Raspberries are exotic fruits from the Rosaceae family that are in high demand among the public. Information on plant pest organisms and the diversity of arthropods associated with raspberry plants is needed to develop raspberry cultivation in Indonesia. This research aims to study the diversity of arthropods in raspberry plantations in Cisarua District, West Bandung Regency, West Java Province. The research was carried out using a survey method on land measuring 25 x 2.5 meters at an altitude of 1126 meters above sea level (masl). Sampling was carried out using yellow sticky traps, pitfall traps, knockdown methods, flying insect nets, and six direct observations. The observations yielded 1170 arthropods across 9 orders, 40 families, and 55 genera. The diversity index value is categorized as medium and tends to be high (H' = 2.99); the evenness index value is categorized as high (E = 0.75); and the dominance index value is low (C' = 0.09). Based on their ecological function, the arthropods obtained are grouped as decomposers, herbivores, natural enemies (predators and parasitoids), and pollinators. The largest group of decomposer arthropods comes from the Psychodidae family; the most herbivorous come from the Aleyrodidae family; the most natural enemies come from the Chloropidae and Araneidae families; and the most pollinators come from the Tipulidae family. The values obtained indicate the stability of the raspberry planting ecosystem, with no dominant individuals.
For demographic studies of organisms, life tables are one of the most appropriate tools that help in presenting the patterns of birth, death, survival of progeny and also the life expectancy. Life tables can be constructed based on the sexes in relation to the ecological drivers that include both biotic and abiotic factors. Helicoverpa armigerais a highly destructive pest affecting the major food crops such as pulses, fruit crops, oilseeds etc. all over the world. In India it is cosmopolitan. The estimated yield loss in India is about nearly 38%. An attempt has been made here to review the information generated in some recent works regarding the population studies of this polyphagous pest and its management in India.
Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) is one of the most widely grown vegetables globally. Integrated pest management, which combines multiple control methods, is commonly used to tackle fruit fly infestation. The experiment conducted at Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Pakistan in 2022, evaluated the efficacy of Alphacypermethrin, Basil Extract, and a Control treatment against Atherigona orientalis in tomato cultivation. Using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five replicates, the study assessed the effects of these treatments on pest populations and tomato yield. Alphacypermethrin proved to be the most effective in reducing larval, pupal, and adult infestations, leading to a significant increase in healthy fruit yield. Basil Extract showed moderate effectiveness, while the Control treatment exhibited higher infestation rates and lower yield. These findings suggest Alphacypermethrin as a reliable pest control agent, with Basil Extract as a sustainable alternative or supplementary option within Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. Future work should explore the integration of both treatments and evaluate their long-term environmental impacts.
The silkworm is an insect with high economic value due to its ability to produce cocoons, which are processed into silk fibers. Samia cynthia ricini is a type of silkworm relatively new to Indonesia. This insect can utilize various plants as feed, with castor leaves as the primary host and cassava leaves as the secondary host. However, information regarding the impact of diet type and population density on biological parameters, such as survival rate, development time, cocoon weight, and fecundity, remains limited. This study aims to evaluate the effects of diet type (castor and cassava leaves) and population density (20, 30, 40, and 50 individuals per container) on the biology of S. c. ricini. The research used a factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two factors. Results indicated that diet type and population density significantly influenced the biological parameters of S. c. ricini. Silkworms fed castor leaves exhibited higher survival rates and heavier cocoon weights than those fed cassava leaves. Increased population density reduced survival rates, cocoon weights, and fecundity. The optimal population density for rearing was 30 individuals per container. These findings provide valuable insights for improving S. c. ricini rearing practices. Using castor leaves as the primary diet and maintaining an optimal population density of 30 individuals per container can enhance survival and cocoon quality. This information is particularly useful for small-scale and laboratory rearing efforts, contributing to the sustainable development of S. c. ricini cultivation and silk production.
Understanding the temporal dynamics of pollinator activity is critical for conserving ecological interactions in Mediterranean ecosystems, where resource scarcity intensifies during winter. This study examines diurnal and seasonal variations in bee visitation to Moricandia arvensis (Brassicaceae), a key winter-flowering species, and assesses the environmental factors influencing pollinator behavior. Over seven weeks (October–December 2023), bee visits were recorded three times daily (9:00 am, 12:00 pm, 3:00 pm) in Qena, Egypt, alongside measurements of temperature, humidity, wind speed, and atmospheric pressure. Results revealed pronounced diurnal patterns, with peak visitation at midday (12:00 pm: 21.40 ± 2.51 visits), significantly exceeding morning and afternoon rates (F = 176.32, p < 0.001). Seasonal activity declined sharply, dropping from 18.13 ± 0.51 visits/week in late October to 4.73 ± 0.20 by late November. Visitation correlated strongly with atmospheric pressure (r ≈ 0.99) and wind speed (r = 0.98–1), while temperature (r = -0.85 to -0.88) and humidity (r = -0.62 to -0.88) exhibited negative associations. Species-specific responses emerged: Andrena sp. foraged predominantly in mornings (27.00 ± 2.16 visits at 9:00 am), whereas squash bees (Peponapis spp.) peaked later (6.20 ± 1.17 visits at 12:00 pm). Pest pressures from Spilostethus pandurus and Lampides boeticus reduced floral viability, exacerbating seasonal declines. These findings underscore M. arvensis as a critical autumn resource for pollinators, bridging floral scarcity until winter. However, its utility diminishes under colder, humid conditions, highlighting vulnerability to climate shifts. Conservation strategies prioritizing arid-adapted flora, such as M. arvensis, in conjunction with integrated pest management, could enhance pollinator resilience in Mediterranean agroecosystems.
Numerous fruit fly species pose enormous threats to fruit and vegetable production worldwide, resulting in both quantitative and qualitative losses. The experiment evaluated the effectiveness of five different traps in a pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) field located in Mahalaxmi municipality-6, Lalitpur district, Nepal, from April to June 2024. Yellow sticky trap, plastic bottle trap, bucket trap, steiner trap and plastic glass trap were used as treatments, provided with a cotton wick soaked in 0.5 ml of cue lure (except yellow sticky trap) placed at 1 m height on a standing stick in the pumpkin field. Throughout the collection, Zeugodacus cucurbitae was the most abundant, with a total of 1300 flies, followed by Zeugodacus tau, Bactrocera dorsalis, and Bactrocera nigrotibialis, respectively. In total, the highest average capture was led by the steiner trap, followed by the bucket trap, while the yellow sticky trap was the least effective. Laboratory rearing of fruit flies resulted in the emergence of a single species, Zeugodacus cucurbitae. Average pupal size was 5.67 ± 0.052 mm length, 2.15 ± 0.041 mm breadth, and weighed 14.90 ± 0.31 mg. Female adults were larger than males, measuring 7.59 ± 0.18 mm body length and 14.76 ± 0.31 mm wingspan, compared to males (6.98 ± 0.12 mm length and 14.65 ± 0.24 mm wingspan), and the ovipositor measured 1.75 ± 0.056 mm. This indicates a single species oviposits in a single fruit.
Thrips, insects of the order Thysanoptera, play key roles as crop pests, pollinators across diverse plant families, predators of other arthropods, and contributors to forest ecosystem dynamics. Despite the high diversity of thrips in tropical regions, these areas remain insufficiently studied. A survey of thrips was conducted during the Tama Abu Scientific. A total of 46 species belonging to three families were collected. The majority (50%, or 23 species) of the collected species belonged to the family Thripidae. Aoratothrips tenuis Priesner (subfamily Panchaetothripinae) and Elaphrothrips sensitivus Priesner (subfamily Idolothripinae) had not been previously recorded from Malaysia. An annotated list of Thysanoptera collected is provided. This list is by no means exhaustive, as it is based on a limited collecting period; many further species can certainly be expected from the Tama Abu Range and its adjacent areas.
The Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is one of the major fruit crop pests in Morocco and the world. The braconid Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a larval-pupal endoparasitoid that can be used as a native biological control agent against this pest. In this study, several rearing parameters were controlled to optimize a profitable rearing strategy. density and quality of host larvae, 2) exposure time to parasitoids, and 3) sex ratio of parasitoids. To investigate the effect of each parameter, we concluded that the third instar of C. capitata in a proportion of 2:1 larva: female, exposed for 24h to parasitoids with a proportion of 1:1 and 2:1 female: male. These parameters demonstrate good performance, influenced by parasitism at approximately 80%, high flight ability at 88%, low pupal mortality, and high female progeny production. A diet of pure honey and water for parasitoid adults gives a high longevity of almost 70 days. Other parameters did not differ much throughout the trials. The results in our study can be used to provide a suitable protocol and environment for mass rearing of D. longicaudata as a biological control against C. capitata.
Aphid (A. gossypii) is the major pest of okra. It took the top position among all the vegetable pests. The study assessed the effectiveness of synthetic insecticides for controlling sucking insect pests and their natural enemies in okra cultivation. Conducted at the Agriculture University, Peshawar, the experiment employed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five treatments: Deltamethrin, Malathion, Lambda-Cyhalothrin, Emamectin Benzoate, and a control. Infestation levels were recorded before spraying and at regular intervals after application. Results showed that Emamectin Benzoate was the most effective, consistently achieving the lowest infestation levels compared to other treatments. It reduced infestation from 81.75 before spraying to 43.53 after 15 days. It also resulted in the highest yield (3,900.59 kg/ha), outperforming other insecticides, such as Deltamethrin (2,978.56 kg/ha), Malathion (2,888.44 kg/ha), and Lambda Cyhalothrin (2,505.55 kg/ha). The control group had the lowest yield (526.70 kg/ha). Emamectin Benzoate also supported the growth of beneficial ladybird beetles, particularly Coccinella transversalis and C. septempunctata, whose populations peaked in week 3. Emamectin Benzoate was the most effective insecticide for managing sucking pests and improving yield in okra cultivation, supporting its role in integrated pest management strategies.
Dung-associated insects, often referred as coprophagous insects and detritivores, help break down organic matter, returning essential nutrients to the soil and promoting plant growth. Their activities not only enhance soil structure and fertility but also aid in pest control by reducing the populations of parasites and pathogens associated with animal waste. Understanding the complex relationships between dung-inhabiting insects and their environment highlights the crucial role these creatures play in maintaining ecological balance. These insects facilitate nutrient cycling and contribute to overall biodiversity. It plays a crucial role in promoting healthy ecosystems, as its presence can lead to improved soil health and increased agricultural productivity. Implementing integrated pest management practices that encourage the presence of dung-inhabiting insects can further enhance their role in sustainable agriculture, promoting a balanced ecosystem where both crops and beneficial organisms grow well. This approach not only promotes biodiversity but also enables farmers to adopt more environmentally friendly practices that contribute to long-term agricultural resilience.
Termites are one of the organisms that have the potential to reduce oil palm productivity, so it is necessary to identify the species and map their distribution to support more effective and sustainable management. This study was conducted to identify termite species and map their distribution in oil palm plantations in Timpeh District, Dharmasraya Regency, Indonesia. This study used a survey method with purposive sampling based on several criteria, including the presence of plant attack symptoms, air humidity ≥ 60%, the presence of rotten wood, the presence of termite nests, and the sampling location was selected in oil palm plantation areas located on the edge of local roads at a distance of about 0-15 meters. The termite samples obtained were identified morphologically using a microscope and identification keys. Termite distribution mapping was performed using ArcGIS 10.8 software, while the relationship between termite presence and environmental factors (temperature, light intensity, and humidity) was analyzed using Redundancy Analysis (RDA). The results showed that there were six termite species in Timpeh Subdistrict, namely Macrotermes gilvus, Coptotermes curvignathus, Pericapritermes mohri, Dicuspiditermes nemorosus, Nasutitermes longinasus, and Termes propinquus. The species M. gilvus has the widest distribution throughout the subdistrict and is not significantly influenced by environmental factors, but rather by its high adaptability. Meanwhile, the other species have a more limited distribution and tend to be influenced by factors such as humidity, light intensity, and the availability of organic material. The mapping results provide a crucial basis for determining priority areas for control and termite management strategies in oil palm plantations, enabling more effective and efficient approaches to be implemented.
Barley Shoot Fly (BSF) Delia Arambourgi Seguy causes tremendous yield loss in barley. Five foliar and two seed dressing insecticides were evaluated on variety HB-1307 against shoot fly at Debre Birhan Agricultural Research Center DBARC and Ankober station in 2021, the primary cropping season. The experiment aimed to select an effective and economical insecticide for barley shoot fly. Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications was used for the study, and data were analyzed using R software with a generalized linear mixed-effect model. Treatment means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at a 5% significance level. Seed dressing insecticides were applied on barley seed immediately before planting, and insecticides were used according to factory recommendations. Combined result showed that from foliar insecticides lambda cyhalothrin 5% EC, from seed dressing insecticides Thiamethoxam 25% WG were effective in decreasing the number of larvae and dead heart shoots, and gave maximum marginal rate of return and higher net benefit than the rest of the treatments. Therefore, we recommend proper use of Lambda cyhalothrin 5% EC at a rate of 0.25 lt/ha using 200 L water/ha and 4 g Thiamethoxam 25%WG 1/kg seed dissolved in 600 ml water for effective management of barley shoot fly. Based on this finding, examining sowing date and seed dressing insecticides in future research may provide yield increments in barley.
This study evaluated the efficacy and economic viability of four concentrations of Movento® SC insecticide-Movento® 30 SC, Movento® 60 SC, Movento® 120 SC, and Movento® 240 SC-against mustard aphids infesting Brassica napus at the Agriculture Research Institute Tarnab farm during the 2021-2022 growing season. The study was conducted during the growing season of 2021-2022, with different concentrations of Movento® SC applied to control mustard aphids on Brassica napus. The research used a factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two factors. Results indicated that diet type and population density significantly influenced the biological parameters of S. c. ricini. Silkworms fed castor leaves exhibited higher survival rates and heavier cocoon weights than those fed cassava leaves. Results revealed that Movento® 60 SC was the most effective in managing mustard aphids, resulting in the lowest aphid infestation level and the highest crop yield of 8526.7 kg/ha. This treatment also provided the highest net benefit of Rs.161,315.10/ha, with a cost-benefit ratio (CBR) of 18.50. While Movento® 120 SC and Movento® 240 SC were also effective in controlling aphids, they were less cost-effective than Movento® 60 SC. Movento® 30 SC showed the highest aphid infestation and the lowest economic returns. Movento® 60 SC provided the best combination of efficacy and economic benefit in managing mustard aphids in Brassica crops. It resulted in the maximum yield and net benefit, making it the most economically viable option. Although Movento® 120 SC and Movento® 240 SC were effective, they proved to be less cost-effective when compared to Movento® 60 SC. This suggests reassessing pest management strategies to balance optimal pest control with greater economic returns in mustard cultivation.
Coffee is an exported commodity that is important in earning foreign exchange. The coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei) is the most crucial pest that has a detrimental effect on coffee growers in Indonesia. Research on the incidence of fruit borer on Arabica and Robusta coffee was carried out on smallholder plantations in the Tanah Datar district. The study aimed to determine the extent to which fruit borers infest Arabica and Robusta coffee, and to determine the populations of these pests so that they could be compared. Observation variables included planting conditions and cultivation methods, percentage of coffee plants infested, percentage of coffee cherries, insect identification in the laboratory, and coffee berry borer populations. The results showed that the average incidence of Hypothenemus hampei infestation on Arabica coffee plants in Tanah Datar district was 30.00% and 36.66% on Robusta coffee plants. The percentage of the egg stage in Arabica coffee is 37% and 27% in Robusta coffee. The percentage of the larval stage in Arabica coffee is 33%, and in Robusta coffee, it is 28%. Stadia Pupa on 20% Arabica coffee, 11% Robusta coffee. Stadia imago on Arabica coffee 54%, Robusta coffee 49%. This study provides important insights for integrated pest management strategies in Tanah Datar, particularly in optimizing pest control for Arabica and Robusta coffee.
Plant diseases and pests are important factors determining plant yield production, including mango. Mango is an economically important fruit crop in tropical and subtropical areas. Mango fruit rot caused by insects and microbes has become a significant threat to mango production in Southeast Asia and worldwide. Insect plant pathogens affect crop yields' profitability, quality, and quantity. Some infections could occur before harvest and remain dormant until the favourable condition is achieved, and the disease will break out after harvest, reducing mango production. They act as a threat to the crops through various mechanisms of pathogenesis that compromise the immune system of the plants, such as developing any ways to attack the plants, seeking entry via open pores or exposed surface or wound, and sourcing nutrients forcefully for their growth and development. Depending on the environmental factors, the insect contracts the host through primary or secondary infection. This paper summarizes mango fruit rot disease caused by insects groups such as fruit borers (Autocharis albizonalis and Citripestis eutraphera), fruit flies (Bactrocera dorsalis), and mango seed weevils (Sternochetus mangiferae). This review will provide information about fruit rot diseases on mangoes caused by insects, the mechanism of infection, the interaction between insect damage and fungal infections, effective control methods, and related integrated pest management approaches.
Beetles (Insecta: Coleoptera) stands out as one of the most diverse insect groups, showcasing various color variations. These evolved color patterns present a fascinating trait crucial for understanding their evolution. However, studying these patterns poses challenges, given the intricate nature of colors in the natural world. While past researchers have explored beetle color patterns, quantifying colors requires costly equipment and sophisticated software. This paper introduces an alternative approach, utilizing digital images to examine color variability among Coleopterans. Forty-eight specimens from Mindanao, Philippines, were collected and photographed under consistent conditions. Subsequently, the images were calibrated and processed in R software to calculate image distances through cluster analysis. The results reveal that beetle color patterns fall into two categories: a dark color with deeper shades of gray and a moderately bright tone featuring a slight reddish hue with noticeable yellow highlights. Chrysochroa fulminans is the most distinct beetle across Coleopteran species due to its vibrant green coloration. Family-specific examination of color patterns revealed species with distinct color, Anomala flavipennis and A. smaragdina (Scarabaeidae), Otiorhynchus pauxillus (Curculionidae), Uloma culinaris (Tenebrionidae), and Nupserha fricator (Cerambycidae). The study's findings offer valuable insights into the evolution of Coleopterans, mainly their color patterns, serving as a valuable tool for classification.
Field experiments were conducted at El-Mattana Agricultural Research Station, Luxor Governorate, during two successive wheat growing seasons (2017/18 and 2018/19). This was to study the seasonal abundance of Rhopalosiphum padi (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on wheat plants (Giza 171 cultivar). We also investigated the effects of climate and plant phenology on the R. padi population density. Results indicated that R. padi infested wheat plants from December 17, 2017, until April 8, 2018, within the first growing season (2017/18), and from Jan. 27th, 2019, up to April 13th, 2019, within the second growing season (2018/19). The cumulative counts of R. padi in growing season one was 9486.17, and in growing season two, 3444.00 individuals. The mean population of R. padi per 10 tillers over the whole first season was 80.12 ± 7.90, and for the second season, 42.36 ± 2.96. The first season, December, January, and February, had the most favorable climate for R. padi population growth (measured during weekly inspections). In contrast, February and March were more favorable in the second season. R. padi was not detected on the wheat during the wheat maturation period within both growing seasons. The combined effects of climate and plant phenology strongly correlate with R. padi population density, with explained variance (EV) of 93.86% in the first season and 99.11% in the second season. Daily mean maximum temperature was the most influential variable explaining changes in total R. padi population, with EV 28.37%in the first season and 28.62% in the second season. The data provided here can assist in the design of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs for aphid control on wheat plants.
Crocidolomia pavonana is a significant pest on cabbage that reduces the quality and quantity of cabbage. Utilizing microorganisms such as rhizobacteria is an alternative environmentally friendly control that can potentially suppress the development of this pest. The study aimed to obtain rhizobacteria isolates capable of colonizing cabbage tissue and inducing plant resistance to C. pavonana larvae. The research was conducted at the Biological Control Laboratory and Greenhouse, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Andalas, Padang. The study used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with ten treatments and five replications. The treatment consisted of rhizobacteria isolates, including Bacillus thuringiensis, Bacillus subtilis, Serratia marcescens, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, as well as a negative control (aquadest sterile) and a positive control (Cypermethrin insecticide). The test was carried out by soaking the seeds in a suspension containing rhizobacteria with a population density of 10⁸ cells/ml. The variables observed were larval mortality, pupa and imago formation percentage, and increased salicylic acid production. The data were analyzed using variance and continued with the LSD further test at the 5% level. The results showed that all rhizobacteria isolates colonized into cabbage plant tissue could kill C. pavonana larvae and inhibit these insects' biological development. B. thuringiensis KJKB7.3 showed better results with the highest mortality value (62.67%). Soaking cabbage seeds with rhizobacteria can increase the content of salicylic acid. Based on this research, the rhizobacteria used in the research have the potential to be developed as biological agents to control C. pavonana.
Cashew is a significant export crop in Burkina Faso but suffers substantial damage from the cashew wood borer Apate terebrans Pallas. Despite its economic importance, the population dynamics of this beetle have not previously been studied in Burkina Faso, limiting the development of effective control strategies. This study monitored infestation patterns on 960 cashew trees randomly selected from 8 localities in 4 regions across two agro-ecological zones. The trees were inspected monthly over two consecutive years according to typical producer management practices. As A. terebrans bores inside branches and trunks, direct observation of adults was unfeasible. Therefore, infestation rates were estimated by counting fresh entry holes monthly. Over the study period, infestations began in July, peaked in November–December, and declined to zero by May–June. Infestation rates differed significantly between years (p < 0.001), among regions (p < 0.001) and localities (p < 0.02), and were influenced by cashew tree phenology (p < 0.01), suggesting that A. terebrans preferentially infests uncleaned orchards and trees at more vulnerable phenological stages. These findings underscore the need for targeted orchard sanitation practices to reduce infestations, as well as the importance of sampling plans and population monitoring to support higher cashew yields and economic returns.
