The lepidopteran fauna in the Karaikal region was recorded from December 2003-November 2004. The lepidopterans collected were categorized into 36 butterflies and 95 moths. The family diversity index H’, was higher during the rainy periods (August-November) for both butterflies and moths. The diversity index a was lower during February-April in case of butterflies and in respect of moths, there was higher diversification during June (South West Monsoon). The evenness index (E) was more or less similar in case of butterfly families, which indicated less evenness of the families, whereas in case of moth families, more evenness was found during November, October, September, August and December with minimum number of families.

Based on the survey made at different localities in Tamil Nadu, five species of primary fruit piercers belonging to two genera viz., Othreis materna (L.), O. fullonia (Clerck), O. homaena Hubner, O. salaminia (Cram.) and Rhytia hypermnestra (Stoll) were found to feed on guava and citrus fruits. Among the five species, O. materna was the predominant piercer followed by O. fullonia and O. homaena. The species viz., O. salaminia and R. hypermnestra were very less abundant in all the localities surveyed. Species richness of fruit piercing moth was higher in Periyakulam (2.173), low in Mettupalayam (1.103). The overall measure of diversity and relative abundance of fruit piercing moths was high at Periyakulam and low in Mettupalayam. Regarding seasonal abundance, the activity of O. materna found from the second fortnight of July to till January and O. fullonia and O. homaena was observed from the first week of September and continuing up to first forthnight of January. The larvae of R. hypermnestra were collected during first week of October and moth activity was recorded from the second fortnight of September.

Caterpillars of three major geometrid species such as, Hyposidra talaca, H. infixaria and Buzura suppressaria frequently attack tea plantations of sub-Himalayan plains of Terai and the Dooars region. The feeding activity of these pests often leads to heavy defoliation of tea bushes almost throughout the year. A clear understanding of the morphological diversity of these sympatric species is necessary at all life stages in order to contemplate their management strategies. Field observations indicated that amongst the loopers there is a dominance of H. talaca and H. infixaria at different seasons compared to the third species, B. suppressaria. Although a clear morphological difference of the adult moths of three concerned species was evident along with their distinct morphometry and weights, the larval instars of the congeners of Hyposidra were difficult to distinguish. However, a significant difference was observed in their development periods, which were 55 days for H. talaca and 48 days for H. infixaria. A clear distinction of the concerned species based on morphometrics and weight of pupa was also evident. In recent past, loopers have assumed the status of severe pest of tea in the sub- Himalayan plains mainly due to invasion of the two species of Hyposidra that have joined B. suppressaria in sharing the tea leaves as their ideal host. The newer pest species of Hyposidra otherwise known to occur on forest and fruit plants have of late turned to be a major defoliator of tea.

The role of spiders in regulation of insect pests has been studied in the rice ecosystem ADT 39 cultivated by different Rice Establishment Techniques, namely Transplantation (T1), System of Rice Intensification (T2), Integrated Crop Management (T3), Drum Sowing (T4), Random Planting (T5) and Seedling Throwing (T6). The study was carried out in Tamil Nadu Rice Research Institute (TRRI), Aduthurai between December 2005 and March 2006. Two aspects, namely population of spiders and pests, and role of spiders in the reduction of insect pests were studied. The number of spiders and pests found in the field were recorded by sweeping net and visual observation. A total of five spiders, namely Lycosa pseudoannulata, Callitrichia formosana, Tetragnatha javanas, Argiope catenulata and unidentified Plexippus species were identified from all the six different technique plots. Among them, Integrated Crop Management, showed the maximum percentage (20.93%) of spiders, whereas the minimum was observed in Seedling Throwing (8.58%). The population of spiders fluctuated during different days after transplantation (DAT). Lycosa pseudoannulata and Callitrichia formosana were the maximum during 42 DAT to 53 DAT, while Argiope catenulata was predominant from 88 DAT to 113 DAT. Six different insect pests, namely Nephotettix virscens, Scripophaga incertulas, Cofana spectra, Cnaphalocrosis medinalls, Nilaparvata lugens and Leptocorisa acuta were recorded in all the six technique plots. The population of pests in the different treatments showed rise and fall during the observation. The Maximum population of pests was recorded during 66 DAT. Among the techniques, Drum Sowing (25%) showed the highest percentage, whereas the minimum was recorded in Transplantation and Random Planting (11% each). All the spiders showed the positive correlation with rice pests Nilaparvata lugens and Leptocorisa acuta and negative correlation with Cnaphalocrosis medinalls. High population of spider in the different treatment plots limits the exponential growth of pest population.

The population of spiders and their predatory potency have been studied in Solanum melongena (brinjal) and Trichisanthes anguina (snake-gourd) fields in two different areas viz., Nangoor (pesticide free area) and Moongilthottam (frequently pesticide used area) of Nagapattinam District, Tamilnadu. Eight species of spiders viz., Argiope luzona (Walckenaer) (Argiopidae), Cyrtophora cicatrosa (Doleschall) (Arneidae), Chrysso argyrodiformis (Yaginuma) (Theridiidae), Hipossa pantherina (Thorell) (Lycosidae), Oxyopes lineatipes (C.L.Koch) (Oxyopidae), Oxyopes javanus (Thorell) (Oxyopidae), Peucetia viridana (Thorell) (Oxyopidae) and Lycosa pseudoannulata (Boescriberg and Strand) (Lycosidae) were recorded in both the plants in two selected areas. The population of spiders did not show significant difference between areas, plants and number of species of spiders. The predatory potency of web building spiders were estimated in the fields against insects found in the crop fields viz., Camponotus compressus (black ant) (Lalit kumar Jha), Occophylla smaragdina (tree ant) (Maxwell-Lefroy), Apis florae (honey bee) (Stebbing), Kallima inachus (butterfly) (Lalit kumar Jha), Plusia orichalcia (catterpiller) (Maxwell-Lefroy), Leuanodes orbonalis (moth) (Awasthi), Aphis gossypii (cotton aphids) (Lalit kumar Jha), Bemisia pabaci (whitefly) (Lalit kumar Jha), Culex quina (mosquitoe) (Lalit kumar Jha), Drosophila melanogaster (fruitfly) (Awasthi), Musca nebulo (housefly) (Awasthi), Amritodus alkinsoni (mango leaf hopper) (Awasthi), Macromia magnifica (dragonfly) (Awasthi), Epilachna vigintioctopuctata (beetle) (Awasthi) by counting the number of insects caught in the spider’s web and the result indicated that there has been a significant difference observed between the spider’s web-type and number of insects caught

Twenty species of coccinellid predators were observed in Sub-Himalayan tea plantation of North Bengal during 2004 to 2006. Of these, Micraspis discolor (F) was dominant (42.5%) in the conventionally managed tea plantations. The abundance of M. discolor populations was positively correlated with the abundance of red spider mites (Oligonychus coffeae Neitner, Acarina: Tetranychidae) (R2 =0.705) and tea aphid (Toxoptera aurantii Boyer de Fons, Homoptera: Aphidae) (R2 = 0.893). Both the pests and their predator (M. discolor) populations showed similar patterns of abundance that reached peaks during January to March. In choice test, the mixed population the grub and adult of M. discolor showed a clear choice for the tea aphid. The life cycle studies also suggested that the tea aphid was the preferred prey for M. discolors, but the predator can survive on red spider mite also. The studies on feeding potential indicated that the grubs of M. discolor consumed on an average 280.30 red spider mites and 188.66 tea aphids during its larval period of development, which were 24.10 + 0.77 and 21.70 + 0.72 days, respectively. The regression between the age of grub and rate of consumption showed that the consumption by the predator at larval stage is highly correlated to its age. An adult predator consumed on an average of 20.32 + 11.79 red spider mites per day and 35.9 + 4.95 tea aphids per day. In both case, male individual consumed significantly less number of aphids as compared to the female.

Mulberry the only host plant for rearing silkworms (Bombyx mori) is affected by tukra mealy bug Maconellicoccus hirsutus and leaf webber Diaphania pulverulentalis among many other pests. The incidence of tukra mealy bug M. hirsutus and leaf webber D. pulverulentalis and its natural enemies coccinellids and spiders (Nos./20 plants) were subjected to survery and surveillance for four years. The infestation of tukra mealy bug M. hirsutus and leaf webber D. pulverulentalis was observed through out the year and high (8.18% and 17.13%) in July and November respectively. The population of coccinellids and spiders was high (6.5 and 10.32/20 plants) during November. The infestation of leaf webber (above ETL of 10%) and population of its natural enemies on three varieties (local, MR2 and V1) were correlated with abiotic factors viz., temperature, relative humidity, rainfall and rainy days. Results indicated that the population of parasitoids had significant positive correlation with rainfall. The population of coccinellids, spiders and parasitoids had positive correlation with rainy days and leaf webber infestation. The natural enemies observed in the study were mostly the ladybird predators Chilomenus sexmaculatus and unidentified species of spiders and braconid parasitoids. The braconid parasitoid was marked only in the V1 variety, where leaf webber incidence was higher. Spiders and ladybird were common on both V1 and MR2 varieties during the peak incidence of both tukra mealy bug and leaf webber during October to December.

The studies were conducted to ascertain the effect of ecological factors on incidence and development of Spodoptera litura at five different dates of sowing on three varieties of cotton. Sowing dates commenced on 1st February and went upto 1st March with an interval of seven days. The S. litura population was built up progressively from April (1st week) and acquired its peak in the month of May (1st week). Maximum S. litura (25.46%) was built up at temperature ranges from 26.0°C to 35.1° C, relative humidity ranges from 89 and 62 percent, zero rainfall, wind velocity 6.2 km/hr, total sunshine hours (64.6 hrs/week), evaporation (53.20 mm) and dewfall (0.161 mm). This built up S. litura showed a positive correlation with relative humidity, sunshine hours and dewfall, whereas negatively correlated with wind velocity. The determination of the effects of different weather factors on population and incidence of S. litura in cotton is essential for effective pest management. This study will be very helpful not only in forecasting outbreaks of S. litura but also in formulating effective pest management strategies.

Dynamics of immune responses in five cross breeds of mulberry silkworm, Bombyx mori was assessed by following through pattern of bacterial colonization in vivo. The colony forming units (cfu/ml) were measuring at specified time intervals at 0h, 6h, 12h, 24h, 30h, 36h and 48h after inoculations of non-pathogenic bacteria, Escherichia coli (Kanamycin resistant) @ 106 cfu/ml into larvae of silkworm breeds during third, fourth and fifth stages. The colonization pattern shows that there was a surge in colony counts at 6h post immunization followed by a sharp decline. At 48h post immunization, bulk of the ingested bacteria was cleared off in most of the breeds. Comparison of the pattern of E. coli colonization in different breeds during third, fourth and fifth instars revealed that the rate of clearance of ingested bacteria was in the order of fifth instar > fourth instar > third instars. Among the breeds APM2 x APS12 and APM3 x APS12 recorded faster clearance of bacteria as depicted by 40-50% reduction in colony forming units at around 12– 24 h. Significant differences in clearance of ingested marker bacteria E. coli shows that some of the cross breeds like APM2 x APS12 and APM3 x APS12 are more immune to invasions of bacteria than popular cross breed like PM x CSR2.

Cultivation of some pulses by distillery spentwash irrigation in normal and spentwash treated soil was studied. The primary treated distillery spentwash (PTSW) and 33% spentwash were analyzed for their additive plant nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, sulphur and other physical and chemical parameters. Untreated soil (plot-1) and spentwash treated soil (plot-2) were tested for chemical and physical parameters. The seeds of pulses (Namadhari and Mahyco) were sown in the prepared land dimension of 4' x 6' blocks in both plot-1 and plot-2. Seeds were irrigated with raw water and 33% spentwash. The nature of yields were studied and compared. Irrigation with 33% spentwash more yield for all pulses in plot-2 than compare to plot1 concludes that spentwash treated soil is enriched with plant nutrients.

To implement biocontrol program effectively in the field, the farmers from three villages of Chikballapur District, Karnataka were trained on mass multiplication of mealybug predator Cryptolamous montrozieri (Mulsant). Training and field level demonstrations of efficacy of the methodologies improves the awareness and faith among farmers. However, actual adoption still remains low. A survey conducted by the authors shows that there are two statistically significant reasons for low adoption rate: (a) perception that chemical pesticides act much faster, and (b) biocontrol agents are not readily available in the villages. In this paper, the authors propose different approaches for countering the above two challenges. Firstly, Economic Threshold Level (ETL) of mealybug (Planococcus citri Risso) on Guava (Psidium guajava L.) infestation was determined. This paper considers 5% damage as the ETL and the statistical analysis shows that ETL is reached when the infestation density is 21 mealybugs per leaf. Farmers should be encouraged to start using IPM/biocontrol methodology as soon as the infestation reaches the ETL. This will eliminate farmer’s need of chemical pesticides for immediate result at a later stage. Secondly, a commercially viable production and distribution channel is proposed for addressing the non-availability of biocontrol agents. Authors find that rural women, specially, Self-Help-Groups, are interested in production of biocontrol agents for an additional source of income. For distribution, authors propose to use the conventional channel of village shops for seeds, fertilizers and pesticides. With an attractive commission scheme, commercial insectaries can sell biocontrol agents.Finally, our survey of 61 farmers’ a statistically significant correlation between the education levels of farmers with their awareness about crop damages. This reconfirms our belief that spread of education among rural farmers will help to establish environment friendly pest management methodologies at farm level. This will help farmers to minimize the use of toxic insecticides like Dimethoate, Methomyl etc., which are now being used by many farmers.

The aphid, Toxoptera aurantii (Boyer de Fonscolombe) is an important pest of tea infesting tender leaf and shoot from March to October with density of 200 of the tea twig. Such severe infestation leads to delayed recovery of the plant with the consequent effect on poor crop productivity. Periodical sampling revealed the occurrence of five species of predatory syrphids viz., Paragus serratus Fabr., Episyrphus balteatus (De G), Betasyrphus serarius (Weid), Metasyrphus confrater (Weid) and Ischiodon scutelleris (Fabr.); four species of coccinellids viz. Coccinella septempunctata L., C. transversalis Fabr., Oenopia sexareata (Mulsant) and Coleophora bisselitta Mulsant and a neuropteran, Micromus timidus Hagen along with the colony of T. aurantii. Seasonal abundance of predators synchronized with the pest with a maximum occurrence during September. Correlation between the density of aphid and its predators revealed a significant positive relation and the feeding rate of different predatory species ranged from 136 to 460 aphids per larva. Of which C. septempucta recorded the maximum of 460 aphids and E. balteatus with 136 aphids per larva. Though the feeding propensity of the predators differs from species to species, their presence in the field prevents the aphids from becoming a serious pest.

Coccinella transversalis Fab., Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Fab.) and Chrysoperla carnea Stephens were evaluated for their bio-efficacy against the tobacco aphid, Myzus nicotianae Blackman under field conditions. Based on the results of a feeler trial under greenhouse conditions, the predators were tested at two dosages of release (i.e., 8 and 16 larvae/plant) and three schedules of release (i.e one release @5th weeks after planting (WAP), two releases @ at 5th & 7th WAP and three releases @ 5th, 7th & 9th WAP. The efficacy of the predators was measured in terms of the density of the aphid, both before and after the release of the predators, besides estimating the reduction in the density of the aphid at 6th, 8th and 10th WAP. Among the three predators evaluated, C. transversalis gave the significantly highest reduction in aphid density at 6th WAP (54.38%), 8th WAP (60.42%) and 10th WAP (59.96%), thus indicating that C.transversalis was relatively more superior then the other two predators in the suppression of the aphid population under field conditions.

In the biological spectrum, microchiropteran bats play a crucial role in reducing the population of pest insects. The dusky leaf-nosed bat, Hipposideros ater (body wt. 3.5±0.2 g) is a well known predator of nocturnal flying insects. This species of bat keeps a check on agricultural pests while it forages during night time. An attempt has been made to study the foraging behaviour and food habit of this bat. The food items of H. ater were examined from culled parts of the prey insects collected from their feeding roosts as well as from faecal pellet analysis. In addition, a sample collection of insect pests from the foraging area is compared with the diet of this foraging bat species. The results reveal that the foraging time of H. ater and the activity period of insect pests coincide in the study area. Moreover, this bat species control major pests of stored grains (Tribolium spp) which constitute 55.83% of coleopteran, and the rest includes lepidopteran pests such as Hippotion celerio (pest of grapevine), Nausinoe geometralis (pest of jasmine), Othreis meterna, Othreis fullonica (pests of citrus and grapevine) and Nelanitis leda ismene (pest of rice) whose larvae and adults are serious pests in South India. During winter seasons, H. ater feeds on the dipteran insects, especially mosquitoes, which constitute 98.33% of the total intake. Comparison of food habit of H. ater roosting at different localities in Tirunelveli district indicates that they are selective but opportunistic in feeding their prey insects. The nocturnal foraging behaviour, echolocation capability, dentition and flight maneuverability of this bat species are the adaptations that enhance their ability to capture nocturnal prey insects in open space during their foraging flight.

Bio-safety of some microbial insecticides viz., Bacillus thuriengiensis var kurstaki (B.t.k.- 55000 S.U./mg (Halt) and B.t.k.- 32000 I.U. /mg (Biolep), Vertimec (Avermectin-1.8% w/v) and a bassina (Beauvaria bassiana-1 x 107 spore / ml) were studied against Menochilus Micraspis, Harmonia sp., and spiders (Lycosa, Oxeopes and Argeope sp.) under field conditions. The avermectin was highly toxic to spider reducing 42.65% population within three days after application and 41.51% of coccinellids after seven days of spraying. Adverse effect of B.t.k.- 32000 I.U./mg was more pronounced than B.t.k.- 55000 S.U./mg both at 1000 ppm against coccinellid beetles decreasing 40.28 and 36.08% in occurrence on 7 DAS respectively. Whereas, a reverse order of toxicity was found against spiders affecting 33.04 and 29.74% decrement in existence on 3 DAS. Beauvaria bassiana exerted its effect after a certain lag period and reduced the incidence of coccinellid (33.57%) and spider populations (21.01%) on 14 days after spraying.

The antifeedant activity of Azadirachta indica (L.) A. Juss (neem) leaf extract, seed kernel extract, and seed oil; Pongamia glabra Vent seed oil; Madhuca latifolia (Roxb.) Macbeth oil and two fungal origin biopesticides, i.e., conidia of Metarhizium anisopliae (Metchnioff) Sorokin and the enzyme preparation of the fungus, Myrothecium verrucaria (Albertini & Schwein) were evaluated against the adult H. vigintioctopunctata under laboratory conditions during 2005-06. Among the botanicals evaluated, P. glabra oil showed the maximum anti-feedant activity. No feeding was observed up to 48 hours after treatment. Mortality was noticed 72 hours after treatment and cent per cent mortality was recorded 7 days after treatment at all the concentrations. Neem oil showed 60 per cent mortality at 5 per cent concentration. The leaf extract and seed kernel extract of A. indica had less anti-feedant activity as compared to the oil formulations of A. indica and M. latifolia (based on the per cent leaf area consumed). A decrease in feeding was evidenced after treatment with M. verrucaria, M. verrucaria and M.anisopliae.

Side effects of botanicals viz., neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) leaves (NL), neem seed kernel extract (NSKE), eucalyptus oil (EO), neem oil (NO) and a fern were evaluated against aphidophagous coccinellids. Aphid infested barley leaves were treated in the field with the different concentrations of the botanicals (1.25, 2.5, 5 and 10; 0.625, 1.25, 2.5 and 5 per cent for NL, NSKE and fern and NO and EO, respectively) and provided as food (prey) to the coccinellid, Adonia variegata (Goeze). The side effects of neem seed kernal botanicals on the coccinellid recorded the highest mortality (73.33%) due to NSKE (10%) followed by (65.0% mortality) for neem oil (5.0%); and the post treatment effect (one day after) evinced maximum reduction in feeding (72.0 %) for NSKE (10%) followed by that recorded as 68 per cent for neem oil (5%).

A field experiment was conducted to study the impact of application of certain commonly used insecticides and botanicals in mulberry fields on the population built-up of predatory coccinellid beetles. The results revealed that the population of coccinellid beetles was drastically reduced 1 day after spray (DAS) in the plots treated with dichlorovos (88.63%), followed by phosalone (78.56%), dimethoate (72.19%) and metasystox (68.97%) whereas in the plots treated with pungam oil there was least reduction (29.72%) followed by neem oil (35.20%). The predators regained significant built up of their population at 5 DAS in plots treated with pungam oil and 10 DAS in the plots treated with neem oil, dichlorovos and phosalone whereas it continued to be at reduced levels (44.35%) in dimethoate followed by metasystox (32.61%) treated plots even at 10 DAS.

Spiders are the most abundant group of predators in rice fields. The laboratory study carried out to evaluate the safety of neem based compounds and chemical pesticides to two major tetragnathid spiders in the rice fields brought out that neem compounds are far safer than chemical compounds. The mortality of Tetragnatha mandibulata and Tetragnatha maxillosa when treated with the synthetic insecticides like triazophos 0.05 per cent and quinalphos 0.05 per cent was extremely high ( 56.73 and 35.56 per cent and 64.78 and 46.79 per cent, respectively). Whereas, imidacloprid 0.005 per cent was found to be safer than the other chemical compounds. NSKE 5 per cent recorded the least mortality. Topical application of the compounds was found to be more fatal to spiders than indirect contact.

Mulberry (Morus indica L.), a commercially important crop, raised for its nutritious leaves required for production of most valued silkworm cocoons is currently encountering a serious problem due to rampant incidence of root rot disease caused mainly by species of Fusarium spp. resulting in excessive damage and reduction in acreage. The conventional chemical control measures are unable to provide total control. Hence, antagonistic microorganisms were evaluated individually and in combinations for their bio-control potential against Fusarium sp under sick plot condition. The combination of Trichoderma harzianum + T.viride + FYM (1:1:50) + Effective microorganisms (EM) as soil application at an interval of 30 days for three times recorded the highest degree of survival of the plant (72.00%) thus bringing down the disease incidence and further spread. The treatment was more effective, when the application of biocontrol agents were taken up at the initial stages of infection.

One of the most serious rice diseases in the rice sector is fungal disease infection. Plant diseases need to be controlled to maintain the quality and abundance of food supply. Different approaches may be used to prevent, mitigate or control plant diseases. Beyond good agronomic and horticultural practices, growers often rely heavily on chemical fertilizers and fungicides. A more balanced, cost effective and eco-friendly approach can be adopted by rice farmers. Biological control is an innovative, cost effective and ecofriendly approach. Trichoderma viride is known for its mycoparasitic and antagonistic mechanism for the control of fungal disease. They are termed bioagent that is capable of combating a number of fungal diseases of plant crops. It is a soil borne free living fungus that grows abundantly and produce millions of minute green coloured spores. The principle of T. viride is to use as a biological control agent against fungal disease in rice. T. viride was isolated from agricultural soils and the in vitro method was used to control rice disease, brown spot. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of existing biocontrol strains T.viride for controlling paddy disease brown spot under in vitro conditions.

An investigation was carried out to assess the efficiency of Pseudomonas flourescens (PGPR) and Heterorhabditis indica Poinar (Entomopathogenic Nematode) against major rice pests. Rice seedling dip plus spraying in the main field @ 15g/litre with P. flourescens was found to be significantly effective in reducing the incidence of stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas). Spraying of H.indica @ 3000 IJs /ml was effective in reducing the white ear incidence. The incidence of gall midge (Orselia orzae) was significantly reduced with the treatment of P. flourescens seedling dip plus spray @ 10g/litre. EPN spray @ 2500 IJs /ml was also equally effective in reducing the gall midge incidence at 25 DAT. Case worm (Paraponyx stagnalis) damage was observed to be lowest in plots treated with P. flourescens seedling dip plus spray @ 15g/litre. Treatment with H. indica indicated a lowest incidence of leaffolder (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis). H. indica applied @ 3000 IJs/ml was the superior treatment at 25 days after transplanting while at the later stage (55 days after transplanting), a lower dose @ 2500 IJs /ml was found to be sufficient to bring about significant control of leaffolder. The incidence of P. stagnalis was significantly lowest with P. flourescens seedling dip plus spray @ 15g/litre. But the treatments showed no significant difference against the incidence of blue beetle (Leptispa pygmaea) and whorl maggot (Hydrellia phillippina).

Nine bacterial endophytes were isolated from stem and root portions of chillies and tested for their efficacy against Pythium aphanidermatum (Edson) Fitzp. inciting chilli damping-off under glasshouse condition. Out of these nine bacterial endophytes, EBC 5, EBC 7 and EBC 6 recorded the minimum mycelial growth (28.00, 30.66 and 33.33 mm, respectively) with maximum inhibition zone of (12.33, 11.66 and 11.08 mm, respectively) of pathogen over control. In the present study, chilli seeds treated with these endophytes in combination (EBC 5and EBC 6) recorded the lowest incidence of pre and post-emergence damping-off (9.10 and 12.33 per cent, respectively) at seven and 14 days after sowing when compared to individual treatment. This was followed by seed treatment with EBC 5 and EBC 7 in combination. The combination (EBC 5 and EBC 6) treatment also increased the germination percentage, shoot length and root length of chilli plants significantly (87.66%, 13.89 and 4.0 cm, respectively). Further, this writer concluded that the combination of endophytes were more effective in controlling disease when compared to individual treatments.

Four strains of bacteria were isolated from the diseased caterpillars of leaf roller, Caloptilia theivora infesting the tea. Analysis of the bacteria based on polyphasic approach such as, growth phase, biochemical tests, whole body protein, crystal protein profiles along with bioassay (i.e. LC50 and LT50 values) established them as different strains of Bacillus (Bacillus sp., CT01, CT02, CT03 and CT04) that were close to Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Btk). Biochemical characteristics of CT01 strain showed positive reaction in lysine decarboxylase, ornithin decarboxylase, urease, Voges-Proskaur and oxidase tests and in utilization of trehalose and glucose. However, CT01 differed from Btk in ONPG, urease, nitrate and oxidase tests; showed difference in utilization tests of arabinose, xylose, cellobiose, mellibiose, saccharose and lactose too. Strain CT02 showed difference with Btk in ONPG, urease and nitrate tests, and in utilization tests of citrate, arabinose, xylose, cellobiose, melibiose and lactose. CT03 strain exhibited difference with Btk in urease and esculin hydrolysis tests, and in utilization of citrate, malonate, arabinose, raffinose and lactose. CT04 strain showed difference with Btk in urease and esculin hydrolysis tests and in utilization of citrate, malonate, cellobiose, glucose and lactose. The doubling time was higher for the strains compard to Btk. When protein composition was analyzed by SDS-PAGE, crystals of CT01 showed one major protein band having the molecular weight 51 kDa while Btk showed the band as 52 kDa. CT02 had two protein bands having molecular weight 37 kDa and 31 kDa. A major protein band of 118 kDa was found in CT03 which was absent in all the three strains and Btk. 38 kDa and 29 kDa protein bands were found in CT04 strain. SDS-PAGE profiles of whole cell protein of CT01, CT03 and CT04 strains as well as that of Btk were similar. However, in CT02 an additional protein band of 34 kDa was found. In vitro studies revealed that among the four strains of Bacillus sp., CT04 was more pathogenic compared to the other three strains and Btk. Low LC50 and LT50 values qualify the strain CT04 more promising for biocontrol.

A strain of Bacillus causing disease in caterpillars of Arctornis submarginata, a defoliator of tea crop, was isolated from Darjeeling terai region. The strain showed positive reaction in lysine decarboxylase, ornithin decarboxylase, Voges-Proskaur, citrate utilization, nitrate reduction and in utilization of trehalose and glucose; difference with Btk was observed in ONPG test, and in utilization of citrate, arabinose, xylose, cellobios, melibiose and saccharose. The doubling time was 84 min, which is exactly the double of that of Btk. Difference was not evident in protein profile of the strain with that of Btk. The LC50 value was found to be 398.1 µg/ml with fiducial lower limit 353.06µg/ml and UL 443.14 µg/ml. The LC50 value of the new strain was lower than that of Btk, which was found to be [537.0 µg/ml; LL 483.63µg/ml and UL, 590.37µg/ml. The LT50 values of the new strain were also lower than that of Btk. These values were, 7.28 days for 1000 µg/ml and 8.88 days for 750 µg/ml as compared to the LT50 values 7.57 days for 1000 µg/ml and 9.5 days for 750 µg/ml of Btk. This findings opened up the possibility of developing new strain as microbial pesticide after standardizing its formulations and determining its safety aspects.

Field trials were conducted to assess the performance of Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae against cashew stem and root borer, Plocaederus ferrugineus Linn (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) and to compare them with conventional prophylatic treatment with insecticides. Cashew trees with early phase of borer infestation were marked and the treatments were applied sequentially adopting different delivery methods viz., swabbing of saturated conidial-mud slurry over tree trunk, pouring saturated aqueous suspension of conidia through larval entry holes and soil incorporation of fungal spawn, after removing the grubs and cleaning the frass materials. The effectiveness of treatments was assessed based on the extent of recovery of infested trees. All the treatments were superior to untreated control in reducing the borer infestation. Variations among the treatments could be observed with higher co-efficient of variation with 58.16 per cent. The efficacy of B. bassiana and M. anisopliae were on a par, but the delivery methods varied significantly. Pouring conidial suspension effected 33.3-36.4% recovery of infested trees followed by swabbing conidial slurry with 23.0- 25.0% and soil application with 15.4-16.6% recovered trees. Conventional insecticidal treatments remained superior with 46.2-50.0% recovery of infested trees. However, implementation of fungal application in integrated control of P. ferrugineus should be considered, because fungi would not only safer to non-target organisms, but also be more effective in the long term pest control programme.

Tobacco caterpillar, Spodoptera litura was reared in semi-synthetic diet and the different stages were maintained to conduct bioassay. Entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana was sub-cultured on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA). Spore suspensions of four different concentrations (2.4 × 107, 2.4 × 106, 2.4 × 105, 2.4 × 104 conidia/ml) were prepared from the 15 day old culture of the fungi. A preliminary study on B. bassiana against S. litura larvae was done. Cypermethrin, neem and untreated (sterile water) were used as controls. The least pupation (43.33%) was observed in larvae treated with the highest spore concentration (2.4 × 107) of B. bassiana. A sequential follow up from this assay was done on the resulting pupae and adults, if any. Further treatment of the resultant pupae caused mortality and adult malformation. The healthy moth emergence was least in (2.4 × 104) spore concentration of the treatment, while the fecundity was completely arrested in the highest concentration.

Tobacco caterpillar, Spodoptera litura was reared in semi-synthetic diet and the different stages were maintained for bioassay. Entomopathogenic fungi, Nomuraea rileyi was sub-cultured using Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA). Spore suspensions of four different concentrations (2.4 × 107, 2.4 × 106 and 2.4 × 105, 2.4 × 104 conidia/ml) were prepared from the 15 day old culture of the fungi for evaluation. A preliminary study on N. rileyi against S. litura larvae was done. Cypermethrin 25 EC, Neem Plus and untreated were used as controls. Though the pupation was not suppressed as expected, the pupal weight, length and duration were severely affected. The malformed adults were the highest (96.7%) in pupae treated with 2.4 × 106 spore concentration. Subsequently, the fecundity was completely arrested in N. rileyi at 2.4 × 107, 2.4 × 106 and 2.4 × 105 spore conc. The biosafety of N. rileyi against Trichogramma japonicum and Trichogramma chilonis was confirmed by monitoring the parasitization and male-female ratio and proved that the N. rileyi was safe to these egg parasitoids.

Laboratory bioassay studies were carried with six different concentrations of Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill., Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorokin., Verticillium lecanii (Zimm.) Viegas., Hirsutella thompsonii (Fisher) and Cladosporium oxysporum (Berk. and Curt.) against the adults of Aphis craccivora. In the high concentration (108 spores ml-1) 100% mortality was obtained with V. lecanii and H. thompsonii followed by B. bassiana, M. anisopliae and C. oxysporum. Mortality declined with the decrease in concentrations. The lowest LC50 value of 2.5x104 spores ml-1 was recorded by V. lecanii and H. thompsonii isolates, which showed higher virulence compared to other isolates. The LC50 values of B. bassiana, M. anisopliae and C. oxysporum were 4.5x104, 8.9x105 and 7.4x105 spores ml-1 respectively. At the highest concentration of 108 spores ml-1, the Median LT50 values for B. bassiana, H. thompsonii, V. lecanii, C. oxysporum and M. anisopliae were 3.63, 3.64, 3.90, 5.24 and 5.54 days, respectively. The LT50 values were found to be inversely proportional to the spore concentrations. Among the five entomopathogenic fungi, V. lecanii, H. thompsonii and B. bassiana were found to be the promising virulent isolates. By testing their field efficacy, they can be used as potential biocontrol agent for the management of cowpea aphid.

Compatibility of Beauveria bassiana was studied in the laboratory condition with twelve commonly used insecticides for cotton pest management by poisoned food technique. The results were expressed as percentage of growth inhibition of B. bassiana colony on insecticide treated medium. Among the insecticides tested for their compatibility, only chlorpyriphos 20 EC was rated as relatively less toxic to B. bassiana, while, spinosad (45% SC), econeem (1%), quinalphos (25 EC), acetamprid (20%), endosulfan (35 EC) and thiodicarb (75 WP) were slightly toxic. Imidacloprid (17.80% SL) and triazophos (40 EC) were moderately toxic and profenofos (50 EC), indoxacarb (14.5 % EC) and methyldemeton were highly toxic. Results of the present study suggested that except profenophos, indoxacarb and methyldemeton, the rest of the insecticides tested can be safely used along with the entomopathogenic fungi B. bassiana.

The present study aims to determine the pathogenecity of the fungal entomopathogens Beauveria bassiana and Paecilomyces fumosoroseus to the human lymphatic filariasis (HLF) vector, Culex quinquefasciatus. Among the fungal isolates tested, B. bassiana caused 100% mortality on 2nd day at 108 spores/ml concentration and 97.11% on 5th day at 107 spores/ml of 3rd instar larvae of C. quinquefasciatus. At 107 spores /ml concentration P. fumosoroseus inflicted 88.87% and 97.73% mortality on 6th and 8th day respectively. Besides, malformation of wing during the developmental stage was also observed due to the impact of B. bassiana. When compared to P. fumosoroseus, Cx. quinquefasciatus was highly susceptible to B. bassiana and attained complete mortality in two days, whereas, P. fumosoroseus need eight days. Efficiency of mortality by both the species though almost similar 100% and 97.73%, short duration of killing by the B. bassiana reveals its more virulent nature than P. fumosoroseus. DMRT analysis also implies that B. bassiana at 108 is more efficient when compared to P. fumosoroseus.

Expression of insect resistance in crop plants is being influenced and / or induced by external factors, especially the nutrient sources. Many bio-inoculants as nutrient sources influence insect resistance in crop plants. Hence, an attempt was made to study the influence of arbuscular mycorrhizae and other bioinoculants in influencing insect resistance in sesame, Sesamum indicum Linn. against Antigastra catalaunalis Duponchel (Lepidoptera: Pyraustidae). The five promising accessions sown in field plots were applied with the four bioinoculants and for comparison, recommended dose of inorganic fertilizers, NPK was supplied in a separate plot besides maintaining a untreated control plot without any nutrition. The damage caused by A. catalaunalis to leaves, flowers and capsules and seed yield at harvest were recorded. Among the accessions tested, IVTS 2001-26 recorded the minimum damage by A. catalaunalis. Irrespective of the accessions, Azospirillum applied plants recorded the minimum leaf damage while flower damage was least in farm yard manure applied plants. Capsules of plants applied with either Azospirillum or farm yard manure were undamaged. Seed yield was the highest in inorganic fertilizer applied plants. Hence, it is concluded that bioinoculants increase host plant resistance as well as yield compared to with inorganic fertilizers.

Trichoderma viridi is a major biocontrol agent against a wide range of phytopathogenic organism in economic important crops and extensively used in various parts of the world and known to degrade complex organic molecules into simpler solubilize forms which helps to improve soil fertility. Humic acid is an organic fertilizer which enhances the plant growth. The aim of the present study is to solubilize lignite to humic acid by T.viridi under defined conditions. The solubilization efficacy of T.viridi was carried out in Czapex Dox broth containing different concentration of lignite such as 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3% inoculated with 0.6 ml spore suspension under shaking condition at 30°C for 7 days. The humic acid was obtained at 2.5% concentration and comparatively very less amount of humic acid in other respective concentrations. The media was optimized for evaluation of enhanced solubilization by Placket Burman Model reveals 0.2% of humic acid at 2.5% of lignite supplemented media. The media optimization was especially concerned with addition of various nutrient sources such as Glucose and Yeast extract. Moreover plant growth promoting efficacy of humic acid derived from lignite solubilization with T.viridi was done is sorghum plants grown in pots reveals that T.viridi solubilized humic acid recorded maximum plant growth than synthetic humic acid and untreated control. From this study it is clear that biosolubilization of humic acid enhances plant growth and biocontrol efficacy against phytopathogenic organism.

Tomato (Lycopersicon exculentum L.) is a popular vegetable widely grown in the tropics, wthich is mainly attacked by Fusarium wilt incited by Fusarium oxysporum f sp. lycopersici. In this present scenario, ecofriendly alternative strategies such as use of fungi from rhizosphere and endophytic bacteria are being explored. Fungal antagonistic Trichoderma spp. are effective for the management of soil borne plant pathogens. Efficacy of various isolates of T.virens were evaluated under green house condition for efficacy in suppressing incidence of Fusarium wilt disease and promoting plant growth in tomato. Among the various isolates tested, native isolates of T.virens (Tv1) increased the plant growth and highly inhibited the mycelial growth of the pathogen under in vitro condition. In green house studies seed treatment plus soil application of talc based formulation of T.virens (Tv1) significantly reduced incidence of the diseases (54.66% more efficient than control), compared to the other isolates of T.virens. Expression of various defence related enzymes was found involved in the induction of systemic resistance against pathogen infection. Tomato plants treated with seed @ 4gkg-1 plus soil application of 4kg ha-1 of talc based formulation of T. virens (Tv1) with challenge inoculation of Fusarium enhance the maximum induction of defense enzyme such as Peroxidase (PO), Polyphenol Oxidase (PPO) and Phenylalanine Ammonia Lyase (PAL) rather than the other isolates of T.virens. The enzyme activity increased from 7th day of sampling and the maximum was observed on 14th day of sampling and then it slightly decreased.

Saprophytic fungi plays a crucial role in the pest management programme. Culture and mass production of the fungi is a tedious, laborious, time consuming and cost effective process. To minimize the use of chemicals, the metabolic products of the fungi have been utilized in the pest management progamme for the past one decade. A study was designed to evaluate the insecticidal activity of Beauvaria bassiana (Balasmo) Vuillimin.(BB) and Metarhizium anisopliae (Metchnikoff) Sorokin. (MA) crude metabolic extracts and fungal spores against Dysdercus cingulatus (Fab.) under in-vitro conditions. The toxicity bioassay revealed that MAF1 treated cotton seeds fed D. cingulatus showed high mortality (44.44%). Irrespective of the metabolic fractions and fungal spores, body weight of D.cingulatus gradually diminished when the nymph grew older. Maximum body weight reduction was recorded in BBF2 (44.3%) category followed by BBF1 (45.4%) and the metabolites showed higher activity than fungal spores. Treatments also reduced total body protein content. Maximum reduction was recorded in BBF2 (0.09mg/g) followed by MAF1 (0.102mg/g). Amylase level was highly reduced by MAF2 (0.036µg/mg) followed by BBF2 (0.085 µg/mg). Higher protease activity resulted in BBF2 (9.1x10-5 µg/mg) followed by BBF1 (6.5x10-5 µg/mg). The detoxification enzyme, glutamate oxalate transaminase (GOT) activity was highly reduced in BBF2 (1.8x10-5 µg/mg) followed by MAF2 (2.5x10-5 µg/mg). These observations indicated the potential of B. bassiana and M. anisopliae as the simple, inexpensive and accessible source of bioinsecticide to manage sucking pests like D.cingulatus.

Various bioassay methods were employed to screen SlNPV against S. litura on different host plants. In the first experiment S. litura larvae were reared on different host plants and when they completed second instar, they were transferred to semi-synthetic diet which was treated with different doses of SlNPV. The LC50 value against the pest which was reared on different host plants were as follows: cabbage 0.42, cotton 0.61, potato 0.75, groundnut 0.93 and rose 1.28 POB/mm2. In the second experiment, larvae of S. litura were reared on semisynthetic diet up to second instar and subsequently they were fed on different host plants, which were treated with SlNPV. The LC50 value was highest in rose (1.81) followed by groundnut, potato, cotton and cabbage (0.40 POB/mm2). In the third experiment, larvae of S. litura were reared on different host plants till they complete second instar and they were screened against SlNPV in the laboratory using leaf disc method. The LC50 value was highest in rose followed by groundnut, potato, cotton and cabbage (1.02 POB/mm2). In the above three experiments, the LC50 value was lowest in cabbage and was highest in rose.

The implementation of microbial control of insect pests especially with nucleopolyhedroviruses (NPVs) is less popular among the farmers owing to its slow action and reduced efficacy against grown up larvae. The infectivity of NPV against grown up larvae were reported to be enhanced by the presence of a viral enhancing factor (VEF) in granuloviruses (GV). Hence, investigations were carried out to find out the effect of Helicoverpa armigera Granulovirus (HaGV) on the nucleopolyhedrovirus of H. armigera (HaNPV) against second, third, fourth and fifth instar larvae. Results of the studies revealed that treatment of HaNPV, HaGV applied at LC50 doses alone or a combination of HaNPV (LC50) + HaGV (LC25) significantly caused higher mortalities due to polyhedrosis or polyhedrosis mixed with granulosis than other individual treatments tested at LC25, LC50 or their combinations. Data on the LT50 values against different instars indicated that combination of HaNPV + HaGV and HaGV alone at different doses resulted in lowered mortality and extension in survivorship time. Only in HaNPV treated at LC50 doses, the LT50 was found to be significantly the shortest recording 99.52, 100.31, 102.92 and 104.46 h against second, third, fourth and fifth instar larvae respectively. It was found that the efficacy of HaNPV was not enhanced by the HaGV and the decrease in the infectivity of HaNPV by HaGV might be due to out competing nature of HaGV for tissue sites or it might possess a viral factor such as a protein or peptide, for inhibiting viral replication. The efficacy of HaNPV was also not enhanced by the heat inactivated HaGV.

The entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria brongniarti was cultured in seven different solid substrate viz. pearl millet, rice, maize, wheat , cow pea , rice bran and wheat bran for the growth and sporulation of the fungus. The production of conidia was significantly different among the different substrates. Conidia produced in all the substrates tested were pathogenicity to Holotrichia serrata at varying degrees. Cow pea was found to be the best solid substrate for the sporulation and virulence of the pest among the solid substrates. The conidia produced from cow pea showed high virulence against third instar larvae of Holotrichia serrata with LC 50 value of 1.30 X 109 conidia ml -1 while conidia produced from rice was less virulent with value of LC 50 (5.56x109 conidia ml-1).

An ecofriendly alternative to chemical pesticides is biopesticides, which encompasses a broad array of microbial pesticides, biochemicals derived from micro-organisms and other natural sources, and processes involving the genetic incorporation of DNA into agricultural commodities that confer protection against pest damage. Biopesticides fall into three major classes. The potential benefits to agriculture and public health programmes through the use of biopesticides are considerable. The interest in biopesticides is based on the disadvantages associated with chemical pesticides are discussed. The total world production of biopesticides is over 3,000 tons/yr, which is increasing at a rapid rate. India has a vast potential for biopesticides. However, its adoption by farmers in India needs education for maximizing gains. The market share of biopesticides is only 2.5% of the total pesticide market. The stress on organic farming and on residue free commodities would certainly warrant increased adoption of biopesticides by the farmers. Biopesticides being target pest specific are presumed to be relatively safe to non-target organism including humans. However, in India, the registration committee requires the data on chemistry, bioefficacy, toxicity and packaging and labeling, for registration. Pesticide Registration Committee has so far not approved any guidelines for the registration of GM biopesticides. In India, some of the biopesticides like Bt, NPV, neem based pesticides, etc. have already been registered and are being practiced.

While most of the people consider mosquitoes as an annoyance, these tiny assassins have the potential and lethal capacity more than any other group of arthropods. The increasing resistance of mosquitoes to current commercial insecticides has made the problem still worst. An alternative conventional method for this is the utilization of natural products from plants. In this regard shade dried leaf powder of Vinca rosea were used to assess the bioefficacy on Aedes aegypti. The different sized particle powder of 150m, 250m, 500m and 600m were tested for their bioefficacy. Emergence inhibition (EI 50 ) of 150m particle sized powder was found to be most effective with the (EI 50 ) of 24.81mg/100ml of water. Growth inhibitory effect was observed during the development.

In tropical countries, mosquitoes are the major problem for the health care of human being. Hence to control them in recent years number of plant products are being used. This is because of the pollution free nature of plant derivatives which do not produce any health hazard. Biologically active plant extracts have been well documented for evolving an ecologically sound and environmentally acceptable mosquito control programmes. In the present study, the level of larvicidal activity of methanolic leaf extract of the exotic plant species, Croton bonplandianum at different concentrations viz., 25, 50, 100, 150 and 200 ppm has been investigated and it is known that the LC50 value obtained at 124 ppm is effective against the mosquito, Aedes aegypti with respect to larvicidal activity. The study revealed that the leaf extracts of C. bonplandianum at 124 ppm is better for mosquito control.

The methanolic leaf extract of Artemisia parviflora (APLE) tested against Anopheles stephensi larvae and pupae and recorded the mortality rate, LC50 and LC90 values. This investigation revealed that this leaf extract possess higher toxicity against Anopheles stephensi. The biological activity of the plant extract might be due to the presence of active compounds â- Caryophyllene, germacrene D, Camphor, artemisia ketone, 1-8 Cineole, D-Copaene and Sabinyl acetae. These are all compounds are very toxic against the mosquito. The LC50 value for first instar larvae is 45.61 and it is increased in the IV instar larvae as 59.60. According our experimental view this plant can effectively play the biopesticide role and may contribute to an effective vector control tool. This new agent should preferentially to be applied in mosquito control strategies to reduce the mosquito populations and prevent the malaria.

Use of synthetic pesticides causes some unfortunate consequences such as environmental pollution, pests/ vector resistance and toxicity to other non-target organisms including human beings, biological pesticides from plant, microbial origin are environmentally safe pesticides. Microbial insecticides are especially valuable because their non-toxicity to non-target animals and human beings. Laboratory investigation using the plants such as, Vetiveria zizanioides (Linn.) (Poaceae), Ocimum basilicum (Linn.) (Lamiaceae) and the microbial pesticide spinosad against the malarial vector Anopheles stephensi Liston showed 85% mortality. The observed mortality rate suggests the above extract can be used as biopesticides. The LC50 of second, third and fourth instar larvae of A. stephensi were 0.276%, 0.285% and 0.305%, respectively

The filarial mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus is the most common and the most important mosquito among the genus, Culex occurring mainly in the urban areas, responsible for the spread of filarial worm, Wuchereria bancrofti that causes the dreadful disease called Malabar leg / elephantiasis among human beings. Many methods have been developed to eradicate the mosquito larvae, but often chemicals are being used because of their speedy action. Since they cause so many deleterious effects to environment, many biologically active plant extracts have been studied for their potential efficacy to minimise the extent of pollution caused by synthetic pesticide. Therefore, in the present investigation the efficacy of the leaf extracts of Momordica tuberosa on the larval and pupal period, larval, pupal and adult mortality, percentage of adult emergence and growth index of the filarial mosquito C. quinquefasciatus was carried out. In the sublethal concentrations, prolongation of larval and pupal period and reduction in the percentage of adult emergence were observed.

Investigations were carried out to evaluate the “Influence of certain plant products on the insect pollinators of coriander” at Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur, during rabi 2008-09. The treatments comprised: Pongamia glabra Vent (seed oil – 1 %), Azadirachta indica A. Juss (seed kernel extract - 5%), formulated neem product (Achook - 0.8%), Azadirachta indica (seed oil - 1%), Azadirachta indica (leaf extract - 10%) replicated 4 times. Reduction in pollinator population was estimated one day after application of the botanicals; whereas, 3 and 5 days after the treatment the mean percentage increase or decrease in the pollinator abundance over control was computed. The plant origin insecticides evinced a decrease in pollinator intensity ranging from (-) 14.52 to (-) 25.06 per cent. The maximum reduction of insect pollinators (25.06%) was recorded from plots treated with neem seed oil (1%). Three days after the treatment the percentage of visiting insect pollinators did not change in plots treated with karanj oil (1%), but the pollinator percentage increased in plots treated with NSKE (5%) and neem leaf extract (10%). Most of the botanical treatments did not have any side-effect 5 days after the treatment; however, plots treated with seed oil (1%) of Azadirachta indica A. Juss continued to show a deterrent effect and the pollinator intensity decreased by 21.57 per cent.

Juvenile hormone (JH) analogues and mimics regardless of synthetic or of plant/animal origin are potent pest control agents and are popularly referred to as ‘third generation pest control agents’. w-formyl longifolene oxime propargyl ether (NL13), an oxime ether of carbonyl compounds derived from longifolene, a tricyclin sesquiterpene from Indian turpentine oil extracted from the chir pine, Pinus longifolia (Roxb., Pinaceae) and bakuchiol, isolated from the medicinal weed, Psoralea coryllifolia (Linnaues) (Papilionaceae) are proven biopesticides against Culex quinquefasciatus and Dysdercus Koenigi, respectively. These two compounds show JH mimicking activities and disrupt the regular developmental pattern and thus identified as potential biopesticides. Since the larvae of silkworm Bombyx mori L. are known to respond positively to administration of exogenous JH analogues and mimics in terms of enhanced silk production, minute quantities of these two compounds were administered to fifth instar larvae based on the results of previous broad spectrum dose response studies. Emulsions containing 2.5, 5 and 10 ppm of NL13 and 0.625, 1.25 and 2.5 ppm of bakuchiol were administered to the fifth instar larvae of bivoltine silkworm hybrid, KA x NB4 D2 at 24, 48, 72 and 96 h at the rate of 12.5 ml/100 larvae, 30 minutes prior to feeding at about 10 am. The compounds elicited notable positive response in silkworm in terms of improved economic traits such as larval and cocoon characters. In the case of NL13, 5 ppm and in the case of bakuchiol, 1.25 ppm of the compounds at 48 h of 5th instar showed the maximum improvement in the cocoon traits in the range of 10~15%. The physiological impact of the compounds on silkworm growth and development and the resultant impact on the commercial traits are discussed.

Drosophila is a simple and genetically tractable system, it has been used to unravel and understand different aspects of biology, including neurobiological studies. Nicotine is a generally occurring liquid alkaloid. This botanical is known as contact poison and it generally affects the central nervous system. It has been used as an insecticide, it stimulates nicotinic receptors and neurosecretion at the neuromuscular junction. For the present study 0.05% crude extract of tobacco (nicotine) was used to study the effects on various stages and behaviour such as, larval pupation site preference (PSP), locomotory behaviour, mating success, fecundity and productivity in Drosophila melanogaster. Synchronised eggs were collected and allowed to hatch, from these standard cultures first instar larvae were transferred to glass vials containing nicotine mixed media. Yeast dissolved in nicotine was added every day to larvae for feeding. Fifty first instar nicotine treated larvae were allowed till pupation in vials to study PSP, after pupation the pupa were counted and analyzed. Nicotine treated third instar larvae were used for analyzing larval locomotory behaviour. Larval patterns were taken on transparent paper placed on agar coated petri dish for five minutes and larval path lengths were measured. About thirty pairs of five day old adult flies were collected for mating success study. Mated females were transferred to separate vials to count eggs layed every day and pupa after pupation to analyze fecundity and productivity. Treated larva showed a significant difference than control in larval pupation site preference, locomotory behaviour, mating success, fecundity and productivity.

The side-effect of Azadirachta indica (A. Juss) leaf extract on certain biochemical parameters of a freshwater fish, Labeo rohita was studied for a period of 25 days at sublethal concentration. The median lethal concentration (1.035 g/L) of A. indica for 24 h was calculated and 1/10th of the toxicant (0.1035 g/L) was taken for sub-lethal study. During the exposure period the glycogen content in the liver and muscle of leaf extract treated fish increased up to the 15th day and then declined, whereas the protein level decreased in the liver and muscles throughout the study period. The alterations of these biochemical parameters can be effectively used as nonspecific biomarkers against plant extract toxicity stress and also help safer usage of plant extracts in aquaculture farms.

The effect of cycas seed extracts (CSE) was observed in tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) by exposing them to various concentrations (1, 2, and 5%). The oxidative enzymes, depletion and accumulation in the liver and dorsal muscles were studied on acute (48h/2 days) and chronic (15 and 30 days) conditions. Compared to control, increase (p<0.01) in activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (EC 1.1.1.27) and decrease (p<0.01) in activity of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) (EC 1.3.99.1) following CSE exposed fishes were found. Significant (p<0.01) dose dependent depression in SDH and the elevation in LDH, after the acute and chronic conditions in both liver and muscle tissues are favouring an aerobic metabolism in CSE stressed fishes to meet the energy demands. These changes were appeared to favour a less efficient anaerobic metabolism probably due to the inability of tissues in treatment fishes to derive sufficient oxygen for normal metabolic functions. Nonetheless, it’s triggered the anaerobic metabolism and arrests the kreb’s cycle activities. The present bio-intensive study may give an attention towards the Cycas plant extracts in order to develop a very cheap biopesticide.

The percent incidence of the seed borne fungi, seed germination and seedling vigor of sorghum seeds treated with 25, 50 and 100 % concentration of aqueous extract of Lawsonia inermis L. was evaluated at 1, 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24 h treatment duration. Untreated seeds were served as control. Significant decrease in seed mycoflora with significant increase in seed germination and seedling vigour was observed in treated seeds compared to control. Antifungal activity varied in different concentration at the different time interval tested. The complete inhibition of Aspergillus flavus, A. ochraceous, F. moniliforme, Penicillium spp. Phoma spp. was observed in seeds treated with 100% concentration at 24 h treatment. The incidence of Fusarium solani, F. oxysporum, Drechslera halodes, Curvularia lunata, A. alternata, Trichothecium spp. and Rhizopus spp. was significantly inhibited in treated seeds. The result of the present study is successful in identifying a candidate plant with significant antifungal activity which could be exploited as herbal remedy of the plant diseases.

Mulberry silkworm, Bombyx mori L, most valued for silk and other medicinal products is prone to various biotic stresses among which the disease caused by Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus (BmNPV) is most serious as it occurs throughout the year causing losses to the tune of 30-40 per cent. Studies conducted on eco friendly management of the disease using botanicals revealed that 800 ppm hexane leaf extract of Psoralea corylifolia, Plectranthus amboinicus and the standard, gentamycin (50 ppm) were found to be effective against BmNPV infecting three different silkworm breeds, viz., cross breed, PM X CSR 2 (28.50 %, 24.00 %, 23.50 %), bivoltine hybrid, CSR 2 x CSR 4 (36.0 %, 33.50 %, 30.50 %) and double hybrid (CSR 6 x CSR 26) x (CSR 2 x CSR 27) (31.50 %, 29.00 %, 26.50 %) recording lowest larval mortality. Treated control (BmNPV@107 POBs/ml) recorded the highest mortality of 60.00 %, 75.50 % and 68.50 % respectively against cross breed, bivoltine hybrid and double hybrid. Besides the disease reduction, administration of botanicals also enhanced the economic parameters, viz., larval weight, cocoon weight, shell weight and shell ratio. Isolation of active principles from hexane extract of P. corylifolia using Thin Layer Chromatography studies (TLC) resulted in seven partially purified fractions. From the seven partially purified fractions, two fractions possessing antiviral properties were further purified using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Characterization of these purified fractions using Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy (LCMS) revealed the presence of two flavanoid compounds, viz., Bakuchicin and Bavacoumestan.

The naturally occurring pesticides thus appear to have a prominent role in the development of future commercial pesticides not only for agricultural and forestry crop productivity but also for the safety of the environment and public health. The harmful environmental implications of the synthetic chemicals like the development of insect resistance, distribution of natural enemy complex and increased contamination have compelled to search for some alternative methods. This lead to increased development of compounds based on the models of naturally occurring toxins of biological origin, having various biological activities. This includes plant extract and microbes which are now known because they are environmentally harmless, host specific and less residual. These different concentration of plant extracts viz. Azadirachta indica seed extract / cake, Jatropha curcas leaf extract / cake, Pongamia pinnata leaf extract/ cake, Aloe vera leaf extract, Annona sqamosa leaf extract, Calotropis procera leaf extract, Vitex negundo leaf extract were tested for their feeding inhibition properties against six major forest insect pests in laboratory and field condition and the most effective concentration has been worked out. Similarly, the different doses of three toxins of thuricide (Bacillus thuringensis) have also been tested against some forest insect pests and their efficacy has been compared.

Effect of methanolic extracts of Eupatorium odoratum (Compositae) leaves on the ovary of the coconut pest, Oryctes rhinoceros L.(Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) was studied. Topical application of 10 and 20 µl extracts resulted in morphological, morphometric, gravimetric and histological aberrations in the ovary of the beetles. Ovariole of O. rhinoceros was telotrophic meroistic and consists of terminal filament, germarium and vitellarium. Terminal filaments of the ovarioles of the experiment are short and are not interconnected whereas in the control they are long and interconnected. Interfollicular tissue was distinct in the control and appears indistinct in the treated. Vitellarium of the treated insects shows fusion and abnormal orientation of follicles. Number of follicles and weight of ovary were reduced significantly (p < 0.05). Length of germarium was reduced in10µl treatment while it was increased in the 20 µl. Vitellarium and ovariole length was increased and reduced in 10 µl and 20 µl treated insects respectively. Topical application of the extract resulted in histological abnormalities including vacuolation of germarium, chromatin condensation and defective development of the follicular epithelium, lateral trophic, interfollicular and prefollicular tissues, vacuolation of ooplasm and abnormal /arrested vitellogenesis and choriogenesis. Vitellogenesis in O.rhinoceros can be disrupted by the application of E. odoratum extracts and this plant can be considered as a potential candidate for regulating this pest.

The insecticidal properties of the alkaloid obtained from Alstonia boonei De Wild stem bark was tested against the maize stem borer, Sesamia calamistis Hampson in a laboratory bioassay. Less than one day old (less than 24 h after hatching) S. calamistis larvae were reared on artificial diet treated with the alkaloid at a rate of 0.00125%, 0.00100 %; 0.00050 %, 0.00025 %, and 0.00000 % (Control). There was no significant difference between the treatments in the survival of the larvae (range 66.67 % to 86.67 %). at 15 days after introduction (DAI). There were significant differences (P < 0.05) in the wet and dry weights of these larvae, which ranged from 25.50 mg in the diet containing 0.00125 % of the alkaloid to 36.30 mg in the 0.00050 % and 5.90 mg in the 0.00125 % to 8.80 mg in the 0.00025 %, respectively. The natural response rate C, (OPTC) for the larval survival at 15 DAI was 0.25. Percentage pupation was significantly higher in the Control (80 %) compared with the rest treatments (range 40 – 53.33 %). Pupal weight was significantly higher in the Control (213.67 mg) compared with the 0.00100 % treatment (137.83 mg). The natural response rate C, (OPTC) for pupation was 0.42 with an LD50 of 0.02662 %. While all the pupae from the Control successfully emerged into the adults, percentage adult emergence for pupae from other treatments ranged from 0.00 to 35.00 %. Various stages of unsuccessful adult emergence were observed in the treatments containing the alkaloid. Total developmental period ranged from 45 days in the 0.00025 % to 58 days in the 0.00125 %. These results show a very high level of insecticidal property of A. boonei stem bark alkaloid against S. calamistis. We believe that this alkaloid can play a major role in the management of this insect and similar insect pests of tropical crops.

The tobacco caterpillar, Spodoptera litura Fabricius has emerged as a serious and dominant pest on many agricultural crops causing enormous losses. The use of plant extracts to manage S. litura as an eco friendly management strategy in organic farming is the need of the day. A cold ethyl alcohol extract of seeds of Annona squamosa at different concentrations from 0.5 per cent to 25 per cent was administered to lab-reared; pre starved fourth instar larvae, topically as well as through food. The fourth instar larvae treated topically with the 25 per cent extract exhibited a total larval mortality of 61.66±1.66 per cent and the total per cent mortality was 80.0±0 during its development to the adult stage. The larvae which were administered the plant extract through their food showed total mortality of 76.66±4.41% at 25 per cent concentration, of which 61.66±1.66 per cent was at the larval stage itself. Larval-pupal and pupal-adult deformed stages were observed during the development but the adults were normal. Mortality was observed in the larvae and pupae. LC50 and LC90 values for topical application was 21.52 and 47.87 respectively .The same for leaf application was 25.75 and 53.70. The seed extract also exhibited phagodeterrent properties.

The extracts of Strychnos, Vitex, Lippia and NSP 60 EC possess insecticidal properties. The impact of these extracts on protein, carbohydrate and lipid contents of the leaf webber larva was studied. Among the botanicals tested, the highest reduction of protein content (59.78 %) of the larvae was caused by NSP 60 EC and the lowest reduction was caused by Strychnos (10.25 %). Lippia and Vitex extracts reduced the carbohydrate content of the larvae by 93.38 per cent. Lippia extract caused 91.05 per cent reduction in lipid content however, NSP 60 EC increased the lipid content by 25.79 per cent.

The objective of this research is to assess the effect of Stemona collinsae extracts on reducing the major cabbage insect pest, the diamond back moth (Plutella xylostella). Stemona collinsae was collected from Phitsanulok province. The root were sequentially extracted with hexane, dichloromethane and methanol. These extracts were tested against the third instar P. xylostella by leaf dipping method. The highest insecticidal activity was observed from dichloromethane extract with the LC50 of 0.71%. Following isolation and identification, the major active compound responsible for the insecticidal activity was suggested to be hydroxystemofoline from a molecular peak at m/z 403.2005 [M]+ , calcd for C22H29O6N 403.1995 in the HR-MS spectrum. This compound can be used as a marker for standardization of stemona extracts and formulations for alternative agricultural production systems.

Three fractions (JMR1, JMR2 and JMR3) obtained from the methanolic extract of Lantana wightiana have been tested against the fourth instar larvae of Spodoptera litura. From the results it is evident that JMR1, JMR2 and JMR3 caused 100 % mortality during 96 h at 0.1%. At 0.0125%, JMR1 causes 80% mortality after 24 h of S. litura larvae. But similar percentage of mortality has been observed when 0.08% crude methanolic extract of L. wightiana treated with S. litura larvae. Total mortality of S. litura shows that JMR1 is the most effective toxic fraction followed by JMR2 and then JMR3. Comparison between JMR2 to JMR1 and JMR2 to JMR3 are statistically insignificant at 5% level by Duncan Multiple Range test (DMRT). When a correlation is made between the concentrations and total mortality, it is found to be highly significant [r = 0.98, 0. 97 and 0.93 for JMR1, 2 and 3, respectively]. It is evident from the results that JMR1 is found to be the most effective (0.0057%) to S. litura larvae followed by JMR2 (0.0092%) and then JMR 3 (0.0094%). It is very clear from the results that the LC50 value of L. wightiana fraction, JMR1 is about 3 times more effective than the crude methanolic extract on the fourth instar Spodoptera litura larvae.

Laboratory study was carried out to evaluate the antifedent activity of Adhatoda vasica L. extracts on Spodoptera litura (Fab.) larvae. Various concentrations (25, 50, 75 and 100%) of A. vasica extracts were used against last instar of S. litura. Adhatoda vasica used as biopesticide because it showed a high degree of antifedent activity against this pest. Helianthus annus L. and Hibiscus esculentus are common oil producing vegetable crops respectively; they are very often infected by various pests. Among them S. litura is the major pest. When A. vasica plant extract of different concentrations were sprayed on the above two plants and observed, as the concentration of the plant extract increase the food consumption was decreased. The same trends were also noticed in the percent feeding and percent protection.

Insecticidal and growth inhibitory effects of Vitex negundo solvent extracts at different concentrations were evaluated in the laboratory and the results were presented. The different solvent extracts (methanol, hexane, acetone and water) at various concentrations (1,2,4 and 6%) were tested against third instar larvae of Spodoptera litura. Insecticidal action of V. negundo solvent extracts was determined through topical bioassay. Methanol extract of V. negundo was the most toxic and caused maximum mortality (96.3%) recording lowest LD50 of 423 ppm. Aqueous extract recorded lowest mortality of 51.7 per cent. Influence of host materials on the effect of V. negundo extract was also tested. Castor, semi-synthetic diet and banana were tested as host materials for rearing S. litura. Different solvent extracts of V. negundo were prepared at various concentrations (1,2,4 and 6%) and applied to different host materials and allowed to feed by S. litura third instar larvae. Observations on larval duration, pupal weight and extent of pupation on different hosts were taken to determine the growth inhibitory action. Among all the hosts, the highest reduction in pupal weight was on semi-synthetic diet reared S. litura. Methanol extract caused maximum reduction in pupal weight (45.15 to 72.60%) followed by acetone extract (34.52 to 70 %) and lowest reduction in pupal weight was observed in aqueous extract (52.91 to 56.51 %). Hexane, acetone and methanol extract (6%) caused the highest reduction of 96.51, 96.30 and 92.86 per cent pupation over control while, aqueous extract produced only 52 per cent reduction of pupation of S. litura reared on castor. V. negundo extracts caused the lowest reduction of pupation (26.93 to 77.78 %) of S. litura reared on semi-synthetic diet. In banana, pupation was reduced to the range of 55.56 to 85.72 per cent by aqueous and methanol extracts. A maximum larval duration of 26.33 days with the highest (102.54 %) increase in duration over control was recorded by methanol extract (6%) on semi-synthetic diet. When the larvae were fed with banana, aqueous extract of V. negundo (6%) caused longest larval duration of 19 days, when the leaves were treated with acetone extract (6%).

Tomato fruit borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) (Lepidoptera : Noctuidae) is one of most serious pest of tomato crop grown in Solan area of Himachal Pradesh. Studies were conducted to observe, the effect of Nimbecidine, NeemAzal and role of birds in the suppression of H. armigera larval population in the tomato field. Nimbecidine was sprayed at 0.30 and 0.60 ppm azadirachtin concentrations, whereas Neem Azal was sprayed at 10.00 and 20.00 ppm azadirachtin concentrations. The maximum larval reduction after three sprays recorded at 20.00 ppm concentration of Neem Azal (71.29 %) with higher fruit yield (20.42 kg) and lowest fruit infestation (7.18 %). Birds like Acridotheres tristis, Cissa erythrorhyncha, Copsychus saularis, Corvus macrorhynchos, Dicrurus adsimilis, Parus major, Passer domesticus, Pycnonotus cafer, Pycnonotus leucogenys, Saxicola caprata and Turdoides striatus were found feeding on H. armigera larvae in tomato crop. Pycnonotus cafer and Acridotheres tristis, used the T- shaped perches more frequently than other species. In plots where T- shaped perches were installed, the larval survival was less in comparison to netted and control plots. In netted plots where birds were excluded maximum larval survival (76.78 %) was observed in comparison to control plots (66.53%) where bird had free access to H. armigera larvae. The reduction of 10.25 per cent H. armigera larvae was attributed to the bird predation alone. Due to higher survival of larvae in netted plots less fruit yield (8.83 kg) were recorded in comparison to control plots (11.33 kg).

The banana weevil (BRW), Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is the most devastating pest of banana in most production areas, which limits production and productivity of bananas throughout the world. Numerous chemical insecticides are available commercially to manage this pest. However, it was more expensive and undesirable for the management of this pest. In this study, the effect of commercially available neem-based botanical insecticide neem gold on BRW was studied under laboratory condition. The weevils were separately maintained up to 96 hours on neem gold treated banana rhizomes. The total and differential haemocytes count; total body protein and fat body protein profile were performed using SDS-PAGE. 33.33% of C. sordidus were settled on neem-gold and significantly (P<0.05) caused minimum mortality (6.7%) whereas 66.6% weevils preferred the untreated pseudostem. However, treatment reduced both total haemocyte count (40%) and various haemocytes level. The total body protein and fat body protein analysis shows that 4 KDa to 163 KDa molecular weight and 144 to 7 KDa molecular weight polypeptides respectively are present. Consumption of neem gold impregnated banana pseudostem reduced the total body protein polypeptide to 8 KDa whereas the fat body polypeptide increased from 161 to 8 KDa. These results suggested that neem gold could be used as insecticide against C. sordidus.

Root – knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are one of the most wide spread pests limiting world agricultural productivity and their control in future will largely depend on the continued development of resistant varieties as well as careful management practices which rely less on chemicals and more on plant inbuilt strategies to fight pathogens. So far, the conventional systemic nematicides were readily used by previous workers in several crops for the management of root-knot nematode. However, adverse effect on environment and human health is limiting the use of such nematicides in India. Therefore, in the present investigation, the bio-pesticide property of the fruit extract of Citrullus colocynthis on the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita infecting Vigna ungiculata was carried out. The total carbohydrate content, total chlorophyll content and root gall index present in the leaves of control, inoculated with root- knot nematode and in the inoculated plants treated with fruit extract of Citrullus colocynthis were analyzed and the root gall index that was an indirect measure of nematode population density after treatment was also studied.

Meloidogyne incognita is highly pathogenic to crops causing severe damage and reduction in yield. During parasitism, nematodes exert detrimental influence on the normal physiology, growth and development of host plant and these conditions have been attributed to the effect of either direct or indirect response of the host to mechanical or biochemical activities of the nematode. Hence the present study has been made to evaluate the efficacy of a bio-nematicide, the leaf extract of goat weed plant, Ageratum conyzoides against the root knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita infecting black gram, Vigna mungo. In the present work, the biochemical characteristics such as total protein, lipid and carbohydrate content present in the leaves of control, inoculated control and the experimental plants treated with different concentrations (2 to 10 ppm) of A. conyzoides after 40 days treatment were analyzed and root gall index were also studied to estimate the nematode population density. Since this extract has a telling effect on the pathogenicity of nematode, it is recommended to be used as a bio-nematicide in the control of root knot nematode in future.

India is the largest producer and consumer of pulses and shares 35.20 per cent area and 27.65 per cent of the global production. Among the insect pests infesting stored pulses, bruchid Callosobrucrhus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) is the most serious one and it attacks invariably all the pulses under storage conditions with mild infestation in the field as well. It is therefore, imperative to save the stored pulses from this serious pest. In many storage systems, fumigants are the most economical and convenient tool for managing storedgrain insect pests. The increasing problem with today’s fumigants makes it necessary for research to devise other control procedures and to identify new fumigants, which are eco-friendly and less expensive. Essential oils are potential sources of alternative compounds for currently used fumigants. The LC50 values of five essential oils viz., eucalyptus, citronella, rosemary, cardamom and geranium were investigated against pulse beetle C. maculatus through fumigation bioassay were 11.66, 16.25, 21.35, 22.07 and 25.11 µl l-1 of air respectively. The lowest LD50 value was observed for eucalyptus oil (11.66 µl l-1 of air) and the LD50 value of geranium was the highest (25.11 µl l-1 of air). Fumigant effects of the essential oils are discussed in the context of the existing fumigants is likely to be phased out in 2015.

Piper nigrum L. seed is well known for its insecticidal properties against storage pests. P. nigrum dust formulation (Pn10D) was prepared by mixing pulverized seed powder of P. nigrum (10%) and fly ash (90%). Pn10D was tested against pulse beetle Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) Pn10D at 4.00 percent caused cent percent mortality of C. maculatus after 72 hr after the treatment. Pn10D 4.00 percent was most effective in reducing the oviposition. Egg hatchability of C. maculatus ranged between 57.12 (Pn10D 2.00 %) and 73.73% (Pn10D1.00 %). Only 7.00 beetles emerged from the seeds treated with Pn10D 4.00 per cent. Seed weight loss was 0.35 percent in Pn10D 4.00 and 3.50 percent. Germination ranged between 57.33 (Pn10D 0.50 %) and 93.33 percent (Pn10D 4.00 %).

The present study was undertaken to study the effect of aqueous extracts of Acorus calamus root (Acoraceae), Artemisia nilagirica (Asteraceae), Cassia auriculata (Fabaceae), Cassia siamia (Caesalpiniaceae), Citrus aurantium peel (Rutaceae) and Percularia daemia (Asclepiadaceae). Oviposition deterrent, F1 adult emergence and weight loss were carried out at four different concentrations (1.25%, 2.5%, 5% and 10%) on cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.) against C. maculatus. Maximum oviposition deterrent activity was observed in C. siamia (84.66%) followed by C. aurantium peel (82.11%) at higher concentration. Notably these two extracts showed above 50% oviposition deterrent activity even at lower concentration. Reduction in F1 adult emergence was higher in P. daemia (91.25%) treated seeds. The other plant extracts also exhibited their higher potential against C. maculatus. Weight loss due to insect infestation was drastically reduced when compared to the control. All extracts did not affect the germination of the seeds.

The fig moth, Ephestia cautella (Walker) is a major storage of stored sunflower. Different biopesticides and eco-friendly practices were evaluated for their bioefficacy against this pest. Sunflower seeds treated with neem seed kernel powder and malathion + thiram showed higher mortality of 50.39 per cent and 100 per cent, respectively, after 24 hrs after the first larval release, while the remaining larvae showed symptoms of dying, lack of movement and responded very weakly to pricking. A gradual increase in the level of mortality was observed in all the treatments with the time lapse of 72 hrs after first release, when seeds that were subjected to malathion + thiram, sanitation and neem seed kernel powder showed 100, 93.34and 91.67 per cent mortality, respectively. The loss in the weight of sunflower seeds was highest in case of extended sun drying. Maximum adult emergence after first larval release was noticed in case of extended sun drying. After the second larval release, made at 45 days after treatment, maximum mortality was recorded in case of seeds treated with malathion + thiram (95.25 %) and sand layer (46.67%), but at the end of 72 hrs, 100 and 91.67 per cent mortality was recorded in case of malathion + thiram and sanitation, respectively .However, after the second larval release, maximum weight loss of seeds was recorded in case of extended sun drying (1.34%), with an adult emergence of 31.67 per cent . At 72 hrs after the third release of the larvae at 90 days after treatment, sanitation recorded 91.67 per cent mortality, which was on par with that of malathion + thiram (100%), while the pest mortalities that was observed both in case of seeds treated with sand layer and neem kernel powder was 81.67 per cent. The maximum weight loss was observed in case of extended sun drying (1.50%) with 20 per cent adult emergence.

Pooled Alkaloid Extract (PAE) isolated from fractionation of methanol extract of leaves of Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. was tested in vivo against sorghum seed biodeterioration during storage for six months period. The percent incidence of seed borne fungal pathogens, seed germination and seedling vigor, total water soluble protein, carbohydrate, lipid and dry matter content of the treated seeds were recorded at the interval of one month through six months period. The treatment revealed that the PAE treatment of seeds significantly reduced percent incidence of moulds and mould induced biodeterioration up to 180 days storage along with significant increase in seed germination and seedling vigor up to 90 days. Carbohydrate, protein, lipid and dry matter losses were also not observed in the treated seeds while significant loss of all the parameters was observed in untreated control seeds. The result of the present study is highly encouraging in developing herbal remedy for seed borne fungal diseases and biodeterioration of grains during storage.

Phomopsis azadirachtae is the causal organism of die-back of neem. Combinations of two systemic fungicides such as carbendazim and thiophanate-methyl with ethyl acetate extract of culture filtrate of antagonistic bacterium Bacillus subtilis were evaluated against P. azadirachtae under in vitro conditions. The parameters studied were mycelial dry weight, colony diameter, pycnidial formation and the conidial germ tube growth of the pathogen. The effect of these combinations on neem seed germination and seed-borne pathogen was also tested. The results indicated that the combinations tested were effective in inhibiting the growth of the pathogen in vitro. The combinations also inhibited the growth of P. azadirachtae from die-back infected neem seeds and had no significant negative effect on neem seed germination. These combinations could be utilized for the integrated control of die-back of neem.

Sericulture is one of the viable enterprises which provide income through out the year unlike other commercial crops. Indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers and insecticides for maximizing the leaf yield of mulberry adversely affects the soil health. Hence the study was taken up as farmer’s participatory mode in which Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) itself was included as a component of IPM module against tukra mealy bug Maconellicoccus hirsutus and leaf webber Diaphania pulverulentalis besides spraying of neem oil at 1%, 2% and 3% concentrations in 10 days interval. Data on the infestation (%) of tukra mealy bug M. hirsutus and leaf webber D. pulverulentalis , population of coccinellids and spiders (Nos./ 20 plants) and soil macro fauna/ ft3 (earthworms, centipedes and millipedes) were recorded. Results indicated the reduction of infestation (%) of tukra mealy bug M. hirsutus and leaf webber D. pulverulentalis and improvement in the population of coccinellids, spiders and soil macro fauna in mulberry ecosystem.

Soybean (Glycine max L.) is an important leguminous crop native of Asia. Leaf miner is major insect pest of soybean causing serious damage results in yield loss. Field experiment was carried out to study the integration of bipesticides, Biobit (Bacillus thuringiensis), Dispel (Beauveria bassiana) and synthetic insecticide Hostathion 40EC (Triazophos) against leaf miner. All treatments were superior over control in reducing leaf miner. The treatment Triazophos 800 ml/ha recorded less leaf miner at all three,seven and ten days after spraying. Bacillus thuringiensis @ 1000ml/ha, Beauveria bassiana @ 1000g/ha were also at par with Triazophos 800 ml/ha.

Twenty three biorational treatments have been tested against Tetranychus urticae, an important pest of brinjal (MBH-11) under farmer field condition. Pest egg and life stages population were observed one, three, seven and 14 days after spraying. Results revealed that maximum pest population was reduced by T16 followed by T10 treatments. However, egg population was highly reduced by T16, T19, T7 and T4 treatments. Brinjal yield has been optimized by T4 treatment followed by T13. These two treatments have been recomended for the management of spider mite in brinjal.

Laboratory experiments on the evaluation of infectivity of Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. to tobacco caterpillar Spodoptera litura Fab. as influenced by two okra varieties. Infectivity of B. bassiana at three concentrations viz. 0.1, 1.0 and 3.0 per cent was evaluated by contaminated food bioassay method. In comparison, topical bioassay method was also made. Statistically significant variation between the two okra varieties was observed with regard to the mortality of S. litura. When the leaf extract of the bhendi variety P 7 was amended to the culture medium of B. bassiana, the maximum conidial germination, sporulation and mycelial growth were recorded as against the minimum with the variety Pusa Sawani. Hence, it is concluded that plant factors influence infectivity of the entomopathogenic fungi B. bassiana.

In the present study, the influence of intercrops on the incidence of major pests of cotton was studied in different IPM modules. In Dharwad module, Amrasca devastans, Bemisia tabaci and Aphis gossypii recorded preference ratios of 1.60, 0.82 and 1.29, respectively towards bhendi. A. devastans and A. gossypii showed preference ratios of 1.51 and 1.17 respectively, towards bhendi, in TNAU IPM module whereas they did not prefer any intercrop in Guntur IPM module. B. tabaci recorded preference ratios less than one in TNAU, Guntur IPM modules and farmers’ practice towards the intercrops. Earias spp. showed more preference on bhendi and registered 2.69 and 2.08 as preference ratios in Dharwad and TNAU IPM modules whereas it showed no preference to intercrops / trap crops in Guntur module and in farmers’ practice. The preference ratios of Helicoverpa armigera were 1.08 and 1.13 on bhendi in Dharwad and TNAU IPM modules while in Guntur IPM module and farmers’ practice the intercrops were less preferred compared to cotton. The leaf eating caterpillar Spodoptera litura preferred castor, sunflower and bhendi more than that of cotton in TNAU IPM module whereas the preference was more towards castor and groundnut in Guntur IPM module. The cotton semiloopers Anomis flava, Xanthodes graellsi and Tarache nitidula recorded 0.93, 2.54 and 0.05 in Dharwad module and 1.95, 3.91 and 0.22 in TNAU module as preference ratios on bhendi, respectively. Thrips tabaci, pink boll worm Pectinophora gossypiella and stem weevil Pempherulus affinis showed no preference to the intercrops/trap crops in all the modules.

During 2008-09, six bio-pesticides were evaluated, under field conditions, for their efficacy against major defoliators and capitulum borer, Helicoverpa armigera Hub. infesting sunflower, at the Zonal Agricultural Research Station, UAS, Bangalore. All the six bio-pesticides viz., Spodoptera NPV @ 2x108 POB/ml, Helicoverpa NPV @ 2x108 POB/ml, Pongamia Seed Kernel Extract @ 5%, Neem gold 0.03EC(300ppm)(0.5%), Neem Seed Kernel Extract @ 5 % and Prosopan @ 10ml/L. were on par with the insecticidal checks (endosulphan 35 EC @ 0.07% and profenophos 50EC @ 0.05 %) and they were found to be significantly superior than untreated check in the suppression of defoliators, 50 days after sowing. Neem seed kernal extract, (5%), prosopan (10ml/lit) and both the insecticides were significantly superior than the other treatments, at one day after the second spray (i.e., @ 90 DAS) for H.armigera supression.

Codling moth (CM), Cydia pomonella L., is the key pest of pome fruits in Bulgaria. It causes severe damage on apple, pear and quince. Considerable infestation has been noted on walnut as well. Due to regulatory restrictions in use of conventional insecticides after including Bulgaria into the EU and due to the developing resistance of CM to most commonly used organophosphates and pyrethroids, suitable alternative means of control of this pest have been needed. During the three-year period (2006-2008), trials have been carried out in apple orchards in different regions of Bulgaria using the methodology, originally called as “disorientation of males” and recently as “mating disruption” (MD). For this purpose different kinds of dispensers were used – Isomate C plus, Ecodian CP and CheckMate® CM XL1000. The careful selection of orchards and adoption of a pheromone-based IPM approach can minimise the risks and maximize efficacy of the CMMD (codling moth mating disruption). CMMD works best in orchards where the physical characteristics and environmental conditions ensure a uniform distribution of synthetic pheromone dispersed. The pheromone dispensers should be deployed within 50 cm of the canopy top, prior to the expected first flights of the pest. Borders of pheromone treated orchards are susceptible to high levels of CM infestation; hence the growers should increase the density of dispensers at these sites. Monitoring of CM adult activity in the orchards treated with CMMD is difficult. Capture of moths in pheromone traps baited with 1 mg of codlemone is an unreliable indicator of efficacy. The sensitivity of pheromone traps can be improved by using traps baited with 20 mg lures and locating them in the uppermost parts of the canopy. Positive results were obtained in all orchards, where CMMD was used. The percentage of damaged fruits in trial plots was below economical threshold. Hibernating population of CM was reduced, as indicated by counts of diapausing larvae in corrugated paper band traps. The consequent adoption of CMMD will depend on how well this method meets the grower expectations concerning risk, efficacy and cost.

RNA interference (RNAi) describes the ability of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) to inhibit homologous gene expression at the RNA level. The specificity is sequence-based and depends on the sequence of one strand of the dsRNA corresponding to part or all of a specific gene transcript. In general, RNAi is a post-transcriptional control mechanism involving degradation of a target mRNA by dicers, mediated through the production of small interfering RNAs or short interfering RNAs (siRNAs). No effective Bt toxins are known against sap-sucking homopteran pests such as aphids, leafhoppers etc. With this view in mind, in the current study, RNAi has been applied to block different proteins biosynthesis by sucking insect pests. To achieve the objectives, clones were selected and transcribed to dsRNA. The transcribed dsRNAs were digested with RNase III to prepare siRNAs. Fifty micro liter volumes of test samples containing either control reagent or siRNA in varying quantities were mixed with the insect diet (1ml and 1g for sucking and chewing pests). Five different concentrations, 40, 20, 10, 5, 1 µg/ml of siRNA from a gene were applied to find out the concentration required to kill 50% of insects. The current investigation has explored the utility of RNAi as a tool for specific and strong silencing of various genes in adult sucking pest and larval chewing pest to examine their potential as candidates target genes for pest management. This report says observations of gene knockdown in sucking pests using siRNAs synthesized from different genes through RNAi technology for the first time. The same siRNA treatment resulted in specific gene silencing (not significant) and consequently brought very less mortality percentage. The present results suggest that feeding of siRNAs through an artificial diet can be exploited for the screening of siRNAs for insect pests control and functional genomic studies in both sucking and chewing insect pests.

Nanotechnology is gaining tremendous impetus in the present century due to its capability of modulating metals into their nanosize. Research in nanotechnology highlights the possibility of green chemistry pathways to produce technologically important nanomaterials. This report focuses on the biological synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Solanum torvum and its antimicrobial activity. Characterization of newly synthesized silver nanoparticles was made using UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HR-TEM) studies. Resistance to antimicrobial agents by pathogen has emerged in recent years and is a major health problem. Solanum torvum mediated silver nanoparticles showed high antimicrobial activity against bacterial and fungal pathogens. Our results suggest that S. torvun mediated silver nanoparticles could act as an effective antimicrobial agent and prove as an alternative for the development of new antimicrobial agents to combat resistance problem.

The grub of Caryedon serratus (Olivier) (Bruchidae: Coleoptera) infests the groundnut kernels by making a characteristic round hole on them which causes qualitative and quantitative loss to the kernels, so ovipositional behavior of C. serratus was studied by choice and no-choice experiments to check the presence of ovipositional deterrent activity of egg wash extracts using three different solvents. Dichloromethane (DCM) extract showed deterrent activity on oviposition of C. serratus (20 eggs/mL) in both choice and no-choice experiments. Only 23 to 57 percent of eggs hatched. The egg extracts and groundnut extracts did not interfere with the further development of larvae to adults. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of more than 55 compounds in dichloro methane egg extract out of which eleven compounds contributing 23.13% of the total egg extract were identified.

Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata, is an important food crop in many tropical regions. The cowpea aphid, Aphis craccivora, Koch is a key pest of the crop. Olfactometer experiments were conducted in the laboratory to study the influence of host odour and population of conspecifics on apterae and alatae of cowpea aphid Aphis craccivora Koch. Among the four different host plants tested, more number of alatae responded to the allomonal cues emanating from cowpea leaves (1.6,) followed by that from glyricidia (1.4), dolichos (0.4) and groundnut (0.4). Apterous morphs also responded more to cowpea (1.6) followed by dolichos (0.6) groundnut (0.4) and glyricidia (0.2). The maximum retention time recorded inside the olfactometer for alate morph was on cowpea (360 seconds) followed by glyricidia (300seconds).Apterous morph recorded maximum retention time on glyricidia (300seconds) followed by cowpea (240 seconds). In response to host odour perception, it was observed that cowpea was the most preferred host plant to Aphis craccivora followed by glyricidia. More number of alatae and apterae were attracted to cowpea leaves infested with the lowest population density of 10 aphids (3.2, 2.0) followed by 50 (1.6, 1.0), 100 (1.0, 0.6) and 150 (0.8, 0.4) respectively. This behaviour shows their non- preference to already infested leaves.