Sucking Pests Research Articles

Efficacy of Biopesticides against Sucking Pests Infesting Moth Bean [Vigna aconitifolia (Jacq.) Marechal

A field experiment was conducted at College of Agriculture, NAU, Bharuch (Gujarat) to study the efficacy of biopesticides against sucking pests of moth bean during kharif -2023. Results revealed that among the different biopesticides tested against sucking pests of moth bean, Beauveria bassiana(1 x 108 cfu g-1), neem oil 0.5% and NSKE 5% was found most effective whereas, treatments of Lecanicillium lecanii (1x 108 cfu g-1) , Metarhizium anisopliae (1 x 108 cfu g-1) and azadirachtin 0.15 EC found moderately effective against jassid, Empoasca motti (Pruthi.) and whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) populations. Treatments of neem oil 0.5% and azadirachtin 0.15 EC was found most effective whereas, Beauveria bassiana(1 x 108 cfu g-1) and NSKE 5% found moderately effective against thrips, Caliothrips indicus (Bagnall).

Screening of Chrysanthemum Cultivars for their Tolerance against Sucking Pests in Terai Region of West Bengal, India

Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) is an important commercial flowering crop. This plant is often invaded by sucking pests like aphids, mealybugs and mites causing severe damage to the quality and quantity of flower yield. Searching for tolerant cultivars against these pests constitutes one of the most cost-effective pest management strategies. An experiment was conducted at Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, India to find out the reaction of forty different genotypes of spray chrysanthemum to aphids, mealybugs and mites. The results indicated that the genotypes exhibited significant variations in harbouring number of all the three sucking pests and the per cent plant infestation by aphids and mealybugs also varied significantly. The variation in pest infestation may be attributable to the genetic traits of these chrysanthemum cultivars. Out of all the genotypes tested the varieties Yellow Baby, Arka Kirti and Arka Yellow Gold were found to be the most tolerant against all the sucking pests and therefore, may be recommended for cultivation in the Terai agroclimatic region of West Bengal.

Unveiling Detoxifying Symbiosis and Dietary Influence on the Southern Green Shield Bug Microbiota.

The Southern green shield bug, Nezara viridula, is an invasive piercing and sucking pest insect that feeds on crops and poses a threat to global food production. Insects live in close relationships with microorganisms providing their host with unique capabilities, such as resistance to toxic plant metabolites. In this study, we investigated the resistance to and detoxification of the plant metabolite 3-nitropropionic acid by core and transient members of the N. viridula microbial community. Microbial community members showed a different tolerance to the toxin and we determined that six out of eight strains detoxified 3-nitropropionic acid. Additionally, we determined that 3-nitropropionic acid might interfere with the biosynthesis and transport of L-leucine. Moreover, our study explored the influence of diet on the gut microbial composition of N. viridula, demonstrating that switching to a single-plant diet shifts the abundance of core microbes. In line with this, testing pairwise microbial interactions revealed that core microbiota members support each other and repress the growth of transient microorganisms. With this work, we provide novel insights into the factors shaping the insect gut microbial communities and demonstrate that N. viridula harbours many toxin-degrading bacteria that could support its resistance to plant defences.

Pest succession and efficacy of newer insecticides and organic inputs including botanical and bio-pesticides against sucking pest complex of pigeon pea

Pest succession and efficacy of newer insecticides and organic inputs including botanical and bio-pesticides against sucking pest complex of pigeon pea

Effect of Sowing Time on Infestation of Sucking Pests in Okra

Okra is highly susceptible to sucking pests like leafhopper, whitefly, and red spider mite, leading to significant yield losses. While farmers rely on insecticides for pest control, excessive use poses risk to the environment. To explore alternatives, a study was conducted at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, during kharif 2023 to assess the effect of sowing time on sucking pests infestation in okra. For this, okra was sown on different times i.e., in the 3rd week of May, 1st and 3rd week of June, and 1st and 3rd week of July. The population of leafhopper, whitefly and red spider mite was recorded weekly, starting from the appearance of the pest. The study revealed that leafhopper population in crop sown in the 1st and 3rd week of July was on a par, however, significantly lower than that in other crops. Okra sown in the 1st week of July resulted in significantly lower population of whitefly than rest of the sowing times having population on a par with each other. Mite infestation was significantly lower in crop sown in the 3rd week of July compared to the others. Based on these findings, July appears to be the most suitable time for sowing okra to minimize sucking pests’ infestation.

Hyperspectral imaging for pest symptom detection in bell pepper

BackgroundThe automation of pest monitoring is highly important for enhancing integrated pest management in practice. In this context, advanced technologies are becoming increasingly explored. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is a technique that has been used frequently in recent years in the context of natural science, and the successful detection of several fungal diseases and some pests has been reported. Various automated measures and image analysis methods offer great potential for enhancing monitoring in practice.ResultsIn this study, the use of hyperspectral imaging over a wide spectrum from 400 to 2500 nm is investigated for noninvasive identification and the distinction of healthy plants and plants infested with Myzus persicae (Sulzer) and Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) on bell peppers. Pest infestations were carried out in netted areas, and images of single plants and dissected leaves were used to train the decision algorithm. Additionally, a specially modified spraying robot was converted into an autonomous platform used to carry the hyperspectral imaging system to take images under greenhouse conditions. The algorithm was developed via the XGBoost framework with gradient-boosted trees. Signals from specific wavelengths were found to be associated with the damage patterns of different insects. Under confined conditions, M. persicae and F. occidentalis infestations were distinguished from each other and from the uninfested control for single leaves. Differentiation was still possible when small whole plants were used. However, application under greenhouse conditions did not result in a good fit compared to the results of manual monitoring.ConclusionHyperspectral images can be used to distinguish sucking pests on bell peppers on the basis of single leaves and intact potted bell pepper plants under controlled conditions. Wavelength reduction methods offer options for multispectral camera usage in high-grown vegetable greenhouses. The application of automated platforms similar to the one tested in this study could be possible, but for successful pest detection under greenhouse conditions, algorithms should be further developed fully considering real-world conditions.

Impact of Weather Parameters on the Population Fluctuation of Major Sucking Pest in Summer Mung Bean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek

Background: Mungbean may be grown in an extensive range of agro climatic zones in India and across the world. It is a crucial component of our diet. Because of its capacity to fix nitrogen, it also plays a vital role in managing soil fertility. Mung beans are one of the most significant crops for farmers as a cash crop. In order to implement control measures effectively and on schedule, it is crucial to monitor the population dynamics of major sucking pests, such as aphids, jassids and whiteflies in relation of weather parameters. Methods: PDM-139 (Samrat) variety seeds were manually planted 5-7cm deep in the ground. Weekly observations were made from 10 randomly chosen plants Split cage methods were used to record the observations of jassids and whiteflies and aphids from the top and bottom surfaces of the first three trifoliate plants were tallied. Averages population were computed. Result: The incidence of pest population start on the 14-15th standard meteorological weeks which attain their peak population in 19th SMW. The insect-pest population was established positive correlation with the max and min temperature whereas population was negatively correlated with R.H. and Rainfall.

Identification, Cloning, and Characterization of Two Acupuncture-Injury-Inducing Promoters in Rice

As an important global food crop, rice is damaged by a variety of piercing–sucking pests. Identifying a broad-spectrum promoter induced by the physical signal of sucking pests and applying it to transgenic breeding to mitigate the damage caused by different sucking pests will significantly improve the efficiency of our breeding. This study compared the transcriptome changes in two rice varieties under needle-wounding stress to investigate their differential responses to mechanical damage. The results showed that the insect-susceptible variety TN1 exhibited more differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and greater changes in expression levels after needle treatment, indicating a more active internal gene regulatory network. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis further revealed that TN1 not only exhibited changes in genes related to the extracellular environment, but also mobilized more genes associated with stress response and defense. By screening the differentially expressed genes, we identified two promoters (P1 and P2) with inducible expression characteristics in both the resistant and susceptible rice varieties. These promoters were able to effectively drive the expression of the insect resistance gene OsLecRK1* and enhance the resistance of transgenic plants against the brown planthopper. This study provides promoter resources for the development of insect-resistant transgenic crops.

Field Efficacy of Botanicals against Sucking Pests in Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] under Organic Cultivation

Investigations were carried out at Agronomy Instructional Farm, Chimanbhai Patel College of Agriculture, S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar during kharif, 2022-23 and 2023-24 for evaluation of various botanicals on the incidence of sucking pests viz., aphid, thrips, leaf hopper and pod bug in pigeonpea. Among the botanicals treatment, NSKE @ 5 per cent + cow urine @ 10 per cent recorded significantly minimum 1.91 aphid per 10 cm shoot, 3.54 thrips per flower, 2.27 leaf hopper per 3 leaves and 1.93 pod bug per plant. The highest yield was obtained in the treatment of NSKE @ 5 per cent + cow urine @ 10 per cent (1300 kg/ha) and it was at par with NSKE @ 5 per cent (1282 kg/ha) and dashparniark @ 10 per cent (1258 kg/ha). The maximum increase in yield over control (76.07%) was obtained in NSKE @ 5 per cent + cow urine @ 10 per cent. The minimum avoidable losses (1.41%) and highest PCBR (1:16.12) was observed in the plot treated with NSKE @ 5 per cent.

Impact of leaf trichomes and stomatal density on the response of three soybean varieties to sucking pest infestation

Chemical pesticides disrupt local ecosystems, reduce populations of natural predators, and contribute to the evolution of pest resistance. Therefore, developing pest-resistant crop varieties is one of the most promising and environmentally friendly alternatives for pest control today. In the present study field experiments were conducted over two consecutive growing seasons in 2022 and 2023 to explore pest resistance among three soybean varieties viz. Crawford, Giza 111, and Giza 22. The research aimed to assess pest infestation resistance among these varieties, considering various leaf morphological factors. Four key pests were evaluated in the study viz. whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci Genn), spider mites (Tetranychus urticae Koc), aphids (Aphis gossypii Glover), and thrips (Thrips tabaci Lind)). The soybean varieties exhibited differences in susceptibility, and pest density varied across the two growing seasons. Crawford and Giza 111 demonstrated lower resistance, characterized by reduced leaf hair density and an increased number of stomata per leaflet. In contrast, Giza 22 was the most susceptible, featuring a higher density of trichomes and lower stomata density. In terms of field yield, Crawford produced the highest yield, followed by Giza 111, while Giza 22 yielded the least. The results of this study underscore the importance of selecting resistant plant varieties in future pest resistance improvement programs.

Mealybugs as invasive sucking pests: A review of identification and integrated management approaches

Mealybugs as invasive sucking pests: A review of identification and integrated management approaches

INFESTATION OF DIFFERENT INSECT PESTS ON NOVEL COTTON CULTIVARS AND THEIR IMPACTS ON COTTON FIBER QUALITY PARAMETERS

Pakistan is the 5th largest producer of cotton in the world. Exports of cotton and textile products have a share of around 60 percent in overall exports of the country. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the different fiber quality parameters in relation to different insect pest populations. The introduction of this new types of cultivars may satisfy the needs of farmers for better quality and quantity, laborers who harvest crops, and other investors, including those in the cotton sector. A field research was carried out at the Cotton Research Station, Faisalabad, Pakistan, during the year 2023 cotton cultivars (VH-447, FH-1133, BH-228, SLH-94, MNH-S GOLD, BH-227, FH-1214, MNH-1095, VH-442, MNH-1090, RH-BAGHO BAHAR, MNH-1050, and MNH-TP) were evaluated for resistance to sucking pests such as whitefly (Bemisia tabaci); jassid (Amrasca biguttula biguttula); and thrips (Thrips tabaci) as well as bollworms such as pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella); spotted bollworm (Earias insulana; E. vitelli); and American bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera). There were notable variations across the genotypes in terms of the population of sucking and bollworm insect pest infestation, which lowers cotton production and negatively affects fiber quality. FH-1133 showed the lowest average populations of thrips (1.00/leaf), jassid (0.27/leaf), and whiteflies (2.00/leaf), indicating the highest resistance. The average population (9.84%) of pink bollworm larvae in residual boll. The virus percentage on different cotton genotypes recorded after 30, 60, 90, and 120 days was 0.00, 9.00, 14.00, and 19.00%, respectively. The cultivar FH-1133 was observed to be good for all other genotypes of cotton due to its yield (2372.50 kg/acre), and it had the following lint quality attributes: GOT (46.50%), staple length (28.50 mm), fiber fineness (4.70 µg/inch), and fiber strength (33.20 g/tex).

Efficacy of Combi-Product Fipronil 40%+ Imidacloprid 40%WG against Leafhopper and Thrips in Cotton

The efficacy of lessenta 80 WG (fipronil 40%+ imidacloprid 40%WG) @ 125, 100 and 75 g ai/ ha was evaluated against sucking pests of cotton in comparison with the fipronil 5%SC @ 125 g ai/ ha, imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 250 g ai/ ha, lambda-cyhalothrin 5%EC @ 600 g ai/ ha and monocrotophos 36%SL @ 437 g ai/ ha at the Agricultural Research Station, Dharwad, Karnataka, India. Fipronil 40%+ imidacloprid 40%WG @ 125 g ai/ ha recorded significantly minimum (8.25 and 3.01) Thrips tabaci (Lindeman) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and Amrasca biguttula biguttula (Ishida) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) incidence, respectively followed by lessenta 80 WG @ 100 g ai/ ha (8.68 and 3.42, respectivey) and fipronil 40%+ imidacloprid 40%WG @ 75 g ai/ ha (9.55 and 3.98, respectively). Further, significantly highest seed cotton yield of 13.99 q/ha, 13.58 q/ha and 12.86 q/ha, respectively were harvested from the fipronil 40%+ imidacloprid 40%WG treatments proving them better choice in effective management of both A. biguttula biguttula and T. tabaci incidence.

Morphological Parameters of Sesame in Relation to Susceptibility to Major Sucking Insect Pests

Based on previous field screening data 15 genotypes were selected (based on the number of insect pests population/ plant) to study the role of morphological parameters of sesame. Trichome density, length and width were estimated under microscope with the help of software. The 15 selected genotypes of sesame were studied for finding trichome’s role in host plant resistance against major sucking pests; whitefly Bemisia tabaci), leafhopper (Orocius albicinctus) and mirid bug (Nesidiocoris tenuis) of sesame and the correlation studies revealed that the density of non-glandular trichome showed significant positive correlation with the population of Orocius albicinctus (r= 0.868), Nesidiocoris tenuis (r=0.549) and Bemisia tabaci (r= 0.824) while length and width of non-glandular trichomes and density of glandular trichomes showed non-significant (±) impact on the incidence of tested sucking insect pests.

Interplay of Abiotic Factors on Various Phytophagous Beetles in Cucumber Under Different Agro-climatic Conditions

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.2n = 14) is one of the widely cultivated summer vegetable crops from the gourd family of Cucurbitaceae which is native to India. The climatic conditions of northeast India especially Assam are highly conducive for reproduction of insects, and this region has been considered to be a biodiversity hotspot. Moreover, this region has huge potential for the production of vegetable crops especially cucurbits, but insect pests like fruit flies, pumpkin beetle and sucking pests are major limiting factors for successful cultivation of cucurbits like cucumber etc. Therefore, understanding population fluctuation in the field in relation to losses caused by insect pests are a function of their population dynamics which needs to be thoroughly studied. In view of above factors, an investigation on “Interplay of Abiotic and Biotic Factors on various phytophagous beetles of Cucumber Under Different Agro- Climatic Conditions” was carried out at Horticultural Farm, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat. Population of phytophagous beetles were recorded on weekly intervals based on number of beetles per plant at seven days interval on 5 randomly selected plants after appearance of the pest. The results showed that during 2019 -2021 summer season, the red pumpkin beetle first appeared on 24th April 2019 and 7th May 2020 with initial population of 4.51 and 2.23 beetles per plant, respectively. However, maximum beetle populations were recorded on 8thMay 2019 and 3rd July 2020 with 6.15 and 6.52 beetles per plant, respectively.

Effectiveness of bioinsecticides for different applications against the main pests of radish

Goal. To determine the technical effectiveness of bioinsecticides against major insect pests of radish (Raphanus sativus (L.) convar. radicula (Pers) Sazon.) grown in open fields, and their impact on plants, yield, and root crop quality. Methods. The study was conducted in accordance with the methods generally accepted in entomology and vegetable growing. During 2020—2022 in open ground conditions on three radish hybrids of different ripeness groups (Adele, Eliza and Stellar) the effectiveness of bioinsecticides Bitoxibacillin-BTU, p. (cell bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis-endospores, titer 1.0 × 10⁹ CFU/ cm3, CS +), 2 l/ha, ACTOVERM FORMULA, CE (abamectin, 18 g/l), 5 l/ha, Lepidocide-BTU, p. (cells of the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis-var. Kurstaki 9708 L, endospores less than 1 × 109 CFU/cm3), 4 l/ ha, (control). The preparations were applied by spraying plants and fertigation (introduction of fertilizers or pesticides into the irrigation system). Results. On the 14th day after spraying radish plants with Bitoxybacillin-BTU, the population of crucifer flea beetles decreased by 3.9—5.2 times and by 2.8—3.9 times with fertigation. The population of cabbage aphids decreased by 3.9—4.8 and 3.0—3.5 times, and cabbage moth by 5.0—9.0 and 2.7—5.0 times, respectively. The technical effectiveness of Bitoxybacillin-BTU was 76% and 68% against crucifer flea beetles, 78% and 70% against cabbage aphids, and 83% and 73% against cabbage moth. The application of ACTOVERM FORMULA by spraying reduced the population of crucifer flea beetles by 2.6—3.3 times and by 2.5—2.7 times with fertigation. The population of cabbage aphids decreased by 2.9—3.6 and 2.5—2.8 times, and cabbage moth by 2.0—3.0 and 2.0—5.0 times, depending on the radish hybrid. The technical effectiveness of ACTOVERM FORMULA against these pests was 67%, 70%, and 77% with spraying, and 60%, 62%, and 73% with fertigation, respectively. No negative effects from spraying or fertigation with bioinsecticides on radish plants were detected. However, radish plants in the spray treatment had higher height (by 2—3 cm), more leaves per plant (by 1 leaf), and a larger leaf surface area (by 0.2—0.8 thousand m²/ha), depending on the hybrid and product. The root mass increased in treatments with double spraying of ACTOVERM FORMULA and Bitoxybacillin-BTU compared to control and fertigation. The use of bioinsecticides Bitoxybacillin- BTU and ACTOVERM FORMULA (2 treatments) during vegetation ensured yields of 25.6—25.8 t/ha for the Adele hybrid with 93—94% marketable root crops, 24.0—25.1 t/ha for the Eliza hybrid with 94—95% marketable root crops, and 23.2—23.7 t/ha for the Stellar hybrid with 95—96% marketable root crops. The root crops had high dry matter content (Adele: 7.9—8.2%, Eliza: 6.2—6.3%, Stellar: 6.5—6.7%), total sugars (Adele: 2.4—2.5%, Eliza: 2.1—2.2%, Stellar: 2.6%), and ascorbic acid content (Adele: 26.0—26.2 mg/100 g, Eliza: 23.9—24.0 mg/100 g, Stellar: 25.4—25.5 mg/100 g). Conclusions. The application of bioinsecticides Bitoxybacillin-BTU (2 l/ha) and ACTOVERM FORMULA (5 l/ ha) is an effective method for controlling sucking pests in radish crops. Double spraying of radish plants at BBCH 0—9 and BBCH 12—19 with Bitoxybacillin-BTU (2 l/ha) provided control of crucifer flea beetle (76%), cabbage aphid (78%), and cabbage moth (83%). Double spraying with ACTOVERM FORMULA (5 l/ha) at the same stages provided control of crucifer flea beetle (67%), cabbage aphid (70%), and cabbage moth (77%).

Seasonal Incidence of Castor Sucking Pests in Southern Telangana Zone, India

Seasonal Incidence of Castor Sucking Pests in Southern Telangana Zone, India

Alkyl sulfones: discovery of novel structural types with differentiated opportunities for insect control.

The discovery of novel chemical classes with novel modes of action for insect control form the backbone of innovation with the goal to deliver much-needed solutions into the hands of growers. Over the last decade, alkyl sulfones have emerged as one of the most versatile new classes and are under intensive investigation in many R&D programs in the industry, with Sumitomo Chemicals recently introducing oxazosulfyl as a first active ingredient to the market. In this review, we discuss some of our strategies to invent novel classes based upon ligand-based design, and also show how incorporation of physical chemical properties into our design enabled us to predictably control chewing and sucking pests. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Mixture of Synthetic Plant Volatiles Attracts More Stick Tea Thrips Dendrothrips minowai Priesner (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and the Application as an Attractant in Tea Plantations.

The stick tea thrip (Dendrothrips minowai) is one of the most serious sucking pests of tea plants (Camellia sinensis) in China, North Korea, and Japan. Plant volatile lures are widely used for both monitoring and mass trapping. Previously, we demonstrated that sticky traps baited with p-anisaldehyde, eugenol, farnesene, or 3-methyl butanal captured significantly more D. minowai in tea plantations, with p-anisaldehyde notably capturing the most. In this study, we showed that D. minowai adults exhibited significantly higher attraction to mixtures of p-anisaldehyde, eugenol, and farnesene compared to an equivalent dose of p-anisaldehyde alone in H-tube olfactometer assays under laboratory conditions. Moreover, in field experiments conducted in 2022, rubber septa impregnated with a ternary blend of p-anisaldehyde, eugenol, and farnesene (at 3-4.5 mg and a ratio of 3:1:1) captured the highest number of adults on sticky traps, outperforming traps bailed with individual components or a solvent control over two weeks. Significantly, the mass trapping strategy employing these lures achieved control efficacies ranging from 62.8% to 70.7% when compared to traps without attractant, which achieved control efficacies of only 14.2% to 35.4% across three test sites in 2023. These results indicate that the combination of p-anisaldehyde, eugenol, and farnesene exhibits an additive or synergistic effect on D. minowai. In conclusion, our findings establish a theoretical framework and provide practical technological support for integrating attractant-based strategies into comprehensive thrips management strategies.

Population dynamics of major sucking pests and their natural enemies of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) under north Gujarat conditions

Population dynamics of major sucking pests and their natural enemies of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) under north Gujarat conditions