Major Insect Pests Research Articles

Overview of Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) Pests and Their Management: A Review

Brinjal (eggplant or aubergine), a widely cultivated vegetable in tropical and subtropical regions, faces significant threats from a variety of insect pests. These pests cause substantial damage at different stages of crop growth, leading to reduced yields and compromised fruit quality. This review provides a comprehensive overview on the major insect pests that affect brinjal cultivation, focusing on their biology, damage mechanisms, and current management practices. Special emphasis is placed on integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, combining cultural, biological and chemical control methods to promote sustainable brinjal production.

Evaluating the Efficacy of Insecticide on the Management of Onion Thrips (Thrips tabaci, Lindemann) in Northwestern Zone of Tigray

Ethiopia has enormous potential to produce the onions throughout the year both for domestic use and export market. It is also the most cultivated and high market value of vegetable crops in Tigray Northern Ethiopia. However, the productivity of onion is highly constrained such as insect pests, diseases, lack of improved verities, lack of improved management practices etc. The major insect pest of onion is Onion thrips and important pests especially in areas where onions are grown under irrigation. The purpose of this study was to test the insecticide chemicals application and application frequency on the Onion production technologies. Therefore, field experiment was conducted to evaluate the insecticide chemical applications with frequency application in 2017 and 2018 under irrigation conditions. Thirteen treatments were used three different insecticide types namely Karatae 5% EC, Dimethote 40%EC, Profit72%EC with four different spraying frequency and untreated (control) laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The current findings showed that the profitable yield was obtained Karatae 5% EC (1st spray) (14.25 t ha-1) followed by Profit72%EC (4th spray) that is (20.25 t ha-1) and the obtained profit was 128053 &181788 birr per ha with the maximum Marginal Rate of Return of 3025 & 2417% respectively in Tselemti woreda. In Medebaayzana woreda also, the profitable yield was obtained Karatae 5% EC (1st spray) (25.79 t ha-1) followed by Karatae 5% EC (4st spray) at (27.75 t ha-1) & Dimethote 40% EC (3rd spray) at (25.78 t ha-1) and 231976, 249463 & 231544 birr per ha obtained profit with the maximum Marginal Rate of Return of 2634, 2395 & 2311 % respectively. Therefore, Karatae 5% EC (1st spray) in Tselemti & Medebayzana woreda & Profit72%EC (4th spray) in Tselemti woreda and Dimethote 40% EC (3rd spray) in Medebayzana woreda was profitable preventive Onion Thrips for Onion production in the studies area.

Life table and feeding behavior of Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) at sublethal concentrations of Afidopyropen, Spirotetramat and sulfoxaflor

AbstractThe green peach aphid Myzus persicae Sülzer is a major insect pest of cruciferous plants, including vegetables such as Chinese cabbage. The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of sublethal afidopyropen and spirotetramat concentrations on the survival and reproduction of M. persicae. In addition, we used an electrical penetration graph (EPG) to study the feeding behavior of M. persicae on Chinese cabbage leaves treated with various concentrations of afidopyropen, spirotetramat and sulfoxaflor. The results showed that sublethal concentrations (LC10 and LC30) of afidopyropen and spirotetramat significantly decreased adult longevity and fecundity. However, sulfoxaflor had no significant effects. Several population parameters, including the net reproductive rate (R0), intrinsic rate of increase (rm), mean generation time (T), finite rate of increase (λ), and doubling time (DT), were significantly decreased only at the LC30 of spirotetramat. According to the EPG feeding behavior analyses, when all three insecticides were applied at LC30, the nonpenetration (NP) waveform significantly increased. The above results can be used as basic data for the well‐planned use of insecticides.

Revealing pest patterns: A comparative spatial distribution analysis of insect threats in Kharif rice across the key agricultural regions in the Eastern India.

This study investigates the spatial distribution and aggregation patterns of major insect pests in Kharif rice fields during the 2023 growing season in Eastern India. The analysis focuses on key pests such as yellow stem borer (YSB), gall midge, green leaf hopper (GLH), and brown planthopper (BPH), as well as rice thrips, caseworm, whorl maggot, Gundhi bug, grasshopper, and leaf folder. Using statistical indices, this study aims to understand pest behavior across Standard Meteorological Weeks (SMWs) to better inform pest control strategies. The study reveals significant clustering and aggregation patterns among the pests. YSB exhibited variance-mean ratio (VMR) values between 1.14 (40th SMW) and 1.96 (31st SMW), with dispersion parameter (K) values ranging from 0.57 to 21.65, and a peak index of dispersion of 132.66 (43rd SMW). Similarly, gall midge showed VMR values from 6.19 to 10.48, whereas GLH and BPH recorded VMR ranges of 1.19 to 132.10 and 1.01 to 1.50, respectively. These spatial distribution trends were confirmed through values for Iwao's patchiness index and Taylor's power law, indicating strong pest aggregation in specific areas. The results underscore the need for region-specific integrated pest management strategies that take into account pest clustering and environmental factors influencing pest distribution. Although an S-curve pattern of infestation-showing gradual population increases, rapid peaks, and eventual decline-was observed, the primary focus remains spatial patterns, which are critical for optimizing pest management and improving rice crop sustainability in the region. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Major Insect Pests of Sweet Potatoes in Brazil and the United States, with Information on Crop Production and Regulatory Pest Management.

The sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam] is considered one of the most important crops in the world as food, fodder, and raw material for starch and alcohol production. Sweet potato consumption and demand for its value-added products have increased significantly over the past two decades, leading to new cultivars, expansion in acreage, and increased demand in the United States and its export markets. Due to its health benefits, sweet potato production has multiplied over the past decade in Brazil, promoting food security and economic development in rural areas. Their adaptability and nutritional value make them a food of great importance for Brazil. As pest attacks and disease infection are the main limiting aspects that often cause yield loss and quality degradation in sweet potatoes, there is a great demand to develop effective defense strategies to maintain productivity. There is a critical need for research into non-pesticide control approaches that can provide safe, cost-effective, sustainable, and environmentally friendly pest and disease management techniques. Pests which feed on roots have trade implications worldwide. For example, sweet potato tuber shipments infested with the sweet potato weevil are generally not allowed for trade in North and South America.

Feeding and Growth Response of Fall Armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) towards Different Host Plants.

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is a major migratory polyphagous insect pest of various crops. The essential nutrient and mineral profile of the host plants determines the feeding fitness of herbivorous insects. As a result, the growth and development of insects is affected. To determine the effect of the nutrient and mineral profile of different host plants (maize, castor bean, cotton, cabbage, okra, and sugarcane) on the growth and development of S. frugiperda, biological parameters like larval weight, pupal weight (male/female), and feeding and growth indices were calculated. The proximate compositions such as crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre, and ash and mineral contents of the tested host plants showed significant differences (p < 0.05). The feeding indices on these host plants also differed significantly (p < 0.05). The maximum relative growth rate (RGR), relative consumption rate (RCR), and consumption index (CI) were recorded in S. frugiperda larvae that fed on maize and castor bean leaves. The crude protein, dry matter, and ash contents in maize and castor bean were significantly higher and positively correlated with the RGR and RCR of S. frugiperda larvae. The larval, male and female pupal weights were the maximum in the larvae feeding on the castor bean host plant. These findings provide novel information based on nutritional ecology to develop sustainable integrated pest management strategies using selective crop rotation.

Adaptive evolution of invasive fall armyworms to maize with potential involvement of Cytochrome P450 genes

BackgroundAn invasion occurs when introduced species establish and maintain stable populations in areas outside of their native habitat. Adaptive evolution has been proposed to contribute to this process. The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is one of the major pest insects infesting maize in both invaded and native areas. The invasion of this species was reported from West Africa in 2016, followed by spreading across the Old World. We tested adaptive evolution to maize using 56 native samples from the USA and 59 invasive samples from Senegal, based on genomic and transcriptomic analyses.ResultsPrincipal component analysis revealed that the Senegalese population originated from corn strain. Three genetic loci were identified as targets of selective sweeps in the Senegalese population. These loci include four Cytochrome P450 genes (CYP321B1, CYP321B3, CYP321B4, and CYP337B5), as well as 12 genes of which the function is unclear. Transcriptomic analysis showed an overexpression of CYP321B1 and CYP321B3 genes in sfC samples compared to sfR samples. Additionally, these two genes were overexpressed when corn strain samples were exposed to maize. In larval feeding assays, the Senegalese population exhibited higher survival rates than a Floridan population across all four tested maize varieties.ConclusionsThese results suggest that the analyzed Senegalese population experienced adaptive evolution involving loci containing CYP genes, potentially associated with an increase in the survival rates on maize. We argue that the invasive success of the fall armyworm is contributed by stabilizing selection to maize.

Feasibility of polylactic acid and essential oil composite with insecticidal properties for prevention of Sitophilus oryzae and Oryzophilus surinamensis in Sorghum and Pearl millet

Current study provides insight on the feasibility of polylactic acid (PLA) integrated with (1:1 ratio) of essential oils belonging to Ocimum gratissimum (OG) and Mentha spicata (MS) for prevention of major stored insect pests (Sitophilus oryzae and Oryzophilus surinamensis) in Sorghum and Pearl millet. A combination of OG and MS essential oils (1:1) was incorporated into the PLA polymer matrix. Further, SPME analysis of synthesized PLA showed the presence of volatiles corresponding to carvone (6.44 %) and thymol (6.22 %). Synthesized PLA composites were tested against S. oryzae and O. surinamensis using Sorghum and Pearl millets, and insect mortality was equivalent to commercial super bags (CSB). The head space oxygen decreased significantly in CSB and slightly in PLA bags. Thickness of EO blended PLA composite was increased (99 μm), tensile strength (23.94 MPa), WVTR (1.42 g/m2.hr) analysis, significant folding ability, and swelling capacity (0.24 %) showed slight reduction in composite film. TGA showed good thermal stability (334˚C) and XRD displayed the increased crystallinity (38.35 %) in PLAOM films, SEM and FTIR analysis of the synthesized composite films revealed complete homogenization of EO and PLA matrix. In addition, SEM analysis of insects (control & treated) revealed less topology changes in the elytra. Biodegradability study confirmed the weight loss in PLA films. Hence, current approach of using composite EO's with PLA offers sustainable solution for prevention of infestation during storage of millets.

Efficacy of Certain Bio-Pesticides against the Major Insect Pests of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica L.)

The field experiment was undertaken at the Experimental Farm, Department of Entomology, School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS), Medziphema Campus, Nagaland University, during the period of November 2021 to February 2022 to study the efficacy of certain bio-pesticides against major insect pests of broccoli. The experiment was conducted using Randomized Block Design (RBD) with six treatments including control and replicated four times. The study revealed that Indian cabbage white, Pieris spp. and green peach aphid, Myzus persicae have been found to be the major insect pest in broccoli. It is recorded that the highest (73.49%) population reduction of M. persicae was obtained from the plot treated with emamectin benzoate 5% SG and the highest (90.16%) population reduction of Pieris spp. was recorded on the plot treated with spinosad 45% SG. Therefore, the study concluded that use of bio-pesticides offers a great efficacy in controlling the pest and diminish the pesticides related issue.

Evaluation of biopesticides against major insect pests on mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

Evaluation of biopesticides against major insect pests on mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

Introgression of Thrips Resistance from Pima Cotton (Gossypium barbadense L.) into Upland Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Thrips are major early season insect pests that cause significant economic damage in Upland cotton in the U.S. Development and deployment of resistant cultivars is the most effective and ecologically sustainable means of reducing thrips damage in cotton. Interspecific hybridization and backcrossing were performed to introgress thrips resistance from Pima cotton (Gossypium barbadense L.) accession Coastland 320 into Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivars Acala Maxxa (AM) and Fiber Max 966 (FM966). Backcross populations were screened for thrips resistance in thrips screening summer field nurseries in North Carolina. Thirty-two BC2F2 plants with thrips resistance were identified and backcrossed further to develop BC3F2 plants. Eleven AM derived BC2F2 resistant plants and 21 FM966 derived BC2F2 resistant plants were genotyped using CottonSNP63K array to identify the Pima chromatin in the introgression lines (ILs). In the ILs, introgressed Pima chromatin was detected on chromosomes A01, A08, A09, A10, A11, D10, D11, D12, and D13. Of these, four ILs, two each in AM and FM966 background, showed overlapped introgressed Pima chromatin on chromosomes A10 and D11. Further, four introgression lines, two each in AM and FM966 background, shared a common Pima introgression on chromosome D13. Characterization of thrips species in the screening nursery showed that predominant thrips species were tobacco thrips (Frankliniella fusca (Hinds)) followed by western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande)). The identified ILs with thrips resistance should be a useful source of genetic variability for developing Upland cotton cultivars with pest resistance.

Seasonal incidence of major insect pests of dolichos bean (Lablab purpureus L.) in Konkan region

Seasonal incidence of major insect pests of dolichos bean (Lablab purpureus L.) in Konkan region

Efficacy of bio-pesticides based modules for the management of major insect pest of lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus) under field condition

Efficacy of bio-pesticides based modules for the management of major insect pest of lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus) under field condition

Population dynamics of major insect pest on mustard Brassica juncea in Vidarbha region and its correlation with weather parameters

Population dynamics of major insect pest on mustard Brassica juncea in Vidarbha region and its correlation with weather parameters

Seasonal incidence of major insect-pests on mustard (Brassica juncea L.) and their correlation with weather parameters

Seasonal incidence of major insect-pests on mustard (Brassica juncea L.) and their correlation with weather parameters

The biogeographic patterns of the olive fly and its primary symbiont Candidatus Erwinia dacicola across the distribution area of the olive tree.

The olive fly, Bactrocera oleae (Rossi, 1790), is the major insect pest of olives attacking both cultivated and wild olive. Bactrocera oleae carries a primary and vertically transmitted symbiont, the bacterium Candidatus Erwinia dacicola. As any primary symbiont, it plays an important role in the reproduction and lifespan of the fly. The genetic 16S rRNA diversity of the primary symbiont and the mitochondrial haplotype variation of the insect host were simultaneously examined in 54 olive fly populations. The aim was to unravel the biogeographic patterns of this economically relevant host-bacteria interaction across a wide distribution area. Three symbiont haplotypes were identified. The primary symbiont showed a lower haplotype diversity than that of its host, a characteristic indicative of a long-term interaction. A significant genetic and geographic association between host and primary symbiont was observed, with an East-West genetic differentiation pattern in the Mediterranean basin, coinciding with the historical genetic distribution of the olive tree. The study shows promise, informing and aiding the development of future tools for the control of the olive fly.

Symbiont community assembly shaped by insecticide exposure and feedback on insecticide resistance of Spodoptera frugiperda

Exploring the mechanism of microbiota assembly and its ecological consequences is crucial for connecting microbiome variation to ecosystem function. However, the influencing factors underlying microbiota assembly in the host-microbe system and their impact on the host phenotype remain unclear. Through investigating the prevalent and worsening ecological phenomenon of insecticide resistance in global agriculture, we found that insecticide exposure significantly changed the gut microbiota assembly patterns of a major agricultural invasive insect pest, Spodoptera frugiperda. The relative importance of various microbiota assembly processes significantly varied with habitat heterogeneity and heterogeneous selection serving as a potential predictor of the host’s insecticide resistance in field populations. Moreover, disturbance of the gut microbiota assembly through antibiotics was revealed to significantly affect the rate and heritability of insecticide resistance evolution, leading to a delay in insecticide resistance evolution in this insect pest. These findings indicate that the gut microbiota assembly process of the insect host is influenced by persistent exposure to habitat conditions, particularly insecticides. This variation in insecticide exposure-related community assembly process subsequently influences the insect host’s insecticide resistance phenotype. This study provides insights into gut microbiota assembly processes from a symbiotic perspective and underscores the significant impact of symbiotic community changes on host phenotypic variation.

Assessing the Impact of Weather Parameters on the Population Dynamics of Insect Pests in Cucurbit Vegetables under Mid-Hill Conditions of Himachal Pradesh

A study focusing on population dynamics of sucking and leaf-eating some insect pests along with their correlation with weather parameters in cucurbits was conducted at research field, Department of Entomology, Dr. YSPUHF, Solan, H.P., India from June-October, 2019 and 2020. The results revealed that Amrasca biguttula biguttula (I), Trialeurodes vaporariorum (W), Aulacophora foveicollis (L), Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata (F), Liriomyza trifolii (B), Aulacophora sp., were recorded as the major insect pests. In bitter gourd, maximum population of jassids recorded was (2.33/leaf) in first week of August while, maximum whitefly population in bottle gourd (2.96/leaf) during last week of August and in ridge gourd during last week of July (3.76/leaf). The maximum red pumpkin beetle population on bitter gourd (2.4 beetles/plant) and bottle gourd (2.6 beetles/plant) was observed during last week of August while, hadda beetle attained peak population during first and third week of August in ridge gourd (1.0/plant) and bitter gourd (1.1 adults/plant), respectively. Maximum leaf miner infestation (2.7 mines/leaf) in bottle gourd and ridge gourd was observed during first and third week of August. All pest attained maximum population between 30 to 32 SMW when weather parameters values were Tmax: 27.50 to 28.90; Tmin: 20.60 to 20.80 oC; RH: 79 to 80 %; Rainfall: 25.80 to 30.20 mm. Relative humidity and rainfall played major role with non-significant positive influence on the population build-up of these pests in cucurbit crops along with temperature. The present findings on weather-driven pest dynamics can inform strategies to boost crop yields and reduce farmers' economic losses in similar environments.

CoC 25–An early maturing high-yielding and red rot-resistant sugarcane variety suitable for the East Coast Zone of India

Aim: To develop early duration high-yielding sugarcane variety coupled with resistance or tolerant to major disease (red rot) and insect pests (borer complex). Methodology: CoC 25 was developed from two parents (Co 85002 and HR 83-144) and evaluated in station trials, state multi-location trials (five locations) and zonal varietal trials of AICRP (S) trials (IVT, AVT-I, AVT-II and AVT ratoon in five locations). Simultaneously, this clone was screened for major pest and diseases. Results: Based on the superiority performance of CoC 25 in cane yield (21.50% higher) and sugar yield (22.72% higher), it was observed in AICRP trials over the national check variety CoC 01061. Cane yield superiority was 12.75% compared to check variety observed in state multi-location trials. The CoC 25 was found moderately resistant (3.6%) to red rot disease and less susceptible to early shoot borer (9.42%) and inter-node borers. Interpretation: The results of this study revealed that CoC 25 is superior in terms of cane yield, CCS yield and resistance to red rot disease and it is less susceptible to borers. It was released by SVRC and notified for commercial cultivation in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Key words: Cane yield, CCS yield, Red rot resistance, Sugarcane

Seasonal Incidence of Insect Pests on Blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] in Malwa Region of Madhya Pradesh, India

The study investigated the prevalence of major insect pests and their natural enemies in Blackgram crops, focusing on leaf hoppers, whiteflies, Bihar hairy caterpillars, spotted pod borers, stem flies, coccinellids and spiders. Throughout the crop period, the population dynamics of these pests were monitored, revealing varying levels of infestation. The high population of 5.60 leafhoppers per plant and 3.50 larvae per plant of Bihar hairy caterpillar were recorded during 35th week of the crop cycle. The high population of 6.90 whiteflies per plant, 2.60 spotted pod borer larvae per plant and 60 per cent of pod fly infestation were observed during 36th, 37th and 38th week of the crop cycle, respectively. The highest populations of coccinellids 2.40 beetles per plant in 35th week and 2.00 spiders per plant in 36th week recorded duringthe crop cycle. The maximum temperature and relative humidity showed significant positive correlation and minimum temperature and rainfall showed negative non-significant correlation with the population of leaf hopper, Bihar hairy caterpillar, whitefly, stem fly, spotted pod borer and coccinellids. Relative humidity showed positive significant correlation and maximum temperature, minimum temperature and rainfall showed negative non-significant correlation with population of spider.