Maruca Vitrata Research Articles

Bio-efficacy of insecticides against spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata (Fabricius) in Greengram

Bio-efficacy of insecticides against spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata (Fabricius) in Greengram

Relevance of molecular systematics in insect pest management

Relevance of molecular systematics in insect pest management

Developmental stage-specific proteome analysis of the legume pod borer Maruca vitrata provides insights on relevant proteins

The spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is a destructive insect pest that inflicts significant productivity losses on important leguminous crops. Unravelling insect proteomes is vital to comprehend their fundamental molecular mechanisms. This research delved into the proteome profiles of four distinct stages -three larval and pupa of M. vitrata, utilizing LC-MS/MS label-free quantification-based methods. Employing comprehensive proteome analysis with fractionated datasets, we mapped 75 % of 3459 Drosophila protein orthologues out of which 2695 were identified across all developmental stages while, 137 and 94 were exclusive to larval and pupal stages respectively. Cluster analysis of 2248 protein orthologues derived from MaxQuant quantitative dataset depicted six clusters based on expression pattern similarity across stages. Consequently, gene ontology and protein-protein interaction network analyses using STRING database identified cluster 1 (58 proteins) and cluster 6 (25 proteins) associated with insect immune system and lipid metabolism. Furthermore, qRT-PCR-based expression analyses of ten selected proteins-coding genes authenticated the proteome data. Subsequently, functional validation of these chosen genes through gene silencing reduced their transcript abundance accompanied by a marked increase in mortality among dsRNA-injected larvae. Overall, this is a pioneering study to effectively develop a proteome atlas of M. vitrata as a potential resource for crop protection programs.

Usage of Jatropha curcas as Botanical Insecticide in Controlling Insect Pest

Insect pests can cause damage to plants and cause losses. Insect pests on plants need to be controlled both preventively and curatively. Integrated control is an integration of several control methods that can be implemented in a compatible and comprehensive. Insect pest control using bio-active plant materials as an alternative to synthetic chemicals. Plants produce secondary metabolite compounds that can affect insects, including Jatropha curcas (Euphorbiaceae). Studies on several insect pests both in the laboratory and in the field against insect pests that attack the field and agricultural product storage warehouses have been carried out to determine their effectiveness. Jatropha curcas plants/parts of plant were applied after extraction treatment with various solvents (water, ethanol, methanol, acetone, petroleum ether, n-hexane and chloroform) or direct use. The results showed that J. curcas exhibited control effects against several types of insect pests from various insect pest. Laboratory study showed the insecticidal effect of J. curcas against Helicoverpa armigera, Spodoptera frugiperda, Plutella xylostella, Earias insulata, Spilarctia oblicua, Tuta absulata, Nezara viridula, Corcyra cephalonica, Maruca vitrata. Field study showed population reduction of Putella xylostella and Aphis craccivora. Whilst, on stored product study showed mortality of insect pest (Sitophilus zeamais, Rhyzopertha dominica, Callosobruchus chinensis and C. maculatus) and reduction of weight loss of stored products. Jatropha curcas has the potential as a pest insect control to be integrated into the IPM component. Keywords: Jatropha curcas, Botanical insecticide, Insect pest

Evaluation of Different Insecticides against Spotted Pod Borer, M. vitrata Infesting Vegetable Cowpea

A field experiment was conducted at Anand Agricultural University, Anand during kharif 2021 to assess the bio-efficacy various insecticides against spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata infesting vegetable cowpea of the nine evaluated insecticides chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC, emamectin benzoate 5% SG were found the most effective in reducing the incidence of M. vitrata. However, spinetoram 11.7% SC and spinosad 45% SC were found mediocre in their effectiveness. Maximum (76.33 q/ha) green cowpea pod yield was recorded from the plot treated with chlorantraniliprole which was at par with emamectin benzoate (75.50 q/ha). The highest ICBR returns were obtained in the treatment of emamectin benzoate (1: 11.48) followed by chlorantraniliprole (1: 8.67), spinetoram (1: 5.20) and spinosad (1: 4.92).

Morphological Characterization of the Antennal Sensilla of the Legume Pod Borer, Maruca vitrata (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae).

Maruca vitrata (Fabricius) is an important lepidopteran pest of legumes in the tropics and subtropics. Here, we studied the ultrastructural organization of its antennal sense organs using scanning electron microscopy. The antennae of both sexes of M. vitrata were filiform with the number of flagellar segments varying from 72 to 84. Nine major morphological types of sensilla were observed on male and female antennae: sensilla trichodea (ST), sensilla basiconica (SB), sensilla auricillica (SA), sensilla chaetica (SCh), sensilla coeloconica (SCoe), sensilla cylindrica (SCy), sensilla squamiformia (SSq), sensilla styloconica (SSt), and Böhm sensilla (BS). Three of these sensilla types (SB, SSq, and BS) are newly reported for M. vitrata. Morphological observations revealed that four types are multiporous (ST, SB, SA, and SCoe), two types are uniporous (SCh and SCy), and three types are aporous (SSq, SSt, and BS). The average length of male ST was longer than that of the female. Sensilla cylindrica were observed only on male antennae, indicating sexual dimorphism. This study aims to provide some basic evidence for further studies on the mechanism of insect-plant chemical communication and future semiochemical-based management strategies of the major legume pest M. vitrata.

Assessing Pigeonpea Genotypes for Resistance against Maruca vitrata Fabricius and its Sustainable Management through Biorationals

Background: The spotted pod borer (SPB), Maruca vitrata Fabricius is a key insect pest of major legume crop i.e. pigeonpea, Cajanus cajan in India and semi-arid tropics. Identifying a SPB resistant genotype will help in sustainable management of SPB and in attaining nutritional security. The SPB has developed insecticide resistance to most of the chemical insecticide like Organophosphorous group of insecticides and also it is expanding its geographic limits. These factors are the driving forces for identifying tolerant genotypes for its sustainable management along with a suitable biorational. Methods: Forty seven pigeonpea genotypes were screened during kharif 2015 to 2017 at ICAR-IIPR, Kanpur based on percent pod damage and Pest Resistance Susceptibility Rating (PRSR) under insecticide free condition. The 4 biorationals were tested against SPB in ICPL 87 along with untreated control in Randomised Block Design. Further the SPB molecular identity was confirmed by phylogenetic analysis of partial Cox 1 gene amplified from M. vitrata adult. Results: Two indeterminate genotypes (Pusa2001 and Pusa33) as SPB resistant based on lowest mean pest resistance susceptibility rating (PRSR 1.7) The next best genotypes were a determinate (AL-15) and indeterminate genotype (LRG-30) with a PRSR of 2.0. The highest PRSR (6.0) was recorded from the ICPL 87, a susceptible check in the present experiment. Spinosad 45SC has recorded significantly lowest mean pod damage (6.67%) and highest mean yield (4.36kg/35m2) compared to 4 other treatments in the field efficacy trial. The phylogenetic analysis of Cox 1 gene from Kanpur population (KY559101) with 19 other M. vitrata populations in India revealed that it is more similar to Raichur population (KT070892) and it confirms M. vitrata has same ancestral homology in India.

Adoption and Assessment of Integrated Strategies for Managing Major Insect Pests in Kharif Green gram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek

For assessing the integrated strategies towards managing insect pest of green gram the concerned experiment was executed for consecutive three years using two treatments, viz., IPM nodule and Farmer’s practice. In case of IPM module management tactics included seed treatment with fungicide (Tebuconazole 50% + Trifloxystrobin 25%) and insecticide like thiamethoxam, seed dressing with rhizobium, installation of yellow sticky traps, pheromone traps, growing border crops, applying neem based insecticides and need based application of chlorantraniliprole. In case of Farmer’s practice only two round spray of chlorpyriphos + cypermethrin were given. In all the years aphid and spotted pod borer population were significantly less compared to the farmer’s practice (mean aphid population of 2.53 per 10 cm apical twig in IPM plots against 29.37 in Farmer’s practice while pod borer population of 0.77 larva plant-1 in IPM and 4.8 in Farmer’s practice). Natural enemy population was considerably higher in IPM module (5.23 plant-1) compared to the farmer’s practice (1.36 plant-1). Higher incremental benefit cost ratio was also obtained from IPM modules.

Adoption and Assessment of Integrated Strategies for Managing Major Insect Pests in Kharif Green gram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek

For assessing the integrated strategies towards managing insect pest of green gram the concerned experiment was executed for consecutive three years using two treatments, viz., IPM nodule and Farmer’s practice. In case of IPM module management tactics included seed treatment with fungicide (Tebuconazole 50% + Trifloxystrobin 25%) and insecticide like thiamethoxam, seed dressing with rhizobium, installation of yellow sticky traps, pheromone traps, growing border crops, applying neem based insecticides and need based application of chlorantraniliprole. In case of Farmer’s practice only two round spray of chlorpyriphos + cypermethrin were given. In all the years aphid and spotted pod borer population were significantly less compared to the farmer’s practice (mean aphid population of 2.53 per 10 cm apical twig in IPM plots against 29.37 in Farmer’s practice while pod borer population of 0.77 larva plant-1 in IPM and 4.8 in Farmer’s practice). Natural enemy population was considerably higher in IPM module (5.23 plant-1) compared to the farmer’s practice (1.36 plant-1). Higher incremental benefit cost ratio was also obtained from IPM modules.

De Novo Mining and Validating Novel Microsatellite Markers to Assess Genetic Diversity in Maruca vitrata (F.), a Legume Pod Borer.

Maruca vitrata (Fabricius) is an invasive insect pest capable of causing enormous economic losses to a broad spectrum of leguminous crops. Microsatellites are valuable molecular markers for population genetic studies; however, an inadequate number of M. vitrata microsatellite loci are available to carry out population association studies. Thus, we utilized this insect's public domain databases for mining expressed sequence tags (EST)-derived microsatellite markers. In total, 234 microsatellite markers were identified from 10053 unigenes. We discovered that trinucleotide repeats were the most predominant microsatellite motifs (61.53%), followed by dinucleotide repeats (23.50%) and tetranucleotide repeats (14.95%). Based on the analysis, twenty-five markers were selected for validation in M. vitrata populations collected from various regions of India. The number of alleles (Na), observed heterozygosity (Ho), and expected heterozygosity (He) ranged from 2 to 5; 0.00 to 0.80; and 0.10 to 0.69, respectively. The polymorphic loci showed polymorphism information content (PIC), ranging from 0.09 to 0.72. Based on the genetic distance matrix, the unrooted neighbor-joining dendrogram differentiated the selected populations into two discrete groups. The SSR markers developed and validated in this study will be helpful in population-level investigations of M. vitrata to understand the gene flow, demography, dispersal patterns, biotype differentiation, and host dynamics.

The History of Baculovirology in Africa.

Baculovirology has been studied on the African continent for the development of insect virus-based biopesticides and, to a much lesser extent, vaccine production and delivery, since the 1960s. In this review, we focus only on baculoviruses as biopesticides for agricultural pests in Africa. At least 11 species of baculovirus have been discovered or studied on the African continent, some with several distinct isolates, with the objective in most cases being the development of a biopesticide. These include the nucleopolyhedroviruses of Helicoverpa armigera, Cryptophlebia peltastica, Spodoptera exempta, Spodoptera frugiperda, Spodoptera littoralis, and Maruca vitrata, as well as the granuloviruses of Cydia pomonella, Plutella xylostella, Thaumatotibia (Cryptophlebia) leucotreta, Choristoneura occidentalis, and Phthorimaea operculella. Eleven different baculovirus-based biopesticides are recorded as being registered and commercially available on the African continent. Baculoviruses are recorded to have been isolated, researched, utilised in field trials, and/or commercially deployed as biopesticides in at least 13 different African countries. Baculovirus research is ongoing in Africa, and researchers are confident that further novel species and isolates will be discovered, to the benefit of environmentally responsible agricultural pest management, not only in Africa but also elsewhere.

Functional Analysis of Pheromone Biosynthesis Activating Neuropeptide Receptor Isoforms in Maruca vitrata.

Insect sex pheromones are volatile chemicals that induce mating behavior between conspecific individuals. In moths, sex pheromone biosynthesis is initiated when pheromone biosynthesis-activating neuropeptide (PBAN) synthesized in the suboesophageal ganglion binds to its receptor on the epithelial cell membrane of the pheromone gland. To investigate the function of PBAN receptor (PBANR), we identified two PBANR isoforms, MviPBANR-B and MviPBANR-C, in the pheromone glands of Maruca vitrata. These two genes belong to G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and have differences in the C-terminus but share a 7-transmembrane region and GPCR family 1 signature. These isoforms were expressed in all developmental stages and adult tissues. MviPBANR-C had the highest expression level in pheromone glands among the examined tissues. Through in vitro heterologous expression in HeLa cell lines, only MviPBANR-C-transfected cells responded to MviPBAN (≥5 µM MviPBAN), inducing Ca2+ influx. Sex pheromone production and mating behavior were investigated using gas chromatography and a bioassay after MviPBANR-C suppression by RNA interference, which resulted in the major sex pheromone component, E10E12-16:Ald, being quantitatively reduced compared to the control, thereby decreasing the mating rate. Our findings indicate that MviPBANR-C is involved in the signal transduction of sex pheromone biosynthesis in M. vitrata and that the C-terminal tail plays an important role in its function.

Alteration in the developmental physiology of Maruca vitrata (Fabricius) on jasmonic acid and salicylic acid treated pigeonpea

Alteration in the developmental physiology of Maruca vitrata (Fabricius) on jasmonic acid and salicylic acid treated pigeonpea

Ecological aspect of the larval parasitoid Diadegma hiraii (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) as a potential biological control agent of soybean pod borer Leguminivora glycinivorella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae).

The larval parasitoid Diadegma hiraii (Kusigemati) was evaluated as a potential biological control agent of the soybean pod borer, Leguminivora glycinivorella (Matsumura). The timing of adult emergence after overwintering was ascertained, and land-use factors that enhance population density were analyzed. Host cocoons were collected and exposed to different temperatures and photoperiod regimes. Subsequently, the emergence of parasitoid was monitored. Land-use types were categorized into 4 land-use types (Poaceae, Fabaceae, Brassicaceae, and forest). Adult parasitoid emergence was dependent on temperature, but largely unaffected by photoperiod. The estimated emergence time of parasitoid was 3 months before the occurrence of the host, suggesting that the overwintered generation may lay eggs in alternate hosts. Parasitism rate was positively correlated with the area covered by Poaceae plants within a 500-m radius of the soybean field. Based on the results of the overwintering ecology and landscape analysis, D. hiraii probably completes its life cycle in the agroecosystems. The parasitoid's effectiveness as a biological control agent may be influenced by the arrangement of land-use types in the agroecosystems surrounding soybean fields. However, the pest control provided by D. hiraii is limited because of approximately 30% of parasitism rate. Consequently, a combination of this species and cultural control and/or other biological control agents is suggested for sustainable soybean cultivation.

Comparative Evaluation of Neem Seed Extract as Bio-insecticide for the Control of Three Field Insect Pests of Cowpea in Maiduguri, Borno State, Arid Zone of Nigeria

Cowpea Vigna unguiculata is an important source of nutritious food for man for healthy living and provides fodder to the animal for optimum production and grows in the ecological part of Nigeria. However, despite its importance to man and national development, its main cultivation challenge is insect pests which sometimes account for as high as 40 % loss in production. The continuous use of conventional insecticides to control pests is resulting in unbearable health hazards, hence the need for alternative control measures such as the use of botanicals. This study evaluated the efficacy of neem seed extract biopesticide compared to cypermethrin synthetic insecticide for the management of Thrips, Maruca vitrata and Clavigralla tomentosicollis on cowpea varieties in Maiduguri, Borno State of Nigeria. The neem seed extract was extracted following standard procedures and used as a treatment alongside cypermethrin against the three pests at weekly intervals on four cowpea varieties. Pest population buildup was monitored for five weeks on treated and untreated (control) crops beginning from 24 hours after each treatment on weekly bases. The result revealed a significant reduction (P>0.05) in the population buildup of the three pests on both neem seed oil and cypermethrin-treated crops compared to the control. No significant difference (P>0.05) in population reduction was observed between crops treated with neem seed extract and Cypermethrin. Consequently, there was a significant increase in the grain yield of cowpea on treated plots compared to untreated plots. The neem seed extract has demonstrated a high potential substitute for synthetic insecticide to control the three insect pests.

Morphological and biochemical basis of resistance against the pod borers Maruca vitrata F. and Helicoverpa armigera Hübner in cowpea

For determination of morphological and biochemical basis of resistance in cowpea against the pod borers (Maruca vitrata F. and Helicoverpa armigera Hübner), ten cowpea cultivars were evaluated during kharif 2017 and 2018. Results revealed that cultivars having indeterminate growth, yellow flower, light green and short pods as well as long peduncle recorded lower pod borer population. Correlation between different plant morphological characters and the larval population were found non-significant. The cultivars having low protein, high phenol and low total soluble sugars in flowers and immature pods recorded lower the larval population. The correlation between biochemical components of flowers and larval population were found to be non-significant. Biochemical components of immature pods revealed that phenol exhibited significant negative relationship with larval population, whereas, correlation of total soluble sugars of immature pods exhibited significant positive association with larval population. Among the cultivars screened, GC-6 and GC-1605 were found to be consistently resistant based on different morphological and biochemical factors and pod borer infestation. Relatively GC-1609, GC-1611 and GC-2 showed lesser pod borer infestation. GC-1606 was found to be highly susceptible.

The efficacy of scent leaf (Ocimum grattissimum) in controlling cowpea pod borer (Maruca vitrata) In Owerri, Nigeria

This experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria, between May-August, 2018. It investigated the efficacy of Ocimum gratissimum against cowpea pod borer, Maruca vitrata. Four rates of liquid extracts were used, 0, 50, 100, and 150 mls as treatments using randomized complete block design. Proximate analysis on Ocimum gratissimum revealed percentage nutritional contents of ash 14.58%, moisture 82.22%, fibre 9.37% and protein 3.16%. Phytochemical analysis revealed phytate, 12.45g, tannin, 15.43g, sapogenin 11.64g, anthocyanidines 0.27g, and quinine 11.09g. Mineral compositions were Sodium 0.321mg/100g, potassium 0.355mg/100g, calcium 0.0144mg/100g, Magnesium 1.85mg/100g and cadmium 0.187/100g. Heavy metals include zinc, 0.250mg/100g, cadmium 0.00mg/100g, chromium 0.00mg/100g, Fe 0.381mg/100g, Nickel 0.291mg/100g and manganese 0.492mg/100g. Infrared compounds were alcohol 3344.5, aldehyde 2719, carboxylic acid 2995.5, alkenes 2804.4, isocyanate 2804.4. Data were collected on number of insects observed after application, number of plants infested, number of leaves damaged, and number of pods per plot and yield weight. Further results showed that treatments reduced number of insects, number of plants infested, number of leaves damaged, 2, 3, 4 WAP and these were significantlydifferent P≤0.05. Number of pods and yield weight were significantly P≤0.05 different over the control. In this study, Ocimum gratissimum reduced the number of insect pest attack (Maruca vitrata) on cowpea and these actions were due to the anti-nutritional constituents contained in the extract.

Evaluation of cowpea genotypes for resistance to the legume pod borer, Maruca Vitrata (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

16 cowpea varieties were screened for resistance to the legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata F. under natural infestation in the field. Plants were planted in a randomized complete block design in three replicates; each plot consisted of four rows, 3m long. Spacing was 1.5m between plots and 0.75m between rows. Intra- row spacing was 0.2m.Two weeks prior to planting experimental materials, a susceptible cultivar was planted perpendicular to every range of rows within a plot to serve as a reservoir of the test insect, M.vitrata. Plants were sprayed with Monocrotophos at 200g a.i /ha once at the vegetative stage and at the onset of flower bud initiation and later during podding to control other pests apart from Maruca. Larval density, flower damage, pod damage, seed damage, pod load (a measure of the degree of successful pod production) and Index of pod evaluation (Ipe), calculated as [PL X (9-PD)], (a measure of the varietal performance of the cowpea genotypes) were used to assess resistance in cowpea varieties. Significant variations were observed in the level of resistance among the cowpea genotypes in the field. The findings show that Tvu 4578 is resistant while Tvu 1544, IT97K-499-35, IT93K452-1 and IT90K-76 show promising level of resistance. The probable factor contributing to resistance may be non- preference or host plant resistant factors.

A revision of the subfamily Spilomelinae (Lepidoptera, Crambidae) in Iran with description of a new species

Spilomelinae specimens collected by the first author during the past 15 years, as well as those housed in the Hayk Mirzayans Insect Museum (HMIM), were studied. Udea rajabii sp. n. is newly described. Arnia nervosalis nervosalis Guenée, 1849 is considered as a senior synonym of A. nervosalis hyrcanalis Amsel, 1961 syn. n., and Mecyna subsequalis subsequalis (Herrich-Schäffer, 1855) is regarded as a senior synonym of M. subsequalis lutulentalis (Lederer, 1858) syn. n. The genus Maruca Walker, 1859 and seven species, namely Maruca vitrata (Fabricius, 1787), Dolicharthria stigmosalis (Herrich-Schäffer, 1848), Duponchelia caidalis Oberthür, 1888, Mecyna lutealis (Duponchel, 1833), Metasia gigantalis Staudinger, 1871, M. rosealis Ragonot, 1895, and Udea accolalis (Zeller, 1867) are newly reported from Iran. The hitherto unknown female of Palpita persicalis (Amsel, 1951) is described and illustrated for the first time. Moreover, diagnostic characters in most of the species compared with the similar regional species, as well as intraspecific variations of each species are presented and discussed, if present. Additional data on distribution of the Spilomelinae species of Iran are also provided.

Bio-Efficacy of Spinetoram 6% W/V (5.66% W/W) + Methoxyfenozide 30% W/V (28.3% W/W) SC against Pod Borers Infesting Greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek

Background: Spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata (F.) and blue butterfly, Lampides boeticus (L.) are important lepidopteran borers infesting greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] throughout India. Therefore, novel insecticide mixture in comparison with other standard synthetic insecticides has been tested for its bio-efficacy against these two borers in greengram. Methods: A field experiment was conducted at Vagurani, Usilampatti Block, Madurai district, Tamil Nadu during June to August, 2020 in randomized block design (RBD) with eight treatments and three replications. The experimental field was monitored for the population of pests and natural enemies (No./ 10 plants), per cent pod damage, total grain yield and phyto-toxic symptoms. From the data recorded, per cent reduction in population over control was calculated. The per cent pod damage was calculated by randomly picking 100 pods from each plot of each replication. The grain yield from each plot was recorded after each picking and converted into kg/ ha. Result: Two sprays of spinetoram 6% w/v + methoxyfenozide 30% w/v SC @ 144 g a.i/ha and flubendiamide 34.35 SC @ 48 g a.i/ha from 45 DAS at 15 days interval proved to be most effective and superior in reducing the lepidopteran pod borers like M. vitrata and L. boeticus and no lethal effect was recorded towards the coccinellid predators, Menochilus sexmaculatus, C. transversalis and spiders. This combination did not cause any phytotoxic symptoms like leaf injury, wilting, vein clearing, necrosis, epinasty and hyponasty at any day after treatment on stems, leaves, flowers and pods of greengram.