Showing papers in "Journal of Biological Control in 2018"
TL;DR: The natural enemy complex of S. frugiperda for the first time from India, commonly known as fall armyworm, is reported along with associated natural enemies and studies to manage this pest by any/all means are in progress.
Abstract: Occurrence of Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), commonly known as fall armyworm, in southern India is reported along with associated natural enemies. Severe damage was noticed in Chikkaballapur, Hassan, Shivamogga, Davanagere and Chitradurga during July-August 2018. The incidence ranged from 9.0 to 62.5 percent at various locations, maximum incidence was recorded in Hassan district followed by Chikkaballapur, Davanagere, Shivamogga and Chitradurga. Morphology and molecular based taxonomic tools were used for the identification of this pest. The GenBank accession number MH704433 of Chikkaballapur population was released on 1 st August, 2018 and Barcode obtained from BOLD System-ID: AGIMP054-18. The survey also revealed natural parasitism by egg parasitoids viz., Telenomus sp. (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) and Trichogramma sp. (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), gregarious larval parasitoid, Glyptapanteles creatonoti (Viereck) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) solitary larval parasitoid, Campoletis chlorideae Uchida (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), and a solitary indeterminate larval-pupal (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Ichneumoninae) parasitoid. Spodoptera frugiperda is the first host record for G. creatonoti across the globe. Glyptapanteles creatonoti , being a well established parasitoid of various noctuids in India and Malaysia, was capable of parasitizing S. frugiperda . Besides these, other commonly found bioagents viz., Forficula sp. (Dermaptera: Forficulidae) and entomopathogenic fungus Nomuraea rileyi (Farl.) Samson was also collected in large numbers. We report the natural enemy complex of S. frugiperda for the first time from India. The electro physiological response of Indian population of S. frugiperda male adults to pheromone was established. The studies to manage this pest by any/all means are in progress.
138 citations
TL;DR: There is a great need to comprehensively analyze the host genes response to BmNPV infection and its functional analysis to prevent virus replication and its horizontal transmission.
Abstract: The mulberry silkworm Bombyx mori (L.) (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) is infected with a baculovirus, Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) that causes grasserie disease in silkworm and major economic losses to the silk industry. In India, >50 % of silk cocoon crop losses are attributed to BmNPV infection. Presently, there are no specific preventive measures for the occurrence and spread of BmNPV infection other than sanitized rearing methods, the only commercial practice today is to discard large stocks of worms in case of infection. Although diagnostic kits for detection of BmNPV have been developed, they are not extensively used on a commercial scale and subsequently, they fail to provide the indispensable and timely advantages desired for early disease intervention. The best emerging technology is the use of antibody–based biosensors and lateral flow assays, which have high specificity, sensitivity and the option of “on– site” pathogen detection. The use of disease resistant silkworm breeds or the utilization of inherent resistance in silkworm would be the most economical and effective way to prevent the occurrence of grasserie disease. Further, there is a great need to comprehensively analyze the host genes response to BmNPV infection and its functional analysis to prevent virus replication and its horizontal transmission.
13 citations
TL;DR: Based on the observations recorded, it was observed that the parasitoid has the potential for inclusion in greenhouse whitefly management programme.
Abstract: Greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) is a key pest of tomato under protected environment in Himachal Pradesh. Recently, an aphelinid parasitoid, Encarsia formosa Gahan was observed to parasitize T. vaporariorum in mid-hill regions of Himachal Pradesh. It seems to be the first record of this aphelinid parasitoid from India. Population buildup of E. formosa was recorded in eight insecticide based greenhouse whitefly management modules comprising soil application of imidacloprid (0.009%) and foliar applications of spiromesifen (0.02%), thiamethoxam (0.01%) and azadirachtin (0.0003%) in tomato grown during summer cropping seasons of 2015 and 2016 under naturally ventilated polyhouse. Parasitization by E. formosa in the plants without treatment varied from 31.8 to 81.2 and 36.8 to 93.6 per cent during 2015 and 2016, respectively. The insecticidal module comprising single soil application of imidacloprid one day after transplanting followed by alternate foliar applications of azadirachtin starting 45 days after transplanting at 10 days interval proved favourable for buildup of E. formosa as compared to other insecticide based greenhouse whitefly management modules during both the seasons. Based on the observations recorded, it was observed that the parasitoid has the potential for inclusion in greenhouse whitefly management programme.
10 citations
TL;DR: Two species of predacious bugs, Eocanthecona furcellata and Andrallus spinidens (Fabr.) (Hemiptera:Pentatomidae) were found effectively preying on Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) in organically grown maize from 28 to 56 days at GKVK, Bangalore.
Abstract: Two species of predacious bugs, Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff) and Andrallus spinidens (Fabr.) (Hemiptera:Pentatomidae) were found effectively preying on Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) in organically grown maize from 28 to 56 days at GKVK, Bangalore. Population of E. furcellata in one square metre was more than A. spinidens during the 38 th and 39 th standard meteorological weeks. Adults and nymphs of both the species preyed on different stages of S. frugiperda larvae. These two species being initial colonizers has a potential in integrated management of fall army worm.
10 citations
TL;DR: Topical conidial suspensions and powder based formulations of the eight indigenous isolates of Metarhizium spp.
Abstract: Studies were conducted to systematically isolate Metarhizium isolates from the insect cadavers and soils of South India. Morphological and PCR amplified sequences of 5.8S ITS regions and RNA polymerase II largest subunit (RPB1) gene regions were used to identify the isolates at species level. Eight Metarhizium isolates were isolated and initially identified by morphological and microscopic studies. Further identification was confirmed through 5.8SrRNA ITS and RPB1 analysis. They were identified as three isolates of M. robertsii J.F. Bisch., Rehner & Humber sp. nov. (ArMz3R, ArMz3S and ArMz6W), one isolate of M. majus (J.R. Johnst.) J.F. Bisch., Rehner & Humber (VjMz1W) and four isolates of M. anisopliae (WnMz1S, NlMz2S, BgMz2S and DhMz4R). Topical conidial suspensions (TCS) and powder based formulations (PBF) of the eight indigenous isolates of Metarhizium spp. that were isolated from insect cadavers and soils of South India were tested against coleopteran pests Holotricha serrata L. and Oryctes rhinoceros L. that cause serious damage to sugarcane and palm trees respectively. Against H. serrata TCS of M. robertsii (ArMz6W) was the most effective with an LC 50 of 6.893×10 5 cfu/ml and caused 100% mortality against the 3 rd instar larvae in 5 days; PBF elicited an LC 50 of 7.502×10 5 cfu/ml with 96% mortality in 10 days. Against O. rhinoceros TCS (LC 50 of 9.75×10 5 cfu/ml) of M. majus (VjMz1W) caused 90% mortality in 7 days and the PBF (LC 50 of 9.57×10 5 cfu/ml) caused 86% mortality in 14 days. The results establish that M. robertsii is highly effective against H. serrata and against O. rhinoceros, M. majus was the most effective. The TCS formulations of these two strains can be readily deployed for field applications.
10 citations
TL;DR: Yellow pan trap at ground level was found to be the most effective method in trapping the parasitoids and the next best sampling method is yellow pan trap erected at canopy level which recorded a mean of 9.2 ± 2.26 parasitoid per day.
Abstract: For insect diversity studies to be of value, the sampling methods employed must produce samples representative of the community or taxon selected for the investigation. However, as yet, few evaluations on the variability and effectiveness of sampling methods have been undertaken. The survey was carried out in the rice fields during 2015-16 in Paddy Breeding Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. From this study a total of 1,019 parasitoid individuals were collected. Among six different collection methods employed for sampling hymenopteran parasitoids in rice ecosystem, the yellow pan trap at ground level was found to be the most effective method in trapping the parasitoids (27.2 ± 2.56 parasitoids per day) followed by sweep net method (12.1 ± 1.03 parasitoids per day). The next best sampling method is yellow pan trap erected at canopy level which recorded a mean of 9.2 ± 2.26 parasitoids per day. The other three traps viz., malaise trap, suction trap and light trap were found to collect less number (<1.5) of parasitoids per day.
9 citations
TL;DR: Bio-intensive pest management practices were compared with farmer’s practices and untreated control in basmati rice at village Sahauli (Punjab) and the population of natural enemies was higher in BIPM fields as compared to farmer's practiced fields.
Abstract: Bio-intensive pest management practices were compared with farmer’s practices and untreated control in basmati rice at village Sahauli (Punjab). BIPM practices involved green manuring; seed treatment; alternate wetting and drying of the field; installation of pheromone traps and bird perches; augmentative releases of Trichogramma spp.; spray of Neem oil 1%. The farmer’s practices comprised the applications of chemical insecticides. The mean leaffolder damage was 3.12, 1.90 and 5.41 per cent in BIPM, farmer’s practice and untreated control, respectively. The dead heart incidence was 2.49 per cent in BIPM, 1.16 per cent in farmer’s practice and 4.30 per cent in untreated control. Similarly, the mean incidence of white earheads was 3.31, 1.78 and 5.06 per cent in BIPM, farmer’s practice and untreated control, respectively. Highest grain yield was recorded in farmer’s practice fields (30.63 q/ha) followed by yield in BIPM fields (28.07 q/ha). These yields were significantly better than untreated control (25.18 q/ha).The population of natural enemies was higher in BIPM fields as compared to farmer’s practiced fields.
8 citations
TL;DR: This study provides important life history information for using the predator A. spinidens as a possible biological control agent for army worm management in rice.
Abstract: The pentatomid bug, Andrallus spinidens (F.), is a polyphagous predator on lepidopteran larvae in rice fields in India. The basic biology and predatory potential of the bug was studied under laboratory conditions. The nymphs were reared in petri dishes and were fed 3 rd to 5 th instar Spodoptera mauritia (Boisduval) larvae. The mean development period from egg to adult was 21 days. Eggs were laid in batches of 45 to 95 and the mean total number of eggs laid by each female was 259. The second, third and fourth stage nymphs fed on 7.99, 8.32, 26.33 number of third instar larvae instar larvae of S. mauritia , respectively. The predator exhibited a type II functional response to S. mauritia larvae with a disc equation of Y’ = 0.41(5-0.74) x to the increasing density of S. mauritia . This study provides important life history information for using the predator A. spinidens as a possible biological control agent for army worm management in rice.
7 citations
TL;DR: Pyrilla population declined to an extent of 82.45 per cent by enhancement of E. melanoleuca parasitism due to the application of silicon fertilizers, according to the results of field experiment.
Abstract: To evaluate the effect of four silicon fertilizers, field experiment was conducted in farmer’s holding at Poovanthi village of Sivagangai district, Tamil Nadu during 2017-2018 against sugarcane leaf hopper, Pyrilla perpusilla Walker and its parasitoid, Epiricania melanoleuca (Fletcher). Silicon fertilizers were applied @ 500 and 1000 kg ha -1 before planting and the leaf hopper population was recorded at 150, 180, 210, 240 and 270 days after application. The results of field experiment revealed that Pyrilla population was minimum in the plots treated with calcium silicate @ 1000 kg ha -1 (8.20 numbers/leaf) followed by calcium silicate @ 500 kg ha -1 (8.80 numbers/leaf) as compared over untreated check (98.20 numbers/leaf) and the percent reduction over untreated check was 82.45 and 73.71 per cent, respectively. Similarly, the per cent parasitism was maximum in the treatment with calcium silicate @ 1000 kg ha -1 (82.33%) during November, which was on par with untreated check. Hence, Pyrilla population declined to an extent of 82.45 per cent by enhancement of E. melanoleuca parasitism (82.33 %) due to the application of silicon fertilizers.
7 citations
TL;DR: The biocontrol treatment was significantly effective in reducing the dead heart incidence as compared to untreated control and grain yield in organic basmati rice with an additional benefit over untreated control was studied.
Abstract: On farm impact of Trichogrammatids was studied against lepidopteran pests, ie, yellow stem borer, Scirpophaga incertulas (Walker) and leaf folder, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Guenee) in organic basmati rice (var Pusa 1121) over an area of 20 and 60 hectares during 2014 and 2015, respectively Six augmentative releases of Trichogramma chilonis and T japonicum each @ 1,00,000 parasitoids/ha were made starting from 30 days after transplanting (DAT) and was compared with untreated control Based on the overall mean, the biocontrol treatment (174% DH) was significantly effective in reducing the dead heart incidence as compared to untreated control (452% DH) The reduction in dead hearts was 6150 per cent in biocontrol over untreated control The mean incidence of white ears was also significantly lower in biocontrol field (205%) as against untreated control (489%) resulting in a reduction of 5808 per cent Similarly, leaf folder damage in biocontrol (204% LFDL) resulted in 6250 per cent reduction over untreated control (544% LFDL) Grain yield in biocontrol fields (2981 q/ha) was 1876 per cent more than the untreated control (2510 q/ha) The increase in yield due to control of stem borers and leaf folder in biocontrol fields resulted in an additional benefit of INR 16332/- and INR 9818/- during 2014 and 2015, respectively Conclusively, 6 releases of T chilonis and T japonicum each @ 1,00,000/ha resulted in lower incidence of rice insect pests and higher grain yield in organic basmati rice with an additional benefit over untreated control
7 citations
TL;DR: A field survey was conducted during 2016 and 2017 in different cotton growing districts of Punjab to record the natural enemies associated with whitefly, where Chrysoperla was the predominant species and spiders were most commonly recorded predators.
Abstract: The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is a polyphagous pest, widely distributed in diverse agroecosystems across the globe. Several bioagents including predators and parasitoids from diverse groups have been recorded against whitefly worldwide. A field survey was conducted during 2016 and 2017 in different cotton growing districts of Punjab to record the natural enemies associated with whitefly. Sixteen species of natural enemies were recorded, including 7 species of insect predators; 2 species of parasitoids and 7 species of spiders. Coccinella septempunctata Linneaus, Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Fabricius) and Brumoides suturalis (Fabricius), Serangium parcesetosum Sicard, Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi (Esben-Peterson), Zanchius breviceps (Wagner), Geocoris sp. and spiders were most commonly recorded predators. Out of these, Chrysoperla was the predominant species. Encarsia lutea (Masi) and Encarsia sophia (Girault & Dodd) were the two parasitoids that emerged from whitefly pupae. The mean parasitization of whitefly by Encarsia spp. in different cotton growing areas of Punjab was 5.20 per cent (range = 1.5 to 9.1 %).
TL;DR: The natural parasitization of grubs or pupae of rice hispa by Chrysonotomyia sp.
Abstract: Systematic observations as carried out in selected experimental plots and farmers field at CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvidyalaya, Rice and Wheat Research Centre, Malan (HP) during kharif 2015 and 2016, revealed that the rice hispa (adults) started infesting the paddy crop early in the season at 26th Standard Meteorological Week (SMW) and it continued till the crop matures (40-44th SMW). The grub incidence was reported from 28-39th SMW. Simultaneously, random samples of mined leaves were collected from the surveyed plots, brought to the laboratory, examined for field parasitism symptoms, maintained and reared for further investigations, recovered the association of hispa grubs or pupae with a gregarious parasitoid, which was identified as Chrysonotomyia sp. (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae: Entedoninae). Also, the maximum parasitization rates for this vary species of parasitoid were recorded during 34-39th SMW, with the mean parasitization of 46.0 and 39.3 percent during kharif 2015 and 2016, respectively. The natural parasitization of grubs or pupae of rice hispa by Chrysonotomyia sp. was reported for the first time from the state and it thus could be exploited as an important biological tool under the sustainable approach for its integrated management.
TL;DR: Investigation of the native isolate of entomopathogenic fungi Metarhizium anisopliae (Ma-BW) Sorokin for its virulence to banana pseudostem borer Odoiporus longicollis showed that the formulation of Ma-BW in ground nut oil performed superior with adult mortality of 83.33 per cent at 120 HAT.
Abstract: Banana pseudostem borer Odoiporus longicollis Olivier is one of the serious monophagous pest threatening the production and productivity of banana in south India The native isolate of entomopathogenic fungi Metarhizium anisopliae (Metchinkoff) Sorokin was identified and evaluated for its virulence to O longicollis compared with other entomopathogenic fungal isolates The native isolate M anisopliae (Ma-BW) showed higher virulence to adults with the minimum LC 50 value ∼10 × 10 7 spores ml -1 and faster lethal effect on adult O longicollis with the shortest LT 50 value of 6254 hours Among different oil in water formulations of Ma-BW evaluated against adult O longicollis in laboratory at 2% showed that the formulation of Ma-BW in ground nut oil performed superior with adult mortality of 8333 per cent at 120 HAT followed by oil formulations of Ma-BW in sunflower oil, gingelly oil and neem oil with7667 per cent adult mortality at the same concentration and time period
TL;DR: The Naive Bayesian classification from the trained model, best fits the testing data with 90% accuracy, thus the proposed approach can be very useful in predicting the pest G. gemma on soybean crop.
Abstract: Predicting of insect pest population with accuracy and speed when given large data set will make a major contribution to the success of integrated pest management. Naive Bayesian classification has been proposed for predicting the insect pest Gesonia gemma Swinhoe on soybean crop. The Naive Bayesian classifier works based on Bayes’ theorem and can predict class probabilities that a given tuple from the dataset belongs to a particular class. The dataset includes abiotic factors as features along with the class feature (pest incidence) are separated as training data and testing data, then the model was built on the training set by finding the probability for each of its features in relation with the class feature. The Naive Bayesian classification from the trained model, best fits the testing data with 90% accuracy, thus the proposed approach can be very useful in predicting the pest G. gemma on soybean crop.
TL;DR: These studies showed that the 10000 and 5000 ppm concentrations of nanoemulsion of neem oil were found less toxic to T. chilonis, an effective egg parasitoid of lepidopterous pests.
Abstract: Botanical biopesticides are alternative to hazardous synthetic insecticides In the present study neem oil based nanoemulsion was synthesized using neem oil and tween 80 The particle size was estimated as 1592 nm The emulsion was characterized using particle size analyzer and TEM to confirm the formation of nano emulsion of neem oil Trichogramma chilonis (Ishii) is an effective egg parasitoid of lepidopterous pests It controls pests in eggs stage prior to its damaging to crops The parasitoid is vulnerable to insecticides or oil sprays applied to the crops The present study revealed the effects of neem nanoemulsion with T chilonis under the controlled laboratory conditions Different concentrations ie, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 5000, 10000 ppm were tested on T chilonis The biological effects viz, per cent parasitism, adult emergence were found significantly reduced and increased mortality in all the concentrations of macroemulsion of neem oil (6678 ± 050, 7169± 102; 4845 ± 035, 5226 ± 060; 3175 ± 035, 2600 ± 039 in 10000 and 5000 ppm, respectively) as compared with nanoemulsion (7540 ± 003, 7826 ± 029; 5250 ± 052, 5785 ± 060; 1957 ± 027, 1625 ± 025 in 10000 and 5000 ppm, respectively and control (8800 ± 012; 8200 ± 126; 225 ± 002, respectively) These studies showed that the 10000 and 5000 ppm concentrations of nanoemulsion of neem oil were found less toxic to T chilonis
TL;DR: Among the four indigenous Bt isolates only one isolate was found positive for lepidopteran specific cry genes, and was named by the Bacillus thuringiensis delta endotoxin nomenclature committee as cry2Aa23.
Abstract: Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) being an eco-friendly bioinsecticide is effectively used in pest management strategies and, therefore, isolation and identification of new strains effective against a broad range of target pests is important. In the present study, four indigenous Bt isolates (T489, T491, T495 and T532) were taken and investigated for their properties such as crystal morphology, cry gene(s) content and insecticidal activity. Bipyramidal, cuboidal and spherical crystals were observed. Among the four isolates only one isolate was found positive for lepidopteran specific cry genes. The isolate T532 which showed the presence of cry1, cry2Aa and cry2Ab genes was selected for protein profiling and bioassay. The isolate showed the presence of two proteins of molecular weights at ~135 and ~65 kDa sizes. Artificial diet based bioassay resulted in 100% mortality of the neonate larvae of H. armigera and S. litura for the isolate T532 which was comparable to that of the positive control (HD1). The full length cry2A gene was amplified and cloned into E. coli DH5α strain. The recombinant plasmids were sequenced and the sequence was deposited in GenBank nucleotide database. The accession number of the gene is MH475905. The gene was named by the Bacillus thuringiensis delta endotoxin nomenclature committee as cry2Aa23 .
TL;DR: The efficacy of two local isolates of Beauveria brongniartii was evaluated against grubs of B. coriacea by dip treatment and oral feeding methods, and KH I in dip treatment proved to be highly effective, whereas for third instar grubs, KH I through oral feeding showed higher virulence.
Abstract: Brahmina coriacea (Hope) is the most widely distributed and destructive species of white grubs having potential to inflict 40-50 per cent yield losses to potato in Himachal Pradesh. The efficacy of two local isolates of Beauveria brongniartii (KH I and KH II) was evaluated against grubs of B. coriacea by dip treatment and oral feeding methods. Against first and second instar grubs, KH I in dip treatment proved to be highly effective, whereas for third instar grubs, KH I through oral feeding showed higher virulence. The LC 50 values for first instar grubs for KH I and KH II were 2.55×10 5 conidia/ml and 2.80×10 5 conidia/ml in dip treatment, whereas in oral feeding method, the LC 50 values were 7.27×10 5 conidia/ml and 9.69×10 5 conidia/ml, respectively. Against second instar grubs, LC 50 values calculated were 2.91×10 5 conidia/ml and 3.98×10 5 conidia/ml for KH I and KH II in dip treatment, whereas corresponding values through oral feeding method were 5.36×10 5 conidia/ml and 8.82×10 5 conidia/ml. LC 50 values for third instar grubs were 4.47×10 5 conidia/ ml and 4.88×10 5 conidia/ml for KH I and KH II in dip treatment, whereas through oral feeding, LC 50 values were 3.03×105 conidia/ml and 5.14×10 5 conidia/ml for KH I and KH II, respectively.
TL;DR: Blaptostethus pallescens is a promising candidate in tea plantations for the control of red spider mite and can be successfully reared on RSM, Laboratory studies indicated.
Abstract: The anthocorid predator, Blaptostethus pallescens Poppius was studied for the first time on red spider mite (RSM), Oligonychus coffeae Nieter. Laboratory studies indicated that B. pallescens can be successfully reared on RSM. Incubation period was 4.4 ± 0.34 days. The total developmental period of five nymphal instars to adults was 17.1 ± 0.34 days. Blaptostethus pallescens nymphs consumed RSM in the range of 3.83 ± 0.18 to 17.37 ± 0.95/day. Female B. Pallescens consumed more mites than male. The study clearly showed B. pallescens is a promising candidate in tea plantations for the control of red spider mite.
TL;DR: The aim of this research was to explore, identify and characterize the coccinellid fauna of the Mazandaran Province (Iran) and identified 21 species in 15 genera and 4 subfamilies.
Abstract: Ladybirds beetles belonging to the family Coccinellidae, Order Coleoptera, play an important role in pest control. The aim of this research was to explore, identify and characterize the coccinellid fauna of the Mazandaran Province (Iran). Coccinellid beetles were collected during 2013- 2015 from different Agriculture Stations with a wide range of agricultural lands and plants. A total of 21 species in 15 genera and 4 subfamilies were identified. 1. Coccinella septempunctata (Linnaeus, 1758) 2. Adalia bipunctata (Linnaeus, 1758)* 3. Harmonia quadripunctata (Pontoppidan, 1763) * 4. Haippodemia variegate (Goeze, 1777) 5. Oenopia congolobata (Linnaeus, 1758) 6. Propyleaquatuor decempunctata (Linnaeus, 1758) 7. Adalia decempunctata (Linnaeus, 1758) 8. Vibidia duodecimguttata (Poda, 1761) * 9. Psylloboraviginti duopunctata (Linnaeus, 1758) 10. Chilocorus bipustulatus (Linnaeus, 1758) 11. Exochomus nigromaculatus (Goeze, 1777) 12. Platynaspis luteorubra (Redtenbacher, 1843)* 13. Nephusbi punctatus (Kugelann, 1794)* 14. Nephus qadrimaculatus (Herbst, 1783) 15. Scymnus subvillosus (Goeze, 1777) 16. Scymnus frontalis (Fabricius, 1787)* 17. Scymnus apetzy (Mulsant, 1846) 18. Scymnus impexus (Mulsant, 1850)* 19. Stethorus punctilum (Weise, 1891)* 20. Stethorus gilvifrons (Mulsant 1850)* 21. Serangium montazeri (Montazeri, 1994)* Nine species that are marked by *are new records for MazandaranCoccinellid fauna.
TL;DR: The populations of predatory coccinellid and spiders in EPF treated and untreated control plots were found statistically non-significant indicating the safety of entomopathogenic fungi to these predators.
Abstract: The present study was carried out to assess the field efficacy of three isolates of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) for management of cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae . All the tested isolates showed suppressive effect on aphid. Two-year pooled data revealed lower incidence of 13.9–17.1 aphids/plant in the EPF treated plots compared to higher incidence of 107.5 aphids/plant in untreated control. Significantly higher yields were recorded in the plots treated with Bb-5a, Ma-4 and Vl-8 isolates (28.0, 27.4 and 27.4 t/ha, respectively) compared to untreated control (22.3 t/ha). The populations of predatory coccinellid and spiders in EPF treated and untreated control plots were found statistically non-significant indicating the safety of entomopathogenic fungi to these predators.
TL;DR: Habitat diversification in growing sandalwood is an ideal option to manage the insect pest problems and positive linear relationship between pest and predators is demonstrated.
Abstract: In 15 combinations of growing sandalwood with other plant species the incidence of insect pests and their predators were observed for two years from 2014 to 2015 in Karnataka. The more diversified areas recorded more species of insect pests and natural enemies but the severity of the infestations were less and resulted in no insecticidal application. In less diversified areas the severity of sap suckers and stem borers were more often seen and resulted in undertaking control measures. An analysis of sapsuckers and defoliators with the natural enemies like coccinellids, mantids and spiders showed positive linear relationship between pest and predators. The findings demonstrated that habitat diversification in growing sandalwood is an ideal option to manage the insect pest problems.
TL;DR: A positive correlation with average temperature and negatively correlated with relative humidity was found and these species will be useful in bio control programme in near future.
Abstract: The study was carried out during 2013 and 2014 on tomato (var. Solan gola) in open field. Infestation of Tetranychus ludeni Zacher was recorded. Predatory mite viz. Neoseiulus sp. nr. neoghanii was observed in association with T. ludeni . Maximum population of T. ludeni was recorded during June month both years with population 2.6±0.58 (2013) & 2.3±0.42 (2014) mites/leaf. N . sp. nr. neoghanii was observed in June and July month. Population was 0.2±0.2 mites/leaf both years. Populations of T. ludeni and N . sp. nr. neoghanii showed a positive correlation with average temperature and negatively correlated with relative humidity. Occurrence of these species on this crop was the first report from this region. The study will be useful in bio control programme in near future.
TL;DR: The predatory potential of aphid lion, Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi against Aphis punicae in pomegranate was studied and the observation showed that all the larval stages of the predator were found to feed on A.punicae.
Abstract: The predatory potential of aphid lion, Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) against Aphis punicae in pomegranate was studied and the observation showed that all the larval stages of the predator were found to feed on A. punicae. Furthermore, the third instar grub of C. zastrowi sillemi with the developmental period of 3.4 days had consumed a maximum of 106.3 aphids followed by second and first instar grubs of the predator which consumed a maximum of 68.1 and 30.7 aphids during their development period of 3.2 and 2.7 days, respectively. Further, single C. zastrowi sillemi grub was found to consume a total of 205.1 aphids during its total larval period of 9.3 days. The results obtained indicate the potential of C. zastrowi sillemi as an effective predator of pomegranate aphid.
TL;DR: The findings from research conclude that the fungal and bacterial antagonist strains can exert an inhibitory effect on the radial growth of Fusariu m sp.
Abstract: In the present investigation potential fungal and bacterial antagonists were tested under laboratory and field conditions against the phytopathogen Fusarium moniliforme var. subglutinans Sheldon, causing Pokkah Boeng disease of sugarcane. Different strains of fungal anatagonists viz; Trichoderma spp. (strains TCMS36, TCMS43, Th3, TCMS9, Th14) and bacterial antagonists viz; Pseudomonas fluorescens (strains Psf173 and Psf02) and Bacillus sp. were tested against the pathogen under in vitro conditions by employing dual culture technique and volatile assay. The results from dual culture revealed that TCMS36 showed the maximum radial growth inhibition i.e., 73.33 per cent followed by Th14 (69.01%), Psf02 (68.33%), Th3(66.04%),TCMS43 (64.7%), Bacillus sp. (63.95%) and TCMS9(63.74%). Volatile assay depicted that the maximum radial growth inhibition was found in TCMS36(70.01%) followed by TCMS9 (60.10%), Th3 (57.25%), Th14 (55.36%), Psf02 (50.83%) and Bacillus sp. (51.79%), while minimum growth inhibition was observed in Psf173 (40.49%). Further studies were conducted in field, where, Th 14, Psf02 and the consortium of both (Th 14+Psf 02) were tested through sett treatment. The minimum disease incidence was observed in the treatment where setts were treated with P. fluorescens (Psf02) followed by consortium (Th 14+Psf 02) and Th 14 i.e. 0.92%, 1.51% and 5.53%, respectively. The findings from research conclude that the fungal and bacterial antagonist strains can exert an inhibitory effect on the radial growth of Fusariu m sp. as well as reduce the disease incidence in field. Application of these antagonists in field could be a better management tool without having to depend on hazardous chemicals.
TL;DR: Investigations on the identification of predatory spider fauna in maize ecosystem throughout the crop growth, in Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore during 2013-2014 yielded around 2821 spiders belonging to 16 species under 10 genera of 6 families from seedling to maturity stage.
Abstract: Investigations conducted on the identification of predatory spider fauna in maize ecosystem throughout the crop growth, in Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore during 2013-2014 yielded around 2821 spiders, belonging to 16 species under 10 genera of 6 families from seedling to maturity stage. Majority of the spiders collected belonged to the families Lycosidae (1671 individuals), Salticidae (459 individuals), Oxyopidae (352 individuals), Gnaphosidae (178 individuals), Corinnidae (96 individuals) and Clubionidae (65 individuals). The predatory spider species dominating in the maize ecosystem included the species Lycosa barnesi , L. pseudoannulata , Pardosa birmanica , Salticus sp. and Hippasa lycosina . Dendrogram analysis of spiders revealed that the families, Clubionidae and Gnaphosidae were closely related when compared to other predatory spider families. Correlation analysis with the weather parameters showed that the predatory spider population had non-significant positive correlation with relative humidity at 14:22 hrs and negative correlation with all other weather parameters viz., maximum temperature, minimum temperature, relative humidity at 07:22 hrs, rainfall, sunshine hours and rainy days.
TL;DR: Bulaea lividula bocandei Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), hitherto known from North Africa, the Middle East, and Pakistan, is recorded for the first time from India (Tamil Nadu).
Abstract: Bulaea lividula bocandei Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), hitherto known from North Africa, the Middle East, and Pakistan, is recorded for the first time from India (Tamil Nadu). Suaeda maritima (L.) Dumort. (Chenopodiaceae), a common halophytic plant in mangroves, is recorded as a new host plant of B. lividula bocandei . A brief diagnostic account of the species with illustrations is given along with details on its host plants and distribution.
TL;DR: The efficacy of microbials against jasmine blossom midge was evaluated under in vitro and field conditions and revealed similar trend confirming the efficacy of M. anisopilae with minimum infestation.
Abstract: The efficacy of microbials against jasmine blossom midge ( Contarinia maculipennis Felt) was evaluated under in vitro and field conditions. The results revealed that Metarhizium anisopilae @ 1 × 10 8 spores ml -1 recorded maximum maggot mortality over untreated control (80.06 per cent) followed by Beauveria bassiana @ 1 × 10 8 spores ml -1 spores ml -1 recording 67.57 per cent mortality. The Paecilomyces lilacinus @ 1 × 10 8 spores treated maggots recorded minimum reduction of 50.56 per cent. However, the standard profenophos 50 EC treated maggots recorded 83.78 per cent reduction. Further, field evaluation for confirmation revealed similar trend confirming the efficacy of M. anisopilae with minimum infestation of 8.32, 7.69 and 7.31 per cent followed by B. bassiana recording 8.86, 8.93 and 8.50 per cent and L. lecani recording 9.97, 10.26 and 11.77 per cent infestation after first, second and third round of application respectively.
TL;DR: The management of spotted stem borer of maize Chilo partellus through augmentative releases of the parasitoid Cotesia flavipes was conducted at Dr Rajendra Prasad during Kharif 2014, 2015 and 2016.
Abstract: The management of spotted stem borer of maize Chilo partellus through augmentative releases of the parasitoid Cotesia flavipes was conducted at Dr Rajendra Prasad. Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar during Kharif 2014, 2015 and 2016. Cotesia flavipes (Cameron) was the dominant natural enemy of Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) in maize fields of Bihar agro - climatic condition and its maximum parasitization was 57 per cent. In the augmented experimentation lay out, the maximum natural infestation of Chilo partellus and its parasitoid was as 41.21 per cent during last week of September and 42.30 per cent during second week of November, respectively. In the augmented maize field, the maximum infestation and parasitization were found as 11.36 and 51 per cent, respectively.
TL;DR: Nematicidal potential of eighteen isolates of fluorescent pseudomonads were compared against peanut root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne arenaria and caused significantly higher mortality and significant inhibition in egg hatching.
Abstract: The primary objective of this study was to identify natural isolates of fluorescent pseudomonads with superior antagonistic activity towards plant parasitic nematodes. Nematicidal potential of eighteen isolates of fluorescent pseudomonads were compared against peanut root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne arenaria . Cell-free culture filtrate of DAPG-producing isolates of Pseudomonas putida caused significantly higher mortality of M. arenaria (J2) with highest in isolate DAPG3 (87.36%), followed by DAPG1 (84.16%) compared to other isolates of fluorescent pseudomonads, i.e., P. gessardii BHU1 and P. aeruginosa BM6 after exposure period of 72h at 100% concentration. The selected DAPG-producing isolates of P. putida caused significant inhibition in egg hatching. The lowest cumulative per cent hatch of M. arenaria was observed in the isolate DAPG3 (17.84%) followed by DAPG1 (18.10%). The isolates DAPG1 and DAPG3 also inhibited the nematode invasion in the roots of peanut by 41.30% and 36.34%, respectively. Significant reduction in number of galls/plant in peanut roots was recorded. The maximum reduction (51.30%) in root galling was recorded with combination of seed treatment and soil application of P. putida DAPG1 followed by 41.73% in combined treatment of seed treatment and soil application of P. putida DAPG3. The levels of Peroxidase (POD), Catalase (CAT) and Polyphenol Oxidase (PPO) were non-significant in the leaves of peanut in the treatment that received P. putida DAPG1 and DAPG3, either as seed treatment and/or soil application, compared to inoculated and un-inoculated control. However, significantly enhanced phenol content was recorded in the leaves of peanut in the treatment that received combination of seed treatment and soil application of P. putida DAPG1 and seed treatment alone.
TL;DR: Detailed morphology and morphometrics of an anthocorid predator, Blaptostethus pallescens Poppius, are provided to identify the alternate laboratory host to be utilized for mass production by rearing on UV irradiated eggs of two alternate laboratory hosts, Corcyra cephalonica and Sitotroga cerealella.
Abstract: The present research paper provides detailed morphology and morphometrics of an anthocorid predator, Blaptostethus pallescens Poppius. To identify the alternate laboratory host to be utilized for mass production, biological parameters of the anthocorid were evaluated by rearing on UV irradiated eggs of two alternate laboratory hosts, Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton) and Sitotroga cerealella (Motsch.). Five nymphal instars were recorded on both hosts. No significant differences were observed in incubation period, nymphal duration, total developmental period and sex ratio when reared on the two hosts. However, significant differences were observed in two biological parameters i.e., adult longevity and fecundity. Longer life span and higher fecundity of B. pallescens was recorded when reared on C. cephalonica eggs in comparison to S. cerealella eggs, indicating the suitability of C. cephalonica eggs for mass rearing B. pallescens in the laboratory. B. pallescens could be reared continuously for 7 generations on C. cephalonica eggs.