TEST PROTOCOL FOR EFFICACY EVALUATION OF INSECTICIDES Introduction The experiment is conducted in well-drained fertile and good quality soil of the research farm of the institution, with all the normal recommended package of practice to raise the relevant crop for undertaking bioefficacy evaluation of insecticides. The bioefficacy trial may be monitored by high-power group of scientist, nominated by the Director of Research of the institution Heads of the relevant plant protection departments ( Entomology, Plant Pathology / Nematology, senior experienced superannuated eminent scientists ( if needed ), along with representation of the client industry. A checklist of protocols may be drawn up during each evaluation after discussing with the relevant pesticide manufacturer ( client ) and the scientist ( evaluator ). The check-list may draw up the High-power scientific group. A project document (PD) is drawn up, with due identification number and authentication of the institution, containing the under-mentioned details, before the commencement of the experiment and approved by the competent authority of the institution. The data generated may be recorded in permanent work dairies and need to be preserved in the institution for reasonable duration till the pesticide registration process is completed. I) Bioefficacy-assessment evaluation of insecticides for tissue-chewing, cutting, boring insects This group of insects from the insect Orders Orthoptera, Isoptera, Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, and Diptera have to be separately considered while the PD of the evaluation protocol is designed for each agro-climate. The natural enemies of each of these may be different from those of other sector of pests and careful consideration of the type of species involved ( based on Indian published literature ) for these may be drawn up for agro-climate where the bioefficacy evaluations are undertaken. 1.0 EXPERIMENTAL CONDITION 1.1 Crop, Variety and Target insect (Scientific names). The name of the crop along with that of variety and target test organism (s), i.e. the relevant target tissuechewing, cutting, boring insects may be mentioned in the PD. 1.2 Trial conditions Field trial should be set up where target crop of moderate susceptibility to the target insect species. Standard crop husbandry practices like application of FYM, fertilizers including micronutrients and other maintenance treatments including pest management practices for pests other than the target pest should be specified. Separate trials needs to be undertaken for evaluation of the given formulation against defined pest species in the same crop, if these pests are invading the crop together. Also ensure that that the targeted species is not influenced by previous pesticide application. Trial should be carried out in different agroclimatic regions. 1.3 Design and layout of the trial 1.3.1 Treatments Test product(s), reference product(s) and untreated control, arranged in a randomized block design or any other statistically suitable design. 1.3.2 Plot size and replication Net plot size at least 15 – 20 sq.m. per replication per treatment but according to the formulation or application equipment, it may be necessary to use a larger plot size Replicates – at least three, provided the error degrees of freedom are at least 12. 1.2.0 APPLICATION OF TREATMENT 1.2.1 Test product (s) The formulated product under investigation is applied according to the PD. 1.2.2 Reference product Registered product, if any / recommended product for the control of target insect pest. 1.2.3 Mode of application Application should comply with good agricultural practices. Details on the spray equipment, type of nozzle and water volume used at different stages of crop growth should be elucidated. Addition of sticker, if any (for monsoon sprays) must be specified. Sticker should be tried in the check plot with water spray. 1.2.3.1 Type of application The type of application (e.g. spray, soil incorporation, broad casting) as proposed by the sponsor. 1.2.3.2 Time and frequency of application The time and frequency of application will normally be specified by the manufacturer/ sponsor. The time and frequency will normally depend on the pest species, & local environmental conditions & pest ETL’S. The number of applications and the date of each application should be recorded. 1.2.3.3 Doses and Volumes used The product should be tested at the proposed dose and may also be used other doses. The dosage will normally be expressed in g a.i./ha and formulation ml or gm per ha. 1.3.0 MODE OF ASSESSMENT, RECORDING & MEASUREMENTS 1.3.1 Weather data 1.3.1.1 Weather data during experimental duration for each location should be provided and co-related with the field data that is generated on the disease incidence and plant mortality of each treatment across replications. The inference shall be directed towards the influence of test substance in reducing the target insect / mite damage. 1.3.1.2 Soil Soil type should be mentioned where the crop is cultivated for such evaluations. 1.3.2 Observations / Assessments 1.3.2.1 Insect pest Assessments The PD shall contain the details of the observations / assessments of treatment and the frequency as well as the various scientific basis ( published literature reference ) for those. 1.3.2.1.1 Helicoverpa armigera Larval count before and after treatment be made and evaluated statistically for significance of treatment effects. Run ‘t’-test between pre-count and post-count to see if the build up has been significant in check plots at each date of observation. The no. of damaged pods/fruits/balls/squares/loculi is recorded on suitable no. of randomly selected plants per replication. The observations are taken either at suitable interval or each picking or at maturity depending on the crop. Work out the % pod/fruit/ball/square/loculi damage reduction over control using either Abbott’s formula or Henderson & Tilton formula : Abbott’s formula : Corrected % Pod/fruit/ball/square/loculi = Damage reduction n in T after treatment 1- ------------------------------ x 100 n in Co after treatment Where, n = no. of damaged pods/fruits/balls/squares/loculi; T = Treated; Co = Control Reference: Abbott, W.S. (1925). A method of computing the effectiveness of an insecticide. J. Econ. Entomol.; 18:265-267. Henderson & Tilton formula : Corrected % n in Co before treatment x n in T after treatment Pod/fruit/ball/square/loculi = 1- ---------------------------------------------------------------- x 100 Damage reduction n in Co after treatment x n in T before treatment Where, n = no. of damaged pods/fruits/balls/squares/loculi; T = Treated; Co = Control Reference: Henderson, C.F. and E. W. Tilton, 1955. Tests with acaricides against the brow wheat mite, J. Econ. Entomol. 48:157-161. OR 1.3.2.1.2 Spodoptera litura The larval population of insect is recorded on suitable no. of randomly selected plants per replication. Pre-treatment larval population of insect is recorded one day before the spray of insecticide. The post-treatment larval population of insect is recorded at suitable interval after each spray. Run ‘t’-test between pre-count and post-count to see if the build up has been significant in check plots at each date of observation. Work out the % reduction in larval population over control using Henderson & Tilton formula : Corrected % reduction in = larval population n in Co before treatment x n in T after treatment 1- ----------------------------------------------------------------n in Co after treatment x n in T before treatment x 100 Where, n = larval population; T = Treated; Co = Control Reference: Henderson, C.F. and E. W. Tilton, 1955. Tests with acaricides against the brow wheat mite, J. Econ. Entomol. 48:157-161. OR 1.3.2.1.3 Leaf Folder (Rice - Cnaphalocrosis medinalis) Observations are recorded before & after each application of insecticides. Record the number of freshly damaged or folded leaves/hill Observe ten hills per replication Work out per cent damage using IRRI scale. Scale Score Damage 0 No Damage 1 1 – 10% 3 11-20% 5 21 – 35% 7 36 – 50% 9 51% & above Source : Standard Evaluation System for Rice, IRRI, 1996. OR 1.3.2.1.3 Leaf Folder (Rice - Cnaphalocrosis medinalis) The no. of freshly damaged leaves/hill are recorded on suitable no. of randomly selected hills per replication. Pre-treatment freshly damaged leaves are recorded one day before the spray of insecticide. The post-treatment freshly damaged leaves are recorded at suitable interval after each spray. Run ‘t’-test between pre-count and post-count to see if the build up has been significant in check plots at each date of observation. Work out the % reduction in freshly damaged leaves over control using Henderson & Tilton formula : Corrected % Reduction in n in Co before treatment x n in T after treatment Freshly damaged = 1- ----------------------------------------------------------------Leaves n in Co after treatment x n in T before treatment x 100 Where, n = no. of freshly damaged leaves; T = Treated; Co = Control Reference: Henderson, C.F. and E. W. Tilton, 1955. Tests with acaricides against the brow wheat mite, J. Econ. Entomol. 48:157-161. 1.3.2.1.4 Stem Borer (Paddy Stem Borer - Scirpophaga incertulas) Dead Hearts : Observe 10 hills/ plot at maximum tillering to stem elongation stage and work out percent damage (based on tiller count) using IRRI scale. White Earheads : Observe 10 hills per plot at dough stage & work out percent damage (based on productive tillers count) using IRRI scale. Scale Score Damage 0 No Damage 1 1 – 10% 3 11-20% 5 21 – 30% 7 31 – 60% 9 61% & above Source : Standard Evaluation System for Rice, IRRI, 1996. OR 1.3.2.1.4 Stem Borer (Paddy Stem Borer - Scirpophaga incertulas) The no. of dead-hearts/white-earheads per hill are recorded on suitable no. of randomly selected hills per replication. The post-treatment dead-hearts are recorded at suitable interval after each spray. The post-treatment white-earheads are recorded at dough stage. Run ‘t’-test between pre-count and post-count to see if the build up has been significant in check plots at each date of observation. Work out the % dead-heart/white-earhead reduction over control using Abbott’s formula formula Corrected % Dead-heart/White-earhead = Damage reduction n in T after treatment 1- ------------------------------ x 100 n in Co after treatment Where, n = no. of Dead-heart/White-earhead; T = Treated; Co = Control Reference: Abbott, W.S. (1925). A method of computing the effectiveness of an insecticide. J. Econ. Entomol.; 18:265-267. 1.3.2.1.5 Fruit & Shoot Borer (Okra - Earias vitella; Brinjal – Leucinodes arbonalis) The no. of damaged fruits/shoots are recorded on suitable no. of randomly selected plants per replication. Observations on damaged shoots are taken at suitable interval after each spray. Observations on damaged fruits are taken at each picking. Work out the % shoot/fruit damage reduction over control using Abbott’s formula : Abbott’s formula : Corrected % Shoot/fruit Damage reduction = n in T after treatment 1- ------------------------------ x 100 n in Co after treatment Where, n = no. of damaged fruits/shoots; T = Treated; Co = Control Reference: Abbott, W.S. (1925). A method of computing the effectiveness of an insecticide. J. Econ. Entomol.; 18:265-267. 1.3.2.1.6 Diamond Back Moth, DBM (Plutella xylostella) The larval population of insect is recorded on suitable no. of randomly selected plants per replication. Pre-treatment larval population of insect is recorded one day before the spray of insecticide. The post-treatment larval population of insect is recorded at suitable interval after each spray. Run ‘t’-test between pre-count and post-count to see if the build up has been significant in check plots at each date of observation. Work out the % reduction in DBM larval population over control using Henderson & Tilton formula : Corrected % n in Co before treatment x n in T after treatment Reduction in = 1- ----------------------------------------------------------------- DBM popul. x 100 n in Co after treatment x n in T before treatment Where, n = no. of DBM larvae; T = Treated; Co = Control Reference: Henderson, C.F. and E. W. Tilton, 1955. Tests with acaricides against the brow wheat mite, J. Econ. Entomol. 48:157-161. 1.4 Phyto-toxicity Phyto-toxicity at ‘X’ and ‘2X’ dose shall be recorded. Phytotoxicity Rating Scale (PRS) Crop response/ Crop injury Rating 0-00 0 1-10% 1 11-20% 2 21-30% 3 31-40% 4 41-50% 5 51-60% 6 61-70% 7 71-80% 8 81-90% 9 91-100% 10 Rating shall be recorded individually for yellowing, stunting, necrosis, epinasty hyponasty etc., T Treatment No Dose / ha Days after 1st spray g. a. i. 1 Formulation 3 5 7 10 1 2 3 4 1.5 Effect on Natural Enemies The natural enemy spectrum of the target pest, as catalogued in the literature and perceived in the region on the crop species in which this evaluation is done, may be recorded in the field collected sample test insects and the impact of the targeted pesticide treatments in terms of mortality, moribund condition, lack of natural enemy invasion unlike in untreated check plots may be recorded. 1.5.1 Other new pests ( insects / mites / nematodes / diseases ) in the experiment The investigator (evaluator) may look for the occurrence of any new pests ( insects / mites / nematodes / diseases ) in each of the evaluation plots. The help of relevant specialists for each of these may be taken and need to be recorded throughout the experiment period. 1.6. Yield The crop yield data may be recorded for each treatment and may be statistically analysed. The conclusion on the treatment effect alone on enhancement of crop yield has to be brought out using appropriate statistical and other tools so that there is no confused statement in the inference that the pesticide dosage enhanced yield, without quantifying the avoidable crop loss due to given pesticide dose application against the target pests in the evaluation. 1.7 Statistical Analysis The data thus obtained shall be subjected to appropriate transformations and analyzed using standard experimental designs. 1.8 RESULT & CONCLUSION 1.8.1 Result Results to be submitted in table format mentioning the statistical parameters of assessment such CD.CV% 1.8.2 Inferences and Conclusion Brief not on the trial observations and performance of the test substance based on the results may be provided with critical assessment of tested pesticide efficacy on the target pest(s) along with opinion and conclusion on its impact on the target species on natural enemies of the given agro-climate in which the bioefficacy evaluation was undertaken. Any observations on the upsurge of any other pests ( insects / mites / nematodes / disease causing organisms ) may be specifically mentioned. The possible role of good agricultural practice by the new pesticide formulation may be inferred. The conclusion shall mention the most effective concentration / dose of the pesticide to suppress the target pests. The results may be given only quantifying the avoidable crop loss due to given pesticide dose application against the target pests in the evaluation. II) Bioefficacy-assessment evaluation of insecticides for sap-sucking insects ( Jassids / Aphids / Scale insects / Mealybugs / Whiteflies / Thrips ) Saps sucking insects pests of crops are generally early-season pests. These may be jassids, aphids, whitefly, or tissue-lacerating pests such as thrips. Each of these insect groups has to be handled differently in bioefficacy evaluation as their biology, metamorphic cycles and biology on the given crop species varies. Often they may have the role of disease vectors too. Accordingly, the design of evaluation in the PD may be developed. The natural enemies of these may be different from those of other sector pests and careful consideration of the type of species involved ( based on Indian published literature ) for these may be drawn up for agro-climate where the bioefficacy evaluations are undertaken. 2.0 EXPERIMENTAL CONDITION 2.1 Crop, Variety and Target insect (Scientific names). The name of the crop along with that of variety and target test organism (s), i.e. sap-sucking insects ( Jassids / Aphids / Scale insects / Mealybugs / Whiteflies / Thrips ) may be mentioned in the PD. 2.2 Trial conditions Field trial should be set up where target crop of moderate susceptibility to the target insect species. Standard crop husbandry practices like application of FYM, fertilizers including micronutrients and other maintenance treatments including pest management practices for pests other than the target pest should be specified. Separate trials needs to be undertaken for evaluation of the given formulation against defined pest species in the same crop, if these pests are invading the crop together. Also ensure that that the targeted species is not influenced by previous pesticide application. Trial should be carried out in different agro-climatic regions. 2.3 Design and layout of the trial 2.3.1 Treatments Test product(s), reference product(s) and untreated control, arranged in a randomized block design or any other statistically suitable design. 2.3.2 Plot size and replication Net plot size at least 15 – 20 sq.m. per replication per treatment but according to the formulation or application equipment, it may be necessary to use a larger plot size Replicates – at least three, provided the error degrees of freedom are at least 12. 2.4 APPLICATION OF TREATMENT 2.4.1 Test product (s) The formulated product under investigation is applied according to the PD. The appliance shall be to facilitate uniform high volume application on the crop at its given age and canopy size. 2.4.2 Reference product Registered product, if any / recommended product for the control of target insect pest. 2.4.3 Mode of application Application should comply with good agricultural practices. Details on the spray equipment, type of nozzle and water volume used at different stages of crop growth should be elucidated. Addition of sticker, if any (for monsoon sprays) must be specified. Sticker should be tried in the check plot with water spray. 2.4.3.1 Type of application The type of application (e.g. foliar spray, soil incorporation, broad casting) as proposed by the sponsor. 2.4.3.2 Time and frequency of application The time and frequency of application will normally be specified by the manufacturer/ sponsor. The time and frequency will normally depend on the pest species, & local environmental conditions & pest ETL’S. The number of applications and the date of each application should be recorded. 2.4.3.3. Doses and Volumes used The product should be tested at the proposed dose and may also be used other doses. The dosage will normally be expressed in g a.i./ha and formulation ml or gm per ha. 2.5 MODE OF ASSESSMENT, RECORDING & MEASUREMENTS 2.5.1 Weather data 2.5.1.1 Weather data during experimental duration for each location should be provided and co-related with the field data that is generated on the disease incidence and plant mortality of each treatment across replications. The inference shall be directed towards the influence of test substance in reducing the target insect / mite damage. 2.5.1.2 Soil Soil type should be mentioned where the crop is cultivated for such evaluations. 2.5.2 Observations / Assessments 2.5.2.1 Insect pest Assessments The PD shall contain the details of the observations / assessments of treatment and the frequency as well as the various scientific basis ( published literature reference ) for those. The population of insect ( Jassids, Aphids, Mealybugs-nymph & adult; Whiteflies-Nymphs ) is recorded on a suitable no. of randomly selected plants/trees per replication. Suitable no. of randomly selected leaves/panicles/twigs/inflorescence ( or target plant part ) per plant / tree are selected for observations. Suitable method is used to count the insect population Pre-treatment population of insect is recorded one day before the spray insecticide. The post-treatment population of insect, is recorded at suitable intervals after each spray. Run ‘t’-test between pre-count and post-count to see if the build up has been significant in check plots at each date of observation. Work out the % reduction in target insect population over control using Henderson & Tilton formula : Henderson & Tilton formula : Corrected % n in Co before treatment x n in T after treatment Pod/fruit/ball/square/loculi = 1- ---------------------------------------------------------------- x 100 Damage reduction n in Co after treatment x n in T before treatment Where, n = no. of damaged pods/fruits/balls/squares/loculi; T = Treated; Co = Control Reference: Henderson, C.F. and E. W. Tilton, 1955. Tests with acaricides against the brow wheat mite, J. Econ. Entomol. 48:157-161. 2.6 Phyto-toxicity Phyto-toxicity at ‘X’ and ‘2X’ dose shall be recorded. Phytotoxicity Rating Scale (PRS) Crop response/ Crop injury Rating 0-00 0 1-10% 1 11-20% 2 21-30% 3 31-40% 4 41-50% 5 51-60% 6 61-70% 7 71-80% 8 81-90% 9 91-100% 10 Rating shall be recorded individually for yellowing, stunting, necrosis, epinasty hyponasty etc., T No Treatment Dose / ha Days after 1st spray g. a. i. 1 Formulation 3 5 7 10 1 2 3 4 2.7 Effect on Natural Enemies The natural enemy spectrum of the target pest, as catalogued in the literature and perceived in the region on the crop species in which this evaluation is done, may be recorded in the field collected sample test insects and the impact of the targeted pesticide treatments in terms of mortality, moribund condition, lack of natural enemy invasion unlike in untreated check plots may be recorded. 2.7.1 Other new pests ( insects / mites / nematodes / diseases ) in the experiment The investigator (evaluator) may look for the occurrence of any new pests ( insects / mites / nematodes / diseases ) in each of the evaluation plots. The help of relevant specialists for each of these may be taken and need to be recorded throughout the experiment period. 2.8 Crop Yield The crop yield data may be recorded for each treatment and may be statistically analysed. The conclusion on the treatment effect alone on enhancement of crop yield has to be brought out using appropriate statistical and other tools so that there is no confused statement in the inference that the pesticide dosage enhanced yield, without quantifying the avoidable crop loss due to given pesticide dose application against the target pests in the evaluation. 2.9 Statistical Analysis The data thus obtained shall be subjected to appropriate transformations and analyzed using standard experimental designs. 2.10 RESULT & CONCLUSION 2.10.1 Result Results to be submitted in table format mentioning the statistical parameters of assessment such CD.CV%, SD etc. 2.10.2 Inferences and Conclusion Brief not on the trial observations and performance of the test substance based on the results may be provided with critical assessment of tested pesticide efficacy on the target pest(s) along with opinion and conclusion on its impact on the target species on natural enemies of the given agro-climate in which the bioefficacy evaluation was undertaken. Any observations on the upsurge of any other pests ( insects / mites / nematodes / disease causing organisms ) may be specifically mentioned. The possible role of good agricultural practice by the new pesticide formulation may be inferred. The conclusion shall mention the most effective concentration / dose of the pesticide to suppress the target pests. The results may be given only quantifying the avoidable crop loss due to given pesticide dose application against the target pests in the evaluation. III) Bioefficacy-assessment evaluation of insecticides for phytophagous mites Various species of phytophagous mites that infest crops are targeted for evaluation of acaricides / insecticides. Each of these phytophagous mite groups has to be handled differently in bioefficacy evaluation as their biology, metamorphic cycles and biology on the given crop species species varies. Accordingly, the design of evaluation in the PD may be developed. The natural enemies of these may be different from those of other sector pests and careful consideration of the type of species involved ( based on Indian published literature ) for these may be drawn up for agroclimate where the bioefficacy evaluations are undertaken. 3.0 EXPERIMENTAL CONDITION 3.1 Crop, Variety and Target insect (Scientific names). The name of the crop along with that of variety and target test organism (s), i.e. the target phytophagous mite pest species may be mentioned in the PD. 3.2 Trial conditions Field trial should be set up where target crop of moderate susceptibility to the target insect species. Standard crop husbandry practices like application of FYM, fertilizers including micronutrients and other maintenance treatments including pest management practices for pests other than the target pest should be specified. Separate trials needs to be undertaken for evaluation of the given formulation against defined pest species in the same crop, if these pests are invading the crop together. Also ensure that that the targeted species is not influenced by previous pesticide application. Trial should be carried out in different agro-climatic regions. 3.3 Design and layout of the trial 3.3.1 Treatments Test product(s), reference product(s) and untreated control, arranged in a randomized block design or any other statistically suitable design. 3.3.2 Plot size and replication Net plot size at least 15 – 20 sq.m. per replication per treatment but according to the formulation or application equipment, it may be necessary to use a larger plot size Replicates – at least three, provided the error degrees of freedom are at least 12. 3.4 APPLICATION OF TREATMENT 3.4.1 Test product (s) The formulated product under investigation is applied according to the PD. The appliance shall be to facilitate uniform high volume application on the crop at its given age and canopy size. 3.4.2 Reference product Registered product, if any / recommended product for the control of target insect pest. 3.4.3 Mode of application Application should comply with good agricultural practices. Details on the spray equipment, type of nozzle and water volume used at different stages of crop growth should be elucidated. Addition of sticker, if any (for monsoon sprays) must be specified. Sticker should be tried in the check plot with water spray. 3.4.3.1 Type of application The type of application (e.g. foliar spray, soil incorporation, broad casting) as proposed by the sponsor. 3.4.3.2 Time and frequency of application The time and frequency of application will normally be specified by the manufacturer/ sponsor. The time and frequency will normally depend on the pest species, & local environmental conditions & pest ETL’S. The number of applications and the date of each application should be recorded. 3.4.3.3 Doses and Volumes used The product should be tested at the proposed dose and may also be used other doses. The dosage will normally be expressed in g a.i./ha and formulation ml or gm per ha. 3.5 MODE OF ASSESSMENT, RECORDING & MEASUREMENTS 3.5.1 Weather data 3.5.1.1 Weather data during experimental duration for each location should be provided and co-related with the field data that is generated on the disease incidence and plant mortality of each treatment across replications. The inference shall be directed towards the influence of test substance in reducing the target insect / mite damage. 3.5.1.2 Soil Soil type should be mentioned where the crop is cultivated for such evaluations. 3.5.2 Observations / Assessments 3.5.2.1 Insect pest Assessments The PD shall contain the details of the observations / assessments of treatment and the frequency as well as the various scientific basis ( published literature reference ) for those. The population of insect the target phytophagous mite pest species ( Jassids, Aphids, Mealybugs-nymph & adult; Whiteflies-Nymphs ) is recorded on a suitable no. of randomly selected plants/trees per replication. Suitable no. of randomly selected leaves/panicles/twigs/inflorescence ( or target plant part ) per plant / tree are selected for observations. Suitable method is used to count the insect population Pre-treatment population of insect is recorded one day before the spray insecticide. The post-treatment population of insect, is recorded at suitable intervals after each spray. Run ‘t’-test between pre-count and post-count to see if the build up has been significant in check plots at each date of observation. Work out the % reduction in target insect population over control using Henderson & Tilton formula : Henderson & Tilton formula : Corrected % n in Co before treatment x n in T after treatment Pod/fruit/ball/square/loculi = 1- ---------------------------------------------------------------- x 100 Damage reduction n in Co after treatment x n in T before treatment Where, n = no. of damaged pods/fruits/balls/squares/loculi; T = Treated; Co = Control Reference: Henderson, C.F. and E. W. Tilton, 1955. Tests with acaricides against the brow wheat mite, J. Econ. Entomol. 48:157-161. Saps sucking insect pests of crops are generally early-season pests. These may be jassids, aphids, whitefly, or tissue-lacerating pests as thrips. Each of these insect groups has to be handled differently in bioefficacy evaluation as their biology, metamorphic cycles and biology on the given crop species varies. Often they may have the role of disease vectors too. Accordingly, the design of evaluation in the PD may be developed. The natural enemies of these may be different from those of other sector of pests and careful consideration of the type of species involved ( based on Indian published literature ) for these may be drawn up for agro-climate where the bioefficacy evaluations are undertaken. The mite population (motile stage) is recorded on randomly selected plants/trees/bushes per replication as per the protocol fixed for the given species and crop. Suitable no. of randomly selected leaves (or target plant part) per plant / tree are selected for observations. Suitable approved method is used to count the mite population. Pre-treatment population of mite is recorded one day before the spray of acaricide. The post-treatment population of mite is recorded at suitable intervals after each spray. Run ‘t’-test between pre-count and post-count to see if the build up has been significant in check plots. Work out the % reduction in mite population over control using Henderson & Tilton formula : Corrected % n in Co before treatment x n in T after treatment reduction in = 1- ----------------------------------------------------------------mite population n in Co after treatment x n in T before treatment x 100 Where, n = mite population; T = Treated; Co = Control Reference: Henderson, C.F. and E. W. Tilton, 1955. Tests with acaricides against the brow wheat mite, J. Econ. Entomol. 48:157-161. 3.6 Phyto-toxicity Phyto-toxicity at ‘X’ and ‘2X’ dose shall be recorded. Phytotoxicity Rating Scale (PRS) Crop response/ Crop injury Rating 0-00 0 1-10% 1 11-20% 2 21-30% 3 31-40% 4 41-50% 5 51-60% 6 61-70% 7 71-80% 8 81-90% 9 91-100% 10 Rating shall be recorded individually for yellowing, stunting, necrosis, epinasty hyponasty etc., T No Treatment Dose / ha Days after 1st spray g. a. i. 1 Formulation 3 5 7 10 1 2 3 4 3.7 Effect on Natural Enemies The natural enemy spectrum of the target pest, as catalogued in the literature and perceived in the region on the crop species in which this evaluation is done, may be recorded in the field collected sample test insects and the impact of the targeted pesticide treatments in terms of mortality, moribund condition, lack of natural enemy invasion unlike in untreated check plots may be recorded. 3.7.1 Other new pests ( insects / mites / nematodes / diseases ) in the experiment The investigator (evaluator) may look for the occurrence of any new pests ( insects / mites / nematodes / diseases ) in each of the evaluation plots. The help of relevant specialists for each of these may be taken and need to be recorded throughout the experiment period. 3.8 Crop Yield The crop yield data may be recorded for each treatment and may be statistically analysed. The conclusion on the treatment effect alone on enhancement of crop yield has to be brought out using appropriate statistical and other tools so that there is no confused statement in the inference that the pesticide dosage enhanced yield, without quantifying the avoidable crop loss due to given pesticide dose application against the target pests in the evaluation. 3.9 Statistical Analysis The data thus obtained shall be subjected to appropriate transformations and analyzed using standard experimental designs. 3.10 RESULT & CONCLUSION 3.10.1 Result Results to be submitted in table format 3.10.2 Inferences and Conclusion Brief not on the trial observations and performance of the test substance based on the results may be provided with critical assessment of tested pesticide efficacy on the target pest(s) along with opinion and conclusion on its impact on the target species on natural enemies of the given agro-climate in which the bioefficacy evaluation was undertaken. Any observations on the upsurge of any other pests ( insects / mites / nematodes / disease causing organisms ) may be specifically mentioned. The possible role of good agricultural practice by the new pesticide formulation may be inferred. The conclusion shall mention the most effective concentration / dose of the pesticide to suppress the target pests. The results may be given only quantifying the avoidable crop loss due to given pesticide dose application against the target pests in the evaluation. IV) Bioefficacy-assessment evaluation of insecticides for phytophagous mites Introduction The experiment is conducted in well-drained fertile and good quality soil of the research farm of the institution, with all the normal recommended package of practice to raise the relevant crop for undertaking bioefficacy evaluation of insecticides. The bioefficacy trial may be monitored by high-power group of scientist, nominated by the Director of Research of the institution Heads of the relevant plant protection departments ( Entomology, Plant Pathology / Nematology, senior experienced superannuated eminent scientists ( if needed ), along with representation of the client industry. A checklist of protocols may be drawn up during each evaluation after discussing with the relevant pesticide manufacturer ( client ) and the scientist ( evaluator ). The check-list may draw up the High-power scientific group. A project document (PD) is drawn up, with due identification number and authentication of the institution, containing the under-mentioned details, before the commencement of the experiment and approved by the competent authority of the institution. The data generated may be recorded in permanent work dairies and need to be preserved in the institution for reasonable duration till the pesticide registration process is completed. Various vertebrate pests such as rodents ( rats, bandicoots, squirrels etc. ) , blue bulls, wild boars, porcupines, monkeys depredatory birds and others are well known to damage standing crops as well as commodity in storage in farms, markets and the like. Effective pesticides to suppress their build up or to repel and cause abnoxious reactions would save the agricultural farms from their damage to crops in the field as well as storage. Many rodenticides and other chemicals are used for such purposes. Standard protocols are essential to evaluate the newly developed chemistries and their formulations for suppression of vertebrate pests. V. *General guidelines for the evaluation of bio-efficacy of pesticide substances Presently, the pesticide industry utilizes the laboratory ( under the given state agricultural university (SAU) or crop institute under the Indian Council of Agricutlural Research ( ICAR or any other similar institution ) of any agro-ecological region of the country ) may take up the evaluation through the approved and well-planned research project, with due identification number and authentication of the institution. Central Insecticide Board may encourage the organization(s) with such desirable field and laboratory facility to accredit that with the globally-recognized standards organizations for the purpose for which the service is offered. The organization where the bio-efficacy test / evaluation facility is available may intimate the Registration Committee of the Central Insecticide Board ( RC of CIB ) about is readiness and willingness to conduct, record and share the data, so evaluated with the R&D system of the pesticide industry as well as, if need arises, with the RC of CIB. They may mention the details of the various laboratory and field facility including manpower that it has to take up, undertake, analyse, infer and report the results and available data management system of evaluation with regard to the given pesticide substance against the target pest (s) in crops. Such information from various institutions shall be kept in the web-site of Central Insecticide Board to facilitate the prospective companies to undertake the evaluation of the pesticide substances for the desired bio-efficacy against the target pest(s) in the designated crops. Periodic assessment and update of this information may be provided by the respective organization(s), which is keen to take up this service for the pesticide industry. The pesticide industry through its association(s0 may facilitate this so that a minimum number of designated laboratories are available for this prupose. The organization(s) may spell out the capacity / expertise in undertaking such evaluations in order to facilitate the pesticide industry to choose from the available list of specific purpose for which it may desire to charter the service in order to evaluate its target pesticide substance. Such R&D organizations may also undertake original research to publish in peer-reviewed globally recognized research scientific journals methods of bio-efficacy evaluations of pesticide substance(s) against new and emerging pest(s) as well the refined and upgrade methods for the existing pest(s) of crops. The organization may also publish its research findings on these evaluations as and when they deem fit. Ann: A (ii) ANNEXURE- II Insect pest assessment ( Time of application : Based on ETL assessment ) Name of the insect Formula Helicoverpa armigera As per Henderson and tilton formula Tobacoo caterpillar As per Henderson and tilton formula Pink boll worm As per Henderson and tilton formula Stem borer As per IRRI As per IRRI Leaf folder, caseworm, gall midge As per IRRI Whorl maggot Fruit and shoot borer As per Abbots formula DBM As given BPH / WBPH Tap 4 rice hills vigorously count the number of plant hoppers floating and jumping on the water surface between the four hills. Ten such places are to be observed at random within each plot. GLH Tap 4 rice hills vigorously count the number of plant hoppers floating and jumping on the water surface between the four hills. Ten such places are to be observed at random within each plot. 0=0, 1=1-5, 3=5-10, 5=11-15, 7=51 to 100, 9=more than 100 ( assessment should be made between 1-3 days and 1 week after treatment. DBM Count the number of caterpillars of different ages on all plants in each plot. Assessment :1-3 days after treatment 2nd assessment:7-14 days after treatment Mealy bugs, aphids, scale insects As given Whiteflies Observation to be made on 4 top leaves from 10 randomly selected plants in each treatment. Preassessment and Post-assessment observations to be taken. Thrips Observation to be made on 15 leaves ( Top 5, Middle 5 and bottom 5 ) 10 randomly selected plants in each treatment. Pre-assessment and Post-assessment observations at an interval of one week may be taken. Other insect pest ( mites / nematodes ) As given Other insect pest of major crops Not given Household insect pest Not given Stored grain insect pest Not given STANDARD EVALUATION SYSTEM BIOEFFICACY – ASSESSMENT EVALUATION OF RODENTICIDE / PESTICIDE AGAINST VERTEBRATE PEST IN CROPS TEST PROTOCOL FOR BIO-EFFICACY EVALUATION OF RODENTICIDES Introduction The experiment is conducted in well-drained fertile and good quality soil of the research farm of the institution, with all the normal recommended package of practice to raise the relevant crop for undertaking bio-efficacy evaluation of insecticides. The bio-efficacy trial may be monitored by high-power group of scientist, nominated by the Director of Research of the institution Heads of the relevant plant protection departments ( Entomology, Plant Pathology / Nematology, senior experienced superannuated eminent scientists ( if needed ), along with representation of the client industry. A checklist of protocols may be drawn up during each evaluation after discussing with the relevant pesticide manufacturer ( client ) and the scientist ( evaluator ). The check-list may draw up the High-power scientific group. A project document (PD) is drawn up, with due identification number and authentication of the institution, containing the under-mentioned details, before the commencement of the experiment and approved by the competent authority of the institution. The data generated may be recorded in permanent work dairies and need to be preserved in the institution for reasonable duration till the pesticide registration process is completed. PROTOCOLS FOR EVALUATION OF RODENTICIDES IN LABORATORY AND FIELD LABORATORY AND FIELD METHODOLOGY FOR EVALUATION BIOEFFICACY OF RODENTICIDES. Ever since the technology is developed for rodent management in the developed countries, several guidelines were issued by Environmental Protection Agency ( 1982 ), European Plant Protection Organization ( 1975 ), Food and Agricultural Organization of United Nations ( 1992 ) for the evaluation of the effecti of different rodenticides currently considered by different countries. The test method has been set up in such a way that they form a series of stages in development of rodenticides from their preliminary screening as a potentially useful chemical to the final evaluation in the field in some suitable formulation. Thus, a scientist may select the tests appropriate to their needs. Keeping this in view, procedure for evaluating the biological efficacy of various rodenticides have been prepared by the Scientific Advisory Committee ( SAC ) on Rodenticides constituted by Central Insecticides Board, Government of India. While preparing this, the guidelines issued by the above International Agencies have been taken into consideration. The chairman of the committee, being ICAR Project Coordinator AICRP on Rodent Control has obtained the opinion of Pricipal Investigators ( PIs ) of ten ICAR Project Centres before circulating the above Scientific Advisory Committee members. The suggestion of the PIs as well as SAC members has been incorporated. Prof. Iswar Prakash an eminent and leading Rodent Specialist of the Country also offered his considered opinion, which has also been incorporated. Broadly, the procedure involves10 Laboratory trials initially followed by ii) field bioefficacy trials as given below : A. Procedure for screening rodenticides in laboratory conditions In all the laboratory evaluations, the following parameters may be followed. The field rodents should be preferably trapped from infestation without recent history of rodenticide treatment and should be acclimatized the the laboratory cages for 10 days before the experimentation. Constant daily food intake may be taken as completion of acclimatization. The dimensions of the cages may be 45x30x30 cm. Constant laboratory conditions are to be maintained. The room temperature should be between 19-23oC , relative humidity of 40-70% with a light phtoperiod of 12h. light / 12-h. dark. During the acclimatization, plain baits, which are normally staple food of the area and water, should be provided ad libitum. In each experimental design a minimum of six experimental adult animals with more or less same body weight are to be used. Whenever the outcome of any particular test is recorded as critical, at least 20 animals may be employed using equal number of each sex. The animals are to be retained for at least two weeks after poison treatment. Dead animals should be autopsied to know the reason for the death. The bait consumption and the mortality should be recorded every day. During the eriod of experimentation, disturbance in the laboratory is to be avoided. 1. Test for acute toxicity It is an important principle that a minimum quantity of toxicant is required to mix in the bait material to avoid danger to the non-target species and also to get adequate bait palatability by the test species. The lethal dose otherwise called as toxicity is expressed as a percentage of the mortality of a test species to a given mg/kg body weight. Usually, the toxicity of a chemical is expressed in LD50 since greater confidence may be attached to the estimates in the middle range rather than at the extreme. To arrive at the LD50, six animals are to be individually caged and permitted for acclimatization on the laboratory conditions. The dosage are generally selected in arithmetic progression 50,100,150,200 mg a.i./kg etc. Solvent may be used as per the label specification of the toxicant. If the mid-point can be estimated, the progression will be centered there and work both ways. An example zinc phosphide concentration for Mus musculus at 250 mg/kg is 150, 200, 300, 350 with a mid point of 250 mg/kg. The dosage for each individual animal is computed below : Mg/kg= Weight of the toxicant for individual animal Average weight of the animal (g) For example for house mouse weighing 15g with a concentration of 250 mg/kg: 250/1000=x/15 or 1000x =250x15 or x = 3.750 X=3.75 mg is the quantity of the toxicant needed The toxicant should be finally ground in a mortar and dissolved in water or in any suitable solvent. At different concentrations, each solution thus prepared be administered to six caged animals as per the dosage calculated depending upon their body weight. Water and laboratory food are to be provided at ad libitum and the animals be inspected for every hour thereafter. Symptoms and time on onset of illness and time of death should be recorded. Percentage mortality may be plotted against dosage of log probability paper and the LD50 be estimated using probit analysis. 2. No choice feeding test Having obtained an approximate LD50 for the new toxicant, it is appropriate to observe results of the tests in which the poison is offered to the rodent without alternative food and to compare the mortality achieved with other conventional rodenticides. It is suggested that 8 times the LD50 value can be used as the starting point. Taking with an average sized rodents, each consume about 10 percent of its weight per day, for zinc phosphide at 250 mg/kg LD50, the consumption will be as follows : 250 mg/kg LD50, the comutation will be as follows : 8x= 0.25 g/kg = 1.3% zinc phosphide in bait 1.5g ( 10% of 15g ) body weight In all the tests a minimum of 5 adult animals belonging to each sex at nearly equal body weight are to be used. Exposure period will depend as per label specification. The dailly consumption of the poison bait be measured during the experimental period for each dosage. The mortality is to be noted along with the time of onset of the illness. 3. Choice feeding tests The next stage in evaluation of the toxicant is to test the palatability of the toxicant in bait offered with a choice. Plain bait is to be offered as a coice food to the test rodents and daily consumption is to be measured. The principal criterion for determining the palatability will be total intake of poisoned bait in comparison with plain baits, when other test conditions are maintainded same as for the earlier tests. Thus above tests are designed to screen the experimental toxicant in laboratory conditions followed later by field screening trails. B. Procedure for screening rodenticides in field conditions 1.0 EXPERIMENTAL CONDITION 1.1 Selection of test site : the field may be selected covering major cropping systems of the area / region. The cropping system may include rice, wheat, or sugarcane based with different crops in the selected area. 1.2 Trial conditions : The field should be infested as uniformly as possible by the rodent pests. This can be determined with pre baiting census ( with bait stations for about 4-5 days pre baiting ) or trapping ( for about 3-4 days ) or active burrow or damage incidence. Cultural conditions should be uniform for all plots of trials and should conform to local agricultural conditions. Trial should be carried out in different regions with distinct environmental conditions and preferably in two different seasons. The evaluation may be conducted during lien period, tillering or pre flowering stages ensuring a minimum rodent infestation of 100 rodent burrows in the selected area. 1.3 Design and layout of the trial 1.3.1 Treatments The application of the treatments should be done in burrows, on bunds as well as in crop fields. When burrows are not visible or inaccessible and during rainy season, bait stations at a distance of 10m apart should be placed on the periphery of the selected area. 1.3.2 Plot size and replication Net plot size may be 1hectares of compact field in an area of reasonably synchronized planting. In hilly area, 0.5 hectare may be taken. The total infestation should be at least 25 burrows/ha in the selected area. At least three replication ( which may be three different locations ) may be used. 2.0 APPLICATION OF TREATMENT 2.1 Test product (s) The test product is the formulated product under investigation. 2.2 Reference product Registered product known to be satisfactory for the control of rodent pests and may be close to the test product depending on the aim of the trial. 1.2.3 Mode of application Application should comply with good agricultural practices. Details on the spray equipment, type of nozzle and water volume used at different stages of crop growth should be elucidated. Addition of sticker, if any (for monsoon sprays) must be specified. Sticker should be tried in the check plot with water spray. 2.3 Type of application Application should comply with Good Agricultural Practices 2.3.1. Type of application : The bait may be applied in paper packets inside the burrows. The quantity may be as per label specifications. Where the burrows cannot be located, bait stations like pieces of bamboo, or pvc pipes or coconut shells or disposed scooter tyres may be used. Type of equipment used : Any equipment used for placement should be the ones in current use. Plastics pipes for fumigants and tracking box for tracking dusts may be used. Bait stations as above may be also be used. Time and frequency of application : The number of application(s), date of each application, stage of the crop at each application should be recorded. If baits are used, baiting frequency as recommended on the (proposed) label be indicated. Doses and Volumes used : The product should be treated at recommended dosage as well as at other doses with different concentrations, frequency, and / or changing number of bait stations. 2.3.2. 2.3.3. 2.3.4. 3.0 MODE OF ASSESSMENT, RECORDING & MEASUREMENTS 3.1 Meteorological and edaphic data 3.1.1 Meteorological data : On the date of application the meteorological data should be recorded, which often affect the quality and persistence of the treatment. Any significant change in weather should be noted. All data should be preferably recorded on the trial site, but may be obtained from a nearby meteorological station. 3.1.2 Edaphic data : Type of soil and other edaphic parameters should be recorded while evaluating fumigants. 3.2 Type, Time and frequency of assessment 3.2.1 Type : Assessment should be made in any three of the following methods : Nut damage incidence Rate of rodent infestation 3.3 Time and frequency : Assessment should be done prior to trial and one week after the (last) application of the product for acute poison and two weeks after application for anticoagulants. Effect on non-target organisms : Any effect on non-target prganism should be recorded. Any observed effects on human safety should be recorded. 3.4 4. Results : Results should be reported in a systematic form and report should include an analysis and evaluation. Original ( raw ) data should be available. Statistical analysis should be done using standard methods which should be indicated. C. Procedure for screening rodenticides in field conditions ( Coconut ) 1.0 EXPERIMENTAL CONDITION 1.1 Selection of test site : the field may be selected covering major cropping systems of the area / region. The cropping system may include rice, wheat, or sugarcane based with different crops in the selected area. 1.2 Trial conditions : The field should be infested as uniformly as possible by the rodent pests. This can be determined with pre baiting census ( with bait stations for about 4-5 days pre baiting ) or trapping ( for about 3-4 days ) or active burrow or damage incidence. Cultural conditions should be uniform for all plots of trials and should conform to local agricultural conditions. Trial should be carried out in different regions with distinct environmental conditions and preferably in two different seasons. The evaluation may be conducted during lien period, tillering or pre flowering stages ensuring a minimum rodent infestation of 100 rodent burrows in the selected area. 1.3 Design and layout of the trial 1.3.1 Treatments The application of the treatments should be done in burrows, on bunds as well as in crop fields. When burrows are not visible or inaccessible and during rainy season, bait stations at a distance of 10m apart should be placed on the periphery of the selected area. 1.3.2 Plot size and replication Net plot size may be 1hectares of compact field in an area of reasonably synchronized planting. In hilly area, 0.5 hectare may be taken. The total infestation should be at least 25 burrows/ha in the selected area. At least three replication ( which may be three different locations ) may be used. 2.0 APPLICATION OF TREATMENT 2.1 Test product (s) The test product is the formulated product under investigation. 2.2 Reference product Registered product known to be satisfactory for the control of rodent pests and may be close to the test product depending on the aim of the trial. 1.2.3 Mode of application Application should comply with good agricultural practices. Details on the spray equipment, type of nozzle and water volume used at different stages of crop growth should be elucidated. Addition of sticker, if any (for monsoon sprays) must be specified. Sticker should be tried in the check plot with water spray. 2.3 Type of application Application should comply with Good Agricultural Practices 2.3.5. Type of application : The bait may be applied in paper packets inside the burrows. The quantity may be as per label specifications. Where the burrows cannot be located, bait stations like pieces of bamboo, or pvc pipes or coconut shells or disposed scooter tyres may be used. Type of equipment used : Any equipment used for placement should be the ones in current use. Plastics pipes for fumigants and tracking box for tracking dusts may be used. Bait stations as above may be also be used. Time and frequency of application : The number of application(s), date of each application, stage of the crop at each application should be recorded. If baits are used, baiting frequency as recommended on the (proposed) label be indicated. Doses and Volumes used : The product should be treated at recommended dosage as well as at other doses with different concentrations, frequency, and / or changing number of bait stations. 2.3.6. 2.3.7. 2.3.8. 3.0 MODE OF ASSESSMENT, RECORDING & MEASUREMENTS 3.1 Meteorological and edaphic data 3.1.1 Meteorological data : On the date of application the meteorological data should be recorded, which often affect the quality and persistence of the treatment. Any significant change in weather should be noted. All data should be preferably recorded on the trial site, but may be obtained from a nearby meteorological station. 3.1.3 Edaphic data : Type of soil and other edaphic parameters should be recorded while evaluating fumigants. 3.2 Type, Time and frequency of assessment 3.4.1 Type : Assessment should be made in any three of the following methods : Bait acceptance and census baiting Damage incidence Number of active burrows Tacking with tracking tile or dust Trapping index using trap line at a distance of 10m apart 3.5 Time and frequency : Assessment should be done prior to trial and one week after the (last) application of the product for acute poison and two weeks after application for anticoagulants. Effect on non-target organisms : Any effect on non-target prganism should be recorded. Any observed effects on human safety should be recorded. 3.6 4. Results : Results should be reported in a systematic form and report should include an analysis and evaluation. Original ( raw ) data should be available. Statistical analysis should be done using standard methods which should be indicated. D. Procedure for screening rodenticides in storage / residential conditions 1.0 EXPERIMENTAL CONDITION 1.1 Selection of test site : The site may be selected covering general storage godowns or residential premises with commodity storage . Since rodents normally inhabit premises with commodity storage, storage godowns are ideal for evaluation. 1.2 Trial conditions : The storage units should be infested as uniformly as possible by the rodent pests. This can be determined with pre baiting census ( with bait stations for about 4-5 days pre baiting ) or trapping ( for about 3-4 days ) or active burrow or damage incidence. Cultural conditions should be uniform for all plots of trials and should conform to local agricultural conditions. Trial should be carried out in different regions with distinct environmental conditions and preferably in two different seasons. The evaluation may be conducted during maximum storage period. 1.3 Design and layout of the trial 1.3.1 Treatments The application of the treatments should be done in bait stations inside the premises, burrows present outside the premises. 1.3.2 Plot size and replication Net plot size may be 1 stoarge unit in an area with visible rodent movement and with a total rate of 100 percent tracking and /or significant bait consumption in census bait method. At least three replications may be used in similar rural / urban situations. 2.0 APPLICATION OF TREATMENT 2.1 Test product (s) The test product is the formulated product under investigation. 2.2 Mode of application : Application should comply with Good Agricultural Practices 2.2.1 Type of application : The bait may be applied in paper packets inside the burrows. The quantity may be as per label specifications. Where the burrows cannot be located, bait stations like pieces of bamboo, or pvc pipes or coconut shells or disposed scooter tyres may be used. 2.2.2 2.2.3 2.2.4 Type of equipment used : Any equipment used for placement should be the ones in current use. Plastics pipes for fumigants and tracking box for tracking dusts may be used. Bait stations as above may be also be used. Time and frequency of application : The number of application(s), date of each application, stage of the crop at each application should be recorded. If baits are used, baiting frequency as recommended on the (proposed) label be indicated. Doses and Volumes used : The product should be treated at recommended dosage as well as at other doses with different concentrations, frequency, and / or changing number of bait stations. 3.0 MODE OF ASSESSMENT, RECORDING & MEASUREMENTS 3.1 Meteorological and edaphic data 3.1.1 Meteorological data : On the date of application the meteorological data should be recorded, which often affect the quality and persistence of the treatment. Any significant change in weather should be noted. All data should be preferably recorded on the trial site, but may be obtained from a nearby meteorological station. 3.1.4 Edaphic data : Type of soil and other edaphic parameters should be recorded while evaluating fumigants. 3.2 Type, Time and frequency of assessment 3.2.1 Type : Assessment should be made in any three of the following methods : Bait acceptance and census baiting Tacking with tracking tile or dust Trapping index 3.2.2 3.2.3 Time and frequency : Assessment should be done prior to trial and one week after the (last) application of the product for acute poison and two weeks after application for anticoagulants. If pulsed baiting is used, assessment should be made 15 days be made 15 days after the first pulsing and 15 days after second pulsing. Effect on non-target organisms : Any effect on non-target prganism should be recorded. Any observed effects on human safety should be recorded. 4. Results : Results should be reported in a systematic form and report should include an analysis and evaluation. Original ( raw ) data should be available. Statistical analysis should be done using standard methods which should be indicated. *General guidelines for the evaluation of bio-efficacy of pesticide substances Presently, the pesticide industry utilizes the laboratory ( under the given state agricultural university (SAU) or crop institute under the Indian Council of Agricutlural Research ( ICAR or any other similar institution ) of any agro-ecological region of the country ) may take up the evaluation through the approved and well-planned research project, with due identification number and authentication of the institution. Central Insecticide Board may encourage the organization(s) with such desirable field and laboratory facility to accredit that with the globally-recognized standards organizations for the purpose for which the service is offered. The organization where the bio-efficacy test / evaluation facility is available may intimate the Registration Committee of the Central Insecticide Board ( RC of CIB ) about is readiness and willingness to conduct, record and share the data, so evaluated with the R&D system of the pesticide industry as well as, if need arises, with the RC of CIB. They may mention the details of the various laboratory and field facility including manpower that it has to take up, undertake, analyse, infer and report the results and available data management system of evaluation with regard to the given pesticide substance against the target pest (s) in crops. Such information from various institutions shall be kept in the web-site of Central Insecticide Board to facilitate the prospective companies to undertake the evaluation of the pesticide substances for the desired bio-efficacy against the target pest(s) in the designated crops. Periodic assessment and update of this information may be provided by the respective organization(s), which is keen to take up this service for the pesticide industry. The pesticide industry through its association(s0 may facilitate this so that a minimum number of designated laboratories are available for this prupose. The organization(s) may spell out the capacity / expertise in undertaking such evaluations in order to facilitate the pesticide industry to choose from the available list of specific purpose for which it may desire to charter the service in order to evaluate its target pesticide substance. Such R&D organizations may also undertake original research to publish in peer-reviewed globally recognized research scientific journals methods of bio-efficacy evaluations of pesticide substance(s) against new and emerging pest(s) as well the refined and upgrade methods for the existing pest(s) of crops. The organization may also publish its research findings on these evaluations as and when they deem fit. TEST PROTOCOL FOR EFFICACY EVALUATION OF BIO-INSECTICIDES 1.0 EXPERIMENTAL CONDITION 1.1 Crop, Variety and Target insect (Scientific names). 1.2 Trial conditions Field trial should be set up where target crop of moderate susceptibility to the target insect species. Standard crop husbandry practices like application of FYM, fertilizers including micronutrients and other maintenance treatments including pest management practices for pests other than the target pest should be specified. Separate trials needs to be undertaken for evaluation of the given formulation against defined pest species in the same crop, if these pests are invading the crop together. Also ensure that that the targeted species is not influenced by previous pesticide application.Trial should be carried out in different agroclimatic regions. 1.3 Design and layout of the trial 1.3.1 Treatments Test product(s), reference product(s) and untreated control, arranged in a randomized block design or any other statistically suitable design. 1.3.2 Plot size and replication Net plot size at least 15 – 20 sq.m. per replication per treatment but according to the formulation or application equipment, it may be necessary to use a larger plot size Replicates – at least three, provided the error degrees of freedom are at least 12. 2.0 APPLICATION OF TREATMENT 2.1 Test product (s) The formulated product under investigation. 2.2 Reference product Registered product, if any / recommended product for the control of target insect pest. 2.3 Mode of application Application should comply with good agricultural practices. Details on the spray equipment, type of nozzle and water volume used at different stages of crop growth should be elucidated. Addition of sticker, if any (for monsoon sprays) must be specified. Sticker should be tried in the check plot with water spray. 2.3.1 Type of application The type of application (e.g. spray, soil incorporation, broad casting) as proposed by the sponsor. 2.3.2 Time and frequency of application The time and frequency of application will normally be specified by the manufacturer/ sponsor. The time and frequency will normally depend on the pest species, & local environmental conditions & pest ETL’S. The number of applications and the date of each application should be recorded. 2.3.3 Doses and Volumes used The product should be tested at the proposed dose and may also be used other doses. The dosage will normally be expressed in g a.i./ha and formulation ml or gm per ha. 3.0 MODE OF ASSESSMENT, RECORDING & MEASUREMENTS 3.1 Weather data 3.1.1 Weather data during experimental duration for each location should be provided 3.1.2 Soil Soil type should be mentioned 3.2 Observations / Assessments 3.2.1 Insect pest Assessments 3.2.1.1 Helicoverpa armigera Larval count before and after treatment be made and evaluated statistically for significance of treatment effects. The no. of damaged pods/fruits/balls/squares/loculi is recorded on suitable no. of randomly selected plants per replication. The observations are taken either at suitable interval or each picking or at maturity depending on the crop. Work out the % pod/fruit/ball/square/loculi damage reduction over control using either Abbott’s formula or Henderson & Tilton formula : Abbott’s formula : Corrected % Pod/fruit/ball/square/loculi = Damage reduction n in T after treatment 1- ------------------------------ n in Co after treatment x 100 Where, n = no. of damaged pods/fruits/balls/squares/loculi; T = Treated; Co = Control Reference: Abbott, W.S. (1925). A method of computing the effectiveness of an insecticide. J. Econ. Entomol.; 18:265-267. Henderson & Tilton formula : Corrected % n in Co before treatment x n in T after treatment Pod/fruit/ball/square/loculi = 1- ---------------------------------------------------------------- x 100 Damage reduction n in Co after treatment x n in T before treatment Where, n = no. of damaged pods/fruits/balls/squares/loculi; T = Treated; Co = Control Reference: Henderson, C.F. and E. W. Tilton, 1955. Tests with acaricides against the brow wheat mite, J. Econ. Entomol. 48:157-161. 3.2.1.2 Spodoptera litura The larval population of insect is recorded on suitable no. of randomly selected plants per replication. Pre-treatment larval population of insect is recorded one day before the spray of insecticide. The post-treatment larval population of insect is recorded at suitable interval after each spray. Work out the % reduction in larval population over control using Henderson & Tilton formula : Corrected % reduction in = larval population n in Co before treatment x n in T after treatment 1- ----------------------------------------------------------------n in Co after treatment x n in T before treatment x 100 Where, n = larval population; T = Treated; Co = Control Reference: Henderson, C.F. and E. W. Tilton, 1955. Tests with acaricides against the brow wheat mite, J. Econ. Entomol. 48:157-161. 3.2.1.3 Leaf Folder (Rice - Cnaphalocrosis medinalis) Observations are recorded before & after each application of insecticides. Record the number of freshly damaged or folded leaves/hill Observe ten hills per replication Work out per cent damage using IRRI scale. Scale Score Damage 0 No Damage 1 1 – 10% 3 11-20% 5 21 – 35% 7 36 – 50% 9 51% & above Source : Standard Evaluation System for Rice, IRRI, 1996. OR 3.2.1.3 Leaf Folder (Rice - Cnaphalocrosis medinalis) The no. of freshly damaged leaves/hill are recorded on suitable no. of randomly selected hills per replication. Pre-treatment freshly damaged leaves are recorded one day before the spray of insecticide. The post-treatment freshly damaged leaves are recorded at suitable interval after each spray. Work out the % reduction in freshly damaged leaves over control using Henderson & Tilton formula : Corrected % Reduction in n in Co before treatment x n in T after treatment Freshly damaged = 1- ----------------------------------------------------------------Leaves n in Co after treatment x n in T before treatment x 100 Where, n = no. of freshly damaged leaves; T = Treated; Co = Control Reference: Henderson, C.F. and E. W. Tilton, 1955. Tests with acaricides against the brow wheat mite, J. Econ. Entomol. 48:157-161. 3.2.1.4 Stem Borer (Paddy Stem Borer - Scirpophaga incertulas) Dead Hearts : Observe 10 hills/ plot at maximum tillering to stem elongation stage and work out percent damage (based on tiller count) using IRRI scale. White Earheads : Observe 10 hills per plot at dough stage & work out percent damage (based on productive tillers count) using IRRI scale. Scale Score Damage 0 No Damage 1 1 – 10% 3 11-20% 5 21 – 30% 7 31 – 60% 9 61% & above Source : Standard Evaluation System for Rice, IRRI, 1996. OR 3.2.1.4 Stem Borer (Paddy Stem Borer - Scirpophaga incertulas) The no. of dead-hearts/white-earheads per hill are recorded on suitable no. of randomly selected hills per replication. The post-treatment dead-hearts are recorded at suitable interval after each spray. The post-treatment white-earheads are recorded at dough stage. Work out the % dead-heart/white-earhead reduction over control using Abbott’s formula formula Corrected % Dead-heart/White-earhead Damage reduction = n in T after treatment 1- ------------------------------ x 100 n in Co after treatment Where, n = no. of Dead-heart/White-earhead; T = Treated; Co = Control Reference: Abbott, W.S. (1925). A method of computing the effectiveness of an insecticide. J. Econ. Entomol.; 18:265-267. 3.2.1.5 Fruit & Shoot Borer (Okra - Earias vitella; Brinjal – Leucinodes arbonalis) The no. of damaged fruits/shoots are recorded on suitable no. of randomly selected plants per replication. Observations on damaged shoots are taken at suitable interval after each spray. Observations on damaged fruits are taken at each picking. Work out the % shoot/fruit damage reduction over control using Abbott’s formula : Abbott’s formula : Corrected % Shoot/fruit Damage reduction = n in T after treatment 1- ------------------------------ x 100 n in Co after treatment Where, n = no. of damaged fruits/shoots; T = Treated; Co = Control Reference: Abbott, W.S. (1925). A method of computing the effectiveness of an insecticide. J. Econ. Entomol.; 18:265-267. 3.2.1.6 Diamond Back Moth, DBM (Plutella xylostella) The larval population of insect is recorded on suitable no. of randomly selected plants per replication. Pre-treatment larval population of insect is recorded one day before the spray of insecticide. The post-treatment larval population of insect is recorded at suitable interval after each spray. Work out the % reduction in DBM larval population over control using Henderson & Tilton formula : Corrected % n in Co before treatment x n in T after treatment Reduction in = 1- ----------------------------------------------------------------- DBM popul. x 100 n in Co after treatment x n in T before treatment Where, n = no. of DBM larvae; T = Treated; Co = Control Reference: Henderson, C.F. and E. W. Tilton, 1955. Tests with acaricides against the brow wheat mite, J. Econ. Entomol. 48:157-161. 3.2.1.7 Sucking Pest (Jassids / Aphids / Thrips / Mealybugs / Whiteflies) The population of insect (Jassids, Aphids, Thrips, Mealybugs - nymph & adult; Whiteflies – Nymphs) is recorded on suitable no. of randomly selected plants/ trees per replication. Suitable no. of randomly selected leaves/panicles/twigs/inflorescence (or target plant part) per plant / tree are selected for observations. Suitable method is used to count the insect population. Pre-treatment population of insect is recorded one day before the spray of insecticide. The post-treatment population of insect, is recorded at suitable intervals after each spray. Work out the % reduction in target insect population over control using Henderson & Tilton formula : Corrected % n in Co before treatment x n in T after treatment Insect Population = 1- ----------------------------------------------------------------reduction n in Co after treatment x n in T before treatment x 100 Where, n = insect population; T = Treated; Co = Control Reference: Henderson, C.F. and E. W. Tilton, 1955. Tests with acaricides against the brow wheat mite, J. Econ. Entomol. 48:157-161. 3.2.1.8 Mites The mite population (motile stage) is recorded on randomly selected plants/trees/bushes per replication as per the protocol fixed for the given species and crop. Suitable no. of randomly selected leaves (or target plant part) per plant / tree are selected for observations. Suitable approved method is used to count the mite population. Pre-treatment population of mite is recorded one day before the spray of acaricide. The post-treatment population of mite is recorded at suitable intervals after each spray. Run ‘t’-test between pre-count and post-count to see if the build up has been significant in check plots. Work out the % reduction in mite population over control using Henderson & Tilton formula : Corrected % n in Co before treatment x n in T after treatment reduction in = 1- ----------------------------------------------------------------mite population n in Co after treatment x n in T before treatment x 100 Where, n = mite population; T = Treated; Co = Control Reference: Henderson, C.F. and E. W. Tilton, 1955. Tests with acaricides against the brow wheat mite, J. Econ. Entomol. 48:157-161. 3.2.2 Phyto-toxicity Phyto-toxicity at ‘X’ and ‘2X’ dose shall be recorded. Phytotoxicity Rating Scale (PRS) Crop response/ Crop injury Rating 0-00 0 1-10% 1 11-20% 2 21-30% 3 31-40% 4 41-50% 5 51-60% 6 61-70% 7 71-80% 8 81-90% 9 91-100% 10 Rating shall be recorded individually for yellowing, stunting, necrosis, epinasty hyponasty etc., T Treatment No Dose / ha Days after 1st spray g. a. i. 1 Formulation 3 5 7 10 1 2 3 4 3.2.3 Effect on Natural Enemies 3.2.4 Yield Yield data shall be given. 3.2.5 Statistical Analysis The data thus obtained shall be subjected to appropriate transformations and analyzed using standard experimental designs. 4.0 RESULT & CONCLUSION 4.1 Result Results to be submitted in table format 4.2 Conclusion Brief note on the trial observations and performance of the test substance. STANDARD EVALUATION SYSTEM BIOEFFICACY – ASSESSMENT EVALUATION OF BIOEFFICACY OF PLANT PATHOGENS IN CROPS TEST PROTOCOL FOR EFFICACY EVALUATION OF FUNGICIDES AGAINST VARIOUS FUNGAL PATHOGENS Bioefficacy evaluation of pesticide substances as formulations against plant pathogens ( fungi, bacteria, virus and other relevant ones ) in the designated crop would enable the identification of apt dose of the formulation for effective suppression the plant disease infection organ(s). The academic evaluation in designated research institutions under both laboratory and field situations would follow the under-mentioned protocol and produce results that is useful for considering for pesticide registration. Before taking up field evaluation, it is desirable to undertake laboratory evaluation of the candidate pesticide substance following standard internationally accepted protocol. The dosage arrived at from from such laboratory evaluation, as machted up with the dosage proposed by the sponsor of the evaluation, shall be considered for field evaluation of candidate disease causing organism(s). The field experiment is conducted in well-drained fertile and good quality soil of the research farm of the institution, with all the normal recommended package of practice to raise the relevant crop for undertaking bioefficacy evaluation of insecticides. The bioefficacy trial may be monitored by high-power group of scientist, nominated by the Director of Research of the institution Heads of the relevant plant protection departments ( Entomology, Plant Pathology / Nematology, senior experienced superannuated eminent scientists ( if needed ), along with representation of the client industry. A checklist of protocols may be drawn up during each evaluation after discussing with the relevant pesticide manufacturer ( client ) and the scientist ( evaluator ). The check-list may draw up the High-power scientific group. A project document (PD) is drawn up, with due identification number and authentication of the institution, containing the under-mentioned details, before the commencement of the experiment and approved by the competent authority of the institution. The data generated may be recorded in permanent work dairies and need to be preserved in the institution for reasonable duration till the pesticide registration process is completed. The impact of the test-pesticide substance on the crop in terms of its susceptibility to other pests / vectors ( insects, mites, other non-target pathogens ( virus, mycoplasma, bacteria, and other fungi ) shall be carefully observed and recorded. The data may be recorded on the impact on communities of natural enemies ( based on Indian Published literature ) of pests ( insects, mites, pathogens ) for thegiven agro-climate where the bioefficacy evaluations are undertaken. The data on the impact of the test-substance on natural enemies shall also be taken up under the study of eco-toxicology of the pesticide substance. 1) Protocol for efficacy evaluation of fungicides against various fungal pathogens The experiment is conducted in well-drained fertile and good quality soil of the research farm of the institution, with all the normal recommended package of practice to raise the relevant crop for undertaking bioefficacy evaluation of insecticides. The bioefficacy trial may be monitored by high-power group of scientist, nominated by the Director of Research of the institution Heads of the relevant plant protection departments ( Entomology, Plant Pathology / Nematology, senior experienced superannuated eminent scientists ( if needed ), along with representation of the client industry. A checklist of protocols may be drawn up during each evaluation after discussing with the relevant pesticide manufacturer ( client ) and the scientist ( evaluator ). The check-list may draw up the High-power scientific group. A project document (PD) is drawn up, with due identification number and authentication of the institution, containing the under-mentioned details, before the commencement of the experiment and approved by the competent authority of the institution. The data generated may be recorded in permanent work dairies and need to be preserved in the institution for reasonable duration till the pesticide registration process is completed. I) Bioefficacy-assessment evaluation of fungicides against fungal pathogen The target fungal disease(s) and the crop commodity may be spelt out while the PD of the evaluation protocol is designed for each agro-climate. The fungal biology has to be kept in view for deciding on the mode and time of application of the relevant test dose that is finalized based on the laboratory evaluation data. 1.0 EXPERIMENTAL CONDITION 1.1 Crop, Variety and Target disease(s) (Scientific names) The name of the crop along with that of variety and target test organism (s), i.e. the relevant target tissuechewing, cutting, boring insects may be mentioned in the PD. 1.2 Trial conditions Field trial should be set up where the target crop of moderate susceptibility to the target disease is likely to be infected by the pathogen. Standard crop husbandry practices like application of FYM, fertilizers including micronutrients and other maintenance treatments including pest management practices for pests other than the target pest should be specified. Trial should be carried out in different agro-climatic regions 1.3 Design and layout of the trial 1.3.1 Treatments Test product(s), reference product(s) and untreated control, arranged in a randomized block design or any other statistically suitable design. 1.3.2 Plot size and replication Net plot size at least 15-20 sq.m per treatment but according to the formulation or application equipment, it may be necessary to use a larger plot size. In case of tree crops, 1-2 trees per replication per treatment. In vine crops like grapes, 1 m row length can be considered. Replicates – at least three, provided the error degrees of freedom are at least 12. 1.2.0 APPLICATION OF TREATMENT 1. 2.1 Test product (s) The formulated product under investigation is applied according to the PD. The appliance shall be chosen to facilitate uniform high volume application on the crop at its given age and canopy size. 1.2.2 Reference product Registered product if any / Recommended product for the control of target insect pest. 1.2.3 Mode of application Application should comply with good agricultural practices. Details on the spray equipment, type of nozzle and water volume used at different stages of crop growth should be elucidated. Addition of sticker, if any (for monsoon sprays) must be specified. Sticker should be tried in the check plot with water spray. 1.2.3.1. Type of application The type of application (e.g. Foliar spray, soil drenching, stem painting etc) as proposed by the sponsor 1.2.3.2 Time and frequency of application The time and frequency of application will normally be specified by the manufacturer/sponsor. The time and frequency will normally depend on the pest species, & local environment conditions & pest ETL’S. The number of applications and the date of each application should be recorded. 1.2.3.3 Doses and Spray volumes used The product should be tested at the proposed dose and may also be used with other doses, usually one dose higher and lower than the proposed dose. The doses will normally be expressed in g a.i/ha and formulation in terms of ml/ha, g/ha. 1.3 MODE OF ASSESSMENT, RECORDING & MEASUREMENTS 1.3.1 Weather Data 1.3.1.1 Weather data during experimental duration for each location should be provided and co-related with the field data that is generated on the disease incidence and plant mortality of each treatment across replications. The inference shall be directed towards the influence of test substance in reducing the target insect / mite damage. 1.3.1.2 Soil Soil type should be mentioned where the crop is cultivated for such evaluations 1.3.2 Observations / Assessments The PD shall contain the details of the observations / assessments of treatment and the frequency as well as the various scientific basis ( published literature reference ) for those. Disease Assessments Disease assessments can be carried out either as disease severity (e.g. % infected surface area) or incidence (proportion of the sample with any infection e.g. leaves, panicles & fruit etc). Severity: Assess and record disease severity on a % -scale for each disease (0% = disease free, 100% = complete disease cover). The % infected surface area can be used for whole plots, whole plants or individual plant parts. Incidence: For incidence, the number of samples with infection and the total number of samples per plot should be assessed and recorded in the rating description e.g. number of diseased leaves per 30 leaves assessed or total number of infected ears/area. Calculate the percent disease Index using the following formula PDI = 1.7 Sum of all disease Ratings ____________ x 100 Total no of leaves/bunches assessed x Maximum Disease grade Effect on Natural Enemies The natural enemy spectrum of the target pest, as catalogued in the literature and perceived in the region on the crop species in which this evaluation is done, may be recorded in the field collected sample test insects and the impact of the targeted pesticide treatments in terms of mortality, moribund condition, lack of natural enemy invasion unlike in untreated check plots may be recorded. 1.7.1 Other new pests ( insects / mites / nematodes / diseases ) in the experiment The investigator (evaluator) may look for the occurrence of any new pests ( insects / mites / nematodes / diseases ) in each of the evaluation plots. The help of relevant specialists for each of these may be taken and need to be recorded throughout the experiment period. Phytotoxicity: Phytotoxicity at ‘X’ and ‘2X’ dose as per the rating scale given below. Phyto-toxicity at ‘X’ and ‘2X’ dose shall be recorded at 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 days after application. Phytotoxicity Rating Scale (PRS) Crop response/ Crop injury Rating 0-00 0 1-10% 1 11-20% 2 21-30% 3 31-40% 4 41-50% 5 51-60% 6 61-70% 7 71-80% 8 81-90% 9 91-100% 10 Rating shall be recorded individually for yellowing, stunting, necrosis, epinasty hyponasty etc., T Treatment No Dose / ha Days after 1st spray g. a. i. 1 Formulation 3 5 7 10 1 2 3 4 1.8. Crop Yield The crop yield data may be recorded for each treatment and may be statistically analysed. The conclusion on the treatment effect alone on enhancement of crop yield has to be brought out using appropriate statistical and other tools so that there is no confused statement in the inference that the pesticide dosage enhanced yield, without quantifying the avoidable crop loss due to given pesticide dose application against the target pests in the evaluation. 1.8.1 Statistical Analysis The data thus obtained shall be subjected to appropriate transformations and analyzed using standard experimental designs. 1.8.2 RESULT & CONCLUSION 1.8.2.1 Result Results to be submitted in table format mentioning the statistical parameters of assessment such CD.CV% 1.8.2 Inferences and Conclusion Brief note on the trial observations and performance of the test substance based on the results may be provided with critical assessment of tested pesticide efficacy on the target pest(s) along with opinion and conclusion on its impact on the target species on natural enemies of the given agro-climate in which the bioefficacy evaluation was undertaken. Any observations on the upsurge of any other pests ( insects / mites / nematodes / disease causing organisms ) may be specifically mentioned. The possible role of good agricultural practice by the new pesticide formulation may be inferred. The conclusion shall mention the most effective concentration / dose of the pesticide to suppress the target pests. The results may be given only quantifying the avoidable crop loss due to given pesticide dose application against the target pests in the evaluation. Certain model examples for fungal diseases 1. Example for some prominent fungal disease are as below : Assessment units and disease rating scales for various fungal diseases Downy mildew of grape (Plasmopara viticola) Examine 50 leaves, inflorescence or bunches per plot from disease infection stage to berry development and grade the disease incidence as per the scale below: Score 1 2 3 4 5 6 Symptoms No infection <5% of the area infected 5-10% of the area infected 11-25% of the area infected 26-50% of the area infected >50% of the area infected Powdery mildew of grape (Uncinula necator) Examine 50 leaves or bunches per plot from disease infection stage to berry development and grade the disease incidence as per the scale below: Score 1 2 3 4 5 6 Symptoms No infection <5% of the area infected 5-10% of the area infected 11-25% of the area infected 26-50% of the area infected >50% of the area infected Die-back & Fruit rot of chilli (Colletotrichum capsici) Examine 5 plants within the plot during development stages and grade the disease incidence as per the scale below. Score Symptoms 0 1 2 3 4 5 No infection First symptom, 19% infection 20-39% infection 40-59% infection 60-79% infection 80-100% infection Powdery mildew of chilli (Leveillula taurica) Examine 5 plants within the plot during development stages and grade the disease incidence as per the scale below. 0 1 3 5 7 9 No symptom on any plant Small powdery specks on the leaves covering 1% or less area Powdery lesions small, scattered covering 1 – 10% of leaf area Powdery patches big, scattered covering 11 – 25% of the leaf area Powdery patches big, coalescing covering 26 – 50% of leaf area Powdery growth covering 51% or more of leaf area. Leaf turn yellow and dry up Late Blight of potato / Tomato (Phytophthora infestans) Score Symptoms Score 0 Not seen on field 1 Only a few plants affected here and there, upto 1 or 2 spots in 12 yards radius. Upto 10 spots per plant, or general light spotting 3 About 50 spots per plant, or upto 1 leaf let in 10 attacked 5 Nearly every leaflet with lesions, plants still retaining normal form; field may smell of blight but looks green, although every plant is affected 7 Every plant affected and about ½ of leaf area destroyed by blight; field looks green flecked with brown 9 About ¾ of leaf area destroyed by blight; field looks either predominantly brown or green. In some varieties the youngest leaves escape infection. Only few leaves left green but stem remain green. All leaves dead, stems dead or drying. Black Scurf of potato (Rhizoctonia solani) Observe tubers from 5 plants per plot and score on a 0 – 9 scale as follows:Score Symptoms 0 No symptoms on potato tuber 1 1% or less area affected 2 1-10% area affected 5 11-20% area affected 9 51% or more area affected Early Blight of tomato (Alternaria solani) Score Symptoms 0 No symptom on the leaf 1 Small irregular brown spots covering 1% or less of the leaf area 3 Small, irregular, brown spots with concentric rings covering 1 – 10% of the leaf area 5 Lesions enlarging, irregular, brown with concentric rings, cover 11 – 25% of leaf area 7 Lesions coalesce to form irregular, dark brown patches with concentric rings covering 26 – 50% of leaf area. Lesions on stems and petioles 9 Lesions coalesce to form irregular, dark brown patches with concentric rings covering more than 51% of leaf area. Lesions on stems and petioles Leaf Blast (Pyricularia oryzae) Observe 5 hills per replication at maximum tillering stage and grade leaves using IRRI scale. Score Symptoms 0 No visible lesions 1 Small brown specs of pin point size or larger brown specks without sporulating center 3 Small, roundish to slightly elongated necrotic sporulating spots, about 1-2 mm in diameter with a distinct brown margin or yellow hao 5 Narrow or slightly elliptical lesions, 1-2 mm in breadth, more than 3 mm long with a brown margin 7 Broad spindle shaped lesion with yellow, brown or purple margin 9 Rapidly coalescing small, whitish, grayish or bluish lesions without distinct margins Panicle Blast (Pyricularia oryzae) At 20-25 days after heading at Dough to Mature stage; observe 25 panicles per replication and grade using following scale and calculate disease severity using the formula given below: Score Symptoms 0 No visible lesions or observed lesions on only few pedicels 1 Lesions on several pedicels or secondary branches 3 Lesions on a few primary branches or middle part of panicle axis 5 Lesions partially around the base (node) or the uppermost internode or the lower part of the panicle axis near the base 7 Lesions completely around panicle base or uppermost internode or panicle axis near base with more than 30% filled grains 9 Lesions completely around panicle base or uppermost internodes or the panicle axis near the base with less than 30% filled grains Sheath Blight (Rhizoctonia solani) Observe 3 hills/ plot and observe tillers score on scale as follows. Grade Description 0 No Incidence 1 Vertical spread of the lesions up to 20% of plant height 3 Vertical spread of the lesions up to 21-30% of plant height 5 Vertical spread of the lesions up to 31-45% of plant height 7 Vertical spread of the lesions up to 46-65% of plant height 9 Vertical spread of the lesions up to 66-100% of plant height Blister Blight (Exobasidium vexans): Observations to be recorded on pluckable shoots (2 leaves & a bud) and individually examined for blister blight and scored on a 0-4 scale (UPASI) 0= 1= 2= 3= 4= No infection; One or two lesions; Three to Five lesions; More than 5 lesions; Stalk Infection). Coffee leaf rust (Hemelia vastotrix): Observations to be recorded on pluckable shoots (2 leaves & a bud) and individually examined for blister blight and scored on a 0-4 scale (UPASI) 0= 1= 2= 3= 4= 5= No infection; 1-20% leaf area infected; 21-40% leaf area infected; 41-60% leaf area infected; 61-80% leaf area infected; 81 %and above leaf area infected 2) Bioefficacy-assessment evaluation of fungicides against bacterial pathogen Introduction The bacterial pathogens are significant in infecting certail crops. It would be very important to screen and assess effective pesticide formulations to contain the bacterial disease in crops. The bacterial diseases need to be separately evaluated with candidate pesticide formulation. The bacterial diseases in conjunction with fungal and other pest association need to be separately assessed for the bioefficacy of pesticides that are proposed to be registered for managing bacterial crop diseases. Bioefficacy-assessment evaluation of fungicides against fungal pathogen The target fungal disease(s) and the crop commodity may be spelt out while the PD of the evaluation protocol is designed for each agro-climate. The fungal biology has to be kept in view for deciding on the mode and time of application of the relevant test dose that is finalized based on the laboratory evaluation data. 2.0 EXPERIMENTAL CONDITION 2.1 Crop, Variety and Target disease(s) (Scientific names) The name of the crop along with that of variety and target test organism (s), i.e. the relevant target tissuechewing, cutting, boring insects may be mentioned in the PD. 2.2 Trial conditions Field trial should be set up where the target crop of moderate susceptibility to the target disease is likely to be infected by the pathogen. Standard crop husbandry practices like application of FYM, fertilizers including micronutrients and other maintenance treatments including pest management practices for pests other than the target pest should be specified. Trial should be carried out in different agro-climatic regions 2.3 Design and layout of the trial 2.3.1 Treatments Test product(s), reference product(s) and untreated control, arranged in a randomized block design or any other statistically suitable design. 2.3.2 Plot size and replication Net plot size at least 15-20 sq.m per treatment but according to the formulation or application equipment, it may be necessary to use a larger plot size. In case of tree crops, 1-2 trees per replication per treatment. In vine crops like grapes, 1 m row length can be considered. Replicates – at least three, provided the error degrees of freedom are at least 12. 2.2.0 APPLICATION OF TREATMENT 2.2.1 Test product (s) The formulated product under investigation is applied according to the PD. The appliance shall be chosen to facilitate uniform high volume application on the crop at its given age and canopy size. 2.2.2 Reference product Registered product if any / Recommended product for the control of target insect pest. 2.2.3 Mode of application Application should comply with good agricultural practices. Details on the spray equipment, type of nozzle and water volume used at different stages of crop growth should be elucidated. Addition of sticker, if any (for monsoon sprays) must be specified. Sticker should be tried in the check plot with water spray. 2.2.3.1. Type of application The type of application (e.g. Foliar spray, soil drenching, stem painting etc) as proposed by the sponsor 2.2.3.2 Time and frequency of application The time and frequency of application will normally be specified by the manufacturer/sponsor. The time and frequency will normally depend on the pest species, & local environment conditions & pest ETL’S. The number of applications and the date of each application should be recorded. 2.2.3.3 Doses and volumes used The product should be tested at the proposed dose and may also be used with other doses, usually one dose higher and lower than the proposed dose. The doses will normally be expressed in g a.i/ha and formulation in terms of ml/ha, g/ha. 2.3 MODE OF ASSESSMENT, RECORDING & MEASUREMENTS 2.3.1 Weather Data 2.3.1.1 Weather data during experimental duration for each location should be provided and co-related with the field data that is generated on the disease incidence and plant mortality of each treatment across replications. The inference shall be directed towards the influence of test substance in reducing the target insect / mite damage. 2.3.1.2 Soil Soil type should be mentioned where the crop is cultivated for such evaluations 2.3.2 Observations / Assessments The PD shall contain the details of the observations / assessments of treatment and the frequency as well as the various scientific basis ( published literature reference ) for those. Disease Assessments Disease assessments can be carried out either as disease severity (e.g. % infected surface area) or incidence (proportion of the sample with any infection e.g. leaves, panicles & fruit etc). Severity: Assess and record disease severity on a % -scale for each disease (0% = disease free, 100% = complete disease cover). The % infected surface area can be used for whole plots, whole plants or individual plant parts. Incidence: For incidence, the number of samples with infection and the total number of samples per plot should be assessed and recorded in the rating description e.g. number of diseased leaves per 30 leaves assessed or total number of infected ears/area. Calculate the percent disease Index using the following formula PDI = 2.4 Sum of all disease Ratings ____________ x 100 Total no of leaves/bunches assessed x Maximum Disease grade Effect on Natural Enemies The natural enemy spectrum of the target pest, as catalogued in the literature and perceived in the region on the crop species in which this evaluation is done, may be recorded in the field collected sample test insects and the impact of the targeted pesticide treatments in terms of mortality, moribund condition, lack of natural enemy invasion unlike in untreated check plots may be recorded. 2.4.1 Other new pests ( insects / mites / nematodes / diseases ) in the experiment The investigator (evaluator) may look for the occurrence of any new pests ( insects / mites / nematodes / diseases ) in each of the evaluation plots. The help of relevant specialists for each of these may be taken and need to be recorded throughout the experiment period. 2.5 Phytotoxicity: Phytotoxicity at ‘X’ and ‘2X’ dose as per the rating scale given below. Phyto-toxicity at ‘X’ and ‘2X’ dose shall be recorded at 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 days after application. Phytotoxicity Rating Scale (PRS) Crop response/ Crop injury Rating 0-00 0 1-10% 1 11-20% 2 21-30% 3 31-40% 4 41-50% 5 51-60% 6 61-70% 7 71-80% 8 81-90% 9 91-100% 10 Rating shall be recorded individually for yellowing, stunting, necrosis, epinasty hyponasty etc., T No 1 Treatment Dose / ha Days after 1st spray g. a. i. 1 Formulation 3 5 7 10 2 3 4 2.5 Crop Yield The crop yield data may be recorded for each treatment and may be statistically analysed. The conclusion on the treatment effect alone on enhancement of crop yield has to be brought out using appropriate statistical and other tools so that there is no confused statement in the inference that the pesticide dosage enhanced yield, without quantifying the avoidable crop loss due to given pesticide dose application against the target pests in the evaluation. 2.5.1 Statistical Analysis The data thus obtained shall be subjected to appropriate transformations and analyzed using standard experimental designs. 2.5.2 RESULT & CONCLUSION 2.5.2.1 Result Results to be submitted in table format mentioning the statistical parameters of assessment such CD.CV% 2.5.2.2 Inferences and Conclusion Brief note on the trial observations and performance of the test substance based on the results may be provided with critical assessment of tested pesticide efficacy on the target pest(s) along with opinion and conclusion on its impact on the target species on natural enemies of the given agro-climate in which the bioefficacy evaluation was undertaken. Any observations on the upsurge of any other pests ( insects / mites / nematodes / disease causing organisms ) may be specifically mentioned. The possible role of good agricultural practice by the new pesticide formulation may be inferred. The conclusion shall mention the most effective concentration / dose of the pesticide to suppress the target pests. The results may be given only quantifying the avoidable crop loss due to given pesticide dose application against the target pests in the evaluation. 3) Bioefficacy-assessment evaluation of fungicides against Virus disease pathogen Introduction Crop damage due to viral diseases is quite common. Pesticide substances that are targeted towards control of viral disease might be evaluated in times to come. The nioefficacy protocol need to look into the reduction in infection process as well as their carry over through tissues including through planting material and seeds. Bioefficacy-assessment evaluation of fungicides against fungal pathogen The target fungal disease(s) and the crop commodity may be spelt out while the PD of the evaluation protocol is designed for each agro-climate. The fungal biology has to be kept in view for deciding on the mode and time of application of the relevant test dose that is finalized based on the laboratory evaluation data. 2.0 EXPERIMENTAL CONDITION 2.1 Crop, Variety and Target disease(s) (Scientific names) The name of the crop along with that of variety and target test organism (s), i.e. the relevant target tissuechewing, cutting, boring insects may be mentioned in the PD. 2.2 Trial conditions Field trial should be set up where the target crop of moderate susceptibility to the target disease is likely to be infected by the pathogen. Standard crop husbandry practices like application of FYM, fertilizers including micronutrients and other maintenance treatments including pest management practices for pests other than the target pest should be specified. Trial should be carried out in different agro-climatic regions 2.3 Design and layout of the trial 2.3.1 Treatments Test product(s), reference product(s) and untreated control, arranged in a randomized block design or any other statistically suitable design. 2.3.2 Plot size and replication Net plot size at least 15-20 sq.m per treatment but according to the formulation or application equipment, it may be necessary to use a larger plot size. In case of tree crops, 1-2 trees per replication per treatment. In vine crops like grapes, 1 m row length can be considered. Replicates – at least three, provided the error degrees of freedom are at least 12. The experiment is conducted in well-drained fertile and good quality soil of the research farm of the institution, with all the normal recommended package of practice to raise the relevant crop for undertaking bioefficacy evaluation of insecticides. The bioefficacy trial may be monitored by high-power group of scientist, nominated by the Director of Research of the institution Heads of the relevant plant protection departments ( Entomology, Plant Pathology / Nematology, senior experienced superannuated eminent scientists ( if needed ), along with representation of the client industry. A checklist of protocols may be drawn up during each evaluation after discussing with the relevant pesticide manufacturer ( client ) and the scientist ( evaluator ). The check-list may draw up the High-power scientific group. A project document (PD) is drawn up, with due identification number and authentication of the institution, containing the under-mentioned details, before the commencement of the experiment and approved by the competent authority of the institution. The data generated may be recorded in permanent work dairies and need to be preserved in the institution for reasonable duration till the pesticide registration process is completed. The target fungal disease(s) and the crop commodity may be spelt out while the PD of the evaluation protocol is designed for each agro-climate. The fungal biology has to be kept in view for deciding on the mode and time of application of the relevant test dose that is finalized based on laboratory evaluation data. 3.0 EXPERIMENTAL CONDITION 3.1 Crop, Variety and Target disease(s) (Scientific names) The name of the crop along with that of variety and target test organism (s), i.e. the relevant target tissuechewing, cutting, boring insects may be mentioned in the PD. 3.2 Trial conditions Field trial should be set up where the target crop of moderate susceptibility to the target disease is likely to be infected by the pathogen. Standard crop husbandry practices like application of FYM, fertilizers including micronutrients and other maintenance treatments including pest management practices for pests other than the target pest should be specified. Trial should be carried out in different agro-climatic regions 3.3 Design and layout of the trial 3.3.1 Treatments Test product(s), reference product(s) and untreated control, arranged in a randomized block design or any other statistically suitable design. 3.3.2 Plot size and replication Net plot size at least 15-20 sq.m per treatment but according to the formulation or application equipment, it may be necessary to use a larger plot size. In case of tree crops, 1-2 trees per replication per treatment. In vine crops like grapes, 1 m row length can be considered. Replicates – at least three, provided the error degrees of freedom are at least 12. 3.4 APPLICATION OF TREATMENT 3.4.1 Test product (s) STANDARD EVALUATION SYSTEM BIOEFFICACY – ASSESSMENT EVALUATION OF BIOEFFICACY OF PESTICIDE FOR SEED TREATMENT EVALUATION TEST PROTOCOL FOR BIOEFFICACY – ASSESSMENT Introduction The field experiment is conducted in well-drained fertile and good quality soil of the research farm of the institution, with all the normal recommended package of practice to raise the relevant crop for undertaking bioefficacy evaluation of insecticides. The bioefficacy trial may be monitored by high-power group of scientist, nominated by the Director of Research of the institution Heads of the relevant plant protection departments ( Entomology, Plant Pathology / Nematology, senior experienced superannuated eminent scientists ( if needed ), along with representation of the client industry. A checklist of protocols may be drawn up during each evaluation after discussing with the relevant pesticide manufacturer ( client ) and the scientist ( evaluator ). The check-list may draw up the High-power scientific group. A project document (PD) is drawn up, with due identification number and authentication of the institution, containing the undermentioned details, before the commencement of the experiment and approved by the competent authority of the institution. The data generated may be recorded in permanent work dairies and need to be preserved in the institution for reasonable duration till the pesticide registration process is completed. I) EVALUATION OF FUNGICIDES FOR SEED TREATMENT Seed treatment with fungicides is intended for the control of internally and externally seed-borne plant pathogens and also of soil-born plant pathogens. The manufacture and / or the sponsor of the bioefficacy evaluation research study of test pesticide substance may approach the relevant plant protection department of state agriculture university (SAU) or crop institute under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research ( ICAR or any other similar institution* ) of any agro-ecological region of the country ). The evaluation of the test pesticide substance is intended to assess the efficiency of disease reduction of soil-born and seed-borne pathogens during the early crop growth of the desired crop commodity as also to measure all relevant effects on phyto-toxicity, non-target soil organisms as well as on plant growth characteristics. 1.0 EXPERIMENTAL CONDITION The laboratory may take up the evaluation through the approved and well-planned research project, with due identification number and authentication of the institution. 1.1 Selection of crop, cultivar and test organisms This test protocol is concerned with the efficacy evaluation of seed treatment fungicides for the control of seed-borne diseases (surface-borne or internally seed-borne) like Loose smut and Bunt in wheat and Soilborne diseases like Downy mildew in maize, sorghum, bajra and sunflower, wilt pathogens in soil that infect may field and horticulture crops. 1.2 Trial conditions Field trial / evaluation of the candidate pesticide ( fungicide ) substance should be set up using a stock of naturally infected seeds (10-30%), available in the test-laboratory that has proficiency for this purpose. The evaluation should be carried out in specified regions during normal crop season(s). As far as possible, try to ensure uniform disease infection through out the trial site. Before commencing the field trial / evaluation, the investigator / scientist of the designated laboratory may take up laboratory evaluation of the pesticide substance that is subjected to assess field efficacy against the target soil borne seed-borne pathogen, following the standard globally recognized methodology. The finalization of the evaluation protocol such as design and layout of ( laboratory & field ) shall be through formal consultation with the industry R&D representative and the designated scientist and Head of the department with CIB designated organization. 1.3 Design and layout of the trial 1.3.1 Treatments Test product(s), reference product(s) and untreated control, arranged in a randomized block design or any other appropriate statistical design (Consult statistician in this regard). 1.3.2 Plot size and replication Net plot size of at least 25 m2 or as required by target crop is recommended. But the plot size or replications should be increased as the level of infection drops or inoculated seed may be used, depending upon the disease to be tested. Replicates – at least three, provided the error degrees of freedom are at least 12. 2.0 APPLICATION OF TREATMENT 2.1 Test product (s) The formulated pesticide substance with the proposed dosage of the sponsor and / or as arising from the laboratory evaluation results may be considered. 2.2 Reference product Pesticide substances of equal potency and efficacy that are already recommended for the control of the disease through seed treatment should be included. If available, products with specific seed treatment formulations such as WS, FS, and DS should be included. 2.3 Mode of application Method of application of seed dresser should be specified and undertaken with details of the process that is expressed explicitly, viz., dry coating, slurry coating, pelleting etc, as applicable. Application should comply with good agricultural practices ( may spell it out before the evaluation is taken up ). Mention the use of any polymers/stickers /other additives for better adhesion of the test substance. These materials extrinsic to the test substance, should be separately assessed for their influence / efficacy on target disease causing organism other than with the pesticide substance in the evaluation process. 2.3.1 Type of sowing The type of sowing (e.g. broadcasting, drilling and dribbling) as per recommended practice or as suggested by the manufacturer. 2.3.2 Time and frequency of application Usually, a single application as seed treatment, unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer/ sponsor. The date of application should be recorded. The date shall be fixed, as emerging out of the discussion with the pesticide industry sponsor of the research evaluation or as independently worked for the specific crop seed by the R&D organization that is involved in the bio-efficacy evaluation. 2.3.4 Doses and Volumes used The product should be tested at the proposed dose and may also be used other doses. The dosage will normally be expressed in g a.i/kg seed or grams or milliliter of formulated product per kg of seed. For slurry preparation, the water volume needs to be specified according to quantity of seed to be treated. The hundred / thousand seed weight shall be the criteria for fixing the dosage as well as for recommending the appliance that can be used to ensure that each grain carries the lethal dosage prescribed to ensure optimum seed health and full plant stand per unit area. 2.0 MODE OF ASSESSMENT, RECORDING & MEASUREMENTS 2.1 Meteorological data Weather data during experimental duration for each location should be provided and co-related with the field data that is generated on the disease incidence and plant mortality of each treatment across replications. The inference shall be directed towards the influence of test substance in reducing the pathogenesis. 2.1.2 Soil 2.1.3 Soil physical and chemical parameters should be mentioned in the test report as also for deciding the treatments for bioefficacy evaluation of the given test substance. Crop The peculiarities of response in the crop, right from emergence to over one month may be recorded in all treatments. 3.0 Observations 3.1 Disease Assessments Disease assessments can be carried out either as disease severity (e.g. % infected surface area) or incidence (proportion of the sample with any infection e.g. leaves, panicles & fruit etc). 3.1.2 Severity: Assess and record disease severity on a % -scale for each disease (0% = disease free, 100% = complete disease cover). The % infected surface area can be used for whole plots, whole plants or individual plant parts. 3.1.3 Incidence: For incidence, the number of samples with infection and the total number of samples per plot should be assessed and recorded in the rating description e.g. number of diseased leaves per 30 leaves assessed or total number of infected ears/area. 3.1.4 Calculate the percent disease Index using the following formula PDI = Sum of all disease Ratings ____________ x 100 Total no of leaves/bunches assessed x Maximum Disease grade 3.1.5 % germination to be assessed 3.2 Yield At harvest the grain yield shall be determined plotwise and expressed using appropriate measure viz kgs or quintals or tones per hectare. Test weight (weight of 100 seeds) be recorded and expressed in grams. This has to be coorelated with total plant stand of each treatment to relate the influence of disease incidence in the crop and crop yield, keeping all other agronomic practices ( spacing, fertilizer application, irrigation ( if relevant ) other pesticide application, growth hormone etc. ) are constant. The research may bring out any observed effect on quality / quantity of the crop commodity and may be reported with suitable scientific reason. 3.3 Phytotoxicity Assess the detailed phytotoxicity / growth observations in the field at ‘X’ and ‘2X’ dose as per the standard rating scale.The laboratory or field germination tests should be carried out immediately after seed treatment. 4.0 Statistical Analysis The data shall be subjected to appropriate transformations where necessary and analyzed using standard experimental designs and computer software package. Assessment units and disease rating scales for various fungal diseases The published literature supported assessment and interpretation of the results may be made in respect of the disease(s) under the present bioefficacy evaluation. As examples, the following may be considered. However, the research study could modify and develop its own protocol, as supported by scientific publications / reasoning. Loose smut of wheat (Ustilago tritici) and Bunts (Telletia spp.) Examine plants within 15 feet radius from heading to harvest and grade the disease incidence as per the scale below both in terms of plants and tillers. Score Symptoms 0 No plants containing loose smut 1 1% or less plants with smutted heads 3 1-10% or less plants with smutted heads 5 11-20% or less plants with smutted heads 7 21-50% or less plants with smutted heads 9 51% ad above plants with smutted heads ______________________________________________________________________________ Source: Phytopathometry, Mayee & Datar, 1986 Downy mildew of sorghum (Peronosclerospora sorghi) Examine plants within the entire plot from seedling, booting, panicle initiation and seed setting and grade the disease incidence as per the scale below. Score Symptoms 0 1 Plants free from infection Upto 1% of the plants showing infection. No shredding 3 Top leaves and bases of lower ones turn whitish or yellow. Partial shredding of leaves. 1-10% plants affected. 5 Leaves turn whitish or yellow with downy growth on lower side. Complete shredding of leaves. Ears partially filled. 11-20% plants affected. 7 Leaves narrow, pale yellow with downy growth on both surfaces. Complete shredding of leaves. Ears not formed. 121-50% plants affected. 9 All leaves at seedling stage showing pale yellow patches with downy growth. Premature death of seedling. Above 50% plants affected. Source: Phytopathometry, Mayee & Datar, 1986 Brown stripe downy mildew of maize (Scleropthora rayssiae) Examine 10 plants within the plot from two leaves to maturity and grade the disease incidence as per the scale below. Score Symptoms 0 No symptoms on leaf 1 Upto 1% of the leaf area covered with necrotic lesions 3 1-10% of the leaf area covered with necrotic lesions 5 11-25% of the leaf area covered with necrotic lesions 7 26-50% of the leaf area covered with necrotic lesions 9 More than 50% of the leaf area covered with necrotic lesions Source: Phytopathometry, Mayee & Datar, 1986 STANDARD EVALUATION SYSTEM BIOEFFICACY – ASSESSMENT EVALUATION OF BIOEFFICACY OF HERBICIDE AGAINST WEED TEST PROTOCOL FOR EFFICACY EVALUATION OF HERBICIDES AGAINST WEEDS 1.0 EXPERIMENTAL CONDITION 1.1 Crop, Variety and Target weeds (Scientific names) 1.1.2 Variety : Popular variety or common grown variety grown in the area 1.1.3 Target Weeds : with other predominant weeds of the crop 1.1.4 Type of Land : Low land or up land 1.2 Trial conditions Field trial should be set up where target crop are likely to be infested by target weed species and where target crop are likely to be infecsted by target weed species and where the weeds become major problem. Standard crop husbandry practices like application of FYM, fertilizers including micronutrients and other maintenance treatments including pest management practices for pests other than the target pest should be specified. Trial should be carried out in different agro-climatic regions as specified by ICAR or Planning Commission 1.3 Design and layout of the trial 1.3.1 Treatments Test product(s), reference product(s) and untreated control, arranged in a randomized block design or any other suitable statistical design which represent the whole field. 1.3.2 Plot size and replication Net plot size at least 15 – 20 sq.m. per replication per treatment but according to the formulation or application equipment, it may be necessary to use a larger plot size ( at least 25 sq.m). The plot size must be the same at all location. Replicates – at least three, provided the error degrees of freedom are at least 12. Minimum 7 treatments in which one standard check, one Weed Free and one Weekly Check must be included with minimum 4 treatments of test product. 2.0 APPLICATION OF TREATMENT 2.1 Test product (s) The formulated product under evaluation. Three treatments. 2.2 Reference product Registered product if any / Recommended product for concerned weed management. As decided by the respective AICRP / ICAR Institute / SAU in consultation with sponsor. 2.3 Mode of application Application should comply with good agricultural practices. Details on the spray equipment, type of nozzle (Flat fan or flood jet) and water volume used at different stages of crop growth should be given. Addition of sticker, to improve the uptake of active ingredient, if any must be specified. Sticker should be tried in the check plot with water spray. The above requirement should be followed uniformly in all location in both the season. 2.3.1 Type of application The type of application (e.g. foliar spray, soil incorporation, broad casting) as proposed by the sponsor 2.3.2 Time and frequency of application The time and frequency of application will normally be specified by the manufacturer/ sponsor. The time of application should be conveniently mentioned based on the time of weed emergence (PPI, Pre-emergence, early post emergence or late post emergence) or based on the stage of the weed (1-2 leaf stage, 3-4 leaf stage etc) or DAS ( days after sowing ). 2.3.5 Doses and Volumes used The product should be tested at the proposed dose(s), as desired. The doses will normally be expressed in g a.i/ha and formulation ml/ha. 3.0 MODE OF ASSESSMENT, RECORDING & MEASUREMENTS 3.1 Meteorological Data Weather data during experimental duration for each location should be provided 3.1.2 Soil Soil type should be mentioned 4.0 Observations 4.1 Weed intensity 4.1.1 Weed count: The number of species wise weeds to be determined at pre-spray, 30DAS, 60DAS and at harvest at about 5 location per plot using a square quadrant, 1 sq.m.using a square quadrant, 1sq.m at about five locations per plot. 4.1.2 Weed Dry Matter : Dry or / fresh weight of weeds species wise to be determined at prespray, 30DAS, 60DAS and at Harvest and statistically analysed after transformation. 4.1.3 Percent weed control efficiency (WCE): Weed control efficiency should be mentioned species wise as per label claim at 30DAS, 60DAS and at harvest. WCE = No of weeds in UTC – No of weeds in treated ------------------------------------------------------- x 100 No of weeds in UTC WCE = WDM in UTC – WDM in treated ------------------------------------------------------- x 100 WDM in UTC And / or WDM = Weed Dry Matter UTC = Untreated control 4.1.4 Dry or/ Fresh Weight: Dry or fresh weight of weeds at last observation. 4.2 Yield: Crop yield data should be given along with Yield attributing character and statistically analysed. Enhancement of the crop has to be brought out using appropriate statistical ando other tools so that there is no confusion statement in drawing the inference. 4.3 Phytotoxicity: Phytotoxicity at ‘X’ and ‘2X’ dose as per the rating scale given below. Phyto-toxicity at ‘X’ and ‘2X’ dose shall be recorded at 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 days after application. . 4.3.1 Photographs with label at each observation Recovery Photographs if initially there is phytotoxicity Phytotoxicity Rating Scale (PRS) Crop response/ Crop injury Rating 0-00 0 1-10% 1 11-20% 2 21-30% 3 31-40% 4 41-50% 5 51-60% 6 61-70% 7 71-80% 8 81-90% 9 91-100% 10 Rating shall be recorded individually for yellowing, stunting, necrosis, epinasty hyponasty etc. T Treatment No Dose / ha Days after 1st spray g. a. i. 1 Formulation 3 5 7 10 1 2 3 4 5.0 Results: Results to be submitted in table format after appropriate statistical analysis along with inferences. 6.0 Conclusion: Brief note on the trial observations and performance of the test substance. TEST PROTOCOL FOR EFFICACY EVALUATION OF PGR 1.0 EXPERIMENTAL CONDITION 1.1 Crop, Variety and Target weeds (Scientific names) 1.2 Trial conditions Field trial should be set up where target crop are likely to be infested by target weed species. Standard crop husbandry practices like application of FYM, fertilizers including micronutrients and other maintenance treatments including pest management practices for pests other than the target pest should be specified. Trial should be carried out in different agro-climatic regions 1.3 Design and layout of the trial 1.3.1 Treatments Test product(s), reference product(s) and untreated control, arranged in a randomized block design or any other suitable statistical design. 1.3.2 Plot size and replication Net plot size at least 15 – 20 sq.m. per replication per treatment but according to the formulation or application equipment, it may be necessary to use a larger plot size Replicates – at least three, provided the error degrees of freedom are at least 12. 2.0 APPLICATION OF TREATMENT 2.1 Test product (s) The formulated product under investigation. 2.2 Reference product Registered product if any / Recommended product for the control of the target insect pest. 2.3 Mode of application Application should comply with good agricultural practices. Details on the spray equipment, type of nozzle (Flat fan or flood jet) and water volume used at different stages of crop growth should be given. Addition of sticker, to improve the uptake of active ingredient, if any must be specified. Sticker should be tried in the check plot with water spray. 2.3.1 Type of application The type of application (e.g. foliar spray, soil incorporation, broad casting) as proposed by the sponsor 2.3.2 Time and frequency of application The time and frequency of application will normally be specified by the manufacturer/ sponsor. The time and frequency will normally depend on critical growth stage of the crop & local environment conditions. The number of applications and the date of each should be recorded. 2.3.6 Doses and Volumes used The product should be tested at the proposed dose(s), and may also be used other doses. The dosage will normally be expressed in g a.i/ha and formulation ml/ha. 4.0 MODE OF ASSESSMENT, RECORDING & MEASUREMENTS 3.1 Meteorological Data Weather data during experimental duration for each location should be provided 3.1.2 Soil Soil type should be mentioned 3.1.3 Age of the plant 3.2 Observations / Assessments 3.2.1 Growth parameters Plant height No. of primary branches / plant at 15 or 30 days interval after application Yield and Yield attributes parameters ( no. of fruits, fruit length, fruit weight, yield etc. ) 3.2.2 . Phytotoxicity: Phytotoxicity at ‘X’ and ‘2X’ dose shall be recorded. Phytotoxicity Rating Scale (PRS) Crop response/ Crop injury Rating 0-00 0 1-10% 1 11-20% 2 21-30% 3 31-40% 4 41-50% 5 51-60% 6 61-70% 7 71-80% 8 81-90% 9 91-100% 10 Rating shall be recorded individually for yellowing, stunting, necrosis, epinasty hyponasty etc. T Treatment No Dose / ha Days after 1st spray g. a. i. 1 Formulation 3 5 7 10 1 2 3 4 3.2.4 Yield Yield data shall be given 3.2.5 Statistical Analysis The data thus obtained shall be subjected to appropriate transformations and analyzed using standard experimental designs. Enhancement of the crop has to be brought out using appropriate statistical and other tools so that there is no confusion statement in drawing the inference. 5.0 RESULT & CONCLUSION : 5.1 Result Results to be submitted in table format with writeups. 5.2 Conclusion Brief note on the trial observations and performance of the test substance. COMMENTS OF BIO EFFICACY EXPERTS (CIB & RC) Protocol for bio-efficacy evaluation for registration of Insecticides A: General Insecticides: Operation: Trial protocols should be elaborated, before starting. The organization should elaborate standard operating procedures (SOPs) or standard modes of operation for testing, measurements, data collection and reporting procedures or other tasks that are carried repetitively, to ensure consistency and repeatability of the activities. Verification: 1. Persons who are scientifically responsible for the trial within the organization should be able to check and validate the trial throughout its course and ascertain that the protocol and SOPs are being followed. 2. Organizations should accept at any time inspections that may be organized by the registration authority or another competent national authority to verify the compliance of trial/protocols. Organization must intimate to the Secretary CIB&RC about the beginning & closure of the trials. 3. All trials need proper display. Experimental sites and display boards needs to be photographed. All spray operations, observations in the experimental fields, from time to time and crop growth stage from time to time needs to be well documented/ photographed for submission to registration authority. Experimental conditions: 1. Bio efficacy trials should strictly be conducted/data generated at SAU/ICAR institutes and deemed to be Universities which have been listed on the ICAR website. 2. Consistency in methodology of trials/experiments should be followed at all the trial locations in respect of frequency of recording bio efficacy data, frequency of treatment applications, Number of trials , number of application and unit of evaluation of bio efficacy as per standard scale for specific pest. 3. Trials should be conducted in locations which represent the range of agronomic, plant health, environmental and climatic conditions likely to be encountered in practice in the area of proposed use. 4. Selection of location for trial should be done keeping in view the prevalence of target pest on crop species (Endemic areas) in that particular area (identified/ declared by ICAR/SAUs/Indian published literature). 5. The crops in the experimental locations may be specifically grown for the trials or be part of crop grown for commercial purposes, but in all cases should be grown according to good agronomic practice (GAP). 6. Any cultural operations in the fields apart from the one being tested should be according to Good Agronomic Practice (GAP). 7. If there is a possibility that soil types may affect the efficacy of the insecticide, the various trial sites should be chosen to be representative of the range of soil types that can be encountered in the proposed field use of the product. 8. Within each trial site, environmental and agronomic conditions should be as uniform as possible. 9. In case Infestation levels are low or incidence of target insect pest does not occurs at the location of trial in the season then the trial should be conducted in the next season at the same location. Bio-Efficacy evaluation: 1. Effects on non-target organisms (e.g. impact on pollinators and pollination, effects on parasitoids/parasites and predators specific to the target pest and generally found/reported in that crop eco-system. 2. Brief details of all cultural/agronomical practices, methods of fertilizer doses and its application etc should be submitted to the registration authority in respect of trial plots/standard check plots and control plots. 3. All cultural/agronomical practices, fertilizer dosages, irrigation and any other treatment except the application of test chemical should be at par in trial plots, standard check plots and control plots, so as level field comparative study of bio efficacy of the test product. 4. Insecticides which were approved/recommended by CIB&RC with doses against specific crop pest should be taken as standard check during B/E trials. 5. The bio efficacy data of those cases which have been rejected by the Registration Committee in the past due to non conformity of active ingredient contents during the lab test of the samples, these bio efficacy data will not be considered /accepted for fresh application of the same product by the same applicant with a new sample test report. 6. Details of Cost: Benefit ratio in terms of input cost, cost of product (Yield/Ha.) should be submitted to the Registration Authority, in case of combination products. (Input cost should be inclusive of the cost of cultural, agronomical, mechanical practices as per prevailing local rates at the site of trial). 7. In case the insecticide is applied as a mixture with fungicide / PGR/fertilizer or other chemical, the compatibility as claimed by the applicant should be supported with the bioefficacy data in respect of other constituents of such mixture should be observed/ recorded to evaluate the efficacy of the constituent to prove the compatibility claim. 8. The test product should be safe to the environment, non target organisms and having better efficacy and also cost effective in comparison to the standard checks. 9. i) In case of formulations- for new molecule additional data may be collected/ supported on effects on succeeding crops in the trial field. ii) Effect on the test product on other non-target organism and eco-friendly insects in adjacent field crops should also be recorded and submitted to registration authority. 10. All the activities should be well documented and supported with appropriate photographs authenticated by concerned scientist and the director (Research) may be submitted to the registration authority. Experimental design: i) Efficacy trials should be designed in such way so that appropriate standard statistical analysis of the data (with minimum degree of freedom) can be performed to ensure that any effects attributable to the insecticide can be distinguished from other forms of experimental variability. ii) A fully randomized design can be applied only if the trial environment/agro ecosystem is completely homogeneous. iii) Trial plot should be at least 25m2 in size with four replications each, however depending upon the other factors viz. mobility of the target pest/organism, crop species/ canopy/spacing like sugarcane, sorghum, maize, bajra, pigeon pea and cotton etc., the plot size should be 50m2 or more may be taken for trials. Untreated control: i) An untreated control should be included in the trial. ii) Should confirm the presence of an adequate pest population/infestation and all activities under GAP should be at par with the treated plots except the application of test chemicals during the course of the trial. iii) In case there is reduction in population of pest/NE, reason may be recorded thereof in the trial data. Application of Insecticide: 1. Treatment application should be made after observing ETL of the target pests in the proposed crop.(ETL value for major pest in crops is given in Annexure-I) 2. The tentative schedule of treatment application should be planned/done keeping in view the occurrence of pest at a particular crop stage and should be spread over the entire susceptible/vulnerable stage of the crop at all the trial locations. 3. The equipment and method of application of the insecticide may be same in all trials handheld equipment may be used. 4. Application rates for sprays, the volume of application and dilution ratios (as appropriate) may be as per recommendation for use. 5. Treatments doses, time/stage of application (tentative schedule), number of applications, application intervals, method of application and spray volume may be recommended by the concerned scientist based on the B/E trials results. 6. Application equipment should be properly calibrated before the treatment application for obtaining intended application rate and droplet spectrum. 7. Details of the sprayer, its operating pressure, nozzle type and position of nozzle(s) relative to crop, forward speed and volume of application rate are need to be specified by the concerned scientist in the recommendation. Weather: 1. Weather conditions viz. Ambient temperature, relative humidity, precipitation (if any), wind speed at the time of application may be recorded on the day of treatment. 2. Temperature, relative humidity, precipitation and extreme weather conditions may also need to be recorded on a regular basis throughout the trial period. The exact parameters and frequency of recording will depend on the type of crop/pest/product under study. Biological efficacy: 1. The variables that need to be assessed to determine the efficacy of the plant protection product will strongly depend on the crop and pest being studied. They may include density or incidence of the pest, infestation levels, percentage mortality or control, severity of symptoms or damage to the crop, quantity of yield, quality of the product, etc. should be recorded in the trial reports. 2. Pre-treatment assessments of target pests and non target pests (natural enemies) including honey bees* & other pollinators should be carried out and recorded invariably in the B/E trails reports/observation tables. 3. Parameters such as population reduction over control expressed as percent mortality, 4. The parasitoids, parasites/predators, honey bees/other pollinators* and pathogens of target pest should be counted/observed before & after each application as in case of target pest covered under specific safe insect order/crop ecosystem and it should be recorded in trails reports/observation tables. 5. A separate bio efficacy study on the effect of neonicotinoid on honey bees & other pollinators may be conducted and reported to the registration committee. For bio efficacy (Residue) the following data may also be generated and submitted. i) Estimation of level of residue in pollen and nectar resulting from spray treatment of crops. ii) Estimation of level of residue in pollen and nectar resulting from soil/seed treatment. iii) Estimation of level of residue in pollen and nectar by calculating based on the spray application rate. *In case of neonicotinoid Phytotoxcity: As given Mode of application: As given Time and frequency of application: As given Dose and Volume used: As given Results: As given Statistical analysis: As given Inferences and conclusion: As given Study on persistence in soil, water and plant may be carried out as per existing data requirement in the guidelines. Study on residue in soil and plant may be carried out as per existing data requirement in the guidelines. B. House-hold Insecticide: 1. Trial should be conducted as per the WHO protocol/guidelines. (Source: www.who/htm/ntd/whopes/2009.3) 2. More government (NABL/GLP) accreditated laboratories may be added in the existing list of national laboratories for Bio efficacy trials for household insecticide category. 3. The proposed addition of government (NABL/GLP) accreditated laboratories will be added after due verification of available trial facilities for conducting B/E trials. C. Public Health Pesticides (PHP): Bio efficacy study should be conducted as per NVBDCP approved SOP. (Source: www.nvbdcp.nic.in) D. Seed Treatment (Insecticide): i) The general requirements for registration of insecticide will be the same except the method of application of insecticide. ii) Phytotoxicity study/trial must include comparative study of % seed germination in control, standard check vis-à-vis the treatment. iii) Study on persistence in soil, water and plant may be carried out as per existing data requirement in the guidelines. iv) Study on residue in soil and plant may be carried out as per existing data requirement in the guidelines. Test Protocol for bio-efficacy evaluation of Bio-insecticides (Bio pesticides Unit) The following parameters may be included in the test protocol of Bio-insecticides:Operation: Trial protocols should be elaborated, before starting. The organization should elaborate standard operating procedures (SOPs) or standard modes of operation for testing, measurements, data collection and reporting procedures or other tasks that are carried repetitively, to ensure consistency and repeatability of the activities. Verification: 4. Persons who are scientifically responsible for the trial within the organization should be able to check and validate the trial throughout its course and ascertain that the protocol and SOPs are being followed. 5. Organizations should accept at any time inspections that may be organized by the registration authority or another competent national authority to verify the compliance of trial/protocols. Organization must intimate to the Secretary CIB&RC about the beginning & closure of the trials. 6. All trials need proper display. Experimental sites and display boards needs to be photographed. All spray operations, observations in the experimental fields, from time to time and crop growth stage from time to time needs to be well documented/ photographed for submission to registration authority. Experimental conditions: 1. Bio efficacy trials should strictly be conducted/data generated at SAU/ICAR institutes and Institutes recognized by ICAR under central universities engaged in field oriented research trials. A list of all such SAU/ICAR institutes and other institutes attached at Annexure-I. 2. Consistency in methodology of trials/experiments should be followed at all the trial locations in respect of frequency of recording bioefficacy data, frequency of treatment applications, Number of trials , number of application and unit of evaluation of bioefficacy as per standard scale for specific pest. 3. Trials should be conducted in locations which represent the range of agronomic, plant health, environmental and climatic conditions likely to be encountered in practice in the area of proposed use. 4. Selection of location for trial should be done keeping in view the prevalence of target pest on crop species (Endemic areas) in that particular area (identified/ declared by ICAR/SAUs/Indian published literature). 5. The crops in the experimental locations may be specifically grown for the trials or be part of crop grown for commercial purposes, but in all cases should be grown according to good agronomic practice (GAP). 6. Any cultural operations in the fields apart from the one being tested should be according to Good Agronomic Practice (GAP). 7. If there is a possibility that soil types may affect the efficacy of the bio-insecticide, the various trial sites should be chosen to be representative of the range of soil types that can be encountered in the proposed field use of the product. 8. Within each trial site, environmental and agronomic conditions should be as uniform as possible. 9. In case Infestation levels are low or incidence of target insect pest does not occurs at the location of trial in the season then the trial should be conducted in the next season at the same location. Bio-Efficacy evaluation: 1 Effects on non-target organisms (e.g. impact on pollinators and pollination, effects on parasitoids/parasites and predators specific to the target pest and generally found/reported in that crop eco-system. 2. Brief details of all cultural/agronomical practices, methods of fertilizer doses and its application etc should be submitted to the registration authority in respect of trial plots/standard check plots and control plots. 3. All cultural/agronomical practices, fertilizer dosages, irrigation and any other treatment except the application of test biopesticides/chemicals should be at par in trial plots, standard check plots and control plots, so as level field comparative study of bio efficacy of the test product. 4. Insecticides which were approved/recommended by CIB&RC with doses against specific crop pest should be taken as standard check during B/E trials. In case of unavailability of such insecticide which have been approved /recommended 9under AICRP)by ICAR/SAUs/Agriculture Institutes under Central Universities may be taken as standard check( Authenticated published copy of such recommendation should be submitted with reports/data). 5. Trial plot should be at least 20m2 in size with four replications each, however depending upon the other factors viz. mobility of the target pest/organism, crop species/ canopy /spacing like sugarcane ,sorghum, maize ,bajara, pigeon pea and cotton etc. ,the plot size should be 50m2 or more may be taken for trials. 6. The bio efficacy data of those cases which have been rejected by the Registration Committee in the past due to non conformity of active ingredient contents during the lab test of the samples, these bioefficacy data will not be considered /accepted for fresh application of the same product by the same applicant with a new sample test report. 7. Details of Cost: Benefit ratio in terms of input cost, cost of product (Yield/Ha.) should be submitted to the Registration Authority, in case of combination bio-products. (Input cost should be inclusive of the cost of cultural, agronomical, mechanical practices as per prevailing local rates at the site of trial). 8. The test product should be safe to the environment, non target organisms and having better efficacy and also cost effective in comparison to the standard checks. 9. i) In case of formulations- for new bio-pesticides product/ strain additional data may be collected/ supported on effects on succeeding crops in the trial field. iii) Effect on the test product on other non-target organism and eco-friendly insects in adjacent field crops should also be recorded and submitted to registration authority. 10. All the activities should be well documented and supported with appropriate photographs authenticated by concerned scientist and the director (Research) may be submitted to the registration authority. Experimental design: I. Efficacy trials should be designed so that appropriate statistical analysis of the data can be performed to ensure that any effects attributable to the insecticide can be distinguished from other forms of experimental variability. II. A fully randomized design can be applied only if the trial environment/agro ecosystem is completely homogeneous. III. Plot size and shape -the most suitable plot size (at least 25m2) depends upon many factors such as the mobility of the target organism (larger plots are generally needed for more mobile organisms), Replicates Four. Untreated control: i. An untreated control should be included in the trial. ii. Should confirm the presence of an adequate pest infestation and to confirm that there were no natural reductions in their numbers or levels during the course of the trial. Application of Insecticide: 1.Treatment application should be made after observing ETL of the target pests in the proposed crop. 2. The timing of treatment application should be planned/done keeping in view the occurrence of pest at a particular crop stage and should be spread over the entire susceptible/vulnerable stage of the crop. 3. The equipment and method of application of the insecticide should be the same In small-scale trials hand-held equipment may be used, 4. Application rates for sprays, the volume application rate and dilution ratios (as appropriate) should be the same as recommended for use. 5. Treatments doses, time/stage of application (tentative schedule), number of applications, application intervals, method of application and spray volume should be recommended by the concerned scientist based on the B/E trials results. 6. Application of equipment should be properly calibrated to give the intended application rate and droplet spectrum. 7. Details of the sprayer, its operating pressure, nozzle type and position of nozzle(s) relative to crop, forward speed and volume of application rate need to be specified as well as dose, spray concentration, and formulation used. Weather: 1.Weather conditions should be measured at the trial site on the day of treatment. Ambient temperature, relative humidity, precipitation, wind speed and direction should be recorded, where relevant. 2.Temperature, relative humidity, precipitation and extreme weather conditions may also need to be recorded on a regular basis throughout the trial period. The exact parameters and frequency of recording will depend on the type of crop/pest/product under study. Biological efficacy: 1.The variables that need to be assessed to determine the efficacy of the plant protection product will strongly depend on the crop and pest being studied. They may include density or incidence of the pest, infestation levels, percentage mortality or control, severity of symptoms or damage to the crop, quantity of yield, quality of the product, etc. should be recorded in the trial reports. 2.Pre-treatment assessments of target pests and non target pests (natural enemies) should be carried out and recorded invariably in the B/E trails reports/observation tables. 3.Parameters such as population reduction over control expressed as percent mortality, 4. The parasitoids, parasites/predators and pathogens of target pest should be counted/observed after each application as in case of target pest covered under specific safe insect order/crop ecosystem and it should be recorded in trails reports/observation tables. Insect pest assessment (Time of application: Based on ETL assessment) Name of the insect Helicoverpa armigera Tobacco caterpillar Pink boll worm Stem borer Leaf folder,caseworm,gall midge Whorl maggot Fruit and shoot borer DBM BPH/ WBPH Formula As per Henderson and Tilton formula As per Henderson and Tilton formula As per Henderson and Tilton formula As per IRRI As per IRRI As per IRRI As per Abbotts formula As given Tap 4 rice hills vigorously count the number of plant hoppers floating and jumping on the water surface between the four hills. Ten such places are to be observed at random within each plot. 0=0, 1=1-10, 3=10-25, 5= 25 to 50, 7=51 to 100 9=more than 100(assessment should be made between 1-3 days and I week after treatment. GLH DBM Mealy bugs,aphids,scale insects Whiteflies Thrips Other insect pest (mites/nematodes) Other insect pest on major crops House hold insect pest Stored grain insect pest Tap 4 rice hills vigorously count the number of plant hoppers floating and jumping on the water surface between the four hills. Ten such places are to be observed at random within each plot. 0=0, 1=1-5, 3=5-10, 5=11-25, 7=26-50 9=more than 50(assessment should be made between 1-3 days and I week after treatment. Count the number of caterpillars of different ages on all plants in each plot. Assessment:1-3 days after treatment 2nd assessment: 7-14 days after treatment. As given Observation to be made on 4 top leaves from 10 randomly selected plants in each treatment. Pre assessment and Post assessment observations to be taken. Observation to be made on15 leaves (Top 5, Middle 5 and Bottom 5) 10 randomly selected plant in each treatment. Pre Assessment and Post assessment at an interval of one week may be taken As given Not given Not given Not given Phytotoxcity: As given in the protocol. Mode of application: As given in the protocol. Time and frequency of application: As given in the protocol. Dose and Volume used: As given in the protocol. Results: As given in the protocol. Statistical analysis: As given Inferences and conclusion: As given ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS INSECTICIDES PRODUCTS: FOR EVALUATION OF EFFICACY OF BIO Antagonistic /Entomo-pathogenic fungi: 1. Information on the particular strain and location from where the strain was isolated (Source of strain) should be mentioned in the bio efficacy trial reports. 2. Information on soil pH from where the particular strain has been isolated should be given in B/E trails reports in case of efficacy of nematode species. 3. Information about the isolation of NPV (specific pest species) should be given in case of NPV. 4. Evaluation of bio-efficacy trial of bio-agents on nematodes should be carried –out in vitro. 5. Bio-pesticides product strain should be deposited in National Repository and submit Accession Number to Sectt. of CIB& RC 6. Bio-pesticides / bio-agent (talc based formulation @ 0.4 -1.0 kg should be enriched /added with 1 ton of Farm Yard Manure (FYM) or compost and the same should be left under shade for a period of 15 days, maintaining optimum moisture and in between it should be mixed thorough at an interval of 5 days for proper enrichment of FYM with this bio-agent. 7. In vivo parasitisation of eggs/ egg masses, hatching suppression of nematodes & computing the nematodes etc. internationally accepted Methodology should be followed for bio-efficacy studies should be in the field conditions. 8. Lc50 value for each insect species should be generated in minimum two laboratories of ICAR/SAU’s/CSIR/ICMR and the same be submitted to the Registration Authority. 9. Data on bio effectiveness and phyto-toxicity generated at ICAR, SAUs, CSIR / ICMR institutes. The data should be certified either by the Director or Head of the Institute. 10. Data on non-target organisms: One season / one year data on the effect of the product on natural predators / parasites. In case of nematodes natural soil predatory nematodes & Natural Rhizospheric soil micro-organism may also be considered. Test Protocol for bio-efficacy evaluation of fungicide (Fungicide unit) The following parameters may be included in the test protocol of Bio-fungicides. Operation: Trial protocols should be elaborated, before starting. The organization should elaborate standard operating procedures (SOPs) or standard modes of operation for testing, measurements, data collection and reporting procedures or other tasks that are carried repetitively, to ensure consistency and repeatability of the activities. Verification: 1. Persons who are scientifically responsible for the trial within the organization should be able to check and validate the trial throughout its course and ascertain that the protocol and SOPs are being followed. 2. Organizations should accept at any time inspections that may be organized by the registration authority or another competent national authority to verify the compliance of trial/protocols. Organization must intimate to the Secretary CIB&RC about the beginning & closure of the trials. 3. All trials need proper display. Experimental sites and display boards needs to be photographed. All spray operations, observations in the experimental fields, from time to time and crop growth stage from time to time needs to be well documented/ photographed for submission to registration authority. Experimental conditions: 1. Bio efficacy trials should strictly be conducted/data generated at SAU/ICAR institutes and Institutes recognized by ICAR under central universities engaged in field oriented research trials. A list of all such SAU/ICAR institutes and other institutes attached at Annexure-I. attached with the insecticide unit protocol . 2. Consistency in methodology of trials/experiments should be followed at all the trial locations in respect of frequency of recording bio efficacy data, frequency of treatment applications, Number of trials , number of application and unit of evaluation of bio efficacy as per standard scale for specific pest. 3. Trials should be conducted in locations which represent the range of agronomic, plant health, environmental and climatic conditions likely to be encountered in practice in the area of proposed use. 4. Selection of location for trial should be done keeping in view the prevalence of target disease on crop species (Endemic areas) in that particular area (identified/ declared by ICAR/SAUs/Indian published literature). 5. The crops in the experimental locations may be specifically grown for the trials or be part of crop grown for commercial purposes, but in all cases should be grown according to good agronomic practice (GAP). 6. Any cultural operations in the fields apart from the one being tested should be according to Good Agronomic Practice (GAP). 7. If there is a possibility that soil types may affect the efficacy of the fungicide, the various trial sites should be chosen to be representative of the range of soil types that can be encountered in the proposed field use of the product. 8. Within each trial site, environmental and agronomic conditions should be as uniform as possible. 9. In case Infection levels are low or incidence of target insect pest does not occurs at the location of trial in the season then the trial should be conducted in the next season at the same location. Bio-Efficacy evaluation: 1. Brief details of all cultural/agronomical practices, methods of fertilizer doses and its application etc should be submitted to the registration authority in respect of trial plots/standard check plots and control plots. 2. All cultural/agronomical practices, fertilizer dosages, irrigation and any other treatment except the application of test chemical should be at par in trial plots, standard check plots and control plots, so as level field comparative study of bio efficacy of the test product. 3. Fungicides which were approved/recommended by CIB&RC with doses against specific crop disease should be taken as standard check during B/E trials. In case of unavailability of such insecticide, fungicide which have been approved /recommended under AICRP) by ICAR/SAUs/Agriculture Institutes under Central Universities may be taken as standard check( Authenticated published copy of such recommendation should be submitted with reports/data). 4. The bio efficacy data of those cases which have been rejected by the Registration Committee in the past due to non conformity of active ingredient contents during the lab test of the samples, these bio efficacy data will not be considered /accepted for fresh application of the same product by the same applicant with a new sample test report. 5. Details of Cost: Benefit ratio in terms of input cost, cost of product (Yield/Ha.) should be submitted to the Registration Authority, in case of combination products. (Input cost should be inclusive of the cost of cultural, agronomical, mechanical practices as per prevailing local rates at the site of trial). 6. In case the fungicide is applied as a mixture with insecticide / PGR/fertilizer or other chemical, the compatibility as claimed by the applicant should be supported with the bioefficacy data in respect of other constituents of such mixture should be observed/ recorded to evaluate the efficacy of the constituent to prove the compatibility claim. 7. The test product should be safe to the environment, non target organisms and having better efficacy and also cost effective in comparison to the standard checks. 8. All the activities should be well documented and supported with appropriate photographs authenticated by concerned scientist and the director (Research) may be submitted to the registration authority. Experimental design: i) Efficacy trials should be designed in such way so that appropriate standard statistical analysis of the data (with minimum degree of freedom) can be performed to ensure that any effects attributable to the fungicide can be distinguished from other forms of experimental variability. ii) A fully randomized design can be applied only if the trial environment/agro ecosystem is completely homogeneous. iii) Trial plot should be at least 25m2 in size with four replications each, however depending upon the other factors viz. mobility of the target disease /organism, crop species/ canopy/spacing like sugarcane, sorghum, maize, bajra, pigeon pea and cotton etc., the plot size should be 50m2 or more may be taken for trials. Untreated control: i) An untreated control should be included in the trial. Application of fungicide: 1. The tentative schedule of treatment application should be planned/done keeping in view the occurrence of disease at a particular crop stage and should be spread over the entire susceptible/vulnerable stage of the crop at all the trial locations. 2. The equipment and method of application of the fungicide may be same in all trials handheld equipment may be used. 3. Application rates for sprays, the volume of application and dilution ratios (as appropriate) may be as per recommendation for use. 4. Treatments doses, time/stage of application (tentative schedule), number of applications, application intervals, method of application and spray volume may be recommended by the concerned scientist based on the B/E trials results. 5. Application equipment should be properly calibrated before the treatment application for obtaining intended application rate and droplet spectrum. 6. Details of the sprayer, its operating pressure, nozzle type and position of nozzle(s) relative to crop, forward speed and volume of application rate are need to be specified by the concerned scientist in the recommendation. Weather: 1. Weather conditions viz. Ambient temperature, relative humidity, precipitation (if any), wind speed at the time of application may be recorded on the day of treatment. 2. Temperature, relative humidity, precipitation and extreme weather conditions may also need to be recorded on a regular basis throughout the trial period. The exact parameters and frequency of recording will depend on the type of crop/pest/product under study. Biological efficacy: 1. The variables that need to be assessed to determine the efficacy of the plant protection product will strongly depend on the crop and pest being studied. They may include density disease infestation levels, percentage mortality or control, severity of symptoms or damage to the crop, quantity of yield, quality of the product, etc. should be recorded in the trial reports. 2. Pre-treatment assessments of target disease and non target disease & pollinators should be carried out and recorded invariably in the B/E trails reports/observation tables. 3. The pathogens of target pest should be counted/observed before & after each application as in case of target pest covered crop ecosystem and it should be recorded in trails reports/observation tables. Test Protocol for bio-efficacy evaluation of Herbicides/PGR The following parameters may be included: Operation: Trial protocols should be elaborated, before starting. The organization should elaborate standard operating procedures (SOPs) or standard modes of operation for testing, measurements, data collection and reporting procedures or other tasks that are carried repetitively, to ensure consistency and repeatability of the activities. Verification: 1. Persons who are scientifically responsible for the trial within the organization should be able to check and validate the trial throughout its course and ascertain that the protocol and SOPs are being followed. 2. Organizations should accept at any time inspections that may be organized by the registration authority or another competent national authority to verify the compliance of trial/protocols. Organization must intimate to the Secretary CIB&RC about the beginning & closure of the trials. 3. All trials need proper display. Experimental sites and display boards needs to be photographed. All spray operations, observations in the experimental fields, from time to time and crop growth stage from time to time needs to be well documented/ photographed for submission to registration authority. Experimental conditions: 1. Bio efficacy trials should strictly be conducted/data generated at SAU/ICAR institutes and Institutes recognized by ICAR under central universities engaged in field oriented research trials. 2. Consistency in methodology of trials/experiments should be followed at all the trial locations in respect of frequency of recording bio efficacy data, frequency of treatment applications, Number of trials , number of application and unit of evaluation of bio efficacy as per standard scale for specific pest. 3. Trials should be conducted in locations which represent the range of agronomic, plant health, environmental and climatic conditions likely to be encountered in practice in the area of proposed use. 4. Selection of location for trial should be done keeping in view the prevalence of target pest on crop species in that particular area (identified/ declared by ICAR/SAUs/Indian published literature). 5. The crops in the experimental locations may be specifically grown for the trials or be part of crop grown for commercial purposes, but in all cases should be grown according to good agronomic practice (GAP). 6. Any cultural operations in the fields apart from the one being tested should be according to Good Agronomic Practice (GAP). 7. If there is a possibility that soil types may affect the efficacy of the insecticide, the various trial sites should be chosen to be representative of the range of soil types that can be encountered in the proposed field use of the product. 8. Within each trial site, environmental and agronomic conditions should be as uniform as possible. Bio-Efficacy evaluation: 1. Effects on non-target weeds. 3. Brief details of all cultural/agronomical practices, methods of fertilizer doses and its application etc should be submitted to the registration authority in respect of trial plots/standard check plots and control plots. 4. All cultural/agronomical practices, fertilizer dosages, irrigation and any other treatment except the application of test chemical should be at par in trial plots, standard check plots and control plots, so as level field comparative study of bio efficacy of the test product. 5. Insecticides which were approved/recommended by CIB&RC with doses against specific crop pest should be taken as standard check during B/E trials. In case of unavailability of such insecticide, insecticide which have been approved /recommended under AICRP) by ICAR/SAUs/Agriculture Institutes under Central Universities may be taken as standard check ( Authenticated published copy of such recommendation should be submitted with reports/data). 6. The bio efficacy data of those cases which have been rejected by the Registration Committee in the past due to non conformity of active ingredient contents during the lab test of the samples, these bio efficacy data will not be considered /accepted for fresh application of the same product by the same applicant with a new sample test report. 7. Details of Cost: Benefit ratio in terms of input cost, cost of product (Yield/Ha.) should be submitted to the Registration Authority, in case of combination products. (Input cost should be inclusive of the cost of cultural, agronomical, mechanical practices as per prevailing local rates at the site of trial). 8. In case the herbicide is applied as a mixture with other chemical, the compatibility as claimed by the applicant should be supported with the bio-efficacy data in respect of other constituents of such mixture should be observed/ recorded to evaluate the efficacy of the constituent to prove the compatibility claim. 9. The test product should be safe to the environment, non target organisms and having better efficacy and also cost effective in comparison to the standard checks. 10. i) In case of formulations- for new molecule additional data may be collected/ supported on effects on succeeding crops in the trial field. iii. Effect on the test product on other non-target organism and eco-friendly weeds in adjacent field crops should also be recorded and submitted to registration authority. 11. All the activities should be well documented and supported with appropriate photographs authenticated by concerned scientist and the director (Research) may be submitted to the registration authority. Experimental design: iv. v. vi. Efficacy trials should be designed in such way so that appropriate standard statistical analysis of the data (with minimum degree of freedom) can be performed to ensure that any effects attributable to the insecticide can be distinguished from other forms of experimental variability. A fully randomized design can be applied only if the trial environment/agro ecosystem is completely homogeneous. Trial plot should be at least 25m2 in size with Three replications each, however depending upon the other factors viz., crop species/ canopy/spacing like sugarcane, sorghum, maize, bajra, pigeon pea and cotton etc., the plot size should be 50m2 or more may be taken for trials. Untreated control: vii. An untreated control should be included in the trial. viii. Should confirm the presence of an adequate pest population/infestation and all activities under GAP should be at par with the treated plots except the application of test chemicals during the course of the trial. ix. In case there is reduction in population of weeds, reason may be recorded thereof in the trial data. Application of Herbicide: 1.Treatment application should be made as recommendation made in the L/L. 2. The tentative schedule of treatment application should be planned/done keeping in view stage of crop and weeds at a particular crop stage and should be spread over the entire susceptible/vulnerable stage of the crop at all the trial locations. 3. The equipment and method of application of the insecticide may be same in all trials handheld equipment may be used. 4. Application rates for sprays, the volume of application and dilution ratios (as appropriate) may be as per recommendation for use. 5. Treatments doses, time/stage of application (tentative schedule), number of applications, application intervals, method of application and spray volume may be recommended by the concerned scientist based on the B/E trials results. 6. Application equipment should be properly calibrated before the treatment application for obtaining intended application rate and droplet spectrum. 7. Details of the sprayer, its operating pressure, nozzle type and position of nozzle(s) relative to crop, forward speed and volume of application rate are need to be specified by the concerned scientist in the recommendation. Weather: 1. Weather conditions viz. Ambient temperature, relative humidity, precipitation (if any), wind speed at the time of application may be recorded on the day of treatment. 2. Temperature, relative humidity, precipitation and extreme weather conditions may also need to be recorded on a regular basis throughout the trial period. The exact parameters and frequency of recording will depend on the type of crop/pest/product under study. Bio-efficacy: 1. The variables that need to be assessed to determine the efficacy of the plant protection product will strongly depend on the crop and pest being studied. They may include density, infestation levels, percentage control, damage to the crop, quantity of yield, quality of the product, etc. should be recorded in the trial reports. 2 .Pre-treatment assessments of target and non target weeds. 3. Parameters such as population reduction over control expressed Phytotoxcity: As given Mode of application: As given Time and frequency of application: As given Dose and Volume used: As given Results: As given Statistical analysis: As given Experimental Condition: 1.1 - Target Weeds with others Predominant Weeds in the Experimental crop. 1.2 – Type of Land- low Land , Upland or Dry Land. 1.2- Trial Condition: Field trial should be set up major crop growing area and where the weeds become problem along with Target Weeds and other condition mentioned in Note. Trial should be carried out in different agro-climatic regions as specified by ICAR or Planning commission. Design and Lay Out : Test product(s), reference product(s) and untreated control, arranged in a randomized block design or any other suitable statistical design which represent the whole field. 1.3.2 Plot size and replication Net plot size at least 20 sq.m. per replication per treatment but according to the formulation or application equipment, it may be necessary to use a larger plot size (at least 25sq m.).The plot size must be the same at all location. Replicates – at least three, provided the error degrees of freedom are at least 12. Minimum 7 treatments in which one standard check, one Weed Free and one Weedy Check must be included with minimum 4 treatment of test product. 2.1 Test product (s) The formulated product under evaluation minimum Three treatments. 2.3 Method of application Application should comply with good agricultural practices. Details on the spray equipment, type of nozzle (Flat fan or flood jet) and water volume used at different stages of crop growth should be given. Addition of sticker, to improve the uptake of active ingredient, if any must be specified. Sticker should be tried in the check plot with water spray. The above requirement should be followed uniformly in all location in both the season. 2.3.2 Time and frequency of application The time and frequency of application will normally be specified by the manufacturer/ sponsor. The time of application should be conveniently mentioned based on the time of weed emergence (PPI, Pre-emergence, early post emergence or late post emergence) or based on the stage of the weed (1-2 leaf stage, 3-4 leaf stage etc) or DAS (days after sowing). 3.3 – Irrigation --- The crop are irrigated, Rain fed or Dry land forming. 4 --- Observation : 4.1.--- Weed Intensity : 4.1.1 --- Weed Count ; The number of species wise Weeds to be determine at pre-spray , 30 DAS , 60 DAS and at Harvest at about 5 location per plot using a squire quadrate , 1 sq. m. and statistically analysed after transformation. 4.1.2 --- Weed Dry matter – Dry or/ fresh weight of weeds species wise to be determine at pre-spray, 30 DAS, 60 DAS and at Harvest and statistically analysed after transformation. 4.1.3 ----- Percent Weed Control efficiency (WCE) : Weed control efficiency should be mentioned species wise as per label claim at 30 DAS , 60 DAS and at Harvest. WDM in UTC --- WDM in treated WCE = --------------------------------------------------------- x 100 WDM in UTC WDM == Weed Dry Matter. UTC = Untreated control. 4.3 -- Yield and Yield attributing: character with statistical analysed. Enhancement of the crop has to be brought out using appropriate statistical and other tools so that there is no confusion statement in drawing the inference. Phytotoxicity ; Photographs at each observation with label. Recovery Photographs of initial phytotoxicity and their recovery.