Number Of Insects Research Articles

Relative impact of vermiwash against phytophagous insects and growth properties of yardlong bean (<em>Vigna unguiculata</em>)

Due to severe insect infestation, yardlong (Vigna unguiculata) bean expansion and production have been declining in Sri Lanka. This experiment tested the effectiveness of several vermiwash against phytophagous insects in yardlong bean. Ten distinct types of vermiwash were generated by alternately and separately feeding exotic (Eudriluseuginea) and indigenous types earthworm with the specified botanicals, viz. onion and garlic peel, marigold and neem leaves, and the materials given for mass culturing. Eleven treatments including 10 vermiwash and untreated control and three blocks were laid on Randomized Complete Block Design. Since the third week of planting, vermiwashes have been administered to the corresponding plots at weekly intervals. Before each application of treatment, the total number of insects in each treated and untreated plot were carefully counted. ANOVA assessed treatment effects, and Duncan's Multiple Range Test compared mean separation values at 5% significance using SAS software. Plots treated with vermiwash made from indigenous earthworm varieties with garlic peel (1.33), exotic varieties with onion peel (2.33), and native varieties with onion peel (3.00) had the significantly similar fewest epilachna beetles. Further, vermiwash of an indigenous variety with neem leaves, where the maximum yield of yardlong beans was also discovered, had a considerably lower population of epilachna beetles. Furthermore, with the exception of the vermiwash of exotic species with onion peel, practically all treatments were less harmful to ladybird beetles. As demonstrated by this experiment, vermiwash has a beneficial effect on plant development in terms of both plant height and leaf area. Vermiwash made from combining an indigenous species of earthworm with neem leaves was potentially suggested for yardlong bean production since it was both environmentally and economically efficient.

Botanical Leaf Extracts and Mulching Materials in Organic Eggplant (Solanum Melongena L.) Off Season Production

The extensive use of pesticides and the risk they pose to human and the environment requires safe alternatives in crop production hence the study on the efficacy of botanical leaf extracts and mulching materials in organic eggplant production. This study determined the best level combination of botanical leaf extracts that has repellent and knockdown effects on major eggplant insect pest, best level combination of botanical leaf extracts that produces the highest marketable yield; best mulching materials; best level combination of botanical leaf extracts and mulching; correlation of infestation to yield; profitability of eggplant production using botanical leaf extracts and mulching materials combined; and evaluate the effects of botanical leaf extracts and mulching materials on soil chemical properties. A Bioassay test on the botanical leaf extracts was conducted prior to field experiment. Mass rearing the test insects was done to ensure uniform number of insect in eggplant per treatment. A Split- plot in Factorial Design was used in the study with three blocks. The main plot were the leaf extracts of Neem, Madre de Cacao+ Guava at 1:1:1 ratio were: P0 – No Application, P1 –250 ml leaf extract/16 li water, P2 –500 ml leaf extract /16 li water, P3 –750 ml leaf extract /16 li water, P4 – 40 ml Commercial insecticide/16 li water. The sub-plot was: M1 – Black Plastic mulch, M2 – Carbonize Rice Hulls, and M3 – Saw Dust. Results of the bioassay showed highly significant knockdown effect in the application of 500-750ml leaf extract/16 li water on fruit and shoot borer, lady spotted beetle and white flies comparable to application of commercial insecticide/16 li water. Significant repellent effects on Fruit Shoot Borer and Lady spotted beetles but no repellent effects on white flies for an application of 250ml botanical leaf extracts/16li water. Results under field condition showed that plants applied with 750ml botanical leaf extracts/16 li water is more effective than commercial insecticide/16 li water in reducing damaged leaves during the early vegetative stage of development (2nd WAT) and at reproductive stage of development (10th WAT). Highly significant difference was obtained in terms in weight of non-marketable fruit. No significant interaction was registered between botanical leaf extracts and mulching materials. Regression correlation analysis revealed that there was a direct correlation between the numbers of damaged leaves to yield. Combined application of botanical leaf extracts at 750ml/16 li water + carbonized rice hulls obtained Php 797,635.15 net for organic off-season eggplant production. Soil pH, OM, P, and K were increased with application of sawdust, carbonized rice hulls and plastic mulch.

Plant neighbourhood effects on insect herbivores associated with Junipers and Pistacia in Cyrenaica- Libya

This research set out to test whether there are neighbourhood effects on insect herbivory among the plants of the Al Jabal Al Akhdar region of Libya. Neighbouring plants in the locale of an individual plant might help or hinder it in the task of defence against insect herbivores, depending on their levels of defence (chemical or physical), and their interactions with potential herbivores. Such ‘neighbourhood effects’ are part of the complex network of species interactions that structure ecological communities. Having chosen to concentrate on the two main species of three study sites, Juniperus phoenicea and Pistacia atlantica, nine plots were mapped in detail and the insect herbivores sampled from focal plants, and then from all plants. Plant leaves of Juniperus and Pistacia were sampled for chemical analysis of their phenol content. Phenol levels were much higher in Pistacia (2308 ± 43 ppm, n = 45), than in Juniperus (1516 ± 43 ppm, n = 45), and there were effects of elevation as well, plants from middle elevation plots had the highest levels, while those from the lowest elevation at the coast had the lowest levels of tannins. The number of individual insects per plant was affected by the neighbourhood in both Pistacia No. individuals on the nearest conspecific (x2 = 5.22, df = 1, P = 0.022) and No. individuals on the nearest allospecific (x2 = 52.12, df = 1, P = 0.00) and Juniperus No. individuals on the nearest conspecific (x2 = 43.89, df = 1, P = <.001) and No. individuals on the nearest allospecific (x2 = 93.89, df = 1, P = <.001). There were clear effects of neighbouring plants on the density of insects of individual plants, in both Pistacia and Juniperus. From analysis result we found that the number of insect herbivores were a strongly affected by the local neighbourhood plant species, which attacked the focal shrubs (Juniperus sp and Pistacia sp) in the study sites, where the number of insect herbivores were not affected by the same neighbourhood (surroundings) plant species, however, the different neighbourhood plant species affected in each insect herbivores. There were no signs of any protective neighbourhood effects of tannin levels. Thus in the plant communities of Al Jabal Al Akhdar, associational avoidance appears to be the major mechanism of neighbourhood effects, rather than associational resistance.

Identification and Control Model for Pest Organisms in Cabbage Plants

The aim of the research is to identify pests according to family and find out the types and concentrations of vegetable pesticides that are effective for controlling pests on cabbage plants using vegetable pesticides, using net sweeping and using light on cabbage plants. This research activity included 2 stages. The first stage is to identify pests on cabbage plants using the insect net method and light lamps, taking insects directly every 7 days of observation. The number of pest insects obtained is recorded and identified based on their family. The second stage is the application of vegetable pesticides and the frequency of spraying on the intensity of pest and disease attacks on cabbage plants. This research is a factorial experimental study using a randomized block design (RAK) method consisting of 2 factors with the first factor being the type of vegetable pesticide consisting of 4 levels, namely (F0) control, (F1) neem, (F2) Annona and (F3) Widuri. The second factor is that the spraying frequency varies, consisting of 3 levels, namely (K1) 3x spraying (K2), 5x spraying and (K3) 7x spraying. Parameters observed included plant height, number of leaves, plant fresh weight, percentage of pest attack intensity and incidence of cabbage disease. Data were analyzed using the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) 5%. The research results show that the insect pests identified are the families Pyralidae, Plutelidae, Acrididae, Noctuidae and Aphididae. The results of testing a pesticide that is effective in controlling insects is neem pesticide with a spraying time of 7 times which can reduce the intensity of pest and disease attacks on cabbage plants

The Diversity of Forensic Entomofauna Associated With Decaying Chicken Liver in the Tropical Region of Kerala, India.

Forensic entomology To elucidate the time of death based on insect evidence, there are several studies on forensic entomology on life cycles, environmental factors, and feeding habitats of insects. However, there have not been any comprehensive studies on forensic entomology and its usage in forensic inquiry specific to the region, especially Kerala, India. The insect succession on decomposed animal matter plays an important role in estimating minimum postmortem intervals (mPMI). Objective The purpose of the study was tounderstand forensically important insect groups and their role in the decomposition process of dead decayingmatter. The different decomposition stages of a corpse vary in attraction to necrophagous insects and the insect fauna depending on its prevailing conditions of decay. The decomposition is highly dependent on the exposition of animal matter and abiotic and biotic factors acting on it. The main objective of the present investigation was to identify the insect fauna associated with decaying chicken liver. The study also envisages comprising the diversity and abundance of insects between two different treatments of animal matter: in contact with soil and controlled conditions in a clean basin. Method The study was conducted for 45 days (until the total decomposition of the samples in both conditions) during the pre-monsoon months of April to May2022 at Chalikadavu, Muvattupuzha, in the Ernakulam district, Kerala, India. The samples were however kept away from direct sunlight and rain to avoid the direct impact on the orienting fauna. The entomofauna found to be associated with the decaying animal matter was carefully collected from the site and stored in 70% isopropyl alcohol for preservation. The total number of insects was recorded along with the hours of maximum incidence, and samples were stored in plastic vials for further identification. Result In this study, we analyzed the activities of ants, mites, wasps, cockroaches, moths, beetles, and flies during the decomposition of decaying chicken liver. Among these insects, flies and beetles are two important arthropod communities associated with animal matter decomposition. We collected these foraging organisms for morpho-taxonomic identification. The decomposition stages among the two treatments could help to understand the variable factors in the decomposition of decaying corpse with special reference to the insect fauna acting on it. Conclusion We got 100 specimens comprising 28 species in 17 families from Blattidae, Coleoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera, and Lepidoptera. Besides this, we identified two parasitic wasps with their host (dipteran pupa), which is helpful in postmortem interval (PMI) estimation. Our analysis showed an association between decay and the activity of carrion insects. The decomposition stages among the two treatments could help to understand the variable factors in the decomposition of a decaying corpse with special reference to the insect fauna acting upon it.

Importance of Sanitation for Stored-Product Pest Management.

Sanitation is essential for the cost-effective pest management of stored-product insects. The Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act of 1938 led to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tightening regulatory standards, and many local surveys, courses and conferences were organized to prepare the industry for these new regulations. Sanitation removes insects and residual food, which may also provide shelter for insects, with heat treatments and insecticide applications. The number of insects removed by cleaning may be reduced as the number of available hiding places increases. Decreased sanitation negatively affects the efficacy of most other pest management practices, with means of 1.3- to 17-fold decreases in efficacy. The majority of studies quantifying the efficacy of sanitation have been performed on the farm storage of grain, but some studies have been conducted for grain elevators, food processing, and the marketing system. Results ranged from no effect of sanitation alone to very effective alone or with other methods. Sanitation can also reduce insect infestation prior to harvest. Some cost-benefit analyses have been conducted for sanitation.

Optimization and validation for identification of volatile organic com-pounds released from Trogoderma variabile Ballion using headspace solid-phase microextraction and GC-FID/MS

Volatile organic compounds (VOC) emitted by Trogoderma variabile at different life stages (larvae, female and male) can help us to understand the chemical signals that are released by the beetle which can serve as biomarkers for diagnostic purpose. There are several factors that effect on the optimization of VOC extraction including, temperature, jar size, number of insects, duration of extraction, and gas chromatography (GC) conditions. This study used headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) fibre coupled with flame ionization detection (FID) and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to determine the optimal method for accurate, rapid and cost-effective extraction and identification of VOC from different life stages of T. variabile. The HS-SPME technique and the analytical conditions with GC and GCMS were optimized and validated for the determination of VOCs released from T. variabile. Selection of the number of insects was based on the height and the number of peaks. Results showed that 15 and 20 larvae and adults respectively gave the best number of peaks. Sixteen hours were optimized as the best extraction time for larvae and adults to get maximum number of emitted VOCs. The number of compound released from T.variabile different stages was 7, 9 and 11 for male, female and larvae respectively. Furthermore, some compounds were identified in all stages such as oxime-, methoxy-phenyl, 2(3H)-furanone, 5-ethyldihydro- and nonanal. Also, most of the compounds were significantly different in peak area between different life stages.

Insecticidal efficacy of the drug «Phytocreolin», which affects the number of zoophilic flies

This article examines the insectoacaricidal effectiveness of the drug «Phytocreolin» on the number of zoophilic flies in open and closed livestock premises. For the first time, the authors conducted studies of the insectoacaricidal efficacy of the drug «Phytocreolin» based on pine tar, how it differs from creolin, and having a repellent effect against insects and, thereby, contributing to a decrease in the number of zoophilic flies in livestock premises. Studies conducted to establish the background number of imago flies in open and closed types, followed by an entomological assessment of zoophilic flies, showed that the dominant biological species was the gray meat fly (Sarcophaga bullata), which accounted for about 80% of the total number of flies. Such a large number of this species is due to the active summer season, as well as the time of research. The housefly (Musca domestica) was also found in the insects, the number of which amounted to 10% of the total number of zoophilic flies. In addition, the autumn stable fly (Stomoxys calcitrans), which accounted for about 7%, and the common green carrion (Lucilia caeza), 3% of the total number of zoophilic flies, were also found in livestock facilities. It was found that the effectiveness of the insecticide drug in the disinfection of livestock premises of a closed type for the entire period of experience, when disinfecting with a 25% solution of the drug in reducing the number of insects was 15,3%, when treated with a 50% solution, the effectiveness was the best and amounted to 29,8% and when disinfecting with a 100% solution, the decrease in the number of zoophilic flies was about 21,7%. Similar results of the effectiveness of the use of an insecticidal drug were obtained in open-type livestock facilities. So, over the entire period of the experiment, when disinfecting with a 25% solution of the drug, the decrease in the number of insects was 9,6%, when treated with a 50% solution – 23% and when disinfecting with a 100% solution, the insecticidal efficiency was the best and amounted to 26%.

Biodiversity and Succession of Insects of Blackgram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper) During rabi in the Western Undulating Zone of Odisha

The field experiment was conducted to study about insect biodiversity and their succession in blackgram crop at the crop research farm, College of Agriculture, OUAT, Bhawanipatna during rabi 21. Twenty seven insects belong to seven orders and twenty two families were recorded during different growth stages of crop in an overlapping manner. Beside the insects twelve numbers of predators, three numbers of parasitoids and two pollinators were also noticed. The highest diversity index and evenness of insects were recorded at 42 SMW (0.902 and 1.000) followed by 50 SMW (0.833 and 0.710) respectively. The diversity of insects was almost uniform because of the evenness of the species. The insect order homoptera and the insect white fly came under superdominant class of dominance during all the growth stages of crop, whereas coleoptera and hemiptera were categorized under sub-dominant class at vegetative stage and flowering to podding stage of crop growth respectively. The insect orders hemiptera, coleoptera, diptera and hymenoptera and the insects i.e., galerucid beetle, jassid, stem fly, aphids and thrips came under recedent class of dominance. The relative abundance and dominant status of insect’s revealed that the maximum numbers of insects were belongs to orders homoptera (75.22%) followed by hemiptera (7.92%), coleoptera (6.30%), diptera (4.62%), hymenoptera (4.05%), orthoptera (0.89%), lepidoptera (0.86%) and odonata (0.09%).Chrysomelid beetles were noticed first during the early vegetative stage of crop followed by stem fly, white fly, leaf webber and semiloopers at the vegetative stage, tobacco caterpillar from late vegetative to pod filling stage, thrips in flowering stage, pod borers, pod bugs, aphids, pentatomid bugs and bihar hairy caterpillar from flowering to crop maturity stage and the pod fly and pod wasp from pod filling to pod maturity stage of the crop. Jassids, grasshoppers and predators like spiders, coccinellids beetles and parasitoids were appeared from mid vegetative stage and continued till fag end of the crop. The peak activities of insects were recorded from flowering to pod maturity stage of the crop.

Cross-resistance, inheritance and biochemical mechanism of abamectin resistance in a field-derived strain of the citrus red mite, Panonychus citri (Acari: Tetranychidae).

The citrus red mite, Panonychus citri (McGregor), a global pest of citrus, has developed different levels of resistance to various acaricides in the field. Abamectin is one of the most important insecticides/acaricides worldwide, targetting a wide number of insect and mite pests. The evolution of abamectin resistance in P. citri is threatening the sustainable use of abamectin for mite control. The abamectin resistant strain (NN-Aba), derived from a field strain NN by consistent selection with abamectin, showed 4279-fold resistance to abamectin compared to a relatively susceptible strain (SS) of P. citri. Cross-resistance of NN-Aba was observed between abamectin and emamectin benzoate, pyridaben, fenpropathrin and cyflumetofen. Inheritance analyses indicated that abamectin resistance in the NN-Aba strain was autosomal, incompletely recessive and polygenic. The synergy experiment showed that abamectin toxicity was synergized by piperonyl butoxide (PBO), diethyl maleate (DEM) and tributyl phosphorotrithiotate (TPP) in the NN-Aba strain, and synergy ratios were 2.72-, 2.48- and 2.13-fold, respectively. The glutathione-S-transferases activity in the NN-Aba strain were significantly increased by 2.08-fold compared with the SSstrain. The abamectin resistance was autosomal, incompletely recessive and polygenic in P. citri. The NN-Aba strain showed cross-resistance to various acaricides with different modes of action. Metabolic detoxification mechanism participated in abamectin resistance in NN-Aba strain. These findings provide useful information for resistance management of P. citri in the field. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Palynological analysis (biochronostratigraphy and paleoenvironments) from a fossil-Lagerstätte section within the Late Paleozoic Ice Age unit of the Paraná Basin (Itararé Group), Western Gondwana

A diverse and exceptionally preserved fossil association occurs in Campáleo Outcrop black shales of the upper Itararé Group, correlated to the Lontras Member, considered representative of the Pennsylvanian–Permian transition in the Paraná Basin, Brazil. In this paper, we present the palynological records from 20 stratigraphic horizons of these shales and related strata, which revealed 21 taxa of spores, 33 of pollen grains, two species of fungi, one species of Chlorophyceae and two species of Prasinophyceae. The section is correlated to the Vittatina costabilis Zone, due to the records of certain guide species, such as Converrucosisporites confluens, Illinites unicus and several species of Vittatina. An additional subsurface section (TC-4 core) partially correlated with the Campáleo Outcrop and comprising the passage of the Crucisaccites monoletus and Vittatina costabilis palynozones was also studied in order to support the stratigraphic positioning. Once combined with the stratigraphic positioning in the basal portion to the Lontras Shale, it allows us to consider it around the Pennsylvanian–Permian boundary, probably in the Gzhelian to age of the Campáleo Outcrop. We observed distinct palynofloristic compositions from (i) the rhythmic shale with dropstones (basal portion) and from (ii) the fossiliferous black shales (upper portion). The former presents a large dominance (about 90 %) of pollen grains (xerophylous elements) and low frequency (about 7 %) of spores (meso-hygrophylous), while the results of the latter are conversely. Marine palynormorphs were recorded herein only from the rhythmic shale. The palynological assemblages on the base of the Campáleo Outcrop demonstrated a more intense sediment supply, bringing sporomorphs from more distant regions being represented mainly by xerophylic flora, indicating the existence of regions devoid of ice cover, where forests could develop, as occur in seasonal climate regions. The upper level of the Campáleo Outcrop characterizes one of the predominance of spores (hygrophylic communities) in these palynological associations supported by the large number of insects found that indicates proximity to the coastline, little transport (spore tetrads), poor contribution of more distant continental sediments (low expressiveness of pollen grains) and low salinity water, due to the absence of marine palynomorphs, representing a reducing restricted marine environment. This data integrated with the stratigraphic context and other geological data evidenced changes in sea level due to the climatic oscillations in the course of the LPIA that influenced the sediment supply and the distance of the coastline in this region of the Paraná Basin.

Shadow Effect for Small Insect Detection by W-Band Pulsed Radar.

In radar entomology, one primary challenge is detecting small species (smaller than 5 cm) since these tiny insects reflect radiation that can be poorly observable and, therefore, difficult to interpret. After a literature search on radar entomology, this research found few works where it has been possible to sense insects with dimensions smaller than 5 cm using radars. This paper describes different methodologies to detect Mediterranean fruit flies with 5-6 mm sizes using a pulsed W-band radar and presents the experimental results that validate the procedures. The article's main contribution is the successful detection of Mediterranean fruit flies employing the shadow effect on the backscattered radar signal, achieving an 11% difference in received power when flies are present. So far, according to the information available and the literature search, this work is the first to detect small insects less than 1 cm long using a pulsed radar in W-Band. The results show that the proposed shadow effect is a viable alternative to the current sensors used in smart traps, as it allows not only detection but also counting the number of insects in the trap.

Features of the vital activity of cereal aphids in the North-West of Russia

The publication presents data on long-term monitoring of the dynamics of the number of cereal aphids on spring grain crops in the Pushkinsky district of St. Petersburg and the Tosnensky district of the Leningrad region. The appearance of winged parthenogenetic females in the fields in the biotope of grain crops was noted in the first decade of June, the maximum number of aphids - in the second decade. Over the years of observations, outbreaks of mass reproduction were in 1999, 2002, and 2021. The analysis is carried out of the dependence of the number of aphids Rh. padi on the weather conditions of the region. The correlation between the number of aphids on wheat plants and the average monthly April air temperatures was low (r= 0.31), it was higher between the number of insects and the June average monthly air temperatures (r=0.57). At the same time, the average monthly air temperature in April and June 1999 and 2002 were higher than the average long-term indicators. This indicator turned out to be the most effective between the sum of effective temperatures for the spring-summer period (April May, June) and the number of aphids (r= 0.77). The correlation coefficient between the amount of precipitation during this period and, accordingly, the number of aphids turned out to be negative (– 0.6). It is assumed that the degree of pest population of plants in the summer period depends on the number of eggs laid by oviparous females in the previous autumn. In our studies, the correlation coefficient between these indicators was 0.52. One of the most important entomophages of cereal aphids is the beetle Coccinella septempunctata L. Over the years of observations, the number of predators varied from 0.2 to 5 individuals per 1 model site. During the years of mass reproduction of aphids in 2002 and 2021, the number of coccinellids per model site was low and equal to 0.2-0.5. The large grass aphid Sitobion avenae F. appears in the fields of the region in early July. The largest number of species was recorded in 2016, 2020,2022. In the experiments of 2022, the insect preferred spring wheat and oats, compared with barley.

Assessing the attraction of narrow-spectrum and broad-spectrum artificial light to nocturnal insects: patterns and predictive models

The significant ecological risks posed by artificial light at night (ALAN) are rapidly increasing globally. The rapid development of narrow-spectrum light-emitting diodes (LEDs) presents various challenges for reducing fatal attraction to ALAN and associated ecological risks. However, the potential risks and variations in the fatal attraction have not been precisely measured and assessed. Insects are ecological indicator species and photosensitive animals that are often fatally attracted to ALAN. In this paper, we conduct phototaxis experiments in Tianjin, China. We explored insect phototactic behavior and rhythms by comparing the effects of different time periods and spectra on the number of phototactic insects using UV light as a baseline. The spectra include seven narrow-spectrum lights with different peak wavelengths and two broad-spectrum lights with different color temperatures. In general, shorter wavelength light was more attractive: short-wave blue light (447 nm and 478 nm) was the most attractive, followed by medium-wave green light (500 nm and 519 nm) and long-wave red light (627 nm, 660 nm, and 740 nm). Insects were more attracted to 4,500 K LEDs than 3,000 K LEDs, but the difference in attraction between 4,500 K and 3,000 K LEDs was not significant. For eco-risk periods, that is, the peak hours of the fatal attraction of insects to ALAN in the field, LEDs attract insects at the fastest rate from 20:00 to 21:30 (from 1.5 hours to 3 hours after sunset). The phototactic rate curves of insect orders differed among different spectral LEDs. We proposed a method to predict the relative attractiveness of LEDs to insects and orders by calculating the relative attraction coefficient (Pi) of each narrow-spectrum LED and assigning Pi as a coefficient to the spectral irradiance percentage of the corresponding band of the LEDs to be predicted. The model-calculated relative attraction was highly significantly correlated with both the experimentally obtained attraction and the spectral response of insect vision. The results demonstrate that the attractiveness of broad-spectrum LEDs to insects can be altered, evaluated, and predicted through narrow-spectrum LEDs. Our findings will aid the development of ecological light sources, ecological conservation, and improvements in urban light ecology.

Mass Trapping of Live Male Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel (Diptera: Tephritidae): Interaction between Trap Types and Period of Trapping

Mass trapping of insects involves the use of specific traps or devices that are designed to attract and capture a large number of adult insects, thereby reducing their population in the agricultural environment. This approach aims at disrupting the breeding cycle and proliferation of the target insect to minimize crop damage and economic losses. This study evaluated the efficiency of three trap types (Ecoman, Tephri, and Bucket funnel) and period of the day (morning, afternoon, and evening) in mass trapping of live male Bactrocera dorsalis and the survival of such catch over a period. The traps were deployed on selected trees following 3 × 3 factorial experiments. All the Bactrocera dorsalis caught in the traps were males. Ecoman traps caught the highest number of B. dorsalis in the mornings and evenings while Tephri traps caught the highest B. dorsalis in the afternoons. There was no significant difference in the survival of B. dorsalis in the three trap types after 24 hours. Correlation analysis showed that climatic factors played a significant role in trap catches. Bactrocera dorsalis caught in the evenings recorded higher percentage survival in all the three trap types than those caught during the morning and afternoon. The Ecoman trap was most efficient in trapping B. dorsalis. Hence, this study recommends the Ecoman trap for mass trapping live male B. dorsalis meant for further experiments such as irradiation studies.

Seasonal Incidence of Insect Pests and Predatory Fauna on Toria (Brassica rapa) in West Central Tableland of Odisha, India

The present field investigation was conducted for two consecutive Rabi seasons of years 2021/22 and 2022/23 at the College of Horticulture, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Chiplima, Odisha to record the seasonal incidence of major insect pests with the predatory fauna on toria (Brassica rapa) in relation to meteorological parameters. The occurring pest complex in both seasons constituted a total nine number of insects and three consistent predatory fauna.
 The highest peak population of pests recorded for 2021/22 were: mustard aphid (3.7 A.I plant-1 at 50th SMW), whitefly (25.9 whiteflies plant-1 at 50th SMW), painted bug (13.37 nymphs+adults plant-1 at 50th SMW), mustard sawfly (12 larvae plant-1 at 48th SMW), flea beetle (12.45 grubs+adults plant-1 at 50th SMW), diamondback moth (1.3 larvae plant-1 at 52nd SMW), leaf Webber (6.45 larvae plant-1 at 51st SMW), Bihar hairy caterpillar (29.3 larvae plant-1 at 50th SMW) and tobacco caterpillar (8.9 larvae plant-1 at 49th SMW. Similarly, the highest peak population of pests recorded for 2022/23 were: mustard aphid (3.82 A.I plant-1 at 51st SMW), whitefly (23.8 whiteflies plant-1 at 50th SMW), painted bug (13.7 nymphs+adults plant-1 at 51st SMW), mustard sawfly (15 larvae plant-1 at 48th SMW), flea beetle (13.45 grubs+adults plant-1 at 50th SMW), diamondback moth (1.2 larvae plant-1 at 47th SMW), leaf Webber (5.45 larvae plant-1 at 51st SMW) which coincided the abundance of natural enemies namely, coccinellid predators, syrphid fly and spider between 50th to 52nd SMW of the experimental year for both seasons.
 The correlation of insect pest density with weather parameters (Rabi, 2021/22) showed negative correlations with Tmax (mustard aphid, painted bug, flea beetle, leaf Webber, diamondback moth, Bihar hairy caterpillar), Tmin (all pests), rainfall (mustard aphid, whitefly, mustard sawfly, flea beetle, tobacco caterpillar), RH% at 7 hours (all pests), and RH% at 14 hours (mustard aphid, whitefly, painted bug, leaf Webber, diamondback moth, Bihar hairy caterpillar).For natural enemies, Tmax, Tmin, RH% at 7 hours, RH% at 14 hours, and wind velocity had negative effects on their population, while rainfall had a positive influence. However, in Rabi 2022/23, Tmax, Tmin, and RH% at 14 hours negatively influenced the pest population mostly except for wind velocity and RH% at 7 hours. For predators, wind velocity showed positive correlation with its’ population.

Urban Pest Abundance and Public Enquiries in Zurich 1991-2022.

Zurich's Urban Pest Advisory Service (UPAS) aims to survey, control and reduce hazards posed by pests. Records submitted to the UPAS may not exactly correlate with abundance but can reveal patterns of change. These reflect changes in species, public and media perceptions and the effects of climate and COVID-19, along with the effectiveness of new pest controls. Records for Blattodea and Plodia interpunctella declined in the period 1990-2022, while Cimex lectularius and Psocoptera increased. Summer has typically revealed the largest number of insects reported and Google searches show parallel seasonal variations. The Blattodea declined five-fold over time, likely due to better pest control methods (gel baits). Aedes albopictus, though rare, was the subject of media reports and awareness campaigns, which resulted in much public interest. Vespidae are abundant and have been reported in sufficient numbers to warrant an analysis of seasonal records, suggesting that July temperatures affect numbers. COVID-19 restrictions led to more frequent reports of rodents, pigeons, Zygentoma and Stegobium paniceum. The long-term reporting to the UPAS gives a useful indication of the changing concerns about pests in Zurich.

Pesticidal effect of naphthalene and different Botanicals against anguimous grain moth (Sitotroga cerealella)

A lab experiment was conducted during June to October 2021 at Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), regional station Rangpur, laboratory to assess the effectiveness of some botanicals i.e., neem (Azadirachta indica), tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum) and ginger (Zingiber officinale)) and chemicals (naphthalene) for the management of Anguimous grain moth (Sitotroga cerealella) of rice. The experiment was carried out Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with nine treatments (T1=Control, T2=5 whole dried neem leaf, T3=0.25 ml neem oil, T4=0.25 g ginger powder, T5=0.25 g neem leaf powder, T6= 0.25 g mixture of neem leaf powder and ginger powder, T7=0.25 g Naphthalene, T8= 5 whole tulsi leaf and T9= 0.25 g neem seed powder) and three replications. Study among the nine treatment indicated that T9 (0.25 g naphthalene) showed better performance in case of insect mortality and no F1 emergence followed by T3 (0.35 ml neem oil), T9 (0.25 g neem seed powder) and T6 (0.25 g mixture of neem leaf powder and ginger powder). Moderate performance was found T5 (0.25 g neem leaf powder), T2 (5 whole dried neem leaf) in case of insect mortality and number of F1 emergence. But in case of seed germination T5 (0.25 g neem leaf powder) showed better performance followed by T7 (0.25 g naphthalene), T9 (0.25 g neem seed powder), T6 (0.25 g mixture of neem leaf powder and ginger powder) and T3 (0.25 ml neem oil). So, naphthalene, neem oil, neem seed powder and neem leaf powder considered as the best treatment among nine treatments for the management of the most destructive Anguimous grain moth. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 58(3), 155-162, 2023

The Effect of the Hight of the Pheromone Traps Type Delta in Trapping and Forecasting the Emergence of the Lesser Date Moth, Batrachedra amydraula Meyrick and Evaluating the Sensitivity of Some Palm Varieties to Insect Injury

El-Filahy, M.H.A. and M.Sh. Mansour. 2023. The Effect of the Hight of the Pheromone Traps Type Delta in Trapping and Forecasting the Emergence of the Lesser Date Moth, Batrachedra amydraula Meyrick and Evaluating the Sensitivity of Some Palm Varieties to Insect Injury. Arab Journal of Plant Protection, 41(3): 226-232. https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-41.3.226232 During the 2021-2022 season field study conducted in Anbar governorate to determine the population dynamics of Batrachedra amydraula using pheromone traps (Alpha scenes Inc. West Linn) and the effect of trap height on number of male insects traped. In addition, host preference and sensitivity of date palm varieties to infestation with the insect was also evaluated. The results obtained showed that the first appearance of the insect was at the end of the third week of March with an average of 2 insects/trap at a temperature of 16.5°C and 51.5% RH. The number of insects caught in the trap reached a peak during the first week of June at an average of 139 insect/trap, at a temperature of 32°C and 42% RH. The insect count then decreased after the third week of June to zero insects/trap until the third week of July. Field experiments also showed that the traps height had an effect on the number of insects caught. The average number of total insects caught in traps at 1.5 m was 45.5, whereas the average number of insects caught in traps placed at 2.5 m was 20.5. The results also showed that the highest total infestation rate in the Khistawi variety was 36.89%, followed by Zahdi (18.83%). The infestation rate of the variety kheyara was the lowest (12.61%). The results also showed the average larval density of the insect Batrachedra amydraula was the highest on the khestawi variety with total average injury severity of 0.14%, followed by zahdi variety with an average total injury severity of 0.05%. Therefore, by combining the infestation rate and average number of the insect larvae, it can be concluded that the Khistawi variety was the most sensitive to the insect, and the variety Kheyara was the most tolerant. In addition, the use of pheromone traps was instrumental in reducing the injury caused by the insect, and using resistant/tolerant varieties can effectively contributes to the reduction of the infestation rate of the insect to become below the economic injury level. Keywords: Date palm, Phoenix dactylifera L., Lesser date moth Batrachedra amydraula, Pheromone traps, Variety sensitivity

Biodiversity of herbivorous insects in rice organic and inorganic ecosystem

Since many years, presence and activities of herbivorous insect very crucial in the agricultural ecosystem. Purpose of the research is to study biodiversity of herbivorous insect in the rice organic and inorganic ecosystem. The research was conducted in Salassae village, Bulukumba Regency, South Sulawesi from June to August 2021. The herbivorous insect from organic and inorganic ecosystem was carried out and identified at the Pest Laboratory, Department of Plant Pest and Diseases, Faculty of Agriculture, Hasanuddin University Makassar. The places used in the research divided into organic and inorganic rice ecosystem, with measurement 25 m x 25 m, respectively. The insect samples collected used ubinan system methods with diagonal intersection applied for pitfall trap. The samples from organic and inorganic ecosystem analyzed by Shannon-Wiener Index Diversity. The result of Shannon-Wiener Index was showed the higher number of herbivorous insects in the inorganic rice ecosystem (H’ = 1.71) with population about 391 individual (51%). In contrast, result of organic ecosystem (H’ = 1.68) lower than inorganic. Conclusion of the research: 1) the higher number of herbivorous insects in the inorganic rice ecosystem (H’ = 1.71), the lowest result from organic ecosystem (H’ = 1.68); 2) the highest rice harvest higher the organic ecosystem (297 kg) and the lowest in the inorganic (279.2 kg).