Eocanthecona Furcellata Research Articles

Increasing the Growth of Bridal Tears Flower Stem Cuttings (Antigonon leptopus) by providing Plant Growth Regulators and Planting Media

It is imperative to implement integrated control measures for Oil Palm Leaf-Eating Caterpillars (UPDKS), as continual chemical management can result in pest resistance and environmental degradation. Utilizing natural enemies for biological control involves the utilization of predators, pest-consuming animals, as well as parasites or bacteria with pathogenic properties against pests. Examples of predators, including Sycanus leucomesus and Eocanthecona furcellata, egg parasitoids, such as Trichogrammatidea thoseae, and larval parasites, such as Chaetexorista javana, are a few of the many types of organisms that can have an impact on the populations of their prey. These indigenous predators sustain themselves by feeding on host plants within their natural habitat. The bridal tears flower (Antigonon leptopus) is considered to be one of the host plants. Thus, it is imperative to promote the growth of Antigonon leptopus in order to provide a habitat for the natural predators of the UPDKS pest. The objective of this research was to identify the components of the planting medium and to establish the most effective concentration of growth regulators for propagating bridal tears stem cuttings (Antigonon leptopus). The research was conducted at the Indonesian Palm Oil Technology Institute (ITSI) Practice Garden in Medan, North Sumatra. The research was conducted over three months, from February to April 2024. The Factorial Randomized Block Design (RAK) method was employed, with the first factor, namely S (Planting Media), comprising three levels: Top Soil without solid, Top Soil with 20% Solid, and Top Soil with 40% Solid. The second factor, namely Plant Growth Regulators, was also treated with three levels: without plant growth regulators, concentration of 100 Mg/l, and concentration of 200 Mg/l. Thus, the study comprises nine treatment combinations, each with four replications. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) table is employed to assess the significance of the observed differences, with the Duncan multiple range test (DMRT) conducted at a 5% level of significance when warranted.The findings from the research indicated that the manipulation of the planting medium composition (S) had a notable impact on the number of leaves, number of roots, and fresh weight of the roots. Additionally, it was found to have a highly significant influence on the height of the shoots. The optimal composition of the planting medium was identified as S2. The manipulation of growth regulators (R) concentration had a notable impact on shoot height and root fresh weight, as well as a highly significant effect on the number of leaves and roots. R2 exhibited the most optimal concentration of growth regulators. The growth of Antigonon leptopus stem cuttings was not affected by the combination of planting medium composition (S) and growth regulator concentration (R) in a non-interacting manner.

Diversity of Pentatomid Bug Fauna in Semi- Arid Western Rajasthan

The paper deals with the study of 15 species belonging to 13 genera under two subfamilies of family Pentatomidae in pearl millet and mungbean during kharif, 2022. 181 adults were identified into 15 species: Acrosternum gramineum, Adria parvula, Bagrada hilaris, Carbula biguttata, Carbula socia, Dolycoris indicus, Eysarcoris ventralis, Eysarcoris sp., Erthesina acuminata, Halys serrigera, Piezodorus hybneri, Placosternum taurus, Sciocoris indicus, Eocanthecona furcellata and Andrallus spinidens. The maximum relative abundance was observed for Eysarcoris ventralis (33.70%) followed by Piezodorus hybneri (20.99%). The minimum relative abundance was observed for Carbula biguttata, Carbula socia, Eysarcoris sp., Erthesina acuminata, and Placosternum taurus with the relative abundance of 0.55% each.

Sublethal effect of chlorpyrifos on predatory behavior and physiology of Eocanthecona furcellata (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae).

Insecticides have been known to reduce the predation efficacy of natural enemies. However, the mechanism of the sublethal effect of insecticides on the functional response of predators remains unclear. This study investigated the sublethal effects of the broad-spectrum insecticide chlorpyrifos on the predatory bug Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff), which is a potential biological control agent against pests in integrated pest management (IPM) programs. After exposure to a sublethal concentration of chlorpyrifos, the predation capacity and the maximum predatory number of E. furcellata increased by 11.27 and 15.26%, respectively, with prey handling time decreased by 15.07%, and the searching efficiency increased by 5.88-12.61%. Additionally, the intraspecific interference effect was enhanced. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity was significantly decreased after 12- to 60-h treatment. At 12 h after treatment, the expression levels of GST gene (GST3), acetylcholinesterase gene (AChE), and cytochrome P450 monooxygenasegene (cyp6B1) were significantly up-regulated by 1.47-, 1.48-, and 2.05-fold, respectively, while GST gene (GST1) was significantly down-regulated by 16.67-fold. These results indicated that a sublethal chlorpyrifos concentration inhibited the GST activity and stimulated the predatory behavior of E. furcellata. The results will advance our understanding of the toxicological mechanism of predatory stink bug responses to insecticides and predict chlorpyrifos' effects on predators in an IPM program.

Study of Ecological Diversity of Predatory Asopinae Bugs in the Agro-ecosystem of the Mid-Western Plains

The aim of the present study was to investigate the seasonal abundance of Asopinae predatory stink bugs within an agro-ecosystem. This research was carried out by utilizing sweep nets to collect these insects during the period spanning from May to August in the year 2022. The survey yielded two prominent species of predaceous bugs, specifically Andrallus spinidens and Eocanthecona furcellata. Interestingly, E. furcellata emerged as the dominant species within the field conditions. A noteworthy phenomenon occurred in June when a sudden surge in the population of both species was observed. This population increase was attributed to the presence of lepidopteran larvae in the field, which likely served as a rich food source for these predatory stink bugs. The ecological analysis revealed some important findings regarding the diversity and distribution of these insects in the agro-ecosystem. Specifically, the Shannon Diversity Index was notably low, registering at less than 1.99, indicating a limited variety of species within the sampled population. Similarly, the Simpson Index indicated a low degree of diversity or heterogeneity, falling within the range of 0.01 to 0.04, which further supports the notion of a relatively homogeneous population. Additionally, the Margalef Richness Index signalled a level of disturbance, measuring less than 2.05. This disturbance could be linked to various factors affecting the ecosystem, including changes in agricultural practices or environmental conditions. Lastly, the Dominance Index was relatively high, ranging between 0.5 and 1.0, signifying that a few dominant species, particularly E. furcellata, exerted a significant influence within the ecosystem. In summary, the ecological indices suggested limited diversity, low heterogeneity, disturbance, and dominance within the stink bug population, shedding light on the dynamics of these beneficial insects in the agro-ecosystem.

Comparative Efficacy of Certain IPM Strategies Against Tobacco Caterpillar and Head Borer in Sunflower

The Experiments was conducted at Regional Research and Technology Transfer Station, Ranital, Bhadrak, OUAT(Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology), Odisha, India during the summer seasons(Jan-may) of 2019–20 and 2020–21 to evaluate the comparative efficacy some IPM modules against the head borer and leaf eating caterpillar in sunflower. Five IPM modules(three chemo-intensive and two bio-intensive modules) were evaluated against the existing pesticides application-based farmers’ practice. The results revealed that the IPM module (M2) comprising of installation of pheromone traps for pest monitoring @ 5 ha-1, poison baits (10 kg rice bran+2 kg jaggery+100 g Thiodicarb 70WP) for attracting and killing of tobacco caterpillar larvae and alternate spray of neem oil formulations (1500 ppm) @ 1.5 l ha-1 and the novel insecticide mixed formulation (Novaluron 5.25%+Emamectin benzoate 0.9% SC) @ 825 ml ha-1 at 15 days interval had significantly suppressed tobacco caterpillar (5.46% leaf damage i.e.. 67.59% reduction over FP) and sunflower head (2.93% head damage i.e. 75.32% deduction over FP). The IPM module ( M3) comprising of pheromone trap installation @ 5 each ha-1,poison baits (10 kg rice bran+2 kg jaggery+200 ml deltamethrin 5EC) and alternate spray of neem oil formulations (1500 ppm) @ 1.5 l ha-1 and Flubendiamide 480 SC @ 150 ml ha-1) also had statistically similar efficacy against the target pests with 6.40% leaf damage (62.02% reduction over FP) and 3.54% head damage(70.17% reduction over FP). Though, the BIPM module had moderate efficacy against the insect-pests under study, retained maximum population of predatory fauna like predatory bug (Eocanthecona furcellata) and lady bird beetles in the sunflower ecosystem.

Identification and functional analysis of serine protease inhibitor gene family of Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff).

The predatory natural enemy Eocanthecona furcellata plays a crucial role in agricultural ecosystems due to its effective pest control measures and defensive venom. Predator venom contains serine protease inhibitors (SPIs), which are the primary regulators of serine protease activity and play key roles in digestion, development, innate immunity, and other physiological regulatory processes. However, the regulation mechanism of SPIs in the salivary glands of predatory natural enemies is still unknown. In this study, we sequenced the transcriptome of E. furcellata salivary gland and identified 38 SPIs genes named EfSPI1∼EfSPI38. Through gene structure, multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic tree analysis, real-time quantitative PCR (RT-PCR) expression profiles of different developmental stages and different tissues were analyzed. RNAi technology was used to explore the gene function of EFSPI20. The results showed that these 38 EfSPIs genes contained 8 SPI domains, which were serpin, TIL, Kunitz, Kazal, Antistasin, Pacifastin, WAP and A2M. The expression profile results showed that the expression of different types of EfSPIs genes was different at different developmental stages and different tissues. Most of the EfSPIs genes were highly expressed in the egg stage. The EfSPI20, EfSPI21, EfSPI22, and EfSPI24 genes of the Pacifastin subfamily and the EfSPI35 gene of the A2M subfamily were highly expressed in the nymphal and adult stages, which was consistent with the RT-qPCR verification results. These five genes are positively correlated with each other and have a synergistic effect on E. furcellata, and they were highly expressed in salivary glands. After interfering with the expression of the EfSPI20 gene, the survival rate and predatory amount of male and female adults were significantly decreased. Taken together, we speculated some EfSPIs may inhibit trypsin, chymotrypsin, and elastase, and some EfSPIs may be involved in autoimmune responses. EfSPI20 was essential for the predation and digestion of E. furcellata, and the functions of other EfSPIs were discussed. Our findings provide valuable insights into the diversity of EfSPIs in E. furcellata and the potential functions of regulating their predation, digestion and innate immunity, which may be of great significance for developing new pest control strategies.

Management strategy for Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae) in mountain maize planting areas in China

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a major maize pest worldwide and has caused huge economic loss. To explore the control tactics of S. frugiperda in mountain maize planting fields, studies were performed in China from 2020 to 2021 for screening the S. frugiperda-resistant maize variety, seed coating agents, chemical insecticides, and biological agents. The results showed that 75 g/hm2 Emamectin benzoate had better controlling efficacy (with a control efficacy of 91.05% at 1d) than other chemicals, so it was recommended in the high incidence period of pests. Compared with other seed coating treatments, 50% Lumingwei TM625FS (with a control efficacy of 76.19% at 10d) was the best seed coating against S. frugiperda. The biological control “Telenomus remus + Picromerus lewisi” and “T. remus + Eocanthecona furcellata” had good control efficacy on S. frugiperda with 76.01%, 64.10% at 20d, respectively. Additionally, there were lower numbers of S. frugiperda in maize variety GuiDan6, BaoYu9, and YanBaiYu8. In summary, this research recommended four effective pest management strategies (GuiDan6-resistant maize variety, 50% Lumingwei TM625FS-seed coating agents, 5% emamectin benzoate-chemical pesticide, and “T. remus + P. lewisi”-biological control) in mountain maize planting fields. The study provided effective control strategies for S. frugiperda.

Diversity and Distribution of Predatory Insects in Non-outbreak and Post-outbreak Estates of an Oil Palm Plantation in Beluran District, Sabah, Malaysia

Hemipteran predator species from the families Reduviidae and Pentatomidae are a group of insects that play a crucial role as natural enemies of leaf-eating pests in oil palm plantations by maintaining the population of pests below the economic. The promotion of natural enemies can be an effective and sustainable approach to pest management. A census was conducted between June and August 2022 in nine plantations in Beluran district, Sabah to compare the species composition between recent leaf-eating pest in outbreaks and non-outbreak estates using sweep nets and active visual surveys. A total of 355 individuals from seven species of two different families were recorded, with Reduviidae being the most abundant family: Sycanus annulicornis, S. affinis, Cosmolestes picticeps, Velinus nigrigenu, Campsolomus nr. sp. (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), Platynopus melanoleucus and Eocanthecona furcellata (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). The diversity indices of the predatory insects were significantly higher (p<0.01) in non-outbreak estates (H’ = 1.682, 1-D = 0.763) compared to post-outbreak estates (H’ = 1.344, 1-D = 0.683), which recorded a higher dominance value (D = 0.32) of a single species, leading to a decrease in the diversity indices. The Pentatomidae family was only found at non-outbreak estates, while the other Reduviidae species were highly abundant and distributed throughout all study locations. The S. annulicornis and S. affinis were only found on beneficial plants, while E. furcellata and P. melanoleucus were highly abundant within the oil palm planting area. These findings provide insights into the importance of maintaining the beneficial plant and reducing the impact of pest outbreaks on the diversity and abundance of predatory insects in oil palm plantations.

Predatory stink bug, Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff) responses to oral exposure route of λ-cyhalothrin via sex-specific modulation manner

The toxic effects of insecticides on predatory arthropods have closely related to their exposure routes. However, little is known about the effects of insecticide on reproductive parameters when the route of exposure occurs at a trophic level via prey intake. We therefore conducted current studies assessing whether Eocanthecona furcellata adults would be affected by feeding with λ-cyhalothrin-contaminated prey. Reproductive parameters, i.e. prolonged premating and preoviposition durations, reduced number of egg batches and egg amount, disturbed ovarian development, and suppressed expression of reproductive related genes were observed in E. furcellata females by feeding with treated prey. Moreover, reduced survival rate and altered carbohydrate metabolism parameters were detected in male bugs. Biochemical parameters, including MDA content, the activities of three antioxidant enzymes and three detoxification enzymes exhibited sex-specific responses after oral-exposure to λ-cyhalothrin in E. furcellata. The results indicate that the insecticide affects the fitness and leads to impairing reproductive potential via sex-specific modulation manner in predator insects. Taken together, our results provide a comprehensive assessment about detrimental impacts of λ-cyhalothrin-exposure on predators via prey intake, as well as a solid basis for further research to protect the predators from hazardous impacts of insecticides.

Dietary Association with Midgut Microbiota Components of Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff)

Eocanthecona furcellata is an important predatory stinkbug that attacks many lepidopteran pests. For mass-rearing, artificial diets are used to rear this predator in the laboratory; however, the fitness of the predators is reduced, and little is known about the cause. Since gut microbiota plays vital roles in the digestion and development of many hosts and can consequently affect host fitness, an understanding of the microbial community composition of E. furcellata may help to solve this unresolved problem. We compared the development and reproduction of E. furcellata reared on an artificial diet, and a natural (Spodoptera litura) or semi-natural (Tenebrio molitor) diet, and then the midgut microbiota were assessed using high-throughput 16S rRNA. The results of the high-throughput 16S rRNA show that the bacterial richness and diversity in the artificial diet gut samples increased considerably compared with the other samples. Proteobacteria and Firmicutes were the dominant phyla in E. furcellata. At the genus level, Serratia (however, the relative abundance was lower in the artificial diet gut samples), Enterococcus, and an uncultured bacterium genus of family Enterobacteriaceae, were dominant. The midgut microbiota components significantly differed among the diets, indicating that the gut bacteria had a dietary association with E. furcellata. This study provides a better understanding of midgut microbiota and the artificial diets that might affect them in E. furcellata.

Bioefficacy, phytotoxicity and insecticide residue dynamics of chlorantraniliprole in brinjal (Solanum melongena) under field condition

Brinjal shoot and fruit borer (BSFB) (Leucinodes orbonalis (Gennadius)) causes significant economic harm to brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) production. The present study was carried out at research farm of ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh to standardize the optimum dose of chlorantraniliprole 18.5% sc (CAP) to manage BSFB under field conditions and to quantify the residue of CAP in brinjal for food safety. Three CAP doses (20, 40, and 80 g a.i./ha) along with an old generic insecticide (cypermethrin 25% ec @50 g a.i./ ha) as a check and an untreated control were examined during 2017–19. CAP applications of 40 and 80 g a.i./ha were similarly efficient against BSFB and resulted in a significantly higher yield of brinjal fruit. The population of borers was reduced significantly in the treatment, CAP @40 g a.i./ha as compared to the untreated control. Phytotoxic effects of chlorantraniliprole 18.5% sc were not observed. Natural enemies of the brinjal ecosystem, viz. predatory pentatomid bug [Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff)], ladybird beetle [Coccinella septempunctata (Linn.)], and spider were unaffected by CAP treatment. When CAP was applied @40 and 80 g a.i./ha, chlorantraniliprole degraded from brinjal fruits with half-lives of 4.85 and 7 days, and pre-harvest intervals of 7 and 10 days were prescribed, respectively. Even at greater application doses, residues in a person's meals were found to be lower than the maximum permissible intake (24.96 mg/person/day) in day-zero samples. Chlorantraniliprole @40 g a.i./ha can be an effective alternative to the conventional insecticides against BSFB in brinjal, ensuring quality, sustainability, and safety.

Assessment of Suitable Reference Genes for qRT-PCR Normalization in Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff).

Simple SummaryEocanthecona furcellata (Wolff) is an important polyphagous predatory natural enemy insect for agriculture and forestry production. In this paper, we screened nine commonly used reference genes β-1-TUB, RPL4, RPL32, RPS17, RPS25, SDHA, GAPDH2, EF2, and UBQ. Five methods, Ct value, geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and RefFinder, were used to assess the stability of gene expression at different developmental stages, in different tissues of male and female adults, under different temperatures and starvation treatments. Finally, stable reference genes were screened under different experimental conditions, which laid the foundation for further study of E. furcellata gene function.Quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (qRT–PCR) is a widely used tool for measuring gene expression; however, its accuracy relies on normalizing the data to one or more stable reference genes. Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff) is a polyphagous predatory natural enemy insect that preferentially feeds on more than 40 types of agricultural and forestry pests, such as those belonging to the orders Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, and Hymenoptera. However, to our knowledge, the selection of stable reference genes has not been reported in detail thus far. In this study, nine E. furcellata candidate reference genes (β-1-TUB, RPL4, RPL32, RPS17, RPS25, SDHA, GAPDH2, EF2, and UBQ) were selected based on transcriptome sequencing results. The expression of these genes in various samples was examined at different developmental stages, in the tissues of male and female adults, and after temperature and starvation treatments. Five algorithms were used, including ΔCt, geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and RefFinder, to evaluate reference gene expression stability. The results revealed that the most stable reference genes were RPL32 and RPS25 at different developmental stages; RPS17, RPL4, and EF2 for female adult tissue samples; RPS17 and RPL32 for male adult tissue samples; RPS17 and RPL32 for various temperature treatments of nymphs; RPS17 and RPS25 for nymph samples under starvation stress; and RPS17 and RPL32 for all samples. Overall, we obtained a stable expression of reference genes under different conditions in E. furcellata, which provides a basis for future molecular studies on this organism.

Preference of generalist predator, Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff.) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) against live and larval extracts of three different insect pests

Preference of generalist predator, Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff.) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) against live and larval extracts of three different insect pests

Detrimental Impact of λ-Cyhalothrin on the Biocontrol Efficacy of Eocanthecona furcellata by Affecting Global Transcriptome and Predatory Behavior.

Whether and how insecticide exposure will affect the biological control efficacy of predatory arthropods is critical in insecticide toxicology research but largely unexplored. In the current study, reduced biocontrol efficacy was observed in a predatory stink bug─Eocanthecona furcellata─after insecticide application in the field. Thus, we constructed a comparative transcriptome analysis and identified a total of 4364 upregulated and 1043 down regulated differentially expressed genes following the sublethal exposure of λ-cyhalothrin. The reduced juvenile hormone (JH) titer and increased trehalose content were observed. The predation capacity and theoretical maximum predation of predators were decreased by 31.08 and 48.90% in response to λ-cyhalothrin, respectively. Furthermore, JH supplementation after λ-cyhalothrin treatment could significantly stimulate trehalase and detoxification enzyme activities, as well as restore the predatory ability of E. furcellata. Our results help to understand the toxicological mechanism of predatory stink bug species in responding to insecticides, benefit predators' ecological services, and optimize the insecticide selection.

PEMANFAATAN BUNGA PUKUL DELAPAN (Turnera subulata) SEBAGAI TANAMAN INANG BAGI PREDATOR DAN PARASITOID ULAT API (Studi Kasus PT. Tritunggal Sentra Buana)

This research is motivated by the importance of knowledge about alternative pest control that is safe but still supports the achievement of maximum oil palm production so that the balance of the oil palm plantation ecosystem can occur. The purpose of this study is to determine the technical cultivation and benefits of the Turnera subulata flower as a host plant for predators and parasitoids that function as biological agents for caterpillars and can be a reference for controlling caterpillar pests that are safe and still support the achievement of maximum oil palm production. The method used in this research is field observation and documentation from the company. The scope of this research covers the technical aspects of the biological control of caterpillars. This research data uses primary data and secondary data obtained from field observations and literature studies in the form of company reports in the form of percentages. The realization of Turnera subulata planting reached 21,659 m on CR road and 19,914 m on MR road. The planned planting of Turnera subulata is 57,200 m on the CR road and 45,823 m on the MR road. For the realization of the planting of Turnera subulata itself using seeds that are ready for planting. To obtain the seedling, the company conducts its nurseries. The seedling technique was done using the stem cutting technique. The stems for the cutting technique were taken from the Turnera subulata plant stems that have grown large. The type of stem taken is the old Turnera subulata plant stem. For seed care, the seeds are always watered every morning and evening like other flower plants. For the natural enemy insects, been proven that there are 6 natural enemy insects associated with Turnera subulata plants, 3 predators, and 3 parasitoids, each with a large enough number of insects. The types are Eocanthecona furcellata, Cosmolestes sp., Sycannus dichotomus, Spinaria spinator, Fornicia sp., and Chaetexorista javana. The development and the implementation of a control system are by optimizing the conservation and utilization of these biological control agents is a wise step to obtain an effective, efficient and environmentally friendly technique for controlling caterpillars. The presence of Turnera subulata plants can be used to suppress the development of pests in oil palm plantations by increasing the potential for natural enemies, both predators, and parasitoids. The diversity of wild plants with flowers can increase the variety of insects so that the balance of the ecosystem occurs.

Optimum density of <i>Eocanthecona furcellata</i> (Wolff) (Hemiptera:Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) to be considered for mass production under laboratory conditions

<p><em>Eocanthecona furcellata</em> (Wolff) is a potential native predator of lepidopteran larvae that can be easily reared under laboratory conditions and released in augmentative biocontrol for management of pests in various crops. For successful mass production of any predator cannibalism under crowded rearing conditions is the major limiting factor. In the present study, attempts were made to know the ideal population considered for group rearing with minimal or no cannibalism. It was recorded that the predator population of 5 to 25 on <em>Corcyra cephalonica</em> (S.) and <em>Galleria mellonella</em> L. and 5 to 30 on <em>Samia cynthia ricini</em> Boisd. and <em>Spodoptera litura</em> F. was feasible for group rearing with higher percent survival rate when reared in different group arenas. The survival percent was higher on hosts, <em>C. cephalonica</em>, <em>G. mellonella</em>, <em>S. litura</em> and recorded lower on <em>S. cynthia ricini</em> under group rearing condition. </p>

The complete mitochondrial genome of the stink bug Eocanthecona furcellata (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

The predatory stink bug Eocanthecona furcellata belongs to the subfamily Asopinae of Pentatomidae. In the current study, the complete mitochondrial genome of E. furcellata is determined. This mitogenome is 16,085 bp in size and comprises of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and a control region. Gene order is identical to that of the putative ancestral arrangement of insects. Nucleotide composition is biased toward A and T, which together made up 75.5% of the entire genome. All tRNAs have the clover-leaf structure except for the tRNASer(AGN) and the length of them ranges from 61 to 73 bp. The monophyly of Pentatomidae is highly supported by the phylogenetic tree and E. furcellata is very close to other carnivorous species of the remaining Pentatomidae species.

Observation of the fine structure of antennal sensilla of the stink bug, Eocanthecona furcellata (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

In order to explore the mechanism underlying chemosensation in Eocanthecona furcellata, the external morphology of its antennae and the type, quantity, distribution and ultrastructure of the sensilla were observed on both sexes of adults and 5th-instar nymphs using scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the antennae of E. furcellata consisted of three parts: scape, pedicel and flagellum. There were five types of sensilla on the antennae, which included sensilla trichoidea (ST), sensilla chaetica (SCh), sensilla coeloconica (SCo), sensilla basiconica (SB) and squamifornia denticles (SD). Further, there were 4 subtypes of ST and SB and 2 subtypes of SCo and SCh. The number of sensilla on nymphs was significantly lower than that on adults. The antennae of adults showed sexual dimorphism, as the number of sensilla on female adults was higher than that on male adults. SB4 was found only on females and SCo2 was found only on males. These inter-sexual differences may be related to chemoreception of sex pheromone and chemical predation location. The morphology and putative functions of each sensilla were compared and discussed. These results provide a reference for further study of the behavioral biology, chemical ecology and electrophysiology of insects, and also provides a scientific basis for new ways of biological control.

Biology and oviposition preference of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on fodder crops and its natural enemies from Central India

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda is a ruinous insect pest, native to tropical and subtropical regions of western hemisphere. It has recently invaded Indian subcontinent during 2018, causing severe damage to crops of several genera of many plant families. The incidence of FAW infestation ranged from 12% to 74%, indicating its establishment in central India where it poses an immediate and significant economic threat to crop production. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh isolate is closely related to the isolates of southern states of India. Studies on biology of FAW indicated no variation in biological parameters, when reared on fodder maize and fodder sorghum, however recorded longer larval and pupal duration (16.07 and 10.00 days) when reared on artificial diet. The adults laid more number of eggs under crop mosaic condition with varied phenological crop growth stages and the fodder maize (782.33 eggs) was most preferred for oviposition. A total of five parasitoids were recovered from the field collected larvae and also predation by generalist predator, Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff) was recorded during the study period.

Gross morphology and ultrastructure of the salivary glands of the stink bug predator Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff).

Eocanthecona furcellata Wolff (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is a native generalist predator which attacks and kills its prey by first inserting its stylet into the prey's body and then injecting saliva into it. Here, we describe the histology and ultrastructure of its salivary glands. The study showed that the salivary glands were made up of pairs of principal and tubular accessory salivary glands. The principal salivary glands were bilobed and consisted of a smaller anterior lobe and a larger elongated posterior lobe. The ducts of the principal and accessory salivary glands were located in a narrow region between the anterior and posterior lobe known as the hilum. The principal salivary gland was lined with a single-layered epithelium. The cells cytoplasm was enriched with rough endoplasmic reticulum and secretory, and the nucleus showed a higher level of uncondensed chromatin. The basal region of the cell had plasma membrane infoldings. The cytoplasm of the accessory gland was rich in rough endoplasmic reticulum and many large cavities. The ducts of the principal salivary gland were made up of a single layer of flattened cells which had a thin cuticle lining the apical portion. Variation in the lumen content of the different lobes, which made up the principal gland suggested that their chemical products also varied. These results indicate that these two salivary glands produce the proteins found in the saliva.