Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm) is a major pest in many African and Asian countries, severely affecting global agriculture, especially maize, a key staple crop. To evaluate various biological agents for their control, continuous rearing of this economically important pest under laboratory conditions becomes necessary. Accordingly, this study assessed the growth and development of S. frugiperda larvae reared on five artificial diets (D1: chickpea-based, D2: Wheat-based, D3: Soybean-based, D4: Bean-based, D5: Cowpea-based) compared to a natural maize leaf diet (D6, control). The experiment was conducted under controlled conditions (25 ± 2°C, 65 ± 10% RH, 12:12 h light-dark cycle). The key morphometric parameters, such as head capsule width and length, larval and pupal length, breadth, and weight, as well as adult body length and wingspan for both sexes, were recorded. Significant differences were observed vis-a-vis the diets. The chickpea-based diet (D1) showed the best results, producing the heaviest pupae (average 168.36 mg) and the highest values in all morphometric traits. These findings highlight the potential of the D1 diet as a more effective and efficient option for laboratory rearing of S. frugiperda, facilitating advanced research and large-scale evaluation of biological control agents that could be used in any integrated pest management strategies.. KEYWORDS :Artificial diets, Biological control, IPM, Morphometry parameter, Spodoptera frugiperda, Zero hunger

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) technology has revolutionized genetic engineering, opening unprecedented opportunities for biopesticide development. By enabling precise genetic modifications, CRISPR is addressing the challenges of pest resistance, environmental safety, and specificity in biopesticide applications. This review explores innovations in CRISPR-driven biopesticide development, assesses their socioeconomic and ecological impacts, and identifies future directions for research and application. The integration of CRISPR with digital technologies, regulatory hurdles, and strategies for sustainable pest management are also discussed. By outlining the route of CRISPR from controlled laboratory surroundings to real-world field applications, this review underlines its evolutionary perspective in transforming pest control prototypes. The conjunction of gene-editing knowledge, agroecological responsibility, and agronomic invention marks an innovative period in which CRISPR-driven biopesticides can play a fundamental role in safeguarding agricultural sustainability as well as climate resilience.. KEYWORDS :Biopesticides, Gene editing, Gene driven technology Resistance, Sustainable agriculture

The Aedes aegypti mosquito is the major vector of dengue, chikungunya, and zika, posing significant public health risks that necessitate innovative management measures, such as introducing entomopathogenic bacteria. Bacteria from the soil of Triveni plant assembly (TPA), i.e., TPA (Neem, Peepal, and Bargad planted in very close vicinity), were isolated and evaluated for their toxicity to A. aegypti larvae. Five bacterial strains were chosen for molecular identification using 16S Rrna sequencing. The sequencing results indicated that the isolated bacterial strains are from distinct Bacillus species. All identified Bacillus spp. strains exhibited varying levels of larvicidal activity against A. aegypti larvae. Three different concentrations of bacteria were evaluated independently for larvicidal activity. Bacillus subtilis inaquosorum LGJT demonstrated the highest larvicidal efficacy (LC50 = 12.96 μL/mL). TPA soils, therefore, can be an efficient source of biological control agents against mosquito larvae.. KEYWORDS :Aedes aegypti, Bacillus, Biological control, Larvicidal activity, NA sequencing, Triveni plant assembly

The lesser grain borer Rhyzopertha dominica (Fab.) is a major pest that causes damage to post-harvest wheat products. A promising alternative to traditional neurotoxic insecticides in pest management is biopesticides. This study evaluated essential oils (EOs) from four medicinal and aromatic plants for their insecticidal activity under laboratory conditions. All four EOs were repellent and caused fumigant toxicity to R. domonica. The treatments were given at 5, 10, 15, and 20% (w/v). Maximum repellency was recorded after Tridax procumbens EO treatment (92.8%), followed by Citrus sinensis, Rauwolfia serpentina, and Curcuma longa EOs. After 48 h exposure, the lethal concentration values of T. procumbens EO were 9.716 μL and 13.062 μL against larvae and adults of R. domonica, respectively. Therefore, from the above findings, these four EOs could be an effective natural biopesticide for controlling R. domonica.. KEYWORDS :Essential oils, Insecticidal activity, Repellents, Rhyzopertha dominica, Toxicity

The availability of nectar and pollen is crucial for sustaining honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies. During floral dearth periods, natural forage is limited, leading to reduced colony strength and productivity. To address this issue, the present study evaluated the effects of different pollen-based diet formulations on colony activity and development during the summer dearth period. The four diets used were D1 (gram flour, turmeric powder, sugar powder, ground pollen, and honey); D2 (brewer's yeast, maize flour, skimmed milk powder, sugar powder, ground pollen, and honey); D3 (soybean flour, skimmed milk powder, sugar powder, ground pollen, and honey); and D4 (control and sugar syrup only), in three replicates each. Colonies received 100 g of diet weekly in the form of patties and were assessed for diet consumption, sealed brood area, and honey storage area. Results showed that T2 was the most consumed diet (38.52 g/colony/week) and resulted in the highest sealed brood area (545.95 cm²) and honey storage area (405.96 cm²), compared to control and other treatments. The study demonstrated that protein-enriched pollen substitutes, particularly those including brewer's yeast, maize flour, skimmed milk powder, sugar powder, ground pollen, and honey, can effectively enhance colony build-up and productivity during the periods of forage scarcity. These findings support the development of standardized supplementary diets to mitigate the adverse effects of seasonal dearth on beekeeping operations.. KEYWORDS :Apis mellifera, Colony development, Dearth period, Diet formulations, Pollen substitute, Supplementary feeding

The persistent nature of pesticides in soil and water harms ecosystems and human health, and their excessive and ongoing use contaminates the environment continuously. Therefore, a physical, chemical, and biological strategy is required to eliminate these contaminants. Biological bioremediation reduces environmental contamination by breaking down or detoxifying pesticides using microorganisms, plants, or their enzymes. Insecticides must be transformed into less dangerous forms by fungi and bacteria such as Bacillus and Pseudomonas. The special therapeutic plant's rhizosphere also contains helpful bacteria that purify the soil and water by absorbing and digesting dangerous poisons. The environment (temperature, pH, and oxygen), the appropriate species, and the diverse microbial community utilized as a bioremediating tool to clean up pesticide-contaminated locations are some factors that determine the procedure's efficacy. This review discusses microbe-based bioremediation as a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and sustainable method of managing pesticide pollution. It emphasizes the role of the Triveni plant assembly, which consists of Neem, Peepal, and Bargad trees grown close to the Bhiwani district, Haryana, India. The varied microbial population in the rhizosphere of these plants is responsible for the soil quality in Triveni.. KEYWORDS :Bioremediation, Medicinal plants, Microflora, Pesticides, Rhizosphere

Megacopta cribraria (F.), an emerging pest of concern, has been studied extensively to understand bionomics and explore control strategies. The use of plant-derived extracts has proven to be one of the best and most eco-friendly approaches for pest control. This study focuses on the ovicidal and deterrence potential of the Aegle marmelos crude aqueous leaf extract on M. cribraria. Egg hatching decreased significantly with increasing concentrations, dropping to 70% at the highest test concentration of 10%. A significant deterrent effect was seen in terms of time spent by the bugs on the treated surface and their visitation frequency. At the highest concentration, bugs spent only 3.24% of the total time (10 min) on the treated surface compared to the control. The frequency of visitation to the treated surface (~13% visit) also declined significantly at 10% concentration compared to the untreated surface (87% visit). This deterrence activity was further evident from the bugs' frequent grooming behaviour, trying to remove the extract from their body parts. A. marmelos leaf extract, therefore, was a potential candidate in deterring behavioural responses of M. cribraria bugs, and requires large-scale exploration for its insecticidal potential.. KEYWORDS :Aegle marmelos, Biopesticides, Deterrence activity, Ovicidal effects, Megacopta cribraria

Sesame is an ancient crop used for edible oil. The crop contains multiple antioxidants and is well known for its medicinal value. Sesame plants can be affected by various diseases, among which sesame phyllody, caused by phytoplasma, poses a severe threat and economic losses. These bacteria feed on the phloem region and can be transmitted by different plant hoppers. In the present study, two growth regulators were applied in various combinations. Disease inhibition was calculated, and areas under the disease progress curve were prepared for different treatments 10, 20, and 30 days after the 3rd spraying. Among all the treatments, the T12-Humic acid (1000 ppm) + putrescine (150 ppm) combination provided significant control of the disease, followed by T16-humic acid (500 ppm) + putrescine (50 ppm) during the same period.. KEYWORDS :Bacteria, Growth regulators, Humic acid, Phytoplasma, Putrescine, Zero hunger

The univariate and multivariate techniques were used to assess 31 diverse Indian mustard accessions for nine yield-related traits. The univariate analyses unveiled significant variation among the evaluated genotypes for all the estimated traits. Traits reflecting high heritability (h2) and genetic advances were determined. The number of secondary branches (NSB)/plant (63.77%), economic yield (EY) (31.79%), and main shoot length (30.19%) suggested substantial additive gene effects, making early-generation selection effective. Correlation and path coefficient analyses showed the total siliquae number on the main shoot (NSMS), the NSBs, and the total number of seeds per silique (NSPS) as key contributors to seed yield. Multivariate analyses (principal component [PC] and hierarchical cluster analyses) categorized studied accessions into distinct groups, revealing trait associations and genetic diversity. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that PC1 and PC2 accounted for genetic diversity, with total NSMS, NSB, and NSPS contributing the most. All the evaluated genotypes showcased significant potential in fostering robust hybrid vigor for almost all the traits. Specifically, six genotypes were found to be the most diverse, and BAUT 081, TKM-17-1, SHIVSHI SHIVAN, and PBH-14 were associated with EY and related traits, suggesting to serve as valuable donors in future breeding programs The study emphasizes the importance of integrating multiple statistical techniques to enhance genotype selection precision and Indian mustard breeding efficiency.. KEYWORDS :Agronomic traits, Crop improvement, Genetic diversity, Mustard, Phenotypes

Para- and ortho-anisaldehyde isomers were assessed for their effects on horn fly, Haematobia irritans irritans (L.), and house fly, Musca domestica L., egg hatching, larval development to pupae, adult emergence, direct contact, and fumigation on adults, and adult repellency. p-Anisaldehyde was more toxic than o-anisaldehyde to horn fly eggs. Both isomers were more potent against horn fly eggs than against house fly eggs. Increasing p-anisaldehyde concentration increased inhibition of horn fly egg hatching. o-Anisaldehyde was the more inhibitory isomer against larval development to pupae of each fly species, indicating a distinct isomer effect but a lesser species effect. The development of pupae to adults was less affected by the isomers than larval development to pupae. Direct contact with p-anisaldehyde caused greater immobilization of horn flies, but high concentrations of each isomer were strongly immobilizing or lethal. Fumigation using p-anisaldehyde induced limited immobilization; a 2.5% concentration caused substantial mortality of the fly species by 1 h of exposure. o-Anisaldehyde as a fumigant was not as lethal to horn flies as it was to house flies. p-Anisaldehyde was more repellent against house flies than horn flies at a =0.375% source concentration, and o-anisaldehyde repelled both species. The applications of the isomers for the control of horn flies and house flies will depend on the route of exposure, concentration, target species, life stage, and practicality.. KEYWORDS :Haematobia irritans, Isomer, Musca domestica, Natural products, Reproduction