Insect Pest Management Research Articles

A comprehensive Review on Genomic Approaches for Insect Pest Management

Genomic approaches, such as RNA interference (RNAi) and CRISPR/Cas9, have shown promise for insect pest management. RNAi techniques involve the use of double-stranded RNAs (dsRNA) to silence specific target genes in arthropod pests, which can be highly selective and safe for non-target organisms. CRISPR/Cas9 technology, on the other hand, allows for precise editing of insect genomes, offering potential strategies for controlling pests through various mechanisms such as impairing reproductive capacity or making pests susceptible to insecticides. These genomic approaches provide species-specific and environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical insecticides, which are facing challenges such as resistance and negative impacts on human health and the environment. However, there are still challenges to overcome, such as the delivery of genetic material into the germline of insects, particularly in the Hemiptera order. Further research and advancements in these genomic technologies are needed to fully realize their potential for insect pest management.

The potency of fungal entomopathogens isolated from Spodoptera frugiperda as endophytic plant-growth promoter

Previous studies have identified endophytic fungi as plant growth promoters and insect pest management. In the current study, six fungal isolates of Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana were isolated from larval corpses of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) and tested for their ability to colonize leaf tissue through root and leaf applications or foliar-spray and to promote the growth of young maize (Zea mays) plants. The maize growth attributes examined were germination rate, height, dry and fresh weight, and leaf area. The research was conducted in May until June 2023 in Universitas Sriwijaya, Indonesia. The results revealed that M. anisopliae and B. bassiana were isolated from the cadavers of S. frugiperda and confirmed to be endophytic fungi. Root application was more effective to enhance the fresh weight, plant height, and leaf area of maize compared to foliar-spray. The fungi could significantly enhance the fresh weight, plant height, and leaf area of the young maize plants. The best isolate that could enhance the maize growth was the B. bassiana WTTJC260521A isolate. These findings suggest that M. anisopliae and B. bassiana isolated from fall armyworm corpses that had the potential to enhance maize plant growth through root applicaton.

Seasonal Incidence of Insect Pests and Natural Enemies in Foxtail Amaranthus and Spinach and Efficacy of Dimethoate Against Insect Pests Infesting Leafy Vegetables

An investigation was made to study the efficacy of dimethoate against sucking and defoliator pest-infesting foxtail amaranths and spinach. The efficacy of dimethoate was evaluated at two doses, one at the recommented does of 200 g active ingredient (a.i.) ha-1 and other at double the recommended dose of 400 g a.i. ha-1 along with control and the other at double the recommended dose of 400 g a.i ha-1 along with control. The incidence of leaf webber (Hymenia recurvalis), ear-head bug (Cletus pugnator), Thrips (Thrips tabaci) and leaf miner (Liriomyza trifoli) were observed in foxtail amaranth. In spinach, leaf-eating caterpillars (Spodoptera litura), cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon) and Thrips (Thrips tabaci) were recorded. In spinach at the third leaf stage, nearly 9.20% leaf defoliation, 10.34% leaf damage and a mean thrips population of 3.48/five plants with a mean predator population of 0.32/ five plants were recorded. In the efficacy study, dimethoate was efficient in reducing the infestation of the leaf webber population with pre-mean count of 4.4± 0.87 in control and 1.2± 0.03 in X dose and 0.0± 0.0 in 2X dose after a day after treatment (DAT) in foxtail amaranths. In an efficacy study of dimethoate on thrips in spinach and foxtail amaranth, a complete reduction of thrips population was observed on 3 DAT at X dose and 2X dose with mean thrips population on control was 17.1± 2.12 in spinach and 8.5± 1.24 in foxtail amaranth 3 DAT. These findings indicate that dimethoate application has promising potential as a practical approach for managing insect pests in foxtail amaranth and spinach crops.

Survey of target site mutations linked with insecticide resistance in Italian populations of Aphis gossypii.

Aphis gossypii is a worldwide agricultural pest that causes high levels of economic losses by feeding and transmitting virus diseases. It is usually controlled by chemical insecticides, but this could lead to the selection of resistant populations. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been identified associated with insecticide resistance. Monitoring activities to detect the presence of such mutations in field populations can have an important role in insect pest management but, currently, no information on Italian strains is available. The presence of target site mutations conferring resistance to different insecticides was analysed in Italian field collected populations of A. gossypii with an allele specific approach (QSGG, Qualitative Sybr-Green Genotyping). Primers were designed to detect mutations in genes coding acetylcholinesterase (S431F), nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (R81T) and voltage-gated sodium channel (M918L and L1014F). S431F was widespread but with high variability across populations. R81T was detected for the first time in Italy but only in two populations. The L1014F mutation (kdr) was not found, while in the samples showing the M918L two different nucleotidic substitutions were detected. Mutant allele frequencies were, respectively, 0.70 (S431), 0.31 (M918) and 0.02 (R81). Further analysis on the voltage-gated sodium channel gene showed the presence of eight haplotypes and one non-synonymous mutation in the gene coding region. Multiple target-site mutations were detected within Italian populations. The combinations of genotypes observed in certain locations could affect negatively the control of this pest. Preliminary insights on the genetic structure in the Italian populations of A. gossypii were acquired. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Trade-offs between winter survival and reproduction in female insects.

In temperate environments most species of insects enter an arrested state of development, known as diapause, that enables them to survive the adverse environmental conditions associated with winter. Although diapause is restricted to a single life stage within species of insects, there are examples of insects that overwinter in the egg, larval, pupal and adult stages. Here we offer a targeted, non-systematic literature review examining how overwintering impacts subsequent reproduction in female insects. Several factors, including the lifestage at which insects overwinter, the type of energy investment strategy females use for breeding, elements of the winter environment, and contributions from male insects can influence trade-offs that female insects face between overwintering survival and post-diapause reproduction. Additionally, climate change and elements of the urban environment, including light pollution and higher temperatures in cities, can exacerbate or ameliorate trade-offs faced by reproducing female insects. Better understanding trade-offs between overwintering survival and reproduction in insects not only enhances our understanding of the underlying physiological mechanisms and ecological processes governing diapause and reproduction, but also provide opportunities to better manage insect pests and/or support beneficial insects.

Comparative resistance of wheat genotypes to aphid infestation under varied sowing dates

Aphid infestations pose a significant threat to wheat production worldwide, leading to substantial yield losses. Understanding the variation in wheat genotype response to aphids’ infestation across different sowing dates is crucial for effective insect pest management approaches. In this study, we investigated the relative resistance of various wheat genotypes to aphid infestations under varying sowing dates over multiple growing seasons 2019–20 and 2020–21 at Cereal Crops Research Institute, Pirsabak, Nowshera, Pakistan. The objectives were to assess the impact of sowing date on aphid infestations and to identify wheat genotypes that exhibit consistent resistance to aphids. The results revealed significant variations in aphid infestations across different sowing dates, with early-sown (October) wheat genotypes; Khaista-17 and PR-123 having 5.53 and 5.22 aphids/tiller, respectively, experiencing higher aphid pressure among all sowing dates, while lower aphid infestation 1.91 and 2.30 aphids/tiller observed on PR-125 and PR-127 respectively in late-sown (January). In contrast, Khaista-17 and PR-126 sown in October attained higher yield (4041 and 3639 kg ha−1), while the same genotypes attained 448 and 441 kg ha−1 respectively, that late-sown at January 2019–20. Similarly, these genotypes, Khaista-17 and PR-131 with 4.44 and 4.31 aphids/tiller not only sustained lower aphid populations but also demonstrated minimal yield loss due to aphid damage during 2020–21. This research highlights the importance of considering sowing date as a critical factor in wheat-aphid interactions. Furthermore, this study offers valuable insights for pest management strategies aimed at mitigating aphid-related yield losses and improve overall wheat production sustainability.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAVs): A Novel Spraying Technique for Management of Sucking Insect Pests in Cotton Ecosystem

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAVs): A Novel Spraying Technique for Management of Sucking Insect Pests in Cotton Ecosystem

ENTOMOPATHOGENIC FUNGI AS MYCO-BIOCONTROL AGENT OF STORED GRAIN INSECT PESTS

Chemical insecticides have been a fairly successful means of controlling pests that cause harm to stored agricultural commodities. However, there are risks, involved in applying these pesticides continuously; these risks are fast becoming problem of global proportion. The overuse and misuse of chemical pesticides by agricultural value chain actors has made the development of new and lower-risk, benign methods for managing insect pests necessary. One lower risk method of managing insect pest that is gaining traction in terms of utilization is myco-biocontrol, one of which is entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) with a biological origin. Entomopathogenic fungi are pathogenic to insects, and based on their widespread presence in natural environments are purported as less harmful to the environment. Toxicologically, EPF are considered benign to man, making them desirable in the context of the new integrated pest management (IPM) framework. Fundamentally, this review covers the current state of knowledge regarding EPF fungi and their use for biological pest management as well as recent developments in the bio-control of stored-grain insects using formulated and unformulated strains. It also covers the mode of application, mechanism of action, and environmental factors necessary for the germination and growth of conidia.

Larval density-dependent mortality of western corn rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Bt and non-Bt maize and implications on dose calculations†.

Transgenic crops producing insecticidal toxins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) have been used to manage insect pests for nearly 30 years. Dose of a Bt crop is key to assessing the risk of resistance evolution because it affects the heritability of resistance traits. Western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, LeConte), a major pest of maize, has evolved resistance to all commercially available Bt traits targeting it, and threatens resistance to future transgenic traits. Past research shows the dose of Bt maize targeting western corn rootworm can be confounded by larval density-dependent mortality. We conducted a 2-year field study at two locations to quantify larval density-dependent mortality in Bt and non-Bt maize. We used these results to calculate dose for our method and compared it to three previously published methods. Additionally, adult emergence and root injury were analyzed for predicting initial egg density. Increased pest density caused greater proportions of larvae to die in Bt maize than in non-Bt maize. All methods for calculating dose produced values less than high-dose, and stochastic variation had the greatest impact on dose at high and low pest densities. Our method for calculating dose did not produce values positively correlated with pest density while the three other methods did. To achieve the most accurate calculation of dose for transgenic maize targeting western corn rootworm, density-dependent mortality should be taken into account for both transgenic and non-transgenic maize and assessed at moderate pest densities. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Evaluating the efficiency of silver nanoparticles prepared using <i>Pseudomonas fluorescens</i> and <i>Bacillus thuringiensis</i> subsp. <i>tenebrionis</i> in controlling eggs and adults of <i>Callosobruchus maculatus</i> (F.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) which are prepared biologically by two bacterial species, Bacillus thuringiensis tenebrionis (Btt) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (P.f) to control southern cowpea beetle insect, Callosobruchus maculatus. Many features of the prepared nanoparticles were examined, and the results obtained showed that the highest absorption value of AgNPs was at 262 nm. Whereas the results of FTIR analysis showed that several compounds played a role in the silver ions reduction process, which included alcohol, alkane, primary amine, and amine group. The scanning electronic microscopic images showed that the average diameter of nanoparticles which was created by P.f was 48.52 nm, while it was 56.08 nm for the nanoparticles prepared by Btt. The study showed no significant differences between the activity of both AgNP types against C. maculatus eggs, while a significant preference was recorded for the activity of Btt AgNPs against the C. maculatus adults. The highest percentage of unhitched eggs was 53.8% recorded at 3000 ppm concentration, while Btt AgNPs gave 59.6% at 3000 ppm. The highest mortality rate of the adults who were treated by Btt AgNPs was 58.8 % at 3000 ppm concentration, while it was recorded 50% at 3000 ppm with P.f AgNPs treatment. The current study demonstrates the efficiency of biologically prepared AgNPs in controlling C. maculatus insect life stages, which encourages using of these nanoparticles as a modern strategy in management of insect pests.

Entomopathogens and their role in insect pest management

Agricultural production faces significant challenges due to the loss of crop yields, highlighting the need for improvements in pest management methods to enhance productivity. Crop growers are increasingly pressured to minimize the use of chemical pesticides without compromising yields. However, managing pests has become more challenging due to pesticide resistance and limited product availability. Consequently, there is an urgent requirement for alternative approaches. Entomopathogens such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes emerge as promising alternatives to broad-spectrum chemical insecticides. They have been widely employed to control insect pests in cultivated crops, employing successful strategies such as augmentation and classical biological control. These methods involve applying or introducing bacteria, baculoviruses, fungi, and nematodes. Utilizing entomopathogens offers numerous benefits beyond their effectiveness. These advantages encompass the capacity to treat expansive areas with a sole application, ensuring safety for both humans and non-target organisms. Additionally, their use leads to decreased pesticide residues in food, the conservation of natural enemies, and a boost in biodiversity within managed ecosystems. Entomopathogens present a viable solution by offering effective pest control while addressing environmental, human health, and ecosystem sustainability concerns. The primary emphasis of this review is on the present condition of bio-formulations, the pathogenicity associated with entomopathogens, their mode of action, and the possible implementation of diverse microbial formulations aimed at achieving sustainable pest management.

Functional transgenes in Mexican maize: benefits and risks for insect pest management in Mexico and the United States

Abstract Corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea) and fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) are major migratory pests of maize (Zea mays) in the United States and Mexico. They are primarily controlled in the United States with genetically engineered (GE) maize, while the 25-yr moratorium on cultivating GE maize in Mexico has forced growers to control these pests with insecticides, where maize productivity remains 35% below the world’s average. The United States annually exports 5% of its maize grain to Mexico, where it provides human food and animal feed. This seed is often sown by smallholder growers, leading to plantings of GE transgene-expressing maize and potential hybridization with local landraces. As a result, transgenes are now present in Mexican maize products and landraces. In this study, we examined the F1 offspring of GE maize to better understand the frequency of different transgenes expressed in maize seeds exported to Mexico. We show that exported seed contains numerous transgenes, including an estimated ~68% epsps expressing resistance to the herbicide glyphosate; ~80% pat and bar expressing resistance to the herbicide glufosinate; and ~82% Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) genes that effectively protect maize plants from several insect pests. We tested 134 samples, including landraces from 10 Mexican states, and found that 35% expressed resistance to glyphosate and 33% to glufosinate. Many samples containing herbicide resistance also expressed 11%–100% functional Bt transgenes, which can effectively reduce the refuge area provided by Mexican maize and increase the Bt-resistant allele frequency. We discuss ways that the introgression of transgenes could provide pest management benefits to Mexican growers but, at the same time, accelerate the development of Bt-resistance in corn earworm and fall armyworm. Our cost-effective screening methods can be used to determine the introgression of functional herbicide resistance and Bt transgenes in maize.

The Effects of Transplanting Date on Management of Tobacco Insect Pests. Min review

The main review purpose this paper provides updated information on the effect of different transplanting dates on the infestation of tobacco insect pets were carried out at different location by different Scholars. The results revealed that different trials conducted in different agro ecological zone indicated that damage was higher and green leaves yield decrease were in late transplanted tobacco. While, the damage was gradually decrease and green leaves yield increase in early transplanted tobacco. Numerous species of insect pests of tobacco affect the crop in the field, in the greenhouse, and in storage. The effect tobacco insect pests reduced green leaf yield, quality and damage roots, leaves, buds parts of plants and others transmit several important tobacco disease pathogens. As management systems for flue-cured tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) used different transplanting date were compared to evaluate their influence on insect pests’ damage, leaves yield and quality of flue-cured tobacco. The results indicated that early transplanted significantly increase leaf yield, growth parameters and decrease insect pest damage incidence. The study indicated that transplanted has pronounced positive effect on management of tobacco insect pests and growth of tobacco.

Entomophagous insects: Predators and parasitoids that shape insect communities and offer valuable tools for insect pest management

AbstractThis special issue comprises papers presented at the 7th International Entomophagous Insects Conference (IEIC7), in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 2023. Entomophagous insects, which prey on or parasitize other insects, play a pivotal role in ecosystems and are widely utilized as biocontrol agents. This special issue includes two review articles and nine research papers covering diverse subjects such as ecology, physiology, behavior, genetics, chemical ecology, and biological control, which reflects the diversity of topics presented and discussed during the conference.

Insect pest management in paddy and sociodemographic profile of agricultural practitioners within the SAS Nagar, India

Insect pest management in paddy and sociodemographic profile of agricultural practitioners within the SAS Nagar, India

Do male and female family forest landowners have different training needs? A case study from Georgia, United States

In the southern United States, female forest landowners (FeFLs) are an important stakeholder group as they make up 27% (about 450,000) of family forest landowners and hold 21% (about 30 million acres) of the total forestlands. Despite FeFLs' increasing role in forestry, they are less actively involved in forest management than male forest landowners. This could be attributed to a general lack of understanding about gender-based training needs in sustainable forest management. In this context, we surveyed 246 forest landowners in Georgia, a major forestry state in the United States, to gauge the levels of perceived knowledge and interest in learning about 12 forest management topics. We determined the competency gaps in forest management using the Borich's Needs Assessment Model. Our results indicate that the priority topics of training needs were consistent regardless of the landowners' forest management objective. Gender-based disparities highlighted that FeFLs had a significantly lower perceived knowledge level across 11 out of 12 topics than their male counterparts. Further, FeFLs required training in all 12 topics of forest management. The top five priority topics, in order, were tree disease management, forest insect pest management, timber taxes, nuisance wildlife management, and environmental education. To bolster the competency and capacity of FeFLs in sustainable forest management, we suggest implementing targeted training, encouraging peer-to-peer learning, and elevating female forestry professionals in Georgia and other states in the region.

In Vitro Exploration of Entomopathogenic Nematodes as Potential Biocontrol Agents of Brinjal Borer Leucinodes Orbonalis Guenée (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Leucinodes orbonalis is a potential pest of eggplant, commonly known as fruit and shoot borer. Owing to its devastating nature, chemical pesticides are frequently applied and insecticide pressure is significantly higher in developing nations. Keeping the current situation in mind the most effective and practical strategy for managing insect pests found in humid and subtropical environments is the bio-control. Entomopathogenic nematodes, has been utilized against many pests for their effective management. Keeping in view the biocidal potential of entomopathogenic nematodes, the current study was planned to explore the biocidal potential of Steinernema and Heterorhabditis, two significant genera of entomopathogenic nematodes against L. orbonalis. White trap extraction technique was used to isolate nematodes from several insect larvae. Four discrete concentrations of entomopathogenic nematodes viz. 60, 90, 120, and 150 infective juveniles per larvae were applied on larval stages. The virulence trial was followed by completely randomized block design. Multiple comparisons showed that among both the tested nematodes H. bacteriophora induced significant 81.33% mortality corresponding to 150 IJs/larva after 72 h of exposure as compared to S. glaseri. In the view of current research, entomopathogenic nematodes are recommended to be used in integrated pest management program for the management of insect pests.

RNA interference-mediated silencing of coat protein II (COPII) genes affects the gut homeostasis and cuticle development in Locusta migratoria

The coat protein II (COPII) complex consists of five primary soluble proteins, namely the small GTP-binding protein Sar1, the inner coat Sec23/Sec24 heterodimers, and the outer coat Sec13/Sec31 heterotetramers. COPII is essential for cellular protein and lipid trafficking through cargo sorting and vesicle formation at the endoplasmic reticulum. However, the roles of COPII assembly genes remain unknown in insects. In present study, we identified five COPII assembly genes (LmSar1, LmSec23, LmSec24, LmSec13 and LmSec31) in Locusta migratoria. RT-qPCR results revealed that these genes showed different expression patterns in multiple tissues and developmental days of fifth-instar nymphs. Injection of double-stranded RNA against each LmCOPII gene induced a high RNAi efficiency, and considerably suppressed feeding, and increased mortality to 100 %. Results from the micro-sectioning and hematoxylin–eosin staining of midguts showed that the brush border was severely damaged and the number of columnar cells was significantly reduced in dsLmCOPII-injected nymphs, as compared with the control. The dilated endoplasmic reticulum phenotype of columnar cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy. RT-qPCR results further indicated that silencing any of the five genes responsible for COPII complex assembly repressed the expression of genes involved in insulin/mTOR-associated nutritional pathway. Therefore, COPII assembly genes could be promising RNAi targets for insect pest management by disrupting gut and cuticle development.

Assessment of Bioefficacy of Chilli Pepper Capsicum frutescens (L.) and its Intercropping on the Performance and Insect Pests Management of Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea L.)

A study was conducted at the Yaba College of Technology Instructional and Research Farm in 2022 and 2023 wet and dry seasons to determine the bio-efficacy of chilli pepper, (Capsicum frutescens (L.)) and its intercropping on the growth, yield and insect pest management of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.)). The experiment was laid out in a 3×4 factorial experiment in Randomized Complete Block Design with 3 treatments (chilli pepper extract at 200l/ha, 250l/ha, and local control) at 3 replications in alternate intercropping, strip cropping, border cropping, and sole cropping arrangement. The chilli pepper aqueous extract at 200 l/ha and 250 l/ha sprayed on the Bambara groundnut plants were sprayed as scheduled from 10 am to 12 noon with the view of protecting it with aqueous extract of chilli pepper on 12 plots of 60 ridges. Data were collected on growth parameters of Bambara groundnut at 2, 4, and 6 weeks after planting, pest population, assessment of thrips and legume pod borer, assessment of both nymph and adult of legume pod borer and pod sucking bugs, pod density, pod damage, grain yield, yield loss and assessment of phytotoxicity signs using Analysis of Variance. Results showed that 250 l/ha aqueous extract treated plots reduced the number of insect pests including thrips (4.67±1.09), legume pod borer (1.76±0.35), legume pod borer nymph (1.08±0.10) adults of pod borers (1.18±0.11) and pod sucking bugs adult (3.33±1.09) in intercropping situation, followed by 200 l/ha respectively as compared to untreated plots (2.69±0.12). There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the treated plots (9.08±0.62) and untreated plots (12.44±0.71) in terms of pod damage as well as increased grain yields (343.73±4.71) when compared to the untreated control (322.12±43). However, 250 l/ha causes higher phytotoxicity damage than 200 l/ha although it controlled pest population better than 200 l/ha. Alternate cropping proved to be superior to other cropping system with respect to grain yield (36.78±12.99), reduction in pest infestation (6.33±1.23) and reduction in yield loss (299.58±9.41) when compared to sole cropping of Bambara groundnut with respect to grain yield (100.24±12.99), reduction in pest infestation (15.33±1.23) and reduction in yield loss (395.27±9.41). The bio-pesticidal effect of chilli pepper on Bambara groundnut insects may be due to the presence of active ingredients present in chilli pepper including glycosides, tannin, terpenoides, flavonoids, saponin, reducing sugar, steroids, and resins. This result indicates the potential of using plant extract with insecticidal attributes for the protection of Bambara groundnut in low input agriculture practiced by limited resource farmers in developing countries.

Formulation and Validation of Organic Insect Pest Management Module for Pests of Cabbage and Cauliflower in Valley and Foot Hills Region, Manipur, India

During the rabi seasons from 2017 to 2020 in the valley and foothill regions of Imphal, Manipur, a study was conducted to design and test three different organic insect pest management modules M1, M2 and M3 for cabbage and cauliflower. The focus was on three major pests: cabbage butterfly, diamondback moth, and cabbage aphid. Module three (M-3) emerged as the most effective strategy, incorporating various organic practices. This included seed treatment with Trichoderma harzianum at 10g/kg seed and soil drenching in nursery plots at 25g/100 m2, intercropping with mustard, application of anonnin extract at 5 ml/litre, Spinosad 45% SC (biopesticide) at 3ml/10 litres, and Verticillium lecanii at 10 ml/litre. Additionally, the module incorporated the installation of yellow sticky traps for aphids and pheromone traps for diamondback moths for monitoring and mass trapping. The results indicated that Module 3 performed well than other modules and the control group in reducing insect pest incidence on cabbage and cauliflower with the number of cabbage butterfly ranging from 0.07 to 0.11, in both cabbage and cauliflower, where as 0.06 to 0.04 in case of Diamond back moth and 0.21 to 0.47 number of cabbage aphid per square inch leaf area with B:C ratio of 1:12.4 and 1:12.7 for cabbage and 1:6:39 and1:6.41 for cauliflower at lamphel and lanol fields, respectively. Moreover, it contributed to an increased yield, demonstrating its superiority in organic insect pest management for both valley and foothill regions. This underscores the effectiveness of a holistic and integrated approach to pest management in organic farming practices.