An experiment was conducted in Horticulture field of Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science ... more An experiment was conducted in Horticulture field of Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS), Paklihawa, Nepal to know the status of Scarabaeid beetle species and population by using light trap. Weekly monitoring of scarabaeid beetles adults with 85 watt vapor lights run from dawn to dusk during April, May, June and July in a field with multiple crops in 2014 showed that beetle populations were higher in May and June than in April and July. Overall, 227 specimens of Scarabaeid beetles were collected and 36% were Coprius indicus (Blanchard), 18% were Anomala mongiloca (Faldermann), 11% were Holotrichia spp., 9% were Cyclocephala spp., 8% were Phyllophaga spp., 6% were Heteronuchus lioderes (Redtenbachen), 5% were Onthophagus madoqua (Arrow), 5% were Alissonotum binodulum (Fairmaire), 2% were Maladera castanea (Arrow), and 0.5% (1 beetle) was Popillia birmaniaca (Arrow).
In 2021, this study has attempted to analyze the trend of pesticide import over two decades in Ne... more In 2021, this study has attempted to analyze the trend of pesticide import over two decades in Nepal. Secondary data obtained from Plant Quarantine and Pesticide Management Center were analyzed to know the pesticide import trend. The result showed that the import of pesticides was in increasing trend and the average annual increase in import was 30.48 tons (a.i.) over the last twenty-two years. Fungicide had the highest import followed by insecticide, herbicide and these three groups comprised more than 90% of the pesticide import. The import of insecticide, fungicide, herbicide, organophosphate, mix group pesticide was in increasing trend while that of rodenticide, bactericide was in decreasing trend. The import of synthetic pyrethroid, carbamates, and some new groups like nicotinoids had been increasing in recent years. Although the import of chemical pesticides was increasing in huge amount; import of biopesticide also seems to be in increasing trend. The use of pesticide is stil...
Laboratory experiment was done to perform the phytochemical screening of six locally available bo... more Laboratory experiment was done to perform the phytochemical screening of six locally available botanicals (Azadirachta indica Juss, Artemisia dubia Wall, Lantana camara L, Parthenium hysterophorus L, Justicia adhatoda Linn. and Moringa oleifera L.) and their effectiveness to control the maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais Motsch.) at Agriecology lab of Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Paklihawa Campus, Rupandehi, Nepal. Seven treatments (leaf extract of A. indica, A. dubia, L. camara, P. hysterophorus. J. adhatoda and M. oleifera and distilled water as control) applied at 3 different doses (0.5, 1 & 2g/50g seeds) were arranged in CRD design with 3 replications. Result of mortality test of maize weevil revealed that, at highest concentration of L. camara powder (T17- 2g/50 gm seeds) mortality of maize weevil was observed up to 85% at 45 DAT. Whereas number of damaged grain was lowest in T17 (L. camara powder- 2g/50 gm seeds). The effectiveness of botanicals was found to incr...
The tobacco caterpillar (Spodoptera litura) is one of the most economically devastating insect pe... more The tobacco caterpillar (Spodoptera litura) is one of the most economically devastating insect pests in Nepal, where it preys on cabbage and other crops. This study evaluated the efficacy of two entomopathogens (Beauveria bassiana and Bacilus thuringiensis), two plant-based commercial products (Karanjin and Azadirachtin), chinaberry leaf extract, and Jholmal (mixture of fermented animal urine and herbs) against S. litura in cabbage under field conditions in Chitwan, Nepal, and compared the efficacy with that of a commercial toxic product "All Killer" (Cypermethrin 10%). Karanjin and Jholmal were found to be significantly more effective against S. litura larvae than the entomopathogen-based products and chinaberry leaf extract; fewer cabbage heads were damaged by S. litura when Karanjin, Jholmal, and All Killer were applied. Cabbage yields in plots treated with Karanjin, Jholmal, and All Killer were similar and were significantly higher than those in plots treated with othe...
Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Cordyceps sinensis), Yarsagumba in Nepali, is a special type of entomopa... more Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Cordyceps sinensis), Yarsagumba in Nepali, is a special type of entomopathogenic creature. It is an endoparasitic fungus that normally grows on Thitarodes armoricanus (Oberthür) larvae and is available in the Himalayan regions (3300–5000 meters above sea level (Masl) of Nepal. In this research, yarsagumba were collected from the Kanda Rural Municipality of Bajhanag for conducting growth studies on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) and potato dextrose agar (PDA) media and determining their incidence on silkworm larvae in laboratory conditions at the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology. The Ophiocordyceps fungus was isolated and cultured, and its growth was compared using two different artificial media—SDA and PDA—at 27 °C in the laboratory. To conduct a mortality test, the solutions of Ophiocordyceps fungus at different concentration (1, 10, 100 and 1000 ppm) were prepared and sprayed on the second and third instar silkworm larvae. It was observed that the gr...
Storage loss of rice seed in terms of quality parameters is higher in Nepal due to lack of inform... more Storage loss of rice seed in terms of quality parameters is higher in Nepal due to lack of information about the effect of storage materials. Laboratory experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of storage materials and storage period on quality parameters of rice seed (Oryza sativa L. cv., Bahuguni dhan-1). Rice seed was stored in seven storage materials (metal bin, plastic bin, super grain bag, PICS bag, plastic bag with jute sack, jute sack and earthen pot) in Completely Randomized Design with three replications at the Seed Laboratory of National Wheat Research Program, Bhairahawa, Rupandehi, Nepal from March to July, 2021. Seed moisture content and germination percentage were recorded before storage and after one, three and five months of storage. The population of two insect pests rice weevil and maize weevil was recorded after five months of storage. The result revealed that all the seed quality parameters under study were significantly influenced by storage materials. P...
Desert locusts are the harmful pests that feed on every edible substance available on their way. ... more Desert locusts are the harmful pests that feed on every edible substance available on their way. One single mature locust can consume crops equal to its weight. In present condition where various world nations are struggling with the problem of food scarcity, this desert locust invasion has emerged as a considerable setback in achieving the universal goal of food security. Frequent outbreaks have led to tremendous environmental and economic losses. So, different control strategies are introduced in local as well as international level to deal with this dreadful issue. Desert locusts were observed in 55 districts of Nepal causing minimal crop damage compared to the past crop losses in Nepal in 2020. However, for the efficient way of mitigation of desert locust, farmers in developing nation like Nepal have to heavily rely on fast-acting chemicals that deliver rapid results but fail to maintain environmental integrity. A technical taskforce was formed in 26th May 2020, a month before t...
Journal of the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science
A survey of maize-growing areas of Surkhet and Chitwan, Nepal (April to May 2017) was conducted t... more A survey of maize-growing areas of Surkhet and Chitwan, Nepal (April to May 2017) was conducted to know about the incidence, relationship and loss in stored maize due to Maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais Motsch) and (Aspergillus flavus Link). Sixty households from each district were surveyed and the data was analyzed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel. Result revealed that there is severe infestation of maize weevil and green fungus in stored maize. 97.5% of stored samples had incidence of Aspergillus, whereas 96.7 % samples had maize weevils. 15.7% of the farmers apply sun drying and removal of the A. falvus infested seed while remaining 84.3% of the farmers use no any measure of control. Results from Chi- Square test indicated significant relation (χ2 = 122.10, P<0.01) between incidence of weevil infestation and occurrence of green fungus in the study area. The Phi coefficient value (1.00) shows the perfect relationship exist between weevil and green fungus occurrence in the study a...
The field experiment was conducted from March to June of 2017 in field conditions at the Institut... more The field experiment was conducted from March to June of 2017 in field conditions at the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS), Paklihawa Campus, Rupandehi, Nepal to evaluate the efficacy of botanicals, microbial, and chemical insecticide against Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee. We assessed seven treatments including control in randomized complete block design with four replications and two sprays. The treatments evaluated for the management of L. orbonalis were i) Jholmal, 250 ml/l of water ii) Beauveria bassiana (Daman), 4 g/l water iii) Abamectin 5 % (Biotrine), 0.5 ml/l of water iv) Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Mahastra), 4 g/l of water v) Emamectin benzoate (Cobra), 0.5 g/l of water vi) Azadirachtin 1500 ppm (Neem Kavach), 5 ml/l of water vii) Control (pure water application). All the treatments applied were found to be superior to the control. The results revealed that the lowest percentage of infested fruit i.e. 57.97% and 34.52% were found at 14 days after the first and second spray of Emamectin benzoate treatment respectively, as well as it was found to be significant over control in both sprays. The marketable yield of plot treated with Emamectin benzoate in eggplant was found to be the highest i.e.7.19 t/ha and 7.13 t/ha which was followed by Neem Kavach with the yield of 6.69 t/ha and 7.06 t/ha and that of control plots was 2.98 t/ha and 2.56 t/ha after first and second spray respectively. Further, our study concluded both marketable yield and Benefit-Cost (BC) ratio of brinjal fruit were the highest under the treatment of Emamectin benzoate followed by Jholmal and Neem Kavach. From this experiment, we concluded that Emamectin benzoate was the most effective treatment for the management of L. orbonalis while Jholmal and Neem Kavach proved to be the best alternative.
A field experiment was conducted in Randomized Complete Block Design with four replication and se... more A field experiment was conducted in Randomized Complete Block Design with four replication and seven treatments to know the "Response of Upland Rice to Different Source of Organic Manures and their effect on insect population" at the agronomy farm of the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS), Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal using a variety "IR-55435-5” during rainy season, 2009. The treatments included are: farmyard manure (14 t/ ha ), decomposed biogas effluent (9 t/ ha ), fresh biogas effluent (8 t/ ha ), banmara compost (6 t /ha), ashok dry leaves compost (11 t /ha ), rice husk compost (15 t/ha), and chemical fertilizer (NPK @ 100:60:40 kg /ha). The yield attributing factors of upland rice such as, effective tillers per meter square (192.3), panicle length (23.46cm), panicle weight (2.72 g), and grains per panicle (105.2) were significantly higher in chemical fertilizer applied plots than the rest of the sources of nutrient and those of the lowest (146.3 effective tillers, 21.01cm panicle length, 1.777 g panicle weight, and 68.06 grains per panicle) were in ashok dry leaves compost applied plots. The significantly (p= 0.05) higher grain and straw yield (2.337 t ha grain and 7.708 t ha') in chemical fertilizer applied plots were statistically at par with fresh biogas effluent (2.189 t /ha) and decomposed biogas effluent (2.050 t ha). Harvest index (HI) of 32.53 %, 30.51 %, 29.55 %, 28.02 %, 26.72, 26.34 %, and 23.43 % were in decomposed biogas effluent, rice husk compost, fresh biogas effluent, ashok dry leaves compost, banmara compost, farmyard manure, and chemical fertilizer were respectively. A significantly higher harvest index was observed in decomposed biogas effluent (32.53 %) applied plots than the chemical fertilizer applied plots (23.43 %) that was statistically at par with rest of the sources of nutrient. Result also revealed that the beneficial insect's population was higher and the harmful insect population was lower in organic nutrient source treated plots. Thus, it was concluded that biogas effluent is the best source of nutrient among the organic manures and sound alternative to inorganic fertilizer.
Desert locusts are the harmful pests that feed on every edible substance available on their way. ... more Desert locusts are the harmful pests that feed on every edible substance available on their way. One single mature locust can consume crops equal to its weight. In present condition where various world nations are struggling with the problem of food scarcity, this desert locust invasion has emerged as a considerable setback in achieving the universal goal of food security. Frequent outbreaks have led to tremendous environmental and economic losses. So, different control strategies are introduced in local as well as international level to deal with this dreadful issue. Desert locusts were observed in 55 districts of Nepal causing minimal crop damage compared to the past crop losses in Nepal in 2020. However, for the efficient way of mitigation of desert locust, farmers in developing nation like Nepal have to heavily rely on fast-acting chemicals that deliver rapid results but fail to maintain environmental integrity. A technical taskforce was formed in 26 th May 2020, a month before the entry of desert locust in Nepal from India to prevent the possible crop loss. The government of Lumbini Province, Nepal had declared to buy locusts at Rs. 20 per kg so as to encourage the people for their collection. Approaches based on IPM (Integrated Pest Management) that emphasize on effective incorporation of chemical and biological insecticides with prediction and monitoring technologies have been prompted against desert locust. Recent experimental studies and researches are prioritizing on discovering potential solutions through financial coordination from governmental and non-governmental bodies. After reviewing articles from various journals, magazines and proceedings, the authors have highlighted the loss in the agricultural sector due to desert locust attack along with its advanced control and management options. The control and mitigation strategies mentioned in this article would be a useful resource for farmers as well as researchers on assessing this problem.
In 2021, this study has attempted to analyze the trend of pesticide importover two decades in Nep... more In 2021, this study has attempted to analyze the trend of pesticide importover two decades in Nepal. Secondary data obtained from Plant Quarantine and Pesticide Management Center were analyzed to know the pesticide import trend. The result showed that the import of pesticides was in increasing trend and the average annual increase in import was 30.48 tons (a.i.) over the last twenty-two years. Fungicide had the highest import followed by insecticide, herbicide and these three groups comprised more than 90% of the pesticide import. The importof insecticide, fungicide, herbicide, organophosphate, mix group pesticide was in increasing trend while that of rodenticide, bactericide was in decreasing trend. The import of synthetic pyrethroid, carbamates, and some new groups like nicotinoids had been increasing in recent years. Although the import of chemical pesticides was increasing in huge amount; import of biopesticide also seems to be in increasing trend. The use of pesticide is still low in Nepal as compared to the global average or other countries however, the effects of its use are greater and hazardous which indicates the need for strong policy implementation for the safe import and use of pesticides.
Journal of Entomology and Zoological Studies, 2019
Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Cordyceps sinensis), Yarsagumba in Nepali, is a special type of entomo p... more Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Cordyceps sinensis), Yarsagumba in Nepali, is a special type of entomo pathogenic creature. It is an endoparasitic fungus that normally grows on Thitarodes armoricanus (Oberthür) larvae and is available in the Himalayan regions (3300-5000 meters above sea level (Masl) of Nepal. In this research, yarsagumba were collected from the Kanda Rural Municipality of Bajhanag for conducting growth studies on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) and potato dextrose agar (PDA) media and determining their incidence on silkworm larvae in laboratory conditions at the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology. The Ophiocordyceps fungus was isolated and cultured, and its growth was compared using two different artificial media SDA and PDA-at 27 °C in the laboratory. To conduct a mortality test, the solutions of Ophiocordyceps fungus at different concentration (1, 10, 100 and 1000 ppm) were prepared and sprayed on the second and third instar silkworm larvae. It was observed that the growth of the Ophiocordyceps fungus occurred on both media, but faster growth was observed on the SDA compared with the PDA. Sclerosis was observed in the mycelium that was obtained from both types of culture media, and this could be seen clearly when placed under a compound microscope. The results revealed that the mortality caused by different concentrations of Ophiocordyceps against silkworm larvae was significantly higher compared with the control at 5, 10, 15 and 20 Days after inoculation (DAI). The higher the concentration of fungus, the higher the infection of both instars of silkworm larvae was recorded in all the observed' cases. The results showed the further possibility of artificial mass culture of O. sinensis under laboratory conditions.
Yarsagumba is anendoparasitic fungi growing on insect larvae found in high Himalayan region of Ne... more Yarsagumba is anendoparasitic fungi growing on insect larvae found in high Himalayan region of Nepal which is very expensive and better income source of local peoples. The study was conducted randomly selecting 80 households of two rural municipalities namely Talkot and Saipal who are involved in yarsagumba collection to assess the impact of yarsagumba on livelihood of local people of Bajhang district. Surveyed result revealed that climate change has highly affected harvesting of yarsagumba. Its selling price is affected by market value fluctuation. Yarsagumba play the significant role in livelihood of the local peoples. From the surveyed data comparing last five year (2068 to 2072) shows that, the highest income was found to be NRs. 139,200 per household per season in the year 2068. The market price, trade and marketing channels of yarsagumba are unclear and commercial trading takes place illegally because of fear of being charged higher taxes. The temperature and humidity play an important role on abundance and formation of yarsagumba. The study showed that 43.8% respondent's perceived change in temperature and rainfall pattern over 10 years, and 73.7% respondents perceived that temperature and rainfall affected on yarsagumba collection.
Experiments were conducted to find out the role of maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motsch. on sp... more Experiments were conducted to find out the role of maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motsch. on spread of green fungus, Aspergillus section flavi, in different varieties of stored maize in laboratory in 2016. Lab experiment was conducted to find the role of weevil on spread of A. flavus on five main varieties of maize grown at Nepal in split plot design, namely, Arun-2, Arun-4, Manakamana-1, Manakamana-3, and Rampur composite with three replications at NAST, Khumaltar, from August to September 2016. One hundred grams of each maize variety was exposed to weevil along with fungus and with fungus only to see the spread of the fungus under presence and absence of weevil. Among the tested five maize varieties, the lowest infestation was observed on Rampur Composite (14.99%) while it was the highest on Manakamana-3 (87.70%). The highest mean infestation (75.58%) was found under weevil released condition while it was lower (62.16%) under nonreleased condition. In presence of weevil, the infestation of the fungus increased and in their absence the infestation was low which signifies the role of weevil in fungal spread. All indices indicate that Rampur composite is the best variety among the five tested varieties in terms of storage under the presence of fungus and weevils. This study also indicates ample scope for further study on different varieties of maize under several storage conditions.
A wide range of postharvest pests, including rice weevils (Sitophilus oryzae), threatens wheat pr... more A wide range of postharvest pests, including rice weevils (Sitophilus oryzae), threatens wheat production in Nepal. This study was conducted to assess the efficacy of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) against rice weevils in Nepal under laboratory conditions. Seven amounts of clove (4, 2, 1, 0.5, 0.25, 0.12, and 0 g of clove bud/kg of wheat seed) were tested on three varieties of wheat (Bhrikuti, Vijaya, and NL971), and the dosage-mortality effect of clove bud was investigated. The mortality of rice weevils was indirectly correlated with the amount of clove bud added to all three varieties of wheat. The results suggest that clove buds have considerable pesticidal effects on rice weevils and can be considered as an alternative tool to control rice weevils in wheat during postharvest storage.
An experiment was conducted in Horticulture field of Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science ... more An experiment was conducted in Horticulture field of Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS), Paklihawa, Nepal to know the status of Scarabaeid beetle species and population by using light trap. Weekly monitoring of scarabaeid beetles adults with 85 watt vapor lights run from dawn to dusk during April, May, June and July in a field with multiple crops in 2014 showed that beetle populations were higher in May and June than in April and July. Overall, 227 specimens of Scarabaeid beetles were collected and 36% were Coprius indicus (Blanchard), 18% were Anomala mongiloca (Faldermann), 11% were Holotrichia spp., 9% were Cyclocephala spp., 8% were Phyllophaga spp., 6% were Heteronuchus lioderes (Redtenbachen), 5% were Onthophagus madoqua (Arrow), 5% were Alissonotum binodulum (Fairmaire), 2% were Maladera castanea (Arrow), and 0.5% (1 beetle) was Popillia birmaniaca (Arrow).
In 2021, this study has attempted to analyze the trend of pesticide import over two decades in Ne... more In 2021, this study has attempted to analyze the trend of pesticide import over two decades in Nepal. Secondary data obtained from Plant Quarantine and Pesticide Management Center were analyzed to know the pesticide import trend. The result showed that the import of pesticides was in increasing trend and the average annual increase in import was 30.48 tons (a.i.) over the last twenty-two years. Fungicide had the highest import followed by insecticide, herbicide and these three groups comprised more than 90% of the pesticide import. The import of insecticide, fungicide, herbicide, organophosphate, mix group pesticide was in increasing trend while that of rodenticide, bactericide was in decreasing trend. The import of synthetic pyrethroid, carbamates, and some new groups like nicotinoids had been increasing in recent years. Although the import of chemical pesticides was increasing in huge amount; import of biopesticide also seems to be in increasing trend. The use of pesticide is stil...
Laboratory experiment was done to perform the phytochemical screening of six locally available bo... more Laboratory experiment was done to perform the phytochemical screening of six locally available botanicals (Azadirachta indica Juss, Artemisia dubia Wall, Lantana camara L, Parthenium hysterophorus L, Justicia adhatoda Linn. and Moringa oleifera L.) and their effectiveness to control the maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais Motsch.) at Agriecology lab of Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Paklihawa Campus, Rupandehi, Nepal. Seven treatments (leaf extract of A. indica, A. dubia, L. camara, P. hysterophorus. J. adhatoda and M. oleifera and distilled water as control) applied at 3 different doses (0.5, 1 & 2g/50g seeds) were arranged in CRD design with 3 replications. Result of mortality test of maize weevil revealed that, at highest concentration of L. camara powder (T17- 2g/50 gm seeds) mortality of maize weevil was observed up to 85% at 45 DAT. Whereas number of damaged grain was lowest in T17 (L. camara powder- 2g/50 gm seeds). The effectiveness of botanicals was found to incr...
The tobacco caterpillar (Spodoptera litura) is one of the most economically devastating insect pe... more The tobacco caterpillar (Spodoptera litura) is one of the most economically devastating insect pests in Nepal, where it preys on cabbage and other crops. This study evaluated the efficacy of two entomopathogens (Beauveria bassiana and Bacilus thuringiensis), two plant-based commercial products (Karanjin and Azadirachtin), chinaberry leaf extract, and Jholmal (mixture of fermented animal urine and herbs) against S. litura in cabbage under field conditions in Chitwan, Nepal, and compared the efficacy with that of a commercial toxic product "All Killer" (Cypermethrin 10%). Karanjin and Jholmal were found to be significantly more effective against S. litura larvae than the entomopathogen-based products and chinaberry leaf extract; fewer cabbage heads were damaged by S. litura when Karanjin, Jholmal, and All Killer were applied. Cabbage yields in plots treated with Karanjin, Jholmal, and All Killer were similar and were significantly higher than those in plots treated with othe...
Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Cordyceps sinensis), Yarsagumba in Nepali, is a special type of entomopa... more Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Cordyceps sinensis), Yarsagumba in Nepali, is a special type of entomopathogenic creature. It is an endoparasitic fungus that normally grows on Thitarodes armoricanus (Oberthür) larvae and is available in the Himalayan regions (3300–5000 meters above sea level (Masl) of Nepal. In this research, yarsagumba were collected from the Kanda Rural Municipality of Bajhanag for conducting growth studies on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) and potato dextrose agar (PDA) media and determining their incidence on silkworm larvae in laboratory conditions at the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology. The Ophiocordyceps fungus was isolated and cultured, and its growth was compared using two different artificial media—SDA and PDA—at 27 °C in the laboratory. To conduct a mortality test, the solutions of Ophiocordyceps fungus at different concentration (1, 10, 100 and 1000 ppm) were prepared and sprayed on the second and third instar silkworm larvae. It was observed that the gr...
Storage loss of rice seed in terms of quality parameters is higher in Nepal due to lack of inform... more Storage loss of rice seed in terms of quality parameters is higher in Nepal due to lack of information about the effect of storage materials. Laboratory experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of storage materials and storage period on quality parameters of rice seed (Oryza sativa L. cv., Bahuguni dhan-1). Rice seed was stored in seven storage materials (metal bin, plastic bin, super grain bag, PICS bag, plastic bag with jute sack, jute sack and earthen pot) in Completely Randomized Design with three replications at the Seed Laboratory of National Wheat Research Program, Bhairahawa, Rupandehi, Nepal from March to July, 2021. Seed moisture content and germination percentage were recorded before storage and after one, three and five months of storage. The population of two insect pests rice weevil and maize weevil was recorded after five months of storage. The result revealed that all the seed quality parameters under study were significantly influenced by storage materials. P...
Desert locusts are the harmful pests that feed on every edible substance available on their way. ... more Desert locusts are the harmful pests that feed on every edible substance available on their way. One single mature locust can consume crops equal to its weight. In present condition where various world nations are struggling with the problem of food scarcity, this desert locust invasion has emerged as a considerable setback in achieving the universal goal of food security. Frequent outbreaks have led to tremendous environmental and economic losses. So, different control strategies are introduced in local as well as international level to deal with this dreadful issue. Desert locusts were observed in 55 districts of Nepal causing minimal crop damage compared to the past crop losses in Nepal in 2020. However, for the efficient way of mitigation of desert locust, farmers in developing nation like Nepal have to heavily rely on fast-acting chemicals that deliver rapid results but fail to maintain environmental integrity. A technical taskforce was formed in 26th May 2020, a month before t...
Journal of the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science
A survey of maize-growing areas of Surkhet and Chitwan, Nepal (April to May 2017) was conducted t... more A survey of maize-growing areas of Surkhet and Chitwan, Nepal (April to May 2017) was conducted to know about the incidence, relationship and loss in stored maize due to Maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais Motsch) and (Aspergillus flavus Link). Sixty households from each district were surveyed and the data was analyzed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel. Result revealed that there is severe infestation of maize weevil and green fungus in stored maize. 97.5% of stored samples had incidence of Aspergillus, whereas 96.7 % samples had maize weevils. 15.7% of the farmers apply sun drying and removal of the A. falvus infested seed while remaining 84.3% of the farmers use no any measure of control. Results from Chi- Square test indicated significant relation (χ2 = 122.10, P<0.01) between incidence of weevil infestation and occurrence of green fungus in the study area. The Phi coefficient value (1.00) shows the perfect relationship exist between weevil and green fungus occurrence in the study a...
The field experiment was conducted from March to June of 2017 in field conditions at the Institut... more The field experiment was conducted from March to June of 2017 in field conditions at the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS), Paklihawa Campus, Rupandehi, Nepal to evaluate the efficacy of botanicals, microbial, and chemical insecticide against Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee. We assessed seven treatments including control in randomized complete block design with four replications and two sprays. The treatments evaluated for the management of L. orbonalis were i) Jholmal, 250 ml/l of water ii) Beauveria bassiana (Daman), 4 g/l water iii) Abamectin 5 % (Biotrine), 0.5 ml/l of water iv) Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Mahastra), 4 g/l of water v) Emamectin benzoate (Cobra), 0.5 g/l of water vi) Azadirachtin 1500 ppm (Neem Kavach), 5 ml/l of water vii) Control (pure water application). All the treatments applied were found to be superior to the control. The results revealed that the lowest percentage of infested fruit i.e. 57.97% and 34.52% were found at 14 days after the first and second spray of Emamectin benzoate treatment respectively, as well as it was found to be significant over control in both sprays. The marketable yield of plot treated with Emamectin benzoate in eggplant was found to be the highest i.e.7.19 t/ha and 7.13 t/ha which was followed by Neem Kavach with the yield of 6.69 t/ha and 7.06 t/ha and that of control plots was 2.98 t/ha and 2.56 t/ha after first and second spray respectively. Further, our study concluded both marketable yield and Benefit-Cost (BC) ratio of brinjal fruit were the highest under the treatment of Emamectin benzoate followed by Jholmal and Neem Kavach. From this experiment, we concluded that Emamectin benzoate was the most effective treatment for the management of L. orbonalis while Jholmal and Neem Kavach proved to be the best alternative.
A field experiment was conducted in Randomized Complete Block Design with four replication and se... more A field experiment was conducted in Randomized Complete Block Design with four replication and seven treatments to know the "Response of Upland Rice to Different Source of Organic Manures and their effect on insect population" at the agronomy farm of the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS), Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal using a variety "IR-55435-5” during rainy season, 2009. The treatments included are: farmyard manure (14 t/ ha ), decomposed biogas effluent (9 t/ ha ), fresh biogas effluent (8 t/ ha ), banmara compost (6 t /ha), ashok dry leaves compost (11 t /ha ), rice husk compost (15 t/ha), and chemical fertilizer (NPK @ 100:60:40 kg /ha). The yield attributing factors of upland rice such as, effective tillers per meter square (192.3), panicle length (23.46cm), panicle weight (2.72 g), and grains per panicle (105.2) were significantly higher in chemical fertilizer applied plots than the rest of the sources of nutrient and those of the lowest (146.3 effective tillers, 21.01cm panicle length, 1.777 g panicle weight, and 68.06 grains per panicle) were in ashok dry leaves compost applied plots. The significantly (p= 0.05) higher grain and straw yield (2.337 t ha grain and 7.708 t ha') in chemical fertilizer applied plots were statistically at par with fresh biogas effluent (2.189 t /ha) and decomposed biogas effluent (2.050 t ha). Harvest index (HI) of 32.53 %, 30.51 %, 29.55 %, 28.02 %, 26.72, 26.34 %, and 23.43 % were in decomposed biogas effluent, rice husk compost, fresh biogas effluent, ashok dry leaves compost, banmara compost, farmyard manure, and chemical fertilizer were respectively. A significantly higher harvest index was observed in decomposed biogas effluent (32.53 %) applied plots than the chemical fertilizer applied plots (23.43 %) that was statistically at par with rest of the sources of nutrient. Result also revealed that the beneficial insect's population was higher and the harmful insect population was lower in organic nutrient source treated plots. Thus, it was concluded that biogas effluent is the best source of nutrient among the organic manures and sound alternative to inorganic fertilizer.
Desert locusts are the harmful pests that feed on every edible substance available on their way. ... more Desert locusts are the harmful pests that feed on every edible substance available on their way. One single mature locust can consume crops equal to its weight. In present condition where various world nations are struggling with the problem of food scarcity, this desert locust invasion has emerged as a considerable setback in achieving the universal goal of food security. Frequent outbreaks have led to tremendous environmental and economic losses. So, different control strategies are introduced in local as well as international level to deal with this dreadful issue. Desert locusts were observed in 55 districts of Nepal causing minimal crop damage compared to the past crop losses in Nepal in 2020. However, for the efficient way of mitigation of desert locust, farmers in developing nation like Nepal have to heavily rely on fast-acting chemicals that deliver rapid results but fail to maintain environmental integrity. A technical taskforce was formed in 26 th May 2020, a month before the entry of desert locust in Nepal from India to prevent the possible crop loss. The government of Lumbini Province, Nepal had declared to buy locusts at Rs. 20 per kg so as to encourage the people for their collection. Approaches based on IPM (Integrated Pest Management) that emphasize on effective incorporation of chemical and biological insecticides with prediction and monitoring technologies have been prompted against desert locust. Recent experimental studies and researches are prioritizing on discovering potential solutions through financial coordination from governmental and non-governmental bodies. After reviewing articles from various journals, magazines and proceedings, the authors have highlighted the loss in the agricultural sector due to desert locust attack along with its advanced control and management options. The control and mitigation strategies mentioned in this article would be a useful resource for farmers as well as researchers on assessing this problem.
In 2021, this study has attempted to analyze the trend of pesticide importover two decades in Nep... more In 2021, this study has attempted to analyze the trend of pesticide importover two decades in Nepal. Secondary data obtained from Plant Quarantine and Pesticide Management Center were analyzed to know the pesticide import trend. The result showed that the import of pesticides was in increasing trend and the average annual increase in import was 30.48 tons (a.i.) over the last twenty-two years. Fungicide had the highest import followed by insecticide, herbicide and these three groups comprised more than 90% of the pesticide import. The importof insecticide, fungicide, herbicide, organophosphate, mix group pesticide was in increasing trend while that of rodenticide, bactericide was in decreasing trend. The import of synthetic pyrethroid, carbamates, and some new groups like nicotinoids had been increasing in recent years. Although the import of chemical pesticides was increasing in huge amount; import of biopesticide also seems to be in increasing trend. The use of pesticide is still low in Nepal as compared to the global average or other countries however, the effects of its use are greater and hazardous which indicates the need for strong policy implementation for the safe import and use of pesticides.
Journal of Entomology and Zoological Studies, 2019
Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Cordyceps sinensis), Yarsagumba in Nepali, is a special type of entomo p... more Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Cordyceps sinensis), Yarsagumba in Nepali, is a special type of entomo pathogenic creature. It is an endoparasitic fungus that normally grows on Thitarodes armoricanus (Oberthür) larvae and is available in the Himalayan regions (3300-5000 meters above sea level (Masl) of Nepal. In this research, yarsagumba were collected from the Kanda Rural Municipality of Bajhanag for conducting growth studies on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) and potato dextrose agar (PDA) media and determining their incidence on silkworm larvae in laboratory conditions at the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology. The Ophiocordyceps fungus was isolated and cultured, and its growth was compared using two different artificial media SDA and PDA-at 27 °C in the laboratory. To conduct a mortality test, the solutions of Ophiocordyceps fungus at different concentration (1, 10, 100 and 1000 ppm) were prepared and sprayed on the second and third instar silkworm larvae. It was observed that the growth of the Ophiocordyceps fungus occurred on both media, but faster growth was observed on the SDA compared with the PDA. Sclerosis was observed in the mycelium that was obtained from both types of culture media, and this could be seen clearly when placed under a compound microscope. The results revealed that the mortality caused by different concentrations of Ophiocordyceps against silkworm larvae was significantly higher compared with the control at 5, 10, 15 and 20 Days after inoculation (DAI). The higher the concentration of fungus, the higher the infection of both instars of silkworm larvae was recorded in all the observed' cases. The results showed the further possibility of artificial mass culture of O. sinensis under laboratory conditions.
Yarsagumba is anendoparasitic fungi growing on insect larvae found in high Himalayan region of Ne... more Yarsagumba is anendoparasitic fungi growing on insect larvae found in high Himalayan region of Nepal which is very expensive and better income source of local peoples. The study was conducted randomly selecting 80 households of two rural municipalities namely Talkot and Saipal who are involved in yarsagumba collection to assess the impact of yarsagumba on livelihood of local people of Bajhang district. Surveyed result revealed that climate change has highly affected harvesting of yarsagumba. Its selling price is affected by market value fluctuation. Yarsagumba play the significant role in livelihood of the local peoples. From the surveyed data comparing last five year (2068 to 2072) shows that, the highest income was found to be NRs. 139,200 per household per season in the year 2068. The market price, trade and marketing channels of yarsagumba are unclear and commercial trading takes place illegally because of fear of being charged higher taxes. The temperature and humidity play an important role on abundance and formation of yarsagumba. The study showed that 43.8% respondent's perceived change in temperature and rainfall pattern over 10 years, and 73.7% respondents perceived that temperature and rainfall affected on yarsagumba collection.
Experiments were conducted to find out the role of maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motsch. on sp... more Experiments were conducted to find out the role of maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motsch. on spread of green fungus, Aspergillus section flavi, in different varieties of stored maize in laboratory in 2016. Lab experiment was conducted to find the role of weevil on spread of A. flavus on five main varieties of maize grown at Nepal in split plot design, namely, Arun-2, Arun-4, Manakamana-1, Manakamana-3, and Rampur composite with three replications at NAST, Khumaltar, from August to September 2016. One hundred grams of each maize variety was exposed to weevil along with fungus and with fungus only to see the spread of the fungus under presence and absence of weevil. Among the tested five maize varieties, the lowest infestation was observed on Rampur Composite (14.99%) while it was the highest on Manakamana-3 (87.70%). The highest mean infestation (75.58%) was found under weevil released condition while it was lower (62.16%) under nonreleased condition. In presence of weevil, the infestation of the fungus increased and in their absence the infestation was low which signifies the role of weevil in fungal spread. All indices indicate that Rampur composite is the best variety among the five tested varieties in terms of storage under the presence of fungus and weevils. This study also indicates ample scope for further study on different varieties of maize under several storage conditions.
A wide range of postharvest pests, including rice weevils (Sitophilus oryzae), threatens wheat pr... more A wide range of postharvest pests, including rice weevils (Sitophilus oryzae), threatens wheat production in Nepal. This study was conducted to assess the efficacy of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) against rice weevils in Nepal under laboratory conditions. Seven amounts of clove (4, 2, 1, 0.5, 0.25, 0.12, and 0 g of clove bud/kg of wheat seed) were tested on three varieties of wheat (Bhrikuti, Vijaya, and NL971), and the dosage-mortality effect of clove bud was investigated. The mortality of rice weevils was indirectly correlated with the amount of clove bud added to all three varieties of wheat. The results suggest that clove buds have considerable pesticidal effects on rice weevils and can be considered as an alternative tool to control rice weevils in wheat during postharvest storage.
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