Studies related to understanding the abundance and diversity of mites from beneath carrion soil is still limited, especially in Malaysia. This study aims to explore mite diversity and abundance in soil beneath rabbit carcasses throughout decomposition stages across various locations. In this study, 12 rabbit carcasses were placed at four different habitats in Malaysia namely forest reserve, highland, rural area, and oil palm plantation. The soil beneath rabbit carcasses were collected at the interval of 3-days (duration of observation was 34-days) and examined for the presence of Acari. The mites were identified to the family level morphologically and their relative abundance (RA), and diversity (richness, Simpson's Diversity Index, Shannon-Wiener's Index and Evenness) were calculated. Generally, mites were found to be highly abundant during the advanced decay stage of decomposition in all the four locations. The highest relative abundance of mites observed at advanced decay stage were macrochelids in forest (31.85%), histiostomatids in highland (37.06%), acarids in rural area (35.26%) and oil palm plantation (50.77%). Mite diversity varied across habitats and decomposition stages. During the early stages, the oil palm plantation showed the highest diversity, whereas the forest exhibited greater family richness. In the later stages of decomposition, rural and highland habitats demonstrated higher diversity and evenness, indicating habitat-related differences in mite community structure during carrion decomposition. In summary, the mites retrieved from the soil beneath the decomposing rabbit carcasses present significant potential as indicators for detecting temporary disturbances in various habitats, based on their dynamic patterns of abundance and diversity.
The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith, 1797)) is a highly invasive agricultural pest of global economic importance, comprising two host-associated strains, the corn (C-strain) and rice (R-strain) that differ in ecology and management responses. Since its first detection in Malaysia in 2019, this species has become a persistent threat to corn production; however, information on its strain composition in Sarawak remains limited. This study characterised the strain structure and distribution of fall armyworm populations from major corn-growing regions in Sarawak using mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) DNA barcoding. A total of 39 specimens collected from five localities were analysed through PCR amplification, sequencing, and phylogenetic comparison with global reference haplotypes. The results revealed a strong predominance of C-strain-associated COI haplotypes (89.7%) across all sampling sites, consistent with host-associated patterns reported throughout Southeast Asia. In contrast, R-strain haplotypes were detected at low frequency and were restricted to Bintulu and Samarahan. Haplotype clustering analyses showed close genetic affinity between Sarawak populations and previously reported invasive lineages, consistent with previously reported COI haplotypes from invaded regions. The coexistence of strain-associated haplotypes in localized populations may indicate ecological overlap or potential interstrain mixing; however, interpretation is constrained by the maternal inheritance of mitochondrial markers. Consequently, COI-based strain assignments should be treated cautiously and do not necessarily reflect biologically distinct host-associated populations. Despite these limitations, this study provides baseline molecular evidence of FAW strain composition in Sarawak and highlights the need for continued multi-marker surveillance to support strain-informed integrated pest management strategies for corn and other susceptible crops.
Insect growth regulators (IGRs) are insecticides that hinder the growth and reproduction of insects including mosquitoes by imitating hormones in their immature stages. IGRs from the type of chitin synthesis inhibitors (CSIs) impede the moulting and growing of insect larvae by disrupting their chitin synthesis. The effectiveness of three CSIs namely diflubenzuron, novaluron and cyromazine in causing the mortality among several populations of Aedes albopictus larvae were evaluated via the larval bioassays. Emergence inhibition at 50% of the population (EI50) values of these three CSIs for Ae. albopictus reference strain larvae were initially obtained through the larval bioassays conducted using late third instar larvae at several concentrations that caused mortalities between 5% and 95%. These EI50 values of the reference strain were then applied on the field populations of the same larval species. Emergence inhibition percentage (EI%) was then calculated for each Ae. albopictus population tested. All Ae. albopictus populations showed EI% of more than 50% upon exposure to diflubenzuron, novaluron and cyromazine, indicating the effectiveness of these CSIs in controlling Ae. albopictus larvae at the study sites. These findings validate the potential use of these CSIs as alternative insecticides for mosquito control programmes in the future. However, the usage of CSIs and other types of IGRs by the public, needs to be monitored in order to avoid any resistance development among local Ae. albopictus larvae against IGRs.
Mealybug (Nipaecoccus nipae) has recently emerged as a major pest in oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) plantations in Southeast Asia, particularly in Sabah, Malaysia, where outbreaks have been associated with severe sooty mould development, impaired photosynthesis, and yield decline. Sustainable alternatives to synthetic insecticides are urgently needed to mitigate resistance development and environmental risks. This study evaluated the efficacy of an azadirachtin-based formulation combined with a plant-derived extract against N. nipae under laboratory and field conditions. Laboratory bioassays compared untreated control, azadirachtin alone, plant extract alone, and the formulation, DBMARK 30 EC with mortality assessed up to 96 h after treatment. Field trials were conducted at a commercial oil palm estate in Sabah using a complete randomized design (CRD) comparing DBMARK 30 EC, a commercial bioinsecticide, a chemical standard (imidacloprid + white oil), and an untreated control. Mealybug mortality, live population density, and visible sooty mould incidence were evaluated over 21 days after application (DAA). DBMARK 30 EC exhibited a strong synergistic effect in laboratory bioassays, achieving complete mortality by 96 h and significantly outperforming single-component treatments (P<0.05). In the field, DBMARK 30 EC reduced live mealybug populations by up to 86.2% at 21 DAA, comparable to the chemical standard, while markedly reducing sooty mould coverage on treated fronds. These findings demonstrate that DBMARK 30 EC is an effective and environmentally compatible bioinsecticide with strong potential for integration into integrated pest management (IPM) programs in oil palm plantations.
The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), an invasive noctuid pest first reported in Indonesia in 2019, poses a major threat to maize production. In its native range, two host-associated strains, corn and rice, are recognized, differing in both pheromone blend composition and nocturnal mating time. Understanding the mating behavior of local populations is critical for optimizing pheromone extraction and developing locally adapted lures. This study aimed to describe the nocturnal mating timing of Indonesian populations of S. frugiperda, assess its relevance as a behavioral indicator of strain identity, and identify an optimal scotophase window for pheromone-gland extraction. The results showed that the nocturnal mating time of S. frugiperda in Indonesia is concentrated in the early scotophase (approximate to 3-6 h) and is more consistent across populations than mating frequency or success. Using circular statistics and generalized linear models under common-garden conditions, we quantified clear phase differences across nine populations while noting limited power to resolve concentration (kappa) in low-activity groups. These findings provide a practical framework to standardize pheromone-gland extraction within a 3-6 h window after scotophase onset, which can reduce chemical variance and accelerate lure design. We propose this behavioral indicator as a decision-support tool, indicative rather than diagnostic, and recommend that it be combined with genotyping and pheromone profiling for reliable strain assignment. Local validation remains essential, especially in populations with low activity concentration. Future research should combine mating-time assessments with pheromone composition analysis and field studies using lures calibrated to the early-night schedule, thereby improving the practicality of pheromone-based monitoring and control in Indonesia.
The present study was conducted in the experimental field of the Department of Entomology, Gazipur Agricultural University, Bangladesh during April to August 2023 using jute varieties. The experiment aimed to explore the host plant resistance against Spilosoma oblique (Walker, 1855) jute hairy caterpillar based on leaf biochemical parameters of the selected BJRI Tossa jute varieties and to evaluate the yield performance of these varieties. The selected jute varieties were O-9897, OM-1, BJRI Tossa pat-4, BJRI Tossa pat-6, BJRI Tossa pat-7 and BJRI Tossa pat-8. Biochemical parameters, namely chlorophyll content, carotenoids, phenolic content, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) and flavonoids were estimated from the leaves of these varieties. Among these biochemical contents, total chlorophyll content and flavonoids showed a positive influence on the infestation of jute hairy caterpillar. In contrast, carotenoids, phenolic content and DPPH showed a negative influence on its infestation. Data analysis revealed that the highest infestation at 60 and 90 days after sowing (DAS) was found in OM-1 (22.8 +/- 0.8% and 42.0 +/- 5.5%, respectively) while at 120 DAS, the highest infestation was recorded in BJRI Tossa pat-6 (28.3 +/- 3.8%). On the other hand, the lowest infestation at 60 DAS, 90 DAS and 120 DAS was observed in BJRI Tossa pat-8 (15.5 +/- 0.2%, 29.8 +/- 6.4% and 19.4 +/- 1.2%, respectively). The maximum fibre and stick yields were obtained from BJRI Tossa pat-8 (2.3 +/- 0.2 t/ha and 5.8 +/- 0.7 t/ha, respectively). Among the six evaluated varieties, BJRI Tossa pat-8 exhibited the lowest levels of jute hairy caterpillar abundance and infestation, along with the highest fibre and stick yields, indicating its greater suitability for cultivation.
Fruit flies of the genus Bactrocera Macquart, 1835 are among the most damaging horticultural pests in tropical regions; however, their genetic diversity in urban forest ecosystems remains poorly characterized. Urban forests in Wallacea, Indonesia, may serve as reservoirs of biodiversity and potential monitoring sites for emerging pest lineages. This study assessed the mitochondrial genetic diversity and population structure of Bactrocera spp. in urban forest ecosystems in Makassar, Sulawesi. Forty individuals were collected using methyl eugenol-baited Steiner traps and analyzed based on partial COI gene sequences to identify haplotypes, estimate genetic diversity, and reconstruct phylogenetic relationships. Eight haplotypes were identified, with high haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.872) but low nucleotide diversity (pi = 0.0087). Most haplotypes clustered within a main clade, whereas Hap_8 showed notable divergence (>3% genetic distance). AMOVA indicated that 92.4% of genetic variation occurred within populations. Neutrality tests yielded negative values, consistent with recent demographic expansion or selective processes, although interpretation should be cautious given unresolved species boundaries. Phylogenetic and haplotype network analyses revealed a star-like topology cantered on dominant haplotypes. While based on limited temporal and spatial sampling, these findings provide baseline molecular information on genetic heterogeneity within urban forest Bactrocera populations. Broader geographic sampling and integrative taxonomic approaches will be necessary to clarify species boundaries and assess the ecological significance of divergent lineages in Wallacea.
This study examined aquatic insect diversity, functional feeding organization, and ecosystem function across three stream environments in tropical northern Vietnam: forest-associated (FSE), agriculture-associated (ASE), and residential streams (RSE). A total of 104 species from 90 genera and 45 families were recorded, with significantly higher richness and diversity in FSE (d: 4.5 +/- 0.5; H ': 2.7 +/- 0.1) compared with ASE (d: 3.5 +/- 0.6; H ': 2.4 +/- 0.1) and RSE (d: 2.6 +/- 0.4; H ': 2.0 +/- 0.3) (P<0.05). Functional Feeding Group (FFG) composition varied greatly among environments: scrapers dominated in FSE (29.4%), collector-filterers in ASE (22.2%), and collector-gatherers in RSE (45.4%). Functional indices also showed clear gradients, with higher P/R and substrate stability in FSE, elevated TFPOM/BFPOM in ASE, and the highest predator ratios in RSE. These patterns closely corresponded with environmental parameters such as DO, turbidity, and organic load. The results demonstrate the strong diagnostic power of FFGs for detecting ecological change and emphasize their value for bioassessment and stream management in tropical regions.
Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is a vital crop, but its production is often threatened by insect infestations, causing significant yield losses. However, abundance and diversity of both pest and beneficial insects in a sweet potato field remain underexplored, hindering the development of effective pest management strategies. This study aims to identify pest and beneficial insects associated with sweet potatoes, determine their population abundance and diversity, and analyze their relationship with abiotic factors. Insect sampling was conducted in a one-hectare sweet potato field at UniSZA Besut Campus, Terengganu, using three Malaise traps, five pitfall traps, and five yellow pan traps. Insects were collected weekly for 10 weeks (August-October 2024) and identified in the laboratory. A total of 10,642 individual insects from nine orders with 52 families were successfully collected. Among them, 34 families were beneficial insects, while 18 families were pests. Hymenoptera had the highest number of beneficial insects (16 families), while Lepidoptera had the most pest collected (six families). The overall insect diversity (H' = 2.361) showed a low diversity level. Rainfall and temperature were significantly correlated (P<0.05) with insect abundance. These findings highlight the diverse insect community in sweet potato fields and emphasize the importance of beneficial insects in regulating pest populations. Understanding insect diversity and its relationship with environmental factors is crucial for developing sustainable pest management strategies, reducing pesticide reliance, and maintaining a balanced agroecosystem.
Environmental pollution by heavy metals, particularly cadmium (Cd), poses serious ecological threats due to its persistence and genotoxic potential. This study examined the DNA-damaging effects of Cd exposure on two damselfly species, Pseudagrion microcephalum and Pseudagrion pruinosum (Odonata: Coenagrionidae), used as bioindicators of aquatic ecosystem health. Larvae were collected from Air Puteh and Kulim Hi-Tech rivers in Kedah, Malaysia, representing different environmental conditions. Final instar larvae were exposed to Cd concentrations of 0.01 mg/L and 1 mg/L for ten days. DNA damage was assessed using the comet assay, quantifying fragmentation through tail moment, olive tail moment, and DNA percentage in the tail. Both species exhibited significant DNA damage upon Cd exposure, with increased tail moments and DNA fragmentation in a dose and time-dependent manner. For P. microcephalum, tail moments at 0.01 mg/L ranged from 0.06 to 0.75, and from 0.10 to 0.86 at 1 mg/L, peaking around day 6. Olive tail moments and tail DNA percentages also peaked on days 6 and 7, indicating heightened genotoxic stress. Pseudagrion pruinosum showed increased DNA damage, with tail moments ranging from 0.01 to 0.52 (0.01 mg/L) and 0.02 to 0.70 (1 mg/L), peaking on day 7. Notably, P. microcephalum exhibited greater DNA damage across all parameters compared to P. pruinosum, suggesting species-specific susceptibility linked to genetic or metabolic differences. One-way ANOVA showed significant differences (P<0.05) across treatments and durations. Fluctuations after day seven suggest activation of repair mechanisms, though prolonged exposure may compromise these responses. This study highlights the effectiveness of comet assays on Odonata larvae for genotoxicity monitoring and underscores the ecological risks posed by chronic Cd exposure in freshwater systems.
In Malaysia, poor oil palm fruit setting on both peat and mineral soils continues to be reported, decades after the introduction of Elaeidobius kamerunicus. The population density of E. kamerunicus depends on the presence of anthesising male inflorescence. It was also previously suggested that the spikelet position on anthesising inflorescence can influence the weevil population. Therefore, this study aimed to analyse E. kamerunicus population density in relation to spikelet position across mineral and peat soil areas during the anthesising period of the male inflorescence. Sampling was conducted from July 2022 to June 2023. During the male inflorescence anthesis, weevils found on the spikelets were sampled and recorded. Sampling occurred daily from the 1st to the 5th day of anthesis. Simultaneously, additional data, including spikelet length, temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall, were also collected. Results revealed a significant difference in weevil population per spikelet based on spikelet position: on the 1st day of anthesis in mineral soil and on the 3rd day of anthesis in peat soil. The bottom spikelets consistently exhibited the highest weevil congregation, differ significantly from the population found on the top spikelets. Spikelet length also varied significantly with soil type and spikelet position. Mineral soil recorded the longest spikelets, significantly longer than those in peat soil. Conversely, the top spikelets were the shortest, significantly different from the middle and bottom spikelets. Correlation analysis between abiotic factors (relative humidity and temperature) and spikelet length against weevil population density per spikelet showed significant, albeit varied, correlations with the weevil population. These variations were observed across different anthesis days, spikelet positions, and soil types. This study highlights the influence of spikelet position on weevil population density per spikelet, providing valuable insights applicable to future weevil population censuses.
Pediculosis caused by Pediculus humanus capitis is a public health problem that mainly affects schoolchildren aged three to 12 years old. Limited knowledge is available about the prevalence of pediculosis among schoolchildren in northern Jordan. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of pediculosis capitis and associated risk factors among primary schoolchildren in northern Jordan. A total of 3038 students from 16 primary governmental schools were screened for head lice using combs and hand magnifiers (20x), in addition to direct inspection. Demographic and socio-economic information and other relevant data were collected using a questionnaire. SPSS was used to analyze collected data. Only 76 students were infested (2.5%), where boys showed lower prevalence (1.9%) than girls (3.1%). The gender, family size and hair length had a significant impact on the rate of infestation (P-value<0.05 was considered statistically significant). Other risk factors that have been studied showed an impact on the prevalence rates but without statistically significant relationships. The low prevalence of pediculosis observed in this study may be associated with improvements in socioeconomic conditions and ongoing public health awareness efforts in Jordan.
The widespread emergence of insecticide resistance in Aedes aegypti threatens the effectiveness of dengue vector control programmes in Malaysia. This study investigated the phenotypic susceptibility and the underlying genotypic resistance mechanisms associated with pyrethroid and organophosphate insecticides in Ae. aegypti populations collected from four localities in Penang, Malaysia, namely Apartment Asoka (AA), Taman Bukit Jambul (TBJ), Taman Machang Bubok (TMB), and Flat Sri Pauh (FSP). Adult susceptibility bioassays were conducted following World Health Organization (WHO) protocols using deltamethrin (0.03%), permethrin (0.4%), pirimiphos-methyl (60 mg/m2), and malathion (5%). Target-site resistance was assessed by sequencing the voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) domains II and III. Bioassay results revealed severe and widespread pyrethroid resistance across all populations. Deltamethrin mortality ranged from 5% in Taman Bukit Jambul (TBJ) to 65% in Flat Sri Pauh (FSP), while permethrin mortality ranged from 3% (TBJ) to 85% (FSP), indicating operational failure of both insecticides. Pirimiphos-methyl showed moderate resistance, with mortality ranging from 30% to 65%, whereas malathion remained largely effective, achieving 100% mortality in most populations, except TBJ, which showed possible resistance (95%). Genotypic analysis identified widespread knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations, including S989P, V1016G, T1520I, and F1534C. The most resistant population (TBJ) exhibited complex mutation profiles, including triple-mutation genotypes (V1016G/T1520I/F1534C) at frequencies up to 20% under permethrin exposure. Notably, the T1520I mutation was detected predominantly in deltamethrin-exposed populations, with frequencies ranging from 14.3% to 25%, and rarely occurred as a single substitution. These findings indicate advanced resistance development in Ae. aegypti populations in Penang, underscoring the urgent need to revise pyrethroid-dependent control strategies and implement evidence-based insecticide resistance management.
Superfamily Scarabaeoidea is a diverse, cosmopolitan group of beetles and is represented by 41,578 species from the World. Lucanidae is the most primitive family of superfamily Scarabaeoidea and are commonly known as stag beetles because of their large and conspicuous mandibles. The lucanids are represented by 1811 species from the world of which maximum diversity is documented from Southeast Asia. Many countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar and Laos are well documented, however, there is a dearth of checklist on Lucanids from India. To understand the biodiversity of a region, proper cataloguing of its flora and fauna is required. Therefore, an effort has been made to provide an updated checklist of family Lucanidae from India.
Conversion of tropical forests to oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) plantations is a primary driver of biodiversity loss. Polyculture farming is widely promoted as a mitigation strategy, yet empirical evidence from smallholder systems, particularly for sensitive bioindicator taxa like butterflies, remains limited. This study aimed to bridge this knowledge gap by directly comparing butterfly communities in adjacent monoculture and polyculture smallholder plantations. We investigated butterfly abundance, species richness, and community composition between July 2024 to January 2025 in a smallholder monoculture and polyculture site integrated with fruit crops and livestock in Johor, Malaysia. Butterflies were sampled using baited traps and aerial net surveys along standardized transects. Diversity was quantified using the Shannon (H') and Evenness (E') indices, and community similarity was assessed using Jaccard Similarity Index. Habitat characterization included measurements of canopy cover, tree density, shrub density, and herbaceous cover. A total of 381 individuals from 48 species and five families of butterflies were recorded. Habitat assessment revealed a high degree of structural uniformity between the two sites, with no significant differences in canopy cover, tree density and understorey density (P>0.05). Despite the physical uniformity, the polyculture system supported significantly higher butterfly abundance and species richness (38 species; H' = 2.641) compared to the monoculture system (32 species; H' = 2.518). A Kruskal-Wallis test confirmed a statistically significant difference in butterfly community structure between the two management systems (H = 4.379, P>0.05). The polyculture site was characterized by high abundances of Elymnias hypermnestra Beatrice (31.56%) and Junonia almana javana (19.77%), likely driven by the increased floristic quality of intercropped fruit trees and organic resource from integrated livestock. Our findings demonstrated that butterfly diversity in smallholder landscapes is driven by variety in resources and habitat quality rather than mere structural density. This emphasizes the importance of polyculture and livestock integration as effective tools for sustaining tropical biodiversity in agricultural settings.
The efficiency and performance of natural enemies play an important role in biological control. This study investigated the parasitic efficiency and performance of Diatraeophaga striatalis Townsend 1916 (Diptera: Tachinidae), a parasitoid of the sugarcane stalk borer Chilo auricilius Dudgeon 1905 (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) under laboratory conditions. A factorial randomized block design was used with two factors: larval instar stage (second and third instars) and host population density (20, 38, and 56 individuals), resulting in six treatment combinations, each replicated four times. The results showed that D. striatalis females deposited their larvae on the feces of C. auricilius at the entrance of the larval tunnels. From the fecal medium, the parasitoid larvae moved toward the host inside the sugarcane stem. Diatraeophaga striatalis exhibited a preference for third instar larvae over second instars, with parasitism rates of 73% and 65%, respectively. Parasitism was affected by host population size, with higher densities resulting in lower parasitism rates. At host densities of 20, 38, and 56 individuals, the parasitism rates were 81%, 75%, and 60%, respectively. Not all available hosts were parasitized. The highest pupal formation occurred at the lowest host density, and third instar hosts produced larger and heavier pupae. Pupae from low-density host populations were generally heavier than those from higher-density populations. The emergence of D. striatalis adults was also influenced by host density: higher host densities resulted in lower adult emergence rates and a reduced number of female adults. Overall, D. striatalis prefers third instar larvae and performs best at low host densities, suggesting that these conditions are optimal for maximizing its parasitic efficiency. These findings provide valuable insights for potential field applications and mass-rearing programs.
Ficus deltoidea (Moraceae) is a dioecious fig species native to Malaysia with seven distinct varieties in Peninsular Malaysia. It maintains a mutualistic relationship with its obligate fig wasp pollinator, Blastophaga spp. (Agaonidae). Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) play a vital role in facilitating the interactions between dioecious figs and their specific pollinating wasps. It remains unclear whether Blastophaga spp. from two varieties of F. deltoidea can differentiate between male and female figs by chemical cues, which may impact their host selection and pollination behaviour. This study investigates whether Blastophaga spp. exhibit preferences for male or female figs in two varieties, F. deltoidea var. angustifolia and var. deltoidea, using Y-tube olfactometer assays. This study examined fig wasp attraction, decision time, and the potential influence of fig volatiles on host selection. A total of 132 female fig wasps were tested, with 59 choosing male figs and 73 choosing female figs. A Chi-square test revealed no significant preference between fig sexes (chi 2 (1, N = 132) = 0.49, P = 0.484). However, Blastophaga spp. associated with var. deltoidea made their choice significantly faster (Md = 77 s) than those in var. angustifolia (Md = 90 s) (Mann-Whitney, U = 1700.50, z = 2.17, P = 0.03, r = 0.19). In conclusion, while Blastophaga spp. showed no preference between male and female figs of F. deltoidea, the faster decision-making in wasps associated with var. deltoidea suggests that fig volatiles may influence pollinator behaviour. This supports the intersexual mimicry hypothesis, thereby underpinning the evolutionary stability of their mutualistic nursery pollination.
Durian, often called the "king of fruits," holds significant economic importance for Malaysia, particularly with the country's recent 2024 launch of fresh durian exports to China. However, pest infestations and diseases pose serious threats to this revenue stream. Effective management of pests and diseases is essential, which requires identifying the factors influencing their occurrence in durian crops. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of durian's phenological stages and weather conditions on pest infestations and disease incidences. Conducted over a year (January-December 2023), the research utilized sticky traps, light traps, and visual inspections to monitor pest and disease activity across the plantation. A total of 10 pests and four diseases were identified. Among the pests are Allocaridara malayensis (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), Mudaria magniplaga (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), and Amrasca spp. (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) showed significant interactions with durian phenological stages, while Platypus spp. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and Tiraleurodes spp. (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) had a strong positive correlation with rainfall (r=0.82) and (r=0.71), respectively. Disease pathogens such as Phytopthora palmivora and Phomopsis durionis also correlated with increased rainfall, while Rhizoctonia solani showed a positive correlation with higher temperatures and humidity (r=0.64) and (r=0.50), respectively. These findings underscore the influence of both plant growth stages and weather on pest and disease occurrence. The study's insights offer practical value to durian farmers, enabling targeted pest and disease management strategies aligned with growth stages and seasonal weather patterns. By implementing informed control measures, farmers can mitigate the risks associated with pest and disease pressures, thereby enhancing productivity and economic outcomes for Malaysia's durian industry.
The Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica), a critically endangered species, is known to host the tick Amblyomma javanense. However, limited data exists on the tick-borne pathogens associated with this tick species in Malaysia. In this preliminary study, both morphological and molecular identification of A. javanense were performed, alongside molecular screening for tick-borne pathogens, using specimens collected from rescued pangolins in Peninsular Malaysia. Genomic DNA was extracted from individual ticks (n=122) and subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the COI gene for tick species confirmation (n = 5), general bacterial 16S rRNA gene for bacterial detection (using one representative tick per host; n = 5), as well as conserved genes specific to Rickettsia spp. (gltA), Anaplasma spp. (16S rRNA), Ehrlichia spp. (gltA), Bartonella spp. (gltA), Trypanosoma spp. (ITS1), and Borrelia spp. (flaB). Molecular identification confirmed morphological identification, with all ticks identified as A. javanense. General bacterial amplification in one tick revealed dominance of Staphylococcus spp., a genus with potentially pathogenic members, though its role in tick-borne transmission is uncertain. No amplification was detected for any of the targeted pathogens. While no known tick-borne pathogens were detected, the presence of potentially relevant bacterial taxa highlights the need for continued surveillance. Given the risk of zoonotic spillover through illegal wildlife trade and close human-pangolin interactions, further studies with larger sample sizes, pathogen isolation, and host blood screening are essential to better understand the epidemiological role of A. javanense and its associated microbial communities.
Dengue fever continues to be a public health challenge in Indonesia, especially in urban areas such as Banjarmasin City, where mosquito breeding is closely linked to household water storage practices. Despite ongoing control efforts, limited entomological data on larval habitats hinders the implementation of targeted and effective vector control programs. This study aims to identify and describe the breeding habitat preferences of Aedes aegypti in urban areas, both endemic and non-endemic areas in Banjarmasin. A cross-sectional larval survey was conducted in 235 households across eight neighbourhoods, during which 948 water-holding containers were examined for mosquito larvae. Entomological indices, including the House Index (HI), Container Index (CI), and Breteau Index (BI), along with the Breeding Preference Ratio (BPR), were calculated. Associations between container characteristics and larval presence were assessed using chi-square tests and binary logistic regression analysis. Of all inspected containers, 21.7% were found positive for larvae. Although buckets were the most common, they were not the preferred breeding sites. Flower vases exhibited the highest BPR (5.20), indicating a greater likelihood of larval occurrence. Containers located outdoors were significantly associated with larval infestation (OR = 3.366; 95% CI: 1.522-7.444), while other factors such as container material, colour, presence of fish, and cleaning frequency showed no significant relationship. The results of this study highlight the influence of container type and placement on the breeding behaviour ofAe. aegypti. These findings support the implementation of behaviour-focused measures, namely prioritizing high-risk container types and encouraging routine cleaning and biological control to reduce the risk of dengue transmission.
