Division of Crop Protection

Mandate

The Division of Crop Protection had come into existence in 2020 after merging the erstwhile Divisions of Entomology & Nematology and Plant Pathology based on QRT recommendation. The division is mandated with the following activities.

To conduct research to develop safe and sustainable technologies for integrated pest (insects, mites, nematodes, plant pathogens) management in horticultural ecosystems (Fruits, Vegetables, Ornamentals).
To standardize technologies for production, value addition and popularization of mushrooms.
Pollinator management to enhance crop productivity and conserve ecosystem services
Training and farmers consultancy
Post Graduate Education

Services

Phytosanitary services – testing export plants/planting material
Post Entry Quarantine Inspection
Electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) facility for students and researchers

Major areas of Research

Pest surveillance
Host Plant resistance
Disease diagnostics
Post harvest pest and disease management
Virus vector interactions
Bio-pesticides and bio control agents for IPM and IDM
Pest management under protected cultivation
Exploring lesser known botanical pesticides
Semiochemicals for pest management
Impact of climate change on pests, diseases and pollinators
Application of drone technology in plant protection
Sterile insect Technique for area-wide pest management
Energy efficient technologies for spawn production and value addition of edible mushrooms

List of institute projects in operation

050(8): Development of integrated diagnostic and management strategies for viral diseases of Lilium and Gladiolus
050(9): Development of diagnostics and integrated management strategies for major seed borne viruses in vegetable crops (Cucumber and Watermelon)
051(11): Host-Pathogen Interaction and Management of wilt diseases of Ornamental crops (Crossandra, Gladilous and Carnation)
051(12): Development of forewarning models for the blossom blight and hoppers in mango
051(13): Post-harvest management of fruit rot in mango and grapes using volatile organic compounds producing yeasts and bacteria
051(14): Genetic diversity and management of gummy stem blight of Watermelon and Gherkin
053(4): Standardization of liquid spawn production technology
060(19): Exploration of lesser known botanicals for Insect Pest management
060(20): Interventions for management of tea mosquito bug (Helopeltis antonii) in Guava, Annona and drumstick)
060(21): Dynamics of sucking pests and their management in Bell Pepper (Capsicum annum) and Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonni) under protected conditions
060(22): Post-Harvest Management of melon thrips, Thrips palmi Karny on Okra and Bitter gourd using Novel methods and techniques
063(4): Exploring nematode host interaction and developing integrated nematode management modules in Horticultural crops (Guava, Brinjal, Cucumber etc.)

Technologies commercialized

Methyl eugenol pheromone traps for mango fruit fly.
Cuelure pheromone traps for cucurbit fruit fly
Sealer cum Healer for the management of stem borers
Hot water treatment for fruit fly management
Neem soap and Pongamia soap for insect pest management in vegetables
Arka neem pellets for the management of DBM and aphids in cabbage and cauliflower
Trichoderma viride – 1.5% W.P for nematode management
Trichoderma harzianum – 1% W.P, Paecilomyces lilacinus – 1% W.P etc. for some fungal and nematode disease management

Writeup : Honey bee pollination in polyhouse:

Honey bees pollination in polyhouse - English

Honey bees pollination in polyhouse - Hindi