Borer Populations Research Articles

Pervasive heteroplasmy in an invasive ambrosia beetle (Scolytinae) in southern California.

Heteroplasmy, the presence of multiple mitochondrial genotypes (mitotypes) within an individual, has long been thought to be a rare aberrance that is quickly removed by selection or drift. However, heteroplasmy is being reported in natural populations of eukaryotes with increasing frequency, in part due to improved diagnostic methods. Here, we report a seemingly stable heteroplasmic state in California populations of the polyphagous shothole borer (PSHB), Euwallacea fornicatus; an invasive ambrosia beetle that is causing significant tree dieback. We develop and validate a qPCR assay utilizing locked nucleic acid probes to detect different mitotypes, and qualitatively assess heteroplasmy in individual PSHB. We prove the utility of this assay by: (1) mitotyping field-collected PSHB, documenting the prevalence of heteroplasmy across its range in California; and, (2) measuring relative titers of each mitotype across multiple generations of heteroplasmic laboratory colonies to assess the stability of transmission through the maternal germline. We show that our findings are unlikely to be explained by the existence of NUMTs by next generation sequencing of contiguous sections of mitochondrial DNA, where each of the observed heteroplasmic sites are found within fully functional coding regions of mtDNA. Subsequently, we find heteroplasmic individuals are common in Californian field populations, and that heteroplasmy persists for at least 10 generations in experimental colonies. We also looked for evidence of the common occurrence of paternal leakage, but found none. In light of our results, we discuss competing hypotheses as to how heteroplasmy may have arisen, and continues to perpetuate, in Californian PSHB populations.

The chemical grain composition of wheat and barley affectsthe development of the lesser grain borer (Rhyzopertha dominica F.) and the rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae L.)

The lesser grain borer (Rhyzopertha dominica F.) and the rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae L.) are stored grain pests that cause significant economic losses in grain storage. This study aimed to analyze the impact of the chemical composition of wheat and barley grain (e.g., protein, fatty acids and total antioxidant capacity) on the development of two species of storage pests and to determine the relationship between the analyzed variables. The study involved the evaluation of 10 wheat cultivars and 10 barley cultivars under laboratory conditions. The observations included assessing the beetles’ progeny abundance, dust mass produced after feeding, and grain mass loss. The chemical composition of the tested wheat and barley cultivars was also determined, and the influence of different chemical compositions on insect development was investigated. The results of the experiment revealed diversity of resistance among cultivars to pest feeding. Larger populations of the lesser grain borer were observed on barley grains, while rice weevil populations were higher on wheat. Cultivars with higher protein and fat content were more susceptible to pest attacks. A connection between the amount of dust, grain mass loss, and the type of pest was also identified, indicating differences in feeding mechanisms and selective food preferences of these insects. The grain chemistry of wheat cultivars, including the content of fatty acids and antioxidants, significantly influenced the progeny abundance of S. oryzae, suggesting the potential of these components as natural barriers against storage pests. This study provides valuable insights for developing breeding strategies to enhance the natural resistance of new grain cultivars to these pests, contributing to the reduction of pesticide use. Statistical analyses confirmed the significance of differences in grain composition in varied resistance to the studied pests. The conclusions drawn from this work may help establish new storage and breeding practices, promoting sustainable agriculture and protecting natural resources.

Assessment of the 2022 post-market environmental monitoring report on the cultivation of genetically modified maize MON 810 in the EU.

Following a request from the European Commission, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) assessed the 2022 post-market environmental monitoring (PMEM) report on the cultivation of Cry1Ab-expressing maize event MON 810. Overall, the 2022 PMEM report provides no evidence of adverse effects of maize MON 810 cultivation. It shows a high level of compliance with refuge requirements by Spanish and Portuguese farmers growing maize MON 810, but uncertainty remains on compliance in areas where the clustered surface of maize MON 810 farms exceeds 5 ha. There are no signs of practical resistance to Cry1Ab in the field in corn borer populations collected in north-eastern Spain in 2022, although a decrease in Cry1Ab susceptibility in Mediterranean corn borer populations from this area cannot be excluded. Information retrieved through farmer questionnaires in Spain and from the scientific literature reveals no unanticipated adverse effects on human and animal health or the environment arising from the cultivation of maize MON 810. Uncertainties remain on whether 'very highly' and 'extremely' sensitive non-target lepidoptera are potentially exposed to harmful amounts of MON 810 pollen. EFSA notes that several recommendations made in the frame of the assessment of previous PMEM reports remain unaddressed and identified additional shortcomings in the 2022 PMEM report that require further consideration by the consent holder in future annual PMEM reports. Particularly, EFSA emphasises the urgent need to increase the sensitivity of the insect resistance monitoring strategy and implement mitigation measures to ensure that the exposure of non-target lepidoptera to maize MON 810 pollen is reduced to levels of no concern.

Predictive modelling of yellow stem borer population in rice using light trap: A comparative study of MLP and LSTM networks

AbstractThe yellow stem borer (YSB), Scirpophaga incertulas (Walker), is a major insect pest that significantly damages rice crop. This study investigates methods to predict YSB populations in rice fields, aiming to develop an early warning system. Traditionally, rice farmers rely on light traps to monitor YSB presence. However, this study goes beyond this approach by combining light‐trap data with weather information (temperature, humidity, rainfall) and utilizing powerful artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to forecast future YSB populations. Two AI methods, multilayer perceptron (MLP) and long short‐term memory (LSTM), were employed to estimate YSB populations and assess their performance. The results revealed that the LSTM model outperformed the MLP model based on statistical metrics like RMSE, MAE, and R2 values. Utilizing LSTM model with historical data, stakeholders in the Eastern Coastal Plains and Hills agro‐climatic zone of India can gain a significant advantage in predicting YSB populations well in advance. This early warning system can alert stakeholders of potential YSB outbreaks, allowing them to take timely management actions and protect their rice crops from substantial yield losses.

Efficacy of Selected Biopesticides with Chlorantraniliprole against Gram Pod Borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) on Chickpea

The present investigation was conducted at the research plot of Department of Entomology at CRF, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj during the Rabi season of 2023-2024. The experiment was conducted in Randomized Block Design (RBD) using eight treatments each replicated thrice viz., Neem oil 2 % @20ml/lit, Spinosad 45 % SC @0.3ml/lit, NSKE 5% @5ml/lit., Bacillus thurngiensis @2.5 gm/lit, Beauveria bassiana @2.5gm/lit, Emamectin benzoate 5%SG @2ml/lit, Chlorantraniliprole18.5 S @1.5ml/lit and untreated control. Among the biopesticides and insecticides evaluated, Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC recorded lowest mean population of pod borer population i.e. (1.79) which was significantly superior over control followed by Spinosad 45 % SC (2.02%), Emamectin benzoate 5%SG (2.23%), Neem oil 2% (2.41%), NSKE 5% SC (2.61%), Bacillus thurngiensis (1.83%) and Beauveria bassiana (2.99%) was least effective among all the treatments. Among the treatment studied the best and most economical treatment was Chlorantraniliprole 18.5SC with highest and cost benefit ratio of 28.3 q/h and 1:3.1 followed by Spinosad 45 % SC %SC 26.7 q/h, 1:3.0, Emamectin benzoate 5%SG 25.8q/h and 1:2.9, Neem oil 2 % 22.5 q/h, 1:2.4, NSKE 5% 21.2 q/h , 1:2.2, Bacillus thurngiensis 17.0 q/h, and 1:1.9, Beauveria bassiana 11.7 q/h, and1:1.2 as compared to control 9.3 q/h and 1:1.1.

Periodic colonization of Trichogramma japonicum for bio-control of yellow stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas) in summer low-land rice (Oryza sativa)

Yellow stem borer [Scirpophaga incertulas (Walker)], is a major pest of low-land rice (Oryza sativa L.), causing 30–40% yield losses. The use of biological control agents to suppress yellow stem borer (YSB) population and damage across Asia includes inundative releases of the egg parasitoid, Trichogramma japonicum Ashmead. However, information on the time and number of parasitoids’ releases are lacking to control YSB in summer low-land rice. Therefore, an experiment was conducted during summer seasons of 2018 and 2019 at ICAR-National Institute of Biotic Stress Management, Raipur, Chhattisgarh to standardize the time and number of T. japonicum releases for effective biocontrol of YSB. Experiment consisted of 3 different treatment schedules, viz. T1, Four releases of T. japonicum at weekly intervals on the 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th days after planting (DAT); T2, Four releases of T. japonicum at weekly intervals on the 14th, 21st, 28th, 35th DAT; T3, Four releases of T. japonicum at weekly intervals on the 21st, 28th, 35th, 42nd DAT; and T4, Control (no release of wasps). Significant reduction of YSB-induced damage symptoms was observed in the treatment schedule (T2) consisting of four releases of T. japonicum (@50,000 wasps/ha/release) at weekly intervals on the 14th, 21st, 28th, 35th DAT of rice which significantly reduced the dead heart (9.1%, 45.83% reduction over control) and the white ear (1.8%, 47.05% reduction over control), as compared to untreated control plots (T4) (16.8% dead heart, 3.4% white ear) in summer 2018. Similarly, in summer 2019, the reduction in dead heart and white ear by the treatment (T2) was 43.35% and 46.15% over control, respectively. The significant reduction of YSB-induced damages corresponded with the increased grain yield in (T2) from 2018–19 i.e. 12.74–20.18% across the seasons. The results suggest that the (T2) augmentative releases provided ecologically viable bio-control of YSB during the summer seasons in low-land rice.

Coffee berry borer (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) population dynamics across Hawaii Island's diverse coffee-growing landscape: optimizing location-specific pesticide applications.

A major challenge to area-wide management of coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei Ferrari) (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) is understanding how a heterogeneous coffee-growing landscape affects coffee berry borer population dynamics across temporal and spatial scales. We examined coffee phenology, weather, coffee berry borer flight activity, infestation, coffee berry borer position within the fruit, and management across 14 commercial coffee farms from 2016 to 2018 on Hawaii Island to characterize variation among districts and elevations. Here we aim to determine whether the timing of pesticide applications might be optimized based on specific locations. We observed larger populations of coffee berry borer at low-elevation farms and in the Kona district compared to mid- and high-elevation farms and the Ka'u district. Temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall all differed significantly across districts and elevations. We also observed a trend of higher fruit production at low-elevation farms compared to high-elevation farms, and differences in the timing of fruit development. Infestation increased with higher pest pressure and air temperatures and reduced fruit availability early and late in the season. Lastly, the timing and number of management interventions varied among districts and elevations. Combining information on trap catch, infestation, coffee berry borer position, and plant phenology, we present an optimized pesticide spray schedule for each location and find that the number of sprays could be reduced by 33-75% in comparison to the existing integrated pest management recommendations while maintaining effective control. Implementing a coordinated area-wide approach refined by small-scale optimization will lead to improved management of coffee berry borer on individual farms and a reduction in pest pressure across the coffee-growing landscape.

Variation in the Susceptibility of Brinjal Shoot and Fruit Borer <i>Leucinodes orbonalis</i> Guenee to Diamide Insecticides and the Role of Detoxification Enzymes

The susceptibility status of two field populations of brinjal shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis (Guenee) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) collected from major vegetable growing regions of Kerala (Palakkad and Kollam) was determined during 2022-23 against diamide insecticides viz., flubendiamide 39.35% SC, chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC, and cyantraniliprole 10.26% OD in comparison to the susceptible population. Palakkad and Kollam populations showed a shift in susceptibility to flubendiamide with an LC50 value of 110.29 ppm and 23.987 ppm, respectively, as compared to that of the susceptible population with an LC50 of 0.504 ppm. Similar trends were observed for chlorantraniliprole and cyantraniliprole in Palakkad population, with an LC50 of 29.194 ppm and 3.399 ppm, respectively. Kollam population also showed a shift in susceptibility to chlorantraniliprole and cyantraniliprole with an LC50 of 2.174 ppm and 0.23 ppm, respectively, as compared to that of the susceptible strain with an LC50 of 0.119 ppm and 0.081 ppm, respectively. The wide range of variation among the field populations’ vulnerability to diamides might be attributed to the differential usage of these insecticides. The increased enzymatic activities of carboxylesterase, glutathione-S-transferase, and cytochrome P-450 monooxygenase in both populations emphasize the importance of detoxification enzymes in the metabolism of xenobiotics. These findings call for the judicious use of diamide insecticides to manage brinjal fruit and shoot borer.

Population Dynamics of Tomato Fruit Borer <i>Helicoverpa Armigera</i>

In order to gain a better understanding of the seasonal development and dynamics of tomato fruit borer (Helicoverpa armigera) on tomato in the Zaid season 2022, an experimental study was carried out in the state of Punjab. The population distribution of fruit borer pest is influenced during the growth season of the crop by abiotic conditions, and these factors can have either a favourable or negative effect. As a result of the fact that tomatoes can be cultivated during a variety of seasons, one can see vivid population dynamics in case of fruit borer during the Standard Meteorological Weeks (SMW). In the current experiment, the first occurance of a fruit borer was noticed during the 11th standard meterological week (the second week of March), and the population reached its highest peak during the 18th and 19th SMW (the first week of May). According to the findings of the correlation studies, maximum and minimum temperature have a significant positive relationship in either enhancing or lowering the population of fruit borers.

Secondary metabolites in host pears defense against two fruit borers and cytochrome-P450-mediated counter-defense

Herbivorous insects have evolved metabolic strategies to survive the challenges posed by plant secondary metabolites (SMs). This study reports an exploration of SMs present in pears, which serve as a defense against invasive Cydia pomonella and native Grapholita molesta and their counter-defense response. The feeding preferences of fruit borers are influenced by the softening of two pear varieties as they ripen. The content of SMs, such as quercetin and rutin, increases due to feeding by fruit borers. Notably, quercetin levels only increase after C.pomonella feeding. The consumption of SMs affects the growth of fruit borer population differently, potentially due to the activation of P450 genes by SMs. These two fruit borers are equipped with specific P450 enzymes that specialize in metabolizing quercetin and rutin, enabling them to adapt to these SMs in their host fruits. These findings provide valuable insights into the coevolution of plants and herbivorous insects.

Monitoring of the phytosanitary condition of grape plantations in the South of Ukraine in 2022—2023

Goal. Comprehensive study of pathogens of new diseases and pests, bioecological features of their development, trophic and ecological relationships in modern conditions of vineyards cultivation, taking into account pesticide load and climatic conditions, in order to develop forecasts of the development of major diseases and pests and optimize the technology of vineyard protection.
 Methods. Monitoring studies of vineyard growing conditions in different agroecological zones of Ukraine. The research was conducted in the farms of Odesa region. The objects of monitoring are grape plantations of different planting periods and varietal assortment.
 Results. The phytosanitary monitoring revealed the dynamics of the bunch borer population development. The species composition and dynamics of the number of phyto- and entomophages were determined in the grape plantations of the South of Ukraine. The dynamics of the number of phytophagous mites on grape plantations of Odesa region was studied. It was found that all the studied grape varieties are infested with mites to varying degrees. The most susceptible to mites are varieties of medium or late ripening.
 Conclusions. The study of fungal diseases proved that these diseases are widespread in the grape plantations of the Northern Black Sea region, and their development depends on weather conditions during the growing season, age of plantations and biological characteristics of the variety.

Evaluation of different Kabuli chickpea genotypes against Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in relation to biotic and abiotic factors.

The chickpea pod borer Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) is a significant insect pest of chickpea crops, causing substantial global losses. Field experiments were conducted in Central Punjab, Pakistan, to investigate the impact of biotic and abiotic factors on pod borer population dynamics and infestation in nine kabuli chickpea genotypes during two cropping seasons (2020-2021 and 2021-2022). The crops were sown in November in both years, with row-to-row and plant-to-plant distances of 30 and 15 cm, respectively, following a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Results showed a significant difference among the tested genotypes in trichome density, pod wall thickness, and leaf chlorophyll contents. Significantly lower larval population (0.85 and 1.10 larvae per plant) and percent damage (10.65% and 14.25%) were observed in genotype Noor-2019 during 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, respectively. Pod trichome density, pod wall thickness, and chlorophyll content of leaves also showed significant variation among the tested genotypes. Pod trichome density and pod wall thickness correlated negatively with larval infestation, while chlorophyll content in leaves showed a positive correlation. Additionally, the larval population positively correlated with minimum and maximum temperatures, while relative humidity negatively correlated with the larval population. Study results explore natural enemies as potential biological control agents and reduce reliance on chemical pesticides.

Impact of Abiotic Factors on Occurrence of Capsule Borer and Sucking Pests in Sesamum

A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural college, Naira, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, India during early summer (January–April) of 2021 to know about the incidence of leaf webber and sucking pests viz., leafhopper (Hishimonus phycitis Distant) and whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius) its relation with main weather factors. Results revealed that a peak incidence of mean capsule borer population per plant were recorded in 9th and 11th standard weeks, respectively. The correlation study revealed that the Antigastra larvae had significantly positive correlation with maximum temperature (r=0.48) and significantly negative correlation with relative humidity (r=- 0.71). The regression analysis revealed that these factors accounted for approximately 59.8% of the variation in the capsule borer population (R2=0.598). The incidence of leafhopper (Hishimonus phycitis Distant) and whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius) were started during 5th and 4th SMW attained their peaks during 11th an 12th SMW respectively. The correlation study revealed that the leafhopper showed significant positive correlation with maximum temperature (r=0.623) and minimum temperature (r=0.283) and significantly negatively correlated with morning and evening relative humidity (r=-0.165, r=-0.122) respectively. While the correlation study between whitefly population and weather parameters revealed that the it showed positive correlation with maximum (r=0.821) and minimum (r=0.120) temperature and negatively correlated with morning and evening relative humidity (r=-0.097, r=-0.182) respectively whereas, rainfall showed non-significant correlation (r=0.00) with the both sucking pests.

Determining the economic threshold for the sugarcane stalk borer (Diatraea spp.) in the Córdoba-Golfo region, Veracruz, Mexico

Objective: To determine the economic threshold for Diatraea spp. in the Córdoba-Golfo sugarcane growing region in Veracruz, Mexico. Design/Methodology/Approach: During the 2020-2021 production cycle, we established 21 sampling plots to measure damage percentage due to borer larvae in sugarcane stalks. Based on these measurements, we calculated the economic damage level (EDL) and the economic threshold (ET) by regions and subregions. Results: The most affected subregion was Yanga, with an average annual damage of more than 5 % and a real economic threshold of 1.36. The average ET in the Córdoba-Golfo region was 2.76, which indicates that applying control strategies for Diatraea spp. enables the regulation of insect populations. Study limitations/Implications: Strategies to obtain reality-driven diagnoses are still necessary to design and apply assertive management procedures to control stalk borer populations in the field. Findings/Conclusions: We posit a suitably calculated ET for each studied subregion, considering updated parameters that include real crop losses per zone (field performance). This can provide the basis for a course of action with an effective management that will, in turn, increase field performance and sugarcane juice quality.

A model of coffee berry borer population growth and susceptibility to control by birds

AbstractInsectivorous birds can provide ecological and economic services by decreasing pest populations in agricultural systems, but the magnitude of effect is often debated. We modeled the capacity for birds to suppress pest population growth using a common tropical coffee pest, the coffee berry borer (CBB) (Hypothenemus hampei) as a study system. Previous field experiments show that birds play a role in suppressing CBB infestations through predation, but the degree to which birds can suppress population growth enough to control infestations is unknown since CBB are only vulnerable to predators when gravid females disperse. Using previously published data on CBB life‐stage survivability, we constructed a female‐only, daily time‐step, deterministic Leslie matrix and projected CBB population growth for a single breeding season. Our goal was to assess the plausibility of CBB suppression by birds as a function of avian energy requirements, reported avian densities on coffee farms, prey composition of avian diets, estimated a caloric value of CBB, and the initial starting population size. Our model showed CBB population growth became exponential (λdaily = 1.042) and that at low, but not medium or high population sizes, were birds able to reduce population growth by 50%. In general, birds exert predation pressure on insect populations, but the ability to control infestations is complex, and is likely dependent on the initial CBB population size.

Pesticide Tolerance in the Five Field Strains of Trichogramma chilonis from Northern Districts of Tamil Nadu, India

The egg parasitoid, Trichogramma chilonis is a potential egg parasitoid in the sugarcane, reducing early shoot borer and internode borer population. The laboratory strains of T. chilonis was significantly inferior to the ecotypes collected from fields in their tolerance to insecticide due to continuous exposure to insecticides in the field. Hence, a study was undertaken to evaluate the laboratory reared strain of T. chilonis with that of other ecotypes to identify a pesticide tolerant ecotype for use in pest management by augmentative release. Five ecotypes of T. chilonis were collected from farmer's fields on sugarcane and citrus using sentinel egg technique by exposing egg cards of Corcyra cephalonica, mass reared on C. cephalonica for three successive generations and tested for their relative tolerance to insecticides in comparison with the laboratory strain. Significantly higher level of parasitisation (50.59, 45.32 and 60.45 %) by Arungunam ecotype was observed on eggs sprayed with Imidacloprid 70 WS, Thiomethoxam 75 SG and Flubendiamide 20% WG respectively before exposing to the parasitoid. The Chitteri ecotype was found next in order of tolerance to the insecticides Imidacloprid 70 WS, Thiomethoxam 75 SG and Flubendiamide 20% WG (45.00, 41.23 and 58.23 % respectively). The adult emergence was not found to be affected much by the insecticides sprayed before parasitisation. Varying degrees of insecticide toxicity against different ecotypes of T. chilonis inside host eggs was observed and Arungunam ecotype showed more tolerance to the insecticides tested with,71.28, 53.46 and 81.67 per cent adult emergence respectively from parasitised eggs sprayed with Imidacloprid 70 WS, Thiomethoxam 75 SG and Flubendiamide 20% WG. Among the insecticide tested, Flubendiamide was least toxic to the parasitoid developing with in the host egg and Thiomethoxam was found to be more toxic with nearly 50 per cent reduction in the adult emergence.

Seasonal Abundance of Important Pests of Mango and their Correlation with Weather Parameters

The investigation was carried out at the Instructional Farm, ASPEE College of Horticulture and Forestry, Navsari Agricultural University (N.A.U.), Navsari, Gujarat, India during 2021-2022. The leaf webber, leafhopper, fruit fly, shoot borer, and thrips were found abundant, whereas the mealybug and stone weevils were very less. The leaf webber population exhibited a significant negative correlation with minimum temperature (r= -0.488*) and evaporation (r=-0.483*). The leafhopper population had a highly significant positive correlation with wind velocity (r= 0.577**) and rainfall (r= 0.823**) and a significant negative correlation with minimum temperature (r=-0.495*) and morning relative humidity (r= -0.414*). Fruit fly population exhibited a highly significant positive correlation with minimum temperature (r= 0.761**), wind velocity (r= 0.646**), and evaporation (r= 0.524**). There was a significant negative correlation of shoot borer population with minimum temperature (r= -0.804**), evening relative humidity (r= -0.467*), and wind velocity (r= -0.437*). Thrips population had a highly significant negative correlation with minimum temperature (r= -0.690**), evening relative humidity (r= -0.879**), wind velocity (r= -0.567**), and rainfall (r= - 0.541**) and a significant positive correlation with sunshine hours (r= 0.684**) and maximum temperature (r= 0.438*). Among natural enemies, ants, mantids, spiders, and chrysopa were found in the orchard and none of the parasitoids were reported.

Study the Impact of Abiotic Factors on the Population Fluctuation of Major Insect Pest of Field Pea

The present investigation entitled Study the impact of abiotic factors on the population fluctuation of major insect pest of field pea was conducted at the Experiment field of Department of Plant breeding, seed Breeding farm, JNKVV Jabalpur (MP), Madhya Pradesh during the Rabi season 2020-21. Positive correlation of Acryothosiphon pissum, pod borer, and leafhopper with Maximum Temperature (0.581, 0.581, 0.582) and Acrythosiphon pissum with morning vapour pressure (0.453) may be given due weightage in formulating forewarning modules in the pest. Similarly positive correlation was found between Relative humidity and aphid (r = -0.304) and was found significant. Max temperature showed significant negative correlation (r=-0.581) with aphid, Pod borer and leafhopper’s population where minimum temperature and rainfall showed negative correlation (r=-0.453 and r= - 0.153) with aphid population. Whereas min temperature showed positive non-significant correlation (r= 0.413). Max temperature showed significant negative correlation (r = -0.581) with pod borer population. Morning vapour pressure shows significant negative correlation (r=-0.453) with aphid population.

Impact of Date of Sowing and Weather Parameters on Insect Pests Infesting Summer Mungbean

An experiment was conducted at Pulses Research Station, SDAU, Sardarkrushinagar during summer 2021 and 2022 to find out the insect pests attacking mungbean crop sowing at different dates to determine the optimum date(s) of sowing. It is seen that the incidence and population fluctuation of various insect pests was very much dependent on the prevailed climatic conditions of the cropping season. Study on the impact of date of sowing on sucking pests revealed that the sucking pest populations of whitefly, leafhopper and thrips were significantly high during the crop sown on February 15 and March 8 during both years, and high pod borer damage and low yield were also recorded on this date of sowing. Sucking pest population and percent pod borer damage were comparatively low on the date of sowing on February 26th, and the highest yield was also recorded on this date of sowing. The last week of February is advisable for sowing summer mungbean to get a higher yield and the lowest sucking pest and pod borer populations

Assessment of the 2021 post-market environmental monitoring report on the cultivation of genetically modified maize MON 810 in the EU.

Following a request from the European Commission, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) assessed the 2021 post-market environmental monitoring (PMEM) report on the cultivation of Cry1Ab-expressing maize event MON 810. Evidence provided in the PMEM report shows that farmers growing maize MON 810 in Spain complied partially with refuge requirements, while full compliance was achieved in Portugal. Cry1Ab susceptibility tests performed on European and Mediterranean corn borer populations collected from north-eastern Spain in 2021 indicated no symptoms of resistance evolution to maize MON 810. However, unexpected damage to maize MON 810 plants was observed in a field trial in the province of Girona (north-eastern Spain), which may point to the presence of resistance alleles in this region. Information retrieved through farmer questionnaires and the scientific literature reveals no unanticipated adverse effects on human and animal health or the environment arising from the cultivation of maize MON 810. Overall, EFSA concludes that the evidence reported in the 2021 PMEM report does not invalidate its previous conclusions on the safety of maize MON 810. The possible presence of Cry1Ab resistance alleles at frequencies leading to damage to maize MON 810 plants in Girona requires twofold actions: (1) increase monitoring efforts in this area; and (2) implement remedial measures to limit the suspected evolution and spread of resistance. As in previous years, EFSA identified shortcomings on resistance monitoring that need revision. In particular, full refuge compliance must be achieved in Spain. Moreover, the sensitivity of the monitoring plan must be increased, which can be achieved by replacing the current susceptibility assays by periodic F2 screens. EFSA also recommends the consent holder to revise the farmer questionnaires to account for the emergence of teosinte as a noxious agricultural weed in maize MON 810-growing areas in Spain.