Sucking Pests Research Articles

Plant age, crop stage and surrounding habitats: their impact on sucking pests and predators complex in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) field plots in arid climate at district Layyah, Punjab, Pakistan.

Sucking pests are major threat to cotton field crop which cause unbearable losses to the crop yield. Aim of the current study was to record seasonal dynamics of major sucking insect pests including whitefly, jassid, thrips and their natural arthropod predators i.e. green lacewings and spiders in cotton field plots. The effects of surrounding field crops on pests' density and predatory efficiency of predators were also recorded. For sampling and survey of insects, the visual counting was found to be the most efficient method for recording the abundance of insects, trailed by net sweeping and tapping. Whitefly was the most dominant sucking pest found on the vegetative stage of cotton, followed by jassid and thrips. Fluctuated populations of predatory arthropods, spiders and green lacewings were also recorded during whole cropping season however, the densities of pests and predators varied with crop phenology. Spiders' population was encouraging at both vegetative and flowering stage and also the same trend of jassid and whitefly were observed at both stages of the crop. Surrounding habitats showed non-significant effect on population densities of insect pests and predators. For abiotic factors, the spiders showed strong positive correlation with humidity and temperature. However, green lacewing was only positively correlated with humidity. On the other hand, the populations of whitefly, jassid and thrips showed non-significant correlation with both temperature and humidity. Overall densities of sucking insect pests were found above economic threshold level. The plant age, crop stage and surrounding habitats effect on the population fluctuation of pests as well as the predators' abundance. The future studies are also warranted to investigate the altered habitats and multiple trap cropping to find out their impact on unattended insect predators and parasitoids in cotton crop.

Influence of traps colour and height of its placement in trapping sucking pests and natural enemies in greengram

The study conducted at Regional Agricultural Research station, Lam, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh in greengram for three consecutive years during 2019, 2020 and 2021 using three commercially available double sided yellow, blue, and white sticky traps placed at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ft height from the crop canopy in bulk crop showed that blue sticky traps were more attractive to thrips, yellow sticky traps for whiteflies and leafminers. while, the yellow sticky traps were found detrimental to coccinellids. The trapping of insects reduced with the increase in trap height from the crop canopy irrespective of the trap colour. The traps placed upto 2 ft above the crop canopy recorded higher number of sucking pests as well as coccinellids in greengram.

Bioefficacy of newer insecticides against sucking pests; jassid, whitefly and mite on Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

The present investigation was carried out at the Research Farm of Department of Agricultural Entomology, VNMKV, Parbhani during kharif 2018–19 to evaluate the efficacy of insecticides against sucking pests of brinjal. Seven insecticidal treatments cyantraniliprole OD, ffnpropathrin EC, flubendiamide SC, cartaphydrochloride SG, emamectin benzoate SG, λ-cyhalothrin EC and chlorantraniliprole SC were evaluated. Three sprays of each treatment at the interval of 15 days, starting with beginning of pest infestation, were given during the experiment. Cyantraniliprole 10.26% OD was found to be superior over the other insecticides. It recorded the lowest number of jassids and whiteflies, which was on par with the remaining treatments. Though the insecticides are not acaricides, but they showed a significant reduction in mite population over the untreated control plot. Fenpropathrin 30% EC was found effective against mites. This finding will be useful to identify the chemical combinations showing both insecticidal as well as acaricidal properties.

Estimation of crop losses due to major insect pests of grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) in Gangetic plains of Eastern India

At vegetative stage grass pea crop, was found infested mostly by a sucking pest viz., black pulse aphid (Aphis craccivora), while, gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera was an important pod boring insect during reproductive stage. The results revealed that the fully protected plot which was treated with Thiamethoxam 25 WG @ 0.2 g/l of water and Indoxacarb 14.5 SC @ 0.5 ml/l of water during vegetative stage and reproductive stage of the crop, respectively, had resulted the highest pod yield, avoidable crop loss and increase in yield over control. The results also suggested that if two rounds of spraying are allowed to control the pests, the crop should be sprayed with Thiamethoxam and Indoxacarb at aforementioned doses during both vegetative and reproductive stages, respectively. Otherwise, if single spraying would be allowed, the crop should be managed during vegetative stage to control aphids which had more damaging ability than pod borers.

Evaluation of different concentrations of bio-pesticide (NANMA) against sucking pests of potato under field condition

A field trial was conducted at ICAR-Central Potato Research Station, Gwalior for two consecutive years (2018-19 and 2019-20) to study the effect of different concentrations of ICAR-CTCRI developed bio-pesticide Nanma @ 5, 7.5 and 10 ml L−1 along with neem oil @ 2 ml L−1, mineral oil @ 5 ml L−1, karanj oil @ 2 ml L−1 and untreated control against whitefly, (Bemisia tabaci) and thrips (Thrips palmi) on potato cv. Kufri Jyoti. Pre and post treatment observations of white fly and thrips were recorded from all the plots at 1 day before and 1, 3 and 7 days after spray during both the years. The pooled data of population revealed that 7 days after spray Nanma @ 10 ml L−1 was the best treatment for controlling white fly and thrips as it recorded 72.95 and 74.29 per cent reduction in population over control, followed by Nanma @ 5 ml L−1. Lowest per cent leaf curl disease (0.22) was recorded in Nanma @ 10 ml L−1 treated plats followed by Nanma @ 7.5 ml L−1. Considering incremental cost benefit ratio Nanma @ 10 ml L−1 was found economical over other treatments for management of sucking pests in potato crop.

Endosymbiotic Bacteria Associated with the Spiralling Whitefly, Aleurodicus dispersus Russell (Hemiptera:Aleyrodidae)

Aleurodicus dispersus Russell, commonly known as spiralling whitefly (SWF), is a noxious polyphagous sucking pest infesting on an array of agricultural and horticultural crops, both in the glasshouse and field conditions. Bacterial endosymbionts associated with insects provide several benefits for the survival and reproduction of their host. Since endosymbionts play a vital role in the physiology of their host, identification of bacteria associated with SWF will entail the formulation of appropriate strategy to contain the noxious pest. In the present investigation bacterial strains associated with A. dispersus Russell were isolated and identified based on the biochemical parameters and comparative analysis of 16S rDNA sequences. Biochemical tests with VITEK 2 analyser and DNA revealed that there are four different strains of bacterium belonging to three different genera -- Bacillus, Staphylococcus and Pantoea associated with SFW.

Impact of weather parameters on seasonal incidence of black pepper root Mealybug, Formicococcus polysperma Williams under hill zone of Karnataka

The present investigation was undertaken to find the impact of weather factors on seasonal incidence of sucking pest of black pepper under field conditions during 2017-18 & 2018-19. The incidence of root Mealybug population 5.36 and 6.93 colonies per 15 cm root length was observed during 2017-18 & 2018-19, respectively, with an average population of 6.14. the incidence was noticed throughout the year and reached peak by 40th standard week (18.80 & 8.10 mealy bug colonies/15cm root length) (i.e. October & November) confirming the infestation during post rainy season coinciding drier months with relative humidity (84%) in soil favouring the pest population and lowest population in March (2.40). The per cent infestation of pepper vines ranged from 21 to 48 per cent with an average per cent damage of 31.79%. There was a strong positive correlation was observed between rainfall, relative humidity, maximum temperature and root mealy bug population.

Impact of Cluster Frontline Demonstration on Productivity and Profitability of Blackgram

Black gram (Vigna mungo) is one of the most important pulse crops grown next to Bengal gram in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh. The productivity of black gram in the district is low and attempts were made to increase the production and productivity by adopting high yielding variety along with integrated crop management (ICM) practices. The ICM practices including sowing of improved variety (TBG 104), seed treatment + neem oil application at 25–30 DAS+ arrangement of sticky traps to monitor sucking pest vectors + spraying of monocrotophos @ 1.6 ml per litre of water at flowering to pod formation stage for insect management + spraying of carbendazim for control of leaf spot was demonstrated in farmer's field. The results revealed that increase in seed yield over farmers’ practice was 22.2 and 25.0 per cent during 2020–21 and 2021–22, respectively. It was also observed that demonstrated practices recorded higher net returns/ha as compared to farmer's practice during the years 2020–21 and 2021–22. The benefit cost ratio during 2020–21 and 2021–22 was 1.59 and 1.52 respectively. The percent technology index varied between 47.0 to 54.2 per cent indicating a need to motivate the farmers to adopt economical viable technologies for increasing production, productivity and profitability of black gram in Nellore district.

Monitoring of Sucking Pest on Mustard Crop through Different Colours Sticky Traps

Monitoring of Sucking Pest on Mustard Crop through Different Colours Sticky Traps

Bio-efficacy of Certain Insecticides Sequence on Cotton Sucking Pests and Pink Bollworm

The field trials were conducted for two consecutive years during kharif, 2018 and 2019 seasons in the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Warangal, Telangana, India. The susceptible hybrid RCH-2 was grown during both the years of study. Among the treatments, significant (25.4%) reduction of aphids was recorded in neem oil, clothianidin and flonicamid sequential spray. The sequence chlorpyriphos, flonicamid and clothianidin achieved superior efficacy against jassids with 32.3% reduction over control during the two seasons. The highest reduction (25.2%) of thrips was observed in neem oil, clothianidin, flonicamid sequential spray. The incidence of whitefly was low during the experimental period, however, the highest white fly reduction (15.0%) was observed in chlorpyriphos, flonicamid, clothianidin spray. The lowest number of PBW larvae per 10 green bolls was observed in profenophos, spinetoram, chlorpyriphos+cypermethrin sequential spray that reduces up to 61.9% incidence. The lowest number of (38.5) damaged locules per 100 fully opened bolls were observed in profenophos, spinetoram, chlorpyriphos+cypermethrin sequential spray. But, the highest seed cotton yield (1414 kg ha-1) as well as benefit cost ratio (1.02) was recorded in chlorpyriphos, flonicamid, emamectin benzoate, clothianidin, indoxacarb+acetamiprid sequential spray. The study further revealed that, initial control of sucking pests menace especially jassid was crucial in deciding the cotton yield as compared to later stage pink bollworm menace. During both the years, it was noticed that during peak incidence of jassid, the treated plot with flonicamid against jassid in first instance had given highest seed cotton yield.

Complete mitochondrial genome sequencing of Oxycarenus laetus (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae) from two geographically distinct regions of India

Oxycarenus laetus is a seed-sap sucking pest affecting a variety of crops, including cotton plants. Rising incidence and pesticide resistance by O. laetus have been reported from India and neighbouring countries. In this study, O. laetus samples were collected from Bhatinda and Coimbatore (India). Pure mtDNA was isolated and sequenced using Illumina MiSeq. Both the samples were found to be identical species (99.9%), and the complete genome was circular (15,672 bp), consisting of 13 PCGs, 2 rRNA, 23 tRNA genes, and a 962 bp control region. The mitogenome is 74.1% AT-rich, 0.11 AT, and − 0.19 GC skewed. All the genes had ATN as the start codon except cox1 (TTG), and an additional trnT was predicted. Nearly all tRNAs folded into the clover-leaf structure, except trnS1 and trnV. The intergenic space between trnH and nad4, considered as a synapomorphy of Lygaeoidea, was displaced. Two 5 bp motifs AATGA and ACCTA, two tandem repeats, and a few microsatellite sequences, were also found. The phylogenetic tree was constructed using 36 mitogenomes from 7 super-families of Hemiptera by employing rigorous bootstrapping and ML. Ours is the first study to sequence the complete mitogenome of O. laetus or any Oxycarenus species. The findings from this study would further help in the evolutionary studies of Lygaeidae.

Population dynamics of defoliator and sucking pests in black gram

Population dynamics of black gram defoliators viz., leaf folder, Omiodes indicata (Fabricus), striped flea beetle, Phyllotreta striolata (Fabricus) and the sucking pest, bean aphids, Aphis craccivora (Koch) were studied in the entire crop growth period during Kharif 2020 and Rabi 2020 - 2021. The results exhibited the high peak of population of defoliator’s population at 43rd Standard Week (SW) (91 larvae/ 50 plants) and 14th SW (76 larvae/ 50 plants), 43rd SW (210 beetles/ 50 plants) and 14th SW (197 beetles/ 50 plants) during Kharif 2020 and Rabi 2020 – 2021, respectively. The sucking pest reached a high peak at 45th SW (325 aphids/ 50 plant) and 16th SW (305 aphids/ 50 plant) during Kharif 2020 and Rabi 2020 – 2021. Impact of meteorological parameters on the population dynamics of black gram pests were studied and interpreted.

Development stages of soybean varieties against pod sucking pest Riptortus linearis F. (Hemiptera: Alydidae) under two different cultivation technologies

Pod sucking pest, Riptortus linearis, is one of the important pests on soybeans which cause high yield losses. In order to reduce yield loss, information related to the development stages of resistant varieties and appropriate cultivation technology is needed. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the development stages of soybean varieties and cultivation technology on the population and intensity of pod sucking pests, R. linearis, attack and soybean yield. The study was conducted in a split plot design with two factors, namely cultivation technology [recommendation technology (TR) and existing technology (TE)], and soybean varieties: [Detap-1 (V1), Dega-1 (V2), Anjasmoro (V3), Biosoy (V4), and Dena-1 (V5)]. Each treatment combination was replicated three times resulting in 30 experimental plots. The results showed that soybean varieties affected the population and intensity of R. linearis. Development stages of soybean varieties that positively correlated with pest populations were plant height with a correlation coefficient value r=0.52, followed by pod trichome density (r=0.12), and the number of pods attacked (r=0.49). While the character that correlated with the intensity of pest attack was the density of trichomes (r=0.20). Recommended cultivation technology can increase soybean productivity between 0.1 – 0.47 ton/ha compared to farmers’ existing technology.

Manipulating mate-choice for a quantitative augmentation of a biological control agent, Coccinella transversalis Fabricius

For food security and sustainable crop protection, it is a necessity to optimize the massrearing and augmentation of biocontrol agents of numerous aphid pests. Coccinellids, commonly known as ladybird beetles, are potential predators on several sucking pests and promising biocontrol agents. In the present investigation, laboratory experiments were performed to find out whether manipulation of mate choice in aphidophagous ladybird Coccinella transversalis Fabricius (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) under varying mating status could influence reproductive output in terms of high fecundity. It was found that the mating status under the mate choice highly affects mating duration and fecundity. The mating commenced earlier under the presence of different males than the females in an arena. The mating lasted for a longer duration between virgin females and multi-mated males than vice-versa. The bouts in copula increased with an increase in the mating status in both sexes. Females of multi-mated status were more fecund than the unmated females. Thus, the present study will be useful for the manipulation of quantitative mass-rearing of C. transversalis for the biocontrol of aphids and thereby enhancing crop productivity and sustainable crop protection.

Improving the Efficacy of Pongamia Oil with Combinations of Botanical Oils Against Sucking Pests of Chilli

The study evaluated the efficacy of various oils and combinations against sucking pests of chilli. The concentration of emulsifier for efficient emulsification of oils was also studied. Detergent powder @ 0.3% effectively emulsified pongamia oil @ 2.5, 5.0 and 10%. Combination of pongamia oil + neem oil + cotton seed oil + citronella oil (50:25:15:10 ratio) @ 2.0% was superior in management of sucking pests followed by pongamia oil + neem oil (50:50 ratio) @ 2.0%. Botanical oils and their combinations had no direct impact on pollinators and natural enemies except citronella oil. Pongamia oil + neem oil + cotton seed oil + citronella oil (50:25:15:10 ratio) and pongamia oil + neem oil (50:50 ratio) yielded significantly higher yield over other treatments.

Evaluation of biorational pesticides against Bemisia tabaci Gennadius and Amrasca biguttula biguttula Ishida and its impact on natural enemies population in cowpea ecosystem

The whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius) and leafhopper (Amrasca biguttula biguttula Ishida) are two major sucking pests causing considerable damage in cowpea production. Considering the negative impact of chemical pesticides on food safety, environment, and human welfare; an eco-friendly approach is aimed at utilizing naturally derived products for effective management of the aforesaid pests and maintain ecological balance. The present study was performed under field conditions to evaluate the performance of five naturally derived components [water plant extracts viz. chili (Capsicum annum), garlic (Allium sativum L.), and neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) along with cow urine in three different combinations, two formulated entomopathogenic fungi (Metarrhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana) along with one positive (Imidacloprid) and negative (water) control. The study was designed in RCBD with three replications for the years 2019 and 2020, respectively. Combined application of neem, chili, garlic, and cow urine extracts (NCGC) at 10% w/v had the highest population reduction of whitefly (0.09 & 0.10 per three leaves) and leafhopper (0.03 & 0.04 per three leaves) over both standard controls after two round of application in the year 2019 and 2020, respectively. Natural enemies (coccinellids) population was drastically reduced in positive control whereas the population build-up strengthened in all other treatments including negative control. Cowpea treated with NCGC produced a higher economic yield (1.54 Mg ha−1) than those of other treatments. The study suggests that NCGC is an effective biorational based technology for sustainable management of whitefly and leafhopper in cowpea cropping system with ensuring food safety and eco-friendly approach. This novel finding can be integrated with an integrated pest management program for diverse cropping systems.

Leafhopper (Idioscopus spp.) excreted honeydew distracts honey bees (Apis spp.) from visiting mango (Mangifera indica L.) flowers: an indirect loss inflicted by the sucking pests hitherto unaccounted

Honeydew is a sugar-rich sweet substance excreted by the phloem-feeding herbivorous insects like aphids, leafhoppers, mealybugs and scales of the Order Hemiptera. The honeydew is generally deposited on the surface of leaves and other plant parts and serves as a food source to other nectar feeders including honey bees. There is a possibility that the presence of honeydew might distract honey bees from visiting flowers, leading to depriving them of adequate pollination services. In order to establish this hypothesis, field studies were conducted for two consecutive flowering seasons (2017 and 2018) in a mango orchard at Bengaluru, India to assess the effect of honeydew excreted by leafhoppers (Idioscopus spp.), a serious sap-sucking pest of mango (Mangifera indica L.), on honey bee visitation to mango flowers. The number of bees foraging on the inflorescence of mango trees which were allowed to have hopper infestation and subsequent honeydew on foliage was compared with those on trees which were maintained free from leafhoppers incidence and honeydew. The mean number of bees of all three species of Apis foraging on mango flowers on trees maintained free from hopper infestation was significantly higher (4.58/10 panicles/5 min) compared to that on trees with leafhopper infestation and subsequent honeydew deposits on leaves (1.98), which translates to a very considerable 55.53% reduction. Since mango is a cross-pollinated crop, the fruit set is directly proportional to the extent of pollinator activity. This study highlights a different ecological implication of honeydew excreted by a sucking pest of a fruit crop.

ECOLOGICAL IMPACT OF PB-ROPES ON POPULATION OF THRIPS TABACI AND ITS NATURAL ENEMIES

Cotton is most important fiber crop of Pakistan. Cotton contributes 1.6% in GDP of Pakistan. The sucking and chewing insect pests attack on the cotton and cause yield reduction. Among sucking pests, Thrips tabaci is the major one. The study was conducted to observe the ecological impacts of PB ropes on population dynamics of T. tabaci as well as beneficial fauna on cotton. The study was conducted at MNS University of Agriculture Multan at experimental farm Multan on an area of 27 acres. The experimental plot was divided into 3 blocks and each block consisted of 3 acres. Cotton variety NIAB-878 was cultivated as test crop and data was recorded on weekly bases from 20 random selected plants in each sub-plot for sucking insect pests and 10 plants for beneficial insects. The results revealed that population of T. tabaci remained significantly lower in double application of PB-ropes in a season treated plots as compared to treatment i.e., one application of PB-ropes + insecticides, while higher population was recorded in untreated block, managed through use of pesticides. The study resulted that all recorded green lacewing and Geocoris were showed negative correlation with T. tabaci and kept its population at minimum level as compared with control.

Prevalence of major sucking pests on black pepper, Piper nigrum L. in relation to weather parameters

Studies were carried out on the prevalence of sucking pests in black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) during 2013-2015 in ten fixed plots, at five different localities in Idukki District, Kerala, located within a radius of 25 km from the meteorological observatory of the Cardamom Research Station, Pampadumpara. The incidence of Liothrips karnyi was noticed from January to June and declined thereafter up to November. From January to May, the highest Lepidosaphes piperis population was observed, which was positively connected to maximum temperature and sunshine hours and negatively related to morning relative humidity and rainfall. Ferrisia virgata was prominent from January to April, and it was significantly and favourably related to sunshine hours while being adversely related to morning relative humidity. Weather conditions were responsible for 49–71%, 51%, and 34%–47% of thrips, scales, and mealybug incidences, respectively. As a result, meteorological conditions had a substantial impact on the location and quantity of sucking pest populations on black pepper.

Lethal and sublethal effects of thiamethoxam, a neonicotinoid molecule, on colony performance of A. mellifera.

Among insect pollinators, honey bees, Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae), are universally acknowledged, most important managed pollinators that also provide honey production. In recent years, neonicotinoids are widely used against a broad spectrum sucking pests. However, they also pose a major threat to the beekeeping industry. The present study aimed to quantify the impact of thiamethoxam, a second-generation, broad-spectrum neonicotinoid on foraging behavior, colony performance, and survival of Apis mellifera L. in mustard crop under semi-field (cage) and field conditions. Under semi-field conditions, the foraging activity of A. mellifera on mustard bloom reduced significantly on the 2nd day after spray of thiamethoxam as compared to pre-count and control. Significant decrease in brood area (7th to 21st day), nectar stores (7th to 28th day), and pollen stores (7th to 21st day) were also recorded after the spray. The bee mortality under semi-field conditions was significantly higher on the 1st and 2nd day after spray in comparison to control. Under field conditions, average bee activity remained statistically low up to the 12th day after spray on mustard bloom in comparison to pre-count and control. The effect of thiamethoxam under field conditions was less pronounced for bee mortality and colony parameters. Based on LD50, thiamethoxam was proved toxic to adults and larvae of A. mellifera.