In a significant step toward sustainable agriculture, the ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute (ICAR-CCRI), Nagpur, has partnered with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) to develop eco-friendly pest management solutions for India's citrus industry. On February 24, 2025, the two organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at HPCL's Mumbai headquarters to jointly conduct a project titled "Residual Analysis and Bio-efficacy Study of HP HMO Against Insect Pests of Mandarin and Acid Lime in Four Agro-climatic Zones of India."
The MoU was signed in the presence of Dr. Dilip Ghosh, Director, ICAR-CCRI, and Ch. Srinivas, Executive Director, HPCL, along with senior officials from both organizations.
This collaborative research aims to evaluate HP HMO, a water-emulsifiable horticultural mineral oil, as a sustainable alternative to traditional insecticides for managing citrus pests. The study will assess the oil's bio-efficacy, residue levels, and phytotoxicity in mandarin and acid lime orchards across four diverse agro-climatic zones: Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu/Karnataka.
Dr. Dilip Ghosh, Director of ICAR-CCRI, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating that it will provide crucial scientific data on HP HMO's effectiveness, offering an eco-friendly solution to pest management and supporting sustainable citrus farming practices in India. Dr. Naresh Meshram, Senior Scientist (Entomology) at ICAR-CCRI, will lead the trials and data analysis as the project's Principal Investigator.
Horticultural mineral oils (HMOs) are petroleum-based oils that have long been recognized for their effectiveness in controlling various plant pests, including scales, aphids, and mites. These oils function by coating insects and their eggs with a thin layer, effectively suffocating them by blocking their breathing pores.
The use of HMOs presents several advantages over conventional chemical insecticides. They are generally considered safe for humans, pets, and beneficial insects when applied correctly. Moreover, HMOs are biodegradable and pose minimal risk of environmental contamination, aligning with the principles of integrated pest management (IPM).
The study will assess HP HMO’s bio-efficacy, residue levels, and potential phytotoxicity, ensuring its safety for widespread agricultural use. The ultimate goal is to mitigate challenges like pesticide resistance, environmental contamination, and adverse effects on beneficial organisms.
