Whitefly Research Articles

The Adipokinetic Peptides of Hemiptera: Structure, Function, and Evolutionary Trends.

The Hemiptera comprise the most species-rich order of the hemimetabolous insects. Members of a number of superfamilies, most notably especially the more basal ones such as white flies, psyllids and aphids, belong to the most destructive agricultural insects known worldwide. At the other end of the phylogenetic tree are hemipterans that are notorious medical pests (e.g. kissing bugs). Most of the hemipteran species are good flyers, and lipid oxidation plays a pivotal role to power the contraction of flight muscles and, in aquatic water bugs, also deliver the ATP for the extensive swimming action of the leg muscles. Mobilization of stored lipids (mostly triacylglycerols in the fat body) to circulating diacylglycerols in the hemolymph is regulated by a set of small neuropeptides, the adipokinetic hormones (AKHs). We searched the literature and publicly available databases of transcriptomes and genomes to present here AKH sequences from 191 hemipteran species. Only few of these peptides were sequenced via Edman degradation or mass spectrometry, and even fewer were characterized with molecular biology methods; thus, the majority of the AKHs we have identified by bioinformatics are merely predicted sequences at this stage. Nonetheless, a total of 42 AKH primary sequences are assigned to Hemiptera. About 50% of these structures occur also in other insect orders, while the remaining 50% are currently unique for Hemiptera. We find 9 novel AKHs not shown to be synthesized before in any insect. Most of the hemipteran AKHs are octapeptides (28) but there is an impressive number of decapeptides (12) compared to other speciose orders such as Diptera and Lepidoptera. We attempt to construct a hypothetical molecular peptide evolution of hemipteran AKHs and find quite a bit of overlapping with current phylogenetic ideas of the Hemiptera. Lastly, we discuss the possibility to use the sequence of the aphid AKH as lead peptide for the research into a peptide mimetic fulfilling criteria of a green insecticide.

Study of the Efficacy of Moringa Leaf Extract as an Insecticide against White Fly and Aphids Insects

In this study, we demonstrate the effect of plant extracts on whitefly and aphid’s insects that are economically harmful to crops and plants in greenhouse. A laboratory experiment was carried out to study the effect of four concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 g/l) of the alcoholic extract of the Moringa plant on whitefly and aphid’s insects. The results showed that the concentration of 3 g/l was significantly superior to the other concentrations used in the experiment, achieving percentage mortality rates of 95% in the nymph’s stage, where the account of insects decreased from 100 live insects before spraying to 5 live insects only after 72 hours of treatment with this concentration. In addition, the percentage mortality rate at the adult stage reached 91%, in which the counts of live insects decreased from 100 live insects before spraying to 9 insects after spraying with this concentration, where the rates of increase in the mortality efficiency rates reached at a concentration of 3 g/l compared to the other concentrations and at the nymph stage (13.09, 35.71, 50.79%), respectively, while the increase rates were at the nymph stage of aphids (16.25, 34.78, 47.61%), respectively. Whereas, the concentration of 0.5 g/l was the least effective in average efficiency of the concentrations used in the experiment in controlling the target insect, where it achieved a lower value of mortality rate, recording remarkable decrease, which reached at the nymphs and adults stages of whitefly and aphids insects (63, 60, 63, 61%), respectively. The chemical examinations for the detection of the plant extract content from the active compounds showed that it contains tannins, glycosides, phenols, resins, carbohydrates, saponins, alkaloids and terpenes.

First record of the genus Acletoxenus (Diptera: Drosophilidae) and its predaceous species A. formosus (Leow, 1864) in Egypt, with some field observations and biological remarks

BackgroundThe genus Acletoxenus (tribe Gitonini, subfamily Steganinae, family Drosophilidae) is a small widespread genus, comprising only four species worldwide, namely: Acletoxenus indicus Malloch, 1929, A. quadristriatus Duda, 1936, A. meijerei Duda, 1924 in addition to A. formosus (Leow, 1864), the species of the present study. The larvae of Acletoxenus spp. are known as predators of whiteflies.ResultsThe genus Acletoxenus and its predaceous species A. formosus (Leow, 1864) are recorded in the present study for the first time from Egypt. This species was found associated with the immature stages of the glasshouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood, 1856 (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) feeding on the castor bean plant, Ricinus communis L. which has been grown at the Plant Protection Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt. The morphological diagnoses, in situ predatory behavior in the field and ex situ biological remarks in the laboratory were discussed.ConclusionThe predaceous drosophilid fly, Acletoxenus formosus (Leow, 1864), is recorded herein with its genus for the first time from Egypt as the second representative of the tribe Gitonini (subfamilies Steganinae, family Drosophilidae) in the country. The recording of this species in Egypt is of a great interest as it will encourage and lead to further research on different biological aspects. This drosophilid is a beneficial fly as its larvae are predators of immature stages of whiteflies (family Aleyrodidae) and it could be used as a potential biological control agent.

Evaluation of integrated pest management based techniques against insect pests associated with tomato at Uthal Balochistan, Pakistan

Insect pests are soft-bodied and tiny creatures with plant sap sucking habits that devastate various agricultural crops, fruit trees, ornamental plants and several vegetables. To control these insect pests four IPM techniques were used in tomato field with an aim to minimize the use of synthetic pesticides. Five colours of sticky traps (yellow, green, blue, black and red), Five different colours light trap (red, blue, yellow, green and white), three botanical insecticides (bitter Apple, tobacco, and neem seed extract) with 30% concentration and three synthetic insecticides (emmamectin benzoate, profenophos and bifenthrin) along with water as a control were used. A maximum pest population of jassid, whitefly, thrips, leaf minor, psyllid and flea beetle was observed on yellow sticky traps, while a minimum pest population of jassid, whitefly, thrips, leaf minor, psyllid and flea beetle was noticed on black and red sticky trap. However a highest pest population of fruit borer, psyllid, blister beetle, asparagus beetle, white fly, flea beetle and fruit fly was observed on white and yellow light colour as compared with others lights. However, no statistically significant differences were observed in jassid and earwings pest population on all given colure of lights. The minimum decreased population of white fly, Jassid, thrips and aphids was observed on all three inorganic pesticides as compared with all three organic pesticides and control group. Similarly pest populations reductions of white white fly, Jassid, thrips and aphid was found on all three organic pesticides neem seed, tobacco and bitter apple as compared to control group. We concluded that use of IPM techniques may be encouraged to suppress the insect pest population of tomato crop which could be ultimately positive for the environment

Evaluation of the tropical cucurbit chayote Sechium edule (Jacq.) Sw. var. albus spinosum under the temperate climate conditions of North Macedonia

The aim of this study was to evaluate some biological, morphological, productive and quality properties of the tropical cucurbit chayote Sechium edule (Jacq.) Sw. var. albus spinosum grown under temperate climate conditions in the Kochani region, North Macedonia during 2019 and 2020. The short day photoperiod resulted in long vegetative stage (143.25 8.13 days). Flowering started in September, and the generative phase lasted 56.25 4.60 days in average based on the harvest date. Average ripe fruit yield of 28.05 18.67 kg/plant was obtained, with higher yield, number of fruits and fruit weight in 2020. The higher summer temperatures that resulted in a stressed growth, the later development of flowers and higher pest infestation with white fly and aphids may have contributed the lower yield in 2019. According to the ANOVA and LSD test results, 27 to 31 days were enough for fruit maturation. The fruit was 12.14 0.01 cm long, 8,06 0.06 cm wide and 7.30 0.05 cm thick and had an average water content of 94.72 0.13%, total soluble solids of 2.35 0.21 %Brix and pH value of 6.39 0.11.

Gene rearrangement in the mitogenome of whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodinae) along with their phylogeny and characterization of complete mitogenome of Aleurodicus rugioperculatus.

Mitochondrial genome rearrangements have been used for defining evolutionary relationships, but there have been incidences of convergences at different taxonomic levels. To gain new insights into whitefly mitogenome evolution, gene arrangement and phylogeny, we sequenced the complete mitogenome of Aleurodicus rugioperculatus (Aleyrodidae: Aleurodicinae) and conducted a comparative analysis with the previously published mitogenomes across the family Aleyrodidae. The complete mitogenome of Aleurodicus rugioperculatus was generated by Next generation sequencing method. It is 15,060bp circular molecule with 86.5A + T and 5.5% G + C content. It contains 37 genes (13 PCGs, two rRNAs, 22 tRNAs) and a non-coding control region (CR). Comparative analysis of codon usage indicated that the subfamily Aleyrodinae have weaker bias than Aleurodicinae. Bayesian Inference (BI) and Maximum Likelihood (ML) phylogenetic analyses yielded similar topologies supporting the monophyly of Aleyrodinae and Aleurodicinae. The gene order of 13 whiteflies was compared with ancestor to examine the plesiomorphies, synapomorphies and autapomorphies. We identified five gene blocks (I-V) in the whitefly ancestor that are shared plesiomorphies retained in different whitefly lineages. Gene block I is conserved in all whiteflies except three species. Conversely, we detected 83 derived gene boundaries within the family. Mapping these gene boundaries onto a phylogenetic tree revealed that 16 were symplesiomorphies for two subfamilies; 9 were synapomorphies between the species, and 28 autapomorphies for individual species. Comparative analyses of gene order of whiteflies revealed the derived gene boundaries which can be further investigated with more mitogenome data to examine the genome evolution in whiteflies.

Host status of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) on French beans in Kenya

Production of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) as a vegetable is important as a source of livelihood and income generation to smallholder farmers. However, production of this crop has not been optimal due to various constraints. Among the most important ones is pest and diseases. In Kenya, major pests reported in French beans include the western flower thrips (WFT) (Frankliniella occidentalis), Bean fly (Ophiomyia phaseoli) aphids (Aphis fabae), red spider mites (Tetranychus spp.), the African bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera), the legume pod borer (Maruca vitrata) and white flies (Bemisia tabaci). Although Tephritidae flies are major pests of fruits and vegetables in Africa, Kenya included, they are no reports to indicate that they attack French beans. However, a previous pest risk analysis report indicates that the crop is host to some species such as Dacus ciliatus and Bactrocera cucurbitaceae. In an effort to secure the international market, we conducted a study to assess French beans from Kenya to establish whether they are indeed hosts to fruit flies or not. The study was conducted in Machakos, Meru, Murang’a, Laikipia and Nyeri regions in the year 2020. In each of the study regions, sampling of pods was carried out in private farms that were planting French beans for export. A total of 2375 samples were collected from various locations in the field and from exit point for analysis. Results showed that, none of the developmental stages of fruit flies (Tephritidae) was present in any of the sampled French beans pods (Field and exit point samples). However, bean seed fly (Delia platura), bean fly (Ophiomyia phaseoli) and one beetle was recorded in some of the samples. From our study we conclude that French beans is not a host to Tephritidae fruit flies. However, we recommend host preference tests in the laboratory and greenhouse to establish the oviposition potential of the fruit flies to French beans. Key words: Phaseolus, samples, fruit, pods, preference, oviposition

Understanding the Genetic Architecture and Gene Actions Involved in the Inheritance of Yellow Mosaic Disease and Other Yield Related Traits in Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek

Background: Yellow mosaic disease (YMD) transmitted by white fly, Bemisia tabaci is the most persistent and devastating biotic stress worldwide and in India resulting the reduced productivity of mungbean. At the same time the yield levels in mungbean reached a plateau, which emphasizes the importance of varieties with improved productivity. Methods: In the present investigation, to address this urgent requirement of YMD resistant high yielding varieties, six-parameter model of generation mean analysis was employed for proper understanding of the genetic architecture and gene actions. Susceptible genotype MGG 385 was crossed with four resistant genotypes (LGG 607, LGG 630, WGG 42 and PM 5) to produce respective F1s (during rabi, 2018-19), BC1s, BC2s (during summer, 2019) and F2s (during kharif, 2019). These generations of the four crosses were evaluated for various yield related traits in rabi, 2019-20 and phenotyped for YMD in summer, 2020 at Lam, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh which is hotspot for YMD. Result: The scaling tests and joint scaling test indicated the inadequacy of Additive-dominant model for all most all traits including YMD except for branches per plant and pods per cluster. The study revealed the importance of non-allelic interactions in the inheritance of majority of traits including YMD. Among the non-allelic interactions, [l] type of interaction is predominant. Further, the control of duplicate type of epistasis in the inheritance is evident at least in few crosses for all the traits (except grain yield per plant) that had inadequacy for additive-dominant model, which hinders the pace of the progress through selection. In presence of inter-allelic interaction with such duplicate type of epistasis, population approach in self-pollinated crops, which is similar to recurrent selection in cross pollinated crops or biparental mating followed by conventional selection in the later generations should be adopted for identifying desirable segregants.

Efficacy of different biopesticides against major insect pests of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)

The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with 7 treatments replicated three times. The treatments comprised of T1 (Neem oil @ 5 ml/L), T2 (NSKE 5% @ 5 g/L), T3 (Dashparni ark @ 6 ml/L), T4 (Beauveria bassiana @ 4 g/L), T5 (Verticilium lecanii @ 4g/L) and T6 (Metarrhizium anisopliae @ 4 g/L) and along with untreated check during kharif season of 2019-2020. The observations on the effect of these biopesticidal treatments on thrips, mites, white fly and fruit borer were recorded. The biopesticides application at 25 & 45 days after transplanting showed that all the treatments were found effective against controlling major pest of chilli as compared to untreated control. The treatment with T1 (Neem oil @ 5 ml/L) was proved very effective in management of thrips followed by T2 (NSKE 5% @ 5 g/L) T5 (Verticilium lecanii @ 4 g/L) and T6 (Metarrhizium anisopliae @ 4 g/L), respectively. The similar trend was observed in case of whitefly and mite where T1 (Neem oil @ 5 ml/L) proved very effective in their management and at par with T2 (NSKE 5% @ 5 g/L) followed by treatment T5 (Verticilium lecanii @ 4 g/L) and was T6 (Metarrhizium anisopliae @ 4 g/L). In case of fruit borer T1 (Neem oil @ 5 ml/L) and T2 (NSKE 5% @ 5 g/L) proved to be the best treatments showing maximum reduction of larval population followed by T4 (Beauveria bassiana @ 4 g/L), T6 (Metarrhizum anisopliae @ 4 g/L), T5 (Verticilium lecanii @ 4 g/L) and T3 (Dashparni), respectively. In case of natural enemies the treatments T1 (Neem oil @ 5 ml/L), T2 (NSKE @ 5 ml/L) and T4 (Beauveria bassiana @ 4 g/L) were found to be safer treatments.

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.

Development and evaluation of a non-chemical pest management system for bitter gourd with emphasis on fruit fly

Some non-chemical pest management modules against fruit fly on bitter gourd were developed by incorporating natural components like plant fractions, barrier and trap crop, plant diversity, biopesticide, bait-traps, straw mulch, phytosanitation etc. and tried against the pest. The components of the modules effectively checked the infestation and damage of the important pests like fruit fly (8.8 - 9.2% infested fruit), white fly (0.3 - 0.7/leaf), jassid (1.1 - 1.4/leaf), aphid (3.2 - 3.7/leaf), thrips (1.4 - 1.8/leaf), leaf webber (6.2 -10.0% infested plant), red pumpkin beetle (0.5 - 0.7/plant) and epilachna (1.1 - 1.5/plant) and registered good yields. Results showed that the non-chemical modules effectively checked the growth and development of the pest populations and their subsequent damage. They were also cost-effective and safe to natural enemies and pollinators.

Effect of Different Nethouses on the Incidence of Insect on Vegetable Crops

In this study, the effects of different types of nethouses viz., NH1, NH2, and NH3, were investigated at the research farm of the Olericulture Division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) from Sep 2021 to Mar 2022 and compared to control (open field) in terms of the incidence of white fly, aphid, leaf miners, mites, and eggplant shoot and fruit borer (ESFB). This study included six vegetables 1) Tomato, 2) Eggplant, 3) Sweet pepper, 4) Broccoli, 5) Cucumber; 6) Okra, as well as four nethouse treatments: 1) UV stabilized transparent polyethylene film with 60 mesh insect net along with green shade net (NH1); 2) UV stabilized transparent polyethylene film with 60 mesh insect net (NH2); 3) 60 mesh insect net (NH3); 4) Open field infestation of white fly, aphid, leaf miners, mites, and ESFB was observed under open field conditions followed by NH1 conditions, while the lower infestation was observed in NH2 and NH3 for all vegetables. From the study, we found the use of stabilized transparent polyethylene film with a 60 mesh insect nethouse provided a negative effect on the presence of different types of notorious insects on vegetables. So, this type of protected nethouse will provide a new dimension to producing safe and quality vegetables in Bangladesh.

Management of leaf curl disease of sunflower under field conditions

A field experiment on management of white fly transmitted leaf curl disease on sunflower crop was conducted for three years during rabi season at RARS, Nandyal. The experiment was planned with seven treatments (six insecticides and one untreated) in three replications for three years i.e., rabi 201718, 2018–19 and 2019–20. The insecticides used were imidacloprid 17.8 SL, fipronil 5 SC, triazophos 40 EC, diafenthiuron 50 WP, flonicamid 50 WG and spiromesifen 24 SC. For six treatments (T1 to T6) seed treatment was done with imidacloprid 600 FS and for T7 was maintained without seed treatment. Pooled analysis revealed that the treatment T4:(Seed treatment with imidacloprid 600 FS@ 5ml/kg seed+ foliar spray with diafenthiuron 50 WP @1 g/lit at 30, 45 and 60 days after sowing) recorded the lesser leaf curl incidence of 23.72% and higher yield of 1591 kg/ha, which is followed by the treatment T5: (Seed treatment with imidacloprid 600FS @ 5ml/kg seed + foliar spray with flonicamid 50 WG @ 0.25 g/lit at 30, 45 and 60 DAS) recorded the disease incidence of 24.29% with higher yield of 1457 kg/ha and both were at par. Both the treatments recorded B:C ratio of 1.79 and 1.80, respectively. Higher incidence of 41.9% and lower yield of 1268 kg/ha was recorded in untreated control. The results concluded that spraying of diafenthiuron and flonicamid was effective in reduction of disease with higher yields and high B:C ratio, followed by triazophos and spiromesifen.

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.

Evaluation of Suitable IPM Module for Management of YMV Disease in Mungbean under West Central Table Land Zone of Odisha

Background: YMV disease in mungbean is one of the major disease causing heavy losses annually throughout the country. As the disease is transmitted by insect vector, management of vector is important to check the YMV disease that can minimise the losses. The present investigation was aimed to evaluate different IPM modules for management of YMV disease of mungbean. Methods: Field experiments were carried out during Rabi season of 2016-17 and 2017-18 at the Research Farm of Regional Research and Technology Transfer Station, Chiplima, Sambalpur, Odisha, India. Population of whitefly was recorded on three leaves selected from top, middle and bottom canopy of the plant. Disease severity was recorded by using 0-9 scale. Result: The IPM module i.e. seed treatment with Thiamethoxam 25 WG @ 5 gm kg-1 of seed, installation of yellow sticky trap @ 50 ha-1 and spraying of Acetamiprid 20 SP @ 0.3 gm l-1 of water was found as the most effective among all other modules. Pooled analysis of two years data revealed that 65.5% YMV disease control and 59.3% reduction of white fly population over control were performed by the said IPM module. A maximum increase in yield (84.8%) and highest cost benefit ratio (1.77) were also achieved with the module.

Effect of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on the growth of habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.)

Objective: To evaluate the effect of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on the growth and production of habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.). Design/Methodology/Approach: Twelve strains of PGPR were evaluated in habanero pepper seeds of the orange variety. The species of PGPR were Rhizobium leguminosarum: (CP Méx 46), Pseudomonas spp: (P fluorescens, C2, A7, A9, A9m, Avm); Azospirillum, (Sp7, Sp 59, UAP 40, UAP154), plus a control treatment, giving a total of 13 treatments. The study variables were seedling emergence (SE), plant height (PH), white fruit incidence (WFI), virotic plants (VP), days to flowering (DF) and fresh fruit yield (FFY). The experimental design was random blocks with four repetitions. Results: An effect on the growth of habanero pepper from PGPRs was found in all the variables studied. Seedling emergence and their height was favored by strains Sp9 (84.16%) and A7 (73.44). The number of white flies decreased with the inoculation of CP Méx 46, while the incidence of virosis decreased in plants inoculated with SP9 (32.00%). The highest yield of fresh fruit was found in plants with the strain AVM with 16636 kg ha-1. Findings/Conclusions: The effect of inoculation with PGPR is in function of the strain used and the study variable, growth stage and development stage of the habanero pepper plant.

Identifying Genetic Diversity of Cotton Leaf Curl Virus in Commercial Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Plant viruses have become a major issue to the crop production around the world. These viruses have become an unavoidable limiting factor by causing rigorous crop deficit for those major crops which are economically important. Among these viruses, begomoviruses belonging to family Geminiviridae, have brought the major devastation to both monocots and dicots in tropical and sub-tropical regions. These begomoviruses are transmitted through white fly and cause diseases like mosaic, yellow mosaic, yellow leaf curling, and yellow vein etc. The objective of this study is to evaluate the association between the genetic diversity of begomoviruses and phenotypic data to identify the ideal cotton genotype for breeding. In this study, 30 leaf samples with CLCuD symptoms were analyzed using rolling circular amplification and PCR. Obtained results expressed the presence of begomovirus with its associated satellites (i.e. alpha and betasatellites) in six varieties, association of begomovirus and betasatellites in four varieties and combination of begomovirus with alphasatellite in six varieties. Severe disease symptoms were exhibited with these combinations in selected varieties but betasatellite-begomovirus complex demonstrated a deadly impact. Few varieties expressed the resistance against the begomoviruses, so these varieties can further be manipulated for breeding.

Effect of White Champa Leaf Extract (Plumeria acuminata) on White Fly Eclosion (Aleurolobus barodensis Maskell, Hemiptera; Aleyrodidae)

The white fly explosion might be occurred on the flooded fields and lack of nitrogen fertilizer. Some control methods have to be conducted to prevent further losses. The use of biopesticide was known to be easier, cheaper and environmental friendly control methods. Therefore the aim of this experiment was determining the effect of white champa leaf extract (Plumeria acuminata) as a biopesticide on sugarcane white fly eclosion (Aleurolobus barodensis). Experiment was conducted in the laboratory, using a completely randomized design with 6 treatments of P. acuminata leaf extract concentrations, that were 0% (control), 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50%, and was replicated 4 times. The results showed that P. acuminata leaf extract could be used to control sugarcane white fly. The effective leaf extract concentration was 40%. The results also proved that P. acuminata leaf extract killed the white fly pupae instead of delaying their eclosion.

Use of Nano Technology (Nano Gro) To Boost Productivity and Increase Pest Resistance in Okra Crop for Export in Southern Honduras.

The present study reports the effect of the nanotechnology molecule “Nano Gro” on a number of agronomical variables of okra, Abelmoschus esculentus, as well as its effect on leaf miner, white fly, Bemisia tabaci, and Spodoptera larvae attacking the crop. Most initial data was taken in a trial used for the registration of Nano Gro as an agricultural amendment in Honduras, carried in a plot worked by Juan Benito Guevara, a local okra producer farming in Las Bazas, very near the city of Choluteca, next to the Choluteca river, in Southern Honduras. However, other important data was taken on plots from different local okra companies and producers in the Choluteca area. The stimulant Nano Gro is a mixture of sulfates and elements such as Fe, Co, Al, Mg, Mn, Ni and Ag, produced at a concentration of 10-9 mol, available in the form of an oligosacharid pellet. It has OMRI certification and can be used in organic and regular agriculture. According to the Honduran distributor (Núcleo Agro), Nano Gro stimulates the plant´s natural resistance to abiotic stress, which in turn makes the plant produce growth hormones like auxins, gibberellines and cytokinines. This hormone productionmakes the use of nutrients and water more efficient, resulting in greater plant resistance, greater performance and greater quality of fruit harvested.

CONTROL OF INSECT PESTS ATTACKING TOMATO CROPS IN DISTRICT BAJAUR, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA

ABSTRACT Tomato plant (Lycopersicon esculentum) is a widely cultivated vegetable crop. The plant is economically very important. To ensure a successful and economically viable harvest, it is essential that all aspects of its production to be monitored. At present, there is a limited scientific data regarding the use of pesticides in relation to the seasonal incidence of insect pests in the Bajaur district of Pakistan. This study was carried out at a local farm, where the efficacies of Flurofenafire pesticide were examined. The pesticide Flurofenafire was applied once a week to examine its efficacy. The stability of the pesticide was highly dependent on the weather. The occurrence of rain within 24 hours of spraying resulted in Aphid, Jassid, White fly, Thrips and Fruit borer infestations. Aphid infestations were observed on the tomato crop in May 2019, which peaked in July. Bemisia Tabaci infestations peaked in August. Amrasca Biguttula populations peaked in September 2019. Scirtothrips dorsalis and Helicoverpaarmigera infestations were also observed on the tomato crops and caused significant damage. The application of Flurofenafire was able to control these infestations. In conclusion the pesticide Flurofenafire was found effective against a wide range of insect pest of tomato plant. Key Words: Flurofenafire, Pest, Pesticide, Seasonal incidence, Lycopersicon esculentum