PLANT HEALTH MANAGEMENT DIVISION - COMPLETED PROJECTS

1. “Investigations on Entomopathogenic Nematodes for the Management of Major Insect Pests of Vegetable Crops in the region of Andhra Pradesh; Duration: 2013-2016

Outcome: Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) were found effective against root grubs of sugarcane, diamond back moth in cabbage and other lepidopteron insect pests in vegetables

2. Mass production of selected reduviid predators in the agro-ecosystems in Southern Indian States (DST- SERB Fast Track Young Scientist Scheme)

Outcome: Mass production of reduviid predators as bio control agents in IPM can: Reducing the sole dependence on chemicals was achieved, Prevented ecological backlashes (resistance, resurgence, repetition, enhanced microbial degradation, loss of wide life etc.,) and thereby promoting sustainable agriculture, Created awareness of bio control of these reduviid predators among farming community, Established reduviid predator producing unit as laboratory to land programmme.

3. Nematodes problems and their management in Telangana state3. Nematodes problems and their management in Telangana state

Outcome: Response to technology adoption in nematode management is very good in case of guava cultivation. However, the result is very quick and encouraging in protected cultivation. Numbers of poly houses around Hyderabad and guava growers have been adopted nematode control measures suggested by NIPHM and are successfully operating.

4. Use of Entomopathogenic nematodes for the biological management of Spodoptera litura in Castor

Outcome: Spodoptera litura (F.) is an obnoxious cosmopolitan pest that causes serious damage to different economic crops. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) have proved how potential to control the S. litura larvae than the other tested isolates, with larval mortality rates > 90% after 48 h of exposure.

5. District Pest Management Plan – Warangal Dt, Duration 3 years

Outcome: The implementation of the District Pest Management Programme in the Warangal rural and Warangal urban districts helped farmers become more aware about the good agriculture practices. Since the implementation of the project was a holistic effort involving most of the extension methods and outreach activities by MANAGE and NIPHM, there were intense activities in terms of the adoption of the pest and disease management strategies in the district. The erstwhile practice of using the chemical method of controlling the pests and diseases has led to the holistic method of integrated pest management practices (IPM) involving the biological, cultural and physical methods of pest and disease control.

6. Study on Impact of Indiscriminate use of Chemical Fertilizers and Pesticides Duration: 3 years

Outcome: In 6 crops various pests, natural enemies and their interactions were studied. NIPHM as nodal agency and 7 agricultural universities and 1 horticultural university participated in the study. In general, population of natural enemies was high in organic field. Diseases incidence was mostly seasonal and varied from centre to centre. The variation in yields can be attributed to the variety, dosage of different fertilizers and soil health status at different locations. History of replacement of primary pest with secondary pest revealed that some secondary pests are attaining status of major pest. The chemicals induced resurgence to pests like BPH of rice and mites in chilli was observed. The enhanced and indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers/ pesticides has led to the depletion of soil fertility, microbial populations and reduction in soil quality. Practicing of organic and IPM methods may be a promising strategy to replace inorganic fertilizers and pesticides and reduce cost of crops production as well.