Bengaluru: The ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute (ICAR-CCRI), Nagpur, has signed a MoU with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) to develop an eco-friendly pest management solution for India’s citrus industry on February 24, 2025. Both organizations have pledged to work together toward sustainable horticulture in the country.
The 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,” will evaluate HP HMO, a horticultural mineral oil (HMO), as a sustainable alternative to chemical insecticides. The study will be conducted in mandarin and acid lime orchards across four agro-climatic zones: Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu/Karnataka.
Horticultural mineral oils (HMOs) are commonly used on horticultural crops for controlling pests. These oils prevent pests from surviving after they are sprinkled on the fruits and vegetables. HMOs are biodegradable, and it is totally safe for beneficial insects. The use of HMO is absolutely perfect for sustainable horticulture practices.
Dr. Dilip Ghosh, Director of ICAR-CCRI, emphasized that this research will provide scientific data on HP HMO’s effectiveness, offering an eco-friendly solution for pest management in citrus horticulture. Dr. Naresh Meshram, Senior Scientist (Entomology) at ICAR-CCRI, will lead the trials and data analysis as the project’s Principal Investigator.
Horticulture in India is expected to touch a new height with the help of this collaboration. The oils will control pests in an eco-friendly atmosphere and drop the dependence on chemical insecticides.
