Showing papers in "Journal of entomology and zoology studies in 2017"

Microorganisms as a biopesticides

Abstract: Microbial pathogen consists of disease causing organism, which are disseminated in the pest population in large quantity in a manner similar to application of chemical pesticides. These pathogens are exploited for biological control of insect pests through introductory or inundative applications. Insects like other organism are susceptible to a variety of diseases caused by different groups of microorganisms including virus, bacteria, fungi, protozoa and nematodes. Microbial pathogens of insects are intensively investigated to develop environmental friendly pest management strategies in agriculture. In the present day plant protection scenario, development of resistance to chemicals and residue in higher trophic level are major hurdle in insect pest management. In the recent years biopesticides are replacing the chemicals pesticides to overcome the harmful effect of the chemicals on non-target organism. This paper reviews the insecticidal properties of microbes and their potential utility in pest management.

A review on application of probiotic, prebiotic and synbiotic for sustainable development of aquaculture

Abstract: Aquaculture is one of the fastest emerging food producing sectors of the world. World aquaculture has immensely grown during the last few years as well as becoming an economically significant zone. However in this culture, aquatic organisms are subjected to stress condition that weakens fish immune system as well as increases the susceptibility to diseases. Thus, affects both economic development and socio-economic status of the local people in many countries. Disease control in aquaculture industry has been achieved by following different methods using traditional ways, synthetic chemicals and antibiotics. Application of antimicrobial drugs and pesticides has steered to the evolution of resistant strains of bacteria. Therefore, alternative methods are much more essential to maintain a healthy microbial environment in the aquaculture systems. The present review summarizes and discusses the effects of probiotic, prebiotic or synbiotic administration on growth performance, stress tolerance, intestinal microbiota, immune response and health of aquatic organisms.

Repellent activity and fumigant toxicity of a few plant oils against the adult rice weevil Sitophilus oryzae Linnaeus 1763 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Abstract: Insect pests cause damage to stored grains and processed products by reducing their dry weight and nutritional value. The control of rice weevil infestations has been primarily through the use of fumigants and residual chemical insecticides to augment the more obvious approach of hygiene. Treatment of rice with synthetic insecticides is not recommended because of direct and indirect health hazards to humans. Recognition of such detrimental effects of synthetic insecticides has prompted the development of new alternatives as less obtrusive management strategies that must be ecologically safer with no residual and noxious effects on non-target animals. Plant based formulations are chiefly biodegradable and are recognized as better sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives of synthetic pesticides in food security as their activity may be due to synergistic effects of different active principles leading to different mode of action during their pesticidal action. Therefore, in the present study, the repellent activity and fumigant toxicity of plant oils viz., Aniseed, Camphor, Citronella, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Rosemary, Vetiver and Wintergreen were tested at concentrations of 10 and 50µL against the adults of Sitophilus oryzae in the laboratory. Results revealed varying degree of repellency by plant oils on the adults of Sitophilus oryzae. Among the plant oils tested, maximum repellency expressed as Excess Proportion Index (EPI) was recorded in camphor. The order of the repellency of plant oils at 10µL on 6 hours of exposure with EPI were Camphor (-0.90)  Wintergreen (-0.88)  Lavender (-0.70)  Citronella (-0.70)  Rosemary (-0.67)  Vetiver (-0.62)  Lemon (-0.57)  Eucalyptus (-0.55)  Geranium (-0.44)  Aniseed (-0.04) and at 50µL it was Camphor (-1.0) > Wintergreen (-0.89)  Citronella (-0.89)  Lemon (-0.89)  Lavender (-0.71)  Vetiver (-0.69)  Geranium (-0.65)  Rosemary (-0.57)  Eucalyptus (-0.52)  Aniseed (-0.50). For fumigant toxicity (expressed in terms of adult mortality), the selected plant oils were tested at 10 and 50µL concentrations for 24, 48 and 72 hours, and Lemon oil exhibited the highest activity and their respective LD50 values were 58.86, 44.90 and 40.38µL. Results of this study indicate that plant oils might be useful for managing coleopterous insects in storage especially Sitophilus oryzae on rice. Yet, further scrutiny is required to use plant oils as one of the component in IPM programmes which may reduce the application of synthetic chemicals.

Chromium toxicity in fish: A review article

Abstract: The aim of this review paper was to assess the toxicological impacts of Chromium in fish. Chromium apart from being an important metal presents a substantial threat to aquatic life. It destabilizes the ecosystem due to their toxic impact on biota and bioaccumulation in certain organisms. Occurrence of chromium varies in fishes, depending upon their age, development as well as other physiological variables. It also produced cytotoxicity and detrimental impact on behavior of fish such as hypertrophy and paraplegia at gill epithelium, uneven swimming and suspended feeding. Various research studies indicated adverse effects of chromium in fish at hematological level like anemia, thrombocytopenia, decrease in hemoglobin and total erythrocytes count. At bio-chemical level, mostly decline in the contents of glycogen, lipids and proteins was observed. The review paper will be helpful for scientific community in restoring the chromium contaminated water bodies.

Review on antibiotic residues in animal products and its impact on environments and human health

Abstract: Antibiotics are mainly employed for chemotherapeutic, prophylactic purposes and also used as feed additives to promote growth and improve feed efficiency. However, antibiotic residues in animal products may occur, when administration of drug in extra label fashion and not following of withholding period after treatment. Many of the administered drugs are not completely absorbed from gut and excreted through faeces and urine as either parent compound or its toxic metabolites. The application of manure or farm effluents in agricultural land leads to selection of resistant bacteria, development and transmission of antibiotic resistance genes in the microbes. The antibiotic resistance in animal and human leads to poor response to treatment during illness. The antibiotic residues in animal product causes harmful effect on health and also interfere with the processing of milk and milk products. The present review focuses on antibiotic residues in animal products and its impact on environments and human health.

Laboratory bioassay methods to assess the insecticide toxicity against insect pests-A review

Abstract: Laboratory bioassays have become increasingly important because of their predictive value, generating comparative toxicity data on many chemicals in relatively short times at relatively low expense. The laboratory investigations provide a better understanding of insect-insecticide or insect-plant-insecticide interactions. It is a simple, versatile, easy and sensitive technique for determining toxicity of wide range of chemicals, which greatly facilitates the determination of the LD50, LC50 or any other lethal concentration/dose. The objective of present reviews is to know the different laboratory bioassay techniques for evaluation of different insecticide against insect pests.

Antifeedant activity and some biochemical effects of garlic and lemon essential oils on Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract: The present study was aimed to evaluate the larvicidal activity, antifeedant activity and some biochemical studies of garlic and lemon essential oils on Spodoptera littorals (Boisduval) larvae by leaf dipping method. The results showed that both garlic and lemon oils have larvicidal effects against S. littoralis larvae, with LC90, LC50 and LC30 of 39.18, 19.95 and 16.60% for garlic oil, respectively; and it was 47.04, 24.20% and 20.09 % for lemon oil, respectively. The antifeedant activity and the starvation percentage decreased significantly in larvae treated with garlic and lemon oils. Biochemically, the total midgut proteins and lipids contents decreased significantly while the carbohydrate levels increased in larvae treated with LC30 of both garlic and lemon oils. α-amylase and lipase decreased significantly in treated larvae. The present study showed that both garlic and lemon essential oils were toxic to S. littoralis larvae and these results could be useful for the development of new insecticide formulations to control this pest. The effects of essential oils on larvicidal and antifeedant activities are discussed.

Feeding management for early rumen development in calves

Abstract: Young calves are physically as well as functionally represents two different types of animals about their digestive system. Development of the rumen after birth represents very important physiological challenge for young calves. Therefore, calf feeding is critical to provide the nutrients needed to achieve the calf’s full potential for growth. The production of VFAs is essential to the development of the rumen papillae. Feeding of forage resulted in production of acetic acid rather than butyric acid. Feeding of grains and butyrate are the key elements enhancing the papillae growth and overall rumen development. During this period, water plays critical role, to create the correct rumen environment that will support fermentation and production of VFAs, which will in turn stimulate rumen development. Feeding of purified slats of butyrate also enhances the rumen development.

Sexual conflict over the duration of copulation in Centrobolus inscriptus (Attems)

Abstract: Centrobolus inscriptus provides evidence of a conflict of interests over control of copulation duration. Copulation in C. inscriptus lasts for 173 ± 41 min. The re-mating interval between double matings was not impacted by the first copulation duration but was negatively related to the second copulation duration, so that when a female endured a long interval the following copulation was shorter. Female girth was positively correlated to the second copulation duration. The first copulation duration was not significantly dependent on the sexual size dimorphism within copulating pairs, but the second copulation durations was. In these matters of physical combat, the relative sizes of the combatants are thought to be of primary importance.

Food plant records of Aphidini (Aphidinae: Aphididae: Hemiptera) in India

Abstract: The Aphidini is one of the 2 tribes of the subfamily Aphidinae (Aphididae: Hemiptera) containing about 830 species/subspecies assigned to 33 genera. Out of these, only 9 genera and 70 species/subspecies were recorded from India infesting 940 plant species belonging to 138 families, out of which only 19 families are monocot. Indian Aphidini are recorded mostly on the plant family Asteraceae (102 plant species), followed by Fabaceae (96 plant species), Poaceae (92 plant species), Lamiaceae (46 plant species), Rosaceae (38 plant species), Solanaceae (34 plant species), Apocyanaceae (28 plant species), Rubiaceae (26 plant species), Malvaceae (25 plant species), Rutaceae (22 plant species), Cucurbitaceae (22 plant species), Polygonaceae (21 plant species), etc. Out of 70 described species of Aphidini from India, 14 species are monophagous; 40 species are oligophagous infesting 2 to 20 plant species; and 8 species are moderately polyphagous infesting 21 to 55 plant species while 8 species are highly polyphagous feeding on 55 upto 569 plant species. The present contribution provides updated checklist of Indian Aphidini with the valid scientific name of the aphids as well as their food plants.

Occurrence of Hymeniacidon perlevis (Montagu, 1814) (Porifera, Demospongiae) in Kamil Abduş Lagoon, İstanbul, Turkey

Abstract: This study was carried out to characterise the sponge fauna of the Turkish Kamil Abdus Lagoon. Only one sponge species (Hymeniacidon perlevis (Demospongiae, Halichondriidae) has been observed in alkaline, well oxygenated, polyhaline and high electrical conductivity waters of this shallow lagoon. The presence of this sponge species has been observed along 12 months on the hard substrate. Results showed that Kamil Abdus Lagoon is an important habitat for Hymeniacidon perlevis.

Yield loss assessment of rice (Oryza Sativa L.) due to different biotic stresses under system of rice intensification (SRI)

Abstract: The field experiment was conducted during 2015-16 at Viswavidyalaya farm on summer rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. IET 4786) following system intensification methodology to study the effects of three major pests (weed, insect and disease) on biological productivity. There were two treatments, unprotected and protected which were replicated six times following pair plot technique design. The invading weed, insect and disease pests in the experimental plots were identified. Weed pest caused maximum loss in seed yield 37.02% followed by insect pest 27.9% and disease pest 15.6%. SRI productivity increase may be attributed to improvement in growth and yield parameters resulting from management of pests in the respective critical infestation period. Ecosafe integrated management of all these three major pests during the critical crop pest competition period effectively below the ETL minimized losses to sustain paddy productivity at desired levels.

Use of Syrian natural zeolite for heavy metals removal from industrial waste water: Factors and mechanism

Abstract: Using static adsorption techniques, the adsorption of heavy metals of V+5,Ni+2,Zn+2,Pb+2 was investigated on natural zeolite (NZ) mined from southern Syria. This study was performed in order to determine the adsorption capacity of low- cost zeolite used to remove heavy metals from desalter wastewater of crude oil, many heavy metals are contained in this wastewater and threaten human life and fauna when discharged without treatment. The effects of the following factors on adsorption process were studied: contact time, initial concentration, size of adsorbent particles, the competing ions and hardness. The results showed that the adsorption rate accelerates at the beginning adsorption. The optimal removal efficiency was reached during 6 hours. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm model was able to give good fits to experimental data. An increase in the concentration of exchangeable cations (Ca+2) was noticed in solution at equilibrium. This finding reveals that ion exchange between zeolite and solution is responsible for the removal of heavy metal ions from the solution. It was found that precipitation affects the removal rate of Pb+2 from solution while it has negligible effect on other three ions. The highest pH of equilibrium was higher than the minimum pH necessary for complete precipitation of Pb+2 as hydroxides. The regeneration ability of the studied zeolite was examined using NaCl salt at concentration (20 g/L). The results also showed that the highest selectivity of (NZ) was for V+5 and Pb+2. Therefore their desorption efficiency is the lowest. The desorption series is a reversal of the adsorption series, desorption series Ni+2> Zn+2> Pb+2> V+5. So the locally - available NZ is considered a low - cost adsorption that can be applied to remove heavy metals.

Estimation of avoidable yield losses caused by Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) on chickpea

Abstract: Experiment was carried out to evaluate the yield losses caused by Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) infesting chickpea at RCA, MPUAT, Udaipur during 2013-14 and 2014-15. The loss estimation due to insect pests on chickpea showed that mean plant height under treated condition was 1.10 and 1.11 times more than when unprotected; likewise, the mean number of pods was 1.25 and 1.32 times more when the crop was protected. Mean number of damaged pods was 5.44 and 5.12 times more and the mean percent pod damage was 6.76 and 6.86 times more under unprotected condition. Similarly, the mean seed per pod was 1.68 and 1.70 times more in protected plot than when left unprotected. Mean yield /plant (g) and mean yield/plot (g) were 2.09 and 2.19 and 1.43 and 1.45 times more when the crop was kept protected. On the basis of yield, an avoidable loss of 29.93 and 31.28 per cent was recorded due to H. armigera infestation in chickpea variety GNG 1581.

Coccinellids as biological control agents of soft bodied insects: A review

Abstract: Ladybird beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) are a species-rich, ecologically diverse group of substantial agricultural significance, inhabit in all types of terrestrial ecosystems. In the present review the biological control of soft bodied insects by ladybird beetles is analyzed. The family Coccinellidae comprises 6,000 described species worldwide, of which 90% are considered beneficial predators and is divided into six subfamilies: Sticholotidinae, Chilocorinae, Scymninae, Coccidulinae, Coccinellinae and Epilachninae although a recent phylogeny suggests a seventh subfamily, Ortaliinae. They have great economic importance as natural enemies, exhibit a predatory nature against many soft bodied insect pests such as aphids (Aphididae: Homoptera), scale insects and mealy bugs (coccoidea: Homoptera), whiteflies (Aleyrodidae: Homoptera), Thrips (Thripidae: Thysanoptera), jassids (Cicadellidae: Homoptera), psyllids (Psyllidae; Homoptera), small larvae, insect eggs, and phytophagous mites. These have been used in both classical and augmentative biological control programmes and are also considered important in conservation biological control programmes. They are of high priority in organic cropping and integrated pest management systems.

Extraction and chemical composition essential oil of Kelussia odoratissima and comparison its larvicidal activity with Z-ligustilide (Major Constituent) against Anopheles stephensi

Abstract: In this study larvicidal activity of extracted essential oil of Kelussia odoratissima (KO) and its major component i.e. Z-ligustilide (LIG) were evaluated against Anopheles stephensi and compared with together during May 2016. Yield of extraction of essential oil from KO was 0.1% from dried plants. Components of essential oil were identified by GC-MS analysis. Z-ligustilide (64.24%), 2-octen-1-ol acetate (7.17%), thymol (4.72%), E-ligustilide (4.42%) and eugenol (2.51%) were 5 major components of KO. Larvicidal tests were performed in line with WHO guideline. Calculated LC50 and 90% for LIG (i.e. 8.73 and 15.70 ppm) higher than total essential oil (i.e. KO: 4.77 & 8.44 ppm). Essential oil has more effective than its major components and beside that, has low cost and lower risk in occurrence of resistance in different population of mosquito larvae.

Aqua drugs and chemicals used in fish farms of Comilla regions

Abstract: A study was carried out to investigate the drugs and medicine used in aquaculture activities in greater Comilla region in Bangladesh for fish health management and increasing aquaculture production. Questionnaire interview, personal contact, market survey and participatory rural appraisal like focus group discussion were conducted to collect the data. Approximately 138 stakeholders (24 drug companies, 14 drug traders/sellers and 100 fish farmers) were used to collect data from the selected upazilla of Comilla district. Major aquaculture species in experimental areas were monosex tilapia (6%), carps with tilapia (39%), carps with catfish (33%) and combination of carps, tilapia and catfish (22%) respectively. Among the total responded (rotenone 11%, bioaqua 6%, zeolite 33% and lime 50%) used for pond preparation and water quality management; (Bleaching 28%, EDTA 39%, formalin 11% and potash 22%) used as disinfectants; (ACI-OX 28%, oxymax 22%, oxy more 11%, oxy flow 22%) used as oxygenation into water; (lime 56%, salt 11% and potash 33%) used for disease treatment to fish; (oxytetracycline 44%, cotrim-vet 17%, amoxicillin 28% and chlortetracycline 11%) as antibiotics for disease treatments to fish; (aqua boost 28%, AQ grow-G 17%, Eon fish grower 22% and vitamin premix 22%) used as growth promoter; (aqua photo 28%, profs 39% pH fixer 22% and other 11%) used as probiotics and (ammonil 33%, bio-aqua-50 22%, gasonex plus 11% and others 17%) used as toxic gas reducer in the aquaculture pond in Comilla regions. This research findng will help to fish farming community to know the appropriate dose and administration methods for safe and sustainable aquaculture practices.

Novel potential of Trichoderma Spp. As biocontrol agent

Abstract: Non-judicial use of noxious fungicides results into ill effects on human health and putative to environment. It has provided opportunity to device alternative control measure plan. Trichoderma specie due to its mycolytic enzyme secretions has high potential to combat with the destructive plant pathogens. It fights with competitive pathogen for space and food by stopping its activities and keeling the pathogen thus play significant role in enhancing the growth of the crops of economic importance. Various bio-control based fungicides have been formulated and distributed globally. Present study elaborates the importance of Trichoderma spp., its significant role as biocontrol agent and world distribution of various commercially available Trichoderma spp. based bioproducts.

Diversity and ecology of coleoptera in India: A review

Abstract: India is very rich in terms of biological diversity due to its unique bio geographic location, diversified climatic conditions and enormous eco-diversity and geo-diversity. Based on the data currently collected from the experts of different animal groups, India holds about 6.90% of total number of species of the phylum Arthropoda. Out of this total number of species reported in class Insecta are 59,353 which are about 6.83% of the total number of species of insects found in the world (ENVIS Centre, Zoological Survey of India). Order Coleoptera (Gk. Coleos-sheath, ptera -wing) comprises of Beetles. It is the largest group of organisms at the order level and show exceptionally diverse adaptations to wide range of environmental conditions & habits. The research on coleopteran fauna plays an important role in understanding their role in terrestrial ecosystem as well as in various avian food chains along with soil, vegetation, anthropogenic activities and other biological indications. This review summarise the status, diversity and ecological significance of Coleopteran fauna and provide a brief overview of their role as bio indicator of any change and their management.

Effect of feeding urea molasses treated rice straw along with fibrolytic enzymes on the performance of Corriedale Sheep

Abstract: A growth trial of 60 days (March-April) was conducted on 18 male Corriedale sheep at Sheep Research Station, Shuhama, Srinagar (SKUAST-Kashmir), to study the effect of feeding of paddy straw based complete feed without (T0) or with urea molasses (T1) and fibrolytic enzyme mixture (T2) supplementation. Improvement in crude protein and reduction in ADF and NDF content of rice straw by urea molasses and fibrolytic enzyme treatment was observed. Average body weight and average daily gain of animals fed urea-molasses and enzyme treated paddy straw was significantly (P<0.05) higher than control with reduction in cost of feed per animal. Digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and cellulose digestibility were significantly (P<0.05) higher in animals of T3 group followed by T2 and T1 groups. Haemato-biochemical parameters, Hb (g%) and total protein were found significantly (P<0.05) higher in animals fed enzyme and urea-molasses treated paddy straw (T3) group than animals of T1 and T2 groups. The mean values of TVFA concentrations, total nitrogen and NH3-N recorded at different hours post feeding were found significantly (P<0.05) higher in treatment groups than that of control; with non-significant difference in the rumen pH, TCA ppt. N (mg/dl) and NPN values of the treatment groups.

Growth performance of common house cricket (Acheta domesticus) and field cricket (Gryllus bimaculatus) crickets fed on agro-byproducts

Abstract: The present study was conducted to investigate the growth performance of Acheta domesticus and Gryllus bimaculatus fed on different agro-byproducts. The experiment was carried out between February- July 2017 within Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology Insect Farm. Randomized Complete Block Design was used as the experimental design with four treatments: rice bran+ blood meal (RBBM), rice bran + spent grain (RBSG), & + rice bran + spent yeast (RBSY) and Grower’s mash (GM) as the control. 100g of each feed type was provided ad libitum for a week. Mean adult weight for G. bimaculatus were 0.989±0.02g, 0.6038±0.19g, 0.7333±0.23g and 0.6758±0.22g for cohorts fed on GM, RBSY, RBBM and RBSG respectively while the mean adult weight for A. domesticus were 0.6085±0.022g, 0.3415±0.12g, 0.368±0.11g and 0.4598±0.15g for cohorts fed on GM, RBSY, RBBM and RBSG correspondingly. Both species and treatment affected growth rate of the crickets significantly (P

Relative sexual size dimorphism in Centrobolus fulgidus (Lawrence) compared to 18 congenerics

Abstract: The present research was aimed to study relative sexual size dimorphism of Centrobolus fulgidus (Lawrence) compared to 18 congenerics. Millipedes illustrate reversed sexual size dimorphism (SSD) as females are larger than males; and corroborate Rensch’s rule as this dimorphism increases with body size. SSD was calculated in 18 species of the genus Centrobolus and illustrated as a regression. The approximate relative position of C. fulgidus was shown from measurements taken at Richards Bay Minerals (February 1996) and St. Lucia Estuary (December 1996) in South Africa. The size of C. fulgidus was 56.2 X 5.4 mm: 63.5 X 5.2 mm (males: females; n=11) and logged (x = 3.398; y = 3.301). The mean volume ratio for C. fulgidus was 1.2505. The evidence suggests the proximate cause for SSD in C. ruber is sexual bimaturism while the ultimate cause in Centrobolus is intersexual competition.

Effect of weather parameters on incidence of whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) on tomato

Abstract: Field trial was conducted to ascertain the population dynamics of B. tabaci on tomato crop variety Avinash 2 at Vegetable Research Farm of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur), Bihar during Rabi season of 2016-17. Population count of the B. tabaci was made at five days interval from starting from 30 days after transplanting. Peak population (42.4 per three leaves) of whitefly was observed on 70th day after transplanting. Temperature (max. and min.) and sunshine (hrs) had a negative significant correlation, while morning and evening relative humidity had a positive significant correlation but wind speed had non- significant positive correlation. The correlation coefficient (r) was computed for max. temperature (-0.481), min. temperature (-0.483), morning relative humidity (0.514), evening relative humidity (0.483), wind speed (0.007) and sunshine hrs (-0.641), respectively. The weather parameters were found to contribute around 55.70 per cent impact on population of Bemisia tabaci when acted together (R2 = 0.5570).

Updated check-list of Indian Eriosomatinae (Aphidinae: Aphididae: Hemiptera) and their food plants

Abstract: The articles provides updated checklist of Indian aphids (Aphididae: Hemiptera) belonging to the subfamily Eriosomatinae and their food plants Out of 470 valid species of world Eriosomatinae assigned to 53 genera, in India only 64 species assigned to 19 genera were recorded so far, out of which 22 species are endemic Some of them are pestiferous These aphids feed on 130 valid plant species belonging to 30 plant families Tetraneura (Tetraneurella) nigriabdominalis was observed highly polyphagous infesting 64 plant species followed by Geoica lucifuga (22 plant species), Tetraneura (Tetraneura) radicicola (17 plant species), Tetraneura (Indotetraneura) basui (13 plant species), and Forda orientalis (12 plant species) The most preferred plants for these aphids belong to family Poaceae (76 plant species), followed by family Rosaceae (17 species), Saliaceae (9 species), Anacardiaceae (6 species) and Asteraceae (6 species) The host plant of Ceratopemphigella delhiensis is still not known as it was only light trapped

The affect of female body width on copulation duration in Centrobolus inscriptus (Attems)

Abstract: Body size is a known correlate of copulation duration in Centrobolus inscriptus. I tested for the presence of a relationship between female body width and copulation duration in C. inscriptus by performing mating experiments. Females differed significantly from males in body mass, body length, and dorsal tergite width. Female width was positively related to copulation duration. Larger females are expected to be more fecund.

Natural plant products - As protectant during grain storage: A review

Abstract: Since 1960s, natural plant products have been utilized in controlling the insect-pests in the bulk storages. Grain protection gained economic importance from various insect-pest infestations during storage. Integrated pest management is one of the widely adopted pests control strategies that involves various contact and residual insecticides in addition to the fumigants. Today’s major concerns are residue problem and health risks to the consumers that forced synthetic pyrethroids either banned or restricted use. To the most of currently available fumigants and synthetic chemicals pests have developed resistance. Such constraints paved a way to use need based plant derived products as alternatives to current chemical pesticides. The reports have shown plant-derived products to possess great insecticidal potential. Moreover, the biosafety studies of various plant based insecticides should be carried out to ascertain their toxic effects on human, animals and agricultural crops. This paper includes various aspects like storage losses by insect pests, side effects of pesticides as grain protectants, plant products as alternative to synthetic compounds, classification of plant based compounds, powder and oil formulations as grain protectants.

Copulation and sexual size dimorphism in worm-like millipedes

Abstract: The prediction that copulation duration is shorter when sexual size dimorphism increases was tested in juliform millipedes at the population-level and species-level by tabulating and correlating ratios for mean sexual size dimorphism ranging from 1.0-1.6 (n=310) with mean copulation duration ranging from 34-206 minutes (n=391) in 8 taxa: ord. Spirostreptida fam. Odontopygidae gen. Odontopyge (n=2spp.), Spinotarsus (n=1sp.) and fam. Spirostreptidae gen. Calostreptus (n=1sp.), Doratogonus (n=1sp.); and ord. Spirobolida fam. Trigoniulidae gen. Centrobolus (n=3spp.). Copulation duration and sexual size dimorphism were inversely correlated across populations (r=-0.5975, N=11, P=0.05) but not species. This study contributes to the allometry of copulation.

Population dynamics of whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Genn.) infesting tomato (Lycopersicon esculentus L.) and their sustainable management using bio-pesticides

Abstract: The present research was undertaken to study the population dynamics of whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Genn) infesting tomato (Lycopersicon esculentus L) and their sustainable management using bio-pesticides The maximum population level was maintained during 11th standard week to 18th standard week that is during 2nd week of March to 3rd week of March with peak population (047/leaf) was recorded Weekly population counts on white fly showed non-significant negative correlation (p=005) with temperature and weekly total rainfall where as significant negative correlation with relative humidity The insecticide acetamiprid was found most lethal against whitefly providing 7659% suppression, closely followed by extracts of neem + Spilanthes providing 6239% suppression Neem and Spilanthes individually did not produce good results but when used as a mixture they recorded better results Highest yield (3015 t/ha) were recorded from acetamiprid treated plots followed by neem + Spilanthes (2755 t/ha) Azadirachtin and Plant extracts are biopesticides having less or no hazardous effects on human health and environment Thus they can be incorporated in IPM programmes and organic farming in vegetable cultivation

Freshwater fish diversity of West Bengal, India

Abstract: In the present communication, an attempt has been made to provide a systematic classification of freshwater fishes of West Bengal along with their local names, environment and conservation status, as far as possible. We recognized 267 species of freshwater fishes (186 primary freshwater species, 81 secondary freshwater species), belonging to 12 orders, 40 families and 123 genera. Thirteen species of exotic fishes have been introduced to freshwater bodies of the state. The top order with diverse species composition was Cypriniformes (117 species, 46 genera and 4 families). The most diverse family was Cyprinidae with 84 species and 35 genera. Freshwater fishes of West Bengal revealed existence of 109 ornamental fishes, 92 food fishes and 66 were ornamental or food fishes. Out of the 267 freshwater fishes, 17.97% are under threatened or near threatened categories. Updated checklist will lead to a better understanding of the freshwater fish diversity of West Bengal for development and conservation planning processes.

Biochemical and molecular characterization of Bacillus spp. isolated from insects

Abstract: In the present study two isolates of bacteria from insect cadavers were characterized by 16S rRNA, protein profiling, biochemical, antibiotic sensitivity and evaluated for insecticidal activity against Aphis gossypii. Isolates VKK-AC1, VKK-SL1 identified as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), B. subtilis (Bs) respectively through 16S rRNA sequencing. SDS–PAGE analysis reveals that two isolates shows protein pattern range of 20-245 kDa. Both the strains were positive to catalase, nitrate, citrate, glucose, argenine and negative reaction with Voges-proskauers. Bt VKK-AC1, Bs VKK-SL1 and one reference Bt strain (Btk HD1) were sensitive to antibiotics which act on protein synthesis viz., streptomycin, tetracycline and resistant to ampicillin, pencillin G. Toxicity studies revealed that isolates Bt VKK-AC1 and HD1 were most effective in trypsinized form whereas Bs VKK-SL1 was found to be effective in pre-solubilized form (90% mortality). The present study shows that potential of B. subtilis besides Bt as biocontrol agent for successful management of insect pests.