bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural Enemies of Rice White Stem Borer Scirpophaga fusciflua (Hampson) in Himachal Pradesh
Authors: Tandon Vikas , Srivastava Ajai
Published: August 2022

Fortnightly surveys were made to study natural enemies of white stem borer (WSB) Scirpophaga fusciflua (Hampson) in rice. The surveys revealed that the predators of S. fusciflua first appeared in the second fortnight of July, with the peak during second fortnight of September during 2016 and 2017; and their relative proportion was- spiders (49.4% and 51.2%), dragonflies (22.2% and 22.6%) and damselflies (28.4% and 26.2%). Four species of parasitoids viz., egg- Telenomus sp. and Tetrastichus sp., larval- Stenobracon sp. and pupal parasitoids- Xanthopimpla punctata were observed from egg mass, larvae and pupae collected from Kangra valley of Himachal Pradesh. During 2016 and 2017, the % parasitization was observed to be maximum in the first fortnight of October (53.5 and 62.0%) followed by second fortnight of September (36.4 and 49.1%), respectively.
Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Forensically Important Blow Fly Chrysomya megacephala (F.)
Authors: Singh Nirupama , Singh N. P. , Kumari Vinod , Jindal Vikas , Meena Shashi
Published: August 2022

Considering the significance of Chrysomya megacephala (F.) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and their larval instars in forensic-entomological investigations, a culture of C. megacephala was established and morphological features of second and third larval instars were studied under a compound microscope. To validate the species’ morphological identification, sequencing of the ‘standard barcode region’ (658 base pairs of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene) was performed and this sequence was subjected to BLAST analysis using the NCBI database which acknowledged it as Chrysomya megacephala with 99.39% identity with sequence of same species collected from Maharashtra, India. The phylogenetic analysis congregated Jaipur population separately than other samples from different regions of India, however, not much variations were recorded. This is the maiden report of molecular identification of C. megacephala from Rajasthan.
Efficacy of Phosmet Against Woolly Apple Aphid Eriosoma lanigerum (Hausmann)
Authors: Singh Joginder , Sharma Sangita
Published: August 2022

The efficacy of phosmet was evaluated against the aerial form of the woolly apple aphid Eriosoma lanigerum (Hausmann) during October- November 2017 and 2019 in apple orchards at Manali district Kullu of Himachal Pradesh. All the doses of phosmet were effective in suppression of the aphid up to 21 days of the spray. Chlorpyriphos (0.05%) was found statistically superior (0.06 aphid colonies/twig) followed by phosmet @ 0.075%, 0.05% and 0.025% (0.36, 0.40 and 0.54 aphid colonies/twig, respectively) during 2017. Similar trend was observed during 2019 but chlorpyriphos was found statistically at par with phosmet @ 0.05% and 0.075%. All the concentrations proved safe to the apple plants as there were no phytotoxic symptoms.
Diversity of Insects in Pulses at Arunachal Pradesh
Authors: Bora M. Sonowal , Kanwat M. , Kalita H. , Sasmal D. , Rahman A. , Ngangom B.
Published: August 2022

Surveys were conducted during 2018-19 and 2019-20 for evaluating the abundance and diversity of insect pests and foragers in Namsai District of Arunachal Pradesh from pulse crops (black gram, green gram and pigeonpea). The data on species richness, dominance and distribution of insects revealed a total of 38 insect pests belonging to 6 orders, 26 families and 38 species. Of these 12 species were observed as foragers. Coleoptera was the most dominant group followed by Lepidoptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Mantodea and Araneae (Arachnida). Among the observed foragers Polistes sp. was found to be dominant followed by Apis dorsata (F).
Efficacy Of Botanicals Against Mulberry Whitefly Dialeuropora Decempunctata (Quaintance and Baker) And Their Safety To Natural Enemies
Authors: Das Ayan , Chatterjee Hirak
Published: August 2022

In the evaluation of efficacy of seven biopesticides, two foliar sprays done at fifteen days interval were effective in reducing whitefly Dialeuropora decempunctata (Quintance and Baker) incidence in mulberry. Neem oil (3%) was the most effective (71.10% reduction over control) followed by pongamia oil (3%) and Torpedo (plant extract of Sophora and Stemona sp.-1ml/l) by 65.14% and 59.61%, respectively. Tobacco decoction (5%), ginger rhizome extract (15%) and chilli-garlic extract were the least effective. All the evaluated botanicals were safe to natural enemies observed on mulberry. Chilli-garlic extract and ginger rhizome extract were the safest against coccinellids and spiders, respectively.
Survival and Virulence of Native Strains of Steinernema carpocapsae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora in Formulations
Authors: Nagachandrabose Seenivasan
Published: August 2022

In this study, entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) isolated from cotton ecosystem viz., Steinernema carpocapsae (strain APKS2) and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (strain KKMH1) were evaluated in formulations of alginate gel, talc, sponge and water concentrates. The survival or longevity of infective juveniles (IJs) in these formulations was evaluated under in vitro at storage temperatures of 5 and 25 °C. Simultaneously the virulence of these stored EPN infective juveniles (IJs) was evaluated against the spotted boll worm Earias vitella through in vitro bioassays. The results revealed that S. carpocapsae (APKS2) and H. bacteriophora (KKMH1) formulated in alginate gel survived 70-100% up to 3 months with 55-100% infectivity at 5°C and survived 52-100% with 42.5-100% virulence for 2.5 months at 25°C. In talc formulation, these EPN remained alive to an extent of 55-100% with 70-100% virulence at 5°C and stayed alive 45-100% with 52.5-100% virulence at 25°C for 2 months. In sponge formulation, EPN strains survived 55-100% with 67.5-100% infectivity for 7 weeks at 5°C, but with 50-100% survivals and 62.5-100% virulence at 25°C. EPN strain S. carpocapsae (APKS2) can be stored in water at 5°C up to 8 weeks with viability of 50% and infectivity 60%. At 25°C, it can be stored for 5 weeks with survival of 62% and infectivity of 62.5-100 %. It is inferred from the results that alginate and talc formulations at storage temperature of 5°C is better for long term storage of S. carpocapsae strain APKS2 and H. bacteriophora strain KKMH1. Thus, the results revealed that S. carpocapsae (strain APKS2) and H. bacteriophora (strain KKMH1) can be formulated in sponges for use within 2 months and can be kept as water concentrate if they would be utilized in 2-3 weeks.
Spatial Distribution of Proteinase Inhibitors among Diverse Groups of Sugarcane and their Interaction with Sugarcane Borers
Authors: Punithavalli M
Published: August 2022

Profiling of proteinase inhibitors (PIs) was done on the diverse group of sugarcane viz., exotic clones, hybrids and Erianthus arundinaceus. Their inhibitory activity against commercial trypsin enzyme and midgut protease of sugarcane borers was investigated. Proteinase inhibitors were extracted from leaf sheath, meristem and stalk tissue of selected groups. The results revealed that the PIs were in maximum quantity in meristem followed by leaf sheath and stalk tissue of hybrids and E. arundinaceus. The trypsin inhibition was maximum in leaf sheath (11.51- 32.26%), meristem (15.86- 90.94%) and stalk tissue (1.62- 39.62%) of E. arundinaceus compared to those of hybrids and exotic clones. Subsequently, extracted meristem and stalk tissue PIs were assayed against midgut protease of sugarcane early shoot borer (ESB) and internode borer (INB). The results showed that PIs from E. arundinaceus meristem significantly inhibited the midgut protease of ESB and INB up to >70 and >60%, respectively. However, the PI from the meristem of exotic clones and hybrids showed considerable inhibition to midgut proteases of ESB. The PIs from stalk tissue of all groups were ineffective as regards gut protease inhibition in the sugarcane borers.
Behavioural Response Of Parasitoid Encarsia guadeloupae Viggiani To Infested Host Plants Of Rugose Spiraling Whitefly Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin
Authors: Saranya M , Kennedy J S
Published: August 2022

The rugose spiralling whitefly (RSW) Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin is an invasive pest of coconut in India. The behavioural response of its parasitoid Encarsia guadeloupae Viggiani (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) on healthy and RSW infested host plants of coconut, banana, sapota and guava has been assessed in this study using a six arm olfactometer. Parasitoids’ attraction was maximum with the infested banana leaves (1.62± 0.28) followed by coconut (1.28± 0.20), guava (1.05± 0.24) and sapota (0.82± 0.24). The results obtained also reveal that E. guadeloupae can be mass reared on banana plants infested with RSW nymphs to enable better mass production of the parasitoid.
Population Dynamics of Fall Army Worm Spodoptera Frugiperda (J E Smith) on Maize
Authors: Muthukrishnan N , Rajisha P S , Jeyarajan Nelson S , Jerlin R. , Karthikeyan R.
Published: August 2022

Population dynamics of the fall army worm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperdaon maize was carried out at the research field of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore (kharif and rabi, 2018 and 2019). The results revealed that maximum FAW trap catches were obtained during 34th(7.6 moths/ trap) and 5th(7.8 moths/ trap) standard weeks (SW) of kharif and rabi seasons of 2018, respectively. During 2019, a more or less similar trend was observed with a maximum during 31st(7.2 moth/ trap) and 48th (8.2 moth/ trap) SW of kharif and rabi seasons, respectively. Correlation with weather factors indicated a significant negative correlation with evening relative humidity (RH) and significant positive correlation with morning RH during 2019-20. No significant effect of weather factors was observed during 2018-19 except for a significant positive correlation with evening RH and rainfall. The correlation between larval counts and pheromone trap catches were significantly positive with r-value of 0.55 and an R2value of 0.907 during 2018-19.
A Comparative Study on Nest Architecture And Lifecycle of Two Small Carpenter Bees Ceratina Smaragdula (F.) and Ceratina Hieroglyphica Smith
Authors: P S Anusree Padmanabhan , Chellappan Mani
Published: August 2022

Small carpenter bees Ceratina smaragdula (F.) and C. hieroglyphica Smith (Xylocopinae: Apidae) are the major pollinators of many agricultural and horticultural crops. Nesting sites of these native bee pollinators were located at dried twigs of peacock flower tree Caesalpinia pulcherrima, and a total of 199 nests were collected from 2019-2021. Both species constructed linear nests at soft pithy region of stems with a maximum of 12 cm depth and individual cells ranged 6 to 10 mm in length which were separated with partitions of 2 to 4 mm. There were no significant differences in height of the nests constructed from ground level. The younger cells were near to the entrance, whereas the mature cells were arranged towards the innermost side. The nests of bees consisted of egg, larva, pupa and adult stages; and C. smaragdula took 15.51± 0.19 days while C. hieroglyphica took 15.93± 0.27 days for completion of larval period. Total pupal period of C. smaragdula ranged from 20.71± 0.26 days whereas C. hieroglyphica ranged from 18.56± 0.16 days. Total lifecycle for C. smaragdula and C. hieroglyphica took 49.15± 0.40 and 43.19± 0.58 days under laboratory conditions.
Biophysical basis of resistance in okra to jassids, Amrasca biguttula biguttula (Ishida)
Authors: H D Yogesh Kumar , Padhi Jayaraj
Published: August 2022

Evaluation of biophysical parameters of okra germplasm for resistance or susceptibility to jassids Amrasca biguttula biguttula (Ishida) was conducted at the All India Coordinated Research Project on Vegetable Crops, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar during kharif 2018 and summer 2019. The results revealed that the plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, leaf thickness, and trichome length and density of 50 okra germplasm varied from 73.45 to 129.93 cm, 10.50 to 24.00 leaves/ plant, 203.70 to 389.25 cm2, 0.40 to 0.96 mm, 0.38 to 0.96 mm and 3.50 to 10.25 trichomes/ cm2, respectively. The plant height, number of leaves and leaf area showed positive correlation with incidence, whereas leaf thickness, trichome length and trichome density exhibited negative correlation. The okra germplasm BBSR-37, BBSR-36 and BBSR-57 were found to be resistant, while Pusa Sawani, BBSR-53 and BBSR-18 were observed to be susceptible.
Thrips vectors of tospoviruses on tomato in South India
Authors: Aravintharaj R , R Asokan
Published: August 2022

The present study was undertaken to determine distribution of thrips species from major tomato growing regions in South India (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh). The thrips species were identified using molecular techniques employing universal barcoding primer (mt-COI). These revealed the presence of six species viz., Thrips palmi Karny, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood, Thrips tabaci Lindeman, Frankliniella schultzei (Trybom), Thrips apicatus Priesner and Tusothrips sumatrensis (Karny). Of these, T. palmi was found to be predominant in all the states surveyed followed by S. dorsalis, F. schultzei and T. tabaci.
Efficacy of botanical formulations against coconut rhinoceros beetle oryctes rhinoceros
Authors: Alagar M , T Srinivasan  , K Rajamanickam  , A Josephrajkumar  , A Yasmin  , S Chinnadurai  , V Sivakumar  , S Praneetha  , H P Maheswarappa
Published: August 2022

Field efficacy of botanical cakes and insecticides when evaluated in coconut against the rhinoceros beetle Oryctes rhiniceros L., revealed that leaf damage reduced to 9.5% with botanical cake and paste. Palms treated with chlorantraniliprole 0.4% GR (10.5%) and neem cake admixed with sand (11.5%) were also effective compared to control (40.0%) at 30 months after treatment (MAT). The leaf damage was significantly low (14.2%) in chlorantraniliprole 0.4%GR treated palms, and the next best was botanical cake and paste (15.2%). The palms treated with the botanical cake and paste revealed the least spear leaf damage of 15.0%, compared to that of chlorantraniliprole 0.4% GR (18.5%) and naphthalene balls (20.0%). The overall mean spear leaf damage was significantly lower in chlorantraniliprole 0.4% GR treated palms (40.4%) followed by palms treated with naphthalene balls (42.9%) and botanical cake and paste (44.4%) compared to control (78.9%).
First report of Acanthocoris scabrator (Coreidae) as a pest of vegetables in India
Authors: Shameem K M , S R Hiremath  , K D Prathapan
Published: August 2022

In this study, a coreid bug Acanthocoris scabrator (Heteropera: Coreidae) is reported as a pest of Capsicum annuum, C. frutescens, Ipomoea aquatica, I. batatas and Solanum melongena from Kerala, India. No acute symptoms such as drying up or wilting was observed either on Solanum melongena or Capsicum spp.; however, on I. aquatica and I. batatas, water-soaked lesions were observed around the feeding punctures on the tender stem. This is a new record of this pest from Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Evaluation of biointensive IPM modules against pests of rabi sorghum
Authors: Karabhantanal S S , Dharavath Saicharan
Published: August 2022

Some biointensive IPM modules against sorghum pests explored in the present study revealed that seed treatment with imidacloprid 48%FS @ 12ml/ kg- cypermethrin @ 2ml/ l spray at 45 days after emergence (DAE)- treatment T5) and soil application of carbofuran 3G (25kg/ ha) -seed treatment with chlorpyriphos 20EC @ 5 ml in 20ml of water- spray of cypermethrin @ 2.0ml/ l at 25DAE (treatment T5- Recommended package of practices of UAS, Dharwad) were significant and on par against shoot fly Atherigona soccata (Rondani) (13.70 and 14.59% deadhearts), aphid (Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch) (20.94 and 17.36 aphids/ 5cm2 leaf) and shoot bugs (Peregrinus maidis Ashmead) (9.77 and 10.62 shoot bugs/ plant). In case of stem borer Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) incidence was less with treatment T6: soil application of carbofuran 3G (25 kg/ ha)- seed treatment with chlorpyriphos 20EC @ 5 ml in 20 ml of water spray of cypermethrin @ 2.0ml/ l at 25 DAE (3.43% deadhearts) followed by T1 (seed treatment with imidacloprid 48%FS @ 12ml/ kg + intercropping with chickpea: sorghum (4:2)- NSKE (5%) spray at 45 DAE). The yields were superior with T5 and T6 (2200 and 2317 kg/ ha, respectively).
Insect pest spectrum of french bean Phaseolus vulgaris (pole type) grown under nethouse
Authors: Sahoo Swagatika , Giraddi Rudrappa Somappa
Published: August 2022

Pole bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an annual herb grown vertically on a support. The present study asseses the insect pests infesting this bean along with their natural enemies under nethouse conditions. The study was done at the Hi-tech Horticulture Unit, UAS, Dharwad. The results revealed five species of insects and one mite species infesting pole bean at various phases of crop growth. These include- the serpentine leaf miner (Liriomyza trifolii), pod fly (Melanagromyza obtusa), seed fly (Anthomyia sp.), leafhopper (Ianagallia bifurcate), tobacco caterpillar (Spodoptera litura), and red spider mite (Tetranychus urticae). The natural enemies include- Brachymeria sp. (Chalcididae), Ichneumon sp. (Ichneumonidae) and Microplitis sp. (Braconidae).
Efficacy of Insecticides Against Pea Weevil Bruchus pisprum (L.) on Field Pea
Authors: Roge Garuma Nemera , Gobena Waktole Sori , Hundessa Wakuma Bayissa
Published: August 2022

Field pea Pisum sativum L. is an important legume crop in Ethiopia and insect pests are the major constraints in its production. Amongst these pea weevil Bruchus pisorum L. is important. This study evaluates the effects of lambda cyhalothrin (Karate 50EC), chlorantraniliprole (Coragen 200SC) and carbaryl (Sevin 85WP) under field conditions at the Holetta Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia. The insecticides were applied at flowering, pod setting and both at flowering and pod setting stages, using the susceptible variety ‘Burkitu’ in randomized complete block design. The results revealed that there was no significant difference among the treatments. Similarly, insecticide application frequency and crop phenology had no effect on the incidence of egg and larvae in field, and on adult emergence under storage conditions.
Assessment of Yield Losses Due to White Stem Borer Scirpophaga fusciflua (Hampson) in Rice
Authors: Tandon Vikas , Srivastava Ajai
Published: August 2022

Field experiments were conducted to assess the extent of losses occurring in rice crop due to the white stem borer (WSB) Scirpophaga fusciflua (Hampson) at different stages of crop growth. Results revealed that maximum infestation in terms of deadhearts and white ears was 11.6% at maximum release level (6 larvae/ hill) and the least (6.2%) at 2 larvae/ hill. The avoidable losses varied from 7.5 to 32.3%. The infestation % of released larvae was lowest to the economic threshold level.
Population Dynamics of Soybean Girdler Beetle Obereopsis Brevis Swedenboard
Authors: Bokan S. C. , Zanwar P. R. , More D. G.
Published: August 2022

Field experiments were conducted during kharif 2017 and 2018 at the farm of AICRP on Soybean, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth (VNMKV) Parbhani (Maharashtra) to evaluate the population dynamics of soybean girdler beetle Oberopsis brevis Swedenboard. The infestation got initiated in 30th and 31st meteorological week (MW) during both the years. At the time of physiological maturity peak infestation was observed during 40th and 41st MW. The infestation was observed to be significantly positively correlated with bright sunshine hours (2017) and negatively and significantly with wind velocity (2018). The losses caused by O. brevis was observed to be influenced by crop stages and infestation levels.
Dyrzela plagiata Walker Rediscovered After >162 Years as a New Record from Western Ghats, India with Checklist oOf Dyrzela (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera)
Authors: Kalawate Aparna Sureshchandra
Published: August 2022

Dyrzela Walker (1857) 1858, an Oriental noctuid genus comprises of eleven species. It is a rare noctuid from India, and the present study documents a new record of this almost after 162 years. Detailed redescription with illustrations of adults and male genitalia are provided. A checklist of known species of the genus Dyrzela is also provided.
Biology of Sesame Leaf Webber Antigastra catalaunalis Duponchel
Authors: H. S. Chaitra , Deb Sushma , Borad P. K.
Published: August 2022

Biology of the sesame leaf webber Antigastra catalaunalis Duponchel was studied in the laboratory on leaves of variety G. TIL-3. The length and width of egg, body of each larval instar, pupae and adults were measured. The incubation period was 2.38 ± 0.54 days. There were five larval instars and length of larva increased from 1.91–9.53 mm with total larval period of 10.50 ± 1.43 days. Pupal period lasted for 6 days and adult longevity was 6-7 days. The sex ratio was found to be 1: 1 and males were comparatively smaller than females. The total lifecycle occupied 26.5 ± 7.78 days.
Efficacy of Chlorfenapyr 24%SC Against the Pigeon Pea Pod Borer Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner)
Authors: Karabhantanal S. S. , Dharavath Saicharan
Published: August 2022

A field experiment was carried out on pigeon pea for the management of pod borer Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) during kharif 2016-17 and 2017-18 at the Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Vijayapura, Karnataka. The pooled data indicate that chlorfenapyr 24%SC @ 288 g ai/ ha (1200 ml/ ha) lead to 0.10 larvae/ plant and 70.72% reduction over control, which was on par with that of chlorantraniliprole 18.50SC @ 20 g ai/ ha (200 ml/ ha) with 89.35% reduction. Chlorfenapyr 24%SC @ 288 g ai/ ha (9.19% and 11.58 q/ ha) and chlorantraniliprole 18.50SC @ 20 g ai/ ha (7.34% and 12.25 q/ ha) were on par with each other in respect of pod damage and grain yield.
Population Dynamics of Spodoptera exigua (F.) and S. litura (F.) in Soybean
Authors: Babu S. Ramesh , Singh Beerendra
Published: August 2022

This study on the population dynamics of Spodoptera exigua (F.) and S. litura (F.) in soybean was done with observations made from 10 days after germination of the crop for two years. The results revealed that these pests are more abundant from July to August- Spodoptera litura (F.) occurred from the first week of July with occurrence of adults increasing with the growing season, and ending with the maturity of the crop. Amongst the current, 1st lag and 2nd lag week weather parameters, the occurrence of adults of S. exigua revealed a significant positive correlation with minimum temperature (r=0.716), evening relative humidity- RH (r=0.535), sunshine (0.621) and wind speed (0.661). Maximum temperature and wind speed exhibited a significant negative correlation with incidence of males of S. litura whereas, morning and evening RH were positively correlated with the incidence at 1-lag and 2-lag weeks. The incidence of larvae of S. litura was significantly influenced by morning RH (r=0.783) in the 2-lag week. The regression equation indicated that an increase in 1 mm rainfall decreased the male moth catches of S. exigua; while, incidence of larva was significantly affected with increase in 1% of morning RH; and incidence of S. litura larvae was related with maximum temperature of 1oC.
Efficacy of Insecticides Against Spodoptera litura and Trichoplusia orichalcea in Cabbage
Authors: K. Archunan , K. Selvam
Published: August 2022

A field experiment was conducted in a farmer’s field near Chidambaram to evaluate some pesticides against key cabbage insect pests during kharif 2018 and summer 2019. The results revealed that emamectin benzoate 5SG, spinosad 45SC, flubendiamide 39.35SC, indoxacarb 14.5SC, chlorfenapyr 10SC and lambda cyhalothrin 5EC effectively reduced the incidence of Spodoptera litura (L.) and Trichoplusia orichalcea (F.) Maximum reduction was accomplished with flubendiamide and spinosad. Occurrence of natural enemies when evaluated did not reveal statistically significant differences. Maximum yield was obtained with flubendiamide (24.08, 25.15 t/ha) followed by spinosad (23.41, 23.19 t/ ha).
Kairomonal effect of scales from Earias vitella F. and Corcyra chephalonica Stainton on biology of Trichogramma chilonis (Ishii)
Authors: Meena Devendra Kumar , Niraj S Satpute  , Adimulam Vijay Kumar  , Kanchan Digambar Marwade
Published: August 2022

The hexane extracts of scales of male and females of Earias vitella F. and Corcyra chephalonica Stainton were evaluated along with standard octacosane on the performance of Trichogramma chilonis under laboratory conditions and potted plants. Results revealed that eggs of C. cephalonica treated with hexane extract of female E. vitella and C. cephalonica scales at 10000 ppm resulted in maximum parasitism of 81.99% and 75.99% by T. chilonis, respectively, as against 40.66% in untreated (only hexane). Maximum emergence of 71.03% was observed in eggs treated with female extracts of C. cephalonica female followed by E. vitella (70.08%). Similar was the trend with fecundity and longevity with extract of female C. cephalonica. The effect of kairomones on parasitism evaluated with potted plants revealed significantly more parasitism when stapled egg cards of C. cephalonica on cotton and pigeonpea were treated with extract of female E. vitella scales (66.66 and 70.05%, respectively).
Outbreak of defoliator Coconympha iriarcha Meyrick on coconut
Authors: M Sujithra , Shashank P R  , Santhosh Naik  , Rajkumar M
Published: August 2022

A sporadic outbreak of the rare lepidopteran insect pest Coconympha iriarcha Meyrick (Gelechiidae: Lepidoptera) was recorded on the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L.) (Arecales: Arecaceae). The larvae of these can be differentiated from the larvae of Opisina arenosella, the black headed caterpillar, by its size and colour. The former is with yellowish cream body with a pale brown head and is small (< 4 mm); latter is with a greenish body with red dorsal lines and a black head, and >11 mm long. In this study, reoccurrence of C. iriarcha is documented and it is redescribed with illustrations and damage symptoms.
Bionomics of Cryptophlebia ombrodelta lower- a major pest of Tamarind
Authors: Patel Rajesh Kumar , Vandana Chadar  , N C Mandawi  , Y P S Nirala
Published: August 2022

The moth Cryptophlebia ombrodelta (Lower) is a destructive pest on tamarind, Tamarindus indica. Its biology and morphometrics are presented herein with rearing done in the laboratory. The mature larva measures about 1.7 to 2.14 cm (2.12 cm), with pinkish body. The moth is grey, with female laying pale yellowish to white, flat and rounded eggs near the peduncle joint of pod (fruit) or on the pod surface. The eggs hatch 6 to 9 days. The affected pods can be recognized by the entrance hole packed with excreta. It causes about 42% loss to tamarind fruits and completes 3 to 4 generations/ year.
Interception of live Phratora laticollis (Suffrian) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on poplar logs imported from Belgium and Germany
Authors: D K Nagaraju , Jain R K  , Iyyanar D  , Maharaj Singh  , Kasturi N  , Prema Ranjitham T  , Om Prakash Verma  , Ravi Prakash
Published: August 2022

Logs of Populus nigra L., frequently exported from Belgium and Germany are frequently being intercepted with a beetle Phratora laticollis (Suffrian) (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Chrysomelinae), which is a pest of poplar trees in their native range. Such interceptions of exotic pests pose biosecurity risk to India, and hence these intercepted shipments require to be fumigated with methyl bromide @ 48 g/ m3 for 24 hr at the normal atmospheric pressure. The treated shipments also need to be re-inspected prior to release to ensure that these are free of live infestation. Its non-compliances need to be notified to the trading partners on each interception as per the guidelines in the ISPM-13. Significance of such interception in plant biosecurity is discussed herein.
In Search of Insect Vectors of Phytoplasmas with a Note on Vectors of Xylella fastidiosa
Authors: Viraktamath C A
Published: August 2022

Phytoplasmas are phloem restricted, Gram positive bacteria without cell walls and are transmitted by phloem-sap feeding Hemiptera families such as Cicadellidae, Delphacidae, Cixiidae, Derbidae, Psyllidae and rarely by Pentatomidae and Tingidae. In the first part, this review briefly presents information available on the interaction among the phytoplasmas, their insect vectors, host plants and also very briefly the environment. In the second part, it deals with the xylem restricted, vector transmitted, Gram negative, Xylella fastidiosa (Wells et al.) and most likely candidate vectors if the organism gets accidentally introduced into India. Two proven vectors of X. fastidiosa in Taiwan namely, Kolla paulula (Walker) and Bothrogonia ferruginea (Fabricius) occur in India. In the third part, ways to search for the promising vectors of both the pathogens is dealt with. Emphasis is laid on for a close cooperation amongst insect taxonomists, molecular biologists and plant pathologists to look into investigations dealing with these organisms right from the initial stages. Brief account of confirmed and putative vectors of phytoplasmas in India and most likely groups of Auchecnorrhyncha that may vector X. fastidiosa are given and the species dealt with are illustrated for ease of preliminary identification. Use of recent advances in tissue culture, vector biology, artificial feeding of Hemiptera and molecular biology are suggested for fast tracking the search for vectors of these pathogens.
Diagnosis of Phytoplasma Associated with the Sandalwood Spike Disease
Authors: Selvaraj Vijayanandraj , Suryanarayana V , Venkataravanappa V , Rao G P , Mandal Bikash
Published: August 2022

Sandalwood spike disease (SSD) is a serious disease of Indian sandal tree (Santalum album). The disease is caused by a Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris strain of subgroup 16SrI-B. The disease is naturally spread through leafhopper and root-grafting. The infected plants take long time to express disease symptoms and eventually die. The diagnostic disease symptom of SSD is crowded small chlorotic leaves on stiff twigs that has spike like appearance. There are various biological, histopathological, electron microscopic and molecular methods available for the detection and identification of phytoplasma. Biological and histopathological tests are time consuming and ambiguous. Serological test like ELISA and molecular test like PCR are more versatile and accurate for the detection of phytoplasma. Application of various molecular techniques like nested PCR, RFLP and sequence analysis of 16S ribosomal RNA led to identify the SSD phytoplasma isolates as a member of 16SrI-B and 16SrXI-B phytoplasma subgroups. In this chapter, various diagnostic methods utilised for the detection and identification of SSD phytoplasma are summarised.
Biology of Xylotrechus basifuliginosus Heller- A Borer of Kharsu Oak Trees in the Western Himalaya
Authors: Gaurav Chand Ramola  , Singh Arun Pratap
Published: August 2022

Biology of Xylotrechus basifuliginosus (Cerambycidae: Coleoptera: Clytini) was studied on its host Kharsuoak Quercus semecarpifolia Smith. It has an annual lifecycle with five larval instars. Beetles emerge atthe onset of the rainy season (June-July) under natural conditions at 2600-2800 m. Females soon aftercopulation lay up to 34 eggs in cervices and covered depressions on the bark of oak trees. The larvalperiod is 269 days under natural conditions. The growing larvae feed in the sapwood up to December andthereafter go into hibernation (end of December-mid of March) in larval galleries. Pupation is triggeredby sudden rise in temperature in spring (end of March), pupal period is ~94 days. The beetles emergefrom the pupal chamber by chewing the bark and making a circular exit-hole (5 mm dia). The adultmorphology (both sexes) and male genitalia, are described and compared with its congeners X. smei andX. stebbingi also known from northern India, besides the morphology of egg, larval and pupal stages.
Species Diversity of Thrips on Cotton
Authors: M Amutha  , Rachana R R
Published: August 2022

Exploratory surveys were conducted to study the diversity of thrips species on cotton at Coimbatore,Tamil Nadu. Taxonomic studies revealed the presence of three species, viz. Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood,Thrips palmi Karny and Thrips tabaci Lindeman on leaves and four species, viz. Thrips florum Schmutz,Thrips hawaiiensis (Morgan), Frankliniella schultzei (Trybom) and Thrips parvispinus (Karny) in flowers.T. parvispinus is one of the notorious pest species of South East Asia and also a serious pest of quarantineimportance. F. schultzei, S. dorsalis, T. palmi and T. tabaci are notorious pests as well as vectors of plantviruses. Since these species may attain major pest status, the report demands regular monitoring andsurveys in cotton.
Behavioural Response of the Parasitoid Cotesia flavipes to Herbivore Induced Volatiles in Sweet Sorghum
Authors: S Shwetha  , Padmaja P G
Published: August 2022

Plants emit a variety of compounds in response to an attack by herbivores. Herbivore-induced plantvolatiles (HIPVs) mediate interactions between plants and natural enemies. Volatiles were collected fromsweet sorghum plants oviposited by Chilo partellus Swinhoe and the response of the parasitoid Cotesiaflavipes Cameron to these volatiles were tested in four-arm olfactometer. Cotesia flavipes spent significantly more time (6.52± 0.72 min, p = 0.0000) in arm treated with C. partellus oviposited plant volatiles compared to untreated control (3.17± 0.19 min). These compounds were identified by GC-MS as octanal, decanal, nonanal, 6-methyl 5 heptanone and caryophyllene. Nonanal and decanal were 8.46 and 4.66%, respectively in plants with Chilo eggs, whereas in the control plants, it was 5.48 and 1.39%, respectively. The behavior of parasitoid towards HIPVs enhances the development of sustainable IPM strategies by manipulating the foraging behaviour of parasitoids.
Bionomics of Oriental Fruit Fly Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) on Guava
Authors: N. U. Visakh  , Jha Shantanu
Published: August 2022

A study on bionomics and morphometrics of the Oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) was carried out during rainy and winter season guava crop over the period of 2018-2019 at the Department of Agricultural Entomology, BCKV, Mohanpur, West Bengal. Comparative bionomics data of B. dorsalis revealed that the egg, larval and pupal periods of B. dorsalis in the rainy season crop amounted to 1.56±0.56, 10.14± 0.59 and 10.74± 0.42 days, respectively in the winter season these worked out to 2.11± 0.33, 11.0± 0.41 and 13.87± 0.82 days, respectively. The lifecycle got extended when reared with the winter season fruit crop compared to that of rainy season. This study revealed that short life cycle with more damage of oriental fruit fly, B. dorsalis was observed in the rainy season guava as compared to winter season.
New Host Associations and Distribution Records of Natural Enemies of Banana Pests
Authors: Poorani J , Thanigairaj R , Khan Mohd Talib
Published: August 2022

New distribution records and host associations of natural enemies of banana insect and mite pests are reported. These include eight parasitoids (two trichogrammatids, two mymarids, two encyrtids, one pteromalid, one scelionid) and twelve predators (one thrips, two staphylinids and nine coccinellids). Two egg parasitoids, Prosoligosita perplexa Hayat & Husain and Epoligosita duliniae Livingstone and Yacoob are reported for the first time from banana tingid, Stephanitis typica (Distant). Prosoligosita perplexa is also recorded for the first time from South India and this is the first host record for this genus. Details of host associations are provided for the other bioagents recorded.
Democracy, Constitutionalism and Shariah
Authors: Shehu A.T.
Published: August 2022

Democracy, Constitutionalism and Shariah: The Compatibility Question

This article is a contribution and a response to the debate on the compatibility, or rather the incompatibility, of Islam and Shariah with democracy and constitutionalism. The debate has been both inter and intra; Muslims as well as non-Muslims are divided among themselves on the issue. A careful synthesis of the arguments on both sides shows fundamental problems of semantics and lack of proper appreciation of the issues involved because of divergent construction of the basic rules and normative concepts. This article identifies as a problem the tendency for cultural prejudice and intolerance to largely determine the direction of the debate and endure not only a ‘clash of civilizations’, but also, in reality, a clash of normative concepts. This article contends that Islam is more democratic in nature and that Shariah itself is a system of constitutionalism; needless to say, the objectionists have long forgotten that, in essential formulations, Shariah is the foundation of thoughts on human rights.
Living in the Past
Authors: Coshott Derwent
Published: August 2022

Living in the Past: The Critics of Plain Language

This article addresses three core complaints that are frequently levelled by critics of plain legal language: (1) It will reduce reliance on lawyers; (2) It is uncertain and will lead to greater litigation; and (3) Legal writing is, and should only be, for a legally trained audience. The article develops a definition of plain language that reflects a more contemporary understanding. It demonstrates that the three core criticisms misrepresent this understanding and are unsustainable with regard to lawyers’ duty to clients, the role of legislation as public documents, and modern commercial realities.
EU Corporate Governance
Authors: Sergakis Konstantinos
Published: August 2022

EU Corporate Governance: The Ongoing Challenges of the ‘Institutional Investor Activism’ Conundrum

Institutional investor activism seems to be the ultimate means for steady improvement in corporate governance standards, as well as a powerful tool for refocusing short-term strategies towards more sustainable and viable business projects. Although EU institutions have endeavoured over the past decade to facilitate the exercise of a wide range of shareholder rights, the impact of such regulatory initiatives remains to be seen. This paper challenges the current EU regulatory approach by supporting the idea that, while it has touched upon important topics, such as companies or financial intermediaries, hoping that the investor community will make full use of its discretion and evaluation of these actors, it has avoided resolving another crucial issue, namely, that of investor behaviour. In fact, institutional investors have been partially accused of apathy and contributing indirectly to the EU capital markets crisis. EU law thus needs to find new ways to nurture and maintain an effective willingness to engage in long-term dialogue with companies. It is therefore crucial to reassess all EU initiatives and critically challenge their efficiency in order to propose a way forward to unblock institutional investor activism and establish a veritable alignment of objectives with corporate managers.
A Pilot Study for Developing Water Literacy of Preschool Children
Authors: Senol Fatma Betul , Koca Nusret
Published: August 2022

In order to ensure the use, protection and sustainability of water, which is becoming more and more important for life, individuals need to develop their water literacy starting from the pre-school period. In this direction, it was aimed to improve the water literacy of 60-72 month old children who were in pre-school education with online education. In the study, action research design, one of the qualitative research methods, was used. The study group was determined by criterion sampling method and consists of 36 children aged 60-72 months. A semi-structured interview form was used as a data collection tool. In the study, Water Literacy Online Training was prepared and implemented in order to improve children's water literacy. Interviews were conducted with the children before and after the training. Content analysis was used in the analysis of the findings. As a result of the study, there had been improvement in the practical, living and social water literacy of the children. The results of the study showed that Water Literacy Online Training is effective in pre-school children's ability to recognize the importance of water, which is among the basic concepts for water literacy, for life, its limitations and the importance of its protection.
Investigation the Effectiveness of Storytelling on Fifth Grade Turkish Students’ Environmental Problems
Authors: Costu Fatma , Demirci Elif , Costu Bayram
Published: August 2022

Even though there are numerous studies on environmental education in the literature, they are limited to investigate the effects of stories. In this context, this research aimed to investigate the views of fifth grade Turkish students concerning environmental problems through storytelling. In accordance with this aim, action research has carried out. The study was conducted with 35 students enrolled in a middle school. Four stories related to different environmental topics were told participants during four weeks. Qualitative data were obtained through focus group interviews supported by data analysis of word association test (WAT). WAT included six key words was applied as pre- and post-WAT. The frequency tables and concept networks were constructed based on WAT results. Participants discussed the effects of environmental problems, the consequences of environmental problems, and environmental protection through focus group interviews. According to the WAT results, students mostly associated “human” with “environmental problem” and “environmental pollution”. They also used of ecological terms increased at the end of intervention.
Lightning strike response of composite structures: A review
Authors: PANDEY Akhileshwar , UPADHYAY Ashutosh Kumar , SHUKLA Karunesh Kumar
Published: August 2022

Wind turbines and aircraft are generally made of less conductive carbon/glass composites. Significant damages may occur to these materials if they are struck by high energy lightning strikes. Damage and structural response of composites is essentially a multiphysics domain, involving thermal, electrical, magnetic and structural analysis. In this article, the fundamental physics of lightning, multiphysics analysis, numerical implementation and experimental studies about composite materials are reviewed. The relevant international standards and possible characterization methods of lightning strike damage are also reproduced in this article. In addition to this, the current and prospective technologies, to protect composite from lightning strikes are also provided.
Effect of micro graphite particles on the microstructure and mechanical behavior of aluminium 6061 (Al-Mg-Si) alloy composites developed by novel two step casting technique
Authors: NAGARAL Madeva , Pai K Raghavendra , Auradi V , V Bharath , Patil Shanawaz , Tattimani Mahantesh S
Published: August 2022

In the present research, the effect of micron sized graphite addition on the microstructure and tensile failure of Al6061 alloy has been studied. The Al6061 alloy metal matrix composites reinforced with 6, 9 and 12 varying weight percentages of graphite particles were fabricated by novel two step stir cast route which helps in improving the wettability of Al6061 alloy matrix with graphite particles. The synthesized composites were subjected to microstructural studies, density, hardness and tensile properties testing. Microstructural characterizations of obtained samples were carried out by SEM microscopy, EDS and XRD patterns. The occurrence of graphite particles were confirmed by the XRD patterns. The density and hardness of metal composites have been decreased with adding of graphite reinforcement, while the ultimate tensile strength and yield strengths were improved with the addition of graphite particles. There was increase in the elongation of the Al6061 alloy composite after the incorporation of the reinforcement. Various fracture mechanisms were observed in the Al6061-graphite composites using SEM.
Sustainable valorization of sugarcane leaves for succinic acid and biochar production
Authors: CHOKESAWATANAKIT Nuttaporn , JUTAKRIDSADA Pasakorn , KAMWILAISAK Khanita
Published: August 2022

The leaves of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) are agricultural waste that is burnt before harvesting. This project aims to find an alternative way to increase the value of sugarcane leaves and decrease air pollution by using the leaves as raw material to produce succinic acid and biochar. Reducing sugars were extracted from the leaves by H2SO4 hydrolysis. The sugars were then fermented by Yarrowia lipolytica TBRC 4417 to produce succinic acid. The solid residue was used as the raw material for biochar production by pyrolysis. The effects of pyrolysis temperature (350, 400, and 450℃) and nitrogen gas flow rate (5, 10, and 15 Lmin-1) on the specific surface area of biochar were determined. The adsorption capacity of mixed nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium compound solution at various concentrations by biochar was also investigated. The hydrolysis condition was at 1%v/v of H2SO4, 100 gL-1 of sugarcane leaves, and hydrolysis time of 60 min. The hydrolysate yielded sugar monomers at a concentration of ca. 13.00 gL-1 of xylose and 2.00 gL-1 of glucose. The fermentation process of extracted reducing sugar from sugarcane leaves by Yarrowia lipolytica TBRC 4417 was studied at 30℃ for 84 h. with 120 rpm shaking. It was found that Yarrowia lipolytica TBRC 4417 produced succinic acid in glucose, mixed glucose and xylose, and extracted reducing sugars. The maximum succinic acid yield of 0.061 g succinic acid /g sugar consumption was obtained. For biochar production, the maximum specific surface area of 301.19 m2g-1 was found at a pyrolysis temperature of 400℃ and the N2 gas flow rate of 10 Lmin-1. The maximum adsorption capacity of the mixed solution was 28.45 wt%. The adsorption capacity of biochar was N>P>K at a total concentration of 100 mgL-1. This study demonstrates the agricultural waste's potential value as a useful feedstock for the biological generation of succinic acid and biochar.
Effects of annealing treatment on microstructure and hardness in the 28 wt% Cr cast iron with Mo/W addition
Authors: RUANGCHAI Kittikhun , TONGSRI Ruangdaj , PEARCE John Thomas Harry , CHAIRUANGSRI Torranin , WIENGMOON Amporn
Published: August 2022

In this study, the effects of annealing on the hardness and microstructure of 28 wt% Cr-2.6 wt% C iron with 1.4 wt% Mo/1 wt% W addition have been investigated. The as-cast samples were heated to 800℃ and held for 4 h followed by slow cooled with a cooling rate of 20℃h-1 to 500℃. Microstructures were characterized by X-ray diffractometry, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Vickers macro-hardness and micro-hardness were measured. It was found that the as-cast microstructure in the hypoeutectic 28 wt% Cr iron without Mo or W addition consisted of primary austenite dendrite, eutectic M7C3 carbide and martensite. In the iron with 1.4 wt% Mo addition, multiple eutectic carbides of M7C3, M23C6 and M6C were observed. In contrast the addition of 1 wt% W changed the structure to hypereutectic containing primary M7C3, eutectic M7C3 and martensite. After the annealing heat treatment, ferrite +secondary carbides and some pearlite were present in the irons, due to decomposition of austenite during annealing. The macro-hardness in the as-cast condition of the iron without alloying and the irons with 1.4 wt% Mo/ 1 wt% W addition were 506, 529, and 576 HV30, respectively. Annealing heat treatment reduced the macro-hardness to about 390, 463, and 428 HV30, respectively.