No abstract

No abstract

Present research conducted to acquaint with the insect pest fauna of commercially cultivated mushroom Agaricus bisporus revealed the abundance of insects belonging to orders Diptera and Coleoptera. In addition, spring tails and mites were also of common occurrence. Two genera of flies belonging to families Sciaridae and Phoridae registered their presence in these two mushrooms. Of these, the most prevalent grayish black small fly with filiform antennae, typical sciarid wings, long legs with contiguous coxae and elongated abdomen was identified as Sciara sp. (Diptera: Sciaridae). Though, this fly has been recorded from mushrooms from many mushroom growing nations of the world, it has been reported for the first time in Himachal Pradesh. Besides, Megaselia sp. (Diptera: Phoridae) was observed in two locations only. Incidence of four genera of beetles viz., Cyllodes indicus, Scaphisoma nigrofasciatum, Staphylinus sp. and Spondotriplax pallidipes was also recorded.

The study was carried out during 2017-18 at farmers' field in three villages (Lohani, Bhatkar and Pundrenka) under Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, India. Front line demonstration of gobhi sarson (Brassica napus) was conducted on an area of 10 ha with active participation of 64 farmers with high yielding improved technologies composed of HPN3 variety, integrated pest management (IPM) and integrated nutrient management (INM). The results revealed the increase in average yield under front line demonstrations by 2.16% as compared to the farmer's practice. Improved technology gave higher net return of Rs. 10908-ha-1 with benefit cost ratio 0.49 as compared to local check (INR 7600 ha-1 , benefit cost ratio 0.44). Lack of suitable high yielding varieties as well as poor knowledge about production practices are described as main reasons for low productivity of gobhi sarson in the district. The productivity of gobhi sarson could be increased by adopting recommended scientific and sustainable management practices using a suitable high yielding cultivar. In order to get optimum yield of this crop, selection of variety, seed rate and seed treatment are the most important factors to Gobhi sarson, front line demonstration, improved technology Keywords:

No abstract