National Centre for Integrated Pest Management

The NCIPM was established in February, 1988 to cater to the emerging plant protection needs of different agro-ecological zones of the country. The activities of the centre extend across and beyond different disciplines and agencies to establish partnerships with SAU's, Government Agencies, Industries, NGO's and Farmers. Through their partnerships, NCIPM plans and conducts eco-friendly IPM research and development programmes which are essentially required for sustainable agriculture and environmental security.

NCIPM is a National Research Centre under Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India.

NCIPM is involved in research and promotion of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in major crops such as Rice, Cotton, Pulses, Rapeseed-Mustard, development of forewarning systems for major pests, preparation of geographical pest distribution maps of India, creation of databases in IPM related areas and development of computer software besides imparting training to Master Trainers, State Agricultural Departmental Personnel, Pesticide Industry Personnel, NGO's etc.

NCIPM has made a modest beginning in achieving the goals of IPM and is now making essential and pragmatic efforts to synthesize, validate and promote IPM modules in major crops at village levels, develop pest forewarning systems, computer software and preparation of geographical pest distribution maps as well as conducting training programmes in various fields of IPM.

The Centre is striving for effective co-operation with All-India Coordinated Crop improvement programmes; Crop Research Institutes of ICAR; State Agricultural Institutes; Department of Science and Technology; Environment and Bio-technology of Government of India; National Remote Sensing Agency; Indian Meteorological Department; National Informatics Centre; Directorate of Plant Protection Quarantine and Storage; NGO's and industries for implementation of its programmes.

IPM Philosophy

Though India is in comfortable position with respect to food security, however lot more is needed to increase yield to meet the ever increasing population growth while keeping the environment clean and healthy. In spite of dramatic advances in pest control technology which is heavily based on chemical pesticides over the last half century, pest has become an increasingly serious constraint in agricultural production. Simultaneously much higher percentage of pest population has developed resistance to pesticides and their whole groups. The solution to pesticide crisis offered by the plant protection community was Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM involved the integrated use of some (cultural, resistant varieties, biological and chemical control) or all of the pest control strategies. IPM is more complex for the farm producer to implement than spraying by the calendar, which is not only easy but also readily available on credit basis. IPM was promoted as an alternative pest control strategy in India as early as in 1960's but there were few IPM technologies available to be transferred to farmers. Now the situation is vice-versa.

A successful IPM programme takes time, money, patience, short and long term planning, flexibility and commitment. The implementing officials need to spend time on self education and on making contacts with extension and research personnel to discuss farming operations which varies from location to location. Government must take the lead in changing the pest control scenario that will make chemical control less attractive and provide incentive to agencies involved in production and promotion of eco-friendly quality inputs essentially required for IPM.

Like other sensible genders we are equally committed to IPM as defined by the FAO as an economically viable and socially acceptable approach to crop production. It is the top priority Mission of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and its crop based institutes including the Government of India to provide safe and effective technologies to protect against unacceptable losses caused by the weeds, diseases and insects, which to an estimate works out to be Rs. 57000/- crores per annum at the current prices and even exceeds in the time of epidemics.

The experiences of IPM programmes at different agencies have already proved to be economically viable and socially acceptable in different crops in various agro-ecological zones.

Mandate

To develop and promote IPM technologies for major crops so as to sustain higher crop yields with minimum ecological implications. To develop information base on all aspects of pest management and to advise on related national priorities and pest management policies. To establish linkages and collaborative programmes with other national and international institutes in the area of IPM. To extend technical consultancies. Validation of IPM Module in Cotton To validate the IPM module of rainfed and irrigated cotton in central and northern zones of India.

IPM Module(rainfed); Field sanitation and destruction of stubbles; ; Use of a single recommended variety/hybrid and synchoronized sowing of treated seeds (imidacloprid @ 7 g/kg seed);Planting of Maize and Cowpea on borders for conservation of predators and parasitoids. Planting of Setaria spp. after every 9th row of cotton as bird perch;Installation of Pheromone traps (@1/10 ha) and physical monitoring for timing of management operations against bollworms; Release of egg parasitoids (Trichogramma chilonis) at appropriate time coinciding with the egg laying by bollworms; Spray of HNPV 250 LE/ha followed by second release of Trichogramma or NSKE 5%; Need based spray of ecofriendly insecticides/fungicides (wettable sulphur/carbadenzim against grey mildew) depending on the level of intensity of pests.

Achievements

The sucking pest population and bollworm infestation was significantly reduced due to IPM. The average jassid and aphid population was respectively 5.576 and 2.310 per 3 leaves in IPM compared to 64.45 and 189.90 in non-IPM. The average total bollworm damage when recorded on squares and flowers shed material and green bolls was 10.914% in IPM vs. 26.388% in non-IPM.

The reduction in the quantity of pesticides used, (from 6.41 kg a.i/ha to 0.337 kg a.i./ha) drastically curtailed the over head expenditure on crop protection. The cost of plant protection inputs/ha was Rs. 1419/- under IPM as compared to Rs 2114/- under non-IPM.

Increased yields. Average yield/ha was 1013 kg seed cotton in IPM as compared to 677 kg in non-IPM.

Population of natural enemies increased as evident by 100 % parasitization. There was marked improvement in the conservation of natural enemies population in IPM village due to very low pesticide use. Average lady bird beetle and chrysoperla population in IPM was 2.339 and 0.620 per plant compared to 0.523 and 0.237 per plant respectively in non-IPM.

Cost of plant protection inputs in IPM was Rs. 1419/- whereas it was Rs. 2114/- in non-IPM.

Farmers were able to utilize locally available neem seeds for preparation of Neem Seed Kernel Extract (NSKE). This has generated employment potential for unemployed rural youth.

The effectiveness but absence of storage technology and need for timely availability of Trichogramma sp., had opened opportunities for small entrepreneurs to take up the mass production of these bioagents on a small scale.

Adoption of technology resulted in upliftment of socio-economic status of farmers as well as saved the environment from being polluted by chemical pesticides.

Reasons for Success for Ashta (MS) Project

Whole-heartedly co-operation of village panchayat cutting across political boundaries.

Approach is community based covering larger area.

Involvement of Women farmers and labourers as key decision makers.

Organising regular Farmer Field Schools and establishment of effective communication system.

Making quality components readily available in time.

Partners

Cotton Research Station, Nanded of Marathwada Agricultural University, Parbhani, Maharashtra, India; Village Panchayat, Ashta, District Nanded, Maharashtra, India; Central Institute for Cotton Research (ICAR), Nagpur; CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hissar, Haryana; Regional Research Station, Rajasthan Agricultural University, (RAU), Sriganganagar, Rajasthan.

Validation of IPM Module in Basmati Rice

Objectives

  • To develop and validate IPM modules at selected sites.
  • To demonstrate and educate the farmers about pests and their management within the theme of IPM.
  • To increase the general awareness of IPM in rice growers.
  • To produce free higher grain yield of rice.

    • IPM Module

    Seed treatment with carbendazim for the control of seed borne diseases; Monitoring of yellow stem borer through pheromone traps; Release of parasitoid Trichogramma japanicum against leaf folder and yellow stem borer; Application of insecticide as last resort against stem borer and leaf folder or any other pest that assumes pest status; Monitoring of diseases, spray of need based fungicide against sheath blight or any other disease; Balanced Fertilizer and water management.

    Achievements

    During 1999 kharif season, 100 acres area covering 23 farmers was taken under IPM programme while 30 acres area was marked under Non-IPM.

    Two releases of T. japanicom against leaf folder and stem borer, dusting of Methyl parathion @ 10 kg/acre for the management of gundhi bug at milk stage in some fields were the main interventions made for insect pest management.

    Sheath blight was recorded in some fields and managed by a single spray of Carbendezim @ 0.1%.

    In Non-IPM fields farmers applied 3 to 4 sprays of pesticides.

    The average yield of 100 acres of IPM fields was 56.92 q/ha. as compared to 50.33 q/ha. in Non-IPM fields.

    The cost of plant protection in IPM fields was Rs. 658.00/ha. on the other hand it was Rs. 2320.00/ha. in Non-IPM fields and the Cost Benefit Ratio of IPM over Non-IPM was 1:7.51.

    Validation of IPM Module in Rapeseed-Mustard

    Objectives

    Synthesize and validation of location specific IPM modules for mustard crop.

    IPM Module for Mustard Crop

    Pre-Sowing

    Remove the residue of previous crops from the fields to check the progress of diseases and also to prevent painted bug infestation.

    Sowing Plant early (by 20-25th Oct.) to reduce incidence of major diseases like white rust and downy mildew and insect pest like aphid.

    Seed treatment with Trichoderma viride @ 2g/kg seed for control of white rust.

    Seedling and Vegetative Stage

    Alternaria, white rust, downy mildew and powdery mildew diseases

    Soil application of Trichoderma viride (@ 1kg of Trichoderma mixed with 25 kg of Farm Yard Manure (FYM) per acre.

    Removal of heavily disease infected plants from the field. Spray of Dithane M-45 (0.2%) / metalaxyl (0.2%) / karathane (0.1%) whenever required.

    Avoid unnecessary chemical sprays and thus conserve natural enemies.

    Periodical weeding helps in reducing building up of painted bug population.

    Painted Bug (Bagrada hilaris)

    Spray the crop with malathion 50 EC @ 500 ml in 500 litre of water/ha if needed ( ETL: 4-6 nymphs or adults per metre row).

    Mustard sawfly (Athalia lugens proxima.) Collect the larvae during the early morning times and destroy them. If needed, then apply endosulfan @ 0.07% or quinalphos 25 EC @ 0.05% or malathion 50 EC @ 0.08 Vegetative, flowering and pod stage Mustard Aphid (Lipaphis erysimi Kalt.) Remove the aphid infested twigs at the initial level of pest attack at community level to stop the further spread of the pest. Avoid unnecessary chemical spray to conserve predators such as Coccinella septempunctata, Chrysoperla carnea, Syrphid etc and the pollinators (honeybees). Spray dimethoate 30EC @ 0.03% OR oxydemeton methyl @ 0.025%, when pest population crosses ETL. Stag head infection (combined infection of white rust and downy mildew) Spray with metalaxyl (0.2%) followed by mancozeb (0.2%) Leaf miner (Chromatomyia horticola Gour.) Avoid insecticidal spray wherever possible for maintaining natural control.

    Maturity

     Painted Bug (B. hilaris)

    Do quick threshing of harvested crop.

    Spray malathion 50EC @0.05%. if needed

    2000-2001 Trials

    Place: Bhorakhurd, District Gurgaon, Haryana.

    Total area under IPM trial: 100 acres.

    Achievements

    The early sowing of the mustard crop from 20-25th October was found most effective as the crop escapes from the attack of white rust and aphids.

    Mechanical removal of aphid infested twigs at community level at the initial level of aphid attack helps in reducing further spread of the pest.

    Avoid of unnecessary chemical spray helped in the conserrvation of the predators such as Coccinella septempunctata, Chrysoperla carnea, Syrphid etc and the pollinators (honeybees).

    Seed treatment with Trichoderma viride @ 2g/kg seed for control of white rust was found effective.

    Soil application of Trichoderma viride (@ 1kg of Trichoderma mixed with 25 kg of Farm Yard Manure (FYM) per acre was also found effective.

    Regular conduction of "Farmers' Field School on IPM" helped in implementation and demonstration of the eco-friendly IPM module.

    Partners

    Directorate of Oilseeds Research, Hyderabad. (Castor). ANGRAU, Hyderabad. (Castor, Safflower & Groundnut)

    AICRP (Sunflower), Regional Research Station, UAS, Raichur.

    Maharashtra Agricultural University, Parbhani. (Safflower)

    Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri (Safflower)

    PDKV, Akola. (Safflower)

    IPM in Oilseeds

    Development of IPM modules for oilseeds and nutritious cereals based production system

    Funded by NATP

    Objectives

    To synthesize and validate location specific IPM modules for different oilseed based cropping systems.

    To verify the location specific IPM modules for different oilseed based cropping systems on large area on the farmers fields.

    To study socio-economic constraints in adoption of IPM technology in the system.

    To create database of key pests and diseases of the area and their management.

    Centres and Crop/Cropping Systems

    NCIPM - Mustard

    UAS, Raichur - Sunflower + Groundnut

    ANGRAU, Anantapur - Groundnut + Pigeonpea

    MAU, Parbhani - Safflower + Mungbean

    ANGRAU, Palem - Castor

    DOR, Hyderabad - Castor

    MPKV, Solapur - Safflower + Chickpea

    CCSHAU, Hisar - Mustard

    PDKV, Akola - Sorghum

    NRC Sorghum, Hyderabad - Sorghum

    PDBC, Bangalore - Bio-Control Agents

    Pest Management Information System

    A series of software named Pest Management Information System is being developed at the centre for the use of Master Trainers, Training organizers,etc. in the area of plant protection and in particular IPM. The software aims in bringing out the latest plant protection options to the grass-root extension personnel. In this series, PMIS on Cotton is ready and PMIS on Chickpea is under preparation.

    PMIS on Cotton has information about 70 insects, diseases, weeds and nematodes. For each pest, identification, control and photographs are given. This will help in identification and management of all the pests of cotton.

    Diagnostic Lab

    The biological control lab of the centre is engaged in developing mass production technology of biological control agents. Training programmes are conducted on the mass production technology of biological control agents for the entrepreneurs. Technical guidance and nucleus culture are provided to establish the biocontrol laboratories.

    The lab is equipped to rear host insects such as Corcyra cephalonica, Helicoverpa armigera; parasitoids such as Trichogramma chilonis, T. japonicum, Chelonus blackburni; Predators such as Chrysoperla carnea; Insect Pathogen such as HaNPV.

    Natural enemies were made available for the IPM trails being conducted by NCIPM in various crops.

    Following technologies are available with NCIPM for commercial production of biocontrol agents:

    Commercial production of Corcyra for Trichogramma & Chrysoperla production. Commercial production of Helicoverpa and Spodoptera for NPV production. Commercial production of Chelonus blackburni. Corcyra eggs collection and cleaning device. Improved Corcyra egg sterilization chamber.

    Biopesticide Lab

    The Biopesticide lab is recently established and native isolates of Trichoderma harzianum, T. viride, Pseudomonos fluorescens, Bacillus thuringiensis, Nomuraea rileyi are being developed for managing pests/pathogens of cotton, pulses and rice. Modification of HaNPV and SlNPV production technologies are also being attempted as an integral part of IPM programmes.

    Training Programmes

    NCIPM conducts regularly training programmes, refresher courses and workshops for the benefit of Master Trainers from ICAR institutes, State Agricultural Universities, Krishi Vigyan Kendra personnel, State Agricultural Department personnel, Industry people, NGO's in IPM and related areas. The focus is on imparting training and educating latest developments in the field of IPM. The topics covered are use of genetic components, cultural practices, bio-pesticides, biotechnology, mass production of bio-control agents, safer use of pesticides, pesticide residues, weed management, judicious use of pesticides, use of information technology and managing natural resources. The programmes are usually of 5-10 days duration and include lectures by eminent IPM workers from NCIPM as well from other institutes as well as IPM field visits followed by hands-on training on mass production of bio-control agents.