M. P. Gupta

Integrated pest management in lucerne (Medicago sativa l.) and its economics in India

Abstract An experiment on the integration of cultural, chemical and biological control measures for the management of the pest complex of lucerne was conducted during 1980–1 and 1981–2. The population of all the three major pests; leaf hoppers, lucerne weevil and aphids, may be managed effectively by improved cultural practices, viz. least susceptible variety ‘IGFRI‐244’ and optimum fertilizer combination when the crop was sown at the optimum time of the last week of October. This increased the green fodder production. The combination of these practices with either endosulfan 0.08% or B. thuringiensis at 0.84 kg/ha, or both, further increased fodder production. The adoption of improved cultural practices alone was the cheapest, with a cost‐benefit ratio of 1 : 2.16 and no dependence on insecticide.

Pest management in fodder cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) through mixed and inter-cropping in India

Abstract In a study of the effects of inter‐cropping and mixed‐cropping of cowpea and sorghum during the kharif, 1982 and 1983, the incidence of leafhoppers and the damage caused by defoliators were most reduced in a row inter‐crop, less in mixed, within row, farming and least in a pure crop of cowpea. Greater green fodder and dry‐matter yields of cowpea were obtained in inter‐crop between rows and in mixed‐crop, within row farming.

Mustard varieties resistant to aphid (Lipaphis erysimi Kalt) in India

Abstract Fifty‐seven varieties of fodder mustard (Brassica species) were screened for aphid (Lipaphis erysimi Kalt.) resistance during 1981–1985 under natural infestation at Jhansi, India. The variety, IM‐76–103 was found to be highly aphid resistant and high yielding but late maturing. A hybridization programme to remove late maturity is suggested.

Effect of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium on the population of insect pests of fodder mustard (Brassica campestris L.) and its seed yield in india

Abstract An experiment was conducted at the Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi (U.P.) during the Rabi seasons of 1982–83 and 1983–84 to study the effect of different levels of nitrogen (25, 50 and 75 kg/ha), phosphorus (25, 50 and 75 kg P2O5/ha) and potassium (15, 30 and 45 kg K2O/ha) on the populations of mustard aphid and saw‐fly and the seed production of fodder mustard (Brassica campestris L. var China cabbage). Higher doses of P2O5 and K2O reduced the population of saw‐fly and aphid whereas nitrogen increased these pests. Seed production was increased with higher doses of all three fertilizers.

Effect of dates of sowing and varieties on the incidence of insect pests of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) in India

Abstract In an attempt to find the optimum time of sowing for lucerne to manage insect pests to achieve a maximum yield of green fodder, sowing in early November, yielded the maximum, related to the least damaging intensity of leafhoppers, lucerne weevil and aphids, the optimal time for vegetative growth and the temperature and humidity. Other sowings gave a poor yield. Variety IGFRI‐244, was less attractive to these pests than variety, S‐932, and yielded more green fodder.