Showing papers in "Pakistan Journal of Zoology in 2002"

Pesticidal control of rapeseed aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae L.

Abstract: Studies on the pesticidal control of rapeseed aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae L. were conducted both in the laboratory and field, using seven insecticides. In laboratory test, rapeseed leaves were sprayed with recommended doses of insecticides and then fed to aphids in a confined arena. The results showed that after 24h, 100% mortality was recorded only in Diazinon whereas the same level of mortality was obtained in Agridol, Edfen and Laser after 48 h. However, after 72 h, Grip grave 100% mortality followed by Sundaphos (97.9%). In field trial, the same insecticides were evaluated against the pest, infesting rapeseed variety Tower. The experiment was carried out in RCB design, having eight treatments including control, replicated four times. Pretreatment data were recorded on the basis of number of living aphids on inflorescence/5 plants one day before spray. The crop was thoroughly sprayed with recommended dosages. Post-treatment data were recorded similarly after 24, 48 and 72 hours. Seed yield data were recorded after crop harvest. The results revealed that Diazinon and Agridol gave 100% mortality and a significantly higher yield of 2000 and 1833.8 kg/ha, respectively than the control (833.3 kg/ha).

Screening of pulse Grains for resistance to Callosobruchus analis (F.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

Abstract: Grains of pulse varieties / elite lines (9 of lentil, 15 of mungbean, 7 of Chickpea, 2 of black gram (mash) and one of cowpea) were screened for resistance to pulse beetle, Callosobruchus analis (F.) under laboratory conditions (28′2°C and 65′5% RH). The results revealed that oviposition, adult progeny development and grain weight loss by the beetle varied significantly (P>0.05) among varieties / promising lines of various pulses. Lentil varieties 791-1 and Precoz; mungbean genotypes ML 613, NMB 101, KPS 1, C03 and 6153B-20G; Chickpea varieties CM72 and Paidar 91 harboured significantly lower number of eggs, adult progeny development and grain weight loss indicating resistance to C. analis. No adult progeny developed in black gram varieties (M 88 and M97) despite eggs deposition by the female beetles. Various characteristics of pulses for resistance to bruchids have been discussed.

Influence of fertilizers and artificial feed on the seasonal variation in physico-chemical factors in fish ponds

Abstract: The investigation on seasonal variation in physico-chemical factors under the influence of fertilizers and artificial feed was conducted. The overall range of water temperature under T 2 , T 3 and T 4 were recorded to be from 12.75 to 30.86, 12.36 to 30.33 and 12.76 to 30.50°C during November and July (except T 2 ), respectively. Under the influence of T 1 these limits remained from 12.58 to 30.5°C during the month of November and July, respectively. While under T5 it was recorded from 11.83 to 31.16°C during November and May, respectively. Total nitrogen, orthophosphates, nitrates, ammonia, water temperature, pH, magnesium, carbonates, light penetration and dissolved oxygen were the water quality factors which contributed maximum towards the increase in planktonic biomass. However, total nitrogen, water temperature, nitrates, orthophosphates and light penetration were the most important factors because of their maximum contribution towards the increase in planktonic biomass under all the treatments.

Growth, feed conversion, and body composition of juvenile mangrove red snapper, Lutjanus argentimaculatus (Pisces, Lutjanidae) reared in concrete tanks

Abstract: The growth, feed conversion, and body composition were studied in juvenile mangrove red snapper, Lutjanus argentimaculatus, (20.6 g mean initial weight and 75 mm mean initial total length) reared in concrete seawater tanks for 120 days. The fish were fed a diet of 40% crude protein three times a day at a daily ration of 2% wet body weight. The survival remained 100% for all test groups. When mean fish body weights were above 81 g specific growth rate decreased significantly (P<0.05) but feed conversion rate increased (P<0.05). Carcass proximate analyses showed that protein and fat contents increased with increase in length and weight (P < 0.05), There was a significant positive correlation between protein and fat contents (P<0.05). Moisture content was high during the early stages of growth and decreased with increasing fish size. Moisture, ash and carbohydrate contents negatively correlated with protein and fat contents (P<0.05). No significant difference were observed in the overall macro- and micro-mineral values at different stages of growth. The correlation of body weight or length versus magnesium, calcium, copper, zinc, sodium or potassium was significant (P<0.05). However, calcium and potassium appeared to have indirect effect on growth because they significantly (P<0.05) correlated with magnesium and sodium through the protein and fat contents. The manganese and iron nutrients showed non-significant correlation with length, weight, condition factor, moisture, protein, fat, ash, copper and carbohydrate contents but significantly correlated with sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and zinc. These results suggest that under similar culture conditions, about 81 g (from the mean initial body weight of 20.6 g) could be an optimal weight for harvesting red snapper for animal protein without adversely affecting growth and muscle tissue composition.

Occurrence of rodent filth in grain commodities sampled from ration shops, Rawalpindi [Pakistan]

Abstract: The commensal rodents causes serious damage to stored food not only by consumption but also by contamination through their filth exhibits. The present study was carried out in an inner city grain market of Rawalpindi to determine the extent of contamination by rodent hairs and pellets. From randomly selected eight shops six grain commodities: rice, millet, split lentil (Dal Masoor), split Mung bean (Dal Mung), split black gram (Dal Mash) and split chickpea (Dal Chana) were sampled from top of the open bags. None of the shops inspected was negative for rodent signs. Rice was found to be one of the most infested grains followed by millet, Dal Masoor, Dal Mash, Dal Chana and Dal Mung. Overall estimates of rodent filth contamination indicated level of faeces; by weight at 0.083 g kg - 1 and by counts at 6.7 kg - 1 , and hairs at 4.2 kg - 1 , the both being at 10.8 kg - 1 .

Vibrio cholerae El Tor, Ogawa 01 as the main etiological agent of the Two major outbreaks of gastroenteritis in the Northern Areas of Pakistan, Gilgit

Abstract: Two major outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis occurred in the Northern Areas Of Pakistan, Gilgit, during the last three years of the last millennium. The first was from 21st August 1997 to 10th October 1997 and the second from 25th June 1999 to 11th August 1999. A total of 332 fecal samples of suspected gastroenteritis patients were investigated at District Headquarter Hospital, Gilgit. Laboratory investigations showed that 120 (36.14%) cases were because of Vibrio cholerae EI Tor, Ogawa 01. All isolated strains of 1999 outbreak were found sensitive to ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol, ampicillin and enoxacin, while in 1997 outbreak some strains showed resistance to ciprofloxacin and chloramphenicol.

Host range and population dynamics of beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (hubner) (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera) in cotton agroecosystem of Punjab

Abstract: Spodoptera exigua was recorded from 28 plants belonging to 25 genera of 11 families from cotton areas of Multan and Khanewal. It included 21 crops and 7 weeds. Of these 9 were major and 19 minor hosts. Important hosts were Gossypium hirsutum, Pisum sativum, Solanum tuberosum, Spinacea oleracea, Trifolium alexandrinum, Medicago saliva, Chenopodium album, C. murale and Corchorus trilocularis. These along with some minor hosts play significant role in build up of its population and carry over to cotton. The pest undergoes six to eight generations in a year. It passes winter (November to February) on C. alexandrinum, M. saliva, S. oleracea, S. tuberosum, P. sativum, C. arvensis, C. album and C. morale. From March to May it completed 2-3 generations on C. triluculatis, C. murale, C. arvensis, M. sativa and C. frutescens in addition to some winter hosts. On cotton it appeared at two stages, firstly at seedling stage in June and from September through November feeds on green parts of the plant.

Histological basis of population structure of three species of Crassostrea from Pakistan (Northern Arabian Sea).

Abstract: Three species of edible oysters were examined histologically in detail from Keamari and from the Greater Karachi area on the cost of Pakistan Sample sizes were: Crassostrea gryphoides (n=514), C madrasensis (n=30) and C belcheri (n=146) Monthly analysis of sex-ratios based on examination of gonads of C gryphoides, the principal edible oyster of Pakistan indicated lower percentage of females in the colder months of the year (November to January) During these months percentages of indifferent oysters were very high Most of the male and female oysters examined histologically during these months showed gonads in resorbing condition The overall sex - ratio in C gryphoides, C madrasensis and C belcheri revealed the predominance of males Males completely dominated the 1-80 mm size-class, while females were more in number among oysters larger than 81 mm In oysters larger than 120 mm the sex-ratio was close to unity It appeared that the change from males to females took place at 81-120 mm size Hermaphrodites were found in the three species C gryphoides (078%), C madrasensis (333%) and C belcheri (068%) in spring to autumn months These were all protandric hermaphrodites

Two new species of acanthocephalan parasites of house crow (Corvus splendens Vieillot)

Abstract: During a survey two new acanthocephalan parasites in house crow (Corvus splendens Vieillot) from Oderolal, Sindh, Pakistan were recorded which are being described. Centrorhynchus gibsoni n.sp. is characterized by possessing elongate body with anterior end pointed and posterior rounded measuring 14.6-16.3 by 3.08-3.64. Proboscis cylindrical measuring 0.50-0.57 with 14 longitudinal rows of hooks each having 20 hooks. Proboscis receptacle relatively small, elongate, lemnisci subequal and eggs elongate with slight polar prolongations measuring 0.026-0.027 by 0.0083-0.0091. Polymorphus sindensis n.sp. possess the following characters: elongate body, proboscis small armed with 14 longitudinal rows of hooks each row has 16 hooks. Neck small, proboscis receptacle double walled. Lemnisci subequal. Testes ovoid and contiguous. Eggs oval measuring 0.039-0.041 by 0.011-0.013. It is distinguished from all the know species of the genus Polymorphus in the arrangement of proboscis hooks.

Field observations on reproduction in small rodents inhabiting agro-ecosystem of Pothwar Plateau, Pakistan

Abstract: ,- The reproductive data was gleaned from 420 animals, representing five rodent species (captured in the order of dominance, Tatera indica > Bandicota bengalensis > Mus spp. > Golundo ellioti > Nesokia indica) from agro-ecosystem of the Pothwar plateau. Being the most fossorial, N. indica was believed to be under estimated by this surface trapping. The spring season was found favourable to all the species for breeding activities. The Tatera males were significantly heavier and larger than the females. The smallest sexually mature male and visibly pregnant female weighed 91.1 g and 74,0 g respectively. Fertile males were recorded during all the seasons but the proportion decreased during autumn and winter with a significant reduction in size and weight of reproductive organs in both the sexes. The pregnancies were highest in spring but zero during summer and winter. The average embryonic litter size was 7.0′0.5 and the loss of implanted embryos was 7%. The male B. bengalensis were heavier but not longer than the females. The sexual maturity was observed at body weight of 92.3 g in males and 79.4 g in females. Fertility and pregnancy rate was at its peak in spring while a significant reduction in size of reproductive organ was observed towards autumn period. Embryonic litter size was 10.0′0.5 with a 6.1 % intra-uterine loss. Difference in sex did not show any effect on the weight and the size in the Mus spp. The three season data indicated a reduction in size of reproductive organs during autumn as compared to the spring and monsoon. More than 80% females trapped during spring and monsoon seasons were pregnant but no pregnancy was recorded in autumn. Average embryonic litter size was 5.6′0.3 with a 5.1% intra-uterine loss.

A note on the distribution of the snow-carps (Pisces: Cyprinidae: Schizothoracinae) in Pakistan and Kashmir

Abstract: The snow-carps are a group of carp-fishes mainly distributed in the Central High Asia and the adjoining montane regions. In Pakistan and Kashmir, these are found in the Northern Areas, montane and submontane parts of NWFP, northern Punjab and northeastern Balochistan, They have not so far been recorded from any part of Sindh. In Kashmir Region, they are widely distributed. Among these fishes Schizopygopsis stoliczkae Steindachner was wrongly reported from the Ziarat Valley in Balochistan. This report was actually based on misidentification of two specimens of Schizocypsis brucei Regan. The description of Gymnocypris biwasi was based on the worng identification of S. stoliczkae. Since the distribution of Schizopygopsis stoliczkae has been wrongly shown in Ziarat Valley (Balochistan) in recent literature, this note is meant to rectify this mistake. This species is actually restricted to the transHimalayan parts of Northern Areas in Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Iran, China and adjacent countries and is not found in any part of Balochistan. A list of snow-carps found in Pakistan and Kashmir along with their distribution is given for clarification. The genus Schizorypris Regan has recently been shown to be intermediate between Barbinae and Schizothoracinae, So a new tribe Schizocyprini is proposed for this genus within the subfamily Schizothoracinae.

Biochemical characterization and pathophysiological properties of two high molecular weight cytolytic proteins from the venom of a coelenterate (Jellyfish), Physalia utriculus (blue bottle)

Abstract: In present study, we have described the purification, biochemical characteristics and pathophysiological properties of two high-molecular weight cytolytic proteins, designated as PuTx-IV B and PuTx-IVC from the venom of jellyfish Physalia utriculus. Biochemical characterization of PuTx-IV B and PuTx-IV C revealed that both are primarily protein in nature with 25-35% polysaccharide content, consists of two subunits each with their molecular weights of 139.00 kDa and 117.00 kDa, respectively. LD 5 0 (i.v.) was determined to be 1.10′0.05 mg/kg and 1.19′0.03 mg/kg, whereas, hemorrhagic, edema-inducing, neurotoxic and hemolytic activities were 48.75′0.73 and 46.37′0.77 lg/mouse (i.d.), 39.55′0.55 and 38.84′0.40 lg/paq (MED) and 331.25′3.70 and 327.50′5.72 lg/kg (i.v.), 9.06′0.01 and 9.46′0.05 total units, respectively. Half LD 5 0 doses of PuTx-IV B and PuTx-IV C induced marked elevation of blood GOT, LDH, CPK, GPT, GGT, ALP, Amylase and Lipase levels in experimental animals. Histopathological studies showed marked cytolytic potency of both toxins with cellular infiltration, disorientation of normal morphological units and necrosis in section of kidneys, liver, lungs in addition to moderate levels of the same in heart and spleen sections.

Distribution and abundance of penaeid shrimp juveniles in the backwaters and creeks along the coast of sindh (Pakistan)

Abstract: The present study shows the distribution and abundance of the juveniles of penaeid shrimps on the Sindh coast. The localities included in the survey were Sandspit, Bhanbore, Kharo Chaan, Jhangi Sir and Keti Bunder. The following seven species of shrimps were collected during this study. Metapenaeus monoceros, M. affinis, M. stebbingi, M. lysianassa, Penaeus merguiensis, P. penicillatus and P. semisulcatus. The occurrence of the juveniles of P. penicillatus and P. merguiensis at Bhanbore and Keti Bunder in fairly large numbers can be used to stock them in shrimp culture ponds.

Characterization and media optimization for improved L-lysine production by a mutant, WARN 30522

Abstract: An S-(β-aminoethyl)-L-cysteine- (AEC), a lysine analogue, resistant mutant, WARN 30522, which could produce upto 14.97g/l of lysine in the fermentation medium was subjected to different fermentation conditions for improved lysine production. The mutant performed better than its parent in complex as well as in the minimal media. At the end of logarithmic phase, mutant had more than 40% of the glucose remaining in the fermentation medium as compared to the parent that consumed almost 90% of it during the same period. As a result of medium supplementation with amino acids, like isoleucine and homoserine, a nearly two-fold increase was observed in the lysine production by the mutant.

Effect of varying levels of nitrogen and potassium on the development of Metopolophium dirhodum reared on a susceptible and a partially resistant cultivar of wheat

Abstract: Glasshouse studies were conducted to ascertain the effects of nutrient solutions i.e. nitrogen and potassium on the growth and development of rose grain aphid, Metopolophium dirhodum (Walker) using aphid susceptible "Maris Huntsman" and partially resistant "Rapier" wheat cultivars. "Maris Huntsman" grown in sand + vermiculite supplied with high nitrogen twice a week was highly favourable for aphid development (shorter development time, higher fecundity, higher intrinsic rate of natural increase and larger hind tibia length) when compared with the same nutrient levels applied to compost. At the other extreme, "Rapier" grown in sand + vermiculite with high potassium proved to be detrimental for aphid growth and development.

A new species of the genus Aegyptobia (Acarina: Tenuipalpidae) from punjab and its phenetic affinities

Abstract: One new species of the genus Aegyptobia Sayed, 1950, i.e. Aegyptobia sohanraensis has been described. A key to species from Pakistan has been prepared, phenetic affinities of the species uptil now recorded and described from Pakistan have been discussed.

Centrorhynchus sindhensis, new species (Acanthocephala: Centrorhynchinae) from the Snake (Naja naja) intestine

Abstract: Snake (Naja naja) collected from Karachi, Sindh had acanthocephalan infection. On examination it was found that the specimens belonged to the genus Centrorhynchus (Van Cleave, 1916). The specimens differed from all the species reported of the genus in having 18-20 rows of spines each having 16-24 spines. The name C. sindhensis refers to the locality of the host. This is the first report of genus Centrorhynchus from snake in Pakistan.

Effect of different hosts on the Development and survival of Spodoptera exigua (Hubner) (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera)

Abstract: Development of Beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua was studied on 27 host plants at 27′2°C. Larval period was minimum (12.2 days) on Beta valgaris and maximum (16.2 days) on Solanum melongena. Maximum larvae (68.3%) completed development on Ricinus communis and minimum larvae (20.0%) when fed on S. melongena. Pupal weight, fecundity and total survival was also lowest on this host indicating its least suitability for the development of this pest.

The distribution of marine macro-animals with reference to their tidal heights on the rocky shore of Pacha, near Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract: The Pacha exposed rocky beach consists of a small headland cliff lying infront of the mainland beach so that both exposed and semi-exposed conditions develop at the same site with different animal and plant species. In this one year study (April 1993 to March 1994) the rocky shore at Pacha was studied with the help of four transect lines namely, TLA (bouldered and semi-protected), TLB (semi-protected), TLC (semi-protected) and TLD (exposed headland cliff). Thirty eight species were collected from the TLD, 85 from the TLA, 54 from TLB and 37 from TLC. The study revealed that the semi-protected or semi-exposed beaches support highly diverse life as compared to the exposed beach. Most of the animal species at Pacha prefer to live in moderate wave action. The remarkable feature of the exposed headland cliff is the occurrence of the tiny snail Nodilittorina picta, found in association with the barnacle and Tetraclita squamosa at the highest tidal height (3.27 m) forming a distinct grayish-white belt. The headland cliff also harbours the larviparous snail Planaxis sulcatus on its semi-exposed side. Molluscs, particularly gastropods dominate the entire habitat.

Weight-length relationship and relative condition of Oreochromis mossambicus, an exotic fish species, in River Indus, Pakistan

Abstract: The weight-length and condition factor parameters of wild fresh water Oreochromis mossambicus an exotic fish species in river Indus have been presented. Log transformed regressions were used to test the allometric growth.The regression coefficient "b" of this relationship has a value b = 3.39 which is when compared with an isometric slope b = 3, shows that growth of O. mossambicus is positively allometric. It was concluded that body proportions changed as fish grew in size. The relationships between condition factor and log wet weight and condition factor and log total length show highly significant relationships. So the predictive equations can be used to estimate parameters investigated with a fair amount of accuracy within the size range studied.

Leishmaniasis in North Waziristan Agency NWFP, Pakistan

Abstract: A survey to estimate the incidence of Leishmania in North Waziristan Agency was conducted in three places. Out of 1370 individuals, 57 cases were found positive for cutaneous leishmaniasis (4.16%). The disease was 40,35% in local population and 59.64% in Afghan refugees.

A new Halyine species of Carenoplistus Jakovlev from Karachi, Sindh (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae: Pentatominae)

Abstract: A new species of Carenoplistus Jakovlev of Halyini Stal from Karachi, Sindh is described with special reference to metathoracic scent auricle and genitalia and is compared with its closest ally C. acutus (Signoret).

Studies on the adults and copepodite stages of temora discaudata (Copepoda: Calanoida), collected on Meteor cruise 1, 1964/1965 during the International Indian Ocean Expedition

Abstract: The Indian Ocean Biological Centre, Cochin, India, provided the study material. This material belonged to Family Temoridae, collected on board the ship Meteor (Germany) during IIOE. In the present study Temora discaudata,adults of both sexes, copepodite stages III-V, their distribution and absolute abundance in Meteor cruise 1, have been studied. Evidences have been given to conclude that this epi-pelagic, warm water species from the surrounding waters is drifted towards the SW-monsoonal upwelling areas along the coast of Somalia, where they aggregate and enjoy feeding, breeding, etc. uptill the NE-Monsoon time when the area still show relatively colder isotherms.

Some observations on occurrence and abundance of finfish in the Miani Hor Lagoon, Balochistan (Northern Arabian Sea, Pakistan)

Abstract: Miani Hor lagoon was surveyed during 1993-1994 for its marine fauna and fisheries resources. Sampling was done with gillnet, a small beam trawl, a beach seine and hydrographic instruments. The survey revealed the presenceof 92 species of fish belonging to 36 families of finfish. Eighteen major finfishes were ranked according to their numerical abundance. The less frequently caught species (<1% of total catch) were assigned to a separate group named "others". Monthly numbers of individual species per haul (N/H) and species percentages per haul (S/H) of gillnet were also recorded. The relative proportions of the most abundant fish families encountered in 20 hauls of gillnet were Engraulidae (21.10%), Sciaenidae (14,72%), Haemulidae (12.78%) and Clupeidae (10.65%). The numerically less frequent fish families were Chirocentridae, Bothidae, Belonidae, Echeneidae, Tetradontidae and Rachycentridae contributed equally (0.10%) while Trichiuridae, Lactariidae, Orectolobeidae, Hemiramphidae and Scatophagidae amounted equally (0.19%) in total percent of the catch. Finfish biomass of the lagoon were also discussed. It revealed 23 dominant and fifty-nine less dominant fishes. Spadenose shark, Scolidon laticaudus (14.26%), kelee shad, Tenulosa kelee (12.49), hardnose shark, Carcharinus macloti (8.15%), saddle grunt, Pomadasys maculatum (6,50%) and orange mouth anchovy, Thryssa vitirostris (5.29%) were the five most dominant fishes in respect to biomass.

Variations in five species of jordanian reptiles with new record on the land tortoises Testudo floweri (Testudinidae: Chelonia)

Abstract: Differences in sexual dimorphism, geographical variations and age determination were used to investigate five species of reptiles collected from various geographical area of Jordan. A new record of the land tortoise Testudo floweri was documented in this country. Meanwhile, the length of carapace was used successfully to estimate the age of tortoise. Out of two gekko species collected, a rare species of Cyrtopodion kotschyi orientalis was recorded for the second time in Jordan. The other species Hemidactyus turcicus was characterized by its sexual dimorphism. Data of the snake Echis favoured its relation to the species Echis froenatus rather than other species (coloratus). Finally the collected species of Spalerosophes diadema was considered as a new variety.

Separating Bactrocera carambolae Drew and Hancock from Bactrocera papayae Drew and Hancock (Diptera: Tephritiae) in Malaysia

Abstract: Identification of pest species in Oriental fruit fly complex (Tephritidae) commonly encountered in Asia is difficult. Identification methods for separating two pest species in the Oriental fruit fly complex, occurring in Malaysia Bactrocera carambolae and Bactrocera papayae are presented in this paper. Different identification techniques are colour pattern on wing and abdominal tergites, aculeus length to wing discal cell length ratio, aedeagus length to discal cell length ratio and scanning electron microscopy of tomentum pattern on prescutum.

Sex ratio and sexual dimorphism in the short-tailed mole rat (Nesokia indica) in Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract: A total of 415 specimens of the short-tailed mole rat (Nesokia indica) was sampled from uncultivated habitats of the Indus plain of the central Punjab (Pakistan) from March 1987 through February 1990 using gopher traps. The adults were sexually dimorphic with respect to their body weight, head and body length, tail length, hind foot length, ear length and the occipito-nasal length. The males and especially relatively older ones measured larger than the females (P<0.05) with respect to all these varieties. Females outnumbered the males in all the seasonal samples (P<0.05) except that of the spring sample in which there was no numerical disparity. The overall male to female ratio was 1:2.1 (P<0.05).

New record and description of Unknown males of Lodosocoris azhari Ahmad and Afzal (pentatomidae, pentatominae, halyini) from Potohar in Islamabad andTaxila

Abstract: Unknown males of Lodosocoris azhari Ahmad and Afzal are described from Potohar in Islamabad and Taxila with special reference to metathoracic scent auricle and male genitalia including the characters of inflated aedeagus.These localities appear to be the new records of the genus in the literature todate.

A new genus and a new species of Halyini stal (hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatominae)

Abstract: A new genus and a new species of Halyini from China is described and compared with a group of allied genera, Dalpada Amyot et Serville, Sarju Ghauri, Cahara Ghauri, Izharocoris Afzal and Ahmad and Lodosocoris Ahmad and Afzal.

Effect of media composition on the production of amino acids through microbial fermentation by utilizing agricultural wastes

Abstract: Bacteria isolated from soil samples on nutrient agar medium were grown on two liquor based media, L-I containing 0.5% corn steep liquor and 0.5% glycerol and L-II containing 4% corn steep liquor and 6% glycerol. One hundred isolates were tested for amino acids production in L-I medium and fifty were tested for amino acids production in L-II medium. Mostly amino acids obtained in L-I and L-II media were lysine (Lys), glutamic acid (Glu), aspartic acid (Asp) and alanine (Ala). Time scale production of amino acids was studied. After 48 hours about 25% isolates produced Lys, 41% produced Glu, 19% produced Asp and 36% produced Ala in L-I medium. In L-II medium after 48 hours 86% isolates produced Lys, 84% produced Ala, 11% produced Glu and 40% produced leucine (Leu). After 72 hours in L-I medium 50% isolates produced Lys and Glu, none of the isolate produced Asp and 41% isolates produced Ala. In L-II medium after 72 hours about 67% isolates produced Lys and Ala, Asp producers were 18% and Glu producers were 24%. Amino acids yield in L-I medium was 0.07 mg/ml Lys, 0.06mg/ml Glu and 0.21 mg/ml Ala, whereas in L-II medium it was 1.80 mg/ml Lys, 0.72 mg/ml Glu, 5.3 7mg/ml Ala and 0.62 mg/ml Leu.