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Subterranean termites cause significant damage to agricultural crops and wooden infrastructures worldwide. Coptotermes and Odontotermes were found as the most abundant and damaging genera of subterranean termites in Pakistan. Many conventional synthetic insecticides are being used to combat termite infestations with often unsatisfactory control results. This study assessed the comparative toxicity of some prevailing synthetic insecticides with different modes of action against subterranean termites Coptotermes heimi Wasmann (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) which was found as a dominant termite species in district Sargodha. Filter paper disc-based bioassays revealed that all insecticides showed a significant impact (P < 0.001) on the mortality of C. heimi workers and this mortality response was directly proportional to insecticidal concentrations and exposure times. Significantly higher mortality was recorded by chlorpyrifos (100.0%) and fipronil (95.0%) at 72 h post-exposure with minimum LC50 values of 1.29 and 2.04%, respectively. Similar trend of effectiveness was exhibited by their LT50 values. Minimum mortality of C. heimi workers was recorded by the formulations of chlorantraniliprole and abamectin. Based on overall study results, it is concluded that chlorpyrifos and fipronil are effective synthetic termiticides and are recommended to the indigenous farmers for combatting subterranean termite infestations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial diseases cause colossal losses in vegetable crops and are considered major limiting factors for the commercial production of vegetables around the globe. Among bacterial diseases, angular leaf spot of cucumber caused by Pseudomonas syringae is one of the most economically important diseases that cause substantial economic loss to the cucumber crop. In this study, the in‐vitro and in‐vivo effects of different strains (X1–X15) of the nematode symbiotic bacterium Xenorhabdus nematophila was determined on the growth of P. syringae in different selected media (TB, SB, SOB, SOC, YT and LB) and at different pH levels (6.5, 7.5 and 8.5) and on the incidence of angular leaf spot disease on potted cucumber plants. According to the results, maximum growth inhibition of P. syringe (25 mm) was observed in the case of strain X12, followed by strains X10 (23 mm), X8 (21 mm) and X6 (20 mm), while maximum colony growth was observed in the control. Moreover, this P. syringae growth inhibition by the X12 strain of X. nematophila was significantly maximum in SB medium and at pH 7.5. Results of the in‐vivo experiment with potted plants showed a maximum incidence (90%) of angular leaf spot disease in control plants, while a minimum disease incidence (15%) was observed for the plants treated with two times dilution of X. nematophila culture, followed by ten times (23%) and fifty times (35%). The overall results of this study demonstrate the inhibitory effect of X. nematophila on the growth and incidence of P. syringae and underscore its putative role in the biological management of plant pathogenic bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addictive, illicit drugs pose a high threat of relapse. The deaths related to illicit drugs have substantially increased in the last decade. Globally, the illicit drug trade poses a significant challenge to public health and law enforcement. It is essential to utilize advanced analytical methodologies that can characterize illegal substances precisely to monitor these drugs. Surfaced-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has become a valuable tool, providing distinct capabilities for analyzing illegal substances. Surface enhancement enables far more sensitive detection and identification of illicit drugs by suppressing the fluorescence and enhancing the Raman signals. In this regard, a simple method with limited sample processing has been established to characterize illicit drugs that include methamphetamine (MAMP) (ice), bhang, marijuana (cannabis), opium, and diacetylmorphine (heroin). Moreover, principal component analysis (PCA) was employed for the identification of the characteristic SERS spectral features of these drugs. This article examines the potential application of SERS in the characterization of illicit substances, focusing on its ability to contribute significantly to law enforcement and forensic investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spodoptera litura Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a deleterious agricultural pest worldwide. Field populations of S. litura manifest resistance to almost all conventional insecticides and it is imperative looking for novel biorational insecticides to control this pest. In this regard, this study bioassayed some promising biorational insecticides including botanical, microbial and non-conventional synthetic insecticidal formulations against 3rd instar larvae of S. litura. Bioassay with botanical formulations showed a significant toxicity of oil and extract formulations of neem (Azadirachta indica) causing 70-77% larval mortality in 72 h observation and exhibiting minimum medial lethal concentration (LC50) and time (LT50) values (i.e. 12.32 and 38.01 ppm and 16.67 and 11.68 days, respectively). Among microbial formulations tested, S. litura-nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV) and Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki appeared as the most effective microbial treatments exhibiting minimum LC50 (3.78 × 10³ OB mL-1 and 1.22 × 107 spores mL-1, respectively) and LT50 (3.83 and 3.71 days, respectively) values. While flubendiamide, chlorantraniliprole and spinetoram exerted most significant lethal and sublethal effects on S. litura with minimum LT50 values (i.e. 19.58, 30.78 and 26.25 h, respectively). Larval development time was significantly prolonged by both half and one-fourth doses of flubendiamide and chlorantraniliprole (19.51 and 19.63 days and 17.77 and 17.20 days, respectively), while pupal duration prolonged for spinetoram and lufenuron. Similarly, significant suppression of adult lifespan was exhibited by flubendiamide (11.83 and 11.85 days) and chlorfenapyr (12.28 and 12.06 days). Overall study results advocate further consideration of these aforesaid biorational insecticides against S. litura infestations. However, assessment of their compatibility with each other and with other IPM strategies both under lab and field conditions constitutes future perspectives of this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is an economically important vegetable crop around the globe. Tomato yellow leaf curling (TYLC) is the most devastating viral disease posing a serious threat to tomato production throughout the tropical and subtropical world. Induction of microbe‐mediated systemic resistance in plants has been of great interest in recent years as a novel microbiological tool in disease and insect pest management. This in‐vitro study aimed to determine the effectiveness of different strains (BB252, BB72 and ARSEF‐2860) of a hypocreal fungus Beauveria bassiana against TYLCV disease and aphid Myzus persicae. Potted tomato plants exogenously treated with conidial and filtrate suspensions of B. bassiana strains and of their partially purified or purified proteins were exposed to TYLCV inoculum and aphid M. persicae. RESULTS: Results showed a significant suppression of TYLCV disease severity index by the exogenous application of conidial, filtrate and protein treatments of all B. bassiana strains and this response was directly proportional to the treatment concentration. Similarly, mean fecundity rate of M. persicae was also significantly reduced by the highest concentration of ARSEF‐2860‐derived elicitor protein PeBb1, followed by the highest concentrations of BB252‐ and BB72‐derived partially purified proteins. Moreover, these B. bassiana‐derived proteins also caused a significant upregulation of most of the plant immune marker genes associated with plant defense. CONCLUSION: Overall, the study findings suggest that these B. bassiana strains and their partially purified or purified elicitor proteins could be effective biological tools for the management of TYLCV and aphid infestation on tomato plants. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The invasive fall armyworm species, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), was first time reported in Pakistan during March 2019 causing severe damage to maize crop. As a new pest, there is little information available on its susceptibility to insecticides in Pakistan. We evaluated selective synthetic insecticides with different modes of action to control S. frugiperda larvae in the laboratory as well as under semi-field and field conditions. All insecticides performed well in controlling S. frugiperda larvae under laboratory conditions. Though, chlorantraniliprole @ 50 mL/100L (58.0–100%), abamectin @ 400 mL/100L (56.0–100%), lambda-cyhalothrin @ 250 mL/100L (52.0–100%) and chlorpyrifos @ 1000 mL/100L (52.0–98.0%) showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher mortality than other chemicals. Higher concentrations of abamectin (6000 ppm), chlorpyrifos (12000 ppm) and chlorantraniliprole (700 ppm) showed 100% larval mortality at 24 h post-exposure. Lambda-cyhalothrin (3500 ppm) showed 95% larval mortality at 24 h and 100% mortality at 48 h of application. The medium dose rate of abamectin (4000 ppm) and chlorantraniliprole (600 ppm) also showed 100% larval mortality at 48 h of application. In semi-field and field conditions, chlorantraniliprole showed 100% larval mortality at 48 h, while abamectin and chlorpyrifos showed 87–89% and 94–81% larval mortality respectively in semifield to field conditions after 72 h of application. Overall study results demonstrate the effectiveness of chlorantraniliprole, abamectin and chlorpyrifos and these synthetic insecticides should be considered as components of integrated management of S. frugiperda in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant-derived insecticides have been focused for biorational pest management because these are relatively quickly biodegradable, cost-effective, less persistent and exhibit low mammalian toxicity than synthetic pesticides. This study assessed the toxicity potential of seven local plant species (i.e. parthenium Parthenium hysterophorus L., eucalyptus Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh., milkweed Calotropis gigantean (L.) Dryand., bakain Melia azedarach L., neem Azadirachta indica A. Juss., tobacco Nicotiana tabacum L. and thorn apple Datura stramonium L.) against wheat aphid (Schizaphis graminum Rondani) under laboratory and field conditions. Using foliar spray method, toxicity bioassay was conducted with three different concentrations (i.e. 250, 500 and 1000 ppm) of methanolic plant extracts under controlled laboratory conditions, while three different concentrations (25, 50 and 75 g/L) of each botanical extract was tested in the field trial. Results showed a significant mortality and suppression of S. graminum individuals at 72 h after treatment in the laboratory and at 10th day post-treatment in the field. In laboratory bioassay, maximum aphid mortality was caused by the extracts of D. stramonium (92%), A. indica (84%), N. tabacum (78%) and M. azedarach (70%) at 72 h post-treatment at their highest concentration (1000 ppm). Results of field trial showed significant aphid mortality by D. stramonium (78%), A. indica (72%), N. tabacum (68%) and M. azedarach (62%) extracts noted for their highest concentration (75 g/L) at 10th day after treatment. Based on overall results of the study, the extracts of D. stramonium, A. indica, N. tabacum and M. azedarach are recommended to be considered for biorational management of S. graminum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are effective biocontrol agents against different insect pests. However, very little work has been done in Pakistan on the symbiotic bacteria associated with EPNs and their metabolites. In this laboratory study, two bacterial isolates i.e. Xenorhabdus spp. associated with EPN Steinernema glaseri (Steiner) (Steinernematidae) and Photorhabdus spp. associated with EPN Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Poinar) (Heterorhabditidae), were evaluated against armyworm Spodoptera litura Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) which is a destructive lepidopterous pest. These EPNs associated bacterial isolates were applied @ 4×107 CFUs/mL against different larval instars of S. litura. At day one post-treatment, maximum larval mortality (59.40%) was exhibited by Xenorhabdus spp. against 2nd instar larvae followed by 52.80, 46.20 and 46.20% mortality of 5th, 3rd and 4th instar larvae, respectively. In case of Photorhabdus spp., maximum mortality (26.40%) was observed against 2nd instar larvae. In other bioassay, 40% suspensions of bacterial metabolites were evaluated against different larval instars of S. litura and were found significantly effective against all larval instars. Maximum average mortality (52.80%) was observed in Xenorhabdus spp. derived metabolites against 2nd instar larvae as compared to Photorhabdus spp. In both bioassays, mortality was increased along with the exposure time and reached 100% in all S. litura larval instars at fourth day posttreatment. Findings of this in-vitro study demonstrate that EPNs and their symbiotic bacterial isolates would be effective biorational control tools against S. litura. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic insecticides have been an inevitable part of plant protection throughout the world. Sublethal effects of these chemicals on beneficial insect species are one of the contemporary issues these days. Using the age-stage, two-sex life table model, this study evaluated the sublethal and transgenerational effects of six synthetic insecticides (imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, lambda-cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, chlorpyrifos and profenofos) commonly applied to winter vegetables, on the fitness and predation of the seven-spotted ladybeetle, Coccinella septempunctata, which is an efficient predator of aphids worldwide. According to results, all insecticides at their sublethal doses (LC30) significantly suppressed the emergence of adults, adult weight, fertility and fecundity of the parental generation compared to control treatment. The larval stage was prolonged and oviposition, fecundity and total longevity of the adult beetles were decreased in unexposed progeny whose parents were exposed to sublethal doses of all insecticides. Moreover, the biological parameters of adults, including the intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ) and net reproductive rate (R0) were significantly reduced when exposed to sublethal doses of insecticides. The predation rate of the F1 generation adults was also decreased after exposure to the sublethal doses of insecticides. However, chlorpyrifos, profenofos, lambdacyhalothrin and cypermethrin exhibited more deleterious effects on the fitness and population parameters of beetles than imidacloprid and thiamethoxam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subterranean termites are devastating pests of many agricultural and horticultural crops, forest plantations and wooden infrastructures. Farmers rely primarily on direct applications of liquid insecticides which usually get off the target site resulting in unsatisfactory and short-term termite eradication along with environmental contaminations. This situation necessitates looking for more target-oriented and ecologically safer strategies such as baiting insecticides with some cellulose attractant. In this study, 5% technical grade fipronil was formulated as small beads (3.5 mm) made by a matrix composed of 65% maize cob powder (as source of natural cellulose for termite attraction), 18% starch, 6% sodium alginate, 4% sodium silicate, and 2% urea. Termites infested monitoring stations installed in a sugarcane field were treated with the formulated bait beads and were inspected for termite activity at 15 and 30 days post-treatment. Results of initial in-vitro trials indicated that formulated beads remained intact and did not disintegrate by consecutive episodes of wetting and drying and were able to attract more than 50% termite individuals exposed. This formulation suppressed the termites in field as no termite foraging was recorded inside the bait-treated monitoring stations for about a month post-treatment, while the termites fed on all beads in the control monitoring stations. Overall study findings validate the effectiveness of fipronil and formulated beads for their potential incorporation in the management of subterranean termites in agricultural crops. However, further studies are needed to get more empirical data regarding the formulation's effectiveness and to determine the insecticide (fipronil) release kinetics from the formulated beads under laboratory and field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mosquitoes are unquestionably the important arthropod vectors of diseases such as malaria, dengue, filariasis and systemic allergic reactions in humans. Southern house mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus Say is found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world and transmits many zoonotic diseases in humans and in wild and domestic animals. It is primarily controlled by the extensive use of conventional synthetic insecticides against most of which it has developed resistance. This study was aimed at determining the toxicity of selected microbial and synthetic insecticide formulations and botanical extracts against C. quinquefasciatus larvae. Among the n-hexane extracts of 40 indigenous plant species collected from Soon Valley and surrounding salt range of Pakistan bioassayed against C. quinquefasciatus larvae, eighteen botanicals exhibited more than 50% larval mortality in 48 h exposure. The most effective botanical extracts were Maerua arenaria Forsk, Nerium indicum Mill., Withania coagulans Dunal, Suaeda fruticosa (L.) Delile, Olea ferruginea Wall., Adiantum capillus-veneris L. and Dicliptera bupleuroides Nees exhibiting 87, 84, 83, 81, 79, 78 and 77% larval mortality, respectively with minimum LC50 and LC90 values. Among the microbial and synthetic insecticides, the highest larval mortality was recorded by Metarhizium anisopliae NCIM 1311 (83%) and Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (63%), and by pyriproxyfen (86%) and indoxacarb (85%), respectively. Hence, these botanical, microbial and synthetic insecticides are recommended for the efficient control of C. quinquefasciatus larvae in field to reduce the environmental pollution caused by persistent synthetic insecticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mealybug Drosicha mangiferae (Green) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is one of the most important polyphagous insect pests of different fruit crops including citrus. A potential strategy to be fitted in integrated management of mealybug would be the use of phytoextracts having insecticidal activity. The main objective of this study was to find out the toxic effect of various plant extracts against D. mangiferae. Three concentrations (i.e. 6.25, 12.5 and 25.0%) of leaf extracts of neem, Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Meliaceae), eucalyptus Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. (Myrtaceae), datura Datura stramonium L. (Solanaceae), batho Chenopodium album L. (Amaranthaceae) and Indian lemongrass Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf (Poaceae) were tested against 3rd instar nymphs of mealybug. Results showed that mean mortality was higher (76.67%) after the application of A. indica extract, followed by E. camaldulensis (66.67%) at 72 h post-exposure. The least effective botanicals were C. citratus and C. album showing 26.67 and 20.0% mean mortality of mealybug, respectively. The mortality rate was increased by increasing the concentration of botanicals up to 25.0%. Furthermore, probit values revealed the highest toxicity of E. camaldulensis (12.14%) and A. indica (16.96%) after 72 h of post-exposure. Similarly, the LT50 values were also lower in the case of E. camaldulensis (50.22 h) and A. indica (54.39 h) compared to other botanicals at 25% concentration. Among all tested phytoextracts, A. indica and E. camaldulensis were found to be most effective against nymphal population of D. mangiferae, and hence are recommended to the indigenous citrus growers combating mealybug infestations on citrus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a destructive insect pest of various economic crops. This species was first reported in Pakistan during 2019, and is now an emerging threat to Pakistan's Agriculture. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of a synthetic insecticide Chlorantraniliprole in comparison to different concentrations of single botanical, i.e., neem leaf extract @ (50 ppm and 100 ppm) against FAW larvae in maize. Our findings showed a significant effect (P < 0.001) of these chemicals on the mortality and consumption rate of FAW larvae. Results show that mortality increased in all treatments with time. Recommended dose of chlorantraniliprole (50 ml/100 litre water) insecticide showed 71.0% mortality of FAW on 5th day, which increased up to 82.0% on the 7th day after application of treatments. No significant (P > 0.05) difference in larval mortality was observed for chlorantraniliprole (recommended dose) and neem at 100ppm on the 5th and 7th day after application. Higher concentration (100ppm) of neem showed 59.0% mortality of FAW larvae on 5th and 72.0% on the seventh day of application. Chlorantraniliprole reduced 62.9% food consumption on the 5th day and 71.9% on the 7th day, while 43.5% on the 5th day and 51.6% on the 7th day reduction in food consumption occurred at 100 ppm when compared to the control group. While using 50ppm concentration of neem extract, 20.90% and 27.35% consumption rate was reduced at 5th and 7th day respectively. Our findings suggest chlorantraniliprole as an effective insecticide to control FAW larvae in maize crop; however, neem extract at 100 ppm concentration also performed well against this pest. As botanicals have less harmful to humans and the environment than synthetic insecticides, neem leaf extract can be used in integrated pest management programs of FAW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is one of the economic pests of horticultural crops. This invasive species causes substantial economic loss to citrus produce each year in Pakistan. Farmers rely on persistent synthetic insecticides for fruit fly control. Insecticidal phytoextracts are biorational alternates to hazardous synthetic insecticides. This study evaluated the efficacy of aqueous extracts of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss), garlic (Allium sativum L.), ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) and lime citrus (Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Swingle) on the fruits of five citrus cultivars (i.e. bitter orange (Citrus aurantium L.), grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macfad), lime (Citrus aurantifolia Christm), mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) and sweet orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) against B. dorsalis using choice and no-choice fruit-dip bioassays. Results revealed a significant reduction of pupal weight and adult emergence of B. dorsalis by 4% extracts of A. indica, A. sativum and C. aurantifolia. Moreover, a significantly higher male to female adult sex ratio was observed in case of A. indica treatment. It is concluded from overall study results that the extracts of A. indica and C. aurantifolia exhibited significant anti-insect effects on the pupal recovery, pupal weight, adult emergence and male to female ratio of B. dorsalis on all five citrus host fruits under laboratory conditions, and hence are recommended to be further evaluated under field conditions and to consider their potential incorporation in IPM programs against fruit fly infestations on citrus crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) are small soft-bodied sap-sucking insects with about 5,000 described species worldwide. Many of the aphid species are destructive pests of a wide array of horticultural and agricultural plants. This study determined the prevailing diversity of aphids on different economically important plantations in district Sargodha. From November to April 2018-2019 and 2019-2020, about 51,000 apterous adult aphid specimens were collected from various plantations from all six tehsils of district Sargodha and were identified up to species level. Richness and relative abundance of different aphid species were determined by calculating Shannon Wiener's (H'), Evenness (J'), Dominance (D) and Sampson's diversity indices. Results revealed a total of 19 aphid species belonging to 12 genera from district Sargodha. Brevicoryne brassicae was recorded as the most abundant species with 8,470 (16.6%) specimens, followed by Myzus persicae with 6,655 (13%) and Aphis gossypii with 5,348 (10.5%) specimens. While, Sitobion rosaeformis with 276 (0.5%) and Aphis nerii with 210 (0.4%) specimens were recorded as the least abundant species. Maximum aphid diversity was recorded on cereal and oilseed crops, while minimum was observed on loquat and citrus plantations. Moreover, maximum aphid population was recorded in the 1st fortnight of March in most plantations sampled. These results demonstrate the prevailing diversity of this economically important family of pest insects and would be helpful in future studies regarding their management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a destructive pest of a wide array of agricultural and horticultural crops worldwide. This in vitro research assessed the combined effect of methanolic extracts of indigenous flora of Soone Valley (Khushab, Pakistan) and nine commonly used synthetic insecticides against 3rd instar larvae of S. frugiperda using the leaf-dip bioassay method. Toxicity bioassays with twelve plant extracts revealed that the extracts of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, Sophora mollis (Royle) Baker and Rhazya stricta Decne. were the most effective, exhibiting minimum LC50 and LT50 values. Bioassays with synthetic insecticides revealed a significantly higher mortality of S. frugiperda larvae by emamectin benzoate (45%), chlorpyrifos (40%) and chlorantraniliprole (38%). Further bioassays with 10 binary combinations of these most effective botanical and synthetic insecticides showed that seven pesticidal combinations exhibited synergistic toxicity, and three combinations comprising emamectin benzoate exhibited an additive effect on the mortality of S. frugiperda larvae. GC–MS analyses of methanolic extracts of W. somnifera, S. mollis and R. stricta revealed 1,2,4-trimethyl-benzene and 3,5-dimethyl-octane, 1-ethyl-2-methyl-benzene, and 1-monolinoleoylglycerol trimethylsilyl ether, decane, and lupeol as major bioconstituents, respectively. Our results demonstrated that combining botanicals with synthetic insecticides can synergize their toxicity against S. frugiperda larvae, suggesting their potential incorporation into future IPM programs against S. frugiperda and other lepidopterous pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mosquitoes have different preferences for habitats on the basis of their feeding habits and behavior. Spatial hotspots are the target areas in precise control. The diversity indices and habitat web structures are the tools which can be helpful in controlling disease vector in case of epidemic. In this study, microhabitats were specified, surveys were conducted to explore specified microhabitats in Chakwal district of Pothwar region, Punjab, Pakistan. After qualitative and quantitative sorting, checklist of mosquitoes along with diversity indices and quantitative habitat web were prepared, which point out the hotspots of different mosquito species. In this study, a total of 580 specimens, comprising twelve mosquito species belonging to five genera were collected, which were deposited in the Biosystematics Laboratory of Pir Mehr Ali Shah, Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi. Results show that Park, Forest area, and scrapyard were the most abundant habitats respectively, while the least abundant habitat was crop area. Parks were found to be the richest habitat, while graveyards were the least rich habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sap-sucking insect pests have been a severe threat to horticultural and agricultural crops all over the world. Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Psyllidae: Hemiptera) and cotton aphid Aphis gossypii Glover (Aphididae: Hemiptera) are destructive sap-sucking pests of citrus and cotton, respectively. Extensive use of persistent synthetic insecticides against these pests poses issues of environmental contaminations and health hazards and suggests looking for alternate biorational plant protection measures such as botanical pesticides. This study evaluated the potential toxicity of acetone extracts of 40 indigenous plant species of Soon valley and surrounding salt range (Punjab, Pakistan) against D. citri and A. gossypii using standard twig-dip and leaf-dip bioassay methods, respectively. Results of initial screening bioassay showed the highest mortality of D. citri by 10% extracts of Mentha longifolia (L.) Huds. (93%), Melilotus officinalis (L.) Pall. (91%), Nerium indicum Mill. (89%), Datura alba L. (88%) and Salvia officinalis L. (81%). Second bioassay conducted against A. gossypii using different concentrations (5, 10, 20 and 40%) of the most effective botanical extracts revealed that the extract of S. officinalis was most toxic (LC50 = 18.59%), followed by N. indicum (LC50 = 20.27%) and M. longifolia (LC50 = 20.73%). Similar trend of effectiveness was observed regarding their LT50 values. Overall study results demonstrated the biocidal potential of the extracts of indigenous plant species of Soon valley against D. citri and A. gossypii, and suggest their further biochemical characterization and practical implication in future IPM programs against these and other sap-feeding insect pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study assesses the putative association between the chronic and acute thermal tolerance of cereal aphids Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) and Sitobion avenae (F.) and the abundance of their bacterial symbionts. Thermal tolerance indices were determined for 5-day-old apterous aphid individuals and were associated with the aphid-specific and total bacterial symbionts' gene abundance (copy numbers). The results show a significantly higher bacterial symbionts' gene abundance in temperature-tolerant aphid individuals than the susceptible ones for both aphid species. Moreover, the gene abundance of total (16S rRNA) bacteria and most of the aphid-specific bacterial symbionts for both cereal aphid species were significantly and positively associated with their critical thermal maxima values. Overall, the findings of the study suggest the potential role of the bacterial symbionts of aphids in conferring thermal tolerance to their hosts. High-temperature events are evidenced to exert significant influence on the population performance and thermal biology of insects, such as aphids. However, it is not yet clear whether the bacterial symbionts of insects mediate the thermal tolerance traits of their hosts. This study is intended to assess the putative association among the chronic and acute thermal tolerance of two cereal aphid species, Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) and Sitobion avenae (F.), and the abundance of their bacterial symbionts. The clones of aphids were collected randomly from different fields of wheat crops and were maintained under laboratory conditions. Basal and acclimated CTmax and chronic thermal tolerance indices were measured for 5-day-old apterous aphid individuals and the abundance (gene copy numbers) of aphid-specific and total (16S rRNA) bacterial symbionts were determined using real-time RT-qPCR. The results reveal that R. padi individuals were more temperature tolerant under chronic exposure to 31 °C and also exhibited about 1.0 °C higher acclimated and basal CTmax values than those of S. avenae. Moreover, a significantly higher bacterial symbionts' gene abundance was recorded in temperature-tolerant aphid individuals than the susceptible ones for both aphid species. Although total bacterial (16S rRNA) abundance per aphid was higher in S. avenae than R. padi, the gene abundance of aphid-specific bacterial symbionts was nearly alike for both of the aphid species. Nevertheless, basal and acclimated CTmax values were positively and significantly associated with the gene abundance of total symbiont density, Buchnera aphidicola, Serratia symbiotica, Hamilton defensa, Regiella insecticola and Spiroplasma spp. for R. padi, and with the total symbiont density, total bacteria (16S rRNA) and with all aphid-specific bacterial symbionts (except Spiroplasma spp.) for S. avenae. The overall study results corroborate the potential role of the bacterial symbionts of aphids in conferring thermal tolerance to their hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of study was to find the bio-potential of parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) derived extract effect on weed density and early growth response of maize crop. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (CRD) with three replications. For experiment, soil was collected from weed infested field. The present results showed that parthenium derived extract at higher concentration (100%) greatly reduced weed density as well as also affect the maize growth i.e. chlorophyll content, leaf area, plant height, shoot biomass, root biomass. In addition, at lower concentration (25% and 50%) enhance maize chlorophyll content, leaf area, plant height, shoot biomass and effectively control weed density. The present study explained the bio potential of parthenium derived extract and play a key role in sustainable weed management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contemporary non-target effects of conventional synthetic insecticides necessitate evaluating biorational insecticides owing differential chemistry and modes of action than the conventional ones. This laboratory study comparatively evaluated some selected differential chemistry insecticides against some destructive and economically important insect pests i.e. mango mealybug (Drosicha mangiferae Green), mango leafhopper (Idioscopus clypealis Lethierry), Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri Kuwayama) and subterranean termites (Odontotermes obesus Rambur). Standard twig- and filter paper-dip bioassay methods were used against sap-feeding pests and termites, respectively. Factorial analyses of variance revealed a significant impact of tested insecticidal formulations and exposure time on the mortality all insect pest individuals. The most effective differential chemistry insecticides against mango leafhopper, citrus psyllids, mango mealybugs and subterranean termites were nitenpyram, clothianidin, thiamethoxam and imidacloprid (causing 74-79% cumulative corrected mortality), thiamethoxam, imidacloprid, clothianidin and spirotetramat (causing 78-85% cumulative mortality), spirotetramat, acetamiprid and thiamethoxam (causing 68-90% cumulative mortality), and chlorantraniliprole, pyriproxyfen and chlorfenapyr (causing 80-85% cumulative mortality), respectively. Overall study findings suggest these above mentioned non-conventional insecticides to be incorporated in the biorational management of these insect pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted to evaluate the structural and functional modifications in tomato Lycopersicum esculentum nursery seedlings in response to tomato wilt disease caused by fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL). Two months old tomato seedlings were grown under normal conditions in green house and were artificially inoculated with FOL conidial suspension of 1×106 conidia/mL by drenching method. Untreated plants served as control. First disease symptoms appeared after seven days of inoculation and seedlings became wilted within 30 days post inoculation. Stems from wilted as well as control seedlings were cross sectioned to observe the histopathological modifications. Wilted cross sections represented the cell wall disintegration and disruption of the tissues along with the blockage in xylem and phloem vessels due to the tylone production. Hyphal growth and proliferated hyphae inside the root cortex were also observed. We concluded that FOL fungus penetrated into the cell wall of the tomato seedlings through hyphae and proliferated into the cortex. Later on, it progressed into the roots and stem, started blocking of the xylem and phloem by producing tylones and deposition of phenolic compounds that supported the FOL to further multiply until the seedlings started wilting and became dead. Moreover, a gradual decrease in shoot height and root length was also observed in the diseased plant as compared to healthy plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leafworm Spodoptera litura Fabricius is a highly polyphagous pest of food, forage, vegetable and horticultural crops. This sporadic species is becoming an emerging threat to the potato crop in central Punjab and is being evidenced infesting potato crop in Sargodha, Faisalabad and Okara districts. This in-vitro study assessed the comparative feeding preference, food consumption and utilization rates and larval development of S. litura on different white and red skinned potato cultivars. Feeding bioassays revealed that all parameters including leaf weight loss, larval weight gain, relative food consumption and growth rates and conversion efficiency of the ingested food were statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05). Exotic potato cultivars Diamant, Desiree and Asterix exhibited maximum leaf consumption and larval weight gain (i.e. 264.61, 259.37 and 233.01 mg and 121.46, 120.17, 120.13 mg, respectively) concomitantly with maximum values of relative growth rate (RGR), relative consumption rate (RCR) and ingested food conversion efficiency (ECI). Cultivars Lady Rosetta, Cardinal, Ajax, Kuroda and Sante exhibited intermediate values. Minimum feeding preference and susceptibility to S. litura was shown by the native potato cultivars Faisalabad Red and Faisalabad White with minimum food consumption, larval weight gain, RGR, RCR and ECI values, and hence are recommended to indigenous potato growers for commercial cultivation in areas where S. litura threatens potato crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cotton is one of the important crops of Pakistan and is attacked by many chewing and sucking pest. Chemical insecticides are used abundantly to suppress the pest population. The use of host-plant resistance is an alternative tool to control cotton insect-pests. The current research was aimed to identify the cotton physio-morphological marker to manage pressure of sucking pests such as jassid (Amrasca bigutulla bigutulla Ishida), thrips (Thrips tabaci Lind.) and whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Gen.) on cotton. To this end, the present research was conducted on various cotton varieties classified on the basis of their genetic characteristics such as nectard (CIM-554, CIM-557and MNH-786), nectariless (Stoneville-701, Stoneville-697, and Stoneville-857), high gossypol (CIM-496 and LAHG 1838-1488) and gossypol free (Greeg-25-V and 3-508 OP), Bt-703 and standard cotton variety (CRIS-342). The incidence of sucking pest on cotton was recorded fortnightly. The physio-morphic characters (density and length of trichome on lamina, midrib and vein, gossypol glands on midrib and lamina) of above mentioned cotton varieties were correlated with the incidence of sucking pest. Result revealed that cotton varieties had significantly different physio-morphic characters. There was a negative and significant correlation of TDM (Trichome density on midrib), (r-value = -0.615) and TDV (Trichome density on vein) (r-value = -0.574) with jassid population, while TDL (Trichome density on lamina), TDM and TDV was positively and significantly correlated with whitefly population. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that TDM, TDL and GGL (Gossypol gland on lamina) contributed 27.5%, 33.9% and 36.6% in population variation of jassid, whitefly and thrips, respectively. High TDM and TDV was considered morphological marker for jassid while low TDL, TDM and TDV was thought of as morphological marker for whitefly. The cotton variety 3-508 OP having relatively less dense but long TLL (Trichome length on lamina), TLM (Trichome length on midrib) and TLV (Trichome length of vein) showed highest host-plant resistance level against jassid and thrips, while Bt variety Bt-703 with relatively less TDL, TDM, TDV, TLL, TLM and TLV exhibited highest resistance against whitefly, hence recommended for farmer field cultivation and as base material in cotton breeding to produce cotton varieties resistant against sucking pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over use of synthetic insecticides can disturb ecosystem and non-target organisms particularly the effectiveness of natural insect pest predators. Herein, the effect of insecticides at their sublethal concentrations was assessed on the biological parameters and functional response of Coccinella septempunctata. All insecticides significantly reduced the fecundity, TPOP (total pre-oviposition period), larval weight and increased the life span of C. septempunctata relative to control. Thiamethoxam and lambda-cyhalothrin non-significantly reduced the coccinellids larval weight. Type II response was shown by larvae of C. septempunctata in control treatment. Larval coccinellids showed type II functional response after feeding on the brassica aphids (Brevicoryne brassicae) treated with thiamethoxam, lambda-cyhalothrin and cypermethrin, while imidacloprid, profenophos and chlorpyrifos treated aphids altered the functional response of larval coccinellids from type II to III. The change in response was linked to unconsciousness and disorientation induced by the insecticides targeting insect nervous system. Conclusively, none of the insecticides was found safe and all insecticides have had adverse effects on the life parameters of coccinellid beetle C. septempunctata. However, thiamethoxam, lambda-cyhalothrin and cypermethrin did not change the functional response of larval coccinellids; while, these insecticides increased the handling time and decreased the maximum attack rate relative to control. Thiamethoxam, lambda-cyhalothrin and cypermethrin were considered relatively safe for the larval coccinellids and hence are recommended for aphid control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subterranean termites are destructive pests of agricultural crops, forest and orchard plantations and wooden infrastructures. A wide range of persistent synthetic chemicals are employed to prevent and control the infestations of subterranean termites. Most of these chemicals have high mammalian toxicity and environmental hazards. This study was, therefore, aimed to evaluate the efficacy of some promising botanical extracts (Dodonaea viscosa, Gardenia jasminoides and Nerium indicum), plant essential oils (Allium sativum, Citrus aurantium and Cymbopogon citratus) and differential-chemistry insecticides (chlorantraniliprole, chlorfenapyr, emamectin, indoxacarb, pyriproxyfen and triflumuron) against subterranean termites (Odontotermes obesus) attacking sugarcane crop. Setts of sugarcane variety HSF555 were sown on the ridges under RCB design after treating them with 20% botanical extracts, 2.0% essential oils and differential-chemistry insecticides with their field recommended dose rates. Results revealed that as compared to control plots, all treatment plots exhibited reduced bud and shoot damage with maximum bud germination and minimum termite infestation. Maximum bud germination was recorded in chlorantraniliprole (92.99%) and chlorfenapyr (92.03%), followed by C. aurantium (92.84%) and A. sativum (85.78%) as compared to minimum bud germination in control (40.85%). Highest bud and shoot damage was recorded in control (61.92 and 48.15%, respectively), while the lowest was recorded in C. aurantium (16.18 and 15.56%, respectively). Similarly, minimum per sett termite counts was recorded in chlorantraniliprole (16.25) treated plots, followed by chlorfenapyr (22.83), pyriproxyfen (30.04), A. sativum (28.50) and C. aurantium (29.00), while maximum termite infestation was recorded in control (68.50 individuals per sett). In brief, chlorantraniliprole, chlorfenapyr and pyriproxyfen among differential-chemistry insecticides and A. sativum, C. aurantium and G. jasminoides among botanicals were the most effective at preventing the upsurge of termite infestation till 90 days of sett sowing, and are recommended to be used as eco-friendly options for controlling subterranean termites in sugarcane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) is a summer vegetable and ranks among the major vegetables in tropical world including many Afro-Asian countries. However, this crop is attacked by many species of insect pests among which the most destructive species are okra fruit and shoot borers (Helicoverpa armigera and Earias vittella, Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) which cause considerable loss to okra crop each year. As screening of plant material against insect pests is a cost-effective and eco-friendly pest management approach, this in-situ study evaluated 12 genotypes of okra for their relative tolerance or susceptibility against lepidopterous shoot and fruit borers under the indigenous agro-climatic conditions of Sargodha district. The experiment was conducted at research area College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Pakistan in April 2017 and was repeated again in April 2018. Experimental design was Randomised Complete Block Design and each treatment had three independent replications. Weekly data regarding the shoot and fruit infestation by lepidopterous borers were collected from randomly selected plants from each plot and were subjected factorial analyses of variance. Results revealed a significant differential response of okra genotypes to the incidence of shoot and fruit infestation by these okra borers. Genotypes sabzpari and green wonder were comparatively the most resistant or tolerant to borers' infestation exhibiting minimum shoot and fruit infestations (12-14 and 8-13%, respectively); while genotypes pusa swani and parbhani karanti were the most susceptible with maximum shoot and fruit infestations (36-40 and 20-21%, respectively). Moreover, crude protein content of fresh okra fruits was found significantly and negatively correlated with the mean percent fruit infestation. We therefore recommend sabzpari and green wonder to the indigenous farmers for commercial okra production and for better combating okra shoot and fruit borer infestations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biopesticides are emerging as eco-friendly control practice against many insect pests. Termites are notorious pests of crops, timber, and trees and the chemical insecticides, hazardous to environment, are used for their control. The current study was aimed at determining the toxicity potential of plants present in Salt Range of Pakistan against subterranean termite, Odontotermes obesus. The extracts of identified plants were prepared with Soxhlet apparatus and rotary evaporator. Screening bioassays were performed to determine the most potent plants under laboratory conditions and toxicity bioassays were carried out to determine the LT50 and LC50 against termites. Out of 40 plant extracts assayed, seven extracts were toxic with more than 50% combined mortality against termites. Salvia officinalis with LC50 of 71 mg/L after 72 h followed by Mentha longifolia, Maerua arenaria, Periploca aphylla, and Rhamnus smithii, Sonchus asper and Nerium indicum were determined as antitermite species. Repellent activity of the extracts was also determined and higher termite control was linked both with toxicity and repellent action of plant extracts. These plants have potential to control the termites and could be used for non-chemical control of termites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subterranean termites Odontotermes obesus (Isoptera: Termitidae) are economically important agricultural and structural pests. A wide range of insecticides with different modes of action are being used against these termite pests including organochlorines, organophosphates and pyrethroids. However, pesticidal control of termites is usually not persistent and long-lasting due to rapid decomposition and loss of insecticidal molecules active against target pests. This study was aimed to develop and evaluate a slow-release formulation (SRF) of a persistent insecticide (fipronil) against O. obesus. Technical grade insecticide fipronil was applied in the form of cellulose-made pellets made up of compressed powdered sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) bagasse and maize (Zea mays L.) cobs. This pellet formulation was evaluated against worker individuals of O. obesus under laboratory conditions using soil macrocosms. Mortality of termites was determined at different time intervals after their exposure to formulated pellets treated macrocosm soils. Results revealed that fipronil formulated with Z. mays substrate remained more effective for longer period of time against subterranean termites as compared to that formulated with S. officinarum bagasse material. The maximum mortality of termites was observed at 15 days of treatment application in T3MPF (maize cob powder plus fipronil) treatment after 48 h of bioassay. It was concluded that fipronil can be used as a slow acting toxicant by formulating it with some cellulose-based material such as powdered maize cobs in order to attract and kill the subterranean termites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How fitness of herbivore insects alters with different host plants in terms of their physicomorphic attributes has been the subject of great interest with point of their integrated pest management. Helicoverpa armigera (Noctuidae; Lepidoptera) -being highly polyphagous- is the pest of many crops and exhibits high fecundity and migrating efficiency. The present study aimed to evaluate its physicomorphic responses towards different host plants. The highest larval and pupal weights were observed when fed on gram, Cicer arietinum (L.). The maximum (97.23%) larval survivorship was recorded on gram while, the lowest (56.25%) on okra, Abelmoschus esculentus (L.). The consumption index (CI) was also observed to be the highest (1.49 %) in gram and the lowest (0.95 %) in tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum (L.) The sizes of fore and hind wings, head, femur and tibia were the maximum in the individuals fed on gram. Furthermore, physiological parameters of the adults were also significantly better when larvae were fed on gram. The relative growth rate (RGR) and relative consumption rate (RCR) values were the maximum (2.09 mg/mg/day and 10.14 mg/mg/day, respectively) in individuals fed on gram. Therefore, the efficiency of conversion of ingested food (ECI) was the highest (70.65%) in gram feeding as compared to other host plants. The areas of fore and hind wings (0.98 cm² and 0.79 cm²) and hind tibia length (0.82 cm) were also greater in the adults fed on gram. Among natural host plants, gram was proved to be the highly nutritious food plant facilitating both the development and the survival effectiveness of this pest. Therefore, it is recommended to carefully include gram in a cropping scheme especially where H. armigera is a regular pest whilst future studies should focus on demographic and nutritional parameters of this pest as affected by different host plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mealybug Drosicha mangiferae Green (Pseudococcidae: Hemiptera) is a destructive sap-feeding pest of a number of horticultural and agricultural crops in Indo-Pak region. It has been an emerging threat to citrus industry in Pakistan and is considered as hard-to-control pest. This study evaluated some selected pest control options against the infestation of D. mangiferae under field conditions. The treatments included some most effective conventional and novel chemistry insecticides, botanicals and cultural control practice (i.e. two under-canopy deep hoeings with 15 days interval along with lower-branch pruning) alone or in combination with the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (@ 1x108 conidia mL-1). First experiment was conducted in March 2016 and 2nd was performed from November 2016 to March 2017 in a citrus (Citrus reticulata cv. kinnow mandarin) orchard. In first year field experiment, there was a significant impact of all treatments on the reduction of mealybug infestation (F9, 39 = 39.10, P < 0.001; HSD at α = 0.05) as compared to control plants. Results of 2nd experiment also clearly demonstrated a significant impact of different treatments on the mealybug infestation (F12, 103 = 58.75, P < 0.001; HSD at α = 0.05) as compared to control. At both 3 and 7 days post-treatment, maximum reduction of mealybug infestation was recorded in plots treated with spirotetramat (87.75±3.91%) and lambda-cyhalothrin (85.52±4.42%) in combination with EPF followed by these two insecticides and sulfoxaflor alone. Based on overall study results, the insecticidal formulations of spirotetramat, lambda-cyhalothrin and sulfoxaflor in combination with EPF and under-canopy hoeing are recommended to the local citrus growers for an effective control of D. mangiferae infestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land-use types exert a differential impact on soil quality and on the dynamics of edaphic (soil-dwelling) arthropods. This study determined the quality status of soils under different land-use categories (i.e. agricultural crop land, orchard land and natural uncultivated land) and different land-use types (i.e. sugarcane, fodder and rice-wheat fields, intercropped and non-intercropped citrus and guava orchards, natural grassland, bare land and wetland peripheries) using population abundance and dynamics of edaphic springtails (collembola) and mites (acari) as bioindicators. Using metallic soil corer (10 cm length and 10 cm diameter), extensive random soil sampling was carried out from selected localities in district Sargodha (Punjab, Pakistan) and soil microarthropods (i.e. springtails and mites) were extracted from composite soil samples using Tullgren-Berlese funnel. Impact of collection seasons (i.e. spring, summer, autumn and winter) and impact of different land-use types or categories on the population abundance of soil microarthropods was assessed. Moreover, soil physico-chemical and microbiological properties were also determined in order to find out the main edaphic drivers which can explain the population dynamics of these microarthropods. Results revealed that all major factors i.e. land-use types and categories, collection seasons and soil properties had a significant impact on the population abundance of springtails and mites. Agricultural soils harbored maximum abundance of both microarthropods followed by orchard land-use types, while minimum arthropod abundance was recorded for soils under natural land-use types. Similarly, maximum and minimum arthropod captures were recorded during spring and autumn seasons, respectively. Moreover, population dynamics of springtails and mites had a significant positive correlation with organic matter and total organic carbon contents, while had a significant negative correlation with soil bulk density. Conclusively, this study demonstrates the differential impact of land-use, season and soil conditions on the population abundance of edaphic microarthropods suggesting their suitability to be used as bioindicators of prevailing soil status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diversity and abundance of edaphic arthropod fauna is usually influenced by different landmanagement practices and land-use types and these edaphic arthropod communities can provide valuable information about the prevailing status of soil quality. The present study was aimed to evaluate the population abundance and diversity of edaphic arthropod groups in different land-use types and categories in different localities of District Sargodha (Punjab, Pakistan). Moreover, the quality status of soils under these land-use types or categories was also determined by working out the soil biological quality (QBS) index. Extensive soil sampling was done in different randomly selected land-use types for four consecutive seasons from spring 2017 to Spring 2018. Results showed that the collection season, land-use categories and land-use types had a significant and differential impact on the diversity and population abundance of major soil arthropod groups. Spring and summer seasons exhibited the maximum diversity and abundance of soil arthropods, while minimum population abundance was found in winter season. The diversity indices and population abundance of arthropods exhibited maximum values for agricultural land-use types followed by orchard and natural land-use types. Moreover, the abundance of most arthropod groups was found correlated with soil organic matter, total organic carbon contents and with pH, bulk density, temperature and moisture contents of the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to assess the livelihood strategies of small-scale farmers in rainfed areas of Pakistan. The targeted area of the study was Potohar region of the Punjab Province. Quantitative data were collected from 200 households and analyzed by using SPSS. Results highlighted that the situation of livelihood assets possessed by the respondents was not satisfactory. Majority of the households had limited human, financial, physical, social and natural capitals. In the scenario of climate change, households adopted diverse nature of farm and non-farm related strategies to secure their livelihoods. Findings of chi-square statistics showed highly significant association (P<0.05) between agricultural diversification strategies being adopted by households in the situation of changing climate and income level of households. It was found that social capital was highly influenced and depends upon income level of households as majority (67.0%) of the poor people with low income level had low level of financial capital. The preference or choice of livelihood strategies by different income groups was measured through chi-square test of independence (χ²=122.770) which shows that majority (79.3%) of low income households used to adopt only farming as their major livelihood strategy. The results of multiple regression analysis showed that problem of poverty and hunger (PPH) can easily be estimated from different livelihood assets like education, ability to produce enough food, access to rural advisory (extension) services, access to financial support structures (in the form of social safety nets) and crop diversification strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mealybug Drosicha mangiferae (Pseudococcidae: Hemiptera) is one of the destructive insect pests of many agricultural and horticultural crops including citrus. Extensive and injudicious use of conventional synthetic insecticides against D. mangiferae have led to many environmental and health problems urging to seek out environment-friendly and safe alternate strategies to control D. mangiferae. To this end, the present study evaluated the methanolic extracts and essential oils of eight indigenous plant species for their insecticidal potential against 2nd instar D. mangiferae individuals. Standard twig-dip method was used for toxicity bioassays according to Completely Randomized Design. Mortality of mealybug individuals varied with plant materials and increased along with the extract concentration and exposure time. Botanical extracts of Azadirachta indica (neem) and Gardenia jasminoides (gardenia) were the most effective with minimum LC50 (20.00 and 42.19%, respectively) and LT50 (47.97 and 71.26 h, respectively) values followed by Nerium indicum (oleander). Moreover, the essential oils of Datura alba (dhatura) and Syzygium aromaticum (clove bud) were the most effective against D. mangiferae with minimum LC50 (0.80 and 0.90%, respectively) and LT50 (61.30 and 68.58 h, respectively) values. These findings substantiate the relative effectiveness of indigenous plant extracts as environment-friendly alternates to hazardous synthetic insecticides and, hence, are recommend to be integrated in pest management programs against D. mangiferae and other sucking insect pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mango mealybug Drosicha mangiferae (Pseudococcidae: Hemiptera) is one of the most damaging insect pests of a wide range of horticultural crops. This sap-feeding insect pest causes substantial loss to different fruit crops, particularly to citrus. For its management, citrus farmers rely on extensive and irrational applications of synthetic insecticides. Due to which, D. mangiferae have attained resistance against most these chemicals. This laboratory study was aimed to determine the toxicity of some selected conventional insecticidal formulations concurrently being used by the farmers against D. mangiferae infestation. Using standard twig-dip method, toxicity bioassays were conducted against 2nd instar nymphs of D. mangiferae. Treatments included nine conventional synthetic insecticides from three insecticidal groups. Results revealed that both treatments i.e. insecticidal formulations (F9,245 = 93.05, P < 0.001) and time intervals (F9,245 = 158.72, P < 0.01) and their 9, 245 4, 245 interaction (F36,245 = 5.73, P < 0.001) had a significant impact on the mortality of 2nd instar 36, 245 mealybug nymphs. The most effective synthetic insecticides against D. mangiferae individuals were lambda-cyhalothrin, methidathion, profenofos and deltamethrin with mean mortality and LT50 values of 45.00±4.57% and 49.01 h, 44.67±3.96% and 49.83 h, 50 40.00±4.07% and 58.98 h and 35.67±4.11% and 74.86 h, respectively. These insecticides may be incorporated in future pest management programs against D. mangiferae mealybugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coccinellids beetles are considered one of the potential predators of the canola and mustard aphids. But the application of insecticides in field to manage aphids cause impairment of several key biological traits of the exposed coccinellids through physiological and behavioral effects. It is crucial to understand the effects of insecticides on the coccinellids. The current research was aimed at determining the intraguild predation (IGP) of different life stages combinations of Coccinella septempunctata and Coccinella transversalis in the presence and absence of prey and the impact of sublethal concentrations of insecticides on intra-guild predation (IGP) and aphid consumption by coccinellids. Data revealed that in the absence of prey larvae of C. septempunctata exhibited more predation on C. transversalis while the predation of C. septempunctata on C. transversalis was relatively less in the presence of prey. The larvae of C. septempunctata were found stronger and competitive than larvae and adults of C. transversalis during IGP. Higher IGP of C. septempunctata on C. transversalis was linked to its larger body size. Moreover, sublethal concentrations of insecticides (lambda-cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, thiamethoxam, imidacloprid, profenophos and chlorpyriphos) significantly affected the IGP of coccinellids beetles and their aphid consumption. The effect of insecticides was concentration dependent. None of the tested insecticides was found completely harmless to coccinellids. Imidacloprid was found relatively safe to coccinellids and hence, recommended for use in canola field. It is concluded that C. septempunctata is a stronger predator showing high value of IGP and the presence of prey affects the predation of C. septempunctata on C. transversalis. Sublethal concentrations of all test insecticides exert a negative impact on IGP and aphid consumption by both these coccinellids species. Imidacloprid is relatively safe for aphid control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subterranean termites cause considerable damage to a wide number of agricultural crops, tree plantations and wooden infrastructures all over the world including Pakistan. This study was aimed to evaluate the comparative efficacy of 10 commercial formulations of new-chemistry insecticides against Odontotermes obesus (Isoptera: Termitidae), one of the most economic subterranean termite species in Indo-Pak region. Label-recommended dose rates of insecticides were tested against worker termites using modified filter paper disc method according to completely randomized design. All insecticides caused significant mortality of termites as compared to control treatment. Formulations of chlorantraniliprole, chlorfenapyr and pyriproxyfen exhibited maximum termite mortality, ranging from 31.18±5.67, 28.33±7.03 and 21.67±4.01%, respectively at 3 h post-exposure to 100% at 24 h, followed by triflumuron (81.67±3.07%) and indoxacarb (63.33±5.58%). Moreover, chlorantraniliprole, chlorfenapyr, pyriproxyfen, emamectin, indoxacarb and triflumuron showed LT50 values of 15.62 h (10.66 – 20.58), 18.48 h (14.72 – 22.93), 27.34 h (22.34 – 33.97), 28.22 h (23.37 – 34.53), 31.91 h (26.68 – 38.90) and 32.82 h (28.03 – 39.11), respectively. On the contrary, spirotetramat, pymetrozine and spinosad were least effective against O. obesus termites. Conclusively, based on the results of this study, chlorantraniliprole, chlorfenapyr, pyriproxyfen, triflumuron and indoxacarb are recommended to be incorporated in future integrated pest management programs against subterranean termites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]