Biodiversity of flea beetles in different agro-ecological zones of Kashmir

175 Pages·2015·11.39 MB·English

by  Bashir Ahmad Rather

Biodiversity of flea beetles in different agro-ecological

zones of Kashmir

Bashir Ahmad Rather
(2011-345-D)

Division of Entomology
Faculty of Postgraduate Studies
Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences &
Technology of Kashmir

2015

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Biodiversity of flea beetles in different agro-ecological

zones of Kashmir

Bashir Ahmad Rather
(2011-345-D)

Thesis

Submitted to

The Faculty of Postgraduate Studies
Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences &
Technology of Kashmir
in partial fulfilment of requirement for the award of the degree of

Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture
(Entomology)

2015
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to my Teachers

and my

Beloved Life Partner

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Sher-e-Kashmir
University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir
Division of Entomology, Shalimar Campus, Srinagar 190 025

Certificate – I
This is to certify that the thesis entitled “Biodiversity of flea
beetles in different agro-ecological zones of Kashmir” submitted in
partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree of
Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture (Entomolgy), to the Faculty of
Postgraduate Studies, Sher-e-Kahsmir University of Agricultural
Sciences and Technology of Kashmir is a record of bonafide
research work carried out by Mr. Bashir Ahmad Rather (Regd. No.
2011-345-D) under my supervision and guidance. No part of the thesis
has been submitted for any other degree or diploma.
It is further certified that information received during the course
of investigation has duly been acknowledged.

( Dr. G.M. Mir )
Chairman
Advisory Committee

Endorsed

Prof. & Head,
Division of Entomology

4
Sher-e-Kashmir
University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir
Division of Entomology, Shalimar Campus, Srinagar 190 025

Certificate – II

We, the members of the Advisory committee of
Mr. Bashir Ahmad Rather (Regd. No. 2011-345-D), a candidate for
the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture (Entomology),
have gone through the manuscript of the thesis entitled “Biodiversity
of flea beetles in different agro-ecological zones of Kashmir” and
recommend that it may be submitted by the student in partial
fulfilment of the requirements for the award of degree.

Advisory Committee

Chairman Dr. G.M. Mir
Professor & Head,
Division of Entomology, SKUAST-Kashmir

Members Dr. Barkat Hussain
Assistant Professor, Division of Entomology,
SKUAST-Kashmir

Prof. M. Shafi Wani
Associate Director Research,
Director Education, SKUAST-Kashmir

Dr. T.A. Raja
Associate Professor, Division of Agri-Statistics,
SKUAST-Kashmir

Dean PG Nominee Prof. G.A. Parray
Associate Director Research, Mountain Field
Crop Research Centre, Khudwani,
SKUAST-Kashmir
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Sher-e-Kashmir
University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir
Shalimar Campus, Srinagar 190 025

Certificate – III

This is to certify that the thesis entitled, “Biodiversity of flea
beetles in different agro-ecological zones of Kashmir” submitted by
Mr. Bashir Ahmad Rather (Regd. No. 2011-345-D) to the Faculty
of Postgraduate Studies, Sher-e-Kashmir University of
Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir in partial
fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Doctor
of Philosophy in Agriculture (Entomology) was examined and
approved by the Advisory Committee and external examiner on
………………..

Chairman External Examiner
Advisory Committee

Prpf. & Head,
Division of Entomology

Director Education
SKUAST-Kashmir, Shalimar, Srinagar

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Sher-e-Kashmir
University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir
Division of Entomology, Shalimar – 190 025

Name of the student : Bashir Ahmad Rather
Registration No. : 2011-345-D
Major subject : Entomology
Minor subjects : Fruit Science/Plant Pathology
Major advisor : Dr. G.M. Mir
Professor & Head,
Division of Entomology, SKUAST-Kashmir
Title of the Thesis : “Biodiversity of flea beetles in different
agro-ecological zones of Kashmir”
ABSTRACT
Standard survey of flea beetles in different crops with special reference to
cruciferous vegetables was undertaken during 2012 and 2013 in different agro-
ecological regions of Kashmir viz., Southern zone (Anantnag, Kulgam and
Pulwama), Central zone (Budgam, Ganderbal and Srinagar) and Northern zone
(Baramulla, Bandipora and Kupwara). Twenty seven sites with three from each
district were selected for the study to determine the current status of flea beetle
damage. The results revealed that the cruciferous crops recorded moderate to severe
infestation during their entire growing season. The two cruciferous crops which were
selected for the studies include the abundantly grown Kale (Brassica oleraceae L.
var. acephala) and Turnip (Brassica rapa L.). The infestation was recorded at two
phenological stages i.e. cotyledonary and true leaf stage which revealed highest
infestation at former as compared to latter, irrespective of locations and zones. The
seasonal activity of the pest started in the second fortnight of March and continued
up to October. The results revealed that a total of four flea beetle species were
recorded on these crops which include Psylliodes tenebrosus Jacoby, Phyllotreta
striolata (Fabricius), another different Psylliodes sp. Indet. 1 and Altica himensis
Shukla. Phyllotreta striolata was observed the most predominant species accounting
for 57.88 per cent on kale and 78.68 per cent on turnip during the entire growing
season. The pooled data of two year study revealed the highest mean per cent
infestation, severity, number of flea beetle catches/sweep on turnip as compared on
kale irrespective of different locations, districts and zones. The infestation recorded
on kale revealed that district Anantnag and Kupwara recorded the highest (34.00%)
and the lowest (18.71%) mean infestation at cotyledonary stage and also at true leaf
stage with highest (18.39%) and lowest (8.49%) infestation, respectively. Average
number of flea beetle catches per sweep was also observed highest in district
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Anantnag (4.56 beetles/sweep) and lowest in district Kupwara (2.12 beetles/sweep).
The mean percent infestation, severity and number of flea beetle catches/sweep vary
significantly from April to October among all the three zones during both the years
of study. The Southern zone recorded highest mean infestation, severity and average
number of beetle catches/sweep followed by Central and Northern zones, however,
the extent of damage recorded was higher during 2012 as compared to 2013. In case
of turnip, the highest (70.11%) infestation was recorded in district Anantnag and
lowest (59.58%) in Srinagar followed by 60.50 % in Kupwara district. The highest
severity (30.04 %) of foliage damage on kale was recorded in district Anantnag and
lowest (18.56 %) in Kupwara district. Similarly, in turnip the highest severity of
foliage damage (58.84%) was recorded in district Kulgam and the lowest (47.22%)
in Srinagar district. During the entire growing season of two years a total of 10982
numbers of flea beetles were collected on the kale. The order of relative abundance
was observed as Phyllotreta striolata > Psylliodes tenebrosus > Altica himensis >
Psylliodes sp. Indet.1 in all the three zones. The values of diversity index varied
from 1.04 to 1.10, evenness index from 0.75 to 0.79 and richness index from 1.46 to
1.70 amongst all the districts during 2012 while for 2013 values of diversity,
evenness and richness indices ranged from 1.01 to 1.17, 0.72 to 0.84 and 1.63 to 1.95
respectively, depicting that the diversity indices varied evenly amongst the selected
sites. Similarly a total of 5761 specimens of flea beetles were collected on the turnip
crop during 2012 and 2013. The relative abundance of different flea beetle species
observed was comparatively similar in all zones. The order of relative abundance
was observed as Phyllotreta striolata > Altica himensis > Psylliodes tenebrosus. The
values of diversity indices varied from 0.62 to 0.74, evenness index from 0.57 to
0.68 and richness index from 0.49 to 0.53 amongst all the zones. Solanaceous
vegetables like potato, brinjal and capscicum observed less than 10% infestation
during their entire growing season and a different species of Psylliodes sp. Indet. 2
was recorded along with Altica himensis on these crops. The other cruciferous crops
like cabbage, cauliflower and Knolkhol were equally susceptible to the flea beetle
infestation as kale during cotyledonary stage as compared to true leaf stage. Visual
observations revealed that Altica himensis inhabit certain weeds viz., Rumex sps and
Impatienes glandulifera during the growing season and then shift and attack apple,
apricot and grapes thereby causing severe defoliation. Thus, flea beetles are
significant pests of cruciferous crops and cause damage to them throughout their
growing season. Their damage is also an alarming concern on different crops and
thus needs further studies to determine action threshold and sound management
strategies, to devise an IPM module for the pest
Key words : Diversity, flea beetles, cruciferous vegetables, Phyllotreta striolata, infestation,
severity and population dynamics

Signature of Student Signature of Major Advisor
Dated : ___________ Dated: _______________
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

In the name of Almighty “Allah” the most beneficent and most compassionate and innumerable peace and blessings be upon Holy
Prophet Mohammad (SAW), the most ideal and dignified among and ever borne on the surface of earth who was sent as a mercy to the
worlds and is eternally a torch of guidance and knowledge for humanity as a whole. All praises be to Almighty Allah, the Master of the
Day of Judgment, for bestowing me enough courage, patience and success in this endeavor of research

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ndeed, I take this opportunity to express my sincere and profound gratitude to Prof.
M.I.S. Walliullah, Professor, Division of Entomology, SKUAST-Kashmir, Shalimar,
chairman of my advisory committee for his valuable guidance and constant advice and
encouragement throughout the course of study. His dynamic attitude, inspiring guidance
and wholehearted encouragement led this work to its success and shall remain an immortal
gifted memory for me. His advice, teachings, and above-and-beyond support throughout
this endeavour have been invaluable to my current and future careers.
But unfortunately he left this ephemeral world immediately after superannuation
and before completion of this study. I will always pray for his absolution and success on
the Day of resurrection. May Almighty Allah place him in Janat-ul-Firdous and bestow
peace and patience to his posterity-Ameen.
Subsequently Prof. G.M. Mir, Head, Division of Entomology tookover as
chairman of my advisory committee, to whom I express my hearfelt and sincere thanks for
his competent guidance and healthy criticism that lead to the logical conclusion of this
study.
I extend my sincere thanks to members of my advisory committee, Dr. Barkat
Hussain Assistant Professor, Division of Entomology, Prof. M.S. Wani, Associate
Director Research, Director Education, SKUAST-Kashmir, Dr. Tariq A. Raja, Associate
Professor, Division of Agri-Statistics and Prof. G.A. Parray, Associate Director Research,
Mountain Research Centre for Field Crops, Khudwani (Dean PG Nominee) for their
valuable suggestions during the study and for helping in finalization of the manuscript.
I am highly thankful to Prof. Sheikh Bilal Ahmad, Head, Research Centre for
Residue and Quality Analysis, for his competent guidance and valuable suggestions during
the study.
I am also highly obliged to Dr. Jamal Ahmad Associate professor, Division of
Entomology for his valuable suggestions and for his keen interest in taking photographs of
the insect samples.
I am highly grateful to my teachers Prof. N. A. Wani, Dr. R.A. Wani. Dr. R.K.
Nehru, Dr. G.M. Lone, Dr. A.A. Khan, Dr. Zakir Hussain, Dr. M.A. Parray, Dr.
Shaheen Gul, Dr. Malik Mukhtar for their valuable advice and constant help during the
course of my study.
My sincere thanks are also to my friends and colleagues- Dr. M. Younus, Mr. M.
Ayoub Wani, Er Khursheed A. Bhat, Mr. Mehraj-u-din Sofi, Mr. Wasim Raja, Mr.
Nazir. Ahmad, Mr. Abass, Mr. Showkat, Dr. Zahoor A. Dar, Dr. Ashaq Hussain, Dr.
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Nayar Afaq, Dr. Muneer A. Sofi, Dr. S. S. Pathannia, Dr Sajad Mohi-u-din, Dr. S.
Gupta, Dr. Sushil Kumar, Dr. Munaza, Dr. Tariq Askari, Dr. Rizwana, and Dr. Asma
for their constant encouragement during the course of my study.
I am also grateful to Dr. K.D. Prathapan. Professor Entomology, Trivandrum,
Kerala for identification of samples of the flea beetles sent to him, at an earliest. My
sincere thanks are also to Center for Climate Change for generating GPS map relevant to
the studies.
My special thanks are also to Mrs. And Mr. Fayaz Ahmad Pandith and their
loving sons (Mr. Sameer, Mr. Shahid and Mr. Saquib) of Arabal Shalimar, where I reside
during the course of my study for their cooperation, appreciation and nice company during
my studies.
My sincere thanks are also to Prof. F.A. Misgar, Programme Co-ordinator KVK,
Malangpora; Prof. Tabasum Ara, Incharge Women Empowerment Cell and all scientific
staff for their encouragement and cooperation and in sparing myself in completing this
programme.
I am overwhelmingly indebted to my life partner Mtr. Eshrat Jan for allowing,
encouraging and supporting me to undertake this study and also for all sorts of sacrifices
and hardships made by her during the course of my this endeavor.
Overwhelming gratitude is expressed to my parents, brother, loving sisters, and
above all my grandmother and whole relation of in-laws especially my father-in-law,
mother-in-law and aunt-in-law (Mtr. Haseena Bano alias Pofa)for their good wishes,
moral support and constant encouragement which enabled me to complete this uphill task.
Mostly I acknowledge my innocent nephews and nieces viz., Kaiser, Talib, Rizwana,
Seeraat, Saquib, Mehreen, Irtiqa and Sania whose deep sense of love, good wishes and
affection led to accomplish this assignment.
I am highly thankful to ARIS and library staff members of SKUAST-K for their
valuable suggestions and generous help during the collection of literature.
I am also thankful to all the non-teaching staff members of Division of
Entomology, SKUAST-K with special reference to Mr. Mohmmad Yaqub, Mr. G.M.
Wani and Mr. Naseer Ahmad for their cooperation and help rendered during the course of
my study programme.
Last but not the least I express my thanks to Mr. Younus Ahmad Bhat and Mr.
M. Rafiq Bhat of Universal Computers, Shalimar for composing this manuscript with
dedication and interest.
Bashir Ahmad Rather
Place : Shalimar, Srinagar
Dated :
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