Parasa Lepida Research Articles

An Efficient Approach for Crops Pests Recognition and Classification Based on Novel DeepPestNet Deep Learning Model

Crop pests are to blame for significant economic, social, and environmental losses worldwide. Various pests have different control strategies, and precisely identifying pests has become crucial to pest control and is a significant difficulty in agriculture. Many agricultural professionals are interested in deep learning (DL) models since they have shown significant promise in image recognition. Pest identification approaches in literature have relatively low accuracy in pest recognition and classification due to the complexity of their algorithms and limited data availability. Misclassification of insect pests sometimes leads to using the wrong pesticides, causing harm to agricultural yields and the surrounding environment. It necessitates developing an automated system capable of more accurate pest identification and classification. This paper presents a novel end-to-end DeepPestNet framework for pest recognition and classification. The proposed model has 11 learnable layers, including eight convolutional and three fully connected (FC) layers. We used image rotations techniques to increase the size of the dataset and image augmentations techniques to test the generalizability of the proposed DeepPestNet approach. We used the popular Deng’s crops data set to assess the proposed DeepPestNet framework. We used the proposed method to recognize and classify crop pests into 10-class pests, i.e., Locusta migratoria, Euproctis pseudoconspersa strand, chrysochus Chinensis, empoasca flavescens, Spodoptera exigua, larva of laspeyresia pomonella, parasa lepida, acrida cinerea, larva of S. exigua, and L.pomonella types of insects pests. The proposed method achieved optimal accuracy of 100%. We compared the proposed DeepPestNet approach with traditional pre-trained deep learning (DL) models. To verify the general adaptability of this model, we tested the proposed model on the standard Kaggle dataset “Pest Dataset” to recognize nine types of pests: aphids, armyworm, beetle, bollworm, grasshopper, mites, mosquito, sawfly, and stem borer and achieved an accuracy of 98.92%. The proposed model can provide specialists and farmers with immediate and effective aid in recognizing pests, potentially reducing economic and crop yield losses.

Identification of Novel Toxin Genes from the Stinging Nettle Caterpillar Parasa lepida (Cramer, 1799): Insights into the Evolution of Lepidoptera Toxins.

Simple SummaryMany caterpillar species can produce toxins that cause harmful reactions to humans, varying from mild irritation to death. Currently, there is very limited knowledge about caterpillar toxin diversity, because only a few species have been investigated. We used the transcriptome technique to identify candidate toxin genes from the nettle caterpillar Parasa lepida (Cramer, 1799). It is a common pest of oil palm, coconut, and mango in South and South-East Asia, which can cause severe pain and allergic responses to those in contact with them. We reported 168 candidate toxin genes. Most of them are members of the toxin genes families commonly recruited in animal venoms such as serine protease and serine protease inhibitors. However, we identified 21 novel genes encoding knottin-like peptides expressed at a high level in the transcriptome. Their predicted 3D structures are similar to neurotoxins in scorpion and tarantula. Our study suggests that P. lepida venom contains diverse toxin proteins that potentially cause allergic reactions and pain. This study sheds light on the hidden diversity of toxin proteins in caterpillar lineage, which could be future fruitful new drug sources.Many animal species can produce venom for defense, predation, and competition. The venom usually contains diverse peptide and protein toxins, including neurotoxins, proteolytic enzymes, protease inhibitors, and allergens. Some drugs for cancer, neurological disorders, and analgesics were developed based on animal toxin structures and functions. Several caterpillar species possess venoms that cause varying effects on humans both locally and systemically. However, toxins from only a few species have been investigated, limiting the full understanding of the Lepidoptera toxin diversity and evolution. We used the RNA-seq technique to identify toxin genes from the stinging nettle caterpillar, Parasa lepida (Cramer, 1799). We constructed a transcriptome from caterpillar urticating hairs and reported 34,968 unique transcripts. Using our toxin gene annotation pipeline, we identified 168 candidate toxin genes, including protease inhibitors, proteolytic enzymes, and allergens. The 21 P. lepida novel Knottin-like peptides, which do not show sequence similarity to any known peptide, have predicted 3D structures similar to tarantula, scorpion, and cone snail neurotoxins. We highlighted the importance of convergent evolution in the Lepidoptera toxin evolution and the possible mechanisms. This study opens a new path to understanding the hidden diversity of Lepidoptera toxins, which could be a fruitful source for developing new drugs.

A preliminary study on moths (Lepidoptera) as pest of coffee plants from Northern Kerala

Occurrence of moths in agro-ecosystmes of Northern Kerala is little known, especially in coffee plant. The information given here is based on 27 species representing 16 genera of moths collected from the coffee plantations of northern Kerala covering five districts viz., Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannaur and Kasargod during October 2018 to October 2019 over 95 nights of survey. Five species are reported as major pests (Hyposidra talaca, Eupterotis lineosa, Eupterotis mollifera, Eupterotis fabia, Eupterotis sp. 1) and 20 as minor pests of coffee (Asota plana, Asota caricae, Asota heliconia, Olene mendosa, Euproctis lethiana, Euproctis fraterna, Euproctis sp., Somena scintillans, Aloa lectinea, Creatonotos gangis, Hulodes caranca, Biston suppressaria, Ectropis crepuscularia, Ectropis bhurmitra, Orgyia postica, Psilalcis bisinuata, Miresa bracteata, Miresa inornata, Parasa lepida, Theretra alecto).

Occurrence of natural lectin with bacterial agglutination property in the serum of lepidopteran pest, Parasa lepida

AbstractInsects depend on lectins for non‐self recognition and clearance of invading pathogens. Naturally occurring lectin showing specificity for galactose was purified from the serum of lepidopteran pest Parasa lepida by affinity chromatography using Sepharose 6B coupled with galactose as a gel matrix. Preliminary studies on crude serum agglutinin revealed that the agglutinin molecule showed varying degrees of specificity to avian and mammalian red blood cells tested. Among them, the highest titer of 128 was recorded against rabbit red blood cell type. The agglutinin molecule in the crude serum was stable up to 60°C and at pH between 6 and 9. Also, the hemagglutinating activity was neither dependent on divalent cations nor sensitive to ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid treatment. Galactose inhibited the hemagglutinating activity at minimum inhibitory concentration of 12.5 mM and hence it was used as a ligand for affinity chromatography. Native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis revealed a single band and the molecular weight of the lectin was found to be approximately 90 kDa. Bacterial agglutination activity of the purified lectin with two significant toxin bacteria, namely Salmonella typhi and Bacillus thuringiensis, was observed.

Popullation dynamics of an invasive grub moth Parasa lepida (Cramer) that damages ornamental trees : the seasonal and annual fluctuations of the cocoon density

Popullation dynamics of an invasive grub moth Parasa lepida (Cramer) that damages ornamental trees : the seasonal and annual fluctuations of the cocoon density

Integrated Pest Management of Important Insect Pests of Coconut1

IPM or Integrated pest management is a strategy that integrates various methods of cultural, physical, mechanical, biological control and selection of pesticides as the last option. IPM is not only cost effective but simultaneously prioritized human and environmental safety. IPM is based on farmer’s local knowledge, acceptance and education. Several insects were reported as coconut pests in Asia and Pacific region. Among these pests, rhinoceros beetle, red palm weevil, coconut hispine beetle, coconut black headed caterpillar and coconut scale currently causing severe damage to coconut palms in the region. Rhinoceros beetle, Oryctes rhinoceros Linnaeus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) is native to South Asia and Southeast Asia. Management of this pest is a combination of sanitation in plantations and surrounding, biological control by using Metarhizium anisopliae, Oryctes virus and pheromone trapping. Red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) outbreaks usually occur after infestation of rhinoceros beetle. Keeping the rhinoceros under control results in keeping the red palm weevil under control too. Pheromone trapping is also developed for reduction of this pest. Coconut hispine beetle, Brontispa longissima (Gestro) (Coleoptera: Chrysomellidae), is an invasive pest occurs in Southeast Asia and Pacific region. Biological control of the pest is recommended by releasing two species of parasitoids, Asecodes hispinarus Boucek (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) and Tetrastichus brontispae Ferriere (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae). Coconut black headed caterpillar, Opisina arenosella Walker (Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae) is one of the key pests of coconut in South Asia and invaded Thailand in 2008. Management of this pest in its native region consisted of: 1) removing and burning of the infested leaves; 2) biological control by releasing parasitoids such as Goniozus nephantidis (Muesebeck), Bracon brevicornis (Wesmael), Brachymeria nephantidis Gahan; and 3) chemical control by trunk injection and applying systemic insecticides in the holes. Bacillus thruringiensis has been recommended for biological control of the black headed caterpillar in Thailand. Coconut scale, Aspidiotus destructor Signoret (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) has been reported as a serious in Philippines. Predators are significant biological control agents in limiting A. destructor populations. The most common natural enemies associated with the coconut scales are the coccinellid beetles Chilocorus spp., Azya trinitatis, Cryptognatha nodiceps, Rhyzobius lophanthae and Pentilia castanea. Local parasitoids, Comperiella, Aphytis and Encarsia also play important roles in keeping the pest under control. Application of insecticides could inducee the infestation of the scale. Biological controls is recommended for suppression of other coconut pests, such as slug caterpillars (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae) such as Parasa lepida Cramer; coconut leaf moth, Artona catoxantha Hampton (Lepidoptera: Zygaenidae); and coconut leafminer, Promecotheca cumingii Baly (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae).

Identification of the Sex Pheromone Secreted by a Nettle Moth, Monema flavescens, Using Gas Chromatography/Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

The nettle moth Monema flavescens (Limacodidae) is a defoliator of fruit trees, such as Chinese plum and persimmon. The larvae of this species have spines containing a poison that causes serious irritation and inflammation in humans. Coupled gas chromatography-electroantennogram detection and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analyses of a crude pheromone extract, combined with derivatization, indicated that female moths produced 8-decen-1-ol and 7,9-decadien-1-ol at a ratio of approximately 9:1. The E configuration of the double bonds was assigned for both components from infrared spectra, recorded on a gas chromatograph/Fourier transform-infrared spectrophotometer equipped with a zinc selenide disk cooled to -30 °C. The monoenyl and dienyl alcohols had absorptions characteristic of E geometry at 966 and 951 cm(-1), respectively. A band chromatogram at 951 cm(-1) was useful for distinguishing geometric isomers, because terminal conjugated diene are difficult to resolve, even on high polarity columns. Furthermore, we identified the Z configuration of the same 7,9-dienyl alcohol secreted by another nettle moth, Parasa lepida lepida, through the absence of this absorption. In field trials, lures baited with a 9:1 mixture of (E)-8-decen-1-ol and (E)-7,9-decadien-1-ol attracted M. flavescens males. Furthermore, the field trials indicated that contamination with the (Z)-diene reduced catches to the pheromone mixture more than did contamination with the (Z)-monoene.

カキノヘタムシガに対するフルベンジアミド散布で得られるヒロヘリアオイラガの同時防除効果について

カキノヘタムシガに対するフルベンジアミド散布で得られるヒロヘリアオイラガの同時防除効果について

Instrumental Analysis of Terminal-Conjugated Dienes for Reexamination of the Sex Pheromone Secreted by a Nettle Moth,Parasa lepida lepida

Conjugated dienyl compounds make one of the main groups of lepidopteran sex pheromones, and GC has been frequently used to determine the configurations of the double bonds. However, the separation of two geometric isomers of a terminal-conjugated diene, such as 7,9-decadien-1-ol secreted by a nettle moth Parasa lepida lepida (Limacodidae), is assumed to be difficult. In order to clarify the chromatographic separation of the terminal dienes, 7,9-decadienyl and 9,11-dodecadienyl compounds (alcohols, acetates, and aldehydes) were analyzed by GC and HPLC. On a capillary GC column, the (E)-isomers flowed out slightly faster than the corresponding (Z)-isomers, but their peaks almost overlapped. On the other hand, HPLC equipped with an ODS column completely separated the two geometric isomers examined and the (Z)-isomers eluted from the column faster than the (E)-isomers without dependence on a functional group. In addition to undergoing direct HPLC analysis without derivatization, the dienyl alcohols were converted into 3,5-dinitrobenzoates and analyzed by LC-ESI-MS operated under the same reversed-phase condition. The two separated geometric isomers were sensitively monitored by negative ions at m/z 211, M, M+1, M+17, and M+31, which were characteristically derived from the benzoates. Based on these results, a pheromone extract of P. l. lepida was examined, and it was confirmed that the female moths exclusively produced the (Z)-isomer of the 7,9-diene. Furthermore, a GC-EAD analysis and a field evaluation with both geometrical isomers indicated that the mating communication of P. l. lepida is predominantly mediated with the (Z)-isomer.

Causes of larval mortality in relation to host plant quality in the invasive grub moth, Parasa lepida (Carmer)

Causes of larval mortality in relation to host plant quality in the invasive grub moth, Parasa lepida (Carmer)

Camparative life table study of the blue-striped nettle grub moth Parasa lepida on deciduous and evergreen trees

Camparative life table study of the blue-striped nettle grub moth Parasa lepida on deciduous and evergreen trees

Comparisons of cocoon density and survival processes of the blue- striped nettle grub moth Parasa lepida (Cramer) between deciduous and evergreen trees

Comparisons of cocoon density and survival processes of the blue- striped nettle grub moth Parasa lepida (Cramer) between deciduous and evergreen trees

Life table and survivorship curves of the blue-striped nettle grub moth Parasa lepida

Life table and survivorship curves of the blue-striped nettle grub moth Parasa lepida

An analysis of spatial distribution in the exotic slug caterpillar Parasa lepida (Cramer) (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae) at an urban coastal site in central Japan

The slug caterpillar Parasa lepida (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae) is an introduced pest to urban trees in western Japan. The spatial distribution pattern of P. lepida cocoons was examined on cherry trees along an urban coastal avenue with reference to the effects of distance from the sea, dieback of trees, and avian predation. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that cocoon density increased and tree dieback decreased with distance from the sea. These results suggest that salt spray from the sea and the resulting plant stress may negatively affect the moth. Avian predation rate increased with cocoon density per tree, suggesting density-dependent predation. Also, the predation rate was higher on cocoons between 0.5 and 1.5 m above ground, where the twigs were cleared and prop wood was fixed. These spatial distribution patterns are discussed with regard to pest control.

Sex pheromone of the blue-striped nettle grub moth Parasa lepida (Cramer) (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae): Identification and field attraction

An EAG-active compound in the extract of virgin females of the limacodid, Parasa lepida (Cramer) was identified as (Z)-7,9-decadien-1-ol (Z7,9-10:OH). This compound was observed to attract conspecific males in the field. When 1 mg of Z7,9-10:OH was applied to a rubber septum and used as bait in sticky traps, its attraction was equivalent to that of two 2- to 5-d-old virgin females. GC-EAD analyses suggested weak EAG responses, but the most likely candidate compounds, (Z)-7-decen-1-ol and 9-decen-1-ol, exhibited neither synergistic nor inhibitory effects when either or both were blended with Z7,9-10:OH. Z7,9-10:OH was thus considered as a sex pheromone component of this species. However, the attractiveness of the synthetic sex pheromone declined rapidly over a 12-d exposure period in the field. This decline was likely attributed to a loss of the Z7,9-10:OH which has a low molecular weight (154) and is highly volatile.

STUDIES ON HOST PREFERENCE OF PARASA LEPIDA ON SOME CULTIVARS OF HYBRID COCONUT IN SWAMPY AREA

A two‑month f ield experiment to study host preference of the leaf‑eating cater­pillar, Parasa lepida cramer, on 5 cultivars of hybrid coconut: Green Khina‑1, Brown Khina‑1, Nias Yellow Dwarf (NYD) x West African Tall (WAT),. Malayan Red Dwarf (MRD) x WAT, and Camerun Red Dwarf (CRD x Rennel Tall (RLT), aged 2.5 years, was carried out in swampy area of South Sumatra province, in 1991.
 
 A number of 30 palms, taken at random, from each block of the above mentioned hybrids were studied. Hence, there were 1SO trees observed altogether. The population of larvae per leaf as well as their dwellings in the fronds were recorded to investigate age of leaf consumed.
 
 Results of the study showed that none of the hybrids were resistant to P. lepida larvae. Cultivar of NYD x WAT was attacked more followed by Green Khina‑1, NYD x WAT, CRD x RLT, and Brown Khina ‑ 1. Leaves of half matures of all hybrids were preferred compared to those of the others.

Diseases and pests of the winged bean(Psophocarpus tetragonolobus[L.] DC.) in Sri Lanka

Abstract Several viral, bacterial, fungal and nematode diseases and a disease of viral and/or aphid origin were recorded in surveys of winged bean in Sri Lanka. Three fungal diseases, pulvinus rot (Fusarium pallidoroseum) pod rot (Botryodiploidea theobromae) and leaf scorch (Phoma sorgina) have not been recorded elsewhere. Among the insects and pests recorded; Myllocerus curvicornis, Myllocerus undatus, Hypolixus truncatulus, Luperomorpha discoidea, Pagria signata, Parasa lepida, Syntomis passalis, Euproctis scintillans, Dysdercus olivaceus, Riptortus pedestris and species of Helopeltis, Leptocentrus, Zoriada, Laius, Euops, Brachyplatys and Cletus are new records.

A multiple embedding virus ofParasa lepida(Cramer) (Limacodidae: Lepidoptera) in India

Abstract During August 1986 when there was a build up of Parasa lepida Cramer on coconut in the study area in Kerala, India, many dead larvae were found on the underside of the leaves. A few of these cadavers which were suspected to be infected by a virus were collected. Pathogenicity tests proved positive. PIBs were negative to stain by Giemsa, and section of the polyhedra shows that the virions are rod shaped. The pathogen is a multiple embedded baculovirus.