Tag: ICAR
Insect-pests infesting edible stored pulses in India: A survey
Those tiny, dark brown creatures scurrying in pulses and float up when you wash dal for cooking – they are called bruchids. The tiny beetles consume a large portion of the edible pulses produced in India. Data and evidence to take strategic action to counter the loss of the protein-rich food item was lacking till now. An all India survey initiated by ICAR-Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur has fixed the problem. Aparna Kalawate reports:
Biological Control of Aphids: ladybird beetle
Aphids suck the sap out of our crops. The zigzag ladybird is a natural predator that can control the pest. Researchers from IARI find that the ladybirds do not even have to eat the pests: the mere presence of the predator is adequate to drive away the pestilence. Read more.
Composting Crop Residue: fungi that help
Instead of burning crop residue convert it to manure. ICAR scientists searched among landfill to dig out a consortium of thermophilic fungi that can speed up the process of composting. Good quality manure in just four months.
STEAMindiaReports 