bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Sulfoxaflor 12%SC Against Aphids Complex and Coccinella septempunctata L. in Wheat
Authors: Katare Subhash , Jasrotia Poonam , Yadav Jayant , Saharan M. S.
Published: August 2022

Efficacy of dosages of sulfoxaflor 12%SC were evaluated for the control of foliar aphids under Contract Research Project on wheat during rabi seasons of 2014-15 and 2015-16 at the research farm of ICAR- Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal, Haryana. The standard check insecticides thiamethoxam 25WDG and quinalphos 25EC were included along with sulfoxaflor, and all the treatments were found to be significantly superior. The incidence of aphids/ shoot/ plant was significantly less with sulfoxaflor 12 SC @ 24, 27 and 30 g a.i./ ha with 94.54, 95.27 and 96.03% reduction, respectively; these being at par with each other, followed by thiamethoxam 25WDG @ 12.5 g a.i./ ha and quinalphos 25EC @ 250 g a.i./ ha. The seven-spotted ladybird beetle Coccinella septempunctata L. was the main natural enemy observed in the crop, and its counts were the least (1.50/ m2) with thiamethoxam 25WDG @ 12.5 g a.i./ha at 14 DAS. The pooled data revealed that the yield was significantly more with sulfoxaflor 12SC @ 24, 27 and 30 g a.i./ ha (52.21, 52.62 and 54.32 q/ ha) followed by thiamethoxam 25WDG @ 12.5 g a.i./ ha (49.87 q/ ha) which was at par with quinalphos 25EC @ 250 g a.i./ ha (47.73 q/ha). Considering incremental cost benefit ratio, sulfoxaflor 12% SC @30 g a.i/ ha (1:2.70) is the most economical, and no phytotoxicity symptoms were observed at its doses @30 and 60 g a.i/ ha.
Diversity of leaf hoppers on fruit crops and weeds in North Kashmir
Authors: Rehman Sheikh Aafreen , Ahad Ishtiyaq , Kumar Ritesh , Aziz Danishta , Anjum Nahida
Published: August 2022

This study analyses the diversity of leafhopper fauna at six locations (Wadura, Arampora, Dangiwacha, Imberzalwari from District Baramulla and Chogul and Chetkak from District Kupwara) occurring on various fruit crops and weeds. Diversity indices such as species diversity index, evenness index, richness index and abundance were computed. These reveal that six species infest these, of which those infesting fruit trees include Empoasca decipiens, Empoasca fabae, Agallia spp., Aconeurella erebrus and Exitianus indicus; and Stirellus spp., Maiestas dorsalis, Macrosteles quadrilineatus, Exitianus indicus and one plant hopper species viz., Laodelphax striatellus infest weeds. Maximum abundance was observed to be of A. decedens on fruit trees and Stirellus spp. on the weed flora.
Feeding guild structure of birds at Keshopur Chhamb wetland, Gurdaspur
Authors: Jangral Shifali , Vashishat Nisha
Published: August 2022

To achieve a comprehensive understanding of avian feeding guild structure the present study was conducted at Keshopur wetland Ramsar site, district Gurdaspur, Punjab, India. A total of 121 species of birds belonging to 19 orders and 47 families were observed. Direct observation techniques and focal sampling methods were used to study their foraging behaviour. Seven major feeding guilds ie., carnivorous, insectivorous, omnivorous, granivorous, herbivorous, frugivorous and nectarivorous were found. Maximum number of species were of carnivorous guild (28%) followed by insectivorous (21%). Cattle egret and red-wattled lapwing, members of carnivorous guild were observed to feed on insects also, hence placed in multiple guilds. Northern shoveler, eurasian coots and purple moorhen were seen foraging in association with each other. The large number of insectivorous birds depicts the presence of rich number of insects. The presence of birds belonging to seven foraging guilds highlight the significance of Keshopur wetland in providing a rich feeding ground to both migratory as well as resident birds.
First record of mayfly Povilla (Languidipes) taprobanes Hubbard from Karnataka
Authors: Pai Sachin G , Kalleshwaraswamy C M , Varanashi Krishnamoorty , Ranjith M. , Rajkumar M.
Published: August 2022

Mayflies are important as macroinvertebrates of aquatic ecosystems and are reliable bioindicators of water quality. Most mayfly nymphs feed by scraping algae from underwater rocks or by extracting food particles in the littoral and benthic zones of the water bodies. The mayfly Povilla (Languidipes) taprobanes originally described from Sri Lanka was observed in plastic lined ponds in coastal Karnataka. Not only, this is the first report of the species from Karnataka, but the unique case making behaviour of this species is also described for the first time. Additionally, the species was found damaging plastic tarpaulins of 750 gsm thickness used as lining for water storage in the tank by chewing. This chewing behaviour was responsible for damage of plastic sheets leading to water leakage. The possible loss caused and a need of alternate strategies to store water is discussed.
Diversity and Diagnostics of Sternorrhynchan Insect Pests Infesting Arecanut
Authors: Dubey Vinod Kumar , C. M. Kalleshwaraswamy , Joshi Sunil , B. K. Shivanna
Published: August 2022

Investigations were carried out in major arecanut growing districts of Karnataka during 2019-2020 to know the species composition of sternorrhynchan pests viz., mealybugs, scales and aphids. A total of 14 species of sternorrhynchan sucking insect pests were recorded in the arecanut growing districts. These belong to five families viz., Coccidae Stephens, Diaspididae Maskell, Pseudococcidae (Heymons) and Aphididae (Buckton). Among these, Coccidae was the species rich. Prococcus acutissimus (Green) was the most predominant species followed by Pseudococcus longispinus (Targioni Tozzetti), Ceroplastes sp. nr. rusci (L.), Chrysomphalus aonidum (L.), Parasaissetia nigra (Neitner), Coccus viridis (Green), Coccus hesperidum L., Pseudaulacaspis cockerelli (Cooley), Pinnaspis aspidistrae (Signoret), Lepidosaphes gloveri (Packard), Ferrisia virgata (Cockerell), Dysmicoccus brevipes (Cockerell) and Cerataphis lataniae (Boisduval). Diagnostics of these with descriptions of taxonomic characters and a key to genera is also provided herein.
Variation in Flowering Behaviour and Honey Bee Visitation on Eucalyptus Clones
Authors: Singh Akashdeep , Dhillon G. P. S. , Sangha K. S. , Singh Jaspal
Published: August 2022

With the adoption of clonal forestry by the farmers on large tracts in north-western India, the reports of negligible flowering in Eucalyptus clonal plantations need to be analysed. This study reports the results from the experimental trial involving 14 clones replicated thrice in randomized block design with plot size of 5 trees. Floral buds appeared from June and continued up to July. Profuse flowering was recorded only on three clones i.e., PE-7, PE-8 and PE-9. On the other hand, no floral buds could be seen on C-72, C-413, PE-12 and PE-14. All the four honey bee species i.e., Apis mellifera L. (Italian honey bee), A. dorsata F. (rock bee), A. cerana indica F. (Indian honey bee) and A. florea (little bee) visited the flowers. The frequency of their visit was maximum (7.3/ 2 min) during the afternoon (1 pm) and the lowest (4.9) in the evening. The maximum honey bee visitation was observed on clone PE-9.
Molecular Characterization of Whitefly Bemesia tabaci (Genn.) and Development of IPM Module Against Chili Leaf Curl Complex
Authors: Ghosal Abhijit , Das K. , P Kundu
Published: August 2022

Molecular identification/ characterization of Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) collected across five agroecological zones of West Bengal, India revealed that it resembles genetic group Q. Seed treatment with thiamethoxam 70WS 3 g/ kg seed incorporated with seedling treatment with acetamiprid 20SP @ 1g/ l, seedling rising under insect proof net and border netting with insect proof net showed efficacy with reducing the occurrence and dispersal of thrips Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood, mite Polyphagotersonemus latus and whiteflies B. tabaci; while their least incidence was observed with IPM module (integration of seed treatment, seedling treatment, seedling raising under insect proof net, border netting technology, installation of yellow sticky trap and need based spot application of spiromesifen and diafenthiuron), with 92.97, 82.68 and 72.97% reduction, respectively; and 98.56% reduction of chilli leaf curl virus (CLCV) incidence could be obtained through IPM with maximum yield of green chili (1.66 t/ ha). Panchagavya, dasaparni and bhramvastra appeared as potent biopesticides in reducing the CLCV causative agents.
Wild Bees and their Conservation
Authors: Tanda Amarjit S.
Published: August 2022

About sustainable agricultural environment and world food security, major crops mainly dependent upon managed honey bees and wild bee pollinators which are of great significance. Bee pollinated crops being a great part of the bio-diverse system, 4,000 native bees, and offer over US$1.5 billion each year in North America. In US, the value of wild bees in food production was determined to be over $1.5 billion annually. However, the worth of wild bee pollination in insect cross pollinated crops may be much more. These great wild players are now in fast declining phase or possibly extinct due to human-disturbed habitats. More investigations are required in various topics of wild bee fauna, such as basic studies in population biology, abundance, bee protection measures, suitable habitat, nesting sites especially their immediate conservation strategies. After realizing the importance of wild bees in pollination, in the present review, we highlight the various measures and actions to conserve the wild bees so that they can serve the growers as co-players to managed honey bees in boosting the agricultural food production worldwide.
Evaluation of Insecticides Against Amrasca Biguttula biguttula (Ishida) in Cotton
Authors: Kumari Pritam , Jakhar Anil , Sindhu
Published: August 2022

This field experiment on the evaluation of insecticides against cotton leafhopper Amrasca biguttula biguttula (Ishida) in Gossypium hirsutum L. was conducted at Hisar (Haryana) during kharif 2019. Based on mean of both sprays, the least counts of nymphs and adults was observed with flonicamid 50%WG @ 150 g ha-1 (0.84 nymphs and 1.73 adults/3 leaves) followed by dinotefuran 20%SG @ 150 g ha-1 (1.49 nymphs and 2.06 adults/3 leaves) and diafenthiuron 50%WP @ 500 g ha-1 (1.65 nymphs and 2.25 adults/3 leaves). Imidacloprid 17.8%SL @ 100 ml ha-1, thiacloprid 21.7% SC @ 125 ml ha-1, thiamethoxam 25% WG @ 100 g ha-1 and buprofezin 25% SC @ 1000 ml ha-1 were moderately effective. Insecticide sprays reduced the occurrence of natural enemies (spiders, coccinellids and Chrysoperla) only insignificantly. The maximum seed cotton yield was obtained with flonicamid (21.60 q ha-1) followed by dinotefuran (20.99 q ha-1), diafenthiuron (20.71 q ha-1), imidacloprid (20.41 q ha-1), thiacloprid (20.12 q ha-1), buprofezin (19.87 q ha-1), thiamethoxam (19.83 q ha-1) and monocrotophos (19.37 q ha-1). The incremental cost-benefit ratio was maximum with imidacloprid (1:6.36) followed by thiacloprid (1:5.64), thiamethoxam (1:5.29), monocrotophos (1:4.74), dinotefuran (1:4.38), flonicamid (1:3.99), buprofezin (1:3.86) and diafenthiuron (1:3.19).
Population Dynamics of Major Insect Pests of Common Bean in Kashmir Valley
Authors: Ashraf Wajid , Rather Bashir Ahmad , Ayoub Liyaqat , Wani Fazil Fayaz , Gull Audil , Bhat3 Tauseef Ahmad , Fayaz Suhail
Published: August 2022

This study is on the bean aphid Aphis fabae Scopoli, whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Genn.), bean weevil Conapium sp. indet., flea beetle Altica himensis Shukla which are found associated as pests at different phenological stages of the common bean Phaseolus vulgaris L. Of these A. fabae, B. tabaci and Conapium sp. indet. were categorized as major pests as they caused significant damage. The incidence of these pests showed a peak on the 35th standard meteorological week (SMW) in all the three locations studied. The peak incidence at Bandipora was 11.80 ± 0.66, 3.10 ± 0.58 and 1.20 ± 0.08, respectively; at Baramulla, the peak was 10.40 ± 0.62, 3.40 ± 0.13 and 1.30 ± 0.07, respectively; and at Kupwara, it was varying as 12.60 ± 0.69, 3.40 ± 0.13 and 1.30 ± 0.07 for the three pests, respectively.
Protein and Aminoacid Profile in Diapausing Larvae of Pink Bollworm Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders)
Authors: Pradhan Kiranamaya , Bheemanna M. , Rao Saroja N.
Published: August 2022

The pink boll worm Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) is a threat to cotton cultivation. A study conducted in the NFSM laboratory of University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur focused on the protein and amino acid profile of the diapausing larvae. Amino acid composition of diapause and non-diapause larvae revealed that out of 17 amino acids, 14 showed a significant difference. In diapausing ones total amino acid content was found to be 603.23 ± 5.10 μg/g which was significantly higher compared to non-diapausing ones at 534.91 ± 3.19 μg/g. Likewise, protein content was more in diapausing larva destined to become female (27.15 ± 2.27 mg/100 g) as compared to non-diapausing ones (20.29 ± 2.61 mg/100 g). Thus, when larvae undergo diapause, the protein and amino acid content in larval body increases, implying that the larvae store dietary food for its survival during resting phase.
Foraging Speed of Castor Pollinators
Authors: Nayak Sudhanshu Bala , Kumar Yogesh , Yadav Sunita , Rao K. Sankara
Published: August 2022

The collected amount of nectar and pollen by the insect pollinators mainly depends upon the time spent on individual flowers referred to as the foraging speed. An experiment conducted at Department of Entomology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana evaluated the foraging speed of different insect pollinators on flowers of castor Ricinus communis cv. GCH-7 and DCH-177. Apis cerana F. was observed with maximum foraging speed (6.26 sec/flower) followed by Apis mellifera L. (5.12 sec/flower), Apis dorsata F. (4.20 sec/flower), Apis florea F. (3.74 sec/flower). The least foraging speed was observed with Xylocopa iridipennis Lepeletier (2.67 sec/flower). Data taken at different time interval in a day indicated that the peak foraging speed of pollinators is between 10.00-12.00 hr, while the least one was at 16.00-18.00 hr.
Resistance to Phosphine In Rice Weevil Sitophilus oryzae (L.) from South India
Authors: Kumar S. Sonu , Rajan T. Sonai , Mohankumar S.
Published: August 2022

Rice weevil Sitophilus oryzae (L.) is one of most serious insect pests of stored grains. Management of this is thus vital and fumigation with phosphine gas is the most common method. However, overreliance on this has resulted in the development of heritable resistance in S. oryzae. The detection of frequency and distribution of phosphine resistance is crucial for the development of resistance management strategy. This study assesses the frequency, strength and distribution of phosphine resistance in S. oryzae populations from four southern states of India viz., Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The bioassay results revealed that all these survived at both the discriminating concentrations of 0.04 and 0.25 mg/ l. There were no susceptible and weak resistant populations, and exhibited varied frequency of strong resistance ranging from 13.33 to 80.90%. The populations from Pudukottai (80.90%) recorded high frequency of strong resistance followed by Trichy (68.97%) and Tirunelveli (67.82%) ones; the one from Thiruvarur exhibited lowest (13.33%). The results indicated that the resistance to phosphine in S. oryzae was common and prevalence of strong resistant individuals was prevalent across the sampled regions.
Efficacy of Biopesticides and Insecticides Against Mustard Aphid Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.)
Authors: Dotasara S. K. , Kumawat K. C. , Swami Dinesh
Published: August 2022

A field experiment on the efficacy of biopesticides and newer insecticides against mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.) was conducted during 2016-17 and 2017-18. The treatment dimethoate 30%EC was found to be the most effective followed by pyriproxyfen 10%EC and buprofezin 25%SC. The maximum seed yield was obtained with dimethoate 30%EC (13.31 q ha-1) followed by pyriproxyfen 10%EC (13.07 q ha-1), buprofezin 25%SC (12.83 q ha-1) and pymetrozine 50%WG (11.79 q ha-1). The maximum net return was obtained with dimethoate 30%EC (`21,231.00 ha-1) followed by buprofezin 25%SC (`18,661.00 ha-1) and pyriproxyfen 10%EC (`17,756.00 ha-1), of which dimethoate 30%EC adversely affected the predator Coccinella septempunctata L.
Habitat Manipulation - A Tool to Manage Insect Pests
Authors: Hussain Talim , Kumawat P. K. , Hussain Rafakat , Reena  , Artrti
Published: August 2022

Habitat manipulation results in diversification of habitats and enables natural enemies to access resources. Effective conservation biological control provides tactics that enhance the relative abundance of effective predator among the predators. Varying types of resources provide protection, suitable microclimatic conditions, oviposition sites and plant-provided food (pollen and nectar) by increasing vegetation diversity which favour the attraction and retention of natural enemies. Landscape management may be important if successful biocontrol has to rely on a wide range of natural enemies. The density of some common species can indeed be increased through enlarging the community, however species richness is often determined by the landscape composition. The intercrop may create the favourable microclimate to hasten the activity of predators and parasitoids while hindering the pest survival. The choice of the intercrop also plays a significant role for the effectiveness of biocontrol.
Assessment of Yield Losses Due to Sucking Pests in BT cottton
Authors: Brar Sukhpreet Kaur , Bhullar H. S.
Published: August 2022

Field experiment was conducted during kharif 2019 to determine the avoidable yield losses due to sucking insect pests on four cotton cultivars BG II (US 81& RCH 776), non Bt F-2228 and Desi LD 949 at two sowing dates (timely-25th April; and late 27th May) at the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. Significantly higher incidence of whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) (20.61 adults), jassid Amrasca biguttula biguttula (Ishida) (12.97 nymphs) and thrips Thrips tabaci (Lindeman) (7.32 adults/ 3 leaves) was observed under late sown conditions, compared to the timely sown one with less incidence- B. tabaci (14.51 adults), A. biguttula biguttula (11.37 nymphs) and T. tabaci (6.58 adults)/ leaves. Significantly less B. tabaci (16.69 adults), A. biguttula biguttula (13.74 nymphs) and T. tabaci (5.86 adults) were observed with desi cotton (LD 949) as compared BG II cultivars (RCH 776, US 81) and non Bt F 2228. Significantly less avoidable yield loss (16.41%) was observed with timely sown crop as compared to 18.45% losses under late sown conditions. Significantly less yield loss was observed in desi cotton (16.01%) as compared to US 81 (16.55%), RCH 776 (17.20) and F 2228 (19.98%).
Evaluation of Insecticide Rotations Against Rice Brown Planthopper nilaparvata lugens (Stal)
Authors: A. D. V. S. L. P. Anand Kumar , N. Mallikharjuna Rao , C. V. Rama Rao
Published: August 2022

Field experiments were carried out to evaluate the efficacy of certain insecticide rotations against rice brown planthopper (BPH) Nilaparvata lugens (Stal) at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Maruteru, Andhra Pradesh during kharif 2017 and rabi 2017-18. The results revealed that fipronil (1000 ml/ha) followed by pymetrozine (300 g/ha), buprofezin (800 ml/ha) followed by pymetrozine (300 g/ha) and acephate (750 g/ha) followed by pymetrozine (300 g/ha) were the most effective insecticide rotations in a crop season. These also gave higher grain yields. The insecticide rotations, acephate (750 g/ha) followed by pymetrozine (300 g/ha) and fipronil (1000 ml/ha) followed by pymetrozine (300 g/ha) gave the maximum cost benefit ratio of 1: 6.01 and 1: 6.03, respectively.
Arthropod Pests and Their Natural Enemies Associated with Cotton in India: A Review
Authors: Nagrare V. S. , Fand Babasaheb B. , Kumar Rishi , Naik V. Chinna Babu , Bhure Kundan , Naikwadi Bhausaheb , Gokte-Narkhedkar Nandini , Waghmare V. N.
Published: August 2022

Globally cotton is the most important natural fibre crop being cultivated commercially for domestic textile needs and export. Cotton plays an important role in India’s economy, occupies largest acreage and highest production in the world. In India, cotton is being grown in 10 major states divided in 3 distinct zones viz., north, central and south with varying climate and soil. Despite large acreage, cotton productivity in India is far below world average due to variety of reasons. Among them damage caused due to arthropod pests is vital. In this article authors have attempted through extensive literature survey, to provide up to date information on arthropod pests and their natural enemies associated with cotton crop in India. It is observed that, in India, cotton crop is attacked by 251 arthropod pest species (including insect and mites) belonging to 9 insect orders and 1 order from Acarina. Among these, about 12 species of insects are major pests causing significant losses to cotton crop while remaining species are either occasional, sporadic or minor in nature. Overall these pests cause economic damage to cotton crop in a range between 20-60 per cent. The major arthropod pests are sucking insects namely leafhopper Amrasca biguttula biguttula (Ishida), aphid Aphis gossypii Glover, thrips Thrips tabaci Lindeman., whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), Cotton mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley, Papaya mealybug Paracoccus marginatus Williams and Granara de Willink, and Indian cotton mirid bug Creontiades biseratense (Distant). The bollworm complex is another major group of insects that attack cotton and comprises of American bollworm Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner), spotted bollworms Earias insulana (Boisduval), E. vitella (F.) and pink bollworm Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders). Other pests like stem weevil Pempherulus affinis Faust and tobacco caterpillar Spodoptera litura F., are also categorized as major pests. A rich fauna of 368 natural enemies (including 174 species of predators and 194 species of parasitoids/parasites) play significant role as biological control agents to check arthropod pests in cotton ecosystems of India. In this review there is addition of 85 arthropod pests over previously reported 166 arthropod pests. This updated information on cotton pests and their important natural enemies may serve as an important guide to researchers and policy makers in carrying out potential pest risk assessment and devising appropriate management strategies for economically damaging cotton pests.
Odonata Diversity in The Gangetic Plain of West Bengal
Authors: Ghosh Kausik
Published: August 2022

The diversity and abundance of the Odonata documented from the Gangetic plain of West Bengal covering two types of habitats revealed its primarily aquatic nature (Oxbow Lake, Purbasthali). The other sites were predominantly grasslands, with smaller water bodies around (RRS, Chinsurah and DVC canal, Baidyabati). A total of 40 species were documented belonging to 31 genera and 5 families, with dominant families under the suborders Anisoptera and Zygoptera being Libellulidae and Coenagrionidae, respectively. Shannon-Wiener diversity index indicates that Oxbow Lake, Purbasthali has the most diverse fauna, with a higher relative abundance for Anisoptera compared to the Zygoptera.
Ecology of Otinotus oneratus Walker (hemiptera: Membracidae) on its Host Plant Tamarindus indica
Authors: Rajkumar Krishnan , Tennyson Samuel , Arivoli Subramanian
Published: August 2022

This study is on the ecology and population dynamics of the membracid Otinotus oneratus Walker on its host plant Tamarindus indica L. The daily activity of O. oneratus when analysed revealed that it was active during 11:00 and 16:00 hr, and on extremely warmer days. Adults preferred woody internodal parts, while the early nymphal stages fed on the axil of the leaves, and the later nymphs fed on the internodal parts along with the adults. The resting posture of the adults were found to be in position with its head directed upwards on its host plant. The mean number of nymphs resting in a posture facing towards and away from node was 79.7 and 17.1 respectively; with adults, for males and females it was 3.0 and 4.6 upwards facing, and for downwards it was 2.4 and 3.6, respectively. The individuals were sluggish, and when disturbed, moved in a spiral manner around the twig, and stopped after moving some distance. Mating occurred for 5 min, followed by a female preoviposition period of 3 days. Eggs were elongate and white and laid in ‘V’ shaped manner, arranged in two rows with 12-19 eggs in each row. Parental care was exhibited with the females guarding 71.4 to 83.3% of egg masses. The incubation period varied from 8-12 days. Hatching occurred during the morning hours, and the nymphs were slow moving, showing a strong myrmecophilous mutualism, regularly attended by the large black ant Camponotus compressus F. (56.5- 92.9%). Predation by Gonatocerus brevifuniculatus Subba Rao and Mirufens afrangiata Viggiani and Hayat of eggs wqas observed. O. oneratus nymphs mimicked the thorns of the host plant, but they were brightly coloured (in contrast to the twigs). The occurrence of nymphs and adults reached a peak in December and January. The present study also assessed the population dynamics in relation to weather factors.
Diagnostics of Perina nuda (F.) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae)
Authors: Balaji R. K. , Chitra N. , Arulprakash R. , Mohankumar S. , Kumaraperumal R.
Published: August 2022

Clearwing tussock moths were collected from different parts of Tamil Nadu, India. The occurrence of Perina nuda (F.) has been documented with morphological studies. Male moths bear no resemblance to females, with almost hyaline forewing and hind wings drab grey to pale purplish grey with a hyaline patch at the apical angle of the hind wing. Females with capucine buff-coloured wings. Males have asymmetrical genitalia with pointed-finger shaped uncus. The species identity was confirmed through DNA barcodes submitted to GenBank (RKB004-21 and MZ540881). The molecular phylogeny revealed that it formed separate clade from the available P. nuda barcodes with a meagre 2% variation.
Evaluation of Silver Nanoparticles Genotoxicity in Hermetia illucens Using Comet Assay
Authors: Abdelfattah Eman A.
Published: August 2022

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are commonly used in various sectors such as food, cosmetics, medicine, and insect control. Otherwise, the toxicological effects of this promising technology should be studied to ensure its safety. This research aimed to investigate the potential toxicity of different concentration of AgNPs (0-20 mg/mL) on the cuticle cells of insects using alkaline comet assay. The level of DNA damaged was significantly higher in insects treated with 5-20 mg/mL AgNPs comparing to that from the control one with the fold of 1, 1.7, 1.9, 4.3, respectively in the tail length. A strong positive correlation occurred between concentration of AgNPs and all comet assay parameters were occurred with linear prediction equations. The possible deleterious impacts of AgNPs on the Hermetia illucens (L.) were discussed. Also, the potential using of comet assay as an accurate and cost-effective monitoring tool of fate of using nanoparticles was proposed.
Effect of Dietary Azasteroids on the Growth and Development of the Gram Pod Borer Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner)
Authors: Rath Rita , Saxena Ranjana , Goel Versha , Gupta Renu
Published: August 2022

Effect of two azasteroids, 25-azacholestane and 25-azacoprostane was studied on growth and development of an economically important phytophagous pest, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) causing extensive damage to crops like cotton, pigeon pea, chickpea and others. 25-Azacholestane caused an increase in larval mortality (36% in control to 52% at 25 ppm), decrease in pupation (64% in control to 48% at 25 ppm) and decrease in adult emergence (60% in control to 28% at 25 ppm). Larval and pupal duration was significantly more as the azacholestane concentration increased to 25 ppm (p<0.001). Similar results were observed in case of 25-azacoprostane treatment also. Both the azasteroids were found to have inhibitory effect on the growth and development of H. armigera. Formation of larval-pupal intermediates and adults with abnormal wings was also observed. Addition of 0.1% cholesterol along with 10 ppm of 25-azacoprostane in the diet reversed the inhibitory effect of the azasteroid.
Efficacy of Insecticides Against American Serpentine Leaf Miner Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess) in Water Melon
Authors: C. Sankar , J. Jayaraj , M. Shanthi , C. Chinniah , S. Vellaikumar , C. Rajamanickam
Published: August 2022

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of certain selective insecticides against the serpentine leaf miner Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess) in water melon Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum and Nakai. The hybrid F1 (Melody) was sown in protray and 13 days old seedlings were transplanted in the main field. Significant less live mines (1.48/leaf) was observed with chlorantraniliprole 18.5%SC @0.6 ml/l. This was followed by flubendiamide 39.35%SC @0.6 ml/l (2.09/leaf) and indoxacarb 14.5%SC @0.65ml/l (3.05/leaf). Leaf damage/plot was 2.72, 3.48 and 4.03%, with chlorantraniliprole, flubendiamideand indoxacarb, respectively. Significantly maximum yield of fruits (25.5 t/ha) was obtained withchlorantraniliprole given as three sprays at 15 days interval. Thus, chlorantraniliprole 18.5%SC @0.6ml/l can be recommended against L. trifolii in water melon.
Seasonal incidence of fall army worm Spodoptera frugiperda in maize
Authors: R Darshan , Prasanna P M
Published: August 2022

The fall army worm Spodoptera frugiperda (J E Smith) is a polyphagous invasive pest, initially reported from Karnataka. A roving survey was conducted during two cropping seasons at fortnightly interval during kharif and rabi of 2019-20 to know the status of the pest in Haveri district. The results revealed that the larval counts and % infestation was 0.30 to 0.44 larvae/ plant and 23.10 to 33.77%, respectively. Parasitisation by two larval parasitoids viz., Campoletis chlorideae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) and Exorista xanthaspis (Diptera: Tachinidae) and infection by an entomopathogenic fungi, Metarhizium rileyi were also observed.
Role of protein and food baits in attraction of melon fruit fly Zeugodacus cucurbitae in bitter gourd
Authors: A B Sruthi , Zadda Kavitha  , M Shanthi  , A Beaulah
Published: August 2022

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the attractiveness of various protein and food baits against cucurbit fruit fly (Zeugodacus cucurbitae) (Coquillet) in bitter gourd fields. Protein baits evaluated were soybean, yeast, casein and Proteinex baits. Food baits evaluated were banana, guava, tomato, pineapple and bitter gourd juice baits. The incidence of Z. cucurbitae was also observed. Among the evaluated protein baits, Proteinex bait trapped more i.e., 8.05/ trap/ week (female-4.94 and male-3.11), and showing 44.45% reduction incidence. Of the food baits assessed, tomato juice bait was the best, trapping 3.35 fruit flies/ trap/ week (female-2.09 and male-1.26) with 37.16% damage reduction. From the present investigation it can be concluded that among protein and food baits evaluated, Proteinex and tomato respectively with attractant materials @ 12 nos/ ha with weekly replenishment may effectively attract both sexes of adult fruit flies and thereby act as reliable management strategy against fruit flies in horticultural crops.
Incidence of mango stem miner Spulerina isonoma (Meyrick) and first record of its parasitoid
Authors: Poorani J , R Thanigairaj
Published: August 2022

Incidence of mango stem miner Spulerina isonoma (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), a poorly known pest, is recorded from Tamil Nadu, India. Details on the symptoms of damage and life stages of the pest are given and illustrated. Chelonus sp. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is recorded as its parasitoid for the first time.
Diagnostics of the Tettigoniid genus Conocephalus occurring in the rice fields
Authors: Dharini S V , N Chitra
Published: August 2022

In this study, the genus Conocephalus (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) collected from the rice fields of Coimbatore and Bhavanisagar, Tamil Nadu are taxonomically analysed. Three species viz., C. longipennis, C. maculatus and C. rentzi inhabiting rice fields have been redescribed and illustrated. Occurrence of C. rentzi in rice with description of male genitalia is reported for the first time.
Seasonal incidence of major insect pests of jasmine Jasminum sambac L
Authors: Pirithiraj U. , R P Soundararajan  , C Gailce Leo Justin
Published: August 2022

Jasmine Jasminum sambac L. is an important ornamental crop that fetches recurrent income to farmers. The present study was carried out in three locations Sevandhanagar, Navalurkuttappattu and Horticulture farm, TNAU, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India from August 2019 to September 2020. The seasonal incidence of major insect pests such as Hendecasis duplifascialis Hampson, Nausinoe geometralis Guenee, Contarinia maculipennis Felt, Frankliniella scultzei Trybom and Tetranychus urticae Koch were studied. Hendecasis duplifascialis incidence was observed to be maximum (31.63% damaged buds) in second fortnight of October in Sevandhanagar; in Navalurkuttappattu, it was the incidence of N. geometralis (2.2 webs/ plant) that was maximum, and noticed in the second fortnight of December. In horticulture farm, maximum damage was of C. maculipennis (48.66% damaged buds) noticed in the second fortnight of September. Thrips population was significant and was observed positively correlated with maximum temperature in Sevandhanagar (r = 0.55).
Evaluation of seed soaking insecticides against insect pests of sorghum
Authors: Kharbhantanal S S , Saicharan Dharavath  , H C Latha
Published: August 2022

In this study, seed soaking insecticide treatments i.e., thiamethoxam 25%WG @ 2.0 g/ l, clothianidin 50%WG @ 2.0 g/ l, dinotefuron 20%SG @ 1.0 g/ l, fipronil 5%SC@ 1.0 ml/ l, flonicamid 50%SG @ 0.50 g/ l + CaCl2 @ 2% were evaluated in sorghum variety M 35-1 during 2018 and 2019. The pooled data in terms of deadhearts (DH) showed significant reduction in damage, with least % deadhearts by the shoot fly (Atherigona soccata Rondani) (17.96%), and stem borer (Chilo partellus Swinhoe) (4.32%); while shoot bugs (Peregrinus maidis Ashmead)/ plant (5.88) and number of aphids- Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch.)/ 3 cm2 leaf area (23.57) were significantly reduced, along with maximum grain yield (1810 q/ ha) being with thiamethoxam.
Phytoplasmas, the Fast Spreading Vector Borne Pathogens of Flower Crops: Indian Scenario
Authors: Prabha K , Girish K S , Prasad K V
Published: August 2022

Floriculture trade in India is one of the most lucrative fields, earning valuable forex to the national exchequer. Exchange of planting material via different modes plays a major role in spreading of the pathogen. Floriculture being an international industry, the transmission of pests or pathogens through live plants, seeds, cuttings and flowers etc., is very high. In recent years, the occurrence of phytoplasmal diseases in flower crops is increasing due to extensive exchange amongst many groups. The prominent symptoms of phytoplasma infection are the flowers turning into leafy structures called phyllody and the formation of sterile green flowers called virescence. In floricultural crops, these two symptoms are of major disadvantages as the flowers are the main economic product. The phyllody symptoms are most often mistaken for novel plant type and are multiplied unwittingly. Phytoplasmas are switch between plant and animal kingdoms. Phytoplasma spread in the field through leaf hoppers by inhabiting in their gut, haemolymph, salivary glands etc. Among the ornamental plants and flower crops, various groups of phytoplasma have been reported from India. More than 40 per cent of the infections are reported from the members of the Asteraceae family with 16SrI-B group, ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris’.
Field entomologists in public health?
Authors: Rajagopalan P K
Published: August 2022

Mosquito-borne disease research in India has remained stagnant for decades, and will continue to remain. This is so as the hard work in the field by entomologists has given way to comfortable work in air-conditioned laboratories, with computer as the main tool. Critical reviews are being written by men not of science, and also others, but our government totally ignores them.
Pesticide Residue Anlysis in Excreta of Spotted Owlet Athene Brama and Barn Owl Tyto Alba
Authors: Yashika Gaba  , Vashishat Nisha
Published: August 2022

The continuous use of pesticides to improve agriculture has not only affected the crop but also altered the food chain and worst affected the non-target organisms. Birds utilizing agricultural landscapes for feeding get exposed to these chemicals through ingestion of sprayed soils, treated granules or seeds and prey items. Raptors like owls are the most likely victims of pesticide exposure as they are at the top level of food chain. In present study, excreta samples of barn owl and spotted owlet were collected from three locations and tested for presence of pesticide residues using gas chromatography. The organophosphate residues of dichlorvos, monocrotophos, phorate, malathion, quinalphos, profenophos, ethion were not reported in excreta of both owl species but the residues of chlorpyriphos (0.037 ppm) were detected in spotted owlet samples collected from village Barnhara only. The pyrethroid residues cyhalothrin, permethrin, cypermethrin were also found to be absent or below detectable limit in samples collected from different locations. The feeding habits of birds attribute to the level of contamination in predatory birds. Although the level of chlorpyriphos residues excreted out from the body of spotted owlet does not reflect the actual level of exposure to this bird but gives an indication of their being at the risk of exposure in the environment.
Avifaunal Diversity in Mustard Crop
Authors: Amanpreet Kaur  , Kumar Manoj
Published: August 2022

Avifaunal diversity in mustard (Brassica spp.) crop was studied from October 2020 to April 2021 in theagricultural field areas at two locations of district Ludhiana, Punjab. A total of 40 species were observed,with the most dominant order and family being Passeriformes (57%) and Passeridae (17.5%), respectively. Based on the status of birds, 75% were resident, 17.5 % were resident migrant and 7.5% were migrant. As per IUCN status, all 40 species falls under least concern category. As the foraging guilds of the birds are overlapping resulting in some birds falling under two or more foraging guilds and as per their foraging habits, 52% were insectivorous, 14% were frugivorous, 11% granivorous, 9.5% feeding on small invertebrates, 8.5% phytophagous, 4% feeding on small vertebrates and 1% omnivorous. Based on the status of birds, 75% birds were resident, 17.5 % were resident migrant and 7.5% were migrant.
Differential Apyrene Sperm Activation Elicited by Regions of Male Reproductive System of Spodoptera litura (F.)
Authors: Priya Yadav  , Arora Simran , Singh Chandra Kant , Seth R K
Published: August 2022

In this study, the sperm activation potential of various regions of male reproductive system of Spodoptera litura (F.) has been evaluated by in-vitro bioassay. This has been done using their respective secretions as sperm activator for the sperm derived from the duplex of 2-3 days old virgin male moths. The results revealed that the prostatic part elicited a significantly pronounced sperm activity profile (in terms of proportion of active sperm and their activity intensity), as compared to the subregions of the prostatic part. The sperm activity profile by the prostatic part secretions was further observed to be reinforced by the addition of secretions of accessary glands. The sperm activity peak plateau reached around 30-90 min during the sperm activation bioassay. Further studies are in progress towards identification and characterization of potential biomolecule(s) responsible for sperm activity in the secretions of male prostatic part of the ejaculatory duct. This study has pragmatic application in exploring the anti-reproductive potential of various biorationals and optimization of radiogenetic IPM methods that are based on sperm dynamics and mating competitiveness.
Bionomics of Fall Army Worm Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) on Maize
Authors: N T Dileep Kumar  , Mohan K Murali
Published: August 2022

The fall army worm Spodoptera frugiperda (J E Smith) is an invasive pest in India on maize crop, andnoticed to be polyphagous. Its biology was studied under laboratory conditions at the Department ofAgricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, GKVK, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. The incubation,total larval and pupal period were observed to be of 2.80, 15.70 and 10.04 days, respectively. The totallifecycle of male and female took 35.05 and 38.30 days, respectively. Preoviposition, oviposition and postoviposition period were 2.95, 3.10 and 4.50 days, respectively.
Report of Guava Fruit Fly Bactrocera correcta Bezzi from Temperate Kashmir
Authors: Rayees Ahmad  , Ahmad Tariq Ahmad , Hussain Barkat
Published: August 2022

In this study the guava fruit fly Bactrocera correcta Bezzi (1916) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is reported fromKulgam, a major peach growing area in South Kashmir through July-August, 2020. District Kulgamwas the leading producer of peaches with an annual production of 412MT during the 2018-19 growingseason. This potential pest was trapped along with B. zonata and B. dorsalis in a simple bottle-type trapcontaining methyl eugenol and SPLAT.
Imidacloprid Induced Reproductive Toxicity in Female Albino Rats
Authors: Prerna Sood
Published: August 2022

Imidacloprid a systemic neonicotinoid, mainly used for controlling insects and pests in agriculturalsector. Two doses of imidacloprid (10 and 20 mg/ kg/ day) were selected based on LD50 and given through oral intubation to female rats for 60 days. Disturbed cyclicity with significant (P<0.05) decrease in the number of estrous cycle days and increased diestrous index was observed at high dose. Serial sections of ovary were studied for atretic follicles in imidacloprid treated rats. Number of healthy follicles was significantly (P<0.05) decreased with increased number of atretic follicles at high dose of imidacloprid. The histopathology of ovary also revealed more atretic follicles at high dose of imidacloprid. Decreased body weight and ovary weight in imidacloprid treated rats was dose dependent. Based on the observed effects, it can be concluded that imidacloprid produced more significant effects on female reproduction at high dose (20 mg/ kgbw/ day) as compared to low dose (10 mg/kgbw/day).
Efficacy of Certain Insecticides against Sucking Pests and Phyllody in Sesamum
Authors: Divya P , Chalam M S V , Govindarao S
Published: August 2022

A field experiment was conducted at the Agricultural college, Naira during rabi, 2020-21 on the control of major insect pests on sesamum viz., leafhopper Hishimonus phycitis (Distant) and whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) and phyllody disease. The results revealed that tthiamethoxam 25WG @ 0.25 g/ l was very effective against both the pests with 72.2 and 50.5% reduction in incidence, respectively. Thiamethoxam was also effective against phyllody (PDI of 5.72), and gave a maximum seed yield of 6.50 q/ ha and B:C ratio (1:4.7). Seed treatment with imidacloprid 17.5SL @ 5 ml/ kg seed stood as the next best with B:C ratio of 1:3.7.
A Rapid and Easy Bioassay Method for Stingless Bees, Tetragonula travancorica Shanas and Faseeh
Authors: V Vineetha , Chellappan Mani , Pathrose Berin
Published: August 2022

An attempt was made to develop an effective bioassay method for toxicological studies for the stingless bee, Tetragonula travancorica Shanas and Faseeh. The developed bioassay employed stingless bees sampled from the forest area with no history of past insecticide exposure and vegetable ecosystem having frequent insecticide exposure with insecticides viz., chlorantraniliprole and thiamethoxam. A residual film bioassay using pre-treated conical flasks and transferring the bees to the treated flasks in the field itself was easy and less time-consuming. Stingless bees survived for 12 hours in the control flasks with the bioassay method III.Whereas mortality was significantly low in bioassay method I and II within 3h and 6h, respectively.Chlorantraniliprole was less toxic (LC50 – 10.98 ppm to 17.30 ppm) to stingless bees than thiamethoxam(LC50 – 0.30 ppm to 0.78 ppm). Thiamethoxam was highly toxic (LC50 – 0.30 ppm to 0.37 ppm) to beesfrom the forest ecosystem, whereas bees in the vegetable ecosystem were more tolerant (LC50 – 0.67 ppmto 0.78 ppm). The findings may help carry out ecotoxicology and risk assessment studies in stingless bees,a key pollinator of many crops, more rapidly and easily.
Diversity of Natural Enemies Associated with Lac Insect Kerria lacca (Kerr) in Punjab
Authors: Chahal Arshdeep Singh , Kaur Rabinder , Shera P S , Sharma Sudhendu , Thakur Ankita , Mangat H K , Mohanasundaram A
Published: August 2022

A survey was conducted to record the diversity of lac insect Kerria lacca (Kerr) associated natural enemies (predators/ parasitoids) during 2019-2020. In katki crop, the abundance of natural enemies ranged from 1.08 to 44.09%. There were three parasitoids viz, Parechthrodryinus clavicornis (Cameron) (1.08%), Aprostocteus purpureus (Cameron) (26.88%), Tachardiaephagus tachardiae somervilli (2.15%); and two predators; Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi (5.38%), Eublemma amabilis (44.09%) and only one hyperparasitoid viz; Bracon greeni (Ashm.) (20.43%). Shannon-Weiner diversity index, evenness index and dominance index for natural enemies was found to be 0.67, 0.80 and 0.20. In baisakhi crop, the abundance ranged from 6.56 to 45.90% with maximum abundance of predator E. amabilis (45.90%) and the least of parasitoid T. tachardiae How. (6.56%); and the Shannon-Weiner diversity index, evenness index and dominance index was 0.65, 0.77 and 0.23, respectively.
Effect of Micronutrient Supplemented Mulberry Leaves on Larvae of Silk Worm Bombyx mori
Authors: Marin Grace , Arivoli Subramanian , Tennyson Samuel
Published: August 2022

The present study explores the effect of micronutrient supplemented mulberry leaves on PM×CSR2 hybrid variety of Bombyx mori L. larvae. The field experiment with twelve treatments including a control (T0 to T11), replicated thrice, was supplemented with the desired quantity of the respective micronutrient in individual or in combination. Twenty early B. mori fourth and fifth instar larvae/ replication were fed with the 5-6 fully mature mulberry leaves (T0 to T11) twice a day (morning and evening). The results showed that food consumption increased to a maximum of 31.56 and 22.98%, and assimilation increased by 51.38 and 34.56% over control (4th and 5th instar, respectively) with treatment T9 (CuSO4 15 kg/ ha +ZnSO4 15 kg/ ha + FeSO4 30 kg/ ha). With the same treatment, total growth increased by 94.95 and65.67%, and approximate digestibility by 15.14 and 9.33%; tissue growth efficiency also increased by 65.35and 49.61% with this treatment, while maximum ecological growth efficiency increased by 49.58% and52.0% over control in T11 (CuSO4 25 kg/ ha + ZnSO4 25 kg/ ha + FeSO4 25 kg/ ha). Larval duration wasmaximum with T1 (FeSO4 10 kg/ ha alone) (7.63± 19.16 days) as against when fed with the control (T0).Larval length increased by 18.0 and 18.51% in T9, with the larval width increasing by 50.0% in morethan one treatment. Maximum chawki larval weight and larval weight increased by 16.78 and 29.44%,while maximum silk gland weight was 2.14± 0.05g in T9.
Phytotoxicity Effect of Pongamia Oil on Chilli
Authors: Gadge A S , Venkateshalu  , Gopali J B , Hadimani H P , Vija ymahantesh  , S Raghavavendra , Singh V P
Published: August 2022

This study evaluated the phytotoxicity potential of pongamia oil on chilli plants. The pongamia oil at 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10% concentrations were evaluated under field conditions. The dose @ 0.5, 1.0 and 2.5% were observed to be safe with no phytotoxicity symptoms. Pongamia oil @ 5.0 and 10% caused the moderate and high phytotoxicity interfering with photosynthesis and plant growth.