Acarology and Insect Biosystematics
Estimation of crop loss due to mite infesting okra and chillies
Screening of okra, tomato and chilli germplasm against phytophagous mites and identification of resistance mechanism(s)
Monitoring acaricide resistance in Tetranychus urticae to dicofol, fenazaquin and propargite infesting okra.
Evaluation of promising fungal pathogens against mite pests
Evaluation of potency of natural enemies against vegetable mites
Exploration of natural enemies of mites and standardization of mass production of phytoseiid mites, predatory thrips and Stethorus beetles
Exploration and collection of Agriculturally Important Insect Biodiversity (AIIB) including mapping of biotic stresses due to insects and mites
Biosystematic studies: Identification, morphological characterization and documentation of insect pests and natural enemies of important crops
Development of bioinformatics tools/ inventories of insect biodiversity associated with major cropping systems
Development of multimedia based diagnostic aids for economic importance
A number of phytophagous mites affecting crop plants which was neglected previously were brought to limelight due to intensive research with identification, biosystematics, biodiversity and economic importance, Of relevance is the coconut eriophyid mite, Aceria guerreronis. The Department of Agricultural Entomology is the lead centre for the entire country to coordinate the research on this mite, which of late is threatening coconut cultivation in Southern part of the country. A large number of experiments were carried out and an IPM package was developed.
