests like whiteflies, thrips, aphids, and leaf miners. The incorporation of pheromones, kairomones, and UV-reflective coatings has significantly boosted their effectiveness. While YSTs offer affordability, environmental benefits, and user-friendliness, they also have drawbacks, such as the potential to capture non-target species and their restriction to the flying stages of pests. The implementation of high trap densities for mass trapping has proven effective in diminishing pest populations in controlled environments. Their involvement in decision-making and sustainable pest management is continually progressing alongside innovations in lure technology and trap design. However, challenges such as trap saturation, species misidentification, limited integration with automated technologies, and environmental sensitivity remain areas for further research and innovation. Despite these challenges, YSTs remain versatile and eco-friendly components of IPM. In conclusion, while Yellow Sticky Traps alone may not provide complete control in the face of severe infestations, they are an essential component of IPM strategies.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Santhoshraj Nagaraj
Department of Entomology, SRM College of Agricultural Sciences, Baburayenpettai, Chengalpattu, India.

 

Vairam Namachivayam
Department of Agricultural Engineering, SRM Valliammai Engineering College, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu, India.

 

Murugan Nagarajan a
Department of Entomology, SRM College of Agricultural Sciences, Baburayenpettai, Chengalpattu, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rpbs/v7/6264

Development and Assessment of an Integrated Light-Acoustic-Chemical Trap for Sustainable Crop Pest Management | Chapter 8 | Agricultural Sciences: Techniques and Innovations Vol. 4

 

In modern farming, insect traps have become an important tool for managing pests in a way that’s both effective and environmentally friendly. Instead of relying only on chemical pesticides, farmers now use a variety of traps like sticky cards, light traps, and pheromone-baited devices to monitor and control harmful insect populations. Conventional pest management relies heavily on chemical pesticides, causing environmental and ecological concerns. Therefore, eco-friendly trapping systems are necessary for sustainable agriculture. The aim of the present study was to observe and evaluate the effectiveness of a newly designed composite light-sound-lure-based trap system for monitoring and controlling insect pests. This trap was designed to assess the efficiency of various components installed in a newly developed configuration. The primary objective of the present investigation was to assess the behavioural responses of various insect and pest species to a newly designed trap. The system integrated UV light (365 nm and 395 nm), blue light, sticky cards, an electric grid, and an ultrasonic transducer. It also uses blue and white LED lights, which make the trap more visible and attractive to several other insect species. The trap also uses chemical lures, such as pheromones or food-based scents, to draw in specific pest species more effectively. The trap has an electric grid that kills insects immediately on contact. The trap was operated for three hours, from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Results indicated high attraction rates for several key agricultural pests, including scarab beetles, moths, thrips, whiteflies, mosquitoes, and leafhoppers, with blue light being particularly effective against small flying insects. The sticky surfaces and electric grid contributed to enhanced pest mortality. Notably, the ultrasonic component successfully deterred bats, thereby minimising non-target interference near fruit-bearing trees. The results indicate that UV-LED light enhances spatial congruence between predator and prey. The present composite trap demonstrated considerable promise as a multi-functional, non-toxic, and field-adaptable solution for use in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) systems. Since this trap has not been previously studied in a quantitative framework, future research is possible regarding its effectiveness or insect interaction patterns.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Kamble V. S.
Department of Zoology, Sangola Mahavidyalaya, Sangola, Dist. Solapur (Maharashtra), India.

 

Lokhande P. S.
Department of Zoology, Sangola Mahavidyalaya, Sangola, Dist. Solapur (Maharashtra), India.

 

Yadav T. L.
Department of Zoology, Sangola Mahavidyalaya, Sangola, Dist. Solapur (Maharashtra), India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/asti/v4/6280

Compendium of Technologies for Higher Yield and Aflatoxin Management in Groundnut | Chapter 10 | Current Research Progress in Agricultural Sciences Vol. 7

In Ghana, groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production plays an important role in livelihoods, particularly for women farmers in rural communities. Per capita consumption is estimated at 12 kg per year. About 80% of Ghanaians consume groundnut products at least once a week, and about 32% at least thrice a week. About 39% of consumers in Northern Ghana grow it themselves. Three salient challenges limiting groundnut production are low access to improved seed, poor soils, and aflatoxin contamination. This study adopted integrated strategies to enhance the knowledge of actors on best production technologies to increase yield and reduce the risk of aflatoxin contamination. In this study, on-farm validation trials were conducted to provide a platform to showcase the effects of best practices (i.e. improved variety, soil amendments, Rhizobium inoculants, and integrated pest management) on yield and aflatoxin contamination.  The average yield of the farmers’ practice was 0.56 to 0.95 t/ha compared to 0.85 to 1.26 t/ha from best management practices. The pod yield of the integrated pest management plots (1.03 t/ha) outperformed the farmer practice (0.64 t/ha) across the locations. The application of organic manure, mineral fertilizer, and manure + mineral fertilizer increased yield by 23.5%, 30%, and 39%, respectively, over the control. The application of YARA-Legume + Rhizobium inoculant or TSP + Rhizobium inoculant resulted in consistently higher pod yield (1.22 t/ha) and (1.01 t/ha), respectively compared to the control (0.57 t/ha), or single application of any amendment. At 12 ppm permissible level, all samples contained safe aflatoxin levels (4.43 to 5.45 ppm) at 8 months after harvest. In conclusion, a significant reduction in aflatoxins contamination can be achieved by integrating these practices into the current groundnut production systems. Albeit, access (cost and availability) to these technologies remains a barrier to disseminating these technologies to largely smallholder farmers.

 

Author (s) Details

 

ssah Sugri
CSIR-Savanna Agriculture Research Institute, P.O. Box 52 Tamale, Ghana.

 

Osei-Agyeman Yeboah
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University, 1601 East Market Street Greensboro, NC 27411-0001, North Carolina.

 

John K. Bidzakin
CSIR-Savanna Agriculture Research Institute, P.O. Box 52 Tamale, Ghana.

 

Salim Lamini
CSIR-Savanna Agriculture Research Institute, P.O. Box 52 Tamale, Ghana.

 

Rashidatu Abdulai
CSIR-Savanna Agriculture Research Institute, P.O. Box 52 Tamale, Ghana.

 

Ahmed Seidu
CSIR-Savanna Agriculture Research Institute, P.O. Box 52 Tamale, Ghana.

 

Jerry Asalma Nboyine
CSIR-Savanna Agriculture Research Institute, P.O. Box 52 Tamale, Ghana.

 

Mukhtaru Zakaria
CSIR-Savanna Agriculture Research Institute, P.O. Box 52 Tamale, Ghana.

 

Mutari Abubakari
CSIR-Savanna Agriculture Research Institute, P.O. Box 52 Tamale, Ghana.

 

Issah Alidu Abukari
CSIR-Savanna Agriculture Research Institute, P.O. Box 52 Tamale, Ghana.

 

Mumuni Abudulai
CSIR-Savanna Agriculture Research Institute, P.O. Box 52 Tamale, Ghana.

 

Eli Gaveh
Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/crpas/v7/4093

A Review of Integrative Strategies for Sustainable Management of Bagworm Infestations in Malaysia and Indonesia | Chapter 5 | Current Research Progress in Agricultural Sciences Vol. 8

The agricultural sector, especially crop production and forests often faces challenges due to significant outbreaks of Bagworm pests, for instance, in oil palm plantations and arborvitae landscapes. Various studies have reported that the indiscriminate use of organochlorine insecticides has disrupted the populations of natural enemies, inadvertently worsening pests’ infestations. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies which involve biological, cultural, and chemical control methods have been developed to handle this ugly situation. Biological controls, such as Bacillus thuringiensis and entomopathogenic nematodes have demonstrated efficacy, particularly when supported by beneficial plants that sustain natural enemies. Chemical controls, including selective insecticides and drone-based spraying, equally offer rapid and efficient larval population reduction. Innovations such as pheromone traps and microbial agents have shown great aid in suppressing the development and manifestation of pests on plants. Understanding the biology and lifecycle of bagworms is crucial for optimizing control measures. However, challenges remain in awareness, implementation, and environmental sustainability. This review consolidates decades of research, highlighting adaptive IPM strategies for sustainable pest management and ecosystem health with reflections from Malaysia and Indonesia.

 

Author (s) Details

 

Janhiphula Kanhar
Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (Deemed to be University), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751024, India

 

Priyoneel Basu
Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (Deemed to be University), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751024, India.

 

Sweta Arora
Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (Deemed to be University), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751024, India.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/crpas/v8/4133

Analysis of Profile of Bt Cotton Growers with their Adoption of IPM Practices for Controlling Pink Bollworm | Chapter 2 | Emerging Issues in Agricultural Sciences Vol. 1

 The present study was attended in Beed district of Marathwada region from Maharashtra state. Regarding free variables age had negative significant connection with their adoption of Integrated Pest Management for ruling pink bollworm. Independent variables of education, takeover, land holding, annual income, public participation, financial motivation, participation, novelty, risk orientation and information had significant relationship accompanying their adoption of IPM for ruling pink bollworm. Ec=xtension contact had positive and highly meaningful relationship accompanying their adoption of IPM for controlling pink bollworm.

Author(s) Details:

J. M. Deshmukh,
Department of Extension Education, College of Agriculture, Latur, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani-431402, (M.S.), India.

B. Y. Ghuge,
Department of Extension Education, College of Agriculture, Latur, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani-431402, (M.S.), India

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/EIAS-V1/article/view/9767

Determining the Impact of Pollution on Environment Including Effects, Benefits and Control: A Review | Chapter 2 | Emerging Challenges in Environment and Earth Science Vol. 5

 Chemicals known as pesticides are used to prevent, repel, control, or even completely eradicate pests that are harmful to people. People, as well as other species that are not intended targets, are affected by the usage of pesticides. The parent pesticides, their breakdown products, and their metabolites may have detrimental effects on the ecosystem, the environment, and human health. Examining the literature on the consequences of pesticide pollution on the ecosystem, the environment, and human health was the aim of this study. This was accomplished by evaluating the advantages, consequences, and hazards connected with the ongoing use of pesticides as well as strategies for reducing pesticide pollution, such as biocontrol and GHG reduction. The study's search for review articles was conducted using an online search through websites including Google, Google Scholar, and PUBMED. The research that have been examined show that pesticide contamination has both benefits and drawbacks in addition to having a harmful impact on the ecosystem. In order to reduce pesticide pollution, research has also demonstrated that integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, such as biological and cultural pest control, can be used to manage pests.

Author(s) Details:

Gervas E. Assey,
Department of Natural Sciences and Information Technology, Faculty of Science, Mwenge Catholic University, Moshi, Tanzania.

Raphael Mgohamwende,
Department of Natural Sciences and Information Technology, Faculty of Science, Mwenge Catholic University, Moshi, Tanzania.

Wilhelm S. Malasi,
Department of Natural Sciences and Information Technology, Faculty of Science, Mwenge Catholic University, Moshi, Tanzania.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/ECEES-V5/article/view/8148