Evaluation of different plant powders as seed protectants against rice moth, Corcyra cephalonica Stainton

The present study was aimed to develop the eco-friendly and economic approaches to keep the stored food grains free from insect attack would be using the plant products as grain protectants. In the context of biological control as an alternative to chemical control, under laboratory conditions, different plant powders viz., dharakkernel and leaf (Melia azadirach L.), neem kernel and leaf (Azadirachta indica Adr. Juss), karanj kernel (Pongamia glabra), aak leaf (Calotropis procera Br.), datura leaf (Datura alba Nees.), citrus leaf (Citrus lemon L.), podina leaf (Mentha arvensis) and tulsi leaf (Ocimum sanctum L.) were compared, at three rate of application (1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 g per 100 g seeds), as protectants against infestation of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) seeds by the storage pest Corcyra cephalonica Stainton. The larval period of test insect got progressively increased with the increase in dose level of different plant powders. The maximum (77.83%) and minimum (37.83%) reduction in adult emergence was observed in dharak kernel powder and tulsi leaf powder, respectively. The test insect developed on seeds treated with dharak kernel powder laid significantly (P˃ 0.5) minimum number of eggs (80.33 eggs/ female) followed by neem kernel powder (85.66 eggs/female). The dharak and neem kernel powders were found most effective in reducing the longevity of male (3.96 and 5.13 days) and female adults (4.63 and 4.97 days), respectively. The results suggest that these materials tested have the potential in the development of post-harvest protection technology against, C. cephalonica, the major pest of stored grains

Evaluation of different plant powders as seed protectants against rice moth, Corcyra cephalonica Stainton

The present study was aimed to develop the eco-friendly and economic approaches to keep the stored food grains free from insect attack would be using the plant products as grain protectants. In the context of biological control as an alternative to chemical control, under laboratory conditions, different plant powders viz., dharakkernel and leaf (Melia azadirach L.), neem kernel and leaf (Azadirachta indica Adr. Juss), karanj kernel (Pongamia glabra), aak leaf (Calotropis procera Br.), datura leaf (Datura alba Nees.), citrus leaf (Citrus lemon L.), podina leaf (Mentha arvensis) and tulsi leaf (Ocimum sanctum L.) were compared, at three rate of application (1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 g per 100 g seeds), as protectants against infestation of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) seeds by the storage pest Corcyra cephalonica Stainton. The larval period of test insect got progressively increased with the increase in dose level of different plant powders. The maximum (77.83%) and minimum (37.83%) reduction in adult emergence was observed in dharak kernel powder and tulsi leaf powder, respectively. The test insect developed on seeds treated with dharak kernel powder laid significantly (P? 0.5) minimum number of eggs (80.33 eggs/ female) followed by neem kernel powder (85.66 eggs/female). The dharak and neem kernel powders were found most effective in reducing the longevity of male (3.96 and 5.13 days) and female adults (4.63 and 4.97 days), respectively. The results suggest that these materials tested have the potential in the development of post-harvest protection technology against, C. cephalonica, the major pest of stored grains

Structural, elastic and magnetic properties of spinel Co3O4

We have investigated the structural and magnetic properties of Co3O4 ceramic synthesized by solid state reaction method. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopic and Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) analysis reveals single phase formation at room temperature. Analysis of XRD data indicates that the Co3O4 crystallizes in cubic symmetry with face-centered cubic (fcc) Bravais lattice. Force constants and elastic properties have been estimated at room temperature using XRD and FTIR spectra and interpreted in terms of bond lengths. An octahedral broadening of the FTIR band (vo) and large force constant (ko) has been observed and indicated the inverse proportionality relationship between the force constant and the bond length. The elastic moduli and Poisson’s ratio uncorrected and corrected to zero porosity reveals the solidification of the Co3O4 ceramic sample. The field cooled (FC) and zero field cooled (ZFC) magnetization measurements using superconducting quantum interface device (SQUID) magnetometer exhibit a well-defined long-range antiferromagnetic order below transition (TN = 40 K) temperature

Comparative Studies on Russell-Saunders Atomic Term Symbols (Terms) for Equivalent Electrons of nf 4 and nf 10 Configurations

There are two coupling schemes for obtaining Russell Saunders atomic term symbols (terms) for the equivalent electrons, one is Russell-Saunders (L-S) coupling scheme and another is spin-orbit (j-j) coupling scheme. The Russell Saunders atomic term symbol provide the information about spectral and magnetic properties of an atom. For this work computation is done to calculate all the possible microstates and atomic terms for equivalent electrons of nf 4 and nf 10 configurations and a comparative study is carried out between the Russell Saunders atomic terms of nf 4 and nf 10 configurations. The possible microstates counted for these configurations are 1001 and the terms obtained from these states are 47, these terms are quintets (5), triplet

Yield and Economic Viability of Coriander under Frontline Demonstration in Bundi District of Rajasthan

A study was conducted in Bundi district of Rajasthan to analyze yield and economics of coriander under frontline demonstration. Results of the study revealed that yields in coriander were substantially higher over the Local Check (Control), fetching the participating farmers a higher price for their produce. A majority of the respondent farmers expressed high (44.32%) to very high (37.50%) level of satisfaction with extension services and performance of the technology under the demonstration

Response of bio-regulators to yield and quality of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czernj. and Cosson) under different irrigation environments

A field study was conducted during rabi seasons of 2008 and 2009 to evaluated of productivity of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) by foliar spray of bio-regulators under different irrigation environments. Amongst treatments, the application of sufficient irrigation water (four irrigations) recorded the highest number siliqua per plant, higher number of seeds per siliqua, 1000 seed weight and yields as compared to all other irrigation treatments. Results show that an increased in seed yield of 92.40 and 39.37 % under sufficient irrigation and limitedwater condition in 2008 and 93.34% and 40.31% in 2009, respectively over deficient irrigation conditions, foliar sprays of 100 ppm thioglycollic acid at initiation of branching were recorded highest yield attributes and yields. Similarly, 500 ppm of thiourea at initiation of branching and flowering stages also gave second best highest yield attributes and yields as compared to all other bio-regulators spray stages. However, bio-regulators sprays were not recorded any significant effect on oil and protein content. The results were concluded that economic feasibility to improve productivity of Indian mustard with four irrigations levels and sprays of 100 ppm thioglycollic acid and 500 ppm of thiourea at initiation of branching and flowering stages under hyper arid environment

Economic feasibility of weed management practices in nigella (Nigella sativa L.)

A field experiment was conducted to find out the suitable and economical method of weed control in nigella. Based on two year study, it was found that besides weed free treatment, significantly higher plant height, number of primary and secondary branches, number of leaves, number of nodes and dry matter accumulation plant-1 (at 60 days after sowing (DAS), 90 DAS and at harvest) were recorded with the pre-emergence application of oxadiargyl @ 75 g ha-1 + one hand weeding at 45 DAS and pendimethalin @ 1 kg ha-1 + one hand weeding at 45 DAS. Similarly, yield attributes like number of siliqua plant-1, number of seeds siliqua-1, siliqua size and test weight as well as seed and straw yields of nigella were also higher with these two treatments. Besides weed free treatment, lower dry weight of weed at harvest, weed index with highest weed control efficiency was obtained under pre- emergence (PE) application of oxadiargyl @ 75 g ha-1 + one hand weeding at 45 DAS. The Highest gross returns and net returns were obtained in weed free treatment followed by effective control of weed with pre -emergence application of oxadiargyl @ 75 g ha-1 + one hand weeding at 45 DAS but highest B: C ratio (2.62) was recorded with preemergence application of oxadiargyl @ 75 g ha-1 + one hand weeding at 45 DAS. &nbsp

Indigenous approaches of pest management in vegetables with special reference to coriander in southern Rajasthan, India

The present survey based study was conducted to record the indigenous pest management practices which were prepared by the use of various ethnobotanical plant parts, animal bi-products etc., for vegetable pest control by the farmers of tribal community in four tribal districts of southern Rajasthan. Data revealed that nowadays, indigenous knowledge of insect-pests management is being alive in age old people of few communities, amongst tribes of southern Rajasthan is one of the community in which some farmers are still practicing indigenous tactics for controlling pests on vegetables. 28 indigenous practices constituted by locally available wild plants constituents, animal byproducts, natural resource and few spiritual mean were applied with age old knowledge of farmers recorded effective management of various insect-pests infesting vegetables including coriander. The highest Fic value was recorded for aphids followed by thrips and jassids. The used value was recorded in the range of 0.09 to 0.69 for all locations. The highest UV secured for indigenous practices of Neem leaf extract; cow butter milk + cow dung ash + chilli seed powder; Neem seed kernel extract and ker plant + neem leaf + negadi leaf extract. These practices were easy in preparation, cost effective, eco-friendly and widely acceptable by the community in region need to be documented for future reference