Percent Fruit Infestation Research Articles

Management of the Brinjal Shoot and Fruit Borer Leucinodes orbonalis (Guen.) through Newer Insecticides in Brinjal

Aims: This study aims to find out the most effective newer insecticides to control shoot and fruit borer in the brinjal.
 Study Design: The experiment of field was carried out with randomized block design.
 Place and Duration of Study: The field experiment on management of brinjal shoot and fruit borer Leucinodes orbonalis (Guen.) with newer insecticides were held on during October 2018 to April 2019 at Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh).
 Methodology: Infestation of shoot was observed from each plot by counting the total number of plants and the plants infested by shoot and fruit borer from the beginning of shoot formation. Total number of healthy fruits and infested fruits were counted from five plants of each plot at the time of fruit picking. The weight of both type of fruits (healthy and infested) were recorded to calculate the fruit infestation by weight basis. The treatments were applied from the initiation of infestation to till the complete harvest of the crop at 15 days interval regularly. The recorded data were subjected to statistical analysis after transformation. The count data also transformed and percentage were transformed to angular values.
 Results: The treatment of spinosad 45 SC and indoxacarb 14.5 SC1 (suspension concentrate) were found best among all treatments with 3.42 percent and 3.58 percent shoot infestation respectively and the treatments chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC and flubendiamide 20 WG2 were found least effective with 4.69 percent and 4.78 percent infestation of shoot respectively. Treatments spinosad 45 SC and indoxacarb 14.5 SC were significantly reduced the 3.11 percent and 3.28 percent fruit infestation respectively. Whereas the treatments flubendiamide 20 WG (Water-Dispersible Granule) and chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC were the least effective with 4.99 percent, 4.69 percent fruit infestation, respectively.
 Conclusion: Among all used treatments spinosad 45 SC and indoxacarb 18.5 SC, were the most effective treatments as they recorded higher yield and higher benefit cost ratio.

Evaluation and Economics of Selected Insecticides and Bio-pesticides against Fruit Infestation of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) on Tomato

The field trial was conducted in Central Research Farm (CRF) at SHUATS, Prayagraj, during Kharif-2021-22. The experiment was laid out in RBD (Randomized Block Design) and replicated thrice with seven treatments. Viz., T1 Indoxacarb 14.5%EC, T2 Flubendiamide 39.5%SC, T3 Emamectin benzoate 5%SG, T4 Bacillus thuringiensis 5% WP, T5 Spinosad 45% SC, T6 Neem oil 4%, T7 Chlorantraniliprole 18.5%SC, (T8) untreated Control was tested to compare the percent fruit infestation against Helicoverpa armigera and their influences on yield of Tomato. The lowest fruit infestation and best economical treatment were recorded in Spinosad 45 SC followed by Indoxacarb 14.5% SC, Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC, Emamectin benzoate 5% SG, Flubendiamide 39.5% SC, Bacillus thuringenesis 5% WP Neem oil 4% and as compared to control T8. The highest yield was obtained in Spinosad 45SC (260q/ha) followed by Indoxacarb 14.5%SC (245q/ha), Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC (225q/ha), Emamectin benzoate 5%SG (200q/ha) Flubendiamide 39.5% SC (185q/ha), Bacillus thuringenesis 5% WP (163q/ha) Neem oil 4% (149q/ha) and as compared to control T8 (80q/ha). After calculating the benefit-cost ratio of different treatments highest B: C ratio of different treatments was observed for Spinosad 45SC (1:8.8) followed by Indoxacarb 14.5% SC (1:8.3), Chlorantraniliprole18.5% SC (1:7.6), Neem oil (1:7.2), Emamectin benzoate 5% SG (1:6.8), Flubendiamide 39.5% SC (1:6.3), Bacillus thuringenesis (1:5.6), as compared to control T8 (1:2.8) having the lowest B: C ratio.

Sequential application of bio-pesticides suppresses eggplant shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee infestation

Different bio-pesticides were evaluated against eggplant shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis G. in combination. All combination of bio-pesticides were effective against eggplant shoot and fruit borer but Lycomax + Biotin M + Antario and Lycomax + Biotin M + Fytomax 3% found most potent and control 88.43 and 84.06 percent shoot infestation; 69.67 and 66.44 percent fruit infestation by count; 72.70 and 70.49 percent fruit infestation by weight, respectively. Lycomax + Biotin M + Antario and Lycomax + Fytomax 0.1% + Biomax increased 32.90 and 28.66 percent gross yield; 120.19 and 87.5 percent marketable yield, respectively over control. Individual fruit weight found maximum from Lycomax + Fytomax 0.1% + Biomax and Biotin M + Antario where it was 51.74 g and 48.13 g for marketable fruit while 44.05 g and 44.61 g for infested fruit. The present study revealed that Lycomax + Biotin M + Antario and Lycomax + Biotin M + Fytomax 3% effectively control ESFB while Lycomax + Biotin M + Antario and Lycomax + Fytomax 0.1% + Biomax increases the yield. Therefore, application of Lycomax + Biotin M + Antario might be recommended for successful production of eggplant to get maximum yield with minimum infestation.

Effect of temperature and BSFB population on the growth and yield of Brinjal

Brinjal shoot and fruit borer (BSFB) leucinodes orbonalis is very persist insect. The experiment on brinjal shoot and foot borer (BSFB) in brinjal was conducted from 5th July to 30th October in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agriculture university, Gazipur. The results indicated that the number of BSFB adult was higher in the vegetative stage than the reproductive stages, among the reproductive stages; late fruiting stage encountered the maximum mean number of BSFB adults (5). The population of BSFB adult is highly correlated with temperature. A correlation between the number of BSFB adults and the rate of infestation in shoots or fruits was found. This correlation indicated that for each individual adult caught BSFB 4.70% shoot and 4.123% fruit infestation by number and 6.4% fruit infestation by weight. Percent fruit infestation both by number and weight and the daily temperature are positively correlated, which is indicated by the correlation coefficient of 0.7030 by number and 0.56 by weight. Similar effects of higher temperature on the population increase and increased activity of many insect pests including BSFB have been reported.

Efficacy of some biopesticides for the management of cucurbit fruit fly (Bactrocera cucurbitae Coquillett) infesting bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) in Barind tract of Bangladesh

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the efficiency of different biopesticides against the fruit fly infestation on bottle gourd. All of the treatments were effective compared to control. Among the treatments, Spinosad (Tracer 45 SC) performed the best based on minimum percent fruit infestation on both number and weight basis (30.71% & 32.64%) & highest percent protection of fruit over control (60.86% & 58.94%). Again, the highest marketable fruit yield (60.43 ton/ha) and percent yield increase of marketable fruit (70.46%) were also observed on Spinosad (Tracer 45 SC) treated plot. Based on the same parameters, Neem oil was inferior to Spinosad (Tracer 45 SC), which was followed by the treatment of Abamectin (Ambush 1.8 EC), Allamanda leaf extract and Mahogany oil. Thereby among all the treatments tested, Spinosad (Tracer 45 SC) may be suggested for cucurbit fruit fly management on bottle gourds.

Screening of different genotypes of spine gourd (Momordica dioica Roxb.) against fruit fly in northern hilly region of Chhattisgarh

Seventeen genotypes of spine gourd were screened against cucurbit fruit fly (Bactrocera cucurbitae) under natural field conditions with the collaboration of AICRP Potential Crop at Research-cum-Instructional Farm of IGKV, RMD College of Agriculture and Research Station Ambikapur in northern hilly region of Chhattisgarh during kharif 2017-18. Among the all, none of genotype was performed free from fruit fly infestation. Only the genotype Indira Kankoda (IK-1) was recorded as “resistant” showing of 16.30 and 17.43 percent fruit infestation (on fruit number and weight basis). However, the genotype RMF-7-P-1 was assigned as “susceptible” with 51.06 and 53.00 percent infestation respectively.

Efficacy of three biopesticides against cucurbit fruit fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae Coquillett (Diptera: Tephritidae) and yield of bitter gourd

The cucurbit fruit fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae ((Diptera : Tephritidae)) is a significant threat to different cucurbits. The efficacies of three biopesticides viz. Spinosad, Abamectin and Lecanicillium muscarium either by an individual or their combined application were evaluated against the insect attack and yield of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L). Two sprays at 10-day interval were applied, and data were collected at 3, 5, 7 and 10 days after treatments (DATs), and finally the cumulative means were calculated based on following parameters: percent fruit infestation and healthy fruits, number of healthy and infested fruits per sq. meter and yield of marketable and infested fruits (ton/ha). All the biopesticides both in individual and combined forms significantly reduced the infestation of the fly at variable levels compared to control. The individual application of Spinosad had provided moderate efficacy. The combination of Spinosad and L. muscarium was the most effective approach to produce the highest percent of healthy fruits (83.32) and the lowest fruit infestation (16.68) protecting most top percent (54.21) of fruits from infestation. The maximum number of marketable fruits per m2 were (13.67), the highest marketable yield (5.15 ton/ha) and the lowest infested yield (0.17 ton/ha) also were obtained from this combined treatment. The fruit yield increased almost twice over control. These suggest that there might be an additive or synergistic action between Spinosad and L. muscarium admixture. However, the Abamectin with L. muscarium treatment did not increase yield, and other parameters significantly suggesting the incompatibility or an antagonistic effect between them. Therefore, based on the findings of the present study, the combination of Spinosad and L. muscarium could be suggested for the management of the cucurbit fruit fly infesting bitter gourd fruits and increasing the yield.
 
 J Bangladesh Agril Univ 17(4): 483–489, 2019

Field efficacy of some new insecticides against brinjal shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis (Guen.) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and their toxic effects on natural enemies

Brinjal is susceptible to attack of various insect pests from seedling to fruiting stage. Among these, brinjal shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis (Guen.) is the most destructive pest and is considered to be the limiting factor in quantitative as well asqualitative harvest of brinjal fruits. In the present study, efficacy of some new insecticides viz. Pine 6 WG (Emamectin benzoate + Abamectin), Heron 5 EC (Lufenuron), Belt 24 WG (Flubendiamide) and Cyclone 2.5 EC (Lambda-cyhalothrin) were evaluated against brinjal shoot and fruit borer (BSFB) in field condition from the period of October, 2015 to April, 2016. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) having three replications and two concentrations of each of the insecticides. A total of three spraying was given and finally a cumulative mean was found out. Data were collected on percent shoot infestation, percent fruit infestation, marketable fruit yield (t/ha) and abundances of natural enemies per plant. Results clearly showed that all the insecticides significantly reduced BSFB infestation as well as increased marketable fruit yield compared to the untreated control. The highest shoot (27.40%) and fruit (55.93%) infestation were recorded from control plots. On the other hand, the lowest shoot (6.71%) and fruit (11.58%) infestation were recorded from Pine 6 WG treated plots @ 0.50 g/L that was followed by Heron 5 EC @ 1.0 ml/L (6.89% shoot; 14.51% fruits), Cyclone 2.5 EC @ 1.5 ml/L (15.73% shoot and 16.45% fruits) and Belt 24 WG @ 0.50 g/L (9.53% shoot and 25.47% fruits), respectively. Similar trend was found in case of marketable fruit yield as well. Pine 6 WG and Heron 5 EC were found to be comparatively safe for both ladybird beetle and lynx spiders as their abundances were not changed significantly compared to untreated control. In contrast, the application of Belt 24 WG and Cyclone 2.5 EC has reduced 50 to 60% of the ladybird beetle and lynx spiders populations in brinjal eco-system. The results suggested that two biopesticides viz., Pine 6 WG and Heron 5 EC can be used successfully against BSFB considering minimum shoot and fruit infestation, higher fruit yield and less toxicity to natural enemies in brinjal eco-system.
 J Bangladesh Agril Univ 17(3): 319–324, 2019

Field screening of different genotypes of bitter gourd for infestation with the melon fruit fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) in two agro-climatic zones of West Bengal, India

Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) also known as bitter melon being rich in folate and vitamin C is one of the most popular cucurbitaceous vegetables grown extensively in the tropics and subtropics especially in India. Besides its numerous culinary preparations, it has immense medicinal properties as well as ornamental uses. The fast growing vines and creepers of bitter gourd attract a number of insect pests of which fruit fly (Bactrocera cucurbitae Coq.) is the most destructive due to difficulties associated with its chemical control as the maggots remain and feed inside the fruits, protected from direct contact with insecticides. Therefore, exploration of alternative control measures for this pest is crucial and identification of promising resistance genotypes could be the effective option. Considering the above aspects in view, twenty five genotypes of bitter gourd (M. charantia L.) were preliminary screened under field condition to study their susceptibility against the infestation of melon fruit fly, B. cucurbitae (Coq.) in two agro-climatic zones of West Bengal, India. Based on the performance of preliminary screening, nine genotypes were selected for final screening. The experiment on preliminary screening was conducted at Kalyani, Nadia (Gangetic Alluvial zone) and Sekhampur, Birbhum (Red and Laterite zone) during spring-summer season of 2016 and 2017 while the final screening was done in 2018. Results of the study revealed that percent fruit infestation and larval density per fruit varied significantly in all the tested genotypes and none of the genotypes were free of infestation with B. cucurbitae. During preliminary screening, the pooled data of mean percent fruit infestation of two years at two locations showed that infestation of melon fruit fly was significantly lower in the genotype US-6214 (14.50%) with larval density of 3.63 larvae per fruit followed by Meghnad-2 (16.50% and 4.08 larvae per fruit). Highest mean percent fruit infestation was recorded in the genotype Pusa Do Mausami (69.67%) with larval density of 10.77 larvae per fruit followed by Diamond Bolder (60.67% and 8.13 larvae per fruit) and were categorized as susceptible. Out of the twenty five genotypes of bitter gourd tested, six genotypes were classified as resistant, eleven genotypes as moderately resistant and eight genotypes as susceptible against melon fruit fly infestation. The mean data of the final screening at two locations revealed that US-6214 and Meghnad-2 recorded significantly low percent fruit infestation (14.35% and 16.33%) with 3.85 and 4.37 larvae per fruit while Pusa Do Mausami had the highest infestation and larval density (63.67% and 10.36 larvae per fruit). These findings suggest that US-6214 and Meghnad-2 may be utilized in resistance breeding programmes against melon fruit fly.

Efficacy of different management practices against tomato fruit borer, helicoverpa armigera hubner

The study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of different management practices to control tomato fruit borer (TFB) under field condition. The field experiment was carried out with eight treatments, namely Neem oil, Mahogany oil, Fish and Fermented Gur (brown sugar), Netting, Chlorpyriphos, Emamectin Benzoate and Cartap along with untreated control in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and each treatment was replicated thrice. The study was under taken during the period from 25 October, 2017 to 06 April 2018. Data were collected on number and weight of total fruits plot-1, number and weight of total healthy fruits plot-1, number and weight of total infested fruits plot-1, fruits infestation (%) in number and weight, infestation reduction over control for number and weight, number of holes, and larvae plot-1, total yield plot-1 and marketable yield plot-1. Among the different management practices, netting provided the highest infestation reduction over control. The percent fruit infestation reduction over control (number basis) was the highest in Netting treated plot resulting 61.87%, 73.27%, 84.68% and 92.70% at four different harvests, respectively. The percent fruit infestation reduction over control (weight basis) was the highest with the same treatment resulting 61.38%, 74.26%, 88.41% and 91.71% at four different harvests, respectively. The number of holes plot-1 was also the lowest in Netting treated plot resulting 5.00, 8.00, 15.33 and 8.67 at four different harvests, respectively. The number of larvae plot-1 was the lowest with the same treatment resulting 2.00, 2.33, 3.67 and 3.00 at four different harvests, respectively. The maximum marketable yield (33.95 t ha-1) was achieved in the Emamectin Benzoate treated plot with the highest (1.46) benefit cost ratio.
 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 44(2): 339-353, June 2019

Bottom-up effects of different host plant resistance cultivars on ber (Ziziphus mauritiana)-fruit fly (Carpomyia vesuviana) interactions

The fruit fly, Carpomyia vesuviana Costa (Tephritidae: Diptera) is an important pest of ber (Ziziphus mauritiana L), leading to significant losses in yield in the hot arid agro-climate of India. Variation in resource input (antixenotics and allelochemicals) to plants trigger bottom-up effects on ber-fruit fly interactions. However, variation in plant extrinsic and intrinsic traits in response to resource availability may modify the bottom-up effects. The objectives of this study were to identify and categorize sources of resistance in ber cultivars to C. vesuviana from the arid region of India. We found that: (i) three cultivars were resistant; 13 cultivars were moderately resistant; 6 cultivars were susceptible and three cultivars were highly susceptible to fruit fly infestation; (ii) the phenol, tannin and flavonoid contents had significant negative correlations with percent fruit infestation. The percent fruit infestation had significant positive correlations with fruit length, pulp: stone ratio and had significant negative correlation with pericarp thickness. Pulp texture and fruit surface were found to be hardy and rough, respectively, in resistant cultivars of ber; and (iii) flavonoid and phenols content explained (89%) of the total variation in fruit fly infestation. Two principal components (PCs) were extracted which explained the cumulative variation of 84.7% in fruit fly infestation. PC1 explained 59.9% of the variation while PC2 explained 24.9% of the variation. Growers can adopt the potential resistant cultivars of ber (Tikadi, Katha and Illaichi cultivars) with minimal financial investment to obtain higher yields. Hence, a benefit of resistance cultivars for yield potential is apparent and resistance cultivars can be used as an important component of sustainable management.

Host plant accessions determine bottom-up effect of snapmelon (Cucumis melo var. momordica) against melon fly (Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett)).

The melon fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Tephritidae: Diptera) is an important pest of snapmelon (Cucumis melo var. momordica), leading to significant losses in yield in the hot arid agro-climate of India. The accessions IC- 430190 (11.21%), DKS-AHS 2011/4 (14.97%) and DKS-AHS 2011/3 (18.57%) were found to be novel resistant accessions against melon fly, B. cucurbitae infestation. Free amino acid and total soluble solid (TSS) were in positive correlation with percent fruit infestation whereas phenols, tannin, total alkaloids and flavonoid contents had significant negative correlation with percent fruit infestation. The percent fruit infestation had significant positive correlation with fruit length, fruit diameter and flesh thickness and negative correlation with length of ovary pubescence, rind hardness at immature stage, rind hardness at mature stage and pericarp thickness. Based on Kaiser Normalization method, two principal components (PCs) were extracted explaining cumulative variation of 82.80% in melon fly infestation. PC1 explained 53.41% of the variation while PC2 explained 29.39% of variation. The flavonoid, total alkaloid, tannins, phenols content, length of ovary pubescence and rind hardness were the novel antibiosis and antixenotic characters found in snapmelon resistant melon fly, B. cucurbitae and therefore, could be used as marker traits in plant breeding programs to select resistant accessions.

Host plant genotypes determine bottom-up effect of Cucumis melo var. callosus against melon fruit fly

The melon fruit fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) (Tephritidae: Diptera) is an important pest of cucurbits and is found to be effecting kachri (Cucumis melo var. callosus), leading to significant losses in yield potential in the hot arid agro-climate of India. The objectives of this study were to identify and categorize sources of resistance in kachri genotypes to B. cucurbitae from the arid region of India. Two genotypes were found to be highly resistant; 4 further genotypes were found to be resistant; 10 genotypes were moderately resistant; 6 genotypes were susceptible and two genotypes were found to be the highly susceptible to melon fruit fly infestation. The phenols (r = −0.90), tannin (r = −0.89), total alkaloids (r = −0.80) and flavonoid (r = −0.96) contents had significant negative correlations with percent fruit infestation. The percent fruit infestation did not correlate with fruit length (r = 0.17), fruit diameter (r = 0.31) and had significant negative correlation with length of ovary pubescence (r = −0.95), rind hardness (r = −0.94) and rind thickness (r = −0.91). Flavinoid and tannin contents explained (91.2 and 92.1%, respectively) of the total variation in fruit fly infestation and in larval density per fruit. Maximum variation in fruit infestation and larval density was explained by the length of ovary pubescence (89.5 and 84.8%, respectively) followed by rind hardness (4.3 and 3.3%, respectively). Based on the Kaiser Normalization method, two principal components (PCs) were extracted explaining the cumulative variation of 88.2% in melon fruit fly infestation. PC1 explained 71.6% of the variation while PC2 explained 16.6% of the variation. Kachri genotypic variability can improve plant fitness via bottom–up effects on fruit fly infestation. Growers can adopt potential genotypes of kachri as identified for resistance (two genotypes) with minimal financial investment for obtaining higher yields. Hence, a benefit of diversity for yield potential is recognized and thus genotypes diversity is used to become an important answer for sustainable management.

Antixenosis Studies in Different Genotypes of Bitter Gourd Fruits against the Infestation of Melon Fruit Fly

In crop plants, three principle mechanism viz., non-preference (antixenosis), antibiosis and tolerance are responsible for imparting resistance to insects. Non preference denotes a group of plants character and insect response that keep away the insect from using a particular plant or variety for oviposit ion, food, shelter, or combination of both. Keeping in this view, seventy four promising genotypes of bitter gourd were screened against fruit fly infestation to identify the antixenosis traits involved in host plant selection by the melon fruit fly. On the basis of percent fruit infestation and the average number of larvae per damage fruit, the genotypes were categorized in to different groups i.e. (Highly resistant, resistant, moderately resistant, susceptible, and highly susceptible). The fruit infestation during the 2006 and 2007 summer season (Average of two years) ranged from 13.23% to 83.75%. Larval density per fruit ranged from 2.59 to 8.13 larvae per fruit. The larval density increased with the increase in percent fruit infestation and showed significant positive correlation (r = 0.98).The depth of ribs in resistant genotypes was higher as compared to susceptible genotypes. The number of seed was recorded maximum in the genotype VRBT-96 (31.8) and minimum was recorded in the genotype IC 68314(14.8). The fruit toughness had significant negative effect on fruit infestation(r = -0.52) and larval density (r = -0.57) of fruit fly. There was a strong correlation between number of ribs and fruit toughness, and these traits can be used as markers to select bitter gourd genotype resistant to melon fruit fly.

Comparative Efficacy of Different Tactics for the Management of Okra Shoot and Fruit Borer, Earias Vittella (Fab.) under Field Condition

Comparative field efficacy of different control measures of okra shoot and fruit borer, Earias vittella were evaluated in the Entomology Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University during February to May, 2014. Field efficacy of two selected chemical insecticides (Decis 2.5EC, Agritaf 50SP), three botanicals (Neem oil, Pitraj oil and Mahogany oil), one parasitoid (Trichogramma chilonis), Light trap along with Hand picking and Trap crop (Maize) were evaluated by analyzing percent shoot and fruit infestations. BARI-1 (okra variety) was used as a test crop in the experiment. Among the tactics, the minimum shoot (4.72%) and fruit infestations (6.77%) were observed in the plots treated with Decis 2.5EC followed by Neem oil treated plots (4.83% in shoot and 7.56% in fruit). The highest reduction of percent shoot infestation (79.89%) and fruit infestation (64.97%) over untreated control plots was found in the Decis 2.5EC sprayed plots followed by Neem oil while the lowest percent reduction of shoot infestation (29.86%) and fruit infestation (29.43%) were recorded in case of Light trap + hand picking. Neem oil and Decis 2.5EC were found very effective in managing E. vittella up to 7 days after each spraying. Agritaf 50SP, Pitraj oil, Mahogany oil, T. chilonis and trap crop were also found effective over untreated control plots although were significantly lower than Decis 2.5EC and Neem oil. Therefore, application of Decis 2.5EC and Neem oil were mostly effective and Light trap + hand picking was the least effective measures in controlling E. vittella.Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 4(1): 74-78

Host plant resistance (HPR) traits of ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula (Roxb.) L. against melon fruit fly, (Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett)) in hot arid region of India

Host plant resistance is an important component of integrated pest management of the melon fruit fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett). Various phenotypic traits including length of ovary pubescence, rind hardness, rind thickness, fruit length, fibre content, and fruit diameter and alleochemical traits including flavonoid content, ascorbic acid, free amino acid, tannins content and phenols content of fruit were studied on fifteen varieties/genotypes of ridge gourd, Luffa acutangula in relation to resistance against B. cucurbitae under field conditions in the hot arid region of India. Significant differences were found in tested varieties/genotypes for fruit infestation and larval density per fruit. The varieties/genotypes AHRG-57 (15.92%), AHRG-29 (17.67%) and Pusa Nasdar (18.27%) were found resistant; AHRG-41 (21.77%), AHRG-35 (25.38%), Arka Sujata (30.08%), AHRG-36 (34.8%), S. Manjari (39.67%) and S. Uphar (42.3%) were moderately resistant; AHRG-30 (55.67%), AHRG-42 (57.63%) and AHRG-33 (57.67%) were susceptible; AHRG-47 (77.75%) and AHRG-31 (79.72) were found the highly susceptible varieties/genotypes to melon fruit fly infestation. A significant positive correlation (r=0.96) was also observed between percent fruit infestation and larval density per fruit. The percent fruit infestation and larval density had significant positive correlation with fruit length and diameter and negative correlation with length of ovary pubescence, rind hardness and rind thickness. Based on Kaiser Normalization method, two principal components (PCs) were extracted explaining cumulative variation of 90% in melon fruit fly infestation and length of ovary pubescence, rind thickness, flavonoid content, ascorbic acid, free amino acid, tannins content, and phenols content were the reliable variables for characterization of resistance. Ridge gourd varieties/genotypes AHRG-57, Pusa Nasdar and AHRG-29 were classified as resistant to B. cucurbitae and these could be used in future breeding program as resistant sources.

Surveillance on Population Dynamics and Fruits Infestation of Tephritid Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Orchards of Faisalabad, Pakistan

Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) are amongst the world's worst pests of fruits that cause enormous losses in orchards. Due to their economic importance, fruit flies are severe pests of Mango Mangifera indica L. fruit, and their monitoring and infestation estimation are essential in order to formulate integrated pest management program. For practical field implementation, two variables such as flies per trap per weak were monitored by installation of Steiner traps hung on tree baited with Methyl eugenol attractant and percent fruit infestation through fruit host samplings. Surveillance for flies per trap was done each week by counting trap catches, recording and removing any flies that have been collected in traps and identifying the species. The percentage of fly infestation for mango fruit was examined by randomly analyzing a total of 100 fruits and observing number of fruits showing fruit fly oviposition or injury marks. The results showed that tephritid fruit fly Bactrocera zonata (Saunders) was the predominant species (more frequent and constant) at experimental site. Surveillance of fruit fly populations in mango orchard revealed that peak population of B. zonata (40-30 per trap per week) and fruit infestation (9.05-7.45%) were recorded in June, July and August. The availability of host fruit and its productivity were critical factors affecting population fluctuations of the B. zonata fly. All of this information gives fruit fly activity in an area, an estimate of the population, species composition, sex, growth stage and determining whether the number of pests are increasing or decreasing to decide implementation of pest control operation. Mango (Mangifera indica L.), is one of the most versatile and delicious tropical fruits, and having an outstanding flavor with a range of varieties as a member of the family Anacardiaceae. Mango has a good nutritional value and there is great variation in the form, size, color and quality of the fruits. Mango is an excellent source of vitamin A and C, as well as a good source of potassium, beta-carotene and fiber. Normally, it is produced for human consumption as raw or ripe mango products. During the processing of ripe mango, its peel and seed are generated as waste, which is approximately 40-50% of the total fruit weight. Mango peel is a good source of dietary fiber and its chemical composition may be comparable to that of citrus fiber. The peel has a high value of antioxidant activity and glucose retardation index, while its aroma and flavor are pleasant (Larrauri et al., 1999). Mango canning by-products (seed and peel) together with ensiled mango peel were subjected to

Allelochemical resistance traits of muskmelon (Cucumis melo) against the fruit fly (Bactrocera cucurbitae) in a hot arid region of India

Host plant resistance is an important component for management of the melon fruit fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett), owing to difficulties associated with its chemical and biological control. Various biochemical traits including total sugar, reducing sugar, non-reducing sugar, tannins, phenols, alkaloids, flavinoid and pH contents of fruit were studied on 11varieties/ genotypes of muskmelon, Cucumis melo L., in relation to resistance against B. cucurbitae under field conditions. Significant differences were found in tested varieties/ genotypes for fruit infestation and larval density per fruit. AHMM/BR-1, RM-50 and AHMM/BR-8 were the most resistant; MHY-5, Durgapura Madhu and Pusa Sarabati were moderately resistant; AHMM/BR-13, Pusa Madhuras and Arka Jeet were susceptible; whereas Arka Rajhans and GMM-3 were the highly susceptible varieties/ genotypes to fruit fly in both seasons, 2011 and 2012. The larval density per fruit increased with an increase in percent fruit infestation and there was a significant positive correlation (r = 0.97) between percent fruit infestation and larval density per fruit. Total sugar, reducing sugar, non-reducing sugar and pH were lowest in resistant and highest in susceptible varieties/ genotypes, whereas tannins, phenols, alkaloids and flavinoid contents were highest in resistant and lowest in susceptible varieties/ genotypes. Total alkaloid and pH contents explained 97.96% of the total variation in fruit fly infestation and 92.83% of the total variation in larval density per fruit due to alkaloids and total sugar contents.

Investigating phenotypic structures and allelochemical compounds of the fruits of Momordica charantia L. genotypes as sources of resistance against Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Plant resistance is an important component of integrated management of the melon fruit fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) owing to difficulties associated with its chemical control. Various biophysical traits including fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit toughness, number of the longitudinal ribs, height of the longitudinal ribs, number of small ridges, depth of small ridges and pericarp thickness, and biochemical traits including total chlorophyll, pH, tannin, flavanol, phenol, ash and silica contents of fruit were studied on six genotypes of bitter gourd ( Momordica charantia L.) in relation to resistance against B. cucurbitae under field conditions in Pakistan. Faisalabad-long and Col-II were the most resistant whereas Chaman and Col-Vehari were the most susceptible among the tested genotypes. Fruit length, fruit diameter, number of the longitudinal ribs and number of small ridges had significant positive correlations whereas fruit toughness, depth of small ridges, height of the longitudinal ribs and pericarp thickness had significant negative correlations with the percent fruit infestation and larval density. Maximum variation in fruit infestation and larval density was explained by fruit toughness (63.4 and 49.2% respectively) followed by fruit diameter (23.2 and 22.4% respectively) and number of the longitudinal ribs (8.2 and 11.6% respectively) whereas the remainder of the physical traits explained <2.0% variation in fruit infestation. Total chlorophyll and pH were lowest in resistant and highest in susceptible genotypes whereas tannin, flavanol, phenol, ash and silica contents were highest in resistant and lowest in susceptible genotypes. Tannin and flavanol contents explained 96.5% of the total variation in fruit infestation and 97.7% of the total variation in larval density whereas rest of the biochemical traits explained <0.2% variation in fruit infestation.

A Field Experiment on the Effects of Some Insecticides on the Pests of Garden Egg (Solanum integrifolium) at Legon

The effects of four insecticides, cypermethrin, diaxocarb, dimethoate and carbofuran on the insect fauna of a new garden egg variety, var 133, was investigated at the Agricultural Experiment Farm of the University of Ghana, Legon. Cypermethrin, diaxocarb and dimethoate were applied in four sprayings at 10-14 day intervals from two weeks after transplanting. Carbofuran granules were applied in ring treatments at transplanting and at flowering, 45 days after transplanting. Results obtained showed significant differences in the insect population and percent leaf infestation of Urentius hystericellus (RIGHTER) (Hemiptera : Tingidae). Fruit weight per plant and number of fruits per plant were also significantly different among treatments. No significant differences were observed, however, in the date of flowiering, plant height at eight weeks after transplanting, percent flower infestation nor in the percent fruit infestation. Cypermethrin and dimethoate brought about higher yields than the diaxocarb and carbofuran treatments.