From the Director`s Desk Dr. Mangala Rai, the new Director
Transcription
From the Director`s Desk Dr. Mangala Rai, the new Director
Volume 9 Number 1 From the Director’s Desk The quest for clean food and the need to compete in international markets have resulted into revival of interest in alternative methods of pest management, among which the microbial and botanical pesticides are gaining importance. Currently about 175 biopesticide active ingredients are registered with about 700 products available world wide. The domestic market is overshadowed by neem and Bt products which needs serious review, so that other products are also brought into focus. Although a number of botanical pesticides (735) have been registered with CIB, they need to be incorporated as a component of IPM in the large scale trials. This will not only create awareness among the farmers to utilize the biodiversity for pest management but also generate data for use in organic farming which is gaining momentum in the country. Jan-Jun, 2003 Dr. Mangala Rai, the new Director General, ICAR Eminent agricultural scientist, Dr. Mangala Rai took over as the Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India and Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) on January 9, 2003. Born on June 30, 1947 in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, Dr. Rai graduated in agriculture in 1967, obtained his Master’s degree in 1969 and Ph. D. in 1973 from the Banaras Hindu University. He joined the ICAR in April, 1973 as Junior Plant Breeder and held various positions of importance in research, teaching and management such as Project Coordinator (Linseed), ICAR; Director (Oilseeds Technology); Assistant Director General (Seeds) & (Policy and Planning), ICAR; Deputy Director General (Crop Sciences), ICAR; National Director (NATP); and Agriculture Commissioner. Dr. Rai played a crucial role in bringing progressive changes in agricultural research and management across the disciplines by comprehending and implementing the National Agricultural Technology Project (NATP). He was also mainly instrumental in formulating the Perspective Plan of ICAR. His contributions to Oilseed Technology Mission and National Seed Project (NSP) are too well known to bear repetition. Through more than 200 research papers in journals of repute and presentations in important symposia on wide ranging areas in Visit us at www.ncipm.org.in 1 agriculture, genetics, seed technology, biotechnology, bio- energy, etc., he has made significant and commendable contributions to science and the society. Dr. Rai was conferred D.Sc. degree (Honoris causa) in 1999 by CSAUAT, Kanpur. Subsequently, MRPC conferred the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ in 2001 for research and development efforts in oilseeds, in particular rapeseed and mustard. Our New DDG (Crop Science) Dr. Gautam Kalloo, a renowned vegetable breeder joined as Deputy Director General (Horticulture) on 28.9.2001 and was given the additional responsibilities of Deputy Director General (Crop Science) in January, 2003. He did his Ph.D. from BHU and thereafter joined HAU where he served in various capacities before joining the ICAR as the Director, IIVR, Varanasi. He has developed 42 vegetable varieties and is the author of number of books published by international publishers. He is also recipient of ICAR team award. Research News ICAR Ad-hoc Scheme on IPM in Vegetables An Ad-hoc scheme entitled “Development and validation of Adaptable IPM in selected Vegetable Crops (Okra & Brinjal)” was approved by ICAR under AP Cess Fund of the Council for a period of three years starting from 1st April, 2003 with a total budget of Rs.11,31,392/- (Rupees eleven lakhs thirty one thousand three hundred ninety two only). The project focuses on the development and validation of ecologically sound adaptable IPM strategy based on practices specific for the region for Okra and Brinjal through Participatory approach with selected farmers to reduce dependence on chemical pesticides. The scheme will also include studies on socio-economic constraints in adoption of IPM in vegetable crops. Development of IPM technology for Bt cotton In pursuance of Government of India releasing 3 transgenic cotton hybrids MECH-184, MECH-162 and MECH-12 with an endotoxin producing gene (cry-1 Ac) from Bacillus thuringiensis to impart resistance against bollworm complex (American bollworm, pink bollworm), NCIPM has taken up the endeavor in collaboration with Cotton Research Station, Nanded and M/s Monsanto (India) Ltd. to study the performance of Bt crops against field insect pests, population dynamics of natural enemies and development of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies for rainfed conditions in Village Hotalla, located approximately 60 Km away from Nanded city. Majority of the fields are having black cotton soil with partial provisions for protective irrigation. Majority of the farmers are having small to marginal land holdings. The various management components 2 adopted were similar to Ashta IPM module except that the traditional variety was replaced with Bt. The pest scenario was recorded on weekly basis. Sucking pests were mostly active during 30-42 standard weeks, whereas whitefly and jassids did not cross the ETL throughout the whole season. These also did not vary much amongst Bt and Non-Bt cultivars. The population of thrips was higher on Non-IPM conventional cotton. Aphid population was comparable in Bt-IPM and counterpart Non-Bt IPM as compared to 20.57 aphids/3 leaves on conventional cotton (IPM) and highest (44.34 aphids/3 leaves) on conventional cotton Non-IPM. Helicoverpa armigera was in moderate intensity in 2002-03 because of comparatively dry season. The eggs laid on different cultivars with and without IPM remained similar ranging 0.08 to 0.17 eggs/plant over the season with highest (0.17) being on conventional cotton Non-IPM. The no. of larvae was lowest in Bt cotton (0.01 larvae/ plant) compared to 0.04 and 0.09 larvae/plant on conventional cotton IPM and Non-IPM, respectively. Send your comments to ipmnet@bol.net.in E.vitella was a minor pest during the season. The natural enemy population was less in Bt cotton compared to conventional cotton with IPM. This could have been mainly due to less availability of sucking pests, food for the natural enemies, on Bt cotton compared to conventional cotton. Population of natural enemies was lowest in conventional Non IPM cotton, which received maximum pesticidal sprays. The total percent of damage fruiting bodies including squares, flowers, green bolls and shed reproductive parts was lower in Bt cotton (12.48%) compared to 33.34% in counterpart Non-Bt while 28.27% in conventional cotton IPM and highest (55.14%) in conventional cotton Non-IPM. There was incidence of parawilt in traces in the Bt plots. Parawilt is considered to be genetically controlled physiological disorder which appears when there is a long dry spell followed by rain. Net returns were highest in Bt cotton (Rs.21974/ ha) and lowest in conventional cotton Non-IPM (Rs.6800/ha). Ridge sowing in Pigeonpea as cultural practice of plant protection In Mirzapur district, both short duration and long duration pigeonpea were grown in large area on flat beds. The farmers used to broadcast the seeds and harvest at the end. The Phytophthora blight caused heavy losses in pigeonpea crop. Under NATP-MM project, “Validation and Promotion of IPM technology for selected crops in different agro-ecological regions”, an IPM package was developed and validated in 5 villages of Mirzapur district in 51 ha area out of 717 ha in collaboration with Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. The major component of IPM package is sowing on ridges to avoid Phytopthora blight. This was practically demonstrated to the farmers in Mirazpur district. During 2001-02 in IPM fields 2-3 percent of plants were damaged by Phyophthora blight as compared to 25 per cent in non-IPM fields. Ridge sowing, coupled with seed treatment with Trichoderma harzianum @ 4g/kg of seed and vitavax @ 2g/kg of seed was also used in IPM fields. The results were very encouraging with the yield of 18.46 q/ha in IPM fields as compared to 7.65 q/ha in Non-IPM fields. The cost benefit ratio for IPM farmers IPM farmers was 1:5.46. Success Story of IPM for Oilseeds The NATP project “Development of IPM modules for oilseeds and nutritious cereals based production system” which was initiated in the year 2000 has successfully developed technology for safflowergreengram sequence cropping system. The experiments were carried out on farmers’ fields in three-watershed villages viz., Kinloha, Takli and Zari (Parbhani: Maharashtra). Two IPM modules (IPM & non-IPM) were formulated and evaluated. The IPM package comprising timely sowing under taken during first week of October, seed treatment with carbendazim @ 2 g/kg seed, border spraying with dimethoate @ 0.05 % on four rows on each side and 180 cm across the plot on both sides, ETL based 1st application of NSKE @ 5 per cent and 2 nd with dimethoate @ 0.05 per cent for aphid, installing bird perches and pheromone traps for Helicoverpa proved effective and remunerative as compared to farmers’ practice. Cost: Benefit ratio for different modules (Treatments) Modules/ Treatments Cost of plant protection (Rs) Yield (q/ha) Monetary C:B gain Ratio (Rs) IPM 3644/- 15.25 25,925/- 1:7.1 Non IPM 2694/- 8.10 13,770/- 1:5.1 Rate of crop – Rs. 1700/ q. Impact Assessment Because of IPM technology there is a significant increase in yield of the crop (46.88 %) and thus the economic status of the farmers has improved. IPM module developed for Safflower in Marathwada region of Maharashtra gave the net benefit of Rs. 12155/per ha. The total area in Marathwada is 2,51,700 ha. If that IPM technology is taken to the whole area of Marathwada, it may impart the benefit of Rs. 305.94 crores as additional income, as estimated from IPM trials. Visit us at www.ncipm.org.in 3 Workshops NATP- Interactive Workshop on IPM An interactive workshop on Integrated Pest Management was organized jointly by National Centre for Integrated Pest Management and National Agricultural Technology Project to bring all the stakeholders of IPM at the same platform to review the work, exchange their experiences and address the issue as to why IPM has not yet reached the masses. This was so important because despite of having IPM technology for cotton, rice, vegetables and sugarcane, it has not covered more than 1-2% of the total area. About 100 projects were funded by NATP on IPM. The workshop was inaugurated by Valedictory session chaired by Sri. Mohan Kanda, Secretary Agriculture, Govt. of India Inaugural Session Dr. Mangala Rai, DG, ICAR & Secretary, DARE, Govt. of India Dr. Mangala Rai, Secretary DARE and Director General, ICAR on 26 th February, 2003. Various dignitaries from ICAR, SAUs, GOI participated in the workshop. The workshop spanned for three days (26-28 February, 2003) at NBPGR auditorium, Pusa, New Delhi. There were 7 technical sessions namely Ecosystem Management and Biodiversity, biopesticides, Forecasting & Epidemiology in Pest Management, Development and Validation of IPM, Mission Mode and Team of Excellence, Policy issues concluding session to finalize the recommendations of the workshop. The summary of the issues discussed were published during the workshop and is now available on-line (http://www.ncipm.org.in/ Latest%20Publications/Summary.pdf). The outcome and recommendations made during the workshop will no doubt be the guiding force of IPM research in 4 the country. 150 delegates participated in the workshop. Workshop on Integrated Management of fruit flies (Diptera : Tephritidae ) in India. The ‘Scientific and Planning Workshop’ of the IndoUK collaborative Project on ‘ Integrated Management of Fruit Flies (Diptera : Tephritidae) in India under the ICAR –UK Department of International Development (DFID) agreement was held on 16-17 th Jan, 2003 at NCIPM under the chairmanship of Dr. G. Kalloo, DDG( Hort.), ICAR. The Project entirely funded by UKDFID with a budget of Rs. 46.27 Lakhs for a period of 27 months w.e.f. January 2003. This will be implemented under the over all supervision of ICAR at eight experimental locations in five centers viz; Central Horticultural Experimental Station, (IIHR); Send your comments to ipmnet@bol.net.in Bhubneshwar, Central Institute for Sub Tropical Horticulture (CISH), Lucknow; Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi; Gujarat Agricultural University, Sardar Krushinagar (Three Campus at Anand, Gurdevi and Palanpur), Kerala Agricultural University, Trichur (Two locations at Trissur and Thiruvananthpuram). In addition to above National Centre for integrated Pest management (NCIPM), LBS building, Pusa, New Delhi will work as Knowledge Review Centre for the Project. In this workshop the technical programme, objectives, modalities and logistics were discussed and finalised. Prof. Amerika Singh, Director, NCIPM and PI of Knowledge Review Centre, while welcoming the participants highlighted the losses caused by fruit fly and the importance of this project in India. Dr. G. Kalloo, the chief guest in his remarks emphasized on the importance of studies on biology of plant (level of resistance, biochemistry etc.), pests, social aspects and impact analysis of the project. Dr. John Mumford the Project Director proposed an idea of setting a ‘South Asia Fruit Fly Network (SAFEN)’. The work to be carried out at various experimental locations was presented and discussed by Principal Investigators of respective centers. Training and Visits abroad Prof Amerika Singh’s visit to Mozambique A technical team of four experts from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research including Prof Amerika Singh, was deputed to visit Mozambique from April 5-14 , 2003 The purpose of this visit was to conduct a feasibility study for setting comprehensive agricultural project under ITEC programme of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. The specific objectives of the project was to establish a comprehensive and integrated model in Distt. Mabalane, Southern Mozambican Province of Gaza. General Observations: The team visited the proposed farm site which measures around 5000 ha. The team was assisted by designated coordinator Mr. Sancho Cumbi and local Farm Manager. The proposed project site is located in Distt. Mabalane of Province Gaza and is about 350 kms. away from the capital town Maputo. The following observation of the site was recorded by the team: The proposed project site is forest land with sandy soil having traces of evidence of flooding during rainy season. The entire area of project site is having mainly bushy plant known as Chanatsi (Colophospermum mopane), a major fuel source of poor people. This is angiosperm plant having thick fleshy leaves and known to be a good source of animal feed. The water holding capacity of the soil seems to be very low. The annual rain fall is around 461 mm. whereas evaporation rate is 3 times higher which major constraint for grow general crop. The team was taken to the most productive part of the land where a small amount of rain water was collected. This rainwater was hardly adequate to sustain around 100 animals for entire year. We did not find any traces of traditional agriculture though some sporadic patches were seem with maize stakes dried completely. We also found that this land was earlier possessed by Purtagees, utilized for animal keeping. This was further confirmed by the abandoned structure of a tube-well and a big water tank having all devices of getting drinking water for the cattles. The construction of building structure supposed to be used for medicinal treatment of the infected animals showed Visit us at www.ncipm.org.in 5 that the animal keeping and confirming their practices in an organized manner. The team found no trace of any other agricultural activities around this area except grasses and bushes. However, some robust trees could be seen which were locally known as Elephant tree. We were informed that the fruits of the Elephant tree are used for making some beverages. The team was also keen to observe local flora and fauna which are good indicators for prosperous agriculture such as honey bees, birds, some insect flies, and butterflies. To our utter surprise such creatures were not observed indicating thereby that resources for such fauna are not available even in wild form. Therefore, the team proposed the following land use planning. Proposed Land Use Planning Keeping in view the availability of wild vegetation and nutritional value of Chanatsi, the expert team felt that raring of goats particularly for meat production would be a feasible. Sheep keeping was also proposed but the idea was dropped because of high temperature and lack of sufficient surface. It was considered that over grazing of surface vegetation would further encourage soil erosion. The team agreed to propose for goat and cow keeping provided infrastructure facilities available. It was also felt that to sustain these animal assets, additional source for supplementary feed is to be generated through agricultural activities. Sentrus and Elephant grasses would be ideally suited to generate a huge pasture land for that will be needed to collect seeds in sufficient quantity and sprinkle them though aerial devices during the on set on rainy season so that a thick grass coverage of these two vegetations can be created for at least 6 months when sufficient soil moisture through rain soil moisture is available. To supplement food available for remaining months, cultivation of following agricultural crops which are quite drought tolerant and adopted to semi-ARID to ARID agro ecoclimatic condition is suggested. Maize – This is to be cultivated during rainy season and the most ideal variety is African which is known for its good quality fodder value. The entire harvest can be possessed through technology for feeding the cattles during the periods of low natural vegetation. Sorghum – Sorghum is another fodder crop having dual purpose value. Sorghum production can be taken as alternative to maize wherever possible. The grain can be used to prepare feed concentrates and for animal feeding. Cowpea– The team found that cowpea of dual purpose is the most common crop among the farmers of the project area. A local variety which has very high resistance to 6 drought situation is available. Sufficient seeds of this variety may be made available from local resources and taken as nutritious supplement feed for cattles. Guar – A good number of high yielding varieties bred by IGFRI Jhansi and HAU for fodder purposes are available. They may be recommended to be introduced in Mozambique to meet the nutritional need of cattles. The fodder requirement round the year can also be made available by plantation of species recommended for fodder purpose by the expert institutes like IGFRI, Jhansi (UP). Online Database of biopesticides made available on NCIPM website (www.ncipm.org.in) : 12 biopesticides have been registered under the insecticidal act 1968 by GOI and a detailed information on these biopesticides has been included in the existing online databases of NCIPM website and the same can be viewed as http://www.ncipm.org.in/BioPesticides Registered.htm Biopesticides Registered under Insecticides Act, 1968 Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis B. thuringiensis var. kurstaki B. thuringiensis var. galleriae B. sphaericus Trichoderma viride T. harzianum Pseudomonas fluorescens Beauveria bassiana NPV of Helicoverpa armigera NPV of Spodoptera litura Neem based pesticides Cymbopogan Source: DPPQ&S, Faridabad Training programme Fifth National Training Course on Mass Production Technology of Biological Control Agents NCIPM organized the fifth National Training Course on ‘Mass Production Technology of Biological Control Agents’ for resource personnel engaged in research, training and production of bio-agents for 10 days i.e. from 10th to 19th February, 2003. The objectives of the training were : Send your comments to ipmnet@bol.net.in ● ● To provide cutting edge technology to scientists and research workers already engaged in production of bio-agents or wanted to learn the technology To provide state of art technology to the entrepreneurial young men who wished to set up mass production units for biological control agents The Training was inaugurated by Dr. S. P. Singh, former Director, Project Directorate of Biological Control, Bangalore. In this training programme 22 trainees participated; 8 from Research Institutes, 4 from Agriculture Universities/Colleges, 2 from KVKs and 8 from Industries, represented 7 states; 1 from Kerala, 1 from Andhra Pradesh, 1 from Madhya Pradesh, 9 from Maharashtra, 7 from Delhi, 2 from U.P. and 2 from Uttaranchal. production and commercialization of bio-agents are carried out and at GB Pant Univ. of Agric. and Tech, Pantnagar which is an advance centre for production and formulation of antagonistic fungi and bacteria. A visit was also arranged to Sri Ram Solvent and Extraction Plant at Jaspur, Kashipur where the extraction of neem seed is carried out . During the training programme the participants interacted with the resource persons to evolve action plan for increasing mass production of biological control agents. Point to Ponder Lemon Grass (Cymbopogan citrates) was among six plant forming part of Biblical Herb Garden of Holy land. As per the scripture (Exodus 30:23) the Lord delivers the instruction to Moses for the proper ways to make and use Holy oil. So valued was this oil that perfume was not even to be made. Kisan Mela In this training programme 20 lectures and 5 practical were arranged on different aspects of mass production and commercialization of laboratory hosts such as Corcyra cephalonica and Helicoverpa armigera, parasitoids mainly Trichogramma spp., Chelonus blackburni, Cotesia flavipes and Epiricania melanoleuca, predators mainly Chrysoperla carnea and Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, Entomopathogenic and Antagonisti fungi such as Beauveria bassiana, Metarrhizium anisopliae, Nomurae rileyi,, Trichoderma spp, Bacteria mainly Bacillus thuringiensis and Pseudomonas fluorescens, NPV and Entopathogenic nematodes. The lectures also included the storage, transport and field releases of bio-agents, registration of bio pesticides and use of neem for the management of crop pests. The resource persons included the scientists from NCIPM, IARI, Department of Plant Protection and Quarantine, GBPUA&T and SVBPUA& T. A Kisan Mela was organized at village Wazirpur, Distt. Gurgaon (Haryana) on March 5, 2003. About 125 farmers participated in the mela. Scientists from different fields; Pathology, Entomology, Agronomy, Vegetables and floriculture were present as experts in the Kisan Goshti. The farmers asked a number of questions about the problems they faced in different crops (mustard, vegetables and flowers). Different biocontrol agents and posters of IPM in oilseeds and vegetables were also exhibited in the Kisan mela to popularize the ecofriendly Integrated Pest Management Technology among the farmers. The different aspects i.e. importance of IPM, IPM in mustard and vegetables, conservation of natural enemies in the field, weed control in the wheat crop, judicious use of chemical pesticides and optimum use of fertilizers based upon soil testing were dealt in detail. During the training field visits were arranged to Biocontrol Laboratory at Division of Entomology, IARI where more than 30 cultures of different parasitoids and predators are being maintained, at SVBP University of Ag. & Tech., Modipuram where mass Visit us at www.ncipm.org.in 7 Women of the year 2003Award One of the major “”and leading authorities on the biographies of distinguished individuals worldwide, the American Biographical Institute, USA has selected Dr. (Mrs.) Saroj Singh (Principal Scientist, Pl. Pathology) based on her outstanding accomplishments to date and the noble example she has set for her peers and entire community. Other News Promotions Transfer and Joining Sh. Naved Sabir (Nematology) and Dr. Mukesh Sehgal (Nematology) have been promoted as Scientist (SG) and Senior Scientist, respectively. Sh. J.P. Malik, A.O. was relieved on transfer to IARI, New Delhi on 5.4.2003 (A/N). Sh. Shambhu Dutt joined as A.O. at NCIPM on 5.4.2003 (A/N). Priced Publications of NCIPM Sr.No. Title 1. Resource Inventory on IPM, 1997 S.N.Puri, K.S. Murthy, O.P. Sharma 2. Distribution Maps of Insect Pests and Diseases of Rice Crop in India, 1998 S.N.Puri, Tapti Banerjee, V.K. Baranwal, Surender Kumar, K,S. Sunderasharma 3. Hand Book on Diagnosis and Integrated Management of Cotton Pests, 1998 S.N.Puri, O.P. Sharma, K.S. Murthy and Sheo Raj 4. Pesticide Database Information System, 1999 (Software Version 2.0 (3.5” floppy) S.N. Puri, P.V. Verma 5. Database on Plant Protection Recommendations for Agricultural Crops in India- Part-1, 1999 S.N.Puri, Surender Kumar, O.P. Sharma, Tapti Banerjee 6. Database on Plant Protection Recommendations for Agricultural Crops in India- Part-II, 2001 Surender Kumar, O.P. Sharma, P. Kumar, R.N. Singh, S.N.Puri, Amerika Singh 7. Resource Manual on validation and Promotion of IPM, 2001 Amerika Singh, T.P. Trivedi, H.R. Sardana, A. Dhandapani, Naved Sabir 8. Resource Manual on Validation and Promotion of IPM, 2002. (Software Version 1.0 (CD). Amerika Singh, T.P. Trivedi, H.R. Sardana, A. Dhandapani, Naved Sabir Electronic format : A. Dhandapani, Vivek Dubey Price* Rs. 60.00 Rs. 75.00 Rs. 105.00 Rs. 100.00 Rs. 250.00 Rs. 250.00 Rs. 400.00 Rs. 150.00 9. Distribution Maps of Insect Pests and Diseases of Cotton Crop in India, 2002 A.K. Kanojia, Surender Kumar, T. Promila Devi, T.P. Trivedi, Amerika Singh, K,S. Sunderasharma, K. Natarajan, A.D. Pawar Rs. 475.00 10. IPM Technology for Rainfed Cotton, 2002 Amerika Singh, O.P. Sharma, R.C. Lavekar, O.M. Bambawale, K.S. Murthy, A. Dhandapani Rs. 150.00 * Prices are inclusive of postal charges. The demand draft may be drawn in the favour of “ICAR Unit-NCIPM” payable at New Delhi. The request for the above mentioned priced publications may be sent to : The Director, National Centre for Integrated Pest Management, LBS Building IARI Campus, Pusa, New Delhi-110012. Ph. 25843935-36 Fax: 25841472 Email: ipmnet@bol.net.in. Newsletter editorial committee : Drs. O.P. Sharma, A. Dhandapani and Sumitra Arora Computer layout: S. Nagarajan Published by: Prof. Amerika Singh, Director, National Centre for Integrated Pest Management, LBS Building, IARI Campus, New Delhi 110 012. Email: ipmnet@bol.net.in Internet: http://www.ncipm.org.in Ph: 011-25843935/6, 25740951, 25843985. Fax: 011-25841472. June 2003. (500 copies). 8 Send your comments to ipmnet@bol.net.in