Maruca Vitrata Research Articles

Field evaluation of biocontrol agents and biopesticides against spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata (Geyer) on lablab

Microplot field trial was conducted from March to May 2017 to assess the efficacy of various biopesticides, pathogen, predator and parasitoid against M. vitrata on lablab (var. Co Gb 14). The experiments were carried out in a randomized block design (RBD) with nine treatments and three replications. Results revealed that spinosad 45% SC @ 75 ml ha-1 was significantly superior to all other treatments by recording a cumulative mean population reduction of 72.58 per cent. The next in the order of efficacy were emamectin benzoate 5% SG @ 200 ml ha-1 (65.16 %) > sequential application of emamectin benzoate (200 ml ha-1) + Bracon brevicornis (2000 adults ha-1 released after fortnight) (63.70%) > emamectin benzoate (100 ml ha-1) + B. brevicornis (1000 adults ha-1) @ half the dose each (62.06 %) > azadirachtin 0.03% @ 2.5 L ha-1 (39.33 %) > B. brevicornis @ 2000 adults ha-1(32.77 %) > Crude suspension of B. bassiana (Bb 112) @ 108 Spores ml-1 (25.95 %) > Xylocoris flavipes @ 40,000 adults ha-1 (20.22 %).

Pheromone-binding proteins based phylogenetics and phylogeography of Maruca spp. from Asia, Africa, Oceania, and South America.

Variations in the functional response of legume pod borer (Maruca vitrata) populations to sex pheromone blends were observed in Asia and Africa. Hence, this study was carried out to understand the differences in pheromone‐binding proteins (PBPs) among Maruca populations in Asia, Africa, Oceania, and South America. A de novo transcriptome assembly was adopted to sequence the entire transcribed mRNAs in M. vitrata from Taiwan. The raw‐sequence data were assembled using homologous genes from related organisms in GenBank to detect M. vitrata PBPs (MvitPBPs). Sections of the cDNA of MvitPBP of different length were used to design primers to amplify the full‐length cDNA of PBPs. All three PBP sequences comprised three exons interspersed by two introns. In total, 92 MvitPBP1 haplotypes, 77 MvitPBP2 haplotypes, and 64 MvitPBP3 haplotypes were identified in 105, 98, and 68 Maruca individuals, respectively. High pairwise F ST values (0.41–0.73) and phylogenetic analyses distinguished the putative Maruca species in South America from those occurring in rest of the world, and possibly two putative subspecies in Asia and Africa. The haplotype networks and Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery analyses also confirmed these results. The negative Tajima's D and Fu's F S values showed the recent demographic expansion of Maruca populations. Thus, this study confirmed the presence of different Maruca species and/or subspecies in different continents based on the diversity within PBP genes. Additional sampling and studies are suggested for Oceania and South America. The genetic differences among Maruca populations should be carefully considered while using sex pheromone lures and bio‐control agents.

Insulin signaling mediates previtellogenic development and enhances juvenile hormone-mediated vitellogenesis in a lepidopteran insect, Maruca vitrata

BackgroundInsulin/insulin-like growth peptide signaling (IIS) down-regulates hemolymph sugar level and facilitates larval growth in the soybean pod borer, Maruca vitrata. The objective of this study is to determine whether IIS of M. vitrata can mediate ovarian development of adult females.ResultsA pair of ovaries consists of 8 ovarioles, each of which is separated into distal germarium and proximal vitellarium in M. vitrata. In the germarium, oocyte development occurred with active mitotic activity which was visible by incorporating bromodeoxyribose uridine. Previtellogenic development and subsequent vitellogenesis began soon after adult emergence. They continued with increase of female age. Oocyte development was facilitated by up-regulation of vitellogenin (Vg) and Vg receptor (VgR) gene expression. Larval diets significantly influenced on ovarian development of M. vitrata because oocyte development varied with pupal size derived from larvae treated with different nutritional diets. Its ovarian development was dependent on endocrine signal(s) from the head because decapitation soon after adult emergence prevented oogenesis and subsequent vitellogenesis along with marked reduction of Vg and VgR expression. Topical application of juvenile hormone (JH) significantly recovered its ovarian development whereas farnesoic acid (a precursor of JH biosynthesis) or 20-hydroxyecdysone treatment did not. JH stimulated vitellogenesis and choriogenesis, but not previtellogenic development. In contrast, insulin injection to decapitated females stimulated oocyte differentiation and vitellogenesis along with increase of Vg and VgR expression. To further analyze the effect of insulin on ovarian development, expression of four IIS components (InR, FOXO, Akt, and TOR) genes was manipulated by RNA interference. Hemocoelic injection of gene-specific double stranded RNAs significantly reduced their target gene mRNA levels and interfered with ovarian development. An addition of insulin to JH treatment against decapitated females enhanced the gonadotropic effect of JH by stimulating oogenesis.ConclusionsIIS plays crucial role in mediating previtellogenic development of M. vitrata in response to nutrient signal. It also enhances the gonadotropic effect of JH II on vitellogenesis.

Relative abundance, population dynamics and damage potential of spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata (Fabricius) on early pigeonpea in Punjab

The present study was carried out to study the relative seasonal abundance and damage potential of spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata Fab. in pigeonpea for three consecutive seasons. The highest number of Maruca larval population as well as webbings per plant was recorded during 40th Standard Meteorological Week (SMW) during the three seasons, coinciding with the peak flowering stage of pigeonpea. The pod damage due to M. vitrata during different years (2015 to 2017) ranged from 19.50–24.50%, indicating the key pest status of this pod borer species in the region. Non-significant correlation was observed between the weather parameters and larval population of M. vitrata as well as number of webbings per plant. Out of three weather parameters analyzed, maximum temperature was found to exert significant influence on Maruca incidence.

Dysregulated mitochondrial dynamics and apoptosis in Bipolar Disorder

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) belong to the cell membrane protein family, which regulate various physiological process such as reproduction, behavior and immune etc. In order to identify GPCRs in pheromone gland of Maruca vitrata, we carried out transcriptome analysis from virgin female adults. Fifty GPCR genes were identified such as pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide receptor, prostaglandin receptors, neuropeptide receptor, 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor, galanin receptor, calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor, diuretic hormone receptor, gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor, frizzled and orphan receptor, etc. Expressions of the identified GPCRs were confirmed with semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Expressions of various GPCRs in the pheromone gland indicate the biological roles of pheromone gland may not be limited to the pheromone production.

Effect of trichomes in cowpea on infestation by spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata (Fab.) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Trichomes are the morphological features present on the surface of plants, which provide resistance to several insect pests. A pot culture experiment with 48 cowpea accessions were conducted to evaluate the effect of trichomes in cowpea on infestation by spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata. Significant variation in terms of damage to pods due to spotted pod borer was observed. The number of trichomes per unit area was significantly and negatively correlated (-0.441) with per cent damage. However, the length of trichomes on pods has no significant correlation with per cent damage.

Effect of trichomes in cowpea on infestation by spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata (Fab.) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Trichomes are the morphological features present on the surface of plants, which provide resistance to several insect pests. A pot culture experiment with 48 cowpea accessions were conducted to evaluate the effect of trichomes in cowpea on infestation by spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata. Significant variation in terms of damage to pods due to spotted pod borer was observed. The number of trichomes per unit area was significantly and negatively correlated (-0.441) with per cent damage. However, the length of trichomes on pods has no significant correlation with per cent damage.

TINGKAT SERANGAN HAMA PENGGEREK POLONG, Maruca testulalis Geyer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)) PADA DELAPAN VARIETAS KACANG HIJAU (Vigna radiata L.) DAN PENGARUHNYA TERHADAP HASIL

[THE INCIDENCE OF POD-BORER, Maruca testulalis Geyer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) IN EIGHT MUNG BEAN VARIETIES (Vigna radiata L.) AND ITS EFFECT ON YIELD]. Mung beans are an essential food crop in Indonesia, whose production is still increasing to meet domestic needs. However, the high attack of plant pests Maruca testulalis Geyer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is one of the leading causes of the low production of green beans. The use of superior varieties is one solution to controlling these pests. This study was conducted to test seven superior varieties of green beans, namely Vima 1, Vima 2, Vima 3, Murai, Kenari, Kutilang and Seriti and one local variety against M. testulalis. The study used a completely randomized block design and was repeated three times. The results showed that the mungbean varieties Vima 1, Vima 2, and Vima 3 had M. testulalis attack with the lowest level of seed damage in sequence, namely 5.84%, 7.94%, and 6.39%. Even though the percentage of pod borers attack did not significantly affect the growth of all Balitkabi superior varieties and one local variety of mungbean planted, the Kutilang variety was the highest yield with seed yield rates that were as low as other low-attack varieties.

Estimation of dispersal distance of the soybean pod borer Leguminivora glycinivorella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) by mark–recapture experiments

The dispersal distance of the adult soybean pod borer, Leguminivora glycinivorella (Matsumura) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), was clarified by conducting nine mark–recapture experiments. Seventy-one pheromone traps in 1 year and 80 in another were placed in a lattice pattern and adult borer moths were released from a central point. Captured male borer moths were counted daily for about 2 weeks. Data were fitted to a two-dimensional diffusion model and nine dispersal equations were estimated. We selected the optimum dispersal equation by comparing the number of naturally occurring males captured by the pheromone traps in the field with the number estimated by each equation. The quantile value of the diffusion curve was used to estimate the probability of insects settling at a location exceeding a certain distance from their source. The optimum equation estimated the lifetime natural mean dispersal distance to be 39.4 m. The estimate of the required isolation distance increased slightly with increasing density of adults in the source field. This distance was 352 m when we assumed the maximum possible density of adults that emerged in the source field and the sufficiently small density of entering adults (0.01 per 1 m of width) to avoid underestimation of the damage risk in the destination field. These results quantified the mobility of L. glycinivorella, which is very low.

The relationship between genome size, morphological parameters and diet breadth in insect species

Abstract Genome size estimation is the first step involved in the complete genome sequencing project. Knowledge on genome size is also useful in research work related to genetics, molecular biology, and systematics. Though there are many methods of genome estimation, the Propidium Iodide (PI) based flow cytometry is simple and gives an accurate estimation. In the present investigation, the diploid genome size of four insect species viz., cotton leafhopper, Amrasca biguttula biguttula (392.47 Mb) (Cicadellidae: Hemiptera), bean pod borer, Maruca vitrata (1489.63 Mb) (Crambidae: Lepidoptera), tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta (1128.61 Mb) (Gelechiidae: Lepidoptera) and eggplant shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis (944.52 Mb) (Crambidae: Lepidoptera) were estimated using chicken RBC (2.33 pg) as a reference standard. The relationship of genome size with the insect morphological traits and host plant range showed no evident correlation between them.

Study on adult emergence, female calling and mating behaviour in Maruca vitrata F. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in Kerala, India

Behavioural studies on the legume spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata was done at 27±2oC, 65-70% RH and photoperiod of 12L: 12D. Adult emergence occurred throughout the day. Emergence of moths during scotophase (6 pm - 5 am) was 70%, which constitutes 63% of males and 76% of females. During photophase, (6 am - 5 pm) emergence was 30%, which constitutes 36% for males, and 24% for females. Highest emergence peak for male was observed at 4 pm (photophase) and for females, at 10 pm (scotophase). Calling behaviour of M.vitrata females observed from one to eight days. Female started calling from 2nd hour of scotophase (7 pm) and terminated at 3 am (scotophase). The mean percentage of calling was maximum at 6th hour of scotophase in 3-day old moth with 44%. None of the females called during first hours of scotophase. Mating of M. vitrata observed throughout scotophase up to 8 days and highest mating occurred in 3-day-old moths with 26%.

Cultivar and insecticide spraying time effects on cowpea insect pests and grain yield in northern Ghana

Insecticide application is the recommended practice for control of insect pests on cowpea (Vigna unquiculata (L) Walp). However, these have negative effects on humans and the environment, apart from being costly for resource-poor farmers. This study aimed at identifying appropriate combinations of cultivar and insecticide spraying times for the management of economically important insect pests of cowpea in northern Ghana. The study was conducted in two successive rainy seasons at two locations situated in the Sudan and Guinea Savannah zones of northern Ghana. The experimental layout was a complete randomized split plot design with main-plots consisting of different numbers and timing of insecticide application and sub-plots consisting of 6 different cowpea cultivars. Data collected included insect pest abundances, components of yield and yield. Thrips (Megalurothrips sjostedti Trybom), legume pod borer (Maruca vitrata Fabricius) and a complex of pod-sucking bugs (PSBs) were the dominant insect pests. Their abundance and damage were not significantly different between the untreated control and cowpea sprayed once at 50% flowering stage. In contrast, protecting cowpea with either two (i.e., flower bud initiation and early podding) or three rounds of insecticide sprays (i.e., bud initiation, 50% flowering and 50% podding) significantly lowered insect pest abundance and increased grain yield. Apart from the farmer's cultivar which was susceptible to pest attacks, the improved ones showed variable levels of tolerance to the different pest categories. Combining at least two rounds of insecticide sprays with any improved variety suppressed pest populations and increase cowpea grain yield.

The legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), an important insect pest of cowpea: a review emphasizing West Africa

The legume pod borer Maruca vitrata Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is a pantropical insect pest of legumes. In West Africa M. vitrata is the most devastating insect pest of cowpea, a food crop providing much-needed, inexpensive protein to farmers and consumers. Various approaches to controlling this pest have been tried, including cultural management, host plant resistance and use of synthetic and botanical pesticides, all with limited success. In this review we present information on the distribution, morphology, molecular characteristics, behavior and host plants of M. vitrata. We give especial attention to innovative management tactics being developed for West Africa, including genetically engineered Bt cowpea, new biopesticides and use of exotic parasitoids. We discuss research needs for enhancing integrated pest management (IPM) for M. vitrata in Africa.

Field Evaluation of Newer Insecticides against Spotted Pod Borer [Maruca vitrata (Geyer)], on Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) in North Coastal Andhra Pradesh

Aims: To evaluate the efficacy of novel insecticides against the spotted pod borer on rice fallow blackgram.
 Study Design: Randomised Block Design (RBD) was used in this study.
 Place and Duration of Work: The present study was carried out at College farm Agricultural College, Naira during Rabi 2017-2018 season.
 Methodology: The spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata (Geyer) is a serious pest of blackgram through out the growth period especially in flowering and pod development stages in North Coastal Andhra Pradesh. Management of this pest becomes difficult due to its concealed nature of feeding inside flowers and pods. Different newer insecticides were evaluated for the management of M. vitrata on blackgram cultivar LBG-752 under rice fallow situations with ten treatments replicated thrice.
 Results: The current study indicated that among all the insecticidal treatments chlorantraniliprole 9.3% + λ cyhalothrin 4.6% @ 0.5 ml l-1 was found to be very effective by recording 75.91 per cent overall mean reduction in M. vitrata larval population with lowest pod damage (7.04%) over control (60.58%) and also recorded highest grain yield (8.31 q ha-1) followed by chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC @ 0.0037% and flubendiamide @ 39.35 SC 0.00787% with 72.04 and 67.30 per cent overall reduction in mean larval population of M. vitrata over untreated control. The cost - benefit (C:B) ratio for all the treatments revealed that chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC @ 0.0037% was highly economical with a C : B of 1: 17.14 followed by spinosad 45 SC with cost - benefit (C:B) ratio 1: 15.28.
 Conclusion: Usage of newer insecticides with novel modes of action are highly effective against spotted pod borer with an additional increase in yield of blackgram.

Screening of green gram genotypes against spotted pod borer Maruca Vitrata (F.)

Screening of green gram genotypes against spotted pod borer <i>Maruca Vitrata</i> (F.)

Efficacy and economics of certain insecticides and biopesticides against spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata (Fabricius) on green gram

Efficacy and economics of certain insecticides and biopesticides against spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata (Fabricius) on green gram

Impact of Climate variability on recent and future status of lepidopterous insects of Pigeonpea at Banaskantha region of Gujarat (India)

Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) is grown across varied agro climatic zones and Gujarat contributes 9.6% of 3.75 million hectares (mha) in India. Information and communication technology (ICT) based pest surveillance of lepidopterous insect dynamics in relation to climate change during kharif (2011–16) revealed non significance on Grapholita critica (Meyr.) and Maruca vitrata (Fab.) and significant impact on H. armigera in pigeonpea at Banaskantha region of Gujarat. Besides positive effect of significantly increasing Rainfall (RF) and Maximum temperature (MaxT) and decreasing Minimum Temperature (MinT) had shown significant positive and negative impacts on Helicoverpa armigera. Seasonal dynamics across preceding and successive years followed the order of 2011 > 2015 > 2012 > 2013 > 2014 > 2016, 2012 > 2011 & 2013 > 2014 > 2015 & 2016 and 2011 > 2012, 2013 & 2015 > 2014 > 2016 for H. armigera, G. critica and M. vitrata, respectively. Future scenario of lepidopterous insects for 2020, 2050 and 2080 with changing climate using representative concentration pathway 4.5 for MaxT, MinT and RF had shown significant negative associations but for non-significance of MaxT in 2050, projecting reduced population of Helicoverpa during the whole of current century. Use of crop, climate and pest/disease dynamics and their management data provide ample and immediate scope of understanding effects of climate change and implement adaptive IPM strategies.

Incidence of Maruca vitrata f. on cowpea in the sudano-sahelian zone of Niger

The incidence of the key insect pest of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp), the legume pod borer Maruca vitrata F., was investigated with light trap in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Niger in 2014 and 2015. The results revealed that the first larvae appeared in August (0.03 ± 0.03 to 2.48 ± 0.32 larvae/flower and pod, respectively). Incidence varied between the seasons, and the yield losses were 20.25% in 2014 and 82.32% in 2015, when there was 435 and 496 mm total rainfall, respectively. Lifecycle in the laboratory revealed a duration of 26.42 ±0.14 days, with females living for 16.38 ± 0.56 days with fecundity of 599.74 eggs.

Screening of blackgram varieties and role of biophysical characters on damage potential of spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata fabricius

Screening of blackgram varieties and role of biophysical characters on damage potential of spotted pod borer, <i>Maruca vitrata</i> fabricius

Efficacy of some insecticides against pod borers and blister beetle in pigeon pea

Pigeon pea is one of the important pulse crops in India. Among the different production constraints, infestation by insect pests is of major concern. In present study, six insecticides were evaluated in sequential schedules to manage pod borers and blister beetle which were major pests. Spray of chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC@ 30g a.i./ha followed by indoxacarb 15.8 EC @ 73ga.i./haat 15 days interval was found to be effective in reducing spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata larva and two sprays of dimethoate 30 EC@ 600g a.i./ha was found to be effective in reducing adult blister beetle population. Least pod damage (cumulative of M. vitrata and Melanagromyza obtusa) was observed with chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC@ 30g a.i./ha followed by dimethoate 30 EC @ 600g a.i./ha at 15 days interval. Based on cost benefit ratio, two sprays of acephate 75 SP@ 750g a.i./ha at 15 days interval was found to be superior with C: B of 1: 9.38.