INTRODUCTION

Under this DST supported project, several plants were examined and products of these plants were tested for their efficacy against different pests. This project was implemented during the period of September 2005 – August 2008.

OBJECTIVES

  • Setting up an Insect Rearing Laboratory where specifically identified insects of interest can be reared under laboratory conditions.
Bioassay on Spodoptera

Bioassay on Spodoptera

  • Short-listing of plants and plant products to be taken up for detailed study based on quick screening procedures in the Insect Rearing Laboratory and traditional practices of farmers.

  • Quantitative studies on the efficacy of plant products and various other formulations

  • Quantitative studies on the shelf life of various storage forms of preparations.

  • Confirmation of biological efficacy by field testing using experiments in the field.

Green gram seedlings for the purpose of bioassay

Green gram seedlings for the purpose of bioassay

WORK DONE UNDER THE PROJECT

  • Insect rearing laboratory has been established at Sirkazhi. Tobacco caterpillar, pulse aphids and Epilachna beetles have been reared under laboratory condition.

  • Rearing techniques for Armyworm and aphids were standardized and cultures were maintained continuously under laboratory conditions.

  • Efficacy of Andrographis kashaayam, neem oil soap solution and other plant-based preparations has been tested for Tobacco caterpillar and aphids under laboratory conditions.

  • Kshaaram prepared using Adhatoda vasica has been tested under laboratory conditions against pulse aphids.

  • Arkam has been prepared with sweet flag and cow’s urine and stored for lab trials.

Preparation of arkam

Preparation of arkam

  • Visits were made to Department of Entomology, U.A.S, Bangalore and Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, Chidambaram to discuss the technical issues regarding rearing techniques and bioassay procedures.

  • A literature survey has been done to shortlist the plants for further detailed study.

  • Ten training programmes were conducted for women SHG’s belonging to Sirkazhi taluk on biopesticide preparation.

  • Field experiments have been conducted for Aphids, Epilachna beetles and leaf folder at Agani and Allivilagam village.

Training on biopesticide preparation conducted for the SHG members

Training on biopesticide preparation conducted for the SHG members