AbstractInsect pests and pathogens are responsible for substantial crop losses in agriculture, prompting the use of synthetic pesticides that raise environmental concerns. An alternative, environmentally friendly pest control mechanism involves the external application of double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) to suppress gene expression in pests. However, the efficacy of dsRNA delivery in open fields varies, and stability in different insect guts poses challenges. To address these issues, nanocarrier delivery systems have been developed to enhance dsRNA stability and efficacy. Recent advancements in nanoparticle-mediated delivery include layered double hydroxide, carbon dots, carbon nanotubes, gold nanoparticles, chitosan nanoparticles, silica nanoparticles, liposomes, and cell-penetrating peptides. These nanocarriers improve dsRNA stability in the environment and demonstrate promising results in pest control applications.
AbstractCumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) is one of most significant seed spice crop of rabi season grown in semi-arid area (tropical and sub-tropical) in India. Cumin attacked by various diseases and insects but nematode problem become severe for cumin production. Among the nematodes root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne spp. is most important problem and may cause significant economic losses due to favorable soil and environmental conditions in growing area. With this view, present experiment was taken to estimate the avoidable yield losses caused by Meloidogyne javanica in cumin under field condition with the application of carbofuran @ 2 kg a.i. ha-1 over check. Results showed that carbofuran application significantly reduced number of galls per plant, number of egg masses per plant, and final nematode population. Avoidable yield losses in cumin were recorded to the tune of 50.61% by M. javanica.
AbstractEffect of different grains viz., Wheat (Triticum aestivum), Barley (Hordeum vulgare), Maize (Zea mays), Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), Finger millet (Eleusine coracana), Bajra grains (Pennisetum glaucum), Paddy grains (Oryza sativa) was used for production of Pleurotus ostreatus spawn. The minimum number of days for mycelial run longest period on Sorghum grains (approx 15–23days). The shortest mycelial run period (15-16 days) was recorded in case of sorghum grains. However, significantly longest period was recorded in paddy grains (22-23 days). In this sorghum grains, wheat grains and maize grains revealed that mycelium running rate is faster.
AbstractPulses, being a crucial source of protein, are an essential addition to the predominantly cereal-based diet of the large Indian population. Among the major pulses grown in India, pea (Pisum sativum L.) is considered one of the most important. However, pea diseases significantly constrain production in developing countries, affecting both yield (quantitatively) and seed quality (qualitatively). Notably, pea rust, caused by Uromyces viciae-fabae (Pers.) J. Schrot, is the most significant disease under warm and humid conditions.Our findings conducted field surveys in the districts of Jammu, Samba, and Kathua within the Jammu division to evaluate the current status of pea rust at three critical crop stages before flowering, pod filling, and maturity. The findingsindicate that pea rust is prevalent across all surveyed pea-cultivating areas. Disease incidence ranged from 24.89% to 65.88% before flowering, 29.54% to 76.87% at pod filling and 35.90% to 86.33% at maturity. Corresponding disease intensity ranged from 6.08% to 24.88%, 8.07% to 30.56%, and 9.82% to 34.89%, respectively. The overall mean disease incidence was 41.99% before flowering, 50.26% at pod filling and 57.51% at maturity, while the mean disease intensity was 12.03%, 15.27% and 20.20%, respectively. Detailed surveys within each district revealed variations in disease metrics with the highest disease incidence and intensity observed in Chak Surhe village, Jammu district (86.33% and 34.89%) and the lowest in Dilwan village, Kathua district (25.99% and 6.08%) at maturity stage. These results underscore significant variability in pea rust impact across different regions and growth stages within the Jammu division.
AbstractWilt disease, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris, poses a significant threat to chickpea production globally. To combat this, farmers rely heavily on synthetic fungicides. This in-vitro study assessed the comparative effectiveness of six new and common fungicides viz., propiconazole, azoxystrobin, carbendazim, fenobucarb, fluopyram, metalaxyl and propiconazole against F. oxysporum f. sp. ciceris. Using the poisoned food technique, the fungicides were tested at five concentrations (50, 100, 200, 400 and 500 ppm). The maximum inhibition (100%) in the fungal colonization was observed at 500 ppm and 400 ppm by carbendazim followed by propiconazole at 500 ppm (89.73%) and 400 ppm (85.36%). Lowest percent inhibition over control was recorded by fenobucarb (40.46%) at 50 ppm followed by metalaxyl (46,47%) at 50 ppm. Over all order of mycelial inhibition of fungicides was; Carbendazim > Propiconazole > Azoxystrobin > Fluopyrum > Metalaxyl > Fenobucarb. The inhibitory effect of Fenobucarb was relatively low. However, increasing the fungicide concentration substantially inhibited the growth of mycelium.
