CEAPRED Current Activities

Integrated Pest Management-Collaborative Research Support Program (IPM-CRSP)

PROJECT LOCATION	Rupendehi and Lalitpur
PROFESSIONAL STAFF	3
OTHER STAFF	0
NAME OF CLIENT/DONOR	IDE via USAID
NO. OF PROFESSIONAL MAN MONTHS	26
NO. OF OTHER MAN MONTHS	0
START DATE (Month/Year)	February 2010
COMPLETION DATE (Month/Year)	September 2012
APPROX. VALUE OF SERVICES	10,000 USD
NAME OF ASSOCIATION FIRM, IF ANY:
NO. OF MAN-MONTHS OF PROFESSIONAL STAFF PROVIDED BY ASSOCIATED FIRM:	Not Applicable

NAME OF SENIOR STAFF

Mr. Bharat P. Upadhyay from the Center.

NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT

Evaluation of effective pheromones and traps in IPM CRSP project districts Sex pheromones and traps are one of the most important components of IPM which has extensively reduced the over and misuse of chemical pesticides to control the field pests. It also helps in maintaining the biodiversity and natural balance. They are very sensitive as they attract insects present at low densities. They are often used to detect the presence of exotic pests, or for sampling, monitoring, or to determine the first appearance of a pest in an area. Performance of bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides There are number of bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides available in the local market but the quality differs to a great extent. Some of the bio-fertilizers are specific to the targeted crops and their response and requirement differ according to the varieties of the crop selected. Bio-fertilizers/ bio-pesticides have significantly improved the color, taste and flavor of agricultural products as compared to chemical fertilizers /chemical pesticides. Bio-fertilizers are safe to soil health and also improve the physical properties as compared to chemical fertilizers but are not easily available in the local market. Verification of various proven IPM tools (Bagging, FYM, Mulching, Neemcake, Solarization, and grafting) Bagging is the process of growing crops in the bags of various size with soil filled in it. All the inputs are provided externally and have been found to increase the yield by a good margin. One of the most important aspects of bagging is that it helps to negotiate the effect of soil dwelling pests and nematodes which has been one of the major problems in vegetable crops. Neem cake organic manure is the by-product obtained in the process of cold pressing of neem fruits and kernels, and the solvent extraction process for neem oil cake. Neem cake has an adequate quantity of NPK in organic form for plant growth along with sulphur compounds and bitter limonoids. It is a nitrification inhibitor and prolongs the availability of nitrogen to both short duration and long duration crops. Solarization is a simple nonchemical technique that captures radiant heat energy from the sun. This energy causes physical, chemical, and biological changes in the soil. These changes lead to control or suppression of soil borne plant pathogens such as fungi, bacteria, nematodes, and pests along with weed seed and seedlings. Grafting onto specific rootstocks such as Solanum spp. with tomato generally provides resistance to soil borne diseases and nematodes and increases yield. Grafting is an effective technology for use in combination with more sustainable crop production practices, including reduced rates and overall use of soil fumigants in many other countries. Mulch is a protective cover placed over the soil, primarily to modify the effects of the local climate. A wide variety of natural and synthetic materials are used such as organic mulches, compost, rubber mulch, plastic mulch etc. The main functions of mulches are the conservation of soil moisture and the moderation of soil temperature. They also help to control the growth of weeds and prevent soil erosion from heavy rains, prevent surface run-off of water. They create inhibitory action against bacteria and fungi. Mulching has been found as an effective means of pest control. Various forms of mulch deter herbivorous insects and increase the numbers of beneficial insects.

DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES PROVIDED

Farmers aware about the use of pheromones and traps and its positive impact upon the health, environment and biodiversity of beneficial. Minimize the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides on vegetables and commercial crops. The bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides with farmers practice (chemical fertilizers and pesticides) for their effectiveness in terms of yield, cost and benefits. Keep the soil healthy and maintain the bio-diversity. Make the farmers aware about the use and importance of the technologies like grafting. Improve the soil condition by improving the soil moisture and controlling the soil erosion by providing suitable ground cover. Accelerate biological and physiological activities of plants to increase the yield of the crop.