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Like all other sectors, higher education in the agriculture sector has been affected by the COVID-19. Both teachers and students have faced problems in communication, learning and motivation during online education. The major issues include the limited internet access coupled with poor supply of electricity especially in rural areas, in most of the developing countries. In this article, we have discussed various challenges faced by agricultural students and teachers during online teaching and learning after the COVID-19 pandemic. The article also discusses prospects and strategies to improve online teaching and learning in the higher education of the agriculture sector of developing countries.

Simple Summary: The red flour beetle is the most destructive pest of stored grain commodities, including flour, food grains, biscuits, pasta, nuts, cereals, and beans. Warehouse owners mostly use fumigants to control its infestation; however, these fumigants are toxic. The Indo–Pakistan region is rich in certain plant species that have repellent or deterrent effects on insects, and these plants are safer for humans. Among these plants are Mexican tea, long leaf Indian pine, rattan pepper, garden cress, neem, Baccharis teindalensis (a Columbian native herb also found in Pakistan), and marjoram. Hence, in the present study, we determined the toxic effect of these essential oil extracts against red flour beetle. The toxicity and repellent activities of these plant oils were determined through four-arm olfactometer bioassays. Mortality was recorded 1 day, 2 days, and 3 days after oil extract exposure. Data were analyzed using statistical software. Means were compared through LSD at the 5% level of significance. Overall, Mexican tea and Indian native palm oil were effective repellents. This study concludes that Mexican tea and Indian native palm oil can be used as alternative repellents against red flour beetle infestation. Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) is the most destructive pest of stored grain commodities. To control the attack of this insect pest, it is important to develop non-hazardous alternatives to replace fumigants. This study examined the fumigant toxicity and repellent activity of seven essential oils (Chinopodium ambrosiodes, Pinus roxburghii, Zanthoxylum armatum, Lepidium sativum, Azadirachta indica, Baccharis teindalensis, and Origanum majorana) against adult T. castaneum under controlled laboratory conditions. The fumigant toxicity and repellent activities of essential oils were tested using five different doses (62.5, 125, 250, 500, and 1000 µg) in vapour-phase fumigation and four-arm olfactometer bioassays, respectively. In vapor-phase fumigation bioassays, mortality data were recorded after 24, 48, and 72 h. The results showed that C. ambrosiodes and P. roxburghii essential oils are potential fumigants against adult T. castaneum. In repellency bioassays, a one-week-old adult population of T. castaneum was used to test the repellency potential of the essential oils. The results indicated that C. ambrosiodes and P. roxburghii had significant repellency potential against T. castaneum. Overall, we conclude that these essential oils have strong repellent and fumigant properties and can be used as potential repellent compounds to deter the insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Soybean meal is the main constituent of poultry feed, and the global supply of soybeans has decreased because of an imbalance between its demand and supply, primarily caused by the growing world population and reduced cultivation area. Therefore, a cheap and environmentally sustainable alternative protein source is urgently needed to maintain the sustainability of poultry production. In this study, we demonstrated that substituting 12% of soybean meal with either fall armyworm larvae or black soldier fly larvae enhances the growth, blood haematology, gut morphometry, and meat quality of broiler chickens. Consequently, soybean meal can be substituted with protein-rich insects in the poultry feed. The primary challenge facing the global animal industry is the scarcity of protein feed resources. Various insects are gaining prominence as innovative feed sources due to their economic, environmentally friendly, and nutritious attributes. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of a partial replacement of soybean meal with fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and black soldier fly Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) on the growth performances, blood parameters, gut histology, and meat quality of broilers. A total of 350 1-day-old (40 ± 0.15 g) male chicks (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to seven experimental meals. Each treatment was repeated five times with 50 birds per dietary treatment. The seven dietary treatments included 4, 8, and 12% replacements of SBM with larvae of S. frugiperda and H. illucens. SBM was the basal diet considered the control. The data showed that broilers fed 12% S. frugiperda or H. illucens exhibited a significantly higher (p < 0.05) live weight, average daily weight gain, and improved the feed conversion ratio. Meals with 12% S. frugiperda or H. illucens significantly enhanced (p < 0.05) haematological and gut histological parameters, including villus height, crypt depth, villus width, and villus height/crypt depth ratios. The meat of broilers fed the 12% S. frugiperda diet showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) lightness and yellowness. Replacing soybean meal up to 12% with either S. frugiperda or H. illucens larvae improves the growth performance, blood haematology, gut morphometry, and meat quality traits of broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the chemical composition, repellent, and oviposition deterrent effects of five plant essential oils (EOs) extracted from Lantana camara (Verbenaceae), Schinus terebinthifolia (Anacardiaceae), Callistemon viminalis (Myrtaceae), Helichrysum odoratissimum (Asteraceae), and Hyptis suaveolens (Lamiaceae) were evaluated against Aedes aegypti, Anopheles gambiae, and Culex quinquefasciatus. When tested at 33.3 µg/cm2, L. camara, S. terebinthifolia, C. viminalis, and H. odoratissimum were effective repellents against Ae. aegypti (89%, 91%, 90%, and 51% repellency, respectively), but they were less repellent against An. gambiae (66%, 86%, 59%, and 49% repellency, respectively). Interestingly, L. camara, S. terebinthifolia, C. viminalis, and H. odoratissimum exhibited 100% repellency against Cx. quinquefasciatus at 33.3 μg/cm2. In time-span bioassays performed at 333 μg/cm2, the EO of L. camara exhibited 100% repellence against Ae. aegypti and An. gambiae for up to 15 min and against Cx. quinquefasciatus for 75 min. The oviposition bioassays revealed that L. camara exhibited the highest activity, showing 85%, 59%, and 89% oviposition deterrence against Ae. aegypti, An. gambiae, and Cx. quinquefasciatus, respectively. The major compounds of L. camara, S. terebinthifolia, and C. viminalis were trans-β-caryophyllene (16.7%), α-pinene (15.5%), and 1,8-cineole (38.1%), respectively. In conclusion, the L. camara and S. terebinthifolia EOs have the potential to be natural mosquito repellents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Minerals play an essential role in the reproductive performance of dairy animals, especially in buffaloes. The present study aimed to evaluate the mineral concentrations in different types of samples, including soil used for fodder cultivation, canal water used for fodder irrigation, drinking water for buffaloes, fodder used for buffalo feeding, and serum of buffaloes and their effects on the reproductive efficiency of buffaloes. Materials and methods: The current study was carried out for three months and samples were analyzed twice at the beginning and the end of the study. The concentrations of calcium, magnesium, and inorganic phosphorus in the soil were checked through the versinate method. The concentration of calcium, magnesium, and inorganic phosphorus in water was checked through the titration method and the concentration of calcium, magnesium, and inorganic phosphorus contents in fodder was checked through the wet digestion method. The minerals of blood serum (n = 80) were analyzed through commercial kits. Results: In canal water, calcium concentration was higher for irrigation compared to buffalo drinking water. Similarly, on the upper surface of the soil compared to its lower surface, the level of calcium was high. Calcium values of serum were higher in cyclic buffaloes compared to buffalo heifers. In comparison to all groups, the levels of inorganic phosphorus were found to be lower in non-cyclic buffaloes. Similarly, the calcium-tophosphorus ratio was found to be lower in non-cyclic buffaloes and heifers compared to repeat breeders and cyclic buffaloes. At the beginning of the study, cyclic buffaloes had higher magnesium levels than all other groups, except for non-cyclic buffaloes. By the end of the study, magnesium concentrations were higher in non-cyclic buffaloes and heifers compared to repeat breeders and cyclic buffaloes. Conclusion: The mineral deficiencies in water and soil can affect the fodder content in the feed of buffaloes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aimed to evaluate the presence of chemical variations in essential oils (EOs) extracted from Artemisia scoparia growing at different altitudes and to reveal their antibacterial, mosquito larvicidal, and repellent activity. The gas chromatographic–mass spectrometric analysis of A. scoparia EOs revealed that the major compounds were capillene (9.6–31.8%), methyleugenol (0.2–26.6%), β-myrcene (1.9–21.4%), γ-terpinene (1.5–19.4%), trans-β-caryophyllene (0.8–12.4%), and eugenol (0.1–9.1%). The EO of A. scoparia collected from the city of Attock at low elevation was the most active against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria (minimum inhibitory concentration of 156–1250 µg/mL) and showed the best mosquito larvicidal activity (LC50, 55.3 mg/L). The EOs of A. scoparia collected from the high-altitude areas of Abbottabad and Swat were the most repellent for females of Ae. aegypti and exhibited repellency for 120 min and 165 min, respectively. The results of the study reveal that different climatic conditions and altitudes have significant effects on the chemical compositions and the biological activity of essential oils extracted from the same species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a decapeptide hormone released from basal neurons of the hypothalamus. It stimulates the production of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone in the pituitary. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of a single injection of GnRH analog at the time of artificial insemination (AI) on buffalo estrus, conception, pregnancy, and calving rate. Materials and methods: The anestrus nulliparous Nili Ravi buffalo heifers (n=80) were divided into 4 groups randomly. Group A (n=20) received only a single injection of GnRH analog at start of the experiment (Day 0), group B (n=20) received a single injection of GnRH analog at Day 0 and prostaglandine (PGF2α) at Day 7, group C (n=20) received progesterone sponge for 7 days, and group D (n=20) received progesterone sponge for 7 days and PGF2α at Day 9. In the 2nd study, buffaloes (n=60) expressing first (n=20), second (n=20), and third (n=20) postpartum estrus were enrolled. Moreover, heifers (n=20), expressing estrus first time were also included. Animals (n=10) from each group, received a single injection of GnRH analog at the time of AI were named as treatment group and the control (n=10) did not receive any treatment. Pregnancy tests were performed with the help of ultrasound on days 35 and 65 post-AI. Results: The pregnancy and calving rates were lower in GnRH group compared to other treatments. Similarly, the administration of GnRH analog did not increase pregnancy rates in treatment groups. Conclusion: The single injection of GnRH analog alone at the time of AI did not improve the reproductive performance of buffaloes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Repellents are effective personal protective means against outdoor biting mosquitoes. Repellent formulations composed of EOs are finding increased popularity among consumers. In this study, after an initial screening of 11 essential oils (EOs) at the concentration of 33 μg/cm2, five of the most repellent EOs, Perovskia atriplicifolia, Citrus reticulata (fruit peels), C. reticulata (leaves), Mentha longifolia, and Dysphania ambrosioides were further investigated for repellent activity against Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in time span bioassays. When tested at the concentrations of 33 μg/cm2, 165 μg/cm2 and 330 μg/cm2, the EO of P. atriplicifolia showed the longest repellent effect up to 75, 90 and 135 min, respectively, which was followed by C. reticulata (peels) for 60, 90 and 120 min, M. longifolia for 45, 60 and 90 min, and C. reticulata (leaves) for 30, 45 and 75 min. Notably, the EO of P. atriplicifolia tested at the dose of 330 μg/cm2 showed complete protection for 60 min which was similar to the commercial mosquito repellent DEET. Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analyses of the EOs revealed camphor (19.7%), limonene (92.7%), sabinene (24.9%), carvone (82.6%), and trans-ascaridole (38.8%) as the major constituents of P. atriplicifolia, C. reticulata (peels), C. reticulata (leaves), M. longifolia, and D. ambrosioides, respectively. The results of the present study could help develop plant-based commercial repellents to protect humans from dengue mosquitoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Mosquitoes are the deadliest insects alive due to the transmission of pathogens that cause diseases. Plant essential oils are considered an alternative to synthetic repellents for controlling mosquitoes. We have investigated the repellent and larvicidal activity of six plant essential oils against adult female mosquitos and the larvae of yellow fever mosquitos, Aedes aegypti. The essential oils extracted from Mentha longifolia, Zanthoxylum armatum, Erigeron bonariensis, and E. canadensis have the potential to manage Ae. aegypti at the larval stage. Moreover, M. longifolia, E. canadensis, E. bonariensis, and Salsola imbricata essential oils exhibited prolonged mosquito-repellent activity against adult female Ae. Aegypti; these oils might be used to develop formulations that are efficient and cost-effective as mosquito repellents without harming humans and the environment. Bio-degradable and eco-friendly essential oils (EOs) extracted from Mentha longifolia, Salsola imbricata, Erigeron bonariensis, E. canadensis, Ailanthus altissima, and Zanthoxylum armatum were investigated for their repellent and larvicidal potential against Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The EOs of M. longifolia, S. imbricata, E. bonariensis, E. canadensis, A. altissima, and Z. armatum exhibited 99.0%, 96.8%, 40.2%, 41.7%, 29.1%, and 13.2% repellency against mosquitoes at a tested dose of 33.3 μg/cm2, respectively. In time span bioassays, the EOs of M. longifolia, S. imbricata, E. bonariensis, and E. canadensis showed more than 40% repellency for 60 min at a tested dose of 330 μg/cm2. Larvicidal bioassays revealed that larvae of Ae. aegypti were the most susceptible to M. longifolia (LC50, 39.3 mg/L), E. bonariensis (LC50, 26.0 mg/L), E. canadensis (LC50, 35.7 mg/L), and Z. armatum (LC50, 35.9 mg/L) EOs upon 48 h exposure. The most abundant constituents in the EOs of M. longifolia, S. imbricata, E. bonariensis, E. canadensis and A. altissima were piperitone oxide (45.5%), carvone (39.9%), matricaria ester (43.1%), (31.7%) and eugenol (24.4%), respectively. Our study demonstrates that EOs of M. longifolia, S. imbricata, E. bonariensis, and E. canadensis might be used to control Ae. aegypti mosquitoes without harming humans or the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of this study revealed possible cross-resistance among some of the tested insecticides but not among others; thus, the findings may be useful for the continuous management of insecticide resistance in I Cx. quinquefasciatus i . 2. Keywords: southern house mosquito; vector-borne disease; resistance management; insecticide; lethal concentration EN southern house mosquito vector-borne disease resistance management insecticide lethal concentration N.PAG N.PAG 10 09/27/22 20220901 NES 220901 1. Pair-wise correlation coefficient analysis of the LC SB 50 sb values of the tested insecticides in I Cx. quinquefasciatus i field populations revealed that most of the insecticides were positively correlated in terms of their toxicities, indicating the possibility of an underlying cross-resistance mechanism. Thus, it is necessary to evaluate the susceptibility/resistance status of insect vectors to commonly used insecticides and select the most appropriate and effective insecticide for use in practice [[9]]. [Extracted from the article]

Spotted bollworm, Earias vittella Fab (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is serious Asiatic pest, particularly associated with cotton in Pakistan. The study was planned to determine response of long and short duration cotton genotypes to E. vittella infestation. Field experiment was conducted at the Central Cotton Research Institute, Multan for two years. Long and short duration genotypes were sown during the 3rd week of May to investigate their response to E. vittella. E. vittella infestation (damage in fruits and larval population) was almost similar during both the years of experimentation. However, the fruiting parts were higher during second year as compared to the first year. The response of the genotypes CIM-496 and CIM-506 was variable to E. vittella infestation in fruiting parts and damage in mature bolls. Treatments showed significant impact on fruiting parts, number of damage fruits and larval population. However, no significant interaction was observed between the varieties and treatments. The most critical months were August and September in which the rate of IMF damaged by single larva was 4.5 and 4.1 and MB at the rate of 1.5 and 1.6 in CIM-496 while 3.6 and 4.1 IMF and 1.7 MB damage per larva in CIM-506, respectively. By controlling the pest infestation up to70-80% damage or 66% larval population, the yield was increased by 22-24% in long or short duration genotypes. Inevitable losses due to E. vittella were 0.8% in IMF or 0.3-0.4% in MB even with 10 applications in both the genotypes. The critical tolerance period for the long duration genotype CIM 496 was the last week of August and for short duration genotype CIM-506 was the second week of August. Similarly losses compensation was 4.5 and 9.1% higher in long duration genotypes as compared to short duration genotype in 1%TL and TL2, respectively. It was concluded that E. vittella can cause 22-24% fruiting losses if the pest is not controlled. Plant protection measures should therefore be taken before the critical tolerance period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The objective was to evaluate the effect of prepartum dietary energy level on performance of Nili Ravi buffaloes. Buffaloes were fed low, medium or high energy diet during 63 days prepartum and same lactation diet during 14 weeks postpartum. Buffaloes fed the high energy diet had better performance compared with buffaloes fed the medium or low energy diet. While, prepartum feeding of low energy diet adversely affected buffalo performance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of prepartum dietary energy level on postpartum production and reproduction in Nili Ravi buffaloes (n = 21). The buffaloes were offered low energy (LE: 1.31 Mcal/kg DM NEL (net energy for lactation)), medium energy (ME: 1.42 Mcal/kg DM NEL) or high energy (HE: 1.54 Mcal/kg DM NEL) diet for 63 days prepartum, and received the same lactation diet (LD: 1.22 Mcal/kg DM NEL) during 14 weeks postpartum. The effects of dietary energy level and week were analyzed with Proc GLIMMIX model. Dry matter intake (DMI) was lower in buffaloes fed the LE diet compared with buffaloes fed the ME or HE diet. Calf birth weight (CBW) was higher in buffaloes fed the HE diet compared with buffaloes fed the ME or LE diet. Milk production was similar in buffaloes fed the HE, ME or LE diet within 14 weeks postpartum and throughout the lactation. Milk fat was higher in buffaloes fed the LE diet compared with buffaloes fed the ME or HE diet. Milk protein and lactose yields was high in buffaloes fed the HE diet compared with buffaloes fed the ME or LE diet. Body condition score was high in HE and was affected by diet × week interactions during pre and postpartum period. The concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) and triglycerides in serum was lowest in buffaloes fed the HE diet compared with the buffaloes fed the ME or LE diet. The buffaloes fed the HE diet had early uterine involution (UI), first estrus, short dry days, and calving interval (CI) compared with buffaloes fed the ME or LE diet. None of buffaloes fed the LE diet exhibited estrus during the first 14 weeks postpartum compared with buffaloes fed the ME or HE diet. In conclusion, prepartum feeding of high energy diet can be helpful in improving the postpartum productive and reproductive performance in Nili Ravi buffaloes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The knowledge of oviposition preference by female insects is a basic requirement for developing insect pest scouting methods to determine the potential damage and to apply control measures for key pest like Earias vittella in cotton. Field experiments were conducted to assess the distribution of E. vittella eggs within the cotton plant. Out of 240 plants inspected, E. vittella females laid 204 and 194 eggs on 40.9% and 36.9%of the plants in 2011 and 2012, respectively. Spearman Rank Correlation showed that a significant and positive relationship (association) existed between the number of infested plants or plant parts and number of eggs laid. In every week, an average of 6.1±1.2 plants were infested with13.6±2.7 eggs in 2011 and 5.5±1.1 plants with 12.9±2.2 eggs in 2012. Four and three peak egg-laying periods were observed in 2011 and 2012, respectively. Taylor's power law of regression showed an aggregate spatial pattern distribution of eggs for E. vittella in plants in both years. Variance-to-mean ratio, the chi-square test index, and Lloyd index of patchiness indicated uniform eggs distribution for both years. Within the plants, the most preferred oviposition sites were just below the terminal portion on such structures as the leaves, terminal buds and NE leaves. The current study regarding the site selection for oviposition provides information that can be used to develop guidelines for E. vittella management in cotton production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taxonomic identification and classifications of insect pest genera Chrysodeixis and Ctenoplusia of the subfamily Plusiinae is very compulsory due to their phytophagous nature and potential to damage the cash as well as cereal crops. Taxonomy plays a key role in proper not only in identification and classification of the pest but also in designing a successful managing strategy. In current study, specimens of Chrysodeixis and Ctenoplusia genera were collected from different geographical areas of south Punjab, Pakistan and their diagnostic features were examined following taxanomic keys. The data of temperature, relative humidity and rainfall were also recorded during the study period. Genitalia was extracted by dissecting of the abdomen and inspected under Stereo microscope. The results revealed two new species, Chryodeixis maxus and Ctenoplusia oleraceaus , from south Punjab region in addition to previously reported species: Chrysodeixis furihatai. Suitable management of the voracious insect pest at appropriate time may help in sustaining the agriculture in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Bark beetles kill apparently vigorous conifers during epidemics by means of pheromone-mediated aggregation. During non-endemic conditions the beetles are limited to use trees with poor defense, like wind-thrown. To find olfactory cues that help beetles to distinguish between trees with strong or weak defense, we collected volatiles from the bark surface of healthy felled or standing Picea abies trees. Furthermore, living trees were treated with methyl jasmonate in order to induce defense responses. Volatiles were analyzed by combined gas chromatography and electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) on Ips typographus antennae. Compounds eliciting antennal responses were characterized by single sensillum recording for identification of specific olfactory sensory neurons (OSN). Release of monoterpene hydrocarbons decreased, while oxygenated compounds increased, from spring to early summer in felled trees. In both beetle sexes particular strong EAD activity was elicited by trace amounts of terpene alcohols and ketones. 4-Thujanol gave a very strong response and the absolute configuration of the tested natural product was assigned to be (+)-trans-(1R,4S,5S)-thujanol by stereoselective synthesis and enantioselective gas chromatography. One type of OSN responded to all ketones and five other OSN were characterized by the type of compounds that elicited responses. Three new OSN classes were found. Of the eight EAD-active compounds found in methyl jasmonate-treated bark, the known anti-attractant 1,8-cineole was the one most strongly induced. Our data support the hypothesis that highly active oxygenated host volatiles could serve as positive or negative cues for host selection in I. typographus and in other bark beetles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The onion thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), is a polyphagous pest that causes serious damage to agricultural crops, vegetables, and ornamental plants worldwide. Farmers rely on the extensive usage of synthetic chemical insecticides to control T. tabaci. There is a dire need to develop alternative control strategies to overcome the problems posed by chemical insecticides. Efficient traps would allow sensitive monitoring and possibly mass trapping. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the potential of three plant compounds with known release rates (ranging from 6–30 mg/d); eugenol (Eug), 1, 8-cineole (eucalyptol), and linalool in all possible combinations with a thrips attractant, ethyl iso-nicotinate (EI). A combination of EI with Eug increased the effect of EI by attracting 100% more thrips (effect size, 1.95) as compared to the control of EI alone. Catches in remaining treatments were lower and or not significantly different from EI alone. The results from our study could be used to develop improved volatile blends to be used for monitoring traps. Our data suggests that these traps could be effective even at very low populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research work was designed to estimate the gradually increasing use of insecticides on vegetables to create awareness among the consumers regarding their insecticide residues. The main aim of this study is to highlight the harmful effects of insecticides in comparison with dietary intake assessment of vegetables. In this regard, total 180 (n = 60x3) samples of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) and eggplant (Solanum melongena) comprising of 30 samples vegetable were collected from the peri-urban farming system of Multan, Faisalabad and Gujranwala to assess insecticide residues along with their dietary intake assessment. The selected samples were quantified for the insecticide residues by using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) technique equipped with UV/Visible detector. Results revealed that imidacloprid residues found in eggplant (0.226 mg Kg-1) and okra (0.176 mg Kg-1) from Multan region were greater than the residues reported from Gujranwala and Faisalabad. Out of all analyzed samples for imidacloprid and acetamaprid residues, 58% and 65% samples contained detectable residues respectively. Whereas 10% and 15% samples exceeded their maximum residue limits (MRLs) established by European Commission. Dietary intake assessment for imidacloprid and acetamiprid was calculated as per their maximum permissible intake (MPI) values i.e. 3.84 and 4.48 mg person-1day-1, respectively, which revealed that although a reasonable proportion of samples exceeded MRLs but their consumption was found within safe limit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mosquitoes are known to be vectors of numerous diseases leading to human morbidity and mortality at large scale in the world. Insecticide resistance has become a serious concern in controlling the insect vectors of public health importance. Dimethoate is an organophosphate insecticide used to control different insect pests including mosquitoes. Biological parameters of susceptible, unselected, and dimethoate-selected strains of Culex quinquefasciatus Say were studied in the laboratory to recognize resistance development potential and associated fitness cost. The dimethoate-selected strain showed 66.48-fold resistance to dimethoate compared with the susceptible strain after three continuous selections of generations. Realized heritability estimates of dimethoate resistance in Cx. quinquefasciatus yielded a value of 0.19. In dimethoate-selected strain, the biological traits including larval weight, survival from first instar to pupae, fecundity, number of next-generation larvae, relative fitness, net reproductive rate, intrinsic rate of natural increase, and biotic potential were significantly reduced as compared with the unselected strain. However, adult longevity, mean relative growth rate, weight of egg raft, female ratio, pupal duration, and emergence rate of the dimethoate-selected strain did not differ significantly compared with that of the unselected strain. This study provides useful information to devise retrospective management strategy for dimethoate resistance in Cx. quinquefasciatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Snout moths (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) are economic pests of agricultural crops and forest plantations. To explore new species via taxonomic identification, 127 specimens of moths were collected from different areas of Pothwar region of Pakistan including Chakwal, Attock, Jhelum and Rawalpindi districts during 2009-2010. The characters of the specimens were identified at species level by using Hampson's key and other taxonomic resources. All of these species new to Pyralid moth fauna of Pothwar region namely: Galleria mellonella Linnaeus., Achroia grisella Fabricius., Corcyra cephalonica Staint., Chilo simplex Butler., Scirpophaga auriflua Zeller., S. chrysorrhoa Zeller., Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee., Zinckenia fascialis Cramer and Cnaphalocrocis medinalis Guenee. are reported for the first time from Pothwar region. To understand the biodiversity of moths, distribution of the species were also studied for each district of Pothwar region. The distribution pattern of Corcyra cephalonica (42), Leucinodes orbonalis (18), Scirpophaga auriflua (10) and Scirpophaga chrysorrhoa (9), Chilo simplex (6), Zinckenia fascialis (7), Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (10), Galleria mellonella (24) and Achroia grisella (1) was observed. Dichotomous keys have been built for low to higher taxa. Photography of important taxonomic characters are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cotton jassid, Amrasca biguttula biguttula (Ishida) (Cicadellidae: Homoptera), is a polyphagous pest that infests many field crops, vegetables, and ornamental plants. It sucks sap from leaf tissues and also serves as a vector for hopper burn viral disease. A. biguttula has developed low to high levels of resistance to several insecticides. Because dimethoate is still widely used for management of this pest, this study was conducted to improve insecticide resistance-management (IRM) strategies by determining the genetics of dimethoate resistance in A. biguttula and its cross-resistance potential to bifenthrin, imidacloprid, and chlorfenapyr. A population was selected with dimethoate using the leaf dip method. After nine continuous cycles of selection with dimethoate, the selected population (Di-SEL) of A. biguttula developed a 90-fold level of resistance to this compound compared to the susceptible population. Dimethoate resistance in A. biguttula biguttula was transferred from parents to its offspring as an autosomal and incomplete dominant trait. The realized heritability value of dimethoate resistance was 0.17. The cross-resistance results showed that there was no cross-resistance to bifenthrin, imidacloprid, and chlorfenapyr. Our findings provide the basic knowledge to develop an improved IRM strategy that enhances the likelihood of ongoing usage of current and future pesticides for control of cotton jassid. [Display omitted] • Amrasca biguttula strain (Di-SEL) developed a 90-fold level of resistance to dimethoate. • Inheritance mode of dimethoate resistance was polygenic, autosomal, and partially dominant. • Di-SEL showed no cross-resistance to bifenthrin, imidacloprid, and chlorfenapyr. • Our findings proved a keystone in insecticide resistance management programs of A. biguttula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytophagous insects use blends of volatiles released from plants to select hosts for feeding and oviposition. To behaviorally analyze complex blends, we need efficient and selective methods for elucidating neuron types, their ligands, and specificity. Gas chromatography-combined single sensillum recordings (GC-SSRs) from antennal olfactory sensilla of female moth, Spodoptera littoralis revealed 38 physiologically active peaks in the headspace volatile blends from both larvae-damaged cotton plants and lilac flowers. Using GC-combined mass spectrometry, 9 new physiologically active compounds were identified from damaged cotton and 11 from lilac compared with earlier electrophysiological studies using antennae of female S. littoralis. We characterized 14 novel classes of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs). Among these, we found the first 2 ligands for a frequent type of short trichoid sensillum, for which no ligands were identified earlier. By using GC-SSR, a substantial increase in functional classes of OSNs and active compounds, 40% and 34% more, respectively, compared with recent studies using GC-electroantennogram or SSR using single compounds was detected. Compared with the estimated number of corresponding antennal olfactory receptors, the OSN classes now correspond to 83% of a likely maximum. The many specialist OSNs observed may facilitate behavioral confirmation of key plant volatiles in blends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to locate mates, food, and oviposition sites, insects mainly rely on volatile cues released by their sexual partners, food sources, and host and non-host plants. Calling, mating, and oviposition behaviors, as well as fecundity and longevity, of newly emerged Spodoptera littoralis (Bois.) moths were recorded in the presence of volatiles from leaves of a host plant, Gossypium hirsutum (cotton) and two non-host plants, Adhatoda vasica ( Av) or Picea abies (spruce), either alone or in host/non-host combinations. Females exposed to cotton volatiles started calling earlier than females exposed to non-host plant volatiles (NHV), or the blank control. Likewise, moth pairs exposed to cotton volatiles started mating earlier than the other treatments. The period of calling in females alone was longer than females kept with males, having the opportunity to mate. However, the callings, as well as mating durations in the moth pairs, in different treatments were not different. Longevity was decreased either in the absence of cotton or the presence of Av, and spruce leaves. Fecundity was reduced in moths exposed to a combination of spruce and cotton. The effect of NHV on attraction of 2-3-day-old male moths towards a pheromone (Ph) source was studied in a wind tunnel. In the no-choice assay, more males arrived at close approach and landed on the Ph source when the host plant, cotton, was offered in the background as compared to the non-hosts. In the dual-choice assay, more males landed on the Ph source in front of the host plant compared to the Ph source in front of non-hosts. Gas chromatography-electroantennographic detection on female S. littoralis revealed five antennally active compounds in headspace collections of spruce and three compounds in Av. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Higher education institutions, especially technical/engineering have a pivotal role in the overall development of the society. This document presents the results of the experiences of graduates and teachers of post graduate programs of Faculty of Electrical Engineering of the University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore. Through this study Post-Graduate Programs of University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore was evaluated. The objectives of the study were to i) evaluate the MS Programs of UET, Lahore according to the perception of students and teacher, ii) identify the short falls of the program, iii) determine the problems faced by the teachers and the student's and Suggest measures to improve the system. Population of the study consisted of 31 teachers and 578 students of Post Graduate programs of Faculty of Electrical Engineering, for the period 2008-2010. Sample of the study consisted 100% teachers and 45% students. The study indicated that courses were organized, well delivered and the objectives were clear, the method of final assessment can meet the criteria of labor market demands, the dissertation supervisor was available and supportive, the students need training / information on the resources available in the library and the teachers needed teacher / computer training programs. It was recommended that teachers may be provided computer training programs to enhance their teaching and research skills. The existing courses may be revised and updated with the consultation of major employers of UET graduates like, WAPDA, WASA, PTCL, Public and Private Industries. The students may pay appropriate attention in developing practical skills according to labour market demands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Housefly (Musca domestica L.) contaminates food by transferring microbes. Fungi carried by houseflies cause postharvest losses by food spoilage produce mycotoxins and spread various infectious diseases in human beings and animals. This study was planned to determine the diversity and frequency of fungal species carried by houseflies and their relation with stored grains. Houseflies in the vicinity of stored wheat and rice grains were collected from the rural areas of four districts of Pakistan. Overall, 897, 631, and 687 fungal species were isolated from houseflies, rice, and wheat grains, respectively. Aspergillus and Fusarium species followed by Alternaria and Penicillium species were found dominant in houseflies, rice, and wheat grains. Correlation analyses revealed a significant association between most of the fungal species isolated from houseflies, wheat, and rice grains. The study concludes that a strong correlation of fungi exists between stored grains and houseflies around the unhygienic storage places. Practical applications: It is highly important to understand the role of houseflies in spreading various fungal species to stored grains, particularly in our persisting rural grain storage system. Our study is first of its kind in which we have studied the correlation of fungal diversity and abundance between houseflies, wheat, and rice grains stored in the same vicinity/place/house. Our findings show a strong correlation in fungal diversity and abundance, isolated from flies and stored grains. This study demonstrates the role of houseflies in the dispersal of various fungal species to contaminate the stored grains. Therefore, appropriate measures should be taken to control the houseflies or their entrance to store houses. There is a strong need to give awareness and improve the grain storage system in houses, especially in rural areas, by food regulating authorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insects detect their hosts or mates primarily through olfaction, and olfactory receptors (ORs) are at the core of odorant detection. Each species has evolved a unique repertoire of ORs whose functional properties are expected to meet its ecological needs, though little is known about the molecular basis of olfaction outside Diptera. Here we report a pioneer functional analysis of a large array of ORs in a lepidopteran, the herbivorous pest Spodoptera littoralis. We demonstrate that most ORs are narrowly tuned to ubiquitous plant volatiles at low, relevant odorant titres. Our phylogenetic analysis highlights a basic conservation of function within the receptor repertoire of Lepidoptera, across the expansive evolutionary radiation of different major clades. Our study provides a reference for further studies of olfactory mechanisms in Lepidoptera, a historically crucial insect order in olfactory research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenacoccus solenopsis is an economically important insect pest of different agronomic and horticultural field crops. In Pakistan, the cotton crop was severely attacked by P. solenopsis during 2007 and since then a varied group of insecticides are used by farmers to manage this pest. As a result, insecticide resistance has become a barrier in control of P. solenopsis. The current study was designed to explore the basics of genetics, realized heritability and possible genetic mechanisms of resistance against spirotetramat in P. solenopsis. Before selection, the wild population (Wild-Pop) showed 5.97-fold resistance when compared with lab-reared susceptible strain (Susceptible Lab-Pop). The P. solenopsis was selected with spirotetramat to 21 generations, called Spiro-SEL Pop, which showed 463.21-fold resistance as compared with the Susceptible Lab-Pop. The values of LC 50 for F 1 (Spiro-SEL Pop ♂ × Susceptible Lab-Pop ♀) and F 1 (Spiro-SEL Pop ♀ × Susceptible Lab-Pop ♂) populations were statistically similar and values of dominance level were 0.42 and 0.54, respectively. Reciprocal crosses between Susceptible Lab-Pop and Spiro-SEL Pop showed that resistance was of autosomal in nature with incomplete dominant traits. According to the fit test, monogenic model estimation of the number of genes, which are responsible for the development of spirotetramat resistance in a population of P. solenopsis , showed that multiple genes are involved in controlling the resistance levels in tested strains of P. solenopsis. The value of heritability for resistance against spirotetramat was 0.13 in P. solenopsis. Our results suggested the presence of a metabolic-based resistance mechanism associated with the monooxygenases in P. solenopsis, while testing the synergism mechanism. These results will provide the baseline to design an effective control strategy to manage P. solenopsis in the field. Unlabelled Image • After 21 generations, Spiro-SEL P. solenopsis showed 463.21-fold resistance. • Reciprocal crosses showed an autosomal trait of resistance in P. solenopsis. • Incompletely recessive and polygenic resistance was found in Spiro-SEL strain. • Spirotetramat resistance was associated with monooxygenases in P. solenopsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fipronil, a phenyl-pyrazole insecticide has been used frequently for the control of disease vector house flies, Musca domestica L., (Diptera: Muscidae) worldwide including Pakistan. This experiment was performed to determine the selection and assessment of fipronil resistance evolution along with cross resistance to other three insecticides. After 26 generations of selection, the house fly strain developed 430-fold resistance to fipronil compared to a susceptible strain. Realized heritability ( h 2 ) of resistance to fipronil was 0.05. The projected rate of resistance development revealed that if 30–90% house flies were selected then a tenfold increase in lethal concentration 50 happened after 95.51–26.59 generations for fipronil ( h 2 = 0.05, Slope = 2.34). At similar slope, if h 2 = 0.15, then 31.84–8.86 generations are required for tenfold increase in LC 50 at 30–90% selection intensity, respectively. Likewise, if h 2 = 0.25, then similar would occur in 19.10–5.32 generations. Differences in any of the variable would affect the rate of resistance development. Selection with fipronil did not increase the level of resistance to lambda-cyhalothrin, profenofos and indoxacarb, suggesting no cross resistance to these insecticides. The results of our study concluded that house flies have the potential to develop resistances following continued selection pressure with fipronil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The house fly, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae), is an insect pest of public health and veterinary importance. Spiromesifen is a new chemistry insecticide widely used for the management of sucking insect pests of vegetables and crops. In the present study, assessment of resistance risk and fitness costs associated with spiromesifen resistance in M. domestica was studied. Moreover, stability of resistance to spiromesifen and other tested insecticides (fipronil, spinosad, and bifenthrin) was evaluated in the spiromesifen-selected-strain (SPIRO-SEL-POP). After 7-generations of selection with spiromesifen, SPIRO-SEL-POP developed 108.76-fold resistance compared with the unselected strain (UNSEL-POP). The estimated value of realized heritability was 0.59 for spiromesifen resistance. Due to withdrawal of spiromesifen selection for five generations (F 6 -F 10) on SPIRO-SEL-POP, a decline in LC 50 values against spiromesifen, spinosad and bifenthrin was 0.16, 0.14 and 0.13-folds, respectively. In biological trait experiments, larval weight of Cross 1 (SPIRO-SEL-POP♀ × UNSEL-POP♂) and SPIRO-SEL-POP was significantly lower than that of Cross 2 (SPIRO-SEL-POP♂ × UNSEL-POP♀) and UNSEL-POP. Pupal weight of SPIRO-SEL-POP was higher when compared with Cross 1 while it was similar to that of Cross 2 and UNSEL-POP. Adult emergence rate of UNSEL-POP was higher than Cross 1 , but similar to the Cross 2 and SPIRO-SEL-POP. The SPIRO-SEL-POP and Cross 1 showed the lowest relative fitness when compared with USEL-POP and Cross 2. Intrinsic rate of natural increase of SPIRO-SEL-POP was much lower than that of UNSEL-POP and Cross 2 followed by Cross 1. The SPIRO-SEL-POP exhibited lower biotic potential when compared with UNSEL-POP and Cross 2 but similar to Cross 1. Fecundity and hatching rates were lower in SPIRO-SEL-POP compared to UNSEL-POP. It could be concluded that spiromesifen resistance in M. domestica comes with a cost and is instable. Therefore, spiromesifen rotation with other insecticides and withdraw of its usage for some period could help to sustain its efficacy by delaying the development of resistance. Unlabelled Image • A spiromesifen selected house fly strain developed 109-fold more resistance. • The estimated value of realized heritability was 0.59 for spiromesifen resistance. • Decline in LC 50s of spiromesifen, fipronil, spinosad and bifenthrin were 0.16-, 0.06, 0.14 and 0.13-fold, respectively, in stability test. • Spiromesifen resistance in house fly comes with a cost and is instable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Mentha spicata and Erigeron canadensis EOs were highly repellent for female Aedes aegypti. • M. spicata essential EO showed mosquito repellency comparable to DEET. • M. spicata essential oil repel Aedes mosquitoes for more than 45 min. • Piperitenone oxide was the major compound in M. spicata essential oil. Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquito is an important vector of chikungunya, dengue and yellow fever. Plant based essential oils may serve as good alternatives to commercially available mosquito repellent, DEET. Steam distillation was used for the extraction of essential oils from fresh collected aerial parts of plants viz Chenopodium ambrosioides, Conyza sumatrensis, Erigeron canadensis , Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Mentha spicata, Parthenium hysterophorus , and Tagetes minuta. The essential oils were tested for mosquito repellent activity against laboratory reared female Ae. aegypti by human bait technique. Identification of chemical constituents of essential oils was carried out by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The essential oil of M. spicata , E. canadensis , P. hysterophorus , C. sumatrensis , T. minuta , C. ambrosioides , and E. camaldulensis exhibited 100%, 80%, 63.9%, 51.4%, 50.2%, 39.7%, and 13.7% mosquito repellent activity respectively, at the tested dose of 30 μg/cm2. The most abundant constituents of M. spicata , E. canadensis , P. hysterophorus , C. sumatrensis and T. minuta essential oils were piperitenone oxide (47.1%), limonene (41.3%), germacrene D (36.6%), cis -lachnophyllum ester (33.3%) and dihydrotagetone (20.9%) respectively. M. spicata essential oil completely inhibited the attractiveness of human hands toward female mosquitoes for more than 45 min thus showed bioactivity comparable to that of commercially used mosquito repellent, DEET. This study suggests that the dilute solution of M. spicata essential oil could be used as potent mosquito repellent against Ae. aegypti alternative to commercially available synthetic mosquito repellents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]