Percentage Of Infestation Research Articles

Динамика инфицированности клещей анаплазмами и эрлихиями на территории Кировской области

Anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis are transmissible diseases of
 both humans and domestic animals, causing serious harm to
 health and agriculture. But only ticks taken from humans are
 analyzed. The purpose of this work is to determine the presence of the genetic material of microorganisms of the Anaplasma and Ehrlichia genera in ixodid ticks of various species collected in the Kirov region in the period from 2010 to 2021 using the polymerase chain reaction. During the study, 1487 ticks of three species as Ixodes persulcatus, Dermacentor reticulatus, and Ixodes ricinus have been analyzed. The percentage of infestation with bacteria of the Ehrlichia genus (from 20.6 to 60.6 %) is higher than that of the Anaplasma bacteria (from 4.8 to 36 %). The presence of both pathogens is also observed (from up to 32 %). The percentage of infestation varies, the presence of pathogens does not depend on each other. The Dermacentor reticulatus, Ixodes ricinus ticks have a significantly lower percentage of infestation than Ixodes persulcatus. Monitoring the infestation ticks with pathogens of anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis will allow organizing the prevention of these diseases.

Abundance and Infestation of Rice Stem Borer in North Malaysia

The abundance and infestation of rice stem borer were monitored in MADA regions with the influence of weather parameters. The determination of the rice stem borer percentage infestation was recorded by dead heart (DH) and whitehead (WH) symptoms. In four regions of MADA area observations, a higher infestation of rice stem borer was observed during rice planting season one (7.1%) compared to rice planting season two (3.9%) on average. Both damage symptoms of the rice stem borer, DH, and WH were observed higher during the rice planting season one. The highest infestation of rice stem borer during season one was observed in Pendang with 18.60%. From the weather parameters recorded, a high infestation of rice stem borer occurred at 80.0% (RHmax), 8.2 °C of temperature differences (Tdiff), and a lower amount of rainfall (0.6 mm). The high infestation in Pendang in season one was influenced by the lower value of RH, higher range of temperature, and lower amount of rainfall compared to season two. Chilo polychrysus was the most abundant species of rice stem borer found in Region 1 and Scirpophaga incertulas were abundantly found in Region 2, 3, and 4.

Cockroach and Bedbug Infestation in Poultry Farms and Residential Apartments in Makurdi, Nigeria

This study was conducted to investigate bedbug and cockroach infestation in poultry farms and adjacent residential apartments in Makurdi and to determine if proximity to poultry farms increased the odds of infestation of human population. Bed bugs found in mattresses, cracks, crevices of walls, bird cages and furniture were collected by handpicking while cockroaches were trapped using the Hercules mouse glue board. A total of 595 bedbugs were collected from 42 (30.9%) cages while 461 bedbugs were collected from 71 (71%) apartments in the different locations sampled. Farms around Wadata Market had the highest bed bug infestation (69.9%). Residential apartments at Wadata also had a high infestation (50.1%) However, the total percentage infestation of Cimex lectularis (69.6%) was higher than Cimex hemipterus (30.4%) at all sampling sites (P<0.05). Two species of cockroaches were trapped in this study Periplaneta americana and Blatella germanica. A total of 973 cockroaches were trapped from 111 (81.6%) cages from different farm locations while a total of 400 cockroaches were trapped from 72(72%) apartments. Farms located around Wadata market had higher cockroach infestation (68.2%). Apartments at Wadata also had high percentage infestation (47.3%). P. americana (47.8%) was slightly more (P<0.05). than B. germanica (42.2%) The high infestation of bedbugs and cockroaches in poultry farms around Makurdi and adjourning residential apartments is as a result of the conversion of living rooms into chicken rearing. Though the infestation of bedbugs and cockroaches was high, the apartments within close proximity to poultry farms had the higher odds of infestation.

BIOCIDAL-EFFICACY OF GORGONEIA LATIFOLIUM, MYRISTICA FRAGANS AND ALPRON- PLUS ON SEED HEALTH, GERMINATION PERCENTAGE, SEEDLING VIGOUR OF SWEET MELON (CUCUMIS MELO L.) SEEDS AND ASSOCIATED FUNGI ORGANISMS

Laboratory experiment was conducted to test the effects of bio-medicinal plants (Gongronema latifolium (Utazi) leaves and Myristica fragans (Nutmeg) seeds) and synthetic fungicide (Alpron- Plus) on seed health, germination percentage and seedling vigour of sweet melon seeds. The experiment was conducted at the Crop Science and Horticulture Laboratory, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State. Bio-medicinal plants were used as crude powdery seed dressers as well as synthetic fungicide. The experiment was laid out in a simple completely randomized design (CRD) with ten replications which consisted of blotter paper germination/ seed health tests of sweet melon seeds and seedling vigour and seedling vigour index tests using soil medium. Ten petri dishes and ten polybags were used respectively for each of the plant extracts and synthetic fungicides simultaneously for both blotter paper and soil medium tests. Twenty seeds which were independently dressed with various plant extracts and synthetic fungicide were plated into one 9cm Petri dish containing three layers of blotter paper in circular form. For soil medium method, ten polybags with few small perforations underneath filled with sterilized top soil were used for each fungicide. The Petri dishes containing the plated seeds were incubated on the Laboratory benches for eight days while seedlings in polybags were kept in the screenhouse and observations were taken and recorded daily for germination count, fungal growth then germination index and seedling vigour index which were derived later with appropriate formulae and their values being expressed in percentages. The results of this investigation revealed that bio-medicinal plant crude extracts had significant effect on germination percentage and germination index of Sweet- melon seeds. Gongronema latifolium crude extract had the highest germination index. The synthetic fungicide was effective in protecting the seeds of sweet melon though had low germination percentage. Nutmeg was not effective when used in crude powdery form as dressers as it had the lowest germination percentage and the highest infestation percentage. It could therefore be recommended that the plant extracts tested in this experiment should not be used as powdery seed dressers but as essential oil using appropriate extracting solvents in order for the bioactive ingredients to act effectively in preventing micro-organisms that hinder germination of sweet melon seeds.

Effect of packages types and some treatments on wheat seed during storage

This experiment was conducted at the laboratory of Seed Technology Sakha Agricultural Research Station, Kafr EL-Sheikh, Egypt, during the period between 2018 and 2019 seasons. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of packages types and some treatments on wheat seed during storage. The experiment was designed in factorial experiment in completely randomized design with four replicates. The samples were treated with the recommended dose of malathion, recommended rate of phosphine, the powders and extracts of each of (ficus, camphor, clove), the powder of copper nanoparticles and untreated seed as a control treatment. Treated seed were stored in different packages (Jute, Plastic and Polyethylene) for 18 months. The most important results can be summarized as follows: Increasing storage periods of wheat seed up to 18 months significantly affected storage efficacy, vitality and quality of wheat seed. The best results of storage efficacy of wheat recorded when seed stored in polyethylene packages, followed by seed stored in jute packages and lastly stored in plastic packages. Seed treated with copper nanoparticles were the best in germination percentage, electrical conductivity, acidity, protein percentage, carbohydrate percentage, relative density and 1000-seed weight. While treatment with malathion was the best in acidity, relative density, 1000- seed weight and insect infestation percentage. As for phosphine, it was the best in moisture percentage, insect infestation percentage and weight loss percentage. This study recommended that treated seed with copper nanoparticles before storage and stored it in polyethylene packages under the environmental conditions of the experiment in Sakha, Kafr EL-Sheikh, Egypt.

Alternative method of maize grain quality maintenance for small farmers through hermetic storage

In many countries, small corn producers generally have technological limitations during storage. hermetic storage with use of PET bottles stands out as an alternative. The objective of this study was to evaluate the hermetic storage of corn in polyethylene silo bags and PET bottles as an alternative for small producers. Maize grains were stored in polyethylene silo bags, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles and glass recipients for 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 days. Were used four repetitions for each treatment. Were evaluated the traits: infestation by insect pests (%); water content (% bu.); bulk density (kg 100 L-1); electrical conductivity (µS cm-1 g-1); percentage of germination (%). The insect species that infested the corn kernels under hermetic and non-hermetic conditions was only Sitophilus zeamais. PET bottles presented the lowest percentage of infestation among the storage containers, followed by silo bags, both presented the maximum percentages of 0.65% and 30%, respectively. Water content, bulk density, electrical conductivity e percentage of germination of the maize were preserved in both hermetic storage systems that were tested for 60 days. The use of PET bottles control S. zeamais and preserve the quality of maize for at least 60 days of storage. Our study concludes that hermetic storage in PET bottles can be particularly useful and important for small farmers.

Prevalence of Echinococcus granulosus (Cestoda: Taeniidae) Infection in Stray Dogs and Local Herbivores in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia

Background: Echinococcus granulosus is a cyclophyllid cestode parasite that lives as an adult in the intestine of canids and is the most common cause of hydatidosis in ruminants (intermediate hosts). It also offers a public health risk because of the possibility of human infection. The incorrect disposal of dead animals, access of farm dogs to the internal organs of sheep and grazing in areas with wayward dogs are the most common production methods that might increase the risk of sheep being exposed to hydatidosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the natural spread of E. granulosus infection in wayward dogs, as well as the sterility and fertility rates of hydatid cysts in herbivores of Al-Kharj (Saudi Arabia). Methods: Fecal samples from 150 dogs were collected from several locations in Al-Kharj (Saudi Arabia) where livestock rearing takes place and the existence of wayward and semi-feral canines from August 2021 to February 2022. Parasitic eggs were recovered from fecal samples using the flotation method, followed by centrifugation at 1200 × g. Examination of slaughtered animals was done by comprehensive visual examination, palpation and incision of the internal organs, including lungs, liver, muscles, kidneys and heart. All hydatid cysts detected in the organs were collected for cyst count, cyst fertility testing and protoscolices viability testing. Examination of cysts and viability of protoscolices. A 0.1% aqueous solution of eosin stain was used to examine the survival of protoscolices. According to Smyth and Barret (1980), deceased protoscolices became stained (purplish-red color) five minutes after exposure to staining, whereas living protoscolices remained colorless (recorded as alive) under the microscope. Result: 1698 sheep, 450 goats and 240 camels (slaughtered in Al-Kharj Abattoir) were examined as to their livers, lungs, muscles, kidneys and hearts were checked for hydatidosis. In a study of 150 dogs, 21 (14%) were shown to be naturally infected with E. granulosus eggs. Hydatid cysts were also identified in 156 (9.18%) sheep, 36 (7.5%) goats and 24 (10%) camels. In comparison to other tissues, the liver and lungs had the highest percentage of infestation, with values of 50.6% and 25.6% in sheep, 58.3% and 16.6% in goats and 66.6% and 16% in camels, respectively. The older age groups had higher infection rates than the younger ones. The highest percentage was seen in sheep over the age of 12 months (10.4%) and camels over the age of 6 years (12%). Hydatidosis is a serious economic and zoonotic problem. Therefore, we should take preventative measures in Al-Kharj city to avoid environmental pollution and infection of both humans and animals.

Population fluctuation of the pineapple mealybug in two pineapple (Ananas comosus [L.] Merr.) varieties in Huimanguillo Tabasco, Mexico

Objective: To identify the pineapple mealybug Dysmicoccus spp. and determine its prevalence and seasonal distribution in Huimanguillo Tabasco, Mexico. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study was carried out in two pineapple producing localities in the municipality of Huimanguillo, Tabasco. The varieties studied were MD2 and Cabezona. The seasonal distribution and infestation percentage was determined in both localities and for both varieties from January to June 2021. Forty plants were randomly sampled per month in a 4-ha area per locality. Roots, stems, basal leaves, and fruits were examined at the plant level. Results: The highest abundance of pineapple mealybugs (D. brevipes sp.) was found in the Cabezona variety. D. brevipes is mainly located in 85.46 and 61.76% of the old leaves of the stem, in the Cabezona and MD2 varieties, respectively. From January to April —when the highest temperatures were recorded—, the population of D. brevipes was moderate, while the highest populations were recorded towards mid-June, when the rains began. Study Limitations/Implications: Climatic variables can affect the evaluation parameters. The immature stages dynamics can limit the interpretation of results. Conclusions: D. brevipes is mostly distributed in the lower parts of the plant. To determine the population fluctuation, predict the total number of insects per plant, and establish their temporal and spatial distribution, the entire production cycle must be considered, as well as the climatic parameters, in order to develop a targeted control strategy on dates of moderate abundance.

EFFECT OF SOME BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL PESTICIDES IN CONTROLLING TUTA ABSOLUTA OF TOMATO

This study was conducted at the open fields of the Agricultural Research Station in Dohuk Governorate during the year 2019 on the tomato crop, a local variety. In this study, the effect of chemical pesticides (Imidamex, Matrixine plus) and biological pesticides (Antario KAB, Biocure) were tested on the percentage of leaf infection, number of larvae, the percentage of fruit infestation and the rate of productivity of one plant. The results revealed that the lowest percentage of leaf infection and the lowest number of larvae appeared with plants treated with Biocure, with an average of 22.7% and 0.36 larva/leaf, respectively. Whereas, the lowest infection rate for fruits and the highest productivity of plants appeared of plants treated with Antariocap, as the rates were 2 fruits/plant and 7.32 kg/plant, respectively. The results showed the superiority of the Antariocap pesticide in controlling this insect, as it had the highest reduction rate in the infested tomato fruits, at a rate of 90.4%.

A Comparison of IPM and Organic Farming Systems Based on the Efficiency of Oophagous Predation on the Olive Moth (Prays oleae Bernard) in Olive Groves of Southern Iberia

The olive moth, Prays oleae (Bernard, 1788) (Lep., Praydidae), is one of the most common insect pests affecting the olives groves of the Mediterranean basin. Current farming practices are largely oriented to optimize the effectiveness of beneficial insects, among which the common green lacewings (Neur., Chrysopidae) stand out. Two different types of management models, organic and IPM, were compared in this study, which was conducted in olive groves in the regions of Andalucía (Spain) and Alentejo (Portugal). During 2020 and 2021, fruit samples were periodically collected, analyzing the population parameters (POP) and potential attack on the fruit (%PA), as well as the predatory impact (%PRED), which has allowed the estimation of the final attack (%FA), and derived fruit recovery rates (%REC). The results show that in organic olive groves of both countries, the infestation parameters (POP, %PA) were significantly higher than in IPM ones. However, predation rates were also higher in organic olive groves, which resulted in REC rates of between 75% and 80%, reducing FA rates to values of approximately 10% and 20% in Portugal and Spain, respectively. In contrast, in the IPM olive groves, significantly lower predation values were recorded, with lower REC rates than in the organic olive groves; the rates were very similar in both countries (ca. 54%), which led to a higher percentage of fruit loss (%FA) equivalent to 22% (Portugal) and to 34% (Spain). This paper discusses potential drivers influencing differences in the population values and percentages of infestation by P. oleae observed, as well as the differences in the final attack rates between olive groves of both countries, subject to the same type of agricultural management.

Distribution Of Phenacoccus Solenopsis Infesting Okra Plants: Evidence for Improving a Pest Scouting Method.

Understanding insect behavior is a prerequisite for establishing pest scouting tools for determining possible damage and implementing control measures for the cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) on okra plants. Field trials were conducted to estimate the distribution modalities of P. solenopsis on plants in different cardinal directions, plant strata, leaf surfaces, and field depth (spaces from field boundaries), in a private okra field (Balady cultivar) at Esna district, Luxor Governorate during two consecutive seasons (2021 and 2022). Results revealed that P. solenopsis attacked okra plants, were observed from the first week of March through the end of July during each season, and occurred on all okra field directions in all plant levels and on leaf surfaces, on all the dates of weekly inspections. During the two seasons, there were highly significant differences in population, as well as infestation percentages in various cardinal directions, and very significant changes between the various stratums of plant and on leaf surfaces, as well as between the various distances from field boarders. P. solenopsis favors the lower leaf surface of the top stratum of the plant, in the south and east aspects, where its population was constantly abundant throughout the season, and pests more highly attacked okra plants distant from the farm borders than close plants over each season. The current information can be used to help design mealybug monitoring and control programs on okra plants.

Studying the effect of environmental conditions in the seasonal abundance of lesser date moth (Batrachedra : Amydraula : Meyrick) on date palm, Phoenix dactylifera L. in Central and Southern Iraq

A field study was conducted for the 2019/2020 season, which included a field survey to determine the infestation percentages and determine the sensitivity of some date palm varieties to the infestation with the lesser date moth (B.amydraula M.). Besides, determining the date of insect appearance and its population density is based on temperatures, relative humidity, and thermal accumulation. The study showed that infestation with the lesser date moth includes all areas planted with palm trees and the infestation percentages range between medium and severe, especially in dense orchards, and according to the prevailing environmental conditions. Basra Governorate / Abu Al-Khaseeb district gave a severe infection in the total infestation percentage of 67.00%, while the lowest infestation percentage was recorded in Babylon Governorate, Al-Madhatia district, at a percentage of 17.66 %, which considered a weak infection. The study also gave a clear indication that all date varieties were infested with lesser date moths at varying percentages, where the Al - Zahdi cultivar recorded the highest infestation percentage of 58.71%, while Al - Halawi cultivar recorded the lowest infestation percentage amounted to 39.97%. The study recorded the first appearance of the insect adults at the beginning of the second week of March in both Basra and Babylon governorates, with a population density of (2.80, 2.80) insect/in2 respectively at an average temperature (14.26, 15.20) ºC, respectively, and average humidity of (49.86, 51.67) % respectively. The study showed that the insect has three overlapping generations during the year, starting from the beginning of March to the beginning of March of the next season, as the duration of the first and second generations was one month each, while the duration of the third generation extends to approximately nine months. The insect has three peaks in which the insect population density increases significantly. In Basra, the increase reached its peak at the beginning of the second week of April and during the second week of May and June, with a population density of (7.71, 7.39 and 6.88) insect/in2 respectively, and an aggregate temperature of (445.20, 665.52 and 814.65) thermal units, respectively. However, in Babylon, the seasonal abundance of the insect reached its peak at the end of the first week of April and the second week of May and during the third week of June, with a population density of (6.71, 6.40, and 6.60) insect/in2 and a thermal accumulation of (358.08, 418.56 and 586). 08) thermal unit.

Clinical and molecular detection of Sarcoptes scabiei in the Iraqi camels

Sarcoptes scabiei var cameli is the most frequent zoonotic species of mites causing mange in camels worldwide. The prevalence of camel’s mange in Iraq is still little studied. Thus, this research is conducted to detect S. scabieiin camels in the four provinces of the Middle-Euphrates area: Al-Muthanna, Al-Diwaniyah, Najaf, and Babil, from January 2020 to December 2020. The Molecular technique depending on the conventional polymerase chain reaction (cPCR) is performed for the direct detection of S. scabiei based on the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COX1) gene from skin scrape lesion samples. The results reveal that 125 out of 425 samples (29.41%) of the examined camels are infested with S. scabiei. According to the sex of the infested animals, the infestation rate was higher in females than in males, 85 (30.91 %) and 40 (26.67%) respectively. In addition, the 1.5 year age shows the highest number of infestation (83 out of 85) with a percentage of 97.65%, but the percentages are 21 out of 60 (35%) and four out 68 (5.88%) in 2 and 7 years old animals, respectively. The results also record that infested animals found in Najaf and Al-Diwaniyah have the highest number of infestations, with of 36% and 35%, respectively. The findings also demonstrate that the highest infestation percentage is during the winter months (January and February), with of 92.31% and 80%, respectively. The sequencing and phylogenetic analysis shows that the local isolates of the Iraqi camels are consistent with the isolates recorded in China.

Evaluation of chemical insecticides and biopesticides in management of shoot and fruit borer Leucinodes Orbonalis (Guenee) in brinjal Solanum melongena (L.)

The present experiment was carried out to compare the efficacy against Leucinodes Orbonalis and its effect on the yield of Brinjal. The best and most economical treatment was Chlorantriniliprole @ 18.5 EC (1:10.2) which was on par with Emamectin benzoate @ 5 SG (1:9.8) followed by Carbosulfan 25 EC (1:7.3), Beauveria bassiana (1:6.4) Spinosad @ 45 % SC (1:5.5), followed by Bacillus thuringiensis (1:5.2) and, Neem oil (1:4.3) as compared to control (1:3.1). The data on the percent infestation of the shoot and fruit borer on brinjal 3rd, 7th, and 14th day after the first spray reveal that all the chemical treatments were significantly superior over control. Chlorantriniliprole @ 18.5 EC (5.94) was par with Emamectin benzoate @ 5 SG (8.49) followed by Carbosulfan 25 EC (10.71), Beauveria bassiana (12.91) Spinosad @ 45 % SC (13.13), followed by Bacillus thuringiensis (14.85) and, Neem oil (16.87). The yields among the treatment were significant. The highest yield was recorded in Chlorantraniliprole @ 18.5 SC (207.50 q/ha), Emamectin benzoate @ 5 SG (183.83 q/ha), Carbosulfan 25 EC (137.9 q/ha), Beauveria bassiana (124.6 q/ha), Spinosad @ 45 % SC (106.5 q/ha), Bacillus thuringiensis (98.3 q/ha) and Neem oil (87 q/ha), as compared to control plot (56.6 q/ha).

Survey for incidence of coffee white stem borer, Xylotrechus quadripes (Chevrolet) on robusta coffee (Coffea canephora Pierre ex A. Froehner) plantations at Kodagu region of Karnataka state, India

Coffee is an important commercial crop attacked by various insect pests. Among them, coffee white stem borer (CWSB), Xylotrechus quadripes (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), is the most serious and economically important pest of arabica coffee. The incidence of CWSB has been noticed in arabica coffee, whereas the other commercial variety, viz., robusta, has been tolerant against this pest so far. Of late, the incidence of CWSB is reported regularly in robusta plantations in the Kodagu region of Karnataka State, India. To understand the extent of CWSB incidence in robusta coffee, a systematic survey was conducted in 40 estates of Polibetta and Siddapura liaison Zones during the year 2019. CWSB infestation and the details on the percentage of CWSB, cultivar types, and age of the plants were recorded. The results of the survey revealed that the incidence was more in aged plants of Old Peridenia and S.274 (>50 years) compared to young plants and C × R hybrid (Coffea congensis × Coffea canephora). Data on the percentage infestation was found more in Old Peridenia (16.81%), followed by S.274 (4.8%) and C × R (0.88%). The infested plants of Old Peridenia and S.274 showed typical symptoms as in the case of arabica plants like ridge formation, drooping and yellowing of leaves, wilting, defoliation, exit holes and death of branches and whole plants. Hence, Indian coffee farmers are shifting slowly from arabica to robusta coffee because of CWSB infestation. This survey emphasized that a complete shift from arabica to robusta cultivation may face a similar infestation problem unless management practices are followed promptly.

Studies on Management of Fruit and Shoot Borer [Leucinodes orbonalis (Guenee)] Using Chemicals and Neem Oil in Brinjal Solanum melongena L.

The experiment was conducted at the research plot of the Department of Agricultural Entomology and Central Research Farm, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, during Rabi from November to February 2021-22 in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. Eight treatments were evaluated against , Leucinodes orbonalis i.e., Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% EC, Spinosad 45% SC, Flubendiamide 20 WG, Indoxicarb 14.5% SC, Emamectin benzoate 5 SG, Lambda cyhalothrin 4.9% CS, Neem oil 0.15% EC and control in RBD with three replication. The best and most economical treatment was Chlorantraniliprole (1:10.06) which was par with Spinosad (1:8.51) followed by Flubendiamide (1:8.44), Indoxacarb (1:8.04), followed by Emamectin benzoate (1:7.12) and Lambda cyhalothrin (1:6.85), Neem oil (1:6.36) as compared to control (1:4.63).The data on the percent infestation of shoot and fruit borer on brinjal 3rd, 7th and 14th day after first spray reveal that all the chemical treatments were significantly superior over control. Ratio was Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% EC (10.85%, 7.29%), Spinosad 45% SC (11.95%, 9.12%), Flubendiamide 20 WG (13.76%, 9.79%), Indoxacarb 14.5% SC (14.05%, 10.47%), Emamectin benzoate 5 SG (15.59%, 13.46%), Lambda cyhalothrin 4.9% CS (17.09%, 13.46%), Neem oil 0.15% EC (19.97%, 17.43%). The yields among the treatment were significant.The highest yield was recorded in Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% EC (222.50 q/ha), followed by Spinosad 45% SC (198.33 q/ha).

Xylotrechus smei (Cerambycidae: Cerambycinae: Clytini): a potential threat to red sanders cultivation

Red sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus L.f.) is an economically important, endangered timber species endemic to the restricted forest tracts of the Eastern Ghats, India. Here, we report the occurrence of long horned beetle Xylotrechus smei (Laporte de Castelnau & Gory, 1841) infestation on red sanders for the first time in two plantations located in Telangana, India. Xylotrechus smei is an economically important polyphagous pest with over forty recorded hosts. In red sanders, the infestation percentage ranged from 0.63 to 2.5% across plantations. Infestation was characterized by gradual chlorosis starting from the lower crown followed by complete dying of standing trees, presence of galleries and bore holes in cut stems. In addition, supplementary description of X. smei, including the terminal abdominal segments and genitalia of the sexes, immatures and its illustrations are provided for more authentic identification of this important pest. Further, the identity of the insect as X. smei was confirmed through mtCOI based DNA barcode. Phylogenetic and sequence divergence analyses based on partial mtCOI gene sequence showed that X. smei isolate obtained in the current study was closely related to X. smei isolate WA13 10.01r that was intercepted in wood packaging material in one of the ports of entry of the United States (U.S.). Further studies on devising management strategies for X. smei in red sanders are needed for improving the quality and quantity of the economic produce.

Bio-rationale Management of Tomato Leaf Miner, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick, 1917) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) Using Extracts of Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium L) and Periwinkle (Vinca rosea L.)

Recently, tomato leaf miner (TLM) Tuta absoluta (Meyrick, 1917) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is the most notorious pest of tomato worldwide causing severe reduction of yields in both protected and open fields. In Sudan, the pest was recorded to attack all tomato cultivation areas causing considerable damage affecting income of poor farmers. Various pesticides of different active ingredients are applied excessively and routinely to control T. absoluta in tomato. As known, reliance on insecticide cause adverse impacts in human health, create insect resistance as well as affect environment and natural enemies. This study is initiated to evaluate the efficacy of extracts of 3 botanicals as alternative to synthetic insecticides against T. absoluta. A randomized Complete Block Design field experiment was conducted at Takroof experimental farm of Kassala and Gash Research Station, Sudan during season (2019/2020). The experiment consisted of Neem seed oil, water extracts of Datura, Water extract of Vinca, Dancid®; synthetic insecticide as standard, and non-treated treatment as control. Each treatment was replicated thrice Data included number of infested plants/plot, number of mines/plot, percentage of infested fruits and yield (Ton/ha) were compiled, variance among treatments (ANOVA) was statistically analyzed and means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) applying SAS 9 a computer based program. The results of this study, revealed high significant difference between treatments in the number of infested plants/plot, number of active mines/plots for the three assessment times of the post spray counts. Water extract of Datura and Neem seed oil were better than Dancid® and Vinca in reducing the number of infested plants/plots and number of active mines/plots. All test products were significantly same in reduction the percentage of infestation of fruits and they were less than the control. Also high significant difference was observed between treatments on yield. Plots treated with Neem seed oil obtained the highest yield followed by WE of Datura, Dancid®, WE of Vinca with 11.2, 9.9, 9.7, 8.8 (Tons/ha) while the un-treated plots obtained the lowest yield (3.8 Tons/ ha). For their potency, cheapness, easy processing and environmental friendly characters, Neem seed oil, WE of Datura, and WE of Vinca are recommended to be used to control T. absoluta in tomato crop. Keywords: Tuta absoluta neem seed oil, Datura, periwinkle, aqueous extracts

Comparative Efficacy of Insecticides, NSKE and Karanj Oil against Shoot and Fruit Borer, Earias vittella (Fabricius.) on Okra

A field trail was conducted at Central Research Farm, SHUATS, Naini, Prayagraj, U.P. during kharif season of 2021. The field was laid in Randomised block Design with seven treatments replicated thrice viz., Neem oil 3%, Indoxacarb 14.5% SC, Lambda cyhalothrin 5% EC, NSKE 5%, Emamectin benzoate 5SG, Karanj oil 2%, Flubendiamide 480 SC along with control plot. The results after first and second spray revealed that among the different treatments, Emamectin benzoate 5SG (10.82% and 11.64%) recorded lowest percent infestation of Earias vittella followed by Flubendiamide 480 SC (15.92% and 17.25%), Indoxacarb 14.5SC (17.06% and 18.45%), Lambda cyhalothrin 5% EC (18.13% and 18.52%), Neem oil 3% (20.44% and 20.69%), NSKE 5% (21.44% and 21.12%) and Karanj oil 2% (24.16% and 23.61) was the least effective among all treatments with percent shoot and fruit infestation respectively. Among all treatments studied, the best and most economical treatment was Emamectin benzoate 5SG (1:5.60), Flubendiamide 480 SC (1:5.44), Indoxacarb 14.5SC (1:5.33), Lambda cyhalothrin 5% EC (1:5.08) followed by Neem oil 3% (1:4.89), NSKE 5% (1:4.81) and the least cost benefit ratio was observed in Karanj oil 2% (1:4.66) when compared to control plot (1:2.82).

POPULATION DYNAMICS OF Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) IN PERAMBALUR DISTRICT OF TAMIL NADU

The Fall Armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), a migratory polyphagous pest with high feeding preference to maize, is native to American continent but detected in African continent in the year 2016 and reached the Indian sub-continent by 2018. Now the pest has been spread over the maize growing states in India and causing drastic economic loss. Studies on population dynamics of Spodoptera frugiperda was carried out in all the four blocks of Perambalur district of Tamil Nadu by conducting the season long survey with the aim to correlate the occurrence and weather variables. The number of egg masses and larval population were counted and percent infestation was worked out. Among the four blocks, Veppur block showed the heavy infestation of 85%. Thus, the climatologic conditions prevailing in the cropping season decides the fluctuation and abundance of FAW. So, abiotic factors must be taken into consideration in the IPM model for the management of FAW.