Cephalonica Stainton Research Articles

Lethal effect of three medicinal plant extract on Corcyra cephalonica stainton (Lepidoptera: pyralidae) in laboratory condition

The natural plant extract were extracted from the three medicinal plants, leaves of Eucalyptus globulus (Mirtaceae), Ocimum basilicum (Lamiaceae) and seed of Syzygium aromaticum against toxicity activity investigated against the major lepidopteran pest Corcyra cephalonica adults in laboratory condition. The results indicated that the maximum toxicity (LC50) assay was recorded from S. aromaticum against C. cephalonica was 14.365 after 48 hr. followed by O. basilicum and E. globulus 16.234 and 17.336 respectively. These observations confirmed that the natural plant extract which were extracted from the three medicinal plants leaves and seed have insecticidal activity against the insect C. cephalonica pests in laboratory and will be used for insect pest management in place of synthetic pesticides.. KEYWORDS :Corcyra cephalonica, Natural plant extracts, toxicity, Medicinal plants.

Parasitic efficiency of different egg parasitoids against invasive fall armyworm, <i>Spodoptera frugiperda</i> (J. E. Smith)

A study was conducted to examine the parasitic efficiency of different egg parasitoids viz., Trichogramma chilonis Ishii, Trichogramma pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) and Telenomus remus Nixon (Hymenoptera: Scelionadae) of Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Corcyra cephalonica Stainton (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), respectively under the laboratory condition at 28 ± 3°C. The investigation showed that T. chilonis displayed a parasitic efficiency ranging from 85 to 87 per cent, T. pretiosum from 80 to 89 per cent, and T. remus from 7 to 90 per cent. Both host species were accepted for parasitization, but C. cephalonica was identified as more suitable for the development of T. chilonis and T. pretiosum, while S. frugiperda was deemed the most suitable host for rearing T. remus. These findings contribute valuable insights into the host preferences and parasitic efficiencies of these parasitoids, essential information for potential applications in biological control strategies against agricultural pests.

Effect of augmentative releases of the parasitoid, <i>Habrobracon hebetor</i> Say (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) using plastic cups on <i>Heliocheilus albipunctella</i> De Joannis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in the Sahelian region of Burkina Faso

The most important insect pest of the millet crop in Burkina Faso is the Millet Head Miner (MHM), Heliocheilus albipunctella De Joannis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). To reduce its damage, the use of the parasitoid, Habrobracon hebetor Say (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) constitutes the most promising control strategy. The present study aims to know the effect of augmentative releases of H. hebetor on this pest using a new parasitoid release technique. This new technique release consists of a recycled plastic cups containing Corcyra cephalonica Stainton larvae parasitized individually at different times (8, 12 and 24 hours) by H. hebetor females. These cups were installed in the millet fields of different villages (release villages) to control this pest H. albipunctella by H. hebetor, and maitained the control villages that didn’t receive any release. Our findings showed that plastic cups containing parasitized larvae at different times can be used to produce parasitoids. Thus, C. cephalonica larvae parasitized in 24 hours produced 280 H. hebetor, unlike larvae parasitized in 8 and 12 hours. Emerged H. hebetor had a male-biased sex ratio when the time of parasitism of C. cephalonica larvae by H. hebetor females was 24h. Releasing parasitoids into millet fields reduced the length of mines by 3.80 cm and two times higher parasitism of the pest by H. hebetor in the villages where parasitoids were released as compared to control villages. Finally, a millet yield gain of 31% was obtained in the parasitoid released fields. This new release technique of H. hebetor could be used in biological control programmes against MHM in the Sahel.

Biological traits of the zoophytophagous predatory mirid Nesidiocoris poppiusi (Heteroptera: Miridae), a candidate biocontrol agent in China.

Mirid predators are increasingly used in biological control of multiple greenhouse crops pests. However, due to great morphological similarity and tiny body size, some mirid predators have been largely confused with their allied species. Nesidiocoris tenuis Reuter as a commercial mirid predator was confused largely with Nesidiocoris poppiusi Carvalho in China. To evaluate the biocontrol potential of N. poppiusi, its biological traits and the functional response to Bemisia tabaci Gennadius were studied compared with N. tenuis under laboratory conditions. The results showed that no significant differences of the developmental times from the first instar to adult stages between the 2 mirids fed on Corcyra cephalonica Stainton eggs were observed, while N. poppiusi had better population growth parameters than N. tenuis. Under the condition with prey, both female and male of N. poppiusi lived significantly longer than those of N. tenuis. It could lay 74.0 eggs, which was significantly higher than that of N. tenuis (30.2 eggs). Under the condition without prey, both N. poppiusi and N. tenuis couldn't complete development to adulthood on tomato, tobacco, muskmelon, and cabbage leaves, however, tobacco and tomato were more suitable than the other 2 plants. A type II functional response was observed for both males and females of the 2 predators. Nesidiocoris poppiusi females consumed significantly more B. tabaci pupae than N. tenuis when prey densities were large than 30. Our results indicated that N. poppiusi could be a promising candidate for biological control of B. tabaci.

COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT DIETS ON BIOLOGY OF CORCYRA CEPHALONICA (STAINTON) UNDER LABORATORY CONDITION

The study aimed to evaluate different rearing media for mass production of rice moth Corcyra cephalonica Stainton (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), an important host insect for several bio-control agents. The development and reproductive performance of C. cephalonica was evaluated on six different combinations of rearing media containing maize, wheat, rice, jowar, ragi, sugar and groundnut. Results showed that the larval period, pupal period, adult emergence fecundity, adult longevity and fecundity were highest and true generation time was shortest in Diet VI (Wheat, yeast, groundnut). Hence, Diet VI is the most suitable rearing media for mass production of C. cephalonica.

Functional response of an egg parasitoid, Trichogramma chilonis Ishii to sublethal imidacloprid exposure.

The effectiveness of a biological control agent depends on how well it can control pests and how compatible it is with pesticides. Therefore, we reported the multigenerational effect of a commonly used insecticide, imidacloprid, on the functional response of a widely acclaimed egg parasitoid, Trichogramma chilonis Ishii, to different densities of the host Corcyra cephalonica Stainton eggs. The study investigated the outcomes of the median lethal concentration (LC50 ) and sublethal concentrations (LC5 , LC30 ), along with control treatments for five continuous generations (F1 to F5 ). The results showed that the F5 generation of LC30 , both of the F1 and F5 generations of LC50 , and the control all had a Type II functional response. A Type I functional response was exhibited for the F1 generation of LC30 and both generations of LC5 . The attack rate on host eggs treated with LC5 and LC30 did not change (decrease) with the shift in the type of functional response as compared to the control. A significant increase in the searching efficiency (a) was observed in the later generation (F5 ) under the exposure of LC5 and LC30 imidacloprid concentrations. A lower handling time (Th ) in both generations of the LC5 followed by LC30 treated individuals was observed when compared with the control and LC50 treatments. The per capita parasitization efficiency (1/Th ) and the rate of parasitization per handling time (a/Th ) were also considerably higher in both the generations of LC5 and LC30 than in the control and LC50 , thereby implying positive effects of imidacloprid on the parasitization potential of T. chilonis. Altogether, these multigenerational outcomes on the functional response of T. chilonis could be leveraged to control the intractable lepidopteran pests under the mild exposure of imidacloprid in integrated pest management (IPM) programs as well as in the mass rearing of the parasitoid, T. chilonis. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Influence of Larval Diet on Pupal Period and Size of Cocoon of Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi (Esben-Peterson)

A study was conducted in the Biocontrol Laboratory, Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, Odisha during 2020-21 to record the influence of larval diets on pupal period and size of cocoon of Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi (Esben-Peterson). Six larval diets i.e. T1 (Purple aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch.), T2 (Green aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer)), T3 (Mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.)), T4 (Papaya mealy bug, Paracoccus marginatus Williams and Granara de Willink), T5 (Pink mealy bug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green)) and T6 (Corcyra cephalonica Stainton 1st instar larva) were tested along with one control (T7= Corcyra cephalonica egg). T1 was detected as the best larval diet which produced maximum pupal period of 8.90 days with 16.80% increased over control. Maximum cocoon diameter was also recorded in T1 i.e. 3.28 mm with 11.95% increased over control. T1 was closely followed by T3 with respect to pupal period (8.74 days with 14.70% increase over control) and diameter of cocoon (3.20 mm with 9.22% increase over control) of C. zastrowi sillemi.

Effect of Short-Term Cold Storage of Pupae and Parasitization Efficiency of Egg Parasitoid Trichogramma chilonis (Ishii)

The fitness parameters of Trichogramma chilonis (Ishii) such as adult emergence (%) from pupae and parasitisation of host Corcyra cephalonica Stainton were evaluated under laboratory conditions after storing the pupae at five constant temperatures (5, 7.5, 10, 12.5 and 15°C ) for nine storage durations (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 days) in incubators. Maximum adult emergence of 94.27% was observed at 7.5°C for 5 days. The emergence got gradually reduced to 77.03% at 30 days after storage and further reduced to 54.48% at 45 days. The maximum parasitization of 93.52% was observed at 7.5°C for 5 days which gradually decreased with increase in storage duration. The parasitization was 73.76% at 30 days after storage and 56.74% at 45 days after storage. The next best temperature was 10°C followed by 5°C. The temperatures viz., 12.5 and 15°C were found unsuitable for the storage of T. chilonis pupae.

Preliminary studies on parasitization potential of Braconid Wasp (Bracon hebetor Say) against certain Lepidopteran insect pest

A study on parasitization percentage of Bracon hebetor Say on certain lepidopteran insect pest on Rice moth (Corcyra cephalonica Stainton), Tomato fruit borer (Helicoverpa armigera Hubner),Tobacco leaf eating caterpillar (Spodoptera litura Fabricius) and okra fruit borer (Earias vitella Fabricius), studied at ordinary room temperature under invitro conditions and revealed that C. cephalonica was the most suitable host for the development of B. hebetor among the host species tested regarding the parasitization percentage was high in C. cephalonica followed by S. litura, H. armigera and E. vitella.

Effect of Magnetic Field on Corcyra cephalonica Eggs for Parasitization by Trichogramma chilonis

This study evaluated the effect of permanent magnetic field on Corcyra cephalonica Stainton eggs and effect on parasitisation by the egg parasitoid Trichogramma chilonis Ishii. Corcyra eggs were exposed to magnetic field for different time periods. It was observed that three hours magnetized eggs were significantly more preferred for parasitisation and revealed maximum adult emergence (76.23%, 98.67%) than non-magnetized Corcyra eggs (63.50%, 85.96%). When UV irradiated Corcyra eggs were kept under magnetic field for parasitisation, with increase in the time of exposure to magnetic field, parasitisation also increases along with adult emergence (89.85%, 97.16%) up to 3 hr. Then, it gradually decreases as compared with control (86.80%, 94.54%). Thus, 3 hr magnetized Corcyra eggs prevent the emergence of larva and was preferred by Trichogramma for maximum parasitisation and adult emergence.

Selection of the Most Effective Trichogramma Strains (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) From Myanmar to Control Asian Corn Borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae).

Selecting the candidate agents or species is a fundamental step in developing effective biological control programs. However, no attempts have been made to evaluate the efficacy of Trichogramma Westwood (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) strains against the Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis Guenée (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in Myanmar. In this study, Trichogramma strains were investigated through a series of glass tube bioassays and under a semifield condition. Ostrinia furnacalis or Corcyra cephalonica egg preferences were compared among six strains of Trichogramma ostriniae, three of Trichogramma chilonis, and four of Trichogramma dendrolimi using a choice-test assay design. Significant differences were observed at the inter- and intraspecific levels. Four strains of T. ostriniae and two of T. dendrolimi showed a strong preference for O. furnacalis eggs, while two strains of T. chilonis and one T. dendrolimi strain preferred Corcyra cephalonica Stainton (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) eggs. The remaining strains showed no preference. Eleven strains were examined on O. furnacalis eggs only, wherein parasitism, sex ratio, and total progeny per female were highest for two strains of T. ostriniae (respectively: 67.6 ± 3.0%, 82.7 ± 2.3%, 49.6 ± 2.8, and 67.6 ± 3.6%, 90.0 ± 2.4%, 42.7 ± 2.6), and one strain of T. dendrolimi (65.2 ± 3.2%, 84.7 ± 2.6%, 46.3 ± 2.8). Parasitism and searching capacity were evaluated for the three, best performing strains in cages containing maize plants. One T. ostriniae from Southern Shan State, Myanmar parasitized ~81% of egg masses, and should be considered a candidate biological control agent against O. furnacalis in Myanmar.

Insecticidal potentials of dry powder and solvent extracts of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray flower against rice meal moth, Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton)

Insecticidal potentials of dry powder and solvent extracts of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray flower against rice meal moth, Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton)

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSE, HOST STAGE PREFERENCE AND DEVELOPMENT OF RHYNOCORIS FUSCIPES (FAB.) (HETEROPTERA: REDUVIIDAE) FOR TWO COTTON PESTS

ABSTRACT Considering the indispensable role of reduviid predators in ecofriendly pest management programme, the relationship between a predatory reduviid, Rhynocoris fuscipes, and three prey species viz., red cotton bug Dysdercus koenigii Fab. (Heteroptera: Pyrrhocoridae), cotton mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis (Tinsley) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) and rice flour moth Corcyra cephalonica Stainton (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), were scrutinized and studied to determine the influence of host species on biology, host stage preference and biological control efficiency under laboratory conditions. Rhynocoris fuscipes completed nymphal stage in 41 days when feeding on C. cephalonica, 45 on D. koenigii, and 50 days on P. solenopsis. Adult longevity, fecundity and egg viability were higher in C. cephalonica fed category and the lowest on P. solenopsis. Life table parameters were in favor of C. cephalonica. Third instars of D. koenigii were favored by third and fourth instars of the predator. Fifth instars and adults of the predator had chosen fourth and fifth instars of D. koenigii, respectively. All instars of predator preyed on adults of P. solenopsis. It is observed that the reduviid responded to increased D. koenigii and P. solenopsis density with type II functional response. Positive interactions distinctly imply that there is a salutary effect on the pest as well. Keywords: Biocontrol; cotton pests; comparative biology, life table; Rhynocoris fuscipes, Functional response

English

English

Evaluation of augmentative biological control strategy against major borer insect pests of sugarcane\u2014a large-scale field appraisal

BackgroundBiological alternatives to pesticides in agriculture do not harm non-targets organisms including natural enemies of insect pests. Experiments were conducted at sugarcane fields during 2015 to 2019 to assess large scale biocontrol practices, involving inundative releases of trichogrammatids against lepidopteran borers in comparison to conventional chemical-based farmers’ practice.Main bodyEight releases each of Trichogramma chilonis Ishii and Trichogramma japonicum Ashmead were made at 50,000 ha−1 at 10 days interval for the management of sugarcane stem borer, Chilo infuscatellus Snellen and the sugarcane top borer, Scirpophaga excerptalis (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), respectively. Likewise, 10–12 releases of T. chilonis were made at 50,000 ha−1 at 10 days interval for the management of sugarcane stalk borer, Chilo auricilius Dudgeon (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). The biocontrol intervention was compared with farmer’s practice (chemical control) in managing these borers. The results showed that farmers’ practices and biocontrol treated fields resulted in a lower incidence of C. infuscatellus (1.1, 2.9%) and S excerptalis (1.7, 3.9%) than the untreated control fields, wherein the mean per cent incidence of these borers (6.8, 8.5%) was significantly higher. The incidence of C. auricilius was also lower in augmented fields (2.8%) than untreated fields (7.3%). The yield data indicated that farmers adopting biocontrol practices were able to get comparable yield and benefit: cost ratio than farmers’ practice, both being better than untreated control. Moreover, in biocontrol fields, parasitism rate on the factitious host, Corcyra cephalonica Stainton cards was estimated.ConclusionThus, the study highlights the significance of adoption of biocontrol-based technology over a long run to provide sustainable system of sugarcane insect pest management and economic benefits to the stakeholders.

Performance of Trichogramma chilonis on different host

The laboratory experiment was conducted during 2017-2018 to study the different biological attributes of Trichogramma chilonis Ishii as influenced by host eggs of different ages. Significantly maximum percent egg parasitization was noticed on eggs of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) with 62.39 percent which was at par with the Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton) eggs (60.36 percent). This was followed by Earias vittella Fabricius 46.31 percent. Less parasitized eggs were recorded in Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee (10.35 percent). Age of host eggs significantly affected the parasitization by T. chilonis . The maximum parasitization (58.87 percent) was noticed in fresh eggs i.e. 24 hrs old followed by 48 hrs (44.91 percent) while 72 hrs old eggs were less preferred by T. chilonis and could parasitize only 30.56 percent. Development period for parasitoid ranged between 8.66 to 9.44 days on different host eggs. The highest adult parasitoid longevity (7.22 days) was observed from the parasitized eggs of H. armigera which was at par with C. cephalonic a (7.10 days), E. vittella (6.88 days) and L. orbonalis (6.88 days). However, the different lepidopteran eggs as well as age of host eggs did not show significant differences pertaining to percent adult parasitoid emergence. Fresh host eggs of 24 hrs could produce more female progeny of T. chilonis (54.30 percent) compared to 72 hrs old eggs (42.65 percent). The sex ratio (male: female) of emerging parasitoid progeny was observed highest on 24 hrs old eggs (1:1.55) followed by 48 hrs old eggs (1:1.23) while lowest sex ratio was observed on the eggs of 72 hrs old age (1:0.95). The maximum per day fecundity of T. chiloni s was noticed on the 24 hrs old eggs (6.75) followed by 48 hrs old eggs (4.80). The lowest fecundity (2.05) of T. chilon is was observed on the 72 hrs old eggs, whereas the highest male-female ratio and fecundity was noticed on eggs of E. vittella among different hosts.

Suitability of three Lepidopteran host species for mass-rearing the egg parasitoid Trichogrammatoidea eldanae Viggiani (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) for biological control of cereal stemborers

Trichogrammatoidea eldanae Viggiani (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) is an egg parasitoid of several lepidopteran insect pests in West Africa. In this study, we assessed the suitability of three different host species viz; Eldana saccharina Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), Sesamia calamistis Hampson (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Corcyra cephalonica Stainton (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) as potential host for mass-rearing T. eldanae. This was done by determining the biological parameters of the parasitoid on the different host species. The effect of rearing host species on the performance of T. eldanae was also investigated. The parasitoid successfully developed on all tested host species. However, the biological parameters including fecundity, number of adults emerged per parasitised egg, progeny and developmental period varied significantly with host species. The number of parasitised eggs and the progeny per female were highest on Corcyra cephalonica (80 ± 10.72 and 103.66 ± 13.44, respectively) and there was no significant difference between E. saccharina (35.44 ± 7.11 and 38.44 ± 9.01, respectively) and S. calamistis (32.33 ± 5.94 and 57.33 ± 10.02, respectively). The shortest developmental period (9.17 ± 0.026) was recorded on C. cephalonica and the longest on E. saccharina (9.20 ± 0.051). The highest intrinsic rate of increase (0.37 ± 0.02) was recorded on C. cephalonica and the lowest (0.32 ± 0.01) was recorded on E. saccharina. Moreover, the host species used to rear T. eldanae did not affect its reproductive potential. It resulted from this study that C. cephalonica was the most suitable host and can be used to mass-rear T. eldanae for augmentative purpose to control cereal stemborers.

Biology of anthocorid predator, Blaptostethus pallescens Poppius (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae)

Biology of anthocorid predator Blaptostethus pallescens Poppius was studied on eggs of alternate host Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton). Eggs of B. pallescens, thrust within the plant tissue, hatched after a mean incubation period of 5.78 days. Nymphs, when reared on UV sterilized eggs of C. cephalonica under ambient conditions, developed normally with five instars, each having a mean duration of 2.63, 1.92, 2.01, 2.50 and 5.10 days, respectively. Females laid eggs after a pre-oviposition period of 4.2 days. Average fecundity of bugs was 134.04 eggs. Mean longevity of females was found to be higher (52.03 days) than that of males (40.18 days).

Resource efficient and cost reduction technology for Trichogramma chilonis Ishii (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) production

In India, the egg parasitoid Trichogramma chilonis Ishii is generally mass produced on the eggs of rice moth, Corcyra cephalonica Stainton, however, in the present study, the cost of production of T. chilonis was studied on Samia cynthia ricini , eri silkworm, and was compared with rice moth. Rearing of T. chilonis on eri silkworm eggs showed higher benefit cost-ratio of 1.89 with a net profit of Rs. 4620, whereas T. chilonis when reared on the eggs of C. cephalonica recorded a benefit cost ratio of 1.28, with a net profit of Rs. 2379. The results revealed that in one hectare area, one trichocard made from eri silkworm eggs release that containing 3500 eggs. Each parasitized egg yields 9-10 adults, thus total adults account to about 35000–40000 adults ha -1 , while in case of trichocard made from rice moth eggs, the number of cards to be released in one hectare area are 2-3, since one trichocard made from rice moth eggs consit of 16000-17000 eggs. Hence, eri silkworm can be used as an alternate host to rice moth for rearing of T. chilonis as it is a resource efficient and cost reducing technology. Further, this production technology would be suitable for promoting localized production of eri silkworm at village level especially for tribal farmers, and unemployed youth.

Isolation and Identification of Insect Antifeedant Compound from Ethanol Extract of Hemidesmus indicus Root

Phytochemicals with insect antifeedant potential can be used as a safer alternative to harmful chemicals that are used as grain protectants. The insect antifeedant effect of the extracts and fractions of Hemidesmus indicus root were tested against the stored grain insect pest Corcyra cephalonica Stainton. Bioactivity-guided study of ethanol extract of Hemidesmus indicus root led to isolation and identification of a triterpenoid, Lupeol with insect antifeedant potential. Although Lupeol showed insect antifeedant potential the ethanol extract was found to be more effective as an antifeedant. This implies that the synergistic action of compounds present in the ethanol extract of H. indicus root is responsible for the higher antifeedant potential.