This study on the population dynamites of pod borer Helicoverpa armigera (Hubn.) on soybean revealed that it appeared from 29th Standard meteorological week (SMW) (0.40± 0.10 three leaves/ plant). It increased and reached its peak level of 2.67± 0.17/ 3 leaves/ plant during 33rd SMW. The declining trend was observed and reached 0.60± 0.13/ 3 leaves/ plant during 40th SMW. The peak infestation was 48% during 35th SMW. The incidence exhibited non-significant positive correlation with maximum (r= 0.227) and minimum temperature (r= 0.335) and evening relative humidity (RH) (r=0.315); and a significant positive one with morning RH (r= 0.599) and significant negative one with rainfall (r= -0.42). The sunshine was found to be negatively and non-significantly correlated (r = -0.069).

Biostimulants are organic products made up of peptides and amino acids which are readily available to plants. Changes in farming are being caused by agro-ecological practices that take into account biodiversity and the way soil works. In agriculture, biostimulants can be used to keep plant growth and productivity without use of chemicals. Biostimulants can be used to identify and enhance specific soil microorganisms and they can help them grow and thrive. Soil microbial activity and the activity of important plant growth hormones or enzymes are also considered to help crops grow and yield more. The words “soil health” and “soil tilth” aren’t new in the world of farming. Many factors, many of which are biological, affect the health of soil. With the application of biostimulants soil health gets improved by influencing soil health indicators. Chemical fertilizers affect soil environment, which ultimately affects the human and animal lives. Microbes in the soil called arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play an important role in maintaining long-term soil fertility by forming mutualistic relationships with the roots of food crops, which help them, grow and thrive. Plants thrive under biotic and abiotic stress, due to the activation of defense mechanisms through these substances. Biostimulants from seaweed extracts are very popular because they help plants to grow and be more resistant to stress. Repeated applications of biochar could make the soil more carbon-rich and productive, which could lead to more crop biomass and biological carbon sequestration over time. This review summarizes the description of biostimulants and their role in soil health.

The study on Role of agrometeorological factors in regulating the abundance of Brinjal shoot and fruit borer (Leucinodes orbonalis) in Kupwara revealed that at all the locations of District Kupwara, first adult male moth of Leucinodes orbonalis was trapped during 24 SW. Moth population increased and peaked during 34 SW (4.0 moths/trap), thereafter population declined and reached to zero level during last week of September. Correlation studies between abiotic factors and adult moth catch of Leucinodes orbonalis from three locations of  District Kupwara viz Langate, Chowgal and Handwara had positive and significant correlation with minimum temperature (0.469,0.461 and 0.462) but positive and non-significant with maximum temperature (0.406,0.401 and 0.410), rainfall (0.032,0.058 and 0.035), relative humidity evening(0.434,0.418 and 0.421), though negative and non-significant with relative humidity morning (-0.149,-0.123 and -0.166) respectively. Multiple regression analysis revealed minimum temperature as major contributor in population buildup of the pest followed by relative humidity (evening) while as relative humidity (morning) had least effect in population buildup of the pest.

Walnut is an important crop that is widely grown for its edible nuts, timber, and other commercial uses. Walnut pests can cause significant damage to the trees and reduce the quality and quantity of the crop. Walnut blister beetles can cause significant damage to walnut trees, especially during the early stages of fruit development. The data generated on incidence and severity revealed that the incidence of E. erinea commenced from 13th standard meteorological week (SMW) with mean incidence of 1.2 blister per leaf observed in this SMW, reached to its peak (22.7 per leaf) during 30th SMW and then decreased and reached to 0.8 blisters per leaf during 43rd SMW. The mean number of blister was found highest (18.64±1.62) in the month of July and lowest (1.25±0.2) in the month of October. Low severity (4.0%) of E. erinea was recorded in April, which reached to its peak (28.5%) in the month of July, thereafter, the severity decreased and reached to 1.5 per cent in the month of October.

This study is on the bean aphid Aphis fabae Scopoli, whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Genn.), bean weevil Conapium sp. indet., flea beetle Altica himensis Shukla which are found associated as pests at different phenological stages of the common bean Phaseolus vulgaris L. Of these A. fabae, B. tabaci and Conapium sp. indet. were categorized as major pests as they caused significant damage. The incidence of these pests showed a peak on the 35th standard meteorological week (SMW) in all the three locations studied. The peak incidence at Bandipora was 11.80 ± 0.66, 3.10 ± 0.58 and 1.20 ± 0.08, respectively; at Baramulla, the peak was 10.40 ± 0.62, 3.40 ± 0.13 and 1.30 ± 0.07, respectively; and at Kupwara, it was varying as 12.60 ± 0.69, 3.40 ± 0.13 and 1.30 ± 0.07 for the three pests, respectively.