Showing papers in "Journal of entomology and zoology studies in 2015"

Pest detection and control techniques using wireless sensor network: A review

Abstract: Pakistan is an agricultural country which depends on agriculture and crops for its economic survival. WSN is an emerging technology all over the world and it is used in agriculture for monitoring different parameters. In this paper we review literature related to general agriculture monitoring, pest disease monitoring, and different pest control mechanisms. We analyze and classify pest control mechanism in technological, non-technological and integrated solutions. Then we compare the pest control mechanisms based on their effectiveness, cost and other performance parameters. Finally, we analyze the feasibility of pest control mechanisms based on the use of WSN for farmers in developing countries.

Assessment of Diptera: Stratiomyidae, genus Hermetia illucens (L., 1758) using electron microscopy

Abstract: Black Soldier Flies (Hermetia illucens) are common in the western hemisphere as inhabitants of nutrient rich ecosystems such as manur piles and compost heaps. They pass through a five stage lifecycle i.e. larva, prepupae, pupa, and adult. The adults, 15 to 20 mm in length) have no mouth parts and therefore do not bite nor do they sting and are not known to transmit any diseases. The larva, are voraceous consumers and have been shown to be an effective maneur management tool. In this study a Scanning Electron Microscope is used to analyze and document the anatomy of both the larval and adult for of this insect. Changes in each step of their life cycle were noted as the insect grew and matures.

A study on nectar and pollen sources for honeybee, Apis mellifera L. in Al-Ahsa Saudi Arabia

Abstract: This study was conducted at the apiary of Agricultural and Veterinary Training and Research Station, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa province, East of Saudi Arabia for two successive years 2012 and 2013 to make a map of nectar and pollen sources in Al-Ahsa province. Throughout the year, we recorded seventy nine sources of bee forage belonging to 24 plant families. Sixty six species were recorded as nectar sources, while the recorded pollen sources were 77 species. Medicago sativa L., Ziziphus spp. and Citrus spp. were the dominant sources of nectar. The yearly average amount of collected pollen was 2.23 kg/colony. The highest amount of trapped pollen loads was obtained during March. The most abundant pollen sources were found to be Cucurbita pepo Thunb (21.10%), followed by Phoenix dactylifera L. (20.25%), Helianthus annuus L. (18.15%), M. sativa L. (17.42%) and Brassica napus L. (17.05%). Beekeepers could trap pollen loads that were collected from these sources during January-May and September-October, February-March, March-August, May-June, and January-March, respectively. It was possible to map the major and minor sources of honeybee flora in Al-Ahsa province throughout the year.

Insecticidal effects of essential oils against wooly beech aphid, Phyllaphis fagi (Hemiptera: Aphididae)and rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Abstract: Eleven essential oils (Citrus aurantium, Citrus sinensis, Citrus limon, Eugenia uniflora, Ocimum gratissimum, Rosmarinus officinalis, Gaultheria procumbens, Thuja plicata, Pseudotsuga menziesii, Abies grandis, Bursera graveolens) were tested against Phyllaphis fagi, as contact and residual toxins. Abies grandis (LC50=0.006%) was significantly the most active contact toxin followed by the positive control, R. officinalis (LC50=0.134%), P. menziesii (LC50 = 0.428%), B. graveolens (LC50=0.907%), and T. plicata (LC50=1.011%). Five of these essential oils were also tested against Sitophilus oryzae for fumigation effects. Based on the LC50 values of the oils, G. procumbens was the most active fumigant (LC50=6.8ul/l air). Thuja plicata and B. graveolens oils were equitoxic. Rosmarinus officinalis and A. grandis were the least toxic(LC50=53.6 and 38.6 ul/l air respectively). In grain-treated bioassay against S. oryzae, G. procumbens was the most active (LC50=0.235 µl-g-1) followed by R. officinalis. Thuja plicata and B. graveolens were equitoxic. Abies grandis was the least toxic. These oils exhibit different modes of action and have potential to be used as commercial insecticides against P. fagi and S. oryzae.

Efficacy of diatomaceous earth and wood ash for the control of Sitophilus zeamais in stored maize

Abstract: The effectiveness of diatomaceous earth (FossilShield) and wood ash from Acacia polyacantha and Hymenocardia acida were assessed on Sitophilus zeamais, regarding adult mortality, progeny production, persistence, population increase, grain damage and seed viability. Maize grains were admixed with the dusts at the rates 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 g/kg for FossilShield and 0, 5, 10, 20 and 40 g/kg for ash. FossilShield at 0.5 g/kg achieved 100% mortality of S. zeamais within 7 days of exposure and was more efficacious than the wood ash from H. acida (87.11% mortality) and A. polyacantha (4.82% mortality) at the rate of 40 g/kg for the same time-point. The three dusts caused significant reduction of progeny emergence, damaged grains and weight loss, but showed no adverse effect on the viability of the protected seeds. FossilShield and wood ash from A. polyacantha and H. acida could be of value as green stored grain protectants against S. zeamais.

Molecular phylogeny of oysters belonging to the genus Crassostrea through DNA barcoding

Abstract: The mangrove dominated Sundarbans is a biodiversity rich complex ecosystem inhabited by a large variety of marine and estuarine species including the oysters. Aquaculture of the edible oysters is regarded as an alternative livelihood of the human population inhabiting this region. The edible oysters necessitate the genetic variation studies among the different species of same genus. Identification of juveniles and immature stages of marine oysters is very difficult using traditional taxonomic approach. DNA barcoding of two oysters belonging to the genus Crassostrea collected from the Sundarbans was done. The nucleotide sequences were very similar to each other with only one nucleotide substitution. 44 barcode sequences belonging to 9 species of the genus Crassostrea revealed that different species formed distinctive clusters. The mean sequence divergence of the novel sequences of Crassostrea gryphoides and Crassostrea cuttackensis were greater than one where as the mean sequence divergence of the other seven species of Crassostrea was very low. The limited number of barcode sequences would bernovercome through the worldwide barcoding initiative, which would refine the results and overcome the shortcomings of using smaller sample sizes.

Larvicidal activity of Lantana camara aculeata against three important mosquito species

Abstract: The resistance to chemical insecticides among mosquito species has been considered as a setback in vector control. The present study is focused on natural products of plant origin with insecticidal properties for control of insect vectors. Aqueous, ethanol, methanol, acetone and chloroform extracts of Lantana camara aculeata were evaluated against the fourth instar larvae of three important medically significant mosquito species namely Aedes aegypti, Anopheles stephensi and Culex quinquefasciatus. Phytochemical screening of the leaves showed the presence of phytocompounds such as tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, anthocyanin, quinines, triterpenoids, flavonoids, saponin and steroids. The leaf extract was also subjected to GC-MS analysis. The percentage mortality of the different mosquito species was tested after 24 hrs of exposure to different concentration of the leaf extract. The extracts of this plantrnshowed potent larvicidal efficacy and can be considered for further investigation.

Aquatic insects as bio-indicator of water quality- A study on Bakuamari stream, Chakras hila Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam, North East India

Abstract: The Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary (latitude 26° 15' - 26° 26' N and longitude 90° 15' - 90° 20' E) is located in western Assam. This study is a part of biomonitoring programme of the sanctuary using aquatic insects of Bakuamari stream during 2011- 2012. The study revealed presence of 21 species of aquatic insects belonging to 14 families and 7 orders. Different diversity indices were worked out in all the seasons. The environmental variables of water were estimated by standard methods. Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient was computed to find out significant correlations between diversity and density of aquatic insects with the water variables. Biomonitoring Working Party score and the Average Score per Taxon were calculated to find the status of the water quality of the system. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) was used to infer the relationship between environmental variables and aquatic insect community structure. The influence of environmental variables in the diversity of aquatic insects has been discussed in the paper.

Studies on the insecticidal properties of Chromolaena odorata (Asteraceae) against adult stage of Periplaneta americana

Abstract: Cockroach (Periplaneta americana) is a household pest, which transmit disease in the environment. The development of resistance due to resistance has prompted efforts to seek alternative biological control methods. Community based-plant species, C. odorata was studied for its insecticidal activity of cockroach, P. americana at room temperature. Mortality of P. americana was sparingly recorded in treatment with the lowest concentration of the leaf extract after a short period of exposure (6 hrs). However, the maximum Mortality rate was recorded after exposure of the test species to the highest concentration of leaf extract. The survivals and mortality rate were very highly significant at 0.001% level of confidence. Phytochemical analysis showed alkaloids, flavonoids, saponin and tannin present in the plant species used. Based on this study, leaf extract of C. odorata have exhibited some measures of efficacy in the control of P. americana. Further investigation could be carried out to know the bioactive chemical with this insecticidal property, responsible for the control of this nuisance pest.

Efficacy of insecticides against infestation of brinjal fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee (Pyralidae: Lepidoptera) under field conditions

Abstract: The present study was carried out at Agricultural research institute, Tarnab, Peshawar during 2011 to study the efficacy of different insecticides against Brinjal fruit borer. The insecticides tested were: spinosad, emamectin benzoate, chlorpyrifos, profenofos, fenvalerate and cypermethrin and were compared with a control. Results showed that emamectin benzoate was most effective against brinjal fruit borer and resulted in lower infestation (40.1%) followed by cypermethrin (40.43%), whereas fenvalerate offered moderate control (41.31%) of borers. The study recommended the use of emamectin benzoate for effective control of brinjal fruit borer.

Impact of dusky cotton bug (Oxycarenus laetus Kirby) on seed germination, lint color and seed weight in cotton crop

Abstract: Study was carried out to determine the yield losses (qualitative as well as quantitative) caused by (Oxycarenus laetus Kirby) Dusky Cotton Bug (DCB) in cotton crop during July to October, 2011 and 2012 under field conditions in the area of Entomological Research Institute, Faisalabad. Different numbers of DCB viz., 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 pairs per boll were detained with muslin’s cloth bags. Observations were made on 100-seed weight, seed germination and visual staining of lint. Maximum lint discoloration (Slightly dark yellow during both the study years), reduction in cotton seed germination (28.2 & 32.13%) and reduction in seed weight (18.12 & 20.62%) were obtained during the study period (2011 and 2012, respectively) when population of dusky cotton bug was maintained as 25 pairs per boll.

Competition affected by re-mating interval in a myriapod

Abstract: Copulation duration, re-mating interval, and ejaculate volume (disintegrations per minute of H3+) was analyzed in the millipede Chersastus inscriptus. Re-mating interval negatively related to second duration (y = 36 + 0.01x) and relative ejaculate volume increased from 21% to 77% in favor of second males after 24h intervals.

Forensic - insect succession and decomposition patterns of dog and rabbit carcasses in different habitats

Abstract: The entomofauna associated with two animal carcasses namely; dog (Canis lupus familiaris) and rabbit (Lepus cuniculus); and their succession patterns were investigated. This study was carried out at the Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Nasr city, Cairo, Egypt. The fresh stage of carcass decomposition began with death and ended when bloated stage was initiated. It lasted 12 h for dog and rabbit carcasses placed outdoor (Mean temperature 29 C and RH 54%), while it lasted one day and 12 h for dog and rabbit carcasses placed indoor, respectively. The bloated stage was on day one postmortem for dog and rabbit carcasses placed outdoor, while it was on day 2 and on day one postmortem for dog and rabbit carcasses placed indoor, respectively. The active decay stage was on day 4 and on day 3 postmortem for dog and rabbit carcasses placed outdoor, respectively. While it was on day 3 postmortem for each dog and rabbit indoor. The advanced decay stage arrived on day 7 and on day 5 postmortem for dog and rabbit carcasses placed outdoor, respectively. Meanwhile, it was on day 6 and on day 5 postmortem for dog and rabbit carcasses placed indoor, respectively. The final stage of decomposition (dry stage) was arrived on day 22 and on day 19 postmortem for dog and rabbit carcasses placed outdoor, respectively. While it was arrived on day 31 and on day 16 postmortem for dog and rabbit carcasses placed in door, respectively. rnA total of 687 adult insect specimens representing 9 families were collected from dog carcasses placed outdoor, while 342 adult insect specimens representing 8 families were collected from dog carcass placed indoor. Diptera, Coleoptera and Hymenoptera comprised 57%, 36% and 7% of insects collected from dog carcasses placed outdoor and 59%, 37% and 4% of insects placed indoor. The insect succession on dog and rabbit throughout the decompositional stages showed that the Calliphorid fly, Chrysomya albiceps was the first fly attracted to the early stages of decomposition. In general, it was appeared that the diversity and numbers of forensic insect species which colonize dog or rabbit carcasses were increased outdoor and decreased indoor. Moreover, they were higher in numbers on dog carcasses than on rabbit carcasses.

A comparison of the reproduction of collareddoves Streptopelia decaocto and turtle doves Streptopelia turtur in the Ziban Oases (Biskra, Algeria)

Abstract: The expansion of the palm groves of the southeasterly oases of the Ziban (Biskra, Algeria), from 2 to 4 million palms of it spaces in the last decade seems to have permitted a fast colonization by the Colombidae. During five and half months in 2008, from the end of March until the end of August, we led the observations and a regular follow-up in order to surround the main parameters of the nest building and reproduction among the doves Streptopelia decaocto and S. turtur. We followed the activity of two samples of reference, composed of N1=21 nests of S decaocto and N2=30 nests of S. turtur. The nests were constructed by two varieties of date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera): Mech degla and Deglet nour. The respective mean heights of the nests for S. decaocto were HST1 = 6, 11± 1,006 m (N=14) and HST2 = 4, 57± 1,12m (N=7). While, the mean heights of S. turtur were HSB1 = 5, 28± 1,15m (N=16) and HSB2 = 4,rn04 ± 1,29m, (N=14). The global breeding success for the two species of doves was homogeneous enough; it oscillated between 0, 50 for S. decaocto and 0, 56 for S. turtur. It was in the same way for the rates of daily survivals (ŝT = 0, 9424 S. decaocto and ŝB = 0, 9511 for S. turtur).

Effect of Selenium and Vitamin E on cryopreservation of semen and reproductive performance of animals (a review)

Abstract: Livestock is a major sector nowadays converting into an industry. Buffalo is one of the major constituents of the animal sector and is liked mostly due to its milk and meat in the Asian countries. Use of artificial insemination technique has improved meat and milk quality in this animal. Artificial insemination is one of best and quick technique to improve reproductive efficiency. However, the major problem with this reproductive technique is a reduction in the quality of semen during freezing and thawing. The production of reactive oxygen species during the process of cryopreservation hampers the motility of spermatozoa. The reactive oxygen species decreases cellular viability by initiation of lipid per oxidation of bio-membranes. To minimize this damage, antioxidants are used as cryoprotectants against the lipid per oxidation of bio-membranes. There are many antioxidants used to counteract the problems occurring during cryopreservation. In this review the beneficial effects of Selenium and Vitamin E as antioxidants on cryopreservation of semen are considered to be monitored.

Impact of cypermethrin on biochemical aspects of clinical importance in the blood of freshwater fish Cyprinus carpio

Abstract: LC50 96 hr value of cypermethrin to the freshwater fish Cyprinus carpio (Linn) was determined through static bioassays. The fish were reared in sublethal concentration of the pesticide for 28 days. Blood was collected from the treated and control fish and used for clinically important biochemical analysis. The biochemical variables such as glucose, urea and creatinine increased in the blood of C. carpio whereas the proteins, albumin and globulin decreased significantly. The study evidenced that the fish might have experienced a higher energy demand as well as conditions like hyper glycemia, proteinemia, liver damage, kidney destruction and muscle destruction under cypermethrin exposure.

Fumigant toxicity and repellent effect of three Iranian Eucalyptus species against the lesser grain beetle, Rhyzopertha Dominica (F.) (Col.: Bostrichidae)

Abstract: In the present study, fumigant toxicity, repellent property and durability of essential oils of Eucalyptus dundasii Maiden, Eucalyptus floribunda F. Muell and Eucalyptus kruseana F. Muell were evaluated against the adults of Rhyzopertha dominica (F.). The essential oils were isolated with hydro-distillation method by Clevenger apparatus. Results of fumigant toxicity showed that as the concentration and exposure time increased, the mortality also increased. LC50 values for E. dundasii, E. floribunda and E. kruseana were achieved as 41.69, 34.39 and 27.98 μl/l air, respectively. For Repellent Index, it was found that all essential oils have repellent effect at concentrations of 70, 140 and 280 μl/l air and E. kruseana oil showed the highest repellency as compared to other essential oils. In the evaluation of durability of fumigant toxicity, it found that E. kruseana essential oil has more stable.

Management of major insect pests of black gram under dryland conditions

Abstract: Field experiments were conducted during rabi 2011 and 2013 to evaluate the efficacy of different insecticidal treatments against aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch, leafhopper, Empoasca kerri Pruthi, defoliator, Spodoptera litura (Fab.) and pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hub.) on black gram. The results showed that seed treatment with thiamethoxam 25 WG @ 3 g/ kg of seed + spray with thiamethoxam 25 WG @ 0.4 g/ l recorded the lowest population of aphids (1.60, 1.45 no. /plant) and leafhoppers (2.36, 2.12 no./ plant) followed by spraying of imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 0.4 ml/ l with 83.96, 87.45 kg and 66.13, 71.61 per cent reduction over control, respectively after second round of spraying in the fields trials I and II. Indoxacarb 14.5 SC @ 1 ml/ l provided an effective control of S. litura and H. armigera which recorded 0.04, 0.00 and 0.09, 0.03 nos of larvae/plant at 7th day after the second application in the field trial I and II, respectively, which was at par, with sponsored 45 SC @ 0.4 ml/ l (0.08, 0.07 and 0.13, 0.13 at 7 DAT of second application) but was significantly better than the untreated control. Thus, seed treatment with thiamethoxam 25 WG @ 3 g/kg of seed + spray with thiamethoxam 25 WG @ 0.4 g/ l and indoxacarb 14.5 SC @ 1 ml/ l proved effective against sucking pests and borers of black gram, respectively and can be recommended for their use in black gram ecosystem.

Larvicidal activity of essential oils from pericarps of ripe Citrus fruits cultivated in Cameroon on pyrethroids sensitive and resistant strains of Anopheles gambiae Giles, 1902

Abstract: Essential oils of pericarps of ripe fruits from Citrus aurantifolia, C. limon, C. sinensis and C. reticulata were analyzed and their effectiveness assessed. Pericarps of C. sinensis (0.8%) had higher essential oil content than that of other species, mostly monoterpenes (83.60 to 97.29%). The major compound was limonene (46.84%, 76.14%, 91.43% and 94.92%, respectively for C. aurantifolia, C. reticulata, C. limon and C. sinensis). These volatile oils induced 100% mortality of larval stages of An. Gambiae strains at 400 ppm after 12 hours of exposure, except for C. aurantifolia. Volatile oil from C. limon is the most effective (LC50 = 13.75 ppm and LC95 = 54.94 ppm for the susceptible strain; LC50= 32.28 and LC95 = 104.7 for the resistant strain). Probably because of higher proportions of limonene or synergistic action of certain minor compounds. Pericarps of C. limon ripe fruit could be recommended for the development of natural biocides.

Effect of macrophytes on Phytophilous macroinvertebrate community: A review

Abstract: Understanding the importance of interaction among various biotic-variables is a prerequisite for analyzing the changes in the environment of an ecosystem. In aquatic ecology, macrophytes play a prominent role in providing stable habitat to various other biota including fish, invertebrates, periphytons and diatoms. The composition of these taxonomic groups is a better predictor of assemblage diversity and indicator of the health of the ecosystem, thereby lending importance to species interaction for spatial coherence. Macrophytes and invertebrates are bio-indicators of water quality due to their varying degree of sensitivity to pollution. Unlike chemical data, which provides water quality information at a discrete point in time, the biological organisms are long-term indicators of environmental stressors. Moreover the macroinvertebrates are more effective than chemical methods for detecting non-point source pollution. In part, of the wide-spectrum of taxa-specific responses among these organisms to environmental stressors and long-term response to both exposure and recovery has enhanced there use in biomonitoring. Besides macrophyte morphology plays a decisive role in invertebrate density and diversity by providing a variety of ecological niches. Likewise insect herbivory inflict damage to the structure of macrophytes, thus, both share a two-way relation. Appreciating the essentiality of this association is the key to improvement of aquatic biodiversity that identifies the interactions and understands the pattern of changes in the regional species pool. The present paper is a comprehensive review that highlights the interaction between macrophyte and the associated invertebrate community.

An updated checklist of recent marine and coastal brackish water ostracods (Crustacea Ostracoda) in Turkey

Abstract: A distributional checklist of total 382 marine and coastal brackish water ostracod (Crustacea) species from Turkey (the Mediterranean Sea, the Aegean Sea, the Black Sea, the Sea of Marmara, the Dardanelles Strait, and the Bosphorus Strait) are listed in this updated checklist This checklist was generated from all studies (mainly based on published data) which were carried out in Turkish territorial marine and coastal brackish waters between the years of 1989-2014

Pollen spectrum of stingless bees honey (Hymenoptera: Apidae), Paraná State, Brazil

Abstract: The objective of this study was to identify the plants that contribute to the honey composition of stingless bees using pollen analysis. We collected 30 stingless bees honey samples. The pollen analysis was performed following the standard method of acetolysis. We identified 55 pollen types belonging to 27 families. The predominant pollen types were Casearia, Eucalyptus, Galactia, Miconia, Morus, Myrcia I, Syagrus and Rubiaceae type. The pollen types most frequent among the samples were Syagrus, Eucalyptus, Mimosa caesalpiniaefolia, Psidium, Miconia, Morus, Leucaena and Inga. The average number pollen types per sample the studies species ranged from 4.25 to 9.00, indicating the participation of several plant species in the honey composition of stingless bees. The occurrence of a predominant pollen type was recorded in 40% of the samples. The pollen spectrum of the honey samples analyzed were diverse, with significant contributions of Fabaceae (subfamily Mimosoideae), Asteraceae and Myrtaceae as the most diverse in species visited by stingless bees in the study area.

Elaborate gonopods in the myriapod genus Chersastus (Diplopoda: Trigoniulidae)

Abstract: Two-paired gonopods of Chersastus were examined under light and scanning microscopy. Species-specific structures with complexities are described. These gonopods are test models for elaborate genitalia hypotheses: lock-and-key, pleiotropism, genitalic recognition, mechanical conflict of interests, cryptic female choice. Structures of potential sperm displacement are described.

Efficacy of Cameroonian Ocimum canum Sims (Lamiaceae) leaf extract fractions against Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), infesting Bambara groundnut

Abstract: Botanicals could berneco-friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides in stored product protection. Ocimumrncanum leaf powder was sequentially extracted in hexane, acetone andrnmethanol, and the fractions were tested for their potential in protectingrnstored Bambara groundnut seeds against the infestation of Callosobruchusrnmaculatus. Bambara groundnut seeds (50 g) were treated with 1 and 5 g/kg ofrnextract to evaluate the repellence, mortality, F1 progenyrnproduction, seed damage of the beetle as well the persistence of the testrnsubstances. The hexane fraction was more repellent than the other two,rnrecording repellence class V at 1 g/kg. Hexane fraction also showed superiorrntoxicity, causing 100% mortality of C. maculatus at 5 g/kg within 7 daysrnof exposure. All the fractions, at 5 g/kg, somewhat completely inhibitedrnprogeny emergence and seed damage. Hexane fraction had sufficient efficacy tornbe a component of storage pest management package of C. maculatus.

Prevalence of Eimeria Species in Sheep in Sulaimaniya Province, Iraq

Abstract: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of Eimeria species in sheep in Sulaimaniya province, Iraq-region, between August-2012 - March 2013. The material collected for the present study was comprised of 150 sheep at nine different locations. The faecal samples consist of 28 lambs (0-6 month-old), 55sheep (6-12 month-old) and 67 sheep (˃12 month old). The faecal samples were taken directly from the rectum. Oocysts of Eimeria species were found in 108 (72%) of sheep and were infected with a total of 11 species. According to the age groups 0-6 month-old lambs were recorded with highest rate. In this study 150 sheep were examined, among them 28% was not infected, 6.48 %infected with single species of Eimeria, and 67.33 %were mixed infection, and highest rate of mixed infection include 6 Eimeria species. As a result this study was to determine the prevalence of coccidiosis in sheep in Sulaimaniya province.

Effects of the hexanic extract of neem Azadirachta indica against adult whitefly Bemisia tabaci

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the insecticidal and repellent efficiency of the hexanic extracts of seeds of neem Azadirachta indica on whitefly Bemisia tabaci adults. Bioassays were performed by testing seeds collected in 2007 (NEEM-1) and in 2008 (NEEM-2). Mortality was assessed with five levels (5-10%) and repellence at two levels (5 and 10%), for 8 hours. Water and Dichloromethane (0.1%) served as controls. The lethal median concentration of neem, analyzed by Probit, was 6.55%. The concentration of 10% (both, NEEM-1 and NEEM-2) produced 100% of mortality, NEEM-1 since the second hour of evaluation, whereas NEEM-2, since fifth hour of assessment. NEEM-1 and NEEM-2 (10%) produced 100% of repellent activity since seventh and sixth hour, respectively. Nevertheless, significant differences were not observed between the times of storage-collection for both extracts. It is recommended to achieve field studies that expand these results in vitro.

Efficacy of some selected synthetic chemical insecticides and bio-pesticides against cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Sternorrhyncha: Pseudococcidae) under agro ecological conditions of Peshawar, Pakistan

Abstract: Field studies were carried out for the control of cotton mealybug (Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley) during July 2015-16, at new developmental farm of the University of Agriculture Peshawar-Pakistan in RCBD arrangements with five treatments i.e. Movento, Confidor, Actara, Tobacco and Neem extract. IR-1524 variety of cotton was grown for investigating mealybug infestation as the population of mealybug started proliferating wernapplied treatments. Results indicated that maximum mortalities was observed after 72 hours of application Memento Energy 240 Sc caused highest mortality of 92.96% followed by Confidor 200 O-Teq, Actara® 25WG, Tobacco Extract @ 2.00 % and Neem Extract @ 2.00 % 57.2%, 51.32% and 45.03% and 29.76 % respectively. Neem and Tobacco Extracts showed considerable mortalities of cotton mealybug with edge of having environment friendly, and safe for natural enemies, humans and other animals but low as compared to the synthetic insecticides which have ill effects on environment and natural enemies.

Aquatic insects and their societal benefits and risks

Abstract: Information on the aquatic insects and their benefits and risks to the society are scanty among the general public, students and the scientific community, when compared with the same on the land forms. In this article, an attempt is made to overcome this deficiency. A brief description is furnished along with the representative photographs of eleven orders of aquatic insects. These orders are Collembola (springtails), Ephemeroptera (mayflies), Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies), Plecoptera (stoneflies), Hemiptera (true bugs), Megaloptera (dobsonflies and alderflies), Neuroptera (songillaflies), Trichoptera (caddisflies), Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths), Coleoptera (beetles) and Diptera (true flies). Detailed information is presented on the beneficial role of aquatic insects in food webs, biomonitoring, fishing and control of noxious weeds. The harmful impacts caused by these animals to the society and the ecosystem by way of general nuisance, transmission of diseases and destruction of crops, are described. The importance of the need for a new generation of aquatic entomologists, is stressed.

Insecticidal effect of Solanum elaeagnifolium extracts under laboratory conditions

Abstract: The insecticidal activity of methanolic extracts from leaves and seeds of Solanum elaeagnifolium against three pest species (Myzus persicae, Phthorimaea operculella and Tribolium castaneum) was investigated. Seed extract had the greatest effect in causing mortality of 23.6% for peach potato aphids and 34% for the red floor beetle, and inhibiting oviposition (95.9%) and egg hatching (98.6%) for potato tuber moth. Except the effect of leaf extract on P. operculella, no significant toxicity was observed on T. castaneum and M. persicae. The present study suggests that seeds and leaves from S. elaeagnifolium have insecticidal and repellent properties against several crop pests and could be employed as alternatives for chemical pesticides.

Pathogenicity of Aspergillus Niger and Aspergillus flavus on red spider mite (Oligonychus coffeae Nietner), a serious pest of tea

Abstract: Red spider mite, Oligonychus coffeae Nietner is one of the most serious pest of tea plantation in Northeast India. In order to evaluate the pathogenicity of entomopathogenic fungi against this pest, mite populations were maintained in the laboratory by detached leaf culture method. Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus were isolated from dead spider mites collected from Tongani tea garden located in Mangaldai, Assam and identified. The bioassay was carried out by spraying the mites with three different conidial concentrations of 1x10 6 , 1x10 7 , 1x10 8 conidia/ml and 0.01% Tween 80 which was used as blank control. Each concentration was replicated three times comprising of 20 mites in each replicate. Results showed that A. niger was highly pathogenic and recorded highest mortality of 91.11% after 96 hrs. LC50 and LT50 values for A. niger was recorded to be lower than that of A. flavus thereby indicating that A. niger was more pathogenic to red spider mite population.