To identify the insecticidal components of Terminalia arjuna bark were evaluated by standard prot... more To identify the insecticidal components of Terminalia arjuna bark were evaluated by standard protocol using the equipment Perkin-Elmer Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry. The mass spectrum of the compounds found in the extract was matched with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) library. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of various compounds like Phenol, 4H-Pyran-4-one, 2, 3-dihydro-3, 5-dihydroxy-6-methyl, 2-Methoxy-4-vinylphenol, Benzaldehyde Methoxy, Dodecanoic acid, Tetradecanoic acid, Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester, n-Hexadecanoic acid and Octadecanoic acid, 4-Hydroxy-3 present in the extract. Among the various compounds, Phenol, 4H-Pyran-4-one, Tetradecanoic acid, Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester, n-Hexadecanoic acid and Octadecanoic acid identified as insecticidal activity using NIST library. These findings support the use of Terminalia arjuna as insecticidal plant.
This preliminary study highlights the importance of beetles belonging to the family Silphidae as ... more This preliminary study highlights the importance of beetles belonging to the family Silphidae as forensic evidence. Although recorded specimens were reported earlier in prior studies but these species were not defined as forensically important. Silphidae (carrion beetles) are one of the several families of forensic importance in the order Coleoptera. It consists of two subfamilies i.e. Silphinae and Nicrophorinae and both are the frequent visitors of carrion. The work reported here monitored the presence of the carrion beetles (Coleoptera: Silphidae) by using bait traps with the meat of goat (Capra sp., Bovidae) in the summer of 2014 and 2015 from Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. Seven species of Silphidae were recorded: Necrophila (Calosilpha) ioptera (Kollar & Redtenbacher, 1848), Necrophila (Deutosilpha) rufithorax (Wiedemann, 1832), Necrophila (Calosilpha) cyaniventris (Motschulsky, 1870), Necrodes littoralis (Linnaeus, 1758), Necrodes nigricornis (Harold, 1875), Nicrophorus nepalensis (Hope, 1931) and Thanatophilus minutus (Kraatz, 1876).PAGES:
Acanthosomatidae is a small family of pests and decomposers, comprising around 230 species worldw... more Acanthosomatidae is a small family of pests and decomposers, comprising around 230 species worldwide. Cytogenetic data for Indian Acanthosomatidae is available for only six species. In the present paper, cytogenetic details of two Acanthosomatid species, Acanthosoma rufispinum and Sastragala esakii collected from Himachal Pradesh have been described for the first time. Both A. rufispinum and S. esakii possess 2n=10A+XY. Single chiasma per bivalent is the predominant feature in both the species. In A. rufispinum, all autosomal bivalents show thick terminal C-bands while in S. esakii, thin terminal bands are observed in four bivalents while one is C- negative. Y is C- positive and X is negative in both the species. All C-positive regions are DAPI/CMA3 bright. In A. rufispinum, each autosomal bivalent shows a specific distribution pattern of NORs while it is similar in all the bivalents in S. esakii. Linear characterization shows species specific distribution of C-bands, AT-GC rich DNA and NORs.
Transgenic cotton was found successful in terms of controlling chewing pests but it can also harm... more Transgenic cotton was found successful in terms of controlling chewing pests but it can also harm non-target sucking pests including white flies. White flies being most important sucking pest of transgenic cotton and its incidence occurred more due to less sprays and resistance development occurrence in transgenic cotton in current situation. White flies for risk assessment studies are required to be tested in three tiers. These tiers are to test them from laboratory to semi-field till last stage of field studies. In current studies, we observed ecological risk assessment of transgenic cotton against white flies by observing their population dynamics in transgenic cotton as compared to non-transgenic cotton under field conditions. White flies were sampled using random sampling method with three leaves sampled from cotton plant i.e upper leaf, middle leaf and lower leaf in transgenic cotton as compared to non-transgenic cotton. Observations were recorded on weekly basis. Results showed that white flies occurrence was more in transgenic cotton as compared to non-transgenic cotton. These results reveal that some morphological, physiological, biochemical processes might affect white flies incidence in transgenic cotton. However, a more vast study should be carried out to observe white flies risk assessment at molecular level.
In the present investigation, experiments were conducted in the Entomology Research plant product... more In the present investigation, experiments were conducted in the Entomology Research plant product Laboratory, Department of Zoology, D.B.S. College, Kanpur, UP, India. Ten indigenous naturally occurring plants viz viz., aerial parts of Cichorium intybus (L.), Chromolaena odorata Linn., Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium (trev.) Vis., Inula racemosa Hook. F., Mantisalca duriaeri Birq. Et Cavill., Rechardia tingitana (L.) Roth, Rhaponticum acaule (L.) DC, Scorzonera undulate Vahl, Spilanthes paniculata Well ex DC and Tagetes minuta Linn. were used for their repellent effectiveness against early emerging adults of pulse beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis (L.) (Bruchidae:Coleoptera).Under storage condition the botanicals like seed extract of Cichorium intybus gave the highest repellency to early emerging adults of pulse beetle, C. chinensis. It shows 7.41 times more repellent to C. chinensis than Acorus calamus (1.00), which is taken as unit. The result reveals that relative repellent biopotential of remaining extractives are as - > Inula racemosa (6.39) > Tagetes minuta (5.88) > Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium (5.42) > Mantisalca duriaei (2.77) > Reichardia tingitana (1.67) > Scorzonera undulate (1.61) > Chromolaena odorata (1.61) > Chromolaena odorata (1.35) > Spilanthes paniculata (1.00), respectively.
The Red Flour Beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), is a key pest of stored products all over the... more The Red Flour Beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), is a key pest of stored products all over the world. The damages caused may result in reduced product quality and marketability. The use of insecticides and fumigants for the control of this pest has caused serious environmental problems and health hazards. Biologically based methods such as the use of botanicals and other means like the irradiation of insects, are gaining increasing role in the control of various storage pests. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of gamma-irradiation on the mortality and protein content of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst). Doses ranging from 0.1kGy to 0.35kGy were applied. The mortality rates were higher in the irradiated insects than the control. The insect samples irradiated with 0.35kGy died within 6 Days after irradiation (DAI), while the samples irradiated with 0.1kGy died within 18 DAI. The protein content (estimated by Lowry’s Method) was much also reduced in the irradiated insects than the unirradiated ones. These results are encouraging and indicate that irradiation is an effective measure in the control of T.castaneum.
The study aimed to document the entomofauna of medico-legal importance in Benin, by studying arth... more The study aimed to document the entomofauna of medico-legal importance in Benin, by studying arthropod’s succession pattern on the rabbit carrion and the variation of their density associated with temperature and humidity was also investigated. The study was carried out on the rabbit carrion in Cotonou by the collection of necrophagous arthropods trapped during the stages of decomposition. The identification of arthropods on the basis of their morphological characteristics and their statistical analysis revealed that the orders of Diptera, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera and Aranea were those which colonized the rabbit carrion. With a Simpson Index (Is) of 0.69, Chrysomia sp. was the most abundant arthropod with a maximum of 990 individuals at the bloated stage (p <0.001). Air temperature and relative humidity had significant effects on the numbers of arthropods collected. The present study showed that Diptera can be used for the determination of indices during criminal investigations in Benin.
One of the remarkable achievements of modern biology has been the development of accurate and rel... more One of the remarkable achievements of modern biology has been the development of accurate and reliable technologies for the rapid screening of DNA sequence variations. Molecular identification and DNA barcoding is a taxonomic method that can be used to identify a species, including an unknown one. Mitochondrial genome is most extensively studied genomic system in insects. In this review, we describe the various molecular works that have been done on Indian Muscidae. It can be concluded that, the molecular studies are not common for the Indian muscid species and only few studies have been conducted. A lot of work still has to be done in India with more species and molecular markers.
Seven haemocyte types were identified in the haemolymph of adult Bradinopyga geminata (Rambur) (A... more Seven haemocyte types were identified in the haemolymph of adult Bradinopyga geminata (Rambur) (Anisoptera: Odanata) viz., Prohaemocytes, plasmatocytes, granulocytes, oenocytoids, adipohaemocytes, spherulocytes and vermicytes. Prohaemocytes, plasmatocytes and granulocytes were the most numerous circulating haemocytes in the haemolymph of Bradinopyga geminata. Prohaemocytes were the smallest cell type, spherical in shape with a centrally located large nucleus. The plasmatocytes were polymorphic with or without cytoplasmic extensions. The granulocytes were spherical or oval in shape with characteristic basophilic granules in the cytoplasm. Oenocytoids were the largest of all the cell types with a large nucleus and a homogenous cytoplasm. Adipohaemocytes were polymorphic, varied from small to large cells mostly irregular in shape with prominent lipid-like inclusions. The spherulocytes were characterized by the presence of highly basophilic or acidophilic spherules. Vermicytes were fusiform with a centrally located nucleus. The total and differential haemocyte counts were also done.
The effects of methanolic extracts of Andrographis paniculata on the oviposition behavior, hatcha... more The effects of methanolic extracts of Andrographis paniculata on the oviposition behavior, hatchability of eggs, larva, pupa and adult development of Earias vittella were investigated under laboratory conditions. Treatments included with difference concentrations of extract to compare with untreated control. Egg were dipped in different concentration (2,4 and 6) of extract with poor hatching. Larva fed on an extract sprayed cotton fruit slices. Adult fed on an extract containing 10% sucrose diet. There was poor egg laying.
Laboratory bioassay of the essential oils extracted from Z. armatum R. rugosa A. maritima and C. ... more Laboratory bioassay of the essential oils extracted from Z. armatum R. rugosa A. maritima and C. oppositifolia by hydrodistillation was carried out against the major bruchid pest C. analis to evaluate their oviposition deterrency, ovicidal activity and progeny deterrency. There was a significant difference in the number of eggs laid on treated and control and among the different treatments of essential oils. Z. armatum at 100 µl/ml allowed the bruchid to lay only 19.15±3.6 eggs as compared to 82.35±4.5 in control and proved to be most effective treatment with 76.74% oviposition deterrency. R. rugosa and A. maritima oil were found most effective in reducing the egg hatchability to 48.00±3.2 and 49.52±2.2% respectively at a lowest dose of 10 µl/ml. Egg hatching inhibition percentage increased with an increase in concentration in all the treatments. R. rugosa oil at 100 µl/ml proved to be most effective in reducing the adult emergence with 85.48% progeny deterrence followed by A. maritima showing 81.67% deterrency. All the tested essential oils revealed a wide range of bioactivities against the insect pest.
The insects possess a close and subtle relationship with their host plants. The growth, incidence... more The insects possess a close and subtle relationship with their host plants. The growth, incidence, behaviour, physiology, ecology and other aspects of an insect life are in one way or another are correlated within the context of nutrition. The growth pattern, the anatomy and morphology, chemical composition and particularly the nutrition of plants may have an impact on the growth, survival and overall performance of the herbivorous insects. Moreover, the food quality of plants plays vital roles in mediating the foraging behaviour, growth and reproductive performance, as well as population dynamics of herbivorous insects. Similarly, poor plant nutrition can have an adverse effect on the performance and fitness of sap feeders. The present review of the work is to help understand earlier work done to generate information on the role of plant nutrients on insect development.
Juvenile hormone analogues have been tested as insect growth regulators in silkworm (Bombyx mori)... more Juvenile hormone analogues have been tested as insect growth regulators in silkworm (Bombyx mori), seeking an increment of silk production. These chemical products, when applied in small or moderate rates, promote the extension of the last larval instar. To understand the physiologic consequences on silk production by the silkworm strain CSR2 × CSR4.The application of fenoxycarb, a juvenile hormone analogue was performed to evaluate its effects on larval development and silk production. Fenoxycarb was topically applied 48h after the fourth larval ecdysis, on the dorsal integument of the 2nd thoracic segment of the insects,between 1 and 1.5 µg fenoxycarb influenced positively the duration of the fifth instar andthe weight gain of the insects. The application of 1µg fenoxycarb resulted in the heaviest silkglands, cocoons, shell cocoons and pupae weights. Comparatively to the control, the increment on silk production by the use of 1µg fenoxycarb was more accentuated than the corresponding negative effects on the cocooning rate.
Brown planthopper (BPH) outbreak had often occurred in Indonesia, especially in West Java, among ... more Brown planthopper (BPH) outbreak had often occurred in Indonesia, especially in West Java, among others Subang and Karawang as a hot spot areas. The research of dynamics population of rice planthoppers (RPH), natural enemies and existence of rice ragged stunt virus (RRSV) to anticipate rice damage was carried out in rice field at Sukamandi research station of Indonesian Center for Rice Research (ICRR). The results showed that the BPH and whitebacked planthopper (WBPH) population were very low and didn’t damage to rice crop, and also didn’t find symptoms of RRSV and grassy stunt virus (RGSV) after outbreak of both BPH and RRSV. Monitoring of RPH and natural enemies on DS 2011 using yellow paper sticky trap (YPST) was very good and effective as well as visual counting. Population of BPH and spiders on visual counting was lower than on YPST, but in WS 2011/2012 otherwise. The WBPH population and Paederus fuscipes on visual counting was higher than on YPST on both DS and WS. The population of Cyrtorhinus lividipennis on YPST observations was significantly higher than on visual counting on both DS and WS. The general results of pests and natural enemies with visual counting wasn’t always higher than YPST observation, and vice versa.This depends on the abundance and movement activity of each pests and natural enemies. Control to BPH and WBPH by insecticide on economic thresholds based on natural enemies (predators) didn’t require to be done on both the DS and WS, due to the value of RPH corrected by natural enemies (Di) always lower than the economic threshold that have been set based on the price of grain at harvest.This indicates that the presence predators of spiders, Lycosa pseudoannulata, P. fuscipes, and C.lividipenis have been able todecrease the population of rice planthoppers.
The present study was conducted to test the toxicity of neem oil with Prosopis juliflora as a bot... more The present study was conducted to test the toxicity of neem oil with Prosopis juliflora as a botanical synergist. Different concentrations of botanical synergist were used with neem oil and incubated for 1hrs at 150rpm and at 40oC. After incubation, toxicity experiments were set up against third instar starving larva of Khapra beetle Trogoderma granarium (Everts.) for 24hrs and 48hrs. Results showed that increase in the concentration of botanical synergist significantly increases the toxicity of neem oil. 70% and 50% increases in the percentage mortality of the test organism was observed after 24hrs and 48hrs respectively. Significant decrease in the LD50 was also observed with the increase in the concentration of botanical synergist after 48hrs i.e. 14.71 mg.kg-1 with 0g and 8.65 mg.kg-1, 8.65 mg.kg-1 and 7.65 mg.kg-1 with 2g, 6g and 10g respectively. These results suggest that toxicity of neem oil increases with increase in the concentration of the botanical synergist. Thus, we conclude that Prosopis juliflora used in the present work enhance the toxicity and bioavailability of azadirachtin in neem oil against the target pest and can be used as an efficient substitute for chemical synergist. Hence, this synergistic approach provides an ecofriendly and economically efficient formulation of neem oil for stored grain pest management.
The study was conducted in Inyonga Division, Mlele district, western Tanzania in July 2014. The s... more The study was conducted in Inyonga Division, Mlele district, western Tanzania in July 2014. The study aimed at assessing the contribution of beekeeping to community’s livelihoods and biodiversity conservation. A total of 101 beekeepers were interviewed from purposively selected villages. Focus group discussions, Key Informant Interviews and physical observation were also used. Significant difference on number of hives was observed (χ2 =11.726, df = 2, P = 0.003) in the study villages, no significant difference was detected in hive occupancy rate between hive types (Chi-square =4.127, df=4, p>0.389). Harvesting, processing and packaging of bee products were observed to be done locally, causing a negative impacts on biodiversity conservation due to fire setting in harvesting process. Bark hives were widely used 63% (n=11,928) of the recorded hives. Thus, awareness rising on the use of appropriate beekeeping practices is highly recommended for enhancing biodiversity conservation in Mlele District.
Toxicity of topically applied different sub lethal concentrations (0.002, 0.004, 0.006 and 0.008%... more Toxicity of topically applied different sub lethal concentrations (0.002, 0.004, 0.006 and 0.008%) of thiamethoxam on the 4th instar nymphs of Dysdercus koenigii was studied in the controlled laboratory condition. With increase in the sub lethal concentration nymphal mortality, nymphal and adults longevity increases significantly in the dose dependent manner, However fecundity and fertility of the affected female decreases significantly as compare to the untreated control. A significant decline in the adults emergence were also observed with increase in the sub lethal concentrations of thiamethoxam. Therefore from the current study it is concluded that thiamethoxam is very potent insecticide against the nymphs of Dysdercus koenigii under the laboratory condition.
Influence of weather factors on flight of natural enemies that captured on the light traps. The ... more Influence of weather factors on flight of natural enemies that captured on the light traps. The Research was carried out in the 2013 at Sukamandi rice research station of Indonesian Center for Rice Research (ICRR). Natural enemies captured on the light traps of mercury lamp ML-160 watt and CFL-20 watt, while the weather data was collected from a meteorological cage within 200 m from the light trap. The results showed that the weather factors such as evaporation, wind velocity, light intensity, air temperature, relative humidity, rainfall and temperature of soil surface at 0 cm were insignificant effect to flight of O. nigrofasciata and P. fuscipes that captured on mercury lamp 160 watt and CFL-20 watt. The temperature of soil surface at 0 cm was significant positive influence to Coccinella sp. that captured on the mercury lamp 160 watt, while the Coccinella sp. that captured on the CFL bulbs 20 watt were significant negative influenced by rainfall and relative humidity. The facts explainthat flight of Coccinella sp. were determined by environmental resultant factors between weather, lamp light capacity, and luminous power.
Ten eulophid parasitoids, viz., Achrysocharoides sp., Baryscapus sp., Chrysocharis sp., Chrysonot... more Ten eulophid parasitoids, viz., Achrysocharoides sp., Baryscapus sp., Chrysocharis sp., Chrysonotomyia sp., Closterocerus sp., Minotetrastichus sp., Pnigalio sp., Quadrastichus sp., Stenomesius sp. and Sympiesis sp. were recorded for the first time as parasitoids on the larvae of apple leaf miner, Lyonetia clerkella Linn. (Lepidoptera: Lyonetiidae). Among the eight sites (S1-S8) chosen for the study, the parasitism of leaf miner larvae was observed from June (2015) onwards upto October (2015) coinciding with the population of leaf miner larvae. Among the parasitoids, Chrysocharis sp. was observed dominant recording 47.8% parasitism followed by Chrysonotomyia sp. (19.65%), Minotetrastichus sp. (8.18%), Pnigalio sp. (8.8%), Sympiesis sp. (5.81%), Stenomesius sp. (4.4%), Closterocerus sp. (2.98%), Quadrastichus sp. (1.72%), Achrysocharoides sp. (0.78%) and Baryscapus sp. (0.15%) respectively.
A checklist of Acrididae, which is the most important family of orthopterous pests, has been prov... more A checklist of Acrididae, which is the most important family of orthopterous pests, has been provided from West Bengal, India. An extensive survey was carried out during the period of 2015 to 2017 from different districts of West Bengal. The collected specimens were sorted out into 84 species belongs to 58 genera and 12 subfamilies. Twelve species i.e. Acrida gigantea Herbst), Orthoctha indica Uvarov, Leionotacris bolivari (Uvarov), Aiolopus thalassinus thalassinus (Fabricius), Aiolopus simulatrix (Walker), Chloebora marshalli (Henry), Oxya japonica japonica (Thunberg), Oedipoda miniata miniata (Pallas), Tropidopola longicornis Fieber, Acorypha insignis (Walker), Diabolocatantops pinguis (Stal), Xenocatantops karnyi (Kirby) are recoded for the first time from this state.
To identify the insecticidal components of Terminalia arjuna bark were evaluated by standard prot... more To identify the insecticidal components of Terminalia arjuna bark were evaluated by standard protocol using the equipment Perkin-Elmer Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry. The mass spectrum of the compounds found in the extract was matched with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) library. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of various compounds like Phenol, 4H-Pyran-4-one, 2, 3-dihydro-3, 5-dihydroxy-6-methyl, 2-Methoxy-4-vinylphenol, Benzaldehyde Methoxy, Dodecanoic acid, Tetradecanoic acid, Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester, n-Hexadecanoic acid and Octadecanoic acid, 4-Hydroxy-3 present in the extract. Among the various compounds, Phenol, 4H-Pyran-4-one, Tetradecanoic acid, Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester, n-Hexadecanoic acid and Octadecanoic acid identified as insecticidal activity using NIST library. These findings support the use of Terminalia arjuna as insecticidal plant.
This preliminary study highlights the importance of beetles belonging to the family Silphidae as ... more This preliminary study highlights the importance of beetles belonging to the family Silphidae as forensic evidence. Although recorded specimens were reported earlier in prior studies but these species were not defined as forensically important. Silphidae (carrion beetles) are one of the several families of forensic importance in the order Coleoptera. It consists of two subfamilies i.e. Silphinae and Nicrophorinae and both are the frequent visitors of carrion. The work reported here monitored the presence of the carrion beetles (Coleoptera: Silphidae) by using bait traps with the meat of goat (Capra sp., Bovidae) in the summer of 2014 and 2015 from Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. Seven species of Silphidae were recorded: Necrophila (Calosilpha) ioptera (Kollar & Redtenbacher, 1848), Necrophila (Deutosilpha) rufithorax (Wiedemann, 1832), Necrophila (Calosilpha) cyaniventris (Motschulsky, 1870), Necrodes littoralis (Linnaeus, 1758), Necrodes nigricornis (Harold, 1875), Nicrophorus nepalensis (Hope, 1931) and Thanatophilus minutus (Kraatz, 1876).PAGES:
Acanthosomatidae is a small family of pests and decomposers, comprising around 230 species worldw... more Acanthosomatidae is a small family of pests and decomposers, comprising around 230 species worldwide. Cytogenetic data for Indian Acanthosomatidae is available for only six species. In the present paper, cytogenetic details of two Acanthosomatid species, Acanthosoma rufispinum and Sastragala esakii collected from Himachal Pradesh have been described for the first time. Both A. rufispinum and S. esakii possess 2n=10A+XY. Single chiasma per bivalent is the predominant feature in both the species. In A. rufispinum, all autosomal bivalents show thick terminal C-bands while in S. esakii, thin terminal bands are observed in four bivalents while one is C- negative. Y is C- positive and X is negative in both the species. All C-positive regions are DAPI/CMA3 bright. In A. rufispinum, each autosomal bivalent shows a specific distribution pattern of NORs while it is similar in all the bivalents in S. esakii. Linear characterization shows species specific distribution of C-bands, AT-GC rich DNA and NORs.
Transgenic cotton was found successful in terms of controlling chewing pests but it can also harm... more Transgenic cotton was found successful in terms of controlling chewing pests but it can also harm non-target sucking pests including white flies. White flies being most important sucking pest of transgenic cotton and its incidence occurred more due to less sprays and resistance development occurrence in transgenic cotton in current situation. White flies for risk assessment studies are required to be tested in three tiers. These tiers are to test them from laboratory to semi-field till last stage of field studies. In current studies, we observed ecological risk assessment of transgenic cotton against white flies by observing their population dynamics in transgenic cotton as compared to non-transgenic cotton under field conditions. White flies were sampled using random sampling method with three leaves sampled from cotton plant i.e upper leaf, middle leaf and lower leaf in transgenic cotton as compared to non-transgenic cotton. Observations were recorded on weekly basis. Results showed that white flies occurrence was more in transgenic cotton as compared to non-transgenic cotton. These results reveal that some morphological, physiological, biochemical processes might affect white flies incidence in transgenic cotton. However, a more vast study should be carried out to observe white flies risk assessment at molecular level.
In the present investigation, experiments were conducted in the Entomology Research plant product... more In the present investigation, experiments were conducted in the Entomology Research plant product Laboratory, Department of Zoology, D.B.S. College, Kanpur, UP, India. Ten indigenous naturally occurring plants viz viz., aerial parts of Cichorium intybus (L.), Chromolaena odorata Linn., Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium (trev.) Vis., Inula racemosa Hook. F., Mantisalca duriaeri Birq. Et Cavill., Rechardia tingitana (L.) Roth, Rhaponticum acaule (L.) DC, Scorzonera undulate Vahl, Spilanthes paniculata Well ex DC and Tagetes minuta Linn. were used for their repellent effectiveness against early emerging adults of pulse beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis (L.) (Bruchidae:Coleoptera).Under storage condition the botanicals like seed extract of Cichorium intybus gave the highest repellency to early emerging adults of pulse beetle, C. chinensis. It shows 7.41 times more repellent to C. chinensis than Acorus calamus (1.00), which is taken as unit. The result reveals that relative repellent biopotential of remaining extractives are as - > Inula racemosa (6.39) > Tagetes minuta (5.88) > Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium (5.42) > Mantisalca duriaei (2.77) > Reichardia tingitana (1.67) > Scorzonera undulate (1.61) > Chromolaena odorata (1.61) > Chromolaena odorata (1.35) > Spilanthes paniculata (1.00), respectively.
The Red Flour Beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), is a key pest of stored products all over the... more The Red Flour Beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), is a key pest of stored products all over the world. The damages caused may result in reduced product quality and marketability. The use of insecticides and fumigants for the control of this pest has caused serious environmental problems and health hazards. Biologically based methods such as the use of botanicals and other means like the irradiation of insects, are gaining increasing role in the control of various storage pests. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of gamma-irradiation on the mortality and protein content of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst). Doses ranging from 0.1kGy to 0.35kGy were applied. The mortality rates were higher in the irradiated insects than the control. The insect samples irradiated with 0.35kGy died within 6 Days after irradiation (DAI), while the samples irradiated with 0.1kGy died within 18 DAI. The protein content (estimated by Lowry’s Method) was much also reduced in the irradiated insects than the unirradiated ones. These results are encouraging and indicate that irradiation is an effective measure in the control of T.castaneum.
The study aimed to document the entomofauna of medico-legal importance in Benin, by studying arth... more The study aimed to document the entomofauna of medico-legal importance in Benin, by studying arthropod’s succession pattern on the rabbit carrion and the variation of their density associated with temperature and humidity was also investigated. The study was carried out on the rabbit carrion in Cotonou by the collection of necrophagous arthropods trapped during the stages of decomposition. The identification of arthropods on the basis of their morphological characteristics and their statistical analysis revealed that the orders of Diptera, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera and Aranea were those which colonized the rabbit carrion. With a Simpson Index (Is) of 0.69, Chrysomia sp. was the most abundant arthropod with a maximum of 990 individuals at the bloated stage (p <0.001). Air temperature and relative humidity had significant effects on the numbers of arthropods collected. The present study showed that Diptera can be used for the determination of indices during criminal investigations in Benin.
One of the remarkable achievements of modern biology has been the development of accurate and rel... more One of the remarkable achievements of modern biology has been the development of accurate and reliable technologies for the rapid screening of DNA sequence variations. Molecular identification and DNA barcoding is a taxonomic method that can be used to identify a species, including an unknown one. Mitochondrial genome is most extensively studied genomic system in insects. In this review, we describe the various molecular works that have been done on Indian Muscidae. It can be concluded that, the molecular studies are not common for the Indian muscid species and only few studies have been conducted. A lot of work still has to be done in India with more species and molecular markers.
Seven haemocyte types were identified in the haemolymph of adult Bradinopyga geminata (Rambur) (A... more Seven haemocyte types were identified in the haemolymph of adult Bradinopyga geminata (Rambur) (Anisoptera: Odanata) viz., Prohaemocytes, plasmatocytes, granulocytes, oenocytoids, adipohaemocytes, spherulocytes and vermicytes. Prohaemocytes, plasmatocytes and granulocytes were the most numerous circulating haemocytes in the haemolymph of Bradinopyga geminata. Prohaemocytes were the smallest cell type, spherical in shape with a centrally located large nucleus. The plasmatocytes were polymorphic with or without cytoplasmic extensions. The granulocytes were spherical or oval in shape with characteristic basophilic granules in the cytoplasm. Oenocytoids were the largest of all the cell types with a large nucleus and a homogenous cytoplasm. Adipohaemocytes were polymorphic, varied from small to large cells mostly irregular in shape with prominent lipid-like inclusions. The spherulocytes were characterized by the presence of highly basophilic or acidophilic spherules. Vermicytes were fusiform with a centrally located nucleus. The total and differential haemocyte counts were also done.
The effects of methanolic extracts of Andrographis paniculata on the oviposition behavior, hatcha... more The effects of methanolic extracts of Andrographis paniculata on the oviposition behavior, hatchability of eggs, larva, pupa and adult development of Earias vittella were investigated under laboratory conditions. Treatments included with difference concentrations of extract to compare with untreated control. Egg were dipped in different concentration (2,4 and 6) of extract with poor hatching. Larva fed on an extract sprayed cotton fruit slices. Adult fed on an extract containing 10% sucrose diet. There was poor egg laying.
Laboratory bioassay of the essential oils extracted from Z. armatum R. rugosa A. maritima and C. ... more Laboratory bioassay of the essential oils extracted from Z. armatum R. rugosa A. maritima and C. oppositifolia by hydrodistillation was carried out against the major bruchid pest C. analis to evaluate their oviposition deterrency, ovicidal activity and progeny deterrency. There was a significant difference in the number of eggs laid on treated and control and among the different treatments of essential oils. Z. armatum at 100 µl/ml allowed the bruchid to lay only 19.15±3.6 eggs as compared to 82.35±4.5 in control and proved to be most effective treatment with 76.74% oviposition deterrency. R. rugosa and A. maritima oil were found most effective in reducing the egg hatchability to 48.00±3.2 and 49.52±2.2% respectively at a lowest dose of 10 µl/ml. Egg hatching inhibition percentage increased with an increase in concentration in all the treatments. R. rugosa oil at 100 µl/ml proved to be most effective in reducing the adult emergence with 85.48% progeny deterrence followed by A. maritima showing 81.67% deterrency. All the tested essential oils revealed a wide range of bioactivities against the insect pest.
The insects possess a close and subtle relationship with their host plants. The growth, incidence... more The insects possess a close and subtle relationship with their host plants. The growth, incidence, behaviour, physiology, ecology and other aspects of an insect life are in one way or another are correlated within the context of nutrition. The growth pattern, the anatomy and morphology, chemical composition and particularly the nutrition of plants may have an impact on the growth, survival and overall performance of the herbivorous insects. Moreover, the food quality of plants plays vital roles in mediating the foraging behaviour, growth and reproductive performance, as well as population dynamics of herbivorous insects. Similarly, poor plant nutrition can have an adverse effect on the performance and fitness of sap feeders. The present review of the work is to help understand earlier work done to generate information on the role of plant nutrients on insect development.
Juvenile hormone analogues have been tested as insect growth regulators in silkworm (Bombyx mori)... more Juvenile hormone analogues have been tested as insect growth regulators in silkworm (Bombyx mori), seeking an increment of silk production. These chemical products, when applied in small or moderate rates, promote the extension of the last larval instar. To understand the physiologic consequences on silk production by the silkworm strain CSR2 × CSR4.The application of fenoxycarb, a juvenile hormone analogue was performed to evaluate its effects on larval development and silk production. Fenoxycarb was topically applied 48h after the fourth larval ecdysis, on the dorsal integument of the 2nd thoracic segment of the insects,between 1 and 1.5 µg fenoxycarb influenced positively the duration of the fifth instar andthe weight gain of the insects. The application of 1µg fenoxycarb resulted in the heaviest silkglands, cocoons, shell cocoons and pupae weights. Comparatively to the control, the increment on silk production by the use of 1µg fenoxycarb was more accentuated than the corresponding negative effects on the cocooning rate.
Brown planthopper (BPH) outbreak had often occurred in Indonesia, especially in West Java, among ... more Brown planthopper (BPH) outbreak had often occurred in Indonesia, especially in West Java, among others Subang and Karawang as a hot spot areas. The research of dynamics population of rice planthoppers (RPH), natural enemies and existence of rice ragged stunt virus (RRSV) to anticipate rice damage was carried out in rice field at Sukamandi research station of Indonesian Center for Rice Research (ICRR). The results showed that the BPH and whitebacked planthopper (WBPH) population were very low and didn’t damage to rice crop, and also didn’t find symptoms of RRSV and grassy stunt virus (RGSV) after outbreak of both BPH and RRSV. Monitoring of RPH and natural enemies on DS 2011 using yellow paper sticky trap (YPST) was very good and effective as well as visual counting. Population of BPH and spiders on visual counting was lower than on YPST, but in WS 2011/2012 otherwise. The WBPH population and Paederus fuscipes on visual counting was higher than on YPST on both DS and WS. The population of Cyrtorhinus lividipennis on YPST observations was significantly higher than on visual counting on both DS and WS. The general results of pests and natural enemies with visual counting wasn’t always higher than YPST observation, and vice versa.This depends on the abundance and movement activity of each pests and natural enemies. Control to BPH and WBPH by insecticide on economic thresholds based on natural enemies (predators) didn’t require to be done on both the DS and WS, due to the value of RPH corrected by natural enemies (Di) always lower than the economic threshold that have been set based on the price of grain at harvest.This indicates that the presence predators of spiders, Lycosa pseudoannulata, P. fuscipes, and C.lividipenis have been able todecrease the population of rice planthoppers.
The present study was conducted to test the toxicity of neem oil with Prosopis juliflora as a bot... more The present study was conducted to test the toxicity of neem oil with Prosopis juliflora as a botanical synergist. Different concentrations of botanical synergist were used with neem oil and incubated for 1hrs at 150rpm and at 40oC. After incubation, toxicity experiments were set up against third instar starving larva of Khapra beetle Trogoderma granarium (Everts.) for 24hrs and 48hrs. Results showed that increase in the concentration of botanical synergist significantly increases the toxicity of neem oil. 70% and 50% increases in the percentage mortality of the test organism was observed after 24hrs and 48hrs respectively. Significant decrease in the LD50 was also observed with the increase in the concentration of botanical synergist after 48hrs i.e. 14.71 mg.kg-1 with 0g and 8.65 mg.kg-1, 8.65 mg.kg-1 and 7.65 mg.kg-1 with 2g, 6g and 10g respectively. These results suggest that toxicity of neem oil increases with increase in the concentration of the botanical synergist. Thus, we conclude that Prosopis juliflora used in the present work enhance the toxicity and bioavailability of azadirachtin in neem oil against the target pest and can be used as an efficient substitute for chemical synergist. Hence, this synergistic approach provides an ecofriendly and economically efficient formulation of neem oil for stored grain pest management.
The study was conducted in Inyonga Division, Mlele district, western Tanzania in July 2014. The s... more The study was conducted in Inyonga Division, Mlele district, western Tanzania in July 2014. The study aimed at assessing the contribution of beekeeping to community’s livelihoods and biodiversity conservation. A total of 101 beekeepers were interviewed from purposively selected villages. Focus group discussions, Key Informant Interviews and physical observation were also used. Significant difference on number of hives was observed (χ2 =11.726, df = 2, P = 0.003) in the study villages, no significant difference was detected in hive occupancy rate between hive types (Chi-square =4.127, df=4, p>0.389). Harvesting, processing and packaging of bee products were observed to be done locally, causing a negative impacts on biodiversity conservation due to fire setting in harvesting process. Bark hives were widely used 63% (n=11,928) of the recorded hives. Thus, awareness rising on the use of appropriate beekeeping practices is highly recommended for enhancing biodiversity conservation in Mlele District.
Toxicity of topically applied different sub lethal concentrations (0.002, 0.004, 0.006 and 0.008%... more Toxicity of topically applied different sub lethal concentrations (0.002, 0.004, 0.006 and 0.008%) of thiamethoxam on the 4th instar nymphs of Dysdercus koenigii was studied in the controlled laboratory condition. With increase in the sub lethal concentration nymphal mortality, nymphal and adults longevity increases significantly in the dose dependent manner, However fecundity and fertility of the affected female decreases significantly as compare to the untreated control. A significant decline in the adults emergence were also observed with increase in the sub lethal concentrations of thiamethoxam. Therefore from the current study it is concluded that thiamethoxam is very potent insecticide against the nymphs of Dysdercus koenigii under the laboratory condition.
Influence of weather factors on flight of natural enemies that captured on the light traps. The ... more Influence of weather factors on flight of natural enemies that captured on the light traps. The Research was carried out in the 2013 at Sukamandi rice research station of Indonesian Center for Rice Research (ICRR). Natural enemies captured on the light traps of mercury lamp ML-160 watt and CFL-20 watt, while the weather data was collected from a meteorological cage within 200 m from the light trap. The results showed that the weather factors such as evaporation, wind velocity, light intensity, air temperature, relative humidity, rainfall and temperature of soil surface at 0 cm were insignificant effect to flight of O. nigrofasciata and P. fuscipes that captured on mercury lamp 160 watt and CFL-20 watt. The temperature of soil surface at 0 cm was significant positive influence to Coccinella sp. that captured on the mercury lamp 160 watt, while the Coccinella sp. that captured on the CFL bulbs 20 watt were significant negative influenced by rainfall and relative humidity. The facts explainthat flight of Coccinella sp. were determined by environmental resultant factors between weather, lamp light capacity, and luminous power.
Ten eulophid parasitoids, viz., Achrysocharoides sp., Baryscapus sp., Chrysocharis sp., Chrysonot... more Ten eulophid parasitoids, viz., Achrysocharoides sp., Baryscapus sp., Chrysocharis sp., Chrysonotomyia sp., Closterocerus sp., Minotetrastichus sp., Pnigalio sp., Quadrastichus sp., Stenomesius sp. and Sympiesis sp. were recorded for the first time as parasitoids on the larvae of apple leaf miner, Lyonetia clerkella Linn. (Lepidoptera: Lyonetiidae). Among the eight sites (S1-S8) chosen for the study, the parasitism of leaf miner larvae was observed from June (2015) onwards upto October (2015) coinciding with the population of leaf miner larvae. Among the parasitoids, Chrysocharis sp. was observed dominant recording 47.8% parasitism followed by Chrysonotomyia sp. (19.65%), Minotetrastichus sp. (8.18%), Pnigalio sp. (8.8%), Sympiesis sp. (5.81%), Stenomesius sp. (4.4%), Closterocerus sp. (2.98%), Quadrastichus sp. (1.72%), Achrysocharoides sp. (0.78%) and Baryscapus sp. (0.15%) respectively.
A checklist of Acrididae, which is the most important family of orthopterous pests, has been prov... more A checklist of Acrididae, which is the most important family of orthopterous pests, has been provided from West Bengal, India. An extensive survey was carried out during the period of 2015 to 2017 from different districts of West Bengal. The collected specimens were sorted out into 84 species belongs to 58 genera and 12 subfamilies. Twelve species i.e. Acrida gigantea Herbst), Orthoctha indica Uvarov, Leionotacris bolivari (Uvarov), Aiolopus thalassinus thalassinus (Fabricius), Aiolopus simulatrix (Walker), Chloebora marshalli (Henry), Oxya japonica japonica (Thunberg), Oedipoda miniata miniata (Pallas), Tropidopola longicornis Fieber, Acorypha insignis (Walker), Diabolocatantops pinguis (Stal), Xenocatantops karnyi (Kirby) are recoded for the first time from this state.
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Both A. rufispinum and S. esakii possess 2n=10A+XY. Single chiasma per bivalent is the predominant feature in both the species. In A. rufispinum, all autosomal bivalents show thick terminal C-bands while in S. esakii, thin terminal bands are observed in four bivalents while one is C- negative. Y is C- positive and X is negative in both the species. All C-positive regions are DAPI/CMA3 bright. In A. rufispinum, each autosomal bivalent shows a specific distribution pattern of NORs while it is similar in all the bivalents in S. esakii. Linear characterization shows species specific distribution of C-bands, AT-GC rich DNA and NORs.
Both A. rufispinum and S. esakii possess 2n=10A+XY. Single chiasma per bivalent is the predominant feature in both the species. In A. rufispinum, all autosomal bivalents show thick terminal C-bands while in S. esakii, thin terminal bands are observed in four bivalents while one is C- negative. Y is C- positive and X is negative in both the species. All C-positive regions are DAPI/CMA3 bright. In A. rufispinum, each autosomal bivalent shows a specific distribution pattern of NORs while it is similar in all the bivalents in S. esakii. Linear characterization shows species specific distribution of C-bands, AT-GC rich DNA and NORs.