Recommended Control Measures Research Articles

Ergonomic Risk Assessment and Mitigation Strategies for Retail Workers: Insights from a Case Study in Dungun

Manual handling activities contribute to 40% of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), leading to long-term discomfort, disability, medical costs, and financial hardships for workers, while employers face lower productivity and compensation costs. An ergonomic assessment was conducted among employees at ABC Hardware in Dungun to identify ergonomic risk factors, determine the likelihood of harm affecting workers' musculoskeletal health, and recommend control measures to improve workers' health and well-being. Utilizing a combination of interviews, observations, and questionnaires based on established ergonomics guidelines, the research highlights the prevalence of MSDs among workers engaged in manual handling tasks, emphasizing the need for ergonomic interventions and awareness to enhance workplace safety and employee well-being. Findings from the ergonomic assessment revealed significant discomfort and risk factors related to awkward postures, repetitive motions, forceful exertion, and static positions. Specific ergonomic issues identified include discomfort in the upper back, thighs, and knees among storekeepers, and neck and lower back pain among warehouse workers. Service desk representatives were found to experience discomfort related to static postures and repetitive motions. The study recommends advanced ergonomic assessments such as Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), Occupational Repetitive Assessment (OCRA), and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), along with improvements in ergonomic practices and tools. Implementing job rotation, providing ergonomic equipment, and conducting training on proper lifting techniques are essential to address the identified risks. This research highlights the critical role of ergonomic practices in preventing MSDs and improving overall workplace safety.

Human Case of Leptospirosis During a Canine Disease Outbreak - Wyoming, 2023.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease spread through the urine of infected animals; the typical incubation period is 5-14 days. In approximately 90% of human cases, illness is asymptomatic or mild, characterized by fever, chills, myalgia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, calf pain, and conjunctival suffusion, but severe illness can progress to multiorgan dysfunction and death. Although Wyoming is considered a low-risk area for leptospirosis because of its cold and semiarid climate, the Wyoming Department of Health was notified of a probable human case in August 2023, the first reported in the state since 1983. The patient had occupational exposure to dogs but did not report other risk factors. The same week that the human patient's illness began, public health authorities received notification of an increase in canine leptospirosis cases. Public health authorities investigated to determine potential sources of infection, identify additional cases, and recommend control measures. After public health outreach activities were implemented, canine vaccination practices changed substantially in the affected city: a survey conducted after the outbreak revealed that all responding veterinary clinics in the affected city were recommending the vaccine more frequently to dog owners and reporting higher levels of owner compliance with vaccination recommendations. Increased vaccination coverage offers protection from leptospirosis for both dogs and persons exposed to them. Leptospirosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of persons with occupational exposure to animals and clinically compatible signs and symptoms, including fever, chills, myalgia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, calf pain, and conjunctival suffusion, irrespective of geographic location.

Adherence of Mild and Asymptomatic Covid-19 Positive Patients to Ain Shams University Home Isolation Protocol

Abstract Background Egypt has reported almost 515,103 confirmed cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) with 24,779 deaths from January 3rd, 2020 to May 29th, 2022. To date, the clinical picture of coronavirus infection among Egyptian patients has not been well-characterized. Asymptomatic infection and mild cases make up a large proportion of infections all over the world. According to Ain Shams University guidelines, asymptomatic and mild cases can be isolated at home; however it is unclear to what extent patients adhere to home isolation guidelines, and whether home isolation was in fact effective in reducing infection among the patient’s family contacts. Aim of the Work The aim of this study was: Describe the socio-demographic characteristics of asymptomatic and mild patients eligible for home isolation and measure the adherence of patients isolated at home to the recommended control measures with telemedicine follow up. Patients and Methods This is a retrospective cohort study conducted in Ain Shams University on 400 patients who were diagnosed as positive for covid-19, classified as asymptomatic or mild cases at presentation and recommended for home isolation. Results In our cohort, Patients that were adherent to home isolation guidelines had similar household infection rate to those with less compliance except for those who had more than one bathroom, household infection had significant negative correlation to number of bathrooms (p = 0.003) because the patient was able to have personal bathrooms. Regarding family members, 57.8% of cases had members with no symptoms of COVID-19 and 43.2 % had members with symptoms or positive test. Conclusion Our study was limited with the low number of patients from a single centre. However, our findings showed that self-isolation at home may be an alternative to manage mild cases or asymptomatic patients when applied with careful and close observation.

Penerapan K3 Menggunakan HIRARC (Hazard Identification Risk Assessment and Risk Control) pada Perusahaan Konstruksi di Cilegon

One of the companies in the Cilegon area engaged in the construction industry has a high level of work risk. This company is required to implement an Occupational Safety and Health program to prevent workplace accidents.". Risk identification and assessment in this company has not used the HIRARC method as a basis for mitigation. This aims to identify the risk of work accidents, assess the risks, and recommend control measures. Based on the results of the data processing that has been carried out, the results show a low-risk risk value with a percentage of 0%, a moderate risk value with a percentage of 36%, a high-risk value with a percentage of 64%, and an extreme risk value with a percentage of 0%. Keywords: Construction, Hazard, HIRARC, Risk Control, Work Accident

Investigation of COVID-19 outbreak at a refugee transit centre, Kisoro District, Uganda, June-July 2022.

Due to conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), approximately 34,000 persons arrived at Nyakabande Transit Centre (NTC) between March and June 2022. On June 12, 2022, Kisoro District reported >330 cases of COVID-19 among NTC residents. We investigated the outbreak to assess its magnitude, identify risk factors, and recommend control measures. We defined a confirmed case as a positive SARS-CoV-2 antigen test in an NTC resident during March 1-June 30, 2022. We generated a line list through medical record reviews and interviews with residents and health workers. We assessed the setting to understand possible infection mechanisms. In a case-control study, we compared exposures between cases (persons staying ≥5 days at NTC between June 26 and July 16, 2022, with a negative COVID-19 test at NTC entry and a positive test at exit) and unmatched controls (persons with a negative COVID-19 test at both entry and exit who stayed ≥5 days at NTC during the same period). We used multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with contracting COVID-19. Among 380 case-persons, 206 (54.2%) were male, with a mean age of 19.3 years (SD = 12.6); none died. The attack rate was higher among exiting persons (3.8%) than entering persons (0.6%) (p<0.01). Among 42 cases and 127 controls, close contact with symptomatic persons (aOR = 9.6; 95%CI = 3.1-30) increased the odds of infection; using a facemask (aOR = 0.06; 95% CI = 0.02-0.17) was protective. We observed overcrowding in shelters, poor ventilation, and most refugees not wearing face masks. The COVID-19 outbreak at NTC was facilitated by overcrowding and suboptimal use of facemasks. Enforcing facemask use and expanding shelter space could reduce the risk of future outbreaks. The collaborative efforts resulted in successful health sensitization and expanding the distribution of facemasks and shelter space. Promoting facemask use through refugee-led efforts is a viable strategy.

Work Environment of Healthcare Workers with (COVID)-19 in a Hospital in Turkey

Objectives: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are among the occupational groups most affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The present study aims to conduct a retrospective investigation of the outpatient occupational disease clinic records of COVID-19 survivor HCWs and the distribution of the study participants within a specific hospital to identify the work units at risk and recommend control measures. Methods: This study investigated HCWs aged 18-65 years who had returned to their work in the hospital upon recovery from COVID-19. Results: A total of 360 HCWs (11.7%) had tested positive for COVID-19. Nurses constituted the highest percentage of COVID-19-positive HCWs (224, 62.2%), while those working in outpatient clinics were at the highest risk, accounting for 110 cases (30.6%). A statistically significant number of HCWs working in the intensive care unit (ICU) had COVID-19-positive co-workers. Furthermore, there was a correlation between the monthly number of all COVID-19-positive cases in Turkey and the number of COVID-19-positive HCWs in Turkey. Conclusions: The results suggest that HCWs did not sufficiently comply with preventive measures in low-risk work units, including outpatient clinics. Furthermore, the number of COVID-19-positive HCWs correlates with the number of COVID-19-positive co-workers and individuals in the general population.

Risiko Proyek Konstruksi pada Tahap Pelaksanaan Pembangunan Jalan Tol (Studi Kasus: Proyek Pembangunan Jalan Tol Solo – Jogja)

The Solo – Jogja Toll Road Development Project is a large-scale project with a large potential risk, especially at the project implementation stage. This research aims to find risks, obtain the level of risk by conducting a risk assessment, and recommend control measures against possible risks. The research method used in this study is HIRARC (Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, and Risk Control). Purposive sampling was used to collect data from 30 respondents using a questionnaire based on certain criteria. The testing of this research instrument is in the form of validity and reliability tests using SPSS. In this research, 5 risk groups were identified during the implementation stage of the Solo - Jogja Toll Road Construction Project, including project risk, technical risk, natural risk, human risk, and occupational health and safety risk. The results of the analysis explained that the project has a risk range from low to high levels. The risk included in the high-level category is the risk of damage to roads around the project due to heavy equipment, such as dump trucks, project materials carriers, and trucks mixer. The risk can be minimized by creating a safe project access road, so that project activities do not cause further damage to the road.

Outbreak Investigation of Cutaneous Lesihmaniasis

Objective: to assess the magnitude, evaluate risk factors and recommend control measures for Cutaneous Lesihmaniasis. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital, Landikotal Pakistan, from Jan to Feb 2017 Methodology: Active case finding was conducted amongst entire group of 414 individuals. A case was defined as skin lesion in a person residing in nomadic group of Khar Kamar from October 2015 to January 2017. Age and gender-matched controls were identified at 1:2. Data was collected using a pretested structured questionnaire. Results: A total of 31 cases were identified with mean age of 26.4±6.5 years (range 18-48). Epi curve showed intermittent exposure. The index case had onset of symptoms in January 2016 with a peak in November 2016, 10(32%) while last case appeared in January 2017. Overall attack rate (AR) was 7.5% while most severely affected age group was 18-27 years 21(9.1%). A total of 17(55%) cases had 2-4 multiple lesions with size of 0.5-3.5 cm. Of the 31 cases, 25 reported sleeping on the ground (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.2-9.0, p&lt;0.02), however wearing full clothing and use of repellents showed a protective effect. Conclusion: Most probable cause of outbreak was sleeping on the floor. Awareness lectures were imparted and repellent was issued to entire group.

Prevalence, isolation and identification of histamine forming bacteria in selected stages of supply chain of Yellowfin tuna export industry in Sri Lanka

This study aimed to identify histamine-forming bacteria (HFB) and the sources of introduction of such bacteria to recommend control measures to mitigate histamine formation in yellowfin tuna (YFT). Field samples were collected from multi-day boats that landed at Dikkowita, Negombo, Trincomalee and Dondra fishery harbours. Ice from the fish holds (n=63) and chill transport vehicles (n=63), and swabs from the fish holds (n=63), the boat decks (n=63) and the skin of YFT (n=63) were collected. Fish loin samples (n=15), ice samples (n=36) and swabs from the skin of YFT (n=18), floor (n=18) and chill transport vehicles (n=18) were collected from fish processing plants. Presumptive HFB isolated from Nivens medium and Violet Red Bile Glucose (VRBG) agar were screened for histamine forming ability in Tripticase soy broth (TSB) supplemented with 1.0% L-histidine. HFB isolates were characterized by sequencing approximately 1400 bp of the 16S rDNA. Seven isolates that produced histamine in the range of 3000–4000 ppm in TSB isolated from ice samples, and a swab sample collected from the boat deck, were confirmed as Klebsiella aerogens (n=6) and Morganella morganii (n=1) respectively. Hafnia alvei (n=1), Serratia sp. (n=2), Citrobacter freundii (n=1), Rahnella sp. (n=1) and Aeromonas salmonicida (n=8) were also among the isolated histamine forming bacteria. Pseudomonas sp. (n=24) and Shewanella baltica (n=7), which are known as spoilage bacteria were also isolated and showed weak histamine formation. Hence, it is evident that histamineforming bacteria could be introduced into the fish from ice and contacting surfaces. This necessitates the practice of rigorous cleaning procedures and adaptation of proper postharvest handling procedures to minimize contamination of the fish.

Superspreading, overdispersion and their implications in the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature

BackgroundA recurrent feature of infectious diseases is the observation that different individuals show different levels of secondary transmission. This inter-individual variation in transmission potential is often quantified by the dispersion parameter k. Low values of k indicate a high degree of variability and a greater probability of superspreading events. Understanding k for COVID-19 across contexts can assist policy makers prepare for future pandemics.MethodsA literature search following a systematic approach was carried out in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, medRxiv, bioRxiv and arXiv to identify publications containing epidemiological findings on superspreading in COVID-19. Study characteristics, epidemiological data, including estimates for k and R0, and public health recommendations were extracted from relevant records.ResultsThe literature search yielded 28 peer-reviewed studies. The mean k estimates ranged from 0.04 to 2.97. Among the 28 studies, 93% reported mean k estimates lower than one, which is considered as marked heterogeneity in inter-individual transmission potential. Recommended control measures were specifically aimed at preventing superspreading events. The combination of forward and backward contact tracing, timely confirmation of cases, rapid case isolation, vaccination and preventive measures were suggested as important components to suppress superspreading.ConclusionsSuperspreading events were a major feature in the pandemic of SARS-CoV-2. On the one hand, this made outbreaks potentially more explosive but on the other hand also more responsive to public health interventions. Going forward, understanding k is critical for tailoring public health measures to high-risk groups and settings where superspreading events occur.

7 Construction and Characterization of a Thermal Spray Coating Aerosol Generator

Abstract Thermal spray coating (TSC) is a surface treatment process whereby feedstock material is sprayed onto surfaces under pressure where it solidifies and forms a solid coating. In metal TSC processes, large quantities of aerosols, including fine and ultrafine metal particles are generated. However, exposure assessment for TSC is lacking. The goal of this study was to construct a TSC aerosol generation system and to characterize the physicochemical properties of aerosols generated during coating processes. A computer-controlled, automated electric arc wire-TSC aerosol generator system was built in an enclosed room, where a rotary motor rotates a metal feedstock pipe in circular and up-and-down directions to allow even deposition of coating material on the pipe surface. The characteristics of aerosolized particles during spray coating using a stainless-steel wire (PMET 720) showed that: 1) respirable mass concentrations ranged from 142–218 mg/m3 (3 spray shots with each shot of 1-sec during 20-min sampling), 2) diameter of peak particle number concentrations was between 360 nm and 400 nm, 3) mass median aerodynamic diameter determined by an impactor ranged from 290–370 nm, 4) particle morphology was observed to be diverse including chain-like agglomerates and spherical and cylinder-like shapes, and 5) metal composition was 80% iron, 17% chromium, and 3% manganese with trace amounts of nickel and copper. These findings are limited to one wire type and suggests the need for further investigations evaluating various parameters (e.g., wire/powder types, high/low energy, ventilation on/off) to obtain emission rates and recommend control measures.

An Intermittent Gastroenteritis Outbreak of Rotavirus Genotype G9P[8] in a Hotel in Songkhla Province, Thailand, April–May 2019

A series of acute gastroenteritis outbreaks occurred among participants of two seminars at a hotel in Songkhla Province during 26–29 Apr 2019 and 8–10 May 2019. Investigations were done to determine the causes of the outbreaks and recommend control measures. A case was defined as a participant who developed diarrhea, vomiting, nausea or abdominal pain between 26–30 April (Seminar 1) or 8–13 May (Seminar 2). Samples of the drinking and cooking water used during the seminars were taken and rectal swabs from cases and food handlers were collected for bacterial culture and viral reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction tests. A retrospective cohort study was conducted to identify risk factors. Of 349 participants interviewed, 237 were cases, giving an attack rate of 67.9%. The ages of the cases ranged from 11–57 years (median 15 years). The most common symptoms were watery diarrhea (94.1%), abdominal pain (81.0%) and nausea (57.8%). Rotavirus was detected in five cases, three food handlers and a sample of water used for cooking. All were of the same genotype G9P[8]. Implicated dishes included spicy seafood salad (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 4.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.7–11.8), shrimp in sauce (AOR 2.9, 95% CI 1.0-8.2), roast duck with vegetables (AOR 2.9, 95% CI 1.2–7.3) and water from a cooler (AOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.0–3.9). Contaminated water and infected food handlers were probable sources of cross-contamination. After the hotel’s water system was repaired and the food handlers were educated on safe food handling practices and good personal hygiene, no other outbreaks associated with the hotel were reported.

Evidence-based medicine: Challenges and Consensus for Clinicians &amp; Epidemiologists

Clinical epidemiology focuses on issues relevant to clinical medicine, representing a distinctive field that converts clinical practice into a quantitative science. Public health epidemiology is the basis of knowledge about how to prevent and treat disease in populations. Clinicians are concerned with diagnosing disease, making a prognosis, and prescribing specific treatment for each patient. Epidemiologists seek to identify a specific source of infection, mode of transmission, or causative factors in order to identify future trends and specifically recommend control measures. Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is both a challenge and a consensus for clinicians and epidemiologists. Through this article, we review the challenges and consensus of epidemiologists and clinicians on evidence-based medicine towards a future consensus development for the goal of medical ethics (Medical ethics ME) with the spirit of “All for One, One for All”.

Detailed analysis of in-hospital transmission of SARS-CoV-2 using whole genome sequencing

We present an outbreak of 56 staff and patient cases of COVID-19 over a 31 day period in a tertiary referral unit, with at least a further 29 cases identified outside of the unit and the hospital by whole genome sequencing (WGS). We document transmission from staff-to-staff, staff-to-patients and patients-to-staff and show disruption of a tertiary referral service, despite implementation of nationally recommended control measures, superior ventilation and use of PPE. We demonstrate extensive spread from the index case, despite them spending only 10 hours bed bound on the ward in strict cubicle isolation and with an initial single target low level (CT=32) PCR test. This investigation highlights critical issues including how effectively and explosively SARS-CoV-2 can spread in certain circumstances. It raises questions about infection control measures in place at the time and calls into question the premise that transmissibility can be reliably detected using lower sensitivity rapid antigen lateral flow tests. We also highlight the value of early intervention in reducing impact as well as the value of WGS in understanding outbreaks.

Survey of U.S. based veterinarians' knowledge, perceptions and practices about canine giardiasis.

Giardia spp. is a protozoal parasite capable of causing diarrhea in mammals. Certain Giardia assemblages are potentially zoonotic. As part of a public health study, a questionnaire-based cross-sectional web survey was distributed among U.S. small and mixed animal veterinarians to assess the perceived prevalence, the preferred testing and treatment methods, the recommended control measures, and the information communicated about the zoonotic potential of canine giardiasis. Between February and June 2021, over 123 veterinarians from 31U.S. states participated in the survey. 77% of surveyed veterinarians indicated that they are aware of the prevalence of canine giardiasis in their areas of practice. 52% of veterinarians reported that they test all symptomatic dogs for Giardia, while 42.4% test dogs only some of the time. The preferred confirmatory tests were in the following order: commercial diagnostic lab > in-clinic SNAP® Test > in-clinic Direct Smear > in-clinic Fecal Flotation > state/university diagnostic lab. Several combinations of tests are frequently used to confirm diagnosis. Although there are no labelled products available for treating canine giardiasis in the U.S., 54% of respondents preferred using both fenbendazole and metronidazole simultaneously, 15% reported using fenbendazole only, and 20% reported using metronidazole only. 77.0% of respondents indicated they have dealt with treatment refractory cases often or rarely. 92.6% of veterinarians reported mentioning environmental control to pet owners sometimes or always, which included bathing the infected pet, cleaning toys/bowls/bedding, cleaning floors, and bathing other pets. 73.6% of veterinarians communicated to their clients that Giardia was potentially zoonotic. There are conflicting opinions on the importance of zoonotic transmission between humans and canines available to the general veterinary practitioner. Given that children are at a higher risk of developing Giardia infections, it is important for veterinarians to preserve the health of canine companions to protect their human owners. Thus, the contributions of veterinarians in managing canine giardiasis within the framework of One Health initiatives should not be overlooked.

Clinico mycological profile of Dermatophytosis in patients attending tertiary care hospital in Northern India

Background: Dermatophytoses refers to superficial fungal infection of keratinized tissue caused by keratinophilic dermatophytes. It is most common superficial cutaneous infection of stratum corneum affecting hair, nail, and skin. Aims and Objective: The aim of this study was to study the clinico-mycological profile of dermatophytic infection that are prevalent in this region. Materials and Methods: Samples were collected from 104 patients which included skin, nail, and hair samples after the detail history and examination of patients. The samples were subjected to direct microscopy and culture. Further identification was done by microscopic and macroscopic characteristics of fungal pathogens. Results: A total of 104 cases were positive for dermatophytic infection. Among the dermatophytic infections, Tinea corporis (63.4%) was most common clinical type followed by Tinea cruris (18.3%). Males (66.3%) were affected more than females (33.6%) and the age group most affected was 31-45 yrs (46.2%) followed by 16-30 yrs (32.7%) in the current study. Of all the dermatophyte isolates T.rubrum was the most common (77.4%) cause of infection, followed by T. mentagrophytes (12.7%). Conclusion: The present study reveals the varying trend in the incidence of dermatophyte species which is important to implement treatment regimens and to recommend control measures.

Viral infections in Pakistan: prevalence, factors affecting spread, and recommendations for control.

Pakistan is endemic to a number of viral infections, owing to its humid climate, topographical variation, soaring population, and lack of education and awareness. These viruses may have several different modes of transmission, including respiratory or airborne transmission, sexual transmission, blood-borne, fecal-oral transmission, vector-borne transmission, and transmission following an organ transplant. Although several different microorganisms are responsible for causing these infections, a few viruses are found more commonly in Pakistan and are primarily responsible for causing infections. In this study, we present a review of the most recent studies on different viruses, transmitted through various transmission routes, found commonly in Pakistan, along with the prevalence of each, and recommend control measures required against these viruses.

Physiological and biochemical mechanisms of fruit cracking: A review

Fruit cracking is a serious physiological disorder that affects fruit quality and productivity. It is a pre-harvest disorder that results in poor quality of fruits; these are not marketable and cause economic losses to growers. Generally, fruit cracking occurs during the second phase of fruit growth when expanding pulp induces pressure to peel and peel becomes thinner and microcracks appear, ultimately fruit splits and drops off from tree. Several factors that contribute to fruit cracking are irregular water supply, heavy crop load, warm-humid climatic conditions, nutrient mis-management and hormonal imbalance. Cultivars having thinner peels and deficiency of Ca, K, B and P in soils are more prone to fruit cracking. This review provides the physiological and biochemical basis of fruit cracking along with recommended control measures to reduce this disorder. Foliar application of synthetic auxins, gibberellins and minerals (Ca, Zn, P and B) at different time intervals for different species to significantly reduce fruit cracking is included in this review. Further molecular studies need to be proposed to study the actual mechanism of cracking through function of genesand biotechnological approaches can be followed so that cracking resistant varieties are produced

Has the Spread of African Swine Fever in the European Union Been Impacted by COVID-19 Pandemic?

African Swine Fever (ASF) is a contagious viral disease of domestic and wild pigs, listed as notifiable by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). It causes substantial economic losses to pig farming in the affected countries, with consequent enormous damage to livestock production due to mortality of the animals, and to the restrictions on national and international trade in pigs and derivative products that the presence of the infection implies. To prevent or reduce the risk of ASF introduction, the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the OIE recommend preventive and control measures, such as the ban of live swine and their products traded from ASF-affected to ASF-free countries or zones. The current spread of ASF into Europe poses a serious risk to the industrialized and small-scale pig sector, as demonstrated by observed cases in different EU areas. In this paper the authors discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on ASF, and the indirect effects including the impact on animal health and disease management. They suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected animal disease surveillance control. ASF requires rapid responses and continuous monitoring to identify outbreaks and prevent their spread, and both aspects may have been greatly reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Study On Population Dynamics Of Sugarcane Root Borer In Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand, India

The studies on diversity of insect fauna and population dynamics of root borer in sugarcane were carried out for two crop seasons during 2017-18 and 2018-19 in U.S. Nagar, Uttarakhand, India. Root borer, Emmalocera depressella is spread extensively in all sugarcane growing areas of the country including Uttarakhand. The Survey and observation were conducted in sugarcane farmer’s fields both seeded and planted crops distributed over at four places of district U.S. Nagar during two consecutive years 2017-18 and 2018-19 with an objective to gather information of insect pest in this area towards developing survey schedule for the farmers to recommend control measures and to determine the population dynamics of sugarcane root borer in the months of March to till harvest of the crop. A total of one hundred canes from each places have been studied for the experimentation. The population reached its maximum in the month of May; however the peak activity recorded during both the first and second seasons, respectively. Thus the study exhibited that the peak activity of root borer was from AprilJune during 2017-18 and 2018-19 crop seasons, respectively.