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Indian sandalwood Santalum album L. plantations in Karnataka were surveyed to study the diversity and abundance of spider fauna. A total of 1,244 individuals belonging to 56 spider species in 40 genera under 14 families were recorded in the sandalwood plantations. Among the spider families recorded, Araneidae was the most dominant with 15 species in nine genera followed by Salticidae with 13 species in 10 genera, Thomisidae with seven species in four genera, Oxyopidae with four species in three genera, Uloboridae with four species in a genus, and Theridiidae by three species each under three genera. Lycosidae and Sparassidae are represented by two species under two genera each. The families Cheiracanthiidae, Clubionidae, Hersiliidae, Philodromidae, and Pholcidae are represented by a species each. The pruning of sandalwood revealed a significant negative effect on the occurrence and distribution of spiders.

Owing to the expensive and toxic nature of physical and chemical methods employed in the synthesis of commercially available metal nanoparticles used in wood protection, researchers are in search o...

Exotic invasive whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in India cause direct and indirect yield losses in agriculture, horticulture and forestry crop plants. Around 25 years ago, the spiralling whitefly, Aleurodicus dispersus Russell invaded and established on many host plants including economically important crops in India. Recently, within a span of five years, seven whiteflies invaded India viz., solanum whitefly, Aleurothrixus trachoides (Back) reported to breed on 37 plant species; rugose spiraling whitefly (RSW), Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin found breeding on 40 host plants; nesting whiteflies, Paraleyrodes bondari Peracchi on 34 host plants and P. minei Ιaccarino infest about 25 host plants; legume feeding whitefly, Tetraleurodes acaciae (Quaintance) infesting 5 host plants; palm infesting whitefly, Aleurotrachelus atratus Hempel on 4 host plants and woolly whitefly, Aleurothrixus floccosus (Maskell) infesting guava. These invasive species are native to the Neotropical region, mostly from Central America and the Caribbean. Extensive spread along the coastal regions and gardens near the backwater of India is predicted owing to the favorable weather factors and availability of host plants. Species of exotic whiteflies with similar habits co-exist in more or less the same niche and have a similar pattern of growth and development. The intensity of infestation of RSW on coconut, banana and oil palm, the woolly whitefly on guava and the palm infesting whitefly and nesting whiteflies on coconut was severe. The exotic aphelinid parasitoid, Encarsia guadeloupae Viggiani (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), a predator Pseudomallada astur (Banks) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) and the entomopathogenic fungus, Isaria fumosorosea Wize (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) play a major role in reducing the population of these invasives. The most insidious spread of these species in India is likely mediated by humans through the movement of infested seedlings and plant materials. Extensive surveys revealed that these species spread rapidly in the large geographical region of India mostly through transportation of infested seedlings. This study reports a major expansion of the geographic and host range and the patterns of co-occurrence, damage and economic impact of these exotic species in India and their natural enemies.

The management of Lyctus africanus, one of the major dry wood pests in the tropical region is difficult due to its secluded habits and long lifecycle and therefore, its control measures are limited to the usage of insecticides. The insecticides particularly the metal salts are effective, but in some cases their leaching leads to concerns about environmental pollution. Nanometal particles are found to be more effective than metal salts. Presently available metal nanoparticles are synthesized using physical or chemical methods and their production results in toxic by-products and are costly. The current investigation deals with synthesis and use of metal nanoparticle for wood protection in an environmentally friendly and cost-effective way. The plant extracts that are reported to have wood preservative properties were used for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles. Copper oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using leaf extracts of Lantana camara. The efficacy of the synthesized Lantana camara leaf extract and copper oxide or zinc oxide nanoparticle formulation as a wood protectant was tested against Lyctus africanus according to standard BIS. The formulation of copper oxide nanoparticle and Lantana camara leaf extract effectively protected the treated rubberwood blocks from Lyctus africanus attack, when compared to zinc oxide nanoparticle Lantana camara leaf extract formulation and can be developed into a stable, ecofriendly wood preservative.

Four whitefly species including three invasive whitefly species viz., rugose spiralling whitefly, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin (Hemiptera: Alyrodidae) on 10 host plants; Bondars nesting whitefly, Paraleurodes bondari Peracchi on seven host plants, woolly whitefly, Aleurothrixus floccosus (Maskell) on guava and Bemisia euphorbiae (David & Subramaniam) on two plants were reported for the first time in Lakshadweep. Parasitoid, Encarsia guadeloupae Viggiani (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) and predators viz., Pseudomallada (=Dichochrysa) astur (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) and Cybocephalus indicus (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) were found associated with these whiteflies. Distribution of whiteflies along with their host plants and natural enemies in Lakshadweep Islands are given.

Three new species of the genus Aleurotrachelus Quaintance & Baker are described, A. diploclisiae sp. nov. on Diploclisia glaucescens, A. fici sp. nov. on Ficus virens and A. psydraci sp. nov. on Ps...

The bark feeding caterpillar Indarbela quadrinotata is a polyphagous insect, which attack different tree species of forestry importance, horticultural plants and occasionally the mangroves. Though this pest is considered as minor pest, it occasionally causes outbreak if the conditions are favourable. This was observed causing damage to the mangrove plant species particularly on Sonneratia apetala in the mangroves of Airoli and Vashi creek of Thane district of Maharashtra in the year 2018. This is the first incidence of its infestation on S. apetala in this region. The intensity of the pest incidence was spordic to moderate level and the percentage of attack was 20-35%. The entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana spore solution at the concentration of 2.4×108 Spores/ml can control the pest.

Infestation of the highly invasive whitefly Aleurotrachelus atratus Hempel (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is reported for the first time from India as well as from the Oriental region. The pest was found colonizing coconut palm, Cocos nucifera (Arecaceae) and ornamental areca palm, Dypsea lutescens (Arecaceae) in Mandya and Mysore districts of Karnataka during February, 2019. Whitefly specimens were collected from infested palm plants and the identity of the species is confirmed by morphological characteristics. No parasitisation was observed but four species of predators viz., Dichochrysa astur (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), Cybochephalus spp. (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae), Chilocorus nigrita and Jauravia pallidula (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) were found feeding on this invasive species. The severity of the infestations and its impact on coconut as well as other crop plants in India is discussed.

Invasion and establishment of Bondar’s nesting whitefly, Paraleyrodes bondari Peracchi in Indian mainland and Andaman & Nicobar Islands is reported. This forms the first report of P. bondari from Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Host range of Bondar’s nesting whitefly in India is discussed. Partial sequence of cytochrome c oxidase I gene for P. bondari is submitted to GenBank (MK333262).

The heartwood borer Aristobia octofasciculata Aurivillius and red stem borer Zeuzera coffeae Nietner were found more prevalent infesting sandalwood in natural forest areas of Karnataka. In the sandalwood plantations, Z. coffeae was the major stem borer distributed in all the districts of Karnataka while the infestation of stem borer Purpuricenus sanguinolentus was prevalent in Bangalore rural district. In addition, two cerambycid beetles, viz. Ceresium gracile (Perroud) and Stenodryas nigromaculatus (Gardner), were found infesting sandalwood for the first time. The host plant of C. gracile is so far unknown and S. nigromaculatus is so far reported on Albizzia procera from India. The impact of infestation of these stem borers on the economy of cultivation of Indian sandalwood is discussed.

In 15 combinations of growing sandalwood with other plant species the incidence of insect pests and their predators were observed for two years from 2014 to 2015 in Karnataka. The more diversified areas recorded more species of insect pests and natural enemies but the severity of the infestations were less and resulted in no insecticidal application. In less diversified areas the severity of sap suckers and stem borers were more often seen and resulted in undertaking control measures. An analysis of sapsuckers and defoliators with the natural enemies like coccinellids, mantids and spiders showed positive linear relationship between pest and predators. The findings demonstrated that habitat diversification in growing sandalwood is an ideal option to manage the insect pest problems.

Morinda citrifolia Linn., also called as Indian mulberry or Noni is a widely used medicinal plant belonging to the family, Rubiaceae. It suffers from severe diseases which hinder the healing properties of the plant. Hence, there is a significant need to prevent and manage the diseases which the plants are prone to. In this paper, we are reporting the in vitro biological control of Anthracnose disease caused by the pathogen Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Penz. & Sacc. in M. citrifolia. The identity of the pathogen was confirmed through microscopic observation and molecular characterization. Furthermore, an in-vitro bioassay was carried out to study the antagonistic effect of Trichoderma virens (J.H. Mill., Giddens & A.A. Foster) Arx. against C. gloeosporioides and the result showed 72.60 % inhibition of C. gloeosporioides by T. virens. Hence, T. virens can be recommended as a potential biocontrol agent against C. gloeosporioides causing Anthracnose disease of M. citrifolia.

Studies were conducted to systematically isolate Metarhizium isolates from the insect cadavers and soils of South India. Morphological and PCR amplified sequences of 5.8S ITS regions and RNA polymerase II largest subunit (RPB1) gene regions were used to identify the isolates at species level. Eight Metarhizium isolates were isolated and initially identified by morphological and microscopic studies. Further identification was confirmed through 5.8SrRNA ITS and RPB1 analysis. They were identified as three isolates of M. robertsii J.F. Bisch., Rehner & Humber sp. nov. (ArMz3R, ArMz3S and ArMz6W), one isolate of M. majus (J.R. Johnst.) J.F. Bisch., Rehner & Humber (VjMz1W) and four isolates of M. anisopliae (WnMz1S, NlMz2S, BgMz2S and DhMz4R). Topical conidial suspensions (TCS) and powder based formulations (PBF) of the eight indigenous isolates of Metarhizium spp. that were isolated from insect cadavers and soils of South India were tested against coleopteran pests Holotricha serrata L. and Oryctes rhinoceros L. that cause serious damage to sugarcane and palm trees respectively. Against H. serrata TCS of M. robertsii (ArMz6W) was the most effective with an LC 50 of 6.893×10 5 cfu/ml and caused 100% mortality against the 3 rd instar larvae in 5 days; PBF elicited an LC 50 of 7.502×10 5 cfu/ml with 96% mortality in 10 days. Against O. rhinoceros TCS (LC 50 of 9.75×10 5 cfu/ml) of M. majus (VjMz1W) caused 90% mortality in 7 days and the PBF (LC 50 of 9.57×10 5 cfu/ml) caused 86% mortality in 14 days. The results establish that M. robertsii is highly effective against H. serrata and against O. rhinoceros, M. majus was the most effective. The TCS formulations of these two strains can be readily deployed for field applications.

Occurrence of the invasive rugose spiraling whitefly (RSW), Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin was found on coconut, banana, mango, guava, sapota, Indian almond, water apple, ball tree, rubber fig, butterfly palm, and ruffled fan palm for the first time in Karnataka. Severe damage was noticed in the coastal areas of Mangalore and Udupi and the infestation ranged from 20-35% in coconut and 24-38% in banana. Morphology and molecular based taxonomic tools were used to identity the pest and its natural enemies. Survey also revealed natural parasitism by the parasitoids Encarsia guadeloupae Viggiani and E. dispersa Polaszek (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) with 5-15% in coconut, 7-18% in banana and 22-30% in sapota. Besides, other commonly found natural enemies viz., Stethorus sp. associated with mites and Dichochrysa astur were also recorded. Furthermore, augmentation and conservation strategies for these parasitoids for the management of this invasive pest were discussed.

Several fungus-growing termite species build mounds, or termitaria, that are conspicuous features of African and Asian landscapes. Studies of the genus Macrotermes in Africa have established that their mounds provide an environment buffered against extremes of temperature and humidity, as well as protection from predators, and are correspondingly modified in composition. However, no studies are available in the specific context of the Asian continent where termite mounds are also abundant. Hence this study focused on the abundance and properties of mounds built by Odontotermes obesus in relation to rainfall and parent soil properties in southern Indian forests, in the Western Ghats area. Termite mound densities and sizes were measured in 18 forests along a rainfall gradient from 1160 to 3670 mm yr(-1). The C and clay contents were analyzed in soil samples collected from mounds and the surrounding topsoil. Mound numerical density was positively correlated with mound height and rainfall had a negative relationship with the abundance. Neither vegetation type nor or rainfall influenced the clay content in the mound walls but a positive linear relation was observed between the clay content in the termite mound wall and that in the surrounding topsoil environment, suggesting a rather low impact of termites on the clay content in the mound soil. The C content in mound walls depended mainly on how much clay the termites used. In conclusion, this study shows that the amount of rainfall affects the abundance of O. obesus mounds in India while the amount of clay in the surrounding topsoil determines mound soil properties. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Whiteflies are an economically important group of insects infesting a wide range of host plants. The whitefly egg has a stalk or pedicel at one end, with which it attaches itself to the leaf. Some polyphagous whitefly species vary in their puparia depending on the host plant cuticle on which they develop, and this has caused a considerable amount of misidentification. Vasiform orifice on the dorsal surface of the caudal segment of the abdomen is characteristic of the Aleyrodidae, and within the family, it is taxonomically diagnostic because it varies in shape according to the species. Most whitefly species have a narrow range of host plants, but the ones that are considered pests may feed on and damage many vegetable and field crops, greenhouse, and nursery crops and house plants. Advances in molecular biology as well as new techniques enabling the discovery of morphological characters will further assist in the resolution of problems in whitefly systematics.

This study aimed to understand the relationship between termite food preferences and the ecological benefits derived from their activity in terms of soil dynamics and water infiltration. A field study was carried out for six months with different food baits (elephant dung, Acacia leaves, twigs and leaves of Lantana camara as well as Ficus religiosa, Pterocarpus marsupium, Prosopis juliflora, Michelia champaca, Azadirachta indica and Hevea brasiliensis wood stakes) installed on the soil surface in a semi-deciduous forest in southern India. At the end of the experiment we determined bait consumption rates and the amount of soil sheetings covering the different baits. Water infiltration rates were also measured using the Beerkan method. The initial infiltration rates (i.e. average of the first three infiltration rates) under the baits were compared to those at the end of the experiment (average of the last three infiltration rates when the steady state was reached). Three termite species, Odontotermes obesus, O. feae and Microtermes obesi, were found associated with some of the baits in the study area. Among the different baits, elephant dung and Acacia leaves were the most preferred and a relationship was observed between the quantity of soil sheetings and the bait consumption rate. Termite preference for elephant dung and Acacia leaves was also associated with higher water infiltration rates. However, this difference was only significant at the beginning of the experiment and no significant difference was measured once the steady state was reached. In conclusion, we showed that resource quality was of primary importance for soil sheeting production but that the influence of termites on water infiltration remained limited, most likely because of the low stability of their tunnels in the soil.

The invasion and infestation of the Rugose spiraling whitefly (RSW), Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) on coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L.) (Arecales: Arecaceae) in India is reported for the first time from Indian as well as from Oriental region. The severity of its infestations and impact on coconut cultivation in India is discussed.

For some time now, timber has been relegated to the back stage due to competition from modern alternatives. Yet, this lone renewable structural material is all set to stage a comeback soon because of the carbon benefits accruing from its use. Although India is blessed with over 4000 woody plant species, the country is timber deficient. In order to bridge the gap between supplies and demand, timber from different countries is being imported. But the performance of such timbers under various service conditions in different Indian environments is not known. Since information on these lines is desirable to put any timber to its best end-use, evaluation of the bioresistance of some of the imported timbers in marine regime was included in a larger programme and the results of this marine component are presented in this paper. A total of twenty timbers that originated from eleven countries together with two Indian timbers were subjected to marine exposure trial in Visakhapatnam tropical waters. The trial followed by data analysis distinguished the twenty imported timbers into five groups, viz ., A. pseudoplatanus and Fagus sylvatica from Belgium with 8 months durability; A . pseudoplatanus , Fagus grandifolia , F . sylvatica and Fraxinus angustifolia from France and Havea brasiliensis from India with 9 months longevity; Fraxinus excelsior (Belgium) and Quercus robur (France) with 10 months life; Michelia champaka (India) and Shorea macroptera (Malaysia) with 14 months longevity and Dryobalanops aromatica (Malaysia), Pteocarpus soyauxii (Africa and Cameroon), Shorea s (Indonesia), Shorea robusta (Malaysia), Tectona grandis (Australia, Burma, Ghana, Ivory coast and Tanzania) and Xylia dolabriformis (Burma) with 18 months durability. Compared to the natural resistance of fifty-eight Indian timbers assessed earlier by various workers in the same harbour, performance of the twenty imported timbers tested now is considered as only moderate. While European timbers are advised to be used as marine structural components not in contact with sea water, others may be used universally in all marine applications. However, all the twenty imported timbers had exhibited inferior durability than Dalbergia sisoo , Diospyros melanoxylon , Kingiodendron pinnatum , Lagerstroemia hypoleuca , Lagerstroemia parviflora , Mimusops littoralis , Pterocarpus dalbergioides , Pterocarpus marsupium , Schleichera oleosa , S . robusta , Terminalia arjuna and Terminalia paniculata .

Nanoparticles have addressed many challenges in science and technology and wood science research is one such field that has benefitted from application of metal nanoparticles. The metal nanoparticles that are commercially available for wood protection are synthesised by physical and chemical methods which produces toxic by-products and are expensive. The current study deals with a new approach for utilization of metal nanoparticle for wood protection in an ecofriendly and cost effective way. Metal nanoparticles were synthesised using plant extracts that are known to have wood preservative properties. The synergistic effects of the intrinsic property of plant extracts along with the biocidal property of metal nanoparticles were utilized. Copper oxide nanoparticles were synthesised using leaf extracts of Neem (Azadirachta indica), Pongamia (Pongamia pinnata), Lantana (Lantana camara) and extract of orange peel (Citrus reticulata). The effectiveness of the synthesised plant extract and copper oxide nanoparticle formulation is tested against wood decay fungi using agar mixed with the test substance. Graveyard test is employed to assess the effect of the copper oxide nanoparticle formulation against termites. Preliminary results are promising and studies are progressing to develop a stable and environmentally benign wood preservative formulation of metal nanoparticles and plant extracts.

A new whitefly species, Dialeurodes pongamiae breeding on Pongamia pinnata from Bengaluru (Karnataka: India) is described and illustrated.

Antifeedant activity of Capparis decidua extracts has been studied against a ployphagous lasiocampid moth Streblote (=Taragama) siva commonly known as Babul defoliator and infesting a number of tree species throughout the arid tracts of Indian Thar Desert. Wood, bark, branch and fruits of C. decidua collected from suburbs of Jodhpur (Rajasthan, India) were extracted with petroleum ether and chloroform and extractive values were determined. All extracts were tested at 0.01, 0.05 and 0.1 % concentrations for their antifeedant efficacy against S. siva. Significant antifeedant activity against the moth was recorded at 1 % concentration of the all the extracts. Seed extract however have shown the highest antifeedant activity.

Occurrence of the highly polyphagous woolly whitefly, Aleurothrixus floccosus (Maskell) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) on guava (Psidium guajava L.) was recorded as invasive in India. The whitefly is believed to be neotropical origin but is now found throughout the warmer parts of the world. The identification of A. floccosus was done through taxonomic characters of puparium and reconfirmed by DNA barcoding of adult whitefly using partial (658 bp) mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 (CO1) gene. This is the first report of the breeding of A. floccosus on guava in India. Identification details, diagnosis, symptoms of damage and impact of its infestation on guava and citrus are discussed.

Some imported timbers are well known for their durability and their reputation has carried them far from their original homes, although some have not maintained their reputation under different conditions or where new varieties of termites have appeared. It is necessary to know the behaviour of wood species under different environmental conditions and their durability class before the timber or timber product is put into use. The degree of wood deterioration is dependent on conditions such as soil, rainfall, altitude, temperature, and other environmental conditions under which the timber is put to use. Natural durability refers to the ability of wood species to resist attack by different agents, especially biological ones. This paper describes the natural resistance of important imported timber species of India against termites in different agro-eco zones. Field experiments were carried out at six locations falling under five Indian agro-eco zones with the aim of evaluating the natural resistance of 20 species of imported woods. Wood stakes measuring 30.5 × 3.8 × 3.8 cm as per IS:401-1982 standards were implanted in the soil and observed for a period of 4 yr, and visual damage assessment was done. The termites active in the test yard and on the test stakes were collected, preserved in 70% ethanol, and identified using taxonomic keys. Results revealed significant variation in rate of degradation of wood species with climatic zones producing significant variation as well. The tested timbers were categorized into three groups: susceptible, resistant, and moderately resistant. Termites collected belonged to nine species under four genera and the single family Termitidae. Odontotermes obesus was the dominant species in most of the locations.

The influence of physical and chemical properties of 20 species of imported wood on degradation of the wood by termites under field conditions was studied. The wood species studied were: Sycamore maple, Acer pseudoplatanus L. (Sapindales: Sapindaceae) (from two countries), Camphor, Dryobalanops aromatic C.F.Gaertner (Malvales: Dipterocarpaceae), Beech, Fagus grandifolia Ehrhart (Fagales: Fagaceae), F. sylvatica L. (from two countries), Oak, Quercus robur L., Ash, Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl (Lamiales: Oleaceae), F. excelsior L., Padauk, Pterocarpus soyauxii Taubert (Fabales: Fabaceae), (from two countries), Jamba, Xylia dolabrifiormis Roxburgh, Shorea laevis Ridley (Malvales: Dipterocarpaceae), S. macoptera Dyer, S. robusta Roth, Teak, Tectona grandis L.f. (Lamiales: Lamiaceae) (from five countries), and rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis Müller Argoviensis (Malpighiales: Euphorbiaceae) from India. The termites present were: Odontotermes horni (Wasmann) (Isoptera: Termitidae), O. feae, O. wallonensis, and O. obeus (Rambur). A significant conelation was found between density, cellulose, lignin, and total phenolic contents of the wood and degradation by termites. The higher the density of the wood, the lower the degradation. Similarly, higher amount of lignin and total phenolic contents ensured higher resistance, whereas cellulose drives the termites towards the wood.

Spatial distribution, abundance and assemblage of termites depend mainly on the local conditions and habitats in which they thrive. Striking differences are observed in the species richness, number of clades and functional diversity of termite assemblage between different habitats. This study aim was to examine effect of human interference in the diversity of wood destroying termite in forest areas as well as managed and unmanaged plantations in South India. Termites attacking trees and wooden logs were collected from forest areas, managed plantations and unmanaged plantations. The termites collected were identified and compared for species abundance, richness and species diversity. Results show that the species composition and species diversity of the wood destroying termites vary according to the conditions. The species diversity measures revealed that there is a significance variation among the forest fauna and plantations. The forest areas have the highest species composition compared to plantations. Species richness is high forest areas. Even though the abundance of termites are more in unmanaged plantations, there is no significant difference related to species diversity among the managed and unmanaged plantations.

Timber continues to be the most vividly used structural commodity even during the twenty-first century despite the advent of many modern constructional materials. Although India is blessed with 4000 woody plant species, the country is timber deficient. In order to bridge the gap between supplies and demand, timber from different countries is being imported. But the performance of such timbers under various service conditions in different Indian environments is not known. Since information on these lines is desirable to put any timber to its best end-use, a study was performed to understand resistance of these timbers against termites and fungi in Indian condition. A total of twenty timbers that originated from different countries together with Indian grown Hevea brasiliensis were subjected to field trails against termites at six agro-eco-zones of India as per Indian standards (BIS—4833: 1993 and BIS—401: 1982) and laboratory tests against fungi as per BIS—4873: 2008. The trial followed by data analysis showed that performance of many of the tropical imported timbers is reasonably good, whereas performance of temperate timbers was rather poor. Results of the study were compared to see whether there is any deference in the performance of same timber species in field against termites and in laboratory against fungi. The analysis revealed that there is no difference in the resistance class of imported woods against fungi and termites and findings are discussed in this communication.

To investigate the efficacy of astaxanthin from unicellular green alga, Haematococcus pluvialis inhibited the cell growth and trigger the apoptosis in human hepatoma cancer cell line (HepG2) in a dose and time dependent manner. Cell viability was analyzed by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The different concentration of astaxanthin viz . 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 μg/mL to incubate the cell lines at different time course. The lactate dehydrogenase leakage (LDH) content and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were also estimated. The depletion of GSH may be involved in the induction of apoptosis of the cancer cells. The apoptosis was evaluated with Annexin-V and Propidium iodide under fluorescent microscopy study. Moreover, the efficacy of astaxanthin 25 μg/mL significantly inhibits the hepatoma cancer cell growth and induces cell apoptosis. In addition, immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry studies were revealed that further evidence to confirm that the astaxanthin 15 and 25 μg/mL to trigger the apoptosis 42.55% and 58.55% for 24 h, respectively. Taken together, the present study suggests that H. pluvialis astaxanthin may protect from liver cancer.

This paper provides a user friendly pictorial guide for the identification of 15 wood destroying termites of south India with distinct characters and routes. The species included in the key are Coptotermesheimi (Wasmann), Heterotermes malabaricus Snyder, Microcerotermes flecheri Holmgren and Holmgren, Microtermes obesi Holmgren, Odontotermes assmuthi Holmgren, O. bellahunisensis Holmgren and Holmgren, O. bhagwatii Chatterjee and Thakur, O. bruneus (Hagen), O. ceylonicus (Wasmann), O. feae (Wasmann), O. horni (Wasmann), O. obesus (Rambur), O. redemanni (Wasmann), O. wallonensis (Wasmann) and Nasutitermes sp.

A study was conducted to investigate the population dynamics of four important coccids viz., Aonidiella orientalis (Newstead), Ceroplastes actiniformis Green, Cardiococcus bivalvata (Green) and Parasaissetia nigra (Nietner) infesting sandal in Bangalore, India. Meteorological data viz., monthly mean maximum and minimum temperatures, morning and evening relative humidity and total rainfall were also collected during the experimental period for statistical analysis to ascertain their influence on the population of coccids. The results show that all the four coccids are infesting sandal throughout the year. Maximum temperature exhibited significantly negative correlation with the population dynamics of A. orientalis, while other weather parameters did not show much influence on its incidence. In case of C. bivalvata, minimum temperature and morning relative humidity exhibited significant positive correlation with its population dynamics while other weather parameters had less significant effect on its population dynamics. For C. actiniformis and P. nigra, none of the weather factors seem to have influence on their incidences.

Trade, transport and travel are the major drivers of bioinvasions and will continue to increase as a by-product of globalization. Agricultural practices that simplify ecosystems by focusing on a small number of crops by eliminating predators and competitors generally make those systems more vulnerable to invasion. The Neotropical solanum whitefly, Aleurothrixus trachoides is found to be invasive in India; it is presently spreading fast in South India infesting many economically important plants of the family Solanaceae like brinjal (Figure 1 a), chilli (Figure 1 b), and tomato (Figure 1 c), and sandalwood (Figure 1 d), as well as some medicinal, ornamental (Figure 1 e) and weed species (Figure 1 f).

Eleven new species of the genus Aleuroclava Singh viz., A. celtise, sp. nov. (Tamil Nadu: Kodaikanal); A. combifornis, sp. nov. (Andhra Pradesh: Visakhapatnam); A dipterocarpi, sp. nov. (Kerala: Pamba); A. nothapodytese, sp. nov. (Karnataka: Chikmagalur); A. palakkadensis, sp. nov. (Kerala: Singampara); A. pambaensis, sp. nov. (Kerala: Pamba); A. paracrotone, sp. nov. (Kerala: Nellayampathi); A. premnae, sp. nov. (Tamil Nadu: Thaniparai); A. rhamnacei, sp. nov. (Tamil Nadu: Bhima falls); A. scolopiae, sp. nov. (Kerala: Karadipara); and A. viraktamathi, sp. nov. (Tamil Nadu: Kumarapuram) are described and illustrated. The names A. indicus Meganathan & David and A. papillata Dubey & Sundararaj retained and additional notes provided for A. goaensis Jesudasan & David and A. manii (David). This brings the number of Indian species of Aleuroclava to 62. Also, new hosts recorded for the Indian fauna.

Three whiteflies namely Singhius meiogynea, sp. nov. breeding on Meiogyne pannosa, S. pandalamensis, sp. nov. on Macaranga peltata and Aporusa sp., and S. philomenae, sp. nov. on Mussaenda frondosa described and illustrated. All the species of the genus Singhius listed and a key to the species given.

Cockerelliella kudremukhensis, sp. nov. breeding on Syzygium sp. and Pseudcockerelliella curvata, gen. et. sp. nov. breeding on Holigarna grahamii are described and illustrated. Pseudcockerelliella, gen. nov. resembles Cockerelliella Sundararaj & David, but differs distinctly in the cephalothoracic suture pattern separating the dorsal disc from submedian area, longitudinal moulting suture not reaching margin and transverse moulting suture extending beyond submarginal furrow, and presence of very narrow thoracic and caudal tracheal furrows without any marking. The species of Cockerelliella are listed and a key to the known species is given. A key to the puparia of whitefly genera in India is also given.

Five new species of Dialeurolonga Dozier, viz., D. davidi Dubey & Sundararaj, D. kumargiriensis Dubey & Sundararaj, D. multipori Dubey & Sundararaj, D. multituberculata Dubey & Sundararaj and D. pseudocephalidistincta Dubey & Sundararaj from India are described and illustrated. A key to the Indian species of Dialeurolonga is given.

Eight new species of the genus Aleuroclava Singh viz., A. calicutensis, sp. nov. (Kerala: Calicut), A. calycopteriseae, sp. nov. (Karnataka: Kudremukh), A. davidi, sp. nov. (Tamil Nadu: Jamunamarathur hills), A. doddabettaensis, sp. nov. (Tamil Nadu: Doddabatta), A. kudremukhensis, sp. nov. (Karnataka: Kudremukh), A. martini, sp. nov. (Karnataka: Kudremukh), A. papillota, sp. nov. (Karnataka: Kudremukh), and A. ramachandrani, sp. nov. (Karnataka: Unachali falls) are described and illustrated. Two new combinations Aleurclava murrayae (Singh), comb. nov. and Aleuroclava psidii (Singh), comb. nov. are proposed. This bring the number of Indian species of Aleuroclava to 49. New hosts have been recorded for the Indian species of Aleuroclava.

The whitefly genus Aleurocanthus Quaintance & Baker is represented by 25 species in India. In the present paper six new species viz., A. bangalorensis, A. flrmianae, A. goaensis, A. satyanarayani, A. terminaliae, and A. vindhyachali are described and illustrated. A key to Indian species of Aleurocanthus is given.

A invasive rugose spiraling whitefly (RSW) Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) was found infesting coconut, banana, custard apple and several ornamental plants in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala for the first time in India. The identity of the pest species was determined through morphological and molecular tools. Furthermore cytochrome c oxidase-I gene (658 bp) of RSW was sequenced (GenBank accession number KY209909) which would serve as an ideal molecular diagnostic marker for its identification irrespective of its phenotypic plasticity. During the survey, several natural enemies were recorded and maximum parasitism was recorded by Encarsia guadeloupae Viggiani (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) and its COI gene was sequenced and deposited as Encarsia sp. (GenBank accession number KY223606). Per cent parasitism ranged from 20.0 to 60.0 % in different collection locations, highest parasitism being recorded in Kerala as compared to other states. The predators recorded were Mallada sp., few coccinellids and predatory mites. This communication is the first report of the rugose spiraling whitefly, its host plant range and associated natural enemies in India.

Investigations were carried out to determine the natural resistance of 20 commercially available imported timber species and two Indian timber species against wood decay fungi. Based on the resistance against the wood decay fungi, Fagus grandifolia Ehrh. F. sylvatica L., Acer pseudoplatanus L., and Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg. with weight loss of around 40–50 % comes under “non-resistance class”. Decay was around 30 % in Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl., F. excelsior Quctnon. and Michelia champaka L. which come under “moderately resistance class”. Dryobalanops aromatica Geratin., Pterocarpus soyauxii Taub. (from two countries), Quercus robur L., Shorea laevis Ridl., S. marcoptera Dyer., S. robusta Gearth., Tectona grandis L.f. (from five countries) and Xylia dolabriformis Benth. showed less than 10 % of weight loss and can be grouped under “high resistance class”.

© Zoo Outreach Organisation; www.zoosprint.org Manuscript 1162; Received 08 March 2004; Revised received 11 May 2004; Finally accepted 13 June 2005; Date of publication 21 June2005 1924 July 2005 | ISSN 0971-6378 ABSTRACT The whitefly genus Tetraleurodes Cockerell from India was studied. A new species Tetraleurodes dendrocalamae breeding on Dendrocalamus strictus in Kudremukh National Park, Karnataka, India, is described and illustrated. A key to the Indian species of the genus is given.

The genus Aleuroclava Singh was represented in India so far by 22 species. Fourteen new species are described here from India and a workable key to the Indian species of the genus is given.

The influence of biochemical parameters of the host plants viz.Jasminum multiflorum Andr.,Jasminum sambac Ait.,Jasminum grandiflorum Linn.,Jasminum auriculatum Vahl.,Jasminum pubescens Willd. andJasminum flexile Vahl. on the biology of Dialeurodes vulgaris was studied. The results indicate remarkable variation in the biochemical parameters of host plants which affected significantly the biology of the insect. The per cent survival and growth index have been considerably low inJasminum pubescens, Jasminum auriculatum andJasminum grandiflorum and the same trend has been noticed with regard to fecundity and longevity also. The most preferred hosts have beenJasminum sambac andJasminum multiflorum. It is observed that high amount of phenol and excessive accumulation of sugars in host plants make them nonpreferred while high amount of amino acids makes the plants more preferred byDialeurodes vulgaris.

Distinctaleyrodes setosus Dubey & Sundararaj gen. et sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) found on Derris sp. from Kudremukh National Park in Karnataka state of India is described and illustrated. This species is unique in the grossly swollen form of the major dorsal setae.

The present study aims to understand the influence of biochemical parameters of the host plants vizAbelmoschus esculentus L.,Gossypium hirsutum L. andAbutilon indicum G. Den. on the reproductive biology ofEarias vittella. The results indicate remarkable variation in the biochemical parameters of host plants which affected significantly the growth index and reproductive potential of the insect species. Decrease in body weight, fecundity, prolongation of larval period, percentage of larva becoming adult and adult longevity of both male and female was observed when reared onAbutilon indicum which had less amount of reducing sugars, protein and free amino acids but had high amount of non reducing sugars. Decreased larval period, increased fecundity and adult longevity were observed when reared on cotton and okra which had high amount of reducing sugars, free amino acids and protein. There was no significant difference in the amount of total soluble sugars among the 3 hosts tested. The growth index and fecundity ofEarias vittella are apparently high on okra than on cotton. It is observed that high amount of reducing sugars, free amino acids and protein seems to be favourable for increase in fecundity ofEarias vittella.