Cutworm Research Articles

Seasonal Incidence of Major Insect Pest of Chickpea and their Natural Enemies in Vindhaya Region of Madhya Pradesh

Field experiment carried out at the Entomology Instructional Farm, JNKVV-College of Agriculture Rewa, MP during rabi season 2018-19 revealed that incidence of the chickpea pod borer Helicoverpa armigera. Population range of pod borer during different weather weeks varied between 0.30 and 1.89 larvae/mrl (April 2nd week and March 2nd week respectively). Peak larval population of Helicoverpa armigera was recorded in 2nd week of March (11 standard weeks). A weak negative correlation was observed with the maximum relative humidity and minimum relative humidity correlation, -0.172 and -0.595 respectively and a non significant positive correlation with maximum temperature, minimum temperature and rainfall. The respective r was found to be 0.306, 0.391 and 0.269. In district Rewa, MP, India the insect-pests of chickpea and their natural enemies during rabi the total seven species was recorded in Chickpea in which six pests minor in nature and one major pest Chickpea pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera). Termite (Odontotermes obesus Ram.), White grub (Holotrichia consanguinea Bl.), Black aphid (Aphis craccivora Koch), Grasshopper (Chrotogonus trachypterus Blan.), Semilooper (Autographa nigrisigna L.), Cut worm (Agrotis ipsilon Huf.) are minor in nature. Seven natural enemies found during field investigation i.e. lady bird beetle (Chilomenes sexmaculata Fab.), lady bird beetle (Coccinella septempunctata L.), Praying mantis (Mantis religiosa), Dragon fly (Crocothemis servilia Drury), Campoletis parasitoid (Campoletis chlorideae Uch.), Indian mynah (Acridotheris tristis L.), King crow (Dicrurus macrocerus Vie.) in chickpea observed in low to medium population on the crop and to help in reduction of pest population.

Damage to potato tubers by cut worms in grain-grass root-crop rotation in the north-west of the Russian Federation

The paper presents the results of long-term monitoring of potato tuber damage by caterpillars of cut worms and study of the factors determining it. The research was carried out in grain-grass root-crop rotation in the north-west of the Russian Federation. In recent years in the domestic and world scientific literature an increase in the pest rate of cut worms on potato plantings has been observed, therefore, it is relevant to identify the factors contributing to a significant limitation of damage to potato tubers by the caterpillars of cut worms. According to the results of the studies conducted in the period 2012–2022, it was determined that the damage to potato tubers by caterpillars of cut worms varies widely – from 0.5 to 15.9%. Weather conditions have the strongest influence on tuber damage by cut worms (influence share – 24.3%). The period from planting to flowering of potatoes is determinant, which is confirmed by statistical treatment (r = 0.65, p < 0.05). Increase of tuber damage by cut worms is promoted by hydrothermal conditions during this period, corresponding to the HTC 2.1–2.3, as well as weeding of plantings with perennial dicotyledonous species and some small perennial species. The influence of vegetative mass of the whole set of growing weed vegetation was expressed by a correlation coefficient equal to 0.14 (p < 0.05), including density and mass of perennial dicotyledonous species – 0.11 (p < 0.05) and 0.13 (p < 0.05). One of the factors that significantly reduce damage to potatoes by this pest is preplanting treatment of tubers with insectofungicides. In combination with the use of herbicides, it provided a 56.8% reduction in the proportion of tubers damaged by cut worm caterpillars in the harvested crop. At the same time, application of mineral fertilizers, change of the forecrop in crop rotation and cultivation of potato varieties with different resistance did not lead to a reliable decrease in damage of tubers by caterpillars of cut worms.

New Occurrence of the Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Infestation on Cocoa in India

Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a highly polyphagous insect pest, which inflicts serious economic damage on many agricultural and horticultural crops globally. During our recent surveillance surveys, an unusual defoliation was noticed by a caterpillar pest on cocoa saplings at ICAR - Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Regional Station, Vittal farm, Karnataka, India. Morphological identification and molecular characterization using mitochondrial cytochrome-c-oxidase (COI) gene confirmed the collected insect samples as S. litura. Hitherto, this species was only known to infest Leucaena leucocephala (CABI), a shade tree of cocoa plantations in Indonesia. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first record of infestation by tobacco cut worm on cocoa in India. Consequently, solarization of rooting medium has been suggested for the destruction of the quiescent pupal stage.

Temperature-dependent development of Agrotis ipsilon (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and its stage transition models

The black cut worm Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel) is a destructive crop pest worldwide and a typical cut worm damaging plant parts below the soil surface, which requires a thorough phenological prediction of the target stage for proper management. Temperature is an essential factor affecting the phenology and dynamics of insect populations. So, this study was conducted to evaluate the temperature-dependent development of A. ipsilon fed on Kimchi cabbage (Brassica campestris) in a wide range of temperatures (10 to 40 ℃) in the laboratory. The linear and nonlinear relationship between temperature and development rate (1/development time) was analyzed. The lower threshold temperatures (LT) for eggs, larvae, and pupae were estimated to be 12.1 °C, 9.6 °C, and 11.2 °C, respectively, with thermal constants (degree days for development completion) of 31.3, 342.2, and 181.3 DD at each stage, respectively. Additionally, the thermal constant for tracking the phenology of each stage was determined using a common LT of 10.4 ℃: 40.3 DD for eggs, 315.6 DD for larvae, and 199.6 DD for pupae. Consequently, we provided newly the stage transition models for all stages of A. ipsilon using two basic components of the nonlinear development rate and distribution models to simulate the proportion of individuals shifted from one stage to the next stage. These models in their current form will be useful for constructing a population model for A. ipsilon in the future. Furthermore, the variation in the development time of A. ipsilon reported in previous studies was discussed using 95% confidence limits of the estimated line of our nonlinear models.

Potency of Bio Magic (Metarhizium anisopliae fungus) and gamma radiation in the black cut worm, Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel) larvae

BackgroundIntegrated pest management is one of the ways to solve the problems of increased outbreaks of pests induced by the effects of climate change. Therefore, the present investigation was carried out to study the integrated effect of entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae and gamma radiation to control 5th instar larvae the black cut worm, Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), under laboratory condition. The leaf dipping technique was used to test the pathogenicity of different concentrations of the fungus against normal and F1 (resulted from irradiated male parent pupae with 100 Gy) larvae. As well as, the changes in the haemocytes were studied using LC50 of M. anisopliae of both treatment (unirradiated and F1 larvae).ResultsThe results showed that larval mortality percentage was both M. anisopliae virulent and time dependent. Furthermore, F1 larvae were more susceptible to M. anisopliae where 100% mortality was recorded after 3 days of M. anisopliae treatment at 8 × 105 spores/ml concentration. While mortality of normal (unirradiated) larvae reached 40% at the same time and concentration. The haematological examination of larvae revealed significant reduces in total haemocyte counts, differential percentage and increase in morphological malformation of the haemocytes which was pronounced by F1 + M. anisopliae LC50.ConclusionsAccording to the obtained results, the gamma irradiation increased the pathogenicity of the fungus against the 5th instar A. ipsilon larvae. So, the combination between the two control tools may provide a satisfactory integrated control program after further field trials.

Evaluation of entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) isolate, Heterorhabditis indica of Vidarbha region, against the tobacco cutworm, Spodoptera litura

The present study on pathogenicity of entomopathogenic nematodes against Spodoptera litura in laboratory conditions was undertaken during 2020-21, with the aim to ascertain the effectiveness of entomopathogenic nematodes, against an obnoxious cosmopolitan pest S. litura. Experiments were conducted by using entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) isolate Heterorhabditis indica (CICR-Guava), on filter paper, against Galleria mellonella and S. litura at the treatment dose of 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, 80 and 100 IJs/100µl along with control (Sterile distilled water). The results of our study revealed that, EPN isolate H. indica (CICR-Guava) caused 100% mortality at the treatment dose of 40 IJs/100µl within 72 h of infection in 5th instar larvae of G. mellonella and in case of S. litura, 100% mortality was recorded within 72 h of infection at the treatment dose of 100 IJs/100µl in 3rd instar larvae, which was found more susceptible. The median lethal concentration of H. indica (CICR-Guava) for 5th instar larvae was 2.29 IJs/100µl. The result of reproductive potential of isolates of entomopathogenic nematodes revealed that the highest yield was obtained from 5th instar larvae of G. mellonella at treatment dose of 100 IJs/100µl 278667 IJs per larva. In case of S. litura, the highest yield obtained was 152533 IJs. It could be concluded that, there was a positive correlation between nematode treatment concentration, time of exposure and the insect mortality of the tobacco cut worm and multiplication rate of IJs increased with increase of exposure time and size of larvae. This EPN isolate, H. indica (CICR-Guava) can be suggested as biocontrol agents for the control of S. litura in the Vidarbha region.

Distribution of cutworms in vegetable crops, their harm and the effectiveness of insecticides tested against them

In this article, from the tunnels that infect the underground part of vegetable crops: turnip moth (Agrotis segetum Den.et Schiff), cut worm (A. exclamationis. L.), turn black-C (Xestia c-nigrum L.), wild turn (Euxoa agricola V.), gamma turn (Mamestra suasa Schiff.), tobacco turn (Agrotis obesa B.) and epsolon turn (A. ipsilon Rotl) encounter was detected. Underground cutworms damage to tomatoes is estimated at 6-10% in Navoi, Bukhara and Khorezm regions, 12-20% in the Republic of Karakalpakstan and Surkhandarya, Jizzakh and Syrdarya regions, and 20% in other regions such as Samarkand, Kashkadarya, Andijan, Fergana and Namangan. Up to 31% of underground tunnels were found to be damaged. The damage of the aboveground part cutworms was determined by 18% in Navoi, 15% in Jizzakh, 15-18% in Bukhara and Khorezm regions, 12-15% in Sirdarya, Surkhondarya, Karakalpakstan, 25-30% in the remaining regions. Against worms of months in tomatoes, Deltasis, 2,5% concentration of emulsion (deltametrin), 50% concentration of emulsion in Kurarfon (Profenofos) and Torpedo Jet, 14% soluble powder (Indoxicarb+emamectin benzoate), 2,5% concentration of emulsion in Defentox (deltametrin), when their preparations were tested, 87-93% efficiency was achieved. Contraindications: the drug Kapito 9,3% suspension concentrate (Chlorantraniliprol) is used on the account of 0,45 l/ha to 89,5%, the drug Emafos 42% soluble powder (emamectin benzoate +chlorpyrifos) to 0,6 l/ha. When used on account of 91, 3%, Koragen, 200 soluble powder (chlorantraniliprol) preparation, when applied to 0,2 l/H, 91,6% efficiency was achieved

Population dynamics of cut worm <i>Agrotis ipsilon</i> Hufnagel on maize in Kashmir

The status of cut worm Agrotis ipsilon Hufnagel was studied in district Baramulla and its incidence was monitored in maize crop at the field of Faculty of Agriculture, Wadura, SKUAST-Kashmir during 2018. The incidence was observed at weekly intervals and was found to be infesting maize starting from germination to maturity. The results revealed maximum incidence and damage (74.24± 0.89%) at low altitude followed by medium (58.07± 1.87%); while the least was at high altitude (36.27± 0.78%). The larvae started occurring from 20th standard week (SW), reached its peak on 25th SW and then started decreasing from 26th SW. Incidence revealed a positive and significant correlation (r=0.634) with maximum temperature.

Population dynamics of stem fly and defoliator pests of soybean and their natural enemies in relation to weather parameters

The field experiment was carried out at Polasa Farm, Regional agricultural research station Jagtial during the Kharif, 2014-15 and 2015-16. Study about pre dominant lepidopteran insect –pests in soybean crop noticed that the tobacco cut worm, (Spodptera exigua Hubner), green semi looper(Crysodexis acuta Walker), and tobacco caterpillar (Spodoptera litura Fab) along with stemfly, (Melanagromyza obtusa Zehnter) as non lepidopteran pest were noticed at various growth stages of cropgrowth. The peak activity of stem fly (37.84%) was observed during 37th standard week per meter row) for the year 2014 and for the year 2015 to a maximum infestation of 35.70 per cent during 30th std.week. The peak activity of caterpillar pests i.e., S. litura (7.6 larvae per meter row) for the year 2014 was observed during 34th std.week and for the year 2015 (12.4 per meter row during 36th std.week and C. acuta (0.7 larvae per meter row) during 36th std. week for the year 2014 and for the year 2015 (2.20 larvae/mrl on 37th std week. S. exigua (1.6 larvae per meter row) for both the years 2014 and 2015 was observed during 32th std.week Among the natural enemies, one predators namely, spiders (Oxyopes sp. was observed to prey on the insect pests.The biocontrol agent’s one species, lynx spider, Oxyopes sp. population recorded on the crop during Kharif , 2014 ranged from 0.15 to 0.40 /mrl and 0.15 to 0.60/ mrl during Kharif, 2015.

Trichogramma yousufi sp. nov. Employed for the Management of Spodoptera exigua and Spodoptera litura in Indonesia

Trichogramma (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) are minute polyphagous wasps and endoparasitoids of lepidopteran eggs. The objective of this study was to identify Trichogramma species emerging from the eggs of the Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenee) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) attacking corn, Zea mays L. (Poaceae) in Bunga Raya, Siak, Riau, Sumatra, Indonesia, and individuals from an unidentified species obtained from a commercial laboratory in Jatisari, Karawang, West Java, Java, Indonesia. The emergence rate of Trichogramma yousufi sp. nov. Khan & Ikram (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) on an infestation containing eggs of both pest species, beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hubner), and the tobacco cutworm, Spodoptera litura (F.) (both Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), on Acacia crassicarpa A. Cunn ex Benth. (Fabaceae) also was evaluated in a nursery in Pangkalan Kerinci, Riau. Two Trichogramma species, namely Trichogramma chilonis Ishii (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) and a new species, T. yousufi sp. nov., were recovered from the eggs of O. furnacalis in Bunga Raya. Trichogramma poliae Nagaraja (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) was identified as the species reared in the laboratory in Jatisari. Trichogramma yousufi sp. nov. was compared and separated from its closer species, Trichogramma latipennis Haliday (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae). Trichogramma species, recovered from corn crops and 1 that also was reared in the laboratory, successfully parasitized the eggs of S. exigua and S. litura under controlled conditions. The emergence rate of T. yousufi sp. nov. was recorded at 24.79 to 40.82%, with the highest percentage for more adults of this parasitoid released per m2 in the nursery, indicating its potential to be employed as a biological control agent of Spodoptera in natural conditions. Resumen Las especies Trichogramma (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) son avispas polifagas diminutas y endoparasitoides de huevos de lepidopteros. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar las especies de Trichogramma que emergen de los huevos del barrenador asiatico del maiz, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenee) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) que ataca al maiz, Zea mays L. (Poaceae) en Bunga Raya, Siak, Riau, Sumatra, Indonesia, e individuos de una especie no identificada obtenida de un laboratorio comercial en Jatisari, Karawang, Java Occidental, Java, Indonesia. Se evaluo la tasa de emergencia de Trichogramma yousufi sp. nov. Khan e Ikram (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) en una infestacion que tenia huevos de ambas especies de plagas, el gusano del ejercito de remolacha, Spodoptera exigua (Hubner), y el gusano del tabaco, Spodoptera litura (F.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), en Acacia crassicarpa A. Cunn ex Benth. (Fabaceae) tambien en un vivero en Pangkalan Kerinci, Riau. Las dos especies de Trichogramma, Trichogramma chilonis Ishii (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), y la nueva especie, T. yousufi sp. nov., fueron recuperados de los huevos de O. furnacalis en Bunga Raya. Trichogramma poliae Nagaraja (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) fue identificada como la especie criada en el laboratorio en Jatisari. Trichogramma yousufi sp. nov. fue comparada y separada de su especie mas cercana, Trichogramma latipennis Haliday (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae). Las especies de Trichogramma, recuperadas de cultivos de maiz, y una criada en el laboratorio, parasitaron con exito los huevos de S. exigua y S. litura en condiciones controladas. Se registro la tasa de emergencia de T. yousufi sp. nov. en 24.79 a 40.82%, con el porcentaje mas alto para adultos de este parasitoide liberado por m2 en el vivero, lo que indica su potencial para ser empleado como agente de control biologico de Spodoptera en condiciones naturales. Key Words: new species; Ostrinia furnacalis; parasitism rate View this article in BioOne

Effects of sowing date and seed rate on the incidence of cut worms agrotis spp. in maize

Effects of sowing date and seed rate on the incidence of cut worms agrotis spp. in maize

Pest Complex of Horticultural Crops in District Ghizer (Gilgit-Baltistan), Pakistan: A Baseline Survey

Agriculture is the main source of livelihood of the farming community of Gilgit-Baltistan especially district Ghizer. Wheat and other horticultural commodities are grown as cash crops in the district, however, productions have severely been suffered because of insect-pests and diseases. Being a remote area and lack of infrastructural facilities from field to markets, a major part of produce is being wasted. Earlier to this, no particular survey has been conducted regarding pests of concerns in the district, which is now dire need of time. Therefore, the current study was planned to document the basic information regarding insect-pests of horticultural crops of this area and provide basis to formulate programs for environment friendly and sustainable pest management strategies to enhance crop productivity and make farming profitable for farmers. In current survey, the main emphasis was to record the insect-pests and diseases that have become a great concern to farmers and environment of not only district Ghizer but also over all Gilgit- Baltistan province. Survey was confined to horticulture crops and some other major agronomic crops grown by local farmers on their farms. The overall results of this survey revealed that apple codling moth, apricot moth, white grub, cut worm, fruit flies and mealy bug were major insect-pests of horticultural crops which needed to be controlled on priority basis. The developmental needs of farming community required extensive trainings and first-hand knowledge on crop production, good agricultural practices and crop protection techniques. This document will provide basic information for formulating sustainable agriculture strategies in future.

Integrated Management of Gram pod borer in Chickpea – A Study

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is the premier pulse crop of India, grown all over the country in Rabi season. It is a good source of essential amino acids such as tryptophan, methionine, cystiene and is the primary source of high quality protein for the largely vegetarian population of India. Heavy infestation of pest is one of the major reasons for low productivity of chickpea. Major pest of chickpea in sehore district is - pod borer, green semilooper, termite, cut worm etc. out of these insect gram pod borer is the major pest in chickpea. Single larva of the gram caterpillar Helicoverpa destroys 30-40 pods before its maturity. IPM module for the management of gram pod borer in chickpea – Summer deep ploughing + optimum seed rate +Bird purcher (50/ ha) + pheromone trap (10/ ha) + one spray of spinosad 45% SC at 40-45 DAS. During 2012-13 and 2013-14. IPM module are reduce average 55 per cent larval population of gram pod borer resulted 14.88 per cent enhanced the productivity of chickpea. Under IPM technology, the average productivity of chickpea is 1799 Kg/ha whereas in farmers practice, the average productivity of chickpea is 1566 Kg/ ha.

Bacterial compounds, as biocontrol agent against early blight (Alternaria solani) and tobacco cut worm (Spodoptera litura Fab.) of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)

Tomato, the important vegetable crop faces yield loses by foliar disease, Early Blight caused by Alternaria solani and infestation by tobacco cut worm, Spodoptera litura. Synthetic pesticides used for disease and pest control resulted in environmental pollution as well as development of resistance. By way of a need to develop a new biopesticide, bacteria were tested for their anti-fungal and insecticidal activity. Volatile compounds and peptides from the bacteria, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were able to inhibit the hyphal growth and melanin production of A. solani. S. aureus showed the highest inhibitory effect as well as reduced the disease severity. B. subtilis exhibited the highest mortality rate of 87% and 83% against I and II instar of S. litura, respectively. The bacteria offered effective biocontrol at 35 °C. Bioactive substances from the bacteria can be used as potential biocontrol agents against the pest and disease of tomato.

Isolation, characterization, cloning and bioinformatics analysis of a novel receptor from black cut worm (Agrotis ipsilon) of Bacillus thuringiensis vip 3Aa toxins.

Black cutworm (BCW) is an economically important lepidopteran insect. The control of this insect by a Bt toxin and the understanding of the interaction between the Bt toxin and its receptor molecule were the objectives of this research work. A gene coding for a Vip3A receptor molecule was identified, characterized, and cloned, from the brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) of the BCW. The nucleotide sequence analysis of the cloned putative Vip3A-receptor gene revealed that the gene was 1.3-kb long and exhibited no homology with any gene in the gene bank. We succeeded in identifying and characterizing most of the Vip3A-receptor gene sequence; and the nucleotide sequence analysis of the cloned putative Vip3A-receptor gene (accession no. KX858809) revealed about 92% of the expected sequence was recovered, which exhibited no homology with any gene in the GenBank.

Efficiency improvement of loading of potassium ore by means of «Ural-20R» heading-and-winning machine

The paper deals with certain operation features of «Ural-20R» heading-and-winning machines. It has been proven that the efficient capacity field of such excavation machines is limited by the capacity of the subsequent loading equipment: a worm conveyor and a drag-bar reclaim conveyor. The crushing of potassium rock mass by chisels of the operation devices of «Ural-20R» machines is accompanied by intensive circulation and excessive ore degradation during transportation of the rock mass by single cut worms. Intermittent feeding of the ore to the conveyor stipulates considerable framework vibrations and formation of dynamic loads on the elements of the power drive of the reclaim conveyor. When the winning machine is used in mines with negative inclination angles, the capacity of the drag bar reclaim conveyor is drastically reduced. Based on the analysis of structural features of the worms and the conveyor of «Ural-20R», technical proposals have been made as to the efficiency improvement of potassium ore loading.

Validation of IPM module against major insect-pests and diseases of cabbage in mid-hills of Uttarakhand

Field trials were conducted to validate the formulated IPM programme for the management of insect-pests and diseases in cabbage grown in Jadipani village of Chamba block of district Tehri-Garhwal, Uttarakhand. The result showed that the IPM program provided 59.12, 57.12, 43.88, 55.98, 52.67, 49.41 and 52.24% reduction in white-grub, cut worm, cabbage butterfly, DBM, aphids, tobacco caterpillar, painted bug infestation, respectively, as compared to non-IPM practiced fields. Similarly, there was 52.15, 52.94 and 49.41% control of damping-off, black leg and white blight or head rot diseases, respectively, over non-IPM practice. Analysis of cost benefit ratio of IPM practice revealed that there was 58.88% increase in yield with net return of Rs. 65.59 thousand per ha over non-IPM practiced field. The B: C ratio of IPM practice field was 2.19. Overall study revealed that the cabbage production under IPM situation proved to be economically more viable in terms of reduction in crop losses by suppression of pest and consequently increase in yield.

Insect pests of cabbage and cauliflower and their natural enemies in agro ecosystem of Kerala

Pests and natural enemies occurring on cool season vegetable crops, cabbage and cauliflower, grown in hill tracts and the newly cultivated plains of Kerala were studied. Analysis of fauna showed that these crops were attacked by eleven pests. The occurrence of pierid butterfly, Appias lyncida Cramer on cruciferous crops is reported for the first time. Incidence of flea beetle, Phyllotreta chotanica Duv. noted during the seedling stage is the first report from these crops. The key pest affecting the crop grown in plains was the cut worm, Spodptera litura (F.) and in the hilly tracts it was Diamond back moth (DBM) Plutella xylostella (L.). Damage in terms of yield loss by S. litura was 30 per cent in cabbage and cauliflower and that by P. xylostella was 38 per cent to heads and 26 per cent to curds. Two coccinellid predators, Chilomenes sexmaculata (F.) and Coccinella transversalis (F.) and the syrphid, Ischiodon scutellaris (F.) were identified from the colonies of aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach). One parasitoid, Protapanteles sp. was identified from larvae of Plusia signata (F.).

A deletion mutant ndv200 of the Bacillus thuringiensis vip3BR insecticidal toxin gene is a prospective candidate for the next generation of genetically modified crop plants resistant to lepidopteran insect damage.

Ectopic expression of a deletion mutant ( ndv200 ) of Bacillus thuringiensis vip3BR gene in tobacco plant provided almost complete protection against major crop pests cotton boll worm ( Helicoverpa armigera ), black cut worm ( Agrotis ipsilon ) and cotton leaf worm ( Spodoptera littoralis ). Whereas vip3BR transgenic tobacco plant failed to protect themselves from these insects and showed resistance towards cotton leaf worm only. An analogous form of the Bacillus thuringiensis vip3Aa insecticidal toxin gene, named vip3BR, was identified and characterized, and exhibited similar attributes to the well-known Vip3Aa toxin. Vip3BR possessed broad-spectrum lepidopteran-specific insecticidal properties effective against most major crop pests of the Indian subcontinent. A Vip3BR toxin protein N-terminal deletion mutant, Ndv200, showed increased insecticidal potency relative to the native toxin, which conferred efficacy against four major crop pests, including cotton boll worm (Helicoverpa armigera), black cut worm (Agrotis ipsilon), cotton leaf worm (Spodoptera littoralis), and rice yellow stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas). Ligand blot analysis indicated the Ndv200 toxin recognized the same larval midgut receptors as the native Vip3BR toxin, but differed from receptors recognized by Cry1A toxins. In the present study, we tested the prospect of the vip3BR and ndv200 toxin gene as candidate in development of insect-resistant genetically engineered crop plants by generating transgenic tobacco plant. The study revealed that the ndv200 mutant of vip3BR insecticidal toxin gene is a strong and prospective candidate for the next generation of genetically modified crop plants resistant to lepidopteran insects.

Situation outlook analysis of groundnut in India with special reference to Karnataka

This paper examines the sources of growth in groundnut in India and in Karnataka state. The area growth in groundnut in India and Karnataka is declining. The production growth in groundnut in India is declining but positive while in Karnataka, it is declining and negative. The productivity growth in groundnut in India is steadily increasing while in Karnataka state, it is declining and negative. The traditional groundnut growing areas in Karnataka are replaced by dry land crops like bajra and ragi due to intermittent drought in kharif season. The cost of seed being the major cost component, the farmers are not in a position to afford the loss due to crop failure. TMV-2 is the ruling variety occupied 85 per cent of the area whose average yields are much below the national average. This variety is prone to insect pests, cut worm and leaf minor, groundnut bud necrosis and late leaf spot diseases causing damage to the extent of 25 per cent of the total yield. The existing seed supply system is meeting 126 and 87 per cent of the seed requirement @ SRR of 22.51 and 28.82 per cent at all India and in state level. There is a need to strengthen the existing seed production and supply/distribution system for speedy multiplication of quality seeds of improved varieties of groundnut to the farmers. India has better comparative advantage in the production of groundnut as its export in physical and value terms is increasing from last decade. The groundnut kernels exported to more than 30 countries in both raw and roasted forms.