S. Chakrabarti

Bio: S. Chakrabarti is an academic researcher from Kalyani Government Engineering College. The author has contributed to research in topics: Genus & Aphididae. The author has an hindex of 10, co-authored 20 publications receiving 164 citations. Previous affiliations of S. Chakrabarti include University of Calcutta.

Aphids (Homoptera : Aphididae) from Sundardhunga Valley, Kumaon Himalaya, India

Abstract: This paper provides a list of 48 species of aphids collected during an expedition to Sundardhunga Valley in the Almora district of Uttar Pradesh, India and contains descriptions of 2 new species, viz., Eriosoma iongipllosum and Masonaphis (Neomasonaphis) rumicis, and descriptions of some undescribcd morphs of 7 species. Further, 3 species are reported for the first time from India.

A new genus, a new species and further records of aphids (homoptera: Aphididae) from the kumaon hills, northwest himalaya, india

Abstract: A new genus Indoidiopterus, with Capitophorus geranii Chowdhuri et al., as the type-species, and a new species, Eutrichosiphum pyri are described. Twenty-eight other species are reported as new records for the region. These include Dysaphis foeniculus (Theobald), Pleotrichophorus glandulosus (Kaltenbach), Thuleaphis ? amygdalinus (Schouteden), which are recorded for the first time from India. The hitherto undescribed alate viviparous females of Impatientinum impatiense dalhousiensis Verma and the apterous viviparous females of Periphyllus aesculi Hills Ris Lambers are also recorded.

Diversity and biosystematics of gall-inducing aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and their galls in the Himalaya

Abstract: Aphids (Hemiptera) are one of the important groups that induce galls on plants. A review of the gall-inducing aphids and aphid-induced galls in the Himalaya has been made. Altogether, 76 aphid species belonging to the subfamilies Aphidinae, Drepanosiphinae, Eriosomatinae, and Hormaphidinae induce galls both of cataplasmic and prosoplasmic nature on different plant species in the Himalaya. Gall-inducing aphids mostly occur in the Western and Northwestern Himalaya and 33 species are endemic to the Himalaya. Although the specific gall-inducing generation and the galls on the primary host do not occur in the Eastern Himalaya, some aphids that are capable to induce galls elsewhere occur on secondary host plants in that area. Various types of galls on leaves and stems occur. Generally gall-inducing aphids and their host plants are species specific. A few host plants, for examples, Populus ciliata, Prunus cornuta, Pistacia integerrima, Ulmus spp. harbor more than one gall-inducing aphid. Although gall-i...

Studies on Eriophyid mites (Acarina: Eriophyoidea) of India XVI. One new genus and ten new species from India

Abstract: One new genus, Neocupacarus and ten new species, Calepitrimerus adinus, ex Adina cordifolia; C. terminalis, ex Terminalia tomentosa; C. woodfordis, ex Woodfordia fruticosa; Cosetacus citrifolis, ex Morinda citrifolia; Floracarus biharensis, ex Wendlandia sp.; Gammaphytoptus bengalensis, ex Litsea sp.; Neocupacarus flabelliferis, ex Borassus flabellifer; Phyllocoptes tomentosae, ex Terminalia tomentosa; Tegolophus monospermasis, ex Butea monosperma; and Tegonotus birbhumensis, ex Bassia latifolia, are described. Information is provided on the distribution, host-mite associations and the affinities of the new taxa.

GALLING APHIDS: Specialization, Biological Complexity, and Variation

Abstract: Gall-inducing aphids are host specific in the gall stage. Most species alternate between trees (the primary host), where the gall is induced, and shrubs and grasses (secondary hosts). Parthenogenesis during most of their life cycle is interrupted by a single stage of sexual reproduction on the primary host. Apart from these general characteristics, galling aphids present some of the most complex and diverse life histories in the insect world. In this article I review the specialized characteristics of galling aphids, as well as their complex and diverse life histories, as reported in the past 20 years.

Taxonomic StudiesDie Arten und Formen der Veronica-Sektion Pseudolysimachia Koch auf Grund Systematischer und Experimenteller Untersuchungen.A. HarleGeographisch-Morphologische Studien über Aster alpinus L. und verwandte Arten.M. Onno

Abstract: Taxonomic studies Two interesting monographs appeared recently, one of which deals with a subdivision of the genus Veronica\"' and the other with the geographical and morphological features of Aster alpinus L.12 Both papers show well the modern type of ecologic-taxonomic investigation.-A. C. NoE. New paleobotanical series The well known paleontological publication Palaeontographica has established a subdivision devoted exclusively to paleobotany. It is edited by MAX HIRMER in Munich and counts among its associate editors such names as PAUL BERTRAND, W. GOTHAN, T. G. HALLE, W. J. JONGMANS, R. KRXUSEL, J. WALTON, H. WEYLAND, and G. R. WIELAND. Its first number13 appeared recently and contains contributions by KRAUSEL and WEYLAND on the flora of the Middle Devonian in Bohemia and bv HIRMER on the reconstruction of Pleuromeia sternbergi and on the morphology of Lycopodiales in general. Text and illustrations are excellent but the price is too high. Every volume of this section will comprise six numbers. Only original articles are to be published in this series. It promises to become a very important collection of valuable monographs. Section A is devoted to paleozoology. Formerly only one series existed which contained both lines of paleontology. In this common series 77 volumes have been published already and the enterprise is old and well established.-A. C. NoE'.

Heritable genetic variation and potential for adaptive evolution in asexual aphids (Aphidoidea)

Abstract: Aphid life cycles can encompass cyclical parthenogenesis, obligate parthenogenesis, obligate parthenogenesis with male production and an intermediate 'bet-hedging' strategy where an aphid genotype will over-winter by continuing to reproduce by parthenogenesis and by investment in sexually produced eggs. In this paper, we focus on aphid lineages that reproduce entirely parthenogenetically (asexual aphids), in contrast to those that have any sexual forms in the annual cycle. Using modern molecular techniques, aphid biologists have made many empirical observations showing that asexual lineages are widespread both geographically and temporally. Indeed, we are collectively beginning to gather data on the evolution and persistence of these lineages through time. Here we review aphid karyology and parthenogenesis, both essential for interpretation of the molecular and ecological evolution of aphid asexual lineages. We describe the growing list of studies that have identified aphid genotypes that are both temporally and geographically widespread. We then collate examples of molecular and chromosomal evolution in asexual aphids and review the literature pertaining to phenotypic evolution and ecological diversification of asexual aphid lineages. In addition, we briefly discuss the potential of bacterial endosyinbionts and epigenetic effects to influence the evolution of asexual aphid lineages. Lastly we provide a list of aphid taxa believed to be obligately asexual. This will be a useful resource for those seeking parthenogenetic animals as study systems. In conclusion, we present guidelines for the use of the term clone in aphid biology and stress the need for well-designed and well-executed studies examining the potential of asexual aphid lineages for adaptive evolution.

The sugarcane woolly aphid, Ceratovacuna lanigera Zehntner (Hemiptera: Aphididae): its biology, pest status and control

Abstract: Sugarcane woolly aphid, Ceratovacuna lanigera Zehntner has been recently reported in outbreak proportions from western and southern India. Though the pest was first reported from West Bengal in 1958 and later from other parts of Northeast India, it had not made its way to other parts of India. The pest breeds on plants of the family Poaceae, but has been also observed on members of Bixaceae, Theaceae and Combretaceae. It has been recorded on ten species of plants in India. It reproduces parthenogenetically and has an anholocyclic (absence of sexually producing generation) life cycle. Thirty-eight natural enemies have been recorded on the aphid from different parts of the world. Recent surveys in the pest-affected areas of Maharashtra (western India) and Karnataka (southern India) have yielded several indigenous predators which include coccinellids, neuropterans, syrphids and a pyralid. Integrated pest management involving mainly mechanical and biological control appears to be the best option. There is ample scope for more directed work on this important emerging pest, especially in the areas of pest ecology and distribution. The role of resistant varieties, and biological, cultural and mechanical control in managing the pest needs to be carefully evaluated.