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Ajay Sharma , Anil Sood

Abstract

Grewia optiva is an important fodder tree in Solan District of Himachal Pradesh. It forms an important component of agro forestry systems in the mid hill region because of its multipurpose use as fodder, fuel and fibre. Its leaves are damaged badly by different insects leading to huge losses of green fodder. The different insect pests found feeding on G. optiva are Mimastra cyanura, Myllocerus setulifer, Apoderus spp. Lygropia obrinusalis, Adoretus bimarginatus etc. These pests take heavy toll of the foliage and results in huge losses to the farmers.

Keywords

Grewia Optiva, Fodder Tree, Insect Pests, Himachal Pradesh.

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Ajay Sharma , Anil Sood , T. D. Verma

Abstract

Robinia pseudoacacia commonly called 'Black locust' is an exotic tree which was introduced in the country in the late nineteenth century and the plantations done in Shimla forests did well. It is becoming an important component of agroforestry systems in mid-hill regions, especially in Solan District of Himachal Pradesh. It is valued for leaf fodder, timber and as honeybee flora. Being an exotic tree, it is not having its traditional pests but some insects have been encountered feeding on different parts of this tree. Among them, Chaffer beetles were found to feed profusely on the foliage of this tree and take heavy toll of the leaves. Cyclopelta siccifolia (Hemiptera : Pentatomidae) was recorded to be the major pest associated with this tree. Its nymphs and adults were observed to suck the sap profusely from the stem and branches of the tree. Another pentatomid bug Nezara viridula was found to feed on the leaves of R. pseudoacacia. Bagrada cruciferarum adults were also encountered feeding on the leaves. Some other pests of minor importance were also observed to feed on this tree.

Keywords

Robinia pseudoacacia, Insect Pests, Agroforestry System, Himachal Pradesh

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Gopi Chand , Anil Sood

Abstract

The influence of growth regulators IAA, IBA and NAA on the seed germination of Dendrocalamus strictus Nees at three different concentrations i.e., 100, 200 and 500 mg/l has been studied. The germination percentage, stem height, ischolar_main length, number of ischolar_mains and leaves per plant were recorded after one month of germination and after one year. The maximum germination (about 69%) was recorded in IBA while in control, it was 52%. On the basis of statistically analysed parameters, it was found that all the growth regulators IAA, IBA and NAA were statistically significant in terms of germination percentage; stem height, ischolar_main length, number of ischolar_mains and leaves per plant. As the parameters were recorded after one year, the plant height and number of tillers per plant were also found to be statistically significant. In terms of concentrations, all the concentrations were also statistically significant along with stem height and ischolar_main length. While these parameters i.e., plant height and number of tillers per plant were statistically non-significant after one year. The experiments were conducted in polysleeves with single seed in each sleeve.

Keywords

Dendrocalamus strictus, Seedling Germination, Growth Regulators

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Ajay Sharma , T. D. Verma , Anil Sood

Abstract

Celtis australis Linn. leaves are damaged severely by the larvae and adults of Diorhabda lusca Maulik. These brown coloured beetles started appearing in the last week of March with the new flush of leaves. In a period of 8 months i.e. from March to October, the insect completed 4 generations and the adults of the 4th generation underwent hibernation to resume the activity in next March. The biology, nature and extent of damage is presented in this paper.

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Ajay Sharma , T. D. Verma , Anil Sood

Abstract

Poplars hold an important place in the agroforestry systems because of their multiple use, fast growing nature and short rotation. Tbey are being grown on large scale in the plains of nortbern India, valley area of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. Different Poplar clones being grown on these areas are invariably attacked by a number of insect pests. Various insect species invade Poplar plant parts right from the nursery stage to the maturity of the crop. Some of the important inseet pests infesting these trees include Apriona cinerea, Eucosma glaciuta, Plagiodera versicolora etc. They not only affect the growth and render them unfit for proper utilization but also sometimes threat their survival. An account of insect pests associated with Poplars in western Himalayan region in respect of their incidence, nature and extent of damage and management strategies have been discussed in the text.

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T. D. Verma , Ajay Sharma , Anil Sood

Abstract

No abstract

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Om Prakash , Anil Sood

Abstract

Bamboos have provided ample fuel to the human creativity. Without bamboos, it is impossible to think of rural life. In the past few years, the Government of India has been making incessant efforts to create an awareness among the masses for use of bamboos for protection against environment degradation because of fast growth the bamboos can attain, they have no parallel. Therefore, it is important to propagate and popularize some selected bamboo species which can be used as fodder for milch cattle, timber for house building and new shoots for food. The IHBT has taken up the responsibility of propagation and extension of one such edible Chinese bamboo. The present paper deals with bamboo seed germination and nursery management practices.

Keywords

Edible Bamboos, Chinese Mose Bamboo, Phyllostachys pubescens, Nursery Technology, Management Practices

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Om Prakash , K. K. Singh , Anil Sood

Abstract

Bamboos suffer from low shelf life because of attacks by fungi or insects mainly insect borers or termites. Traditionally, freshly cut bamboo poles were dipped in flowing water to remove starch, which attracts insects and pests or coating with oils or paint and even coal tar. The chemical method includes dipping in Cu SO₄, Boric acid, Borax and Sodium pentachlorophenate solution to be used either singly or in combination. However, forcing out the sap under pressure and replacing with chemicals such as Copper- Chroma - Boric acid is a better method for enhanced shelf life. For small pieces, a treatment with hot and cold solutions of urea and Boric acid for varying periods has also been found quite useful.

Keywords

Bamboos, Preservation, Chemical, Methods, Insects

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R. C. Sharma , N. B. Singh , D. Tripathi , Anil Sood

Abstract

A survey on the status and distribution of willow mortality in the cold desert of Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh was conducted during 2007. Large scale willow mortality ranging from 2 to 93.8 per cent was recorded in Lahaul sub-division. The extent of mortality was higher in Chandra valley as compared to Pattan and Bhaga valleys. In Spiti sub-division willow mortality was recorded only at Qurith (2%). Investigations revealed that Cytospora canker caused by Cytospora chrysosperma is the major cause of willow mortality. At few places scale insect (Lepidosaphes sp.) infestation was also recorded. Based on the causes of the mortality, a package of recommendations has been suggested to reduce the willow mortality in the cold desert areas.

Keywords

Willow (Salix sp.), Mortality, Cytospora Chrysosperma, Scale Insect, (Lepidosaphes sp.), Cold Desert

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Samanpreet Kaur ¹, Rajan Aggarwal ¹, S. K. Jalota ², Anil Sood ³

Affiliations
1 Department of Soil Water Engineering, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana 141 004, IN
2 Department of Soil Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana 141 004, IN
3 Punjab Remote Sensing Centre, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana 141 004, IN

Abstract

The present study aims at using GIS hydrology tool for calculating inflow/outflow fluxes across the boundary of a study area in a situation where physical boundaries in the vicinity of the study area cannot be identified. This approach has an edge over the simplest approach of no flow or constant head boundaries alone, which may be far from reality. The reported methodology will improve groundwater modelling in the areas where the hydrological cycle is predicted because of climate change.

Keywords

Climate Change, Groundwater Flow Models, Hydrological Boundaries, Lateral Fluxes.

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P. Sree Chandana ¹, Anil Sood ¹, P L Sharma ¹

Affiliations
1 Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan – 173230, Himachal Pradesh, IN

Abstract

Laboratory experiments were conducted at Department of Entomology, Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India during 2019-20 to study the biology of green lacewing, Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi (Esben-Petersen) on cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae L. The aphid culture was maintained on cabbage seedlings and the predator, C. zastrowi sillemi was reared on aphids. Duration of different developmental stages of the predator as well as adult longevity and sex ratio were recorded. The mean egg, larval and pupal periods were 4.82 ± 0.24, 11.2 ± 0.60 and 7.03± 0.29 days, respectively. The total developmental period was 21.4 ± 0.51 days. Larva of C. zastrowi sillemi had undergone three instars before pupation. The first instar had the shortest duration (3.80 ± 0.20 days) while the third instar lasted for longest period (4.25 ± 0.15 days). The pre oviposition, oviposition and total longevity of female adult were 6.60 ± 0.40, 25.40 ± 0.51 and 40.8 ± 1.28 days, respectively while longevity of male adult of C. zastrowi sillemi was 29.40 ± 1.86 days. The studies proved that predator, C. zastrowi sillemi could complete the life cycle on the cabbage aphid in about 20-23 days and can serve as a potential biocontrol agent to manage this pest.

Keywords

Biocontrol Agent, Brevicoryne brassicae, Cabbage, Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi, Life Cycle.

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