Life Cycle Of Pest Research Articles

Unveiling the potential of a protease inhibitor from Pleiogynium cerasiferum to combat Helicoverpa armigera by employing sequential purification and multivariate statistical analysis

Crop protection is heavily dependent on the use of chemical pesticides that are not only toxic but also detrimental to the environment. To minimize the chemical approaches of crop protection, this study investigates a natural protease inhibitor PCPI (Pleiogynium cerasiferum protease inhibitor) extracted from the seeds of Pleiogynium cerasiferum as a viable bioresource with biopesticidal properties. PCPI demonstrated inhibitory activity of 92% against bovine trypsin and 89% against Helicoverpa armigera's midgut proteolytic enzymes. Characterization of PCPI revealed a 24 kDa protein with critical inhibitory concentrations of 1.53 µg/ml for H. armigera midgut proteases and 1.31 µg/ml for bovine trypsin. At the concentration of 0.5% (w/w) of PCPI, the deformities in pupae were ~ 82%, adult insects ~ 87%, and egg-laying as well as egg hatching capacity dropped by ~ 81% and 17% respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA), complemented by hierarchical clustering, was applied to assess the nuanced effects of PCPI across the pest's lifecycle. The analysis identified deformities in pupae, adult, adult emergence, and notably, egg laying reduction as variables most responsive to PCPI concentrations. Hierarchical clustering analysis corroborated these PCA findings indicating a concentrated influence on developmental stages and reproduction metrics, signifying the multifaceted impact of PCPI. These insights affirm PCPI's promise as a cornerstone of eco-friendly pest management strategies.

Dynamics analysis of Filippov pest control model with two economic thresholds

Understanding the stages of the pest life cycle, from the juvenile class to the adult class, is crucial for developing effective pest control strategies. Targeted interventions can be tailored to each life stage, maximizing control efficiency and reducing the excessive use of pesticides; therefore, they help minimize damage to crops. With this motivation, we present a new strategy that uses the Filippov framework to describe the two stages of the pest life cycle, from the juvenile class to the adult class, with two economic thresholds. These thresholds serve as a vital signal for the timely implementation of resistance strategies. The first threshold measure is dependent on the density of juvenile pests allowed, while the second threshold is based on the density of allowed adult pests. This model assists pest control by concurrently managing both juvenile and adult populations, effectively keeping them below dangerous thresholds. By employing a dual approach to population regulation, the system ensures a comprehensive strategy for pest management. The model's dynamic behaviours, existence, and stability of various equilibria are addressed both analytically and numerically. Furthermore, we investigate sliding segment regions to determine the timing of control measures for both juvenile and adult pest populations. Additionally, we discuss the dynamics of the sliding mode, covering both local and global sliding bifurcations. The results indicate that the utilization of two economic thresholds in pest management is beneficial, as they can help prevent pest outbreaks by maintaining the density of juvenile and adult pests at desired levels.

Innovative Approaches for Sustainable Greenhouse Pest Management: Integrating Advanced Diagnostics and Preventive Strategies for Optimal Crop Health

Sustainable greenhouse pest management is critical for achieving good crop yields while reducing environmental impact. This paper investigates novel ways that incorporate improved diagnostic tools and preventive tactics into the framework of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in greenhouse ecosystem. Understanding pest life cycles and utilizing cutting-edge tools such as DNA barcoding and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) might help greenhouse managers achieve precise pest diagnosis and early responses. Preventive measures, such as tight cleanliness protocols, quarantine techniques, and the use of physical barriers, are critical in lowering pest incidence. Furthermore, biological controls, cultural methods such as crop rotation and intercropping, and the selective use of insecticides and biopesticides collectively help to ensure long-term pest management. This complete approach not only reduces insect damage but also creates a healthier, more resilient agricultural ecology. Furthermore, traditional diagnostic and preventive measures were also discussed in the article. The and recommendations are validated by recent studies and data, demonstrating the success of these integrated tactics in modern greenhouse operations.

Biology, classification, and entomopathogen-based management and their mode of action on Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) in Asia.

Tuta absoluta, known as the South American tomato leaf miner, significantly impacts tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum) economically on a global scale. This pest, belonging to the Gelechiidae family, is native to South America and was first identified in Peru in 1917. Since its discovery, T. absoluta has rapidly spread to Europe, Africa, and Asia, severely threatening tomato production in these regions. The widespread application of chemical pesticides against this pest has resulted in significant environmental harm, including contamination of soil and water, and has had negative effects on non-target species such as beneficial insects, birds, and aquatic life. Although substantial research has been conducted, biological control methods for T. absoluta remain insufficient, necessitating further study. This review covers the Biology, Classification, and Entomopathogen-Based Management of T. absoluta (Meyrick) in Asia. It provides essential insights into the pest's life cycle, ecological impacts, and the potential of entomopathogens as biocontrol agents. The detailed information presented aims to facilitate the development of sustainable pest control strategies, minimizing environmental impact and promoting the use of entomopathogens as viable alternatives to chemical pesticides in controlling T. absoluta insect pest.

Comparative analysis of knowledge and management practices of insect pests of maize among IPM adopters and non-adopters in Sindhupalchok, Nepal

Integrated pest management (IPM) is a decision-based approach that involves optimizing the pest population below the economic threshold by the coordinated use of multiple tactics in an economically and environmentally sound manner. The adoption of IPM in farming practices prevents long-term pest damage by combining biological control, modification of cultural practices, habitual manipulation, and use of resistant varieties. In Nepal, mostly in hilly regions, haphazard chemical pesticide application has inevitable effects on human health, the environment, and the ecosystem. The haphazard chemical pesticide application in Sindhupalchok, Nepal originated mostly due to a knowledge gap in the identification of the stages of the lifecycle of pests, and the distinction between beneficial and harmful insects. To compare the effectiveness of management practices between IPM adopters and non-adopters this study was framed for six months in Sangachokgadi municipality, Sindhupalchok, Nepal. The knowledge gap among the maize growers in Sindhupalchok was assessed using both primary and secondary data collection methods. For primary data collection a comprehensive and structured questionnaire, face-to-face interview, phone call interview, and Key Informant Interview was conducted. Similarly, secondary data was collected from various articles and publications from Maize Zone, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MoALD), Nepal Agriculture Research Council (NARC), and National Maize Research Program (NMRP). The collected data were then analyzed (descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and indexing) by using computer software packages i.e., Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 26, and Microsoft Excel 2010. The analyzed data revealed maize growers adopting IPM practices for crop management are known to have significantly better knowledge of the life cycle of pests, were able to distinguish between beneficial and harmful insects, and had knowledge of appropriate fertilizer doses. Further, the findings revealed IPM adopters had better knowledge of chemical pesticide handling which could minimize the chemical hazards among the farmers.

IPM Essentials: Combining Biology, Ecology, and Agriculture for Sustainable Pest Control

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) represents a paradigm shift in pest control, moving away from heavy reliance on chemical pesticides to a more sustainable, environmentally friendly approach. This article explores IPM, an ecosystem based strategy that integrates biological, ecological, and agricultural sciences to achieve longterm pest control in agriculture. IPM emphasizes understanding pest life cycles and their interaction with the environment, utilizing a combination of techniques including biological control, cultural practices, mechanical and physical barriers, and targeted chemical interventions. Regular monitoring and informed decision making form the crux of this approach, focusing on economically viable and environmentally responsible pest control methods. The article highlights various success stories, the challenges faced in implementing IPM, and future directions including the incorporation of precision agriculture technologies and genetic advancements. Overall, IPM emerges as a crucial element in sustainable agriculture, promising to maintain ecological balance while ensuring effective pest management and provides an in depth examination of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), a multifaceted approach to sustainable pest control that synergizes biology, ecology, and agricultural science. IPM represents a paradigm shift from traditional, chemically intensive pest control methods to a more holistic, environmentally conscious framework. The core of IPM lies in understanding the life cycles and ecological interactions of pests, employing a diverse array of strategies including biological control through natural predators, cultural practices like crop rotation, mechanical and physical barriers, and judicious use of chemical pesticides. The article underscores the importance of regular monitoring and decision making based on established thresholds to maintain an effective, economically viable, and ecologically responsible pest management system. Case studies highlighting the successful implementation of IPM in various agricultural settings are discussed, alongside the challenges and prospects of IPM, particularly in the context of climate change and technological advancements. The article concludes that IPM is not only essential for sustainable pest control but also pivotal in ensuring long term agricultural productivity and environmental health.

Pelatihan Pembuatan Pestisida Alami Daun Sirih sebagai Upaya Pengendalian Hama di Lingkungan Masyarakat Dusun Paya Pinang, Stabat Lama Barat, Kec. Wampu, Kab. Langkat


 As a global biodiversity conservation area which is a habitat for many protected animals and plants, conditions and safety need to be considered. It is necessary to pay attention to threats from various factors, especially factors from the environment itself, namely pests. Pestidia play an important role in pest control. The effect of herbal pesticides from the leaves of the tree (piper betle L). on pest mortality by shortening the life cycle of pests in the larval phase, the level of plant damage, plant weight and nutrition and effective doses of betel leaf pesticides as pest control. The highest pest mortality was found at a dose of 10% betel leaf pesticide, namely 64%. Betel leaf pesticides also cause shortening of the pest life cycle in the larval phase with the highest percentage of pupae at a treatment dose of 2.5%, namely 36%. Spraying betel leaf pesticides has an effect on the level of damage to plants.
 Keywords: biodiversity, natural pesticides

Biological and in vitro effects of Neem (Azadirachta indica) extract on second and third instar larvae of Spodoptera litura

Spodoptera litura is a major threat to agricultural crops all over the world including Pakistan. It has developed resistance to several chemicals, especially synthetic insecticides. Plant based chemicals like extracts may serve as suitable and alternative biocontrol methods for pests in the future. The current study was conducted to determine the biology of S. litura on cabbage and the effects of two botanicals i.e. Azadirachta indica and Eucalyptus globulus against 2nd and 3rd instar larvae in controlled conditions. The incubation period of pest was 3-4 days. The average mean developmental period of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th larval instar was 2.44±0.71, 2.32±0.74, 3.43±0.68, 2.76±0.80, and 2.40±0.79 days, respectively. The pre-ovipositional, and ovipositional period of females was 2.04-3.58 and 2.89-5.71 days respectively. The total life cycle of pests was 30.83-38.79 days. Significantly higher mortality of 2nd and 3rd instar larvae was recorded in A. indica. The percentage of mortality increased with an increase in treatment time.

Komparativni učinak različitih insekticida i kaolina na smanjenu brojnost populacije Cacopsylla pyri L.

Cacopsylla pyri L. (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) is one of the most serious economic pear pests in Eastern Croatia. Previous methods of pear control in the Republic of Croatia have led to the development of an insect population resistan to certain active ingredients. The objectives of this two-year study were to determine the optimal number of treatments for psylla control based on the monitoring of pest life cycle and to determine the effectiveness of processed kaolin in controlling the pear psylla in comparison with other chemical insecticides in four different treatments (T1. IPM-integrated protection program – diflubenzuron, spirotetramat, abamectin, acetamprid; T2. acrinatrin + abamectin, T3. kaolin clay, T4. control treatment). The research was conducted in 2017 and 2018 in a six-year-old experimental pear orchard on three varieties (Williams, Conference, and Abate Fetel). Monitoring of the pest population and its development was performed by visual inspection on two one-year shoots per tree of each variety in all replicates. The T1 treatment demonstrated the highest efficiency, between 84-95%, depending on the year, while the kaolin treatment had the lowest one, but it varied greatly from one year to the other (37-71%).

Biology and life table parameters of Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) on Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. fertilized with some mineral- and bio-fertilizers

Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a major pest of stored cowpea Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp., causes critical losses by decreasing the grain weight, germination ability and nutritional quality. Improving host plant resistance by the application of appropriate fertilizers would be effective in reducing C. maculatus infestation. The effects of some mineral- (triple superphosphate (TSP) and urea) and bio-fertilizers (Bradyrhizobium japonicum, Pseudomonas putida, mycorrhizal fungi, and a mixture of them) were evaluated on the susceptibility of stored cowpea grains to C. maculatus. Cowpeas fertilized with examined fertilizers were cultivated at farm conditions. Then, the mature, dry grains were harvested and used to investigate the pest's life cycle and life table characteristics under 28 ± 1 °C, 65 ± 5% R.H., and total darkness. Developmental time of C. maculatus on TSP-treated grains was shorter than on control and P. putida treated ones. However, the lowest immature survival and fecundity (number of deposited eggs) was on TSP-fertilized grains. The intrinsic rate of increase (r) and net reproductive rate (R0) were the lowest on the grains treated with TSP. The highest tannins and starch content in the grains fertilized with TSP may be the critical reasons for their resistance to C. maculatus in storage. Application of TSP fertilizer can be recommended to increase cowpea resistance to this pest.

Characteristic Observation of Cordyceps Militaris (L) Wild Type Strain from Five Oil Palm Plantation in Muara Wahau East Borneo

Cordycep militaris (L) is known in oil palm plantations as a natural enemy of nettle caterpillars. This fungus infects the caterpillars that descend down to become pupae around the palm circle, so that the pupae do not develop into imago and the pest's life cycle will be interrupted. This fungus is one of the 3 main entomopathogenic fungi used as bioinsecticides to control pests in oil palm plantations. In this study, the characteristics of C. militaris were observed from 5 oil palm plantations cultured in vitro using two types of media and two incubation methods. The results showed that there were mycelium pigmentation in nutrient-rich media Sabouraud Dextrose Agar plus Yeast extract (SDAY) when incubated with lighting. Only one of five mycelium cultures using SDAY media showed pigmentation on the no-light incubation method. Pigmentation did not occur in nutrient-poor media such as agar (WA), either incubated with lighting or with no-light. The growth of isolates was generally higher on SDAY media than on WA media. This study showed that C. militaris is a facultative phagotrophic fungus. The highest growth of isolates cultured on SDAY media incubated with lighting was found in isolates A and C, with colony diameter 90 mm, high mycelium density (+++) and hairy texture like cotton at the end of the 3rd week after inoculation. In the no-light incubation method, the highest growth was found in isolates B and C with colony diameter 90 mm, high mycelium density (+++) and hairy texture like cotton at the end of the 3rd week after inoculation. Isolates A and C showed high virulence potential to be used as bioinsecticides.

Food Security Under The Era Of Climate Change Threat

Food Security Under The Era Of Climate Change Threat

A study of life cycle of vegetable pests in Ranchi

The study is done to investigate the different pests found in the vegetables in Ranchi. The pests who damage these vegetables are Plutella xylostella (cauliflower pest), Earias vittella (Okra Pest), Etiella zinckenella (pea pod borer) and Thysanoplusia orichalcea (coriander leaf pest). The pests’ life cycle was studied in detail by culturing the insect in the laboratory. Pest problem is one of the major constarints for getting good yield in the agricultural crops. India also suffers a huge loss in crop yield due to pests and diseases each year. The study of life cycle of the pests show that the insects undergo metamorphosis and the larval stage is the damaging phase of the life cycle. The use of pesticides to kill the pests causes environmental pollution which has become an increasing problem.

The Symptomp Rate of Cocoa Pod Borer (Conopomorpha cramerella) due to the Combination of Several Concentrations of Neem (Azadiracta indica) Solution Given the Biosurfactant of Diethanolamide Olein Palm and Different Fruit Sizes

One of the main pests on the cocoa plant is the cocoa pod borer. The use of natural pesticides can be an alternative solution in overcoming cocoa pod borer to replace synthetic pesticides. Neem is a plant that can be used as a base for natural pesticides. The main ingredients of neem are azadirachtin, meliantriol, salanin, nimbin, and nimbidine. Azadirachtin does not directly kill pests but can affect the life cycle of pests, as food repellents, and as a repellent. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of attack of the cocoa pod borer (conopomorpha cramerella) due to the combination of several concentrations of neem (Azadiracta indica) solution. This research was conducted in a cocoa farm belonging to the residents of Lurang hamlet, Sukalaba Village, Gunung Sari District, Serang Regency, Banten Province. This research was conducted from November 2019 to April 2020. The experimental design used in this study was a one-factor combination of randomized block design repeated four times and the treatments were control, concentration of 15%, 25%, and 35% solution of young leaves and neem seeds plus palm olein biosurfactant diethanolamide (DEA) with fruit sizes 0.1-2.0 cm and 8.0-10.0 cm. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) then tested using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at the 5% level. The results showed that the combination treatment of concentration 15% solution of young leaves and neem seeds added with 5% DEA biosurfactant olein palm with a fruit size of 0.1-2.0 cm and the combination treatment of concentration 35% solution of young leaves and neem seeds added with 5% DEA biosurfactant olein palm with a fruit size of 8.0-10.0 cm performed the best effect on attack intensity.

Features of the Sunn pest life cycle in the South of Ukraine

Features of the Sunn pest life cycle in the South of Ukraine

Where do all the aphids go? A series of thought experiments within the context of area-wide pest management

Aphids are economically important wind-borne crop pests worldwide. Forecasting invasions poses the challenge of modelling both the terrestrial and aerial portions of their life cycle in temporally-variable, spatially-heterogeneous environments. Within the context of area-wide pest management, modelling migrations is particularly problematic. We present a series of thought experiments, using sugarcane aphids (Melanaphis sacchari) as a test case, in which we ponder the relative importance of accurate forecasting of magnitudes of migrations and initial infestations versus accurate forecasting of timing of initial infestations. Our results indicate the latter is more important. Within the context of area-wide pest management programs, this suggests improvement in forecasting models for windborne pests most likely will come from increased emphasis on the aeroecological portion of the pest life cycle.

An updated data on the bionomics of pomegranate fruit borer, Deudorix epijarbas (Moore, 1858) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae), infesting pomegranates in Kashmir

Pomegranate fruit borer, Deudorix epijarbas (Moore, 1858) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) is a destructive pest of pomegranate affecting the quality as well as quantity of its fruits. The pest and its other allied species are nuisance to pomegranate cultivation throughout India, particularly in hilly state of Jammu & Kashmir. The aim of present investigation was to study the bionomics of pomegranate fruit borer in laboratory, which included the studies on its morphometry and extent of different developmental stages in the life cycle of pest, for developing a sound management plan against it. The results revealed that the eggs are laid by females singly on fruits, stalks, leaves and flower buds. On hatching, emerging larva bores in to fruits and feed on its pulp thus rendering them unfit for trade. The pest passed through five larval instars of different duration and the total larval period was 32.20 ± 1.87 (SD) days. The larval stage was followed by pupal stage which lasted for 9.50 ± 1.84 (SD) days. Furthermore, the longevity of adult male and female butterflies was recorded as 9.20 ± 1.73 (SD) and 13.20 ± 1.43 (SD) days respectively. The study thus provides information necessary for development and implementation of different control strategies in IPM of pomegranate fruit borer.

SHELTER BUILDING BY LARVAE OF PHYCITA DIAPHANASTAUDINGER, 1870 (LEPIDOPTERA PYRALIDAE) USING RICINUS COMMUNISL. IN ARID ZONE

In July 2017, in south-eastern Tunisia, larvae of Phycita diaphanawere observed on seedlings of castor bean. Infested pointed lobes of the leaves are characterized by the presence of shelters or nests ranging from oneto six shelters per leaf. The shelter area ranged from 1.01 to 28.27 cm2. In each shelter, we found from one to nine larvae. We conclude thatPh. diaphana spends the whole larval stage protected without changing its feeding habits.The leaf roll may reduce leaf toughness and lower levels of plant defensive chemicals, and hence provides a more easily and more safely eaten food. Larvae of Ph. diaphana use the pointed lobe to build its shelter. As Castor bean is used in several fields of economy, mainly the production of biodiesel fuel, the monitoring of this pest will be important and interesting. Thereby, studying the life cycle of pests constitute a significant element of phytosanitary control.

New lead discovery of insect growth regulators based on the scaffold hopping strategy

Insect growth regulators (IGRs), which can interrupt or inhibit pest life cycles, are low-toxicity pesticides widely used in integrated pest management (IPM). Ecdysone analogues and chitinase inhibitors are familiar IGRs that have attracted considerable attention because of their unique modes of action and low toxicity to non-target organisms. To find new and highly effective candidate IGRs with novel mechanisms, D-08 (N-(4-(tert-butyl)phenyl)-2-phenyl-2,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydrocyclohepta[c]pyrazole-5-carboxamide) was chosen as a lead compound, and a series of novel heptacyclic pyrazolamide derivatives were designed and synthesized using the scaffold hopping strategy. The bioassay showed that III-27 (N-(2-methylphenethyl)-1-phenyl-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydrocyclohepta[c]pyrazole-5-carboxamide) had excellent activity against Plutella xylostella. Protein verification and molecular docking indicated that III-27 could act on both the ecdysone receptor (EcR) and Ostrinia furnacalis chitinase (Of ChtI) and is a promising new lead IGRs. The interaction mechanism of III-27 with EcR and Of ChtI was then studied by molecular docking. These results provide important guidance for the study of new dual-target IGRs.

Preferences of Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood 1919 (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) for different structures of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L) plants in the Magdalena warm valley of Colombia

Thrips samples were collected from cotton crops in the Andean region of the Magdalena warm valley, an area represented by the Colombian departments of Tolima, Huila and Cundinamarca. Ten cotton plants were randomly selected per hectare in each plot. Five young leaves, five floral buds, five opened flowers and five bolls or fruits were inspected. Immature stages were separated from the adults and a first classification was made according to the present thrips morphotypes, separating the adults of possible S. dorsalis specimens from the others. T-Student and Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed in order to find statistical differences between the different evaluated variables. The selectivity of S. dorsalis for each plant structure was determined by Z tests, Spearman correlation analysis and the Bray-Curtis similarity index. Scirtothrips dorsalis was found in 77% (n = 46) of the inspected sites. The species exhibited greater affinity to the boll, followed by young leaves and buds. Opened flowers constituted a resource not frequented by the pest with a similarity range of I = 0.8 (<1). It is suggested that cotton plants are hosts to the thrips species; it means that the pest life cycle is highly associated to the cotton production in the Andean region. The importance of the results related to the cotton production and other crops associated to the insect species in the region is discussed.