‘Participatory-mode’ adaptive research was conducted in wheat in north-western Himalayas (NWH) during 2008–2014 to develop an improved chemical weed management (ICWM) technology. First of all, two years ‘on-farm experimentation’ was performed in a randomized block design at 10 locations in NWH using seven treatments (Clodinafop @ 60 g a.i./ha (Clod); Clod followed by 2,4-D (Na-salt) @ 1.0 kg a.i./ha (Clod-fb-D); Isoproturon 75 WP @ 1.0 kg a.i./ha (Iso); Iso + D; Sulfosulfuron 75% WG @ 25 g a.i./ha + Metsulfuron 5% WG @ 2 g a.i./ha (Sulf + Met); weed-free-check; and un-weeded-check). In this study, the post-emergence application of Sulf + Met reported the lowest weed-index and NPK depletion by weeds with higher weed control efficiency (86.4%), weed control index (81.1%) and herbicide efficiency index (2.62) over other herbicides. Sulf + Met exhibited significantly higher wheat productivity (3.57 t/ha), protein yield, net-returns and water-productivity, which was followed by Iso + D and Clod-fb-D, all of which remained statistically at par with each other. An impact assessment of intensive technology-transfer programme (2008–2014) revealed a higher technology adoption rate (71–98%) of ICWM leading to higher wheat productivity (~22%) and net income gains (2.8–26.4%) in NWH. Overall, Sulf + Met proved highly effective against mixed weed flora in wheat to boost wheat productivity, profitability, quality and water productivity in addition to a higher technology adoption rate and NIGs to transform rural livelihoods in NWH.

Fluorescent brighteners increase insect viral activity by providing protection against UV inactivation. The studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of some UV protectants on the efficacy of a localized potential Pieris brassicae granulosis virus (PbGV) isolate for its effective field usage. Laboratory studies determined the effect of UV protectants on median inactivation time of virus and inhibition of virus activity of the test isolate. UV protectants, robin blue, congo red, and tinopal were effective in minimizing the detrimental effect of UV radiations on PbGV in suspension. Promising combinations were evaluated under field conditions at two locations in India, Palampur (sub-tropical) and Sangla (temperate), on three cole crops (cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli). Congo red followed by robin blue and tinopal was found to be the most promising candidate for enhancing the PbGV efficacy by protection from UV radiation.