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Background: Pulse beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis L. is a primary pest of stored chickpea which causes 50-60 per cent loss in seed weight and 45.5-66.3 per cent loss in protein content of the seeds and injudicious and indiscriminate use of hazardous synthetic chemicals for preventing storage losses in chickpea may lead to human and animal health issues due to residual hazards. Therefore, the biorational management of the pulse beetle in stored chickpea has been undertaken keeping biology in mind will prevent the loss as well as protect human health hazard. Methodos: The experiments on various non-chemical biorational approaches like effect of elevated levels of CO2 and application of nano particles which control the test insect effectively but have less toxicity to non-target organisms and the environment were studied in the Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, Odisha during 2018-2021. Result: The results showed that elevated levels of CO2 at 60 and 80 per cent for 150 and 30 minutes respectively resulted in cent per cent mortality of the bruchids. Among the nano particles, nano silica and nano zinc applied @1000 ppm and 750 ppm realized the highest mortality of the bruchids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pulse beetle is a field-to-store pest as its infestation on pulses often begins in the field itself as adults lay eggs on mature pods and when such seed is harvested and stored, the pest population increases rapidly and results in total destruction within a short period of 3-4 months. Keeping in view, varietal screening of fifty chickpea genotypes was carried out in the storage laboratory, Department of Entomology, OUAT, BBSR and the performance of the genotypes was assessed based on various biological parameters of test insect, damage and infestation by C. chinensis. The results indicated that none of the genotypes was completely resistant to pest attack whereas 4 genotypes (Himachal Chana 1, Dheera (NBeG-47), JG-14 and Dilaji) were found moderately resistant, 8 genotypes (Phule Vikram, JG 11, ICCV-181108, ICCV-181107, ICCV-181605, C-18203, C-18205 and C-18252) were moderately susceptible, 11 genotypes (RVG-204, RVG-203, JAKI-9218, Pratap Chana, Bharati, ICCC 4, ICCV-181106, ICCV-181612, C-18206, ICCV-181101 and Radhey) were susceptible and 27 genotypes (NBeG-49, Himachal Chana 2, JG-16, JG-130, CO 4, Vishal, Kranthi, NBeG-3, ICCV-14102, ICCV-171117, C-18175, ICCV-181611, ICCV-14106, Kalahandi Local, ICC 3137, ICCL 86111, C-19162, C-19168, GNG 2207, BG 3043, GG 3, Birsa Chana 3, C 19199, RSG 963, C 19200, KPG 59 and NBeG 119) were noticed to be highly susceptible. The bio-chemical constituents analyzed in the present studies viz., protein, phenol, ash and fibre contents of the genotypes contributed to the resistance / susceptibility of C. chinensis. Among the biochemical parameters, protein exerted significant positive effect whereas phenol, ash and fibre contents exhibited negative influence on pest infestation and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive insects pose a significant threat to native plant species and ecosystems, particularly in the context of changing climates. Understanding these interactions is crucial for effective conservation and management strategies aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of invasive species on native plant communities. Invasive insects often establish and proliferate in new habitats due to the absence of natural enemies and the availability of suitable resources. As climate change alters the distribution and phenology of plants, it can influence the susceptibility and resilience of native plant species to invasive insects. In some cases, rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns may favour the spread and population growth of invasive insects, leading to increased herbivory, reduced plant fitness, and ultimately, altered community dynamics. Furthermore, changing climates can disrupt the synchrony between native plants and their pollinators or beneficial insect populations, further exacerbating the impacts of invasive insects. As native plants and pollinators respond differently to shifting climatic conditions, their interactions may become disrupted, potentially reducing the reproductive success and long-term survival of native plant populations. However, it is important to note that climate change can also create novel opportunities for both invasive insects and native plant species. In certain instances, invasive insects may benefit from warmer temperatures and expanded ranges, while some native plants may exhibit adaptive responses and resilience to changing climatic conditions. These complex interactions highlight the need for a comprehensive understanding of the ecological dynamics between invasive insects and native plant species under various climate scenarios. The ecological interactions between invasive insects and native plant species in changing climates have far-reaching consequences for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem functioning. As climates continue to evolve, it is imperative to further investigate these interactions and develop adaptive strategies to mitigate the impacts of invasive insects on native plant communities. By doing so, we can strive to preserve and restore ecological balance in the face of ongoing environmental change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study has been designed with the aim to explore the impact of certain established host plants on the biology of polyphagous pest, Helicoverpa armigera Hübner under the ambient rearing. The hosts namely, Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L), Maize (Zea mays L.), Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan L.), Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.), and Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) have been used. The test insect, Helicoverpa armigera has been reared under ambient on the mentioned hosts to know the host suitability and further has been evaluated for the bioattributes like feeding index, approximate digestibility (%), pupal weight, growth index and survival index. During investigation, Gram, Cicer arietinum L. [Feeding Index 0.27 {±0.25}, Approximate Digestibility per cent 61.40 {±2.14}, Pupal Weight (mg) 321.25 {±3.97}, Growth Index 0.87 {±0.20} and Survival Index 1.41 {±0.57}] followed by Maize, Zea mays L. [Feeding Index 0.21 {±0.3}, Approximate Digestibility per cent 57.07 {±3.17}, Pupal Weight (mg) 311.34 {±4.31}, Growth Index 0.79 {±0.22} and Survival Index 1.37 {±0.54}] and Pigeon Pea, Cajanus cajan L. [Feeding Index 0.13 {±0.47}, Approximate Digestibility per cent 54.54 {±3.17}, Pupal Weight (mg) 297.67 {±2.41}, Growth Index 0.61 {±0.31} and Survival Index 1.34 {±0.48}] have been found to be the most suitable on the basis of evaluated bioattributes for the development of the test insect, Helicoverpa armigera. It has been recorded that the rest host crops also showed variable performance on different bioattributes of the test insect, Helicoverpa armigera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep learning, a subfield of artificial intelligence, has gained significant role in various domains, including agriculture. With the growing need to improve agricultural practices, enhance productivity, and face challenges such as crop yield prediction, disease detection, weed management, irrigation optimization, and livestock monitoring, deep learning has emerged as a valuable tool. The application of deep learning in agriculture, highlighting its potential to modernize farming practices. Overall, deep learning in agriculture holds immense promise, empowering farmers with data-driven insights, sustainability, and efficient resource utilization, increased productivity and profitability while minimizing environmental impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]