Estimation of crop loss due to mite infesting okra and chillies
Screening of okra, tomato and chilli germplasm against phytophagous mites and identification of resistance mechanism(s)
Monitoring acaricide resistance in Tetranychus urticae to dicofol, fenazaquin and propargite infesting okra.
Evaluation of promising fungal pathogens against mite pests
Evaluation of potency of natural enemies against vegetable mites
Exploration of natural enemies of mites and standardization of mass production of phytoseiid mites, predatory thrips and Stethorus beetles
Exploration and collection of Agriculturally Important Insect Biodiversity (AIIB) including mapping of biotic stresses due to insects and mites
Biosystematic studies: Identification, morphological characterization and documentation of insect pests and natural enemies of important crops
Development of bioinformatics tools/ inventories of insect biodiversity associated with major cropping systems
Development of multimedia based diagnostic aids for economic importance
A number of phytophagous mites affecting crop plants which was neglected previously were brought to limelight due to intensive research with identification, biosystematics, biodiversity and economic importance, Of relevance is the coconut eriophyid mite, Aceria guerreronis. The Department of Agricultural Entomology is the lead centre for the entire country to coordinate the research on this mite, which of late is threatening coconut cultivation in Southern part of the country. A large number of experiments were carried out and an IPM package was developed.
Stored Product Entomology
Design and development of mechanical devices for the management of various stages of both external and internal feeders of stored grains
Design and development of Insecticide Resistance Management strategies for Indian grain storage warehouses
Studies on modified atmospheric storage for insect-free seed and grain storage and to develop suitable containers for CO2 fumigation and storage of grains
Standardize the dose and time of exposure of CO2 and N2 needed for storage pest management
Development of sustainable methods of storage pest management
Development of activated clay for protection of farm produce from storage pests is one of the achievements in this area. Besides, the usefulness of vegetable oils in protecting the grains from pest infestation has been demonstrated. Research is being done on the design and development of various gadgets and bins which can reduce the field carryover and cross infestation of stored product insects without use of chemical pesticides.
Apiculture
Standardization of floral mapping for migratory bee keeping
Queen bee breeding for selection of Thai Sac Brood Virus resistant stocks in Indian bees
Assessment of pollinator’s diversity on different flora and estimation of pollen load transfer by individual pollinator fauna
Maintenance of Indian bee colonies, Apis cerana indica and introduction of Italian bee A. mellifera and study of their performance are the major areas of research in this unit. Intensive studies are being undertaken on the colonisation of stringless bees and their usefulness as pollinators for increasing the agricultural production. A bee park has been established with four species of honeybees.
