Fiber trait is multigenic and each parent of the population carrying different genes aid in arriving at varied blend of association between yield and fiber quality traits. Eleven parental lines were crossed in half-diallel fashion to arrive at 55 hybrid combinations, which were evaluated under seven environments. The results manifested highly significant differences among the traits studied, indicating wide range of genetic diversity in the parental genotypes. Combining ability studies revealed parental genotypes SCS-PL-01, SCS-PL-04 as best general combiners for seed cotton yield; SCS-PL-04, SCS-PL-12, SCS-PL-51, SCS-PL-59 for fiber length; SCS-PL-51 for fiber strength and SCS-PL-02 for micronaire value. Genetic diversity of parental genotypes estimated using microsatellites was compared with SCA effects to understand the role of genetic distance (GD) in realizing the heterosis. Comparative characterization of parental genotypes indicated efficiency of capillary gel electrophoresis over metaphor agarose gel electrophoresis and could identify 55 unique bands. The study indicated predicting heterosis using GD estimates is competent when markers linked to the QTLs are used. Also, marker-assisted parental selection in combining ability studies would be a better approach in realizing potential crosses with high yield and fiber quality traits. (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic), (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic). 11(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic), (sic)(sic)55(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic), (sic)7(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic). (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic), (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic), (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic). (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic), (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)SCS-PL-01,SCS-PL-04(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic); (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)SCS-PL-04,SCS-PL-12,SCS-PL-51,SCS-PL-59; SCS-PL-51(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic), SCS-PL-02(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic). (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)SCA(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic), (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(GD)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic). (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic), (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(CGE)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(MAGE)(sic)(sic)(sic), (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)58(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic). (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic), (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)QTL(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic), (sic)(sic)GD(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic). (sic)(sic), (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic), (sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic)(sic).

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, isa newly invading polyphagous pest that affects crops such as maize, sorghum, and corn in India. The pest has developed resistance to various chemical insecticides, including Bt toxins and insect growth regulators. Therefore, there is an urgent need for alternative methods to manage this pest. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of three synergists in combination with pesticides. The results showed a high resistance ratio to chlorantraniliprole (RR-52.7) and low resistance to azadirachtin (RR-3.8) in the HSR field popu-lation compared to the susceptible population (Sus). In vitro enzyme inhibition experiments with PBO and TPP synergists revealed that resistance to chlorantraniliprole was mediated by esterase, GST and MFO. However less resistance to azadirachtin was mediated by esterase enzyme. The field population exhibited a 2.0-fold higher esterase activity (20 mu mol/min/mg protein) in re-sponse to chlorantraniliprole, followed by MFO activity (30-32 mu mol/min/mg protein). Gene ex -pression analysis revealed four genes (CYP321A7, CYP321B1, CYP4C71, and CYP4G74) were dif-ferentially expressed in the HSR population (4.0-6.0-fold) in chlorantraniliprole treatment and no expressions were seen in azadirachtin treatment. Overall the study concludes that, possible mechanism of chlorantraniliprole resistance in S. frugiperda mediated by P450s, esterases and GST and less resistance to azadirachtin by esterase suggesting that combination of synergists with azadirachtin could be useful for management of Spodoptera frugiperda.

As per the FAO, the insect pest causes 30 to 40 percent loss every year across the globe. The identification, classification and management of insect pest is very important to avoid significant loss. Practicing the above process by adopting manual methods are time consuming and less effective to achieve the task. The traditional methods often fall short in addressing dynamic pest behaviours, resulting in crop losses and increased chemical usage. Therefore, adoption of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques in pest identification and management act as a good substitute that arises from the challenges posed by evolving pest populations and the desire for sustainable agricultural practices. AI offers a transformative approach by utilizing advanced algorithms to analyse intricate data patterns from numerous sources like sensors and imagery. This enables accurate pest identification, early detection, and predictive modelling, enhancing decision-making for pest control, by minimizing indiscriminate pesticide application and optimizing interventions. AI not only reduces economic losses but also promotes eco-friendly strategies for efficient and resilient pest management systems. The present review is an endeavour to explain the intermingling and future scope of AI in insect pest management.

The imperative use of pesticides for enhancing agricultural productivity has become inevitable. Unfortunately, the unregulated and indiscriminate application of these pesticides extends beyond the intended target areas, with residues persisting for months to even years. This lack of precision and information has triggered widespread pest outbreaks, posing significant health risks to both humans and other organisms due to pesticide residues in food. The presence of even trace amounts of these residues has emerged as a major impediment to international trade in food commodities. To address these challenges and align with sustainable practices, the article highlights the urgent need for controlled pesticide techniques, including organic farming, safe harvest indices, and bioremediation, which are crucial aspects of mitigating admixed micropollutants in the environment. The discussion covers the impact of pesticides on food quality, effective residue management, and the vital role of regulatory bodies. Drawing from diverse sources, the work seeks to provide a concise yet comprehensive overview and solutions to the challenges of pesticide management.

The Spodoptera frugiperda is a notorious pest with a broad host range. It severely damages crops, mainly in areas of the globewhere maize and sorghum are grown. The pest is difficult to control due to its adaptive nature and resistance to several insecticides available in the market. So, an identification of the alternative strategy is the prime important in the present context. Insecticidal activities of cyanobacterial extracts were evaluated in the laboratory as a biocomponent against S. frugiperda. The crude extracts of Nostoc muscorum and Spirulina sp. were prepared by using ethanol, methanol and petroleum ether solvents. Soxhlet apparatus was used for extraction. S. frugiperda larvae in their second instar were given access to fragments of maize leaf that had been treated with various cyanobacterial extracts. The findings displayed that the petroleum ether extract of N. muscorum had the lowest LC50 value of 155.22 ppm, followed by petroleum ether extracts of Spirulina, ethanol extract of N. Muscorum, methanol extract of N. muscorum, ethanol and methanol extract of Spirulina with an LC50 values of 456.02, 710, 780, 1050 and 1070 ppm respectively. Later, the effect of LC50 values on many biological parameters like the larval duration and pupal stages, the percentage of pupation, the weight of the pupal stage, the malformation of the pupal and adult stages, adult emergence percentage, fertility and the longevity of the male and female adult stages of S. frugiperda was examined. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to analyse the crude extract to identify the bioactive components that were responsible for the insecticidal properties. The major compounds detected were diethyl phthalate (19.87 %), tetradecane (5.03%), hexadecanoic acid, ethyl ester (4.10 %), dodecane (4.03%), octadecane (3.72%), octadecanoic acid, methyl ester (3.40 %), ethyl oleate (3.11 %), methyl ester. octadecenoic acid (3.04 %), heptadecane (3.04 %) and phytol (3.02 %). The presence of several bioactive chemicals in the cyanobacterial extracts may be the reason for their insecticidal actions, thus it can be used as an alternative and new source to combat fall armyworm and other crop pests.

Cyanobacterial extracts were served as alternative and novel source for the management of insect pests rather than chemically synthesized pesticides which led to catastrophic effect on human beings and environment. Here cyanobacterial species of Spirulina sp. and Nostoc muscorum were extracted by using four different solvents viz., hexane, petroleum ether, ethanol and methanol were evaluated against S. frugiperda. The results revealed that cyanobacterial extracts exhibited considerable toxicity against S. frugiperda. In the toxicity of bioassay tests revealed that N. muscorum hexane and petroleum ether extracts were recorded lowest LC50 values of 133.18 and 165.68 ppm respectively. This was followed by Spirulina hexane extract, Spirulina petroleum ether extract, N. muscorum ethanol and methanol extract, Spirulina ethanol and methanol extract were recorded LC50 values of 337.28, 468.05, 730 and 800, 1070 and 1090 ppm respectively. Similarly, experiment was repeated for the confirmation of previous results and results were followed similar trend as that of first set of results. Study on the enzymatic inhibitory action of cyanobacterial extracts, revealed that Nostoc muscorum hexane and petroleum ether extract significantly inhibited the activity of esterase, Glutathione S- Transferase (GST) and cytochrome p450 with a mean of 0.29 and 0.36 µmoles of naphthol/min/µg of protein, 1.30 and 1.40 µmoles of CDNB/min/µg of protein and 0.28 and 0.38 µmoles of p-nitroanisole/min/µg of protein respectively followed by Spirulina hexane extract with a mean of 0.69 naphthol/min/µg of protein, 1.48 µmoles of CDNB/min/µg of protein and 0.46 p-nitroanisole/min/µg of protein respectively and control population significantly recorded higher enzymatic activity. Overall, these results highlights that the cyanobacterial extracts were having potential biocontrol agent in controlling S. frugiperda and could be useful in developing integrated pest management.

Background The Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a cosmopolitan polyphagous pest that feeds on nearly 80 species of plants The pest can cause upto 100% damage to crops if neglected. It is also resistant to the most of the chemical molecules available in the market, so it is necessary to identify alternate technology to combat this pest. Results The crude cyanobacterial extracts of hexane, petroleum ether, ethanol and methanol extracts of Spirulina sp. and Nostoc muscorum were evaluated against second instar larvae of S. frugiperda through diet overlay method of bioassay. The results revealed that N. muscorum hexane extract and N. muscorum petroleum ether extract recorded the lowest LC 50 value of 49.09 and 61.37 ppm, respectively. This was followed by Spirulina hexane extract, Spirulina petroleum ether extract, N. muscorum ethanol extract, N. muscorum methanol extract, Spirulina ethanol and methanol extract which were recorded 173.16, 227.22, 530, 730, 970 and 1000 ppm, respectively. Further, their potential effects on different biological parameters of S. frugiperda, viz. larval duration, pupal duration, percent pupation, pupal weight, pupal malformation, adult malformation, percent adult emergence, fecundity, and male and female adult longevity, were studied. The significant effects on different biological parameters were recorded by N. muscorum hexane and petroleum ether extract, followed by Spirulina hexane and petroleum ether extract. Similarly, an experiment was repeated for the confirmation of the first set of results, which followed by a similar trend. The first-ever novel study on S. frugiperda concluded that crude extracts of Spirulina sp. and N. muscorum extracts showed significant effects in causing larval mortality and affecting different biological parameters. Conclusions The experimental results can be recommended as a potential source of natural pesticides for the control of S. frugiperda .

The coffee white stem borer, Xylotrechus quadripes Chevrolat, 1863 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) - here removed from the synonymy with X. javanicus (Laporte & Gory, 1841) - is the most notorious pest in Arabica coffee plantations in many southeast Asian countries. It can cause damage up to 80% in various gardens. The borer is reported on 16 different host plants other than coffee. The severity of the pest was more commonly recorded on the Arabica coffee than on other species. More pest intensity on the coffee may be due to its innate evolutionary relation compared to other host plants. Studies revealed that the borer is more specific and attracted to the volatile of coffee plants but it is still needs a strong supporting data. Some of the behavioural and ecological-adaptations of borers leads to avoid predation and chemical-pesticides reaching them. Hence, no single method gives perfect control of this pest; therefore, harmonic use of different tools such as cultural, mechanical, physical, bio-control and chemical methods are the best way to combat this pest. Though the pest is economically important, the information on chemical and ecological behaviour, host plant resistance and recent advancements in the pest management are scanty. The present article is an endeavour to shed a light on biology, behaviour, host selection and management of X. quadripes with multiple instances, that will give a new avenue for the researchers to work on the least concerned fields to develop strong management practice and alert against future pest outbreak.

Nitropolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (Nitro-PAH) are highly toxic PHA derivatives. Nitro-PHAs are emitted by carbonaceous materials and PHA post-emission transformation, which causes water and environmental pollution and also exists as carcinogenic and immunotoxic agents. UV light has been shown to cause DNA damage and improves the covalent binding of PAH to DNA significantly. Mosquito breeding grounds are pools of water that can be large open zones or encased ponds with varying levels of sunlight exposure. This research was performed to assess the combined effects of UV-B exposure and Nitro-PAH on the physiological function of Culex quinquefasciatus larvae. To assess the impact of UV-B irradiation and Nitro-PAH exposure on mosquito vectors, parameters were examined: (1) Nitro-PAH availability and its impact on cell fatalities; (2) the detoxifying abilities of cytochrome P450, glutathione-S-transferase, and esterase; (3) the reactions to Reactive Oxygen Species; and (4) The resistance of mosquito larvae to three synthetic pesticides (temephos, imidacloprid, and permethrin). UV-B and Nitro-PAH treatment caused cellular damage and increased major detoxification enzymes such as α & β-esterase, cytoP450, CAT, GST, and POX. The levels of oxidative stress, ROS and protein carbonyl content, nitrite, ascorbic acid and thiobarbituric acid were decreased significantly. Toxicology bioassays revealed that UV-B + Nitro-PAH exposure significantly increased larval susceptibility. The current study concludes that prior exposure to Nitro-PAHs and UV-B may make mosquito larvae more vulnerable to chemical insecticides.

This study evaluates the toxicity of eight insecticides against Helicoverpa armigera (Hubn.). These include conventional and newer molecules which are being used on a large scale in six districts (Raichur, Kalaburagi, Bidar, Dharwad, Ballari, Bengaluru and Gangavathi) of north eastern Karnataka. The results revealed that the least LC50 value was observed in chlorantraniliprole 18.5%SC (0.17- 0.39 ppm- 2014-15; 0.19-0.43 ppm- 2015-16; and 0.70-0.94 ppm- 2016-17. Maximum LC50 value was observed with chlorpyriphos 20%EC (35.16-41.08; 37.35-43.27; and 36.02- 41.94 ppm). The order of toxicity was chlorantraniliprole > emamectin benzoate > flubendiamide > spinosad > thiodicarb > methomyl > profenophos > chlorpyriphos. These results reveal that rotation of conventional insecticides along with the new insecticides might be more effective.

The South American pinworm Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Family: Gelechiidae) is one of the most devastating lepidopteran pests in the developing countries of South America, Africa, and Asia. This pest is classified as the most serious threat for tomato production worldwide. In the present study, we analyzed RNAi-mediated control through exogenously applied dsRNA delivery on tomato. The dsRNA treatments were made to target the juvenile hormone binding protein and the v-ATPase B. Both mRNA targets were cloned, validated by sequencing, and used to produce each dsRNA. After treatments the relative transcript expression was analyzed using qRTPCR to assess to efficacy of RNAi. A leaf-dip assay was used to provide late 2nd instar larvae three feeding access periods: 24, 48, and 72 h, to evaluate the effect of gene silencing of each target. Larvae were fed tomato leaves coated with five different RNAi concentrations (10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 micrograms/centimeter-squared), that suppressed two genes (juvenile hormone protein, JHBP, and vacuolar-type adenosine triphosphatase enzyme, v-ATPase). Treatments with dsRNA showed a significant increase in mortality at 24, 48, and 72 h after ingestion (P < 0.01, α = 0.05), along with reduced leaf damage, and increased feeding deterrence. The results suggest that these two RNAi products may provide a suitable treatment for control of this and other lepidopteran pests.

The shoot and fruit borer,Leucinodes orbonalis(Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is the major cause of low productivity in eggplant and insecticides being the mainstay of management ofL. orbonalis. However, field control failures are widespread due to the evolution of insecticide resistance. Taking advantage of the whole genome sequence information, the present study investigated the level of insecticide resistance and the expression pattern of individual carboxylesterase (CE) and glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) genes in various field collected populations ofL. orbonalis. Dose-mortality bioassays revealed a very high level of resistance development against fenvalerate (48.2–160-fold), phosalone (94-534.6-fold), emamectin benzoate (7.2–55-fold), thiodicarb (9.64–22.7-fold), flubendiamide (187.4–303.0-fold), and chlorantraniliprole (1.6–8.6-fold) in field populations as compared to laboratory-reared susceptible iso-female colony (Lo-S). Over-production of detoxification enzymesviz., CE and GST were evident upon enzyme assays. Mining of the draft genome ofL. orbonalisyielded large number of genes potentially belonging to the CE and GST gene families with known history of insecticide resistance in other insects. Subsequent RT-qPCR studies on relative contribution of individual genes revealed over-expression of numerous GSTs and few CEs in field populations, indicating their possible involvement of metabolic enzymes in insecticide resistance. The genomic information will facilitate the development of novel resistance management strategies against this pest.

A checklist of Disteniidae and Vesperidae (Coleoptera) within the present geographical frontier of Indian subcontinent up to 2016 is provided. As per the current checklist prepared, there are 15 longhorn beetle species classified under 4 tribes, 7 genera and two subfamilies under Disteniidae and Vesperidae. The report has accounted for 4.3% and 3.75% of species, respectively, from India as compared to global record. For all the species, accepted nomenclature followed by all relevant works reporting systematics, classification, synonyms, type locality and distribution within and outside India is provided.

Genome size estimation is the first step involved in the complete genome sequencing project. Knowledge on genome size is also useful in research work related to genetics, molecular biology, and systematics. Though there are many methods of genome estimation, the Propidium Iodide (PI) based flow cytometry is simple and gives an accurate estimation. In the present investigation, the diploid genome size of four insect species viz., cotton leafhopper, Amrasca biguttula biguttula (392.47 Mb) (Cicadellidae: Hemiptera), bean pod borer, Maruca vitrata (1489.63 Mb) (Crambidae: Lepidoptera), tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta (1128.61 Mb) (Gelechiidae: Lepidoptera) and eggplant shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis (944.52 Mb) (Crambidae: Lepidoptera) were estimated using chicken ABC (2.33 pg) as a reference standard. The relationship of genome size with the insect morphological traits and host plant range showed no evident correlation between them.

About 70 per cent of pesticides are being used in developing countries like India and remaining 30 per cent in developed countries. The table delineates that IPM farmers used the contact insecticides with an average frequency of 1.50 times at the rate of 0.72 liter, which accounted for a cost share of Rs. 862, and systemic insecticide spraying average frequency of 1.83 times with a quantity of 1.05 liters includes a cost of Rs. 1232. Whereas, in case non-IPM farmers, sprayed 2.54 times at the rate of 1.17 liter per hectare with a cost of Rs. 1397 and systemic pesticide spraying frequency of 1.70 times and a quantity of 0.92 liters which includes a cost of Rs. 1100. Out of 60 IPM farmers, thirteen farmers used less than 2.5 liter, forty five farmers used pesticides in ranges between 2.5 to 5 liters and only two farmers were sprayed at 5.1 to 7.5 liters and they obtained average yield of 9.42 quintals, 10.17 quintals and 9.50 quintals per hectare, respectively.

The pesticide application in pigeon pea crop against pest and disease was varied in related to actual use and recommended, the quantity of pesticide used was almost double than the recommended by both IPM and non-IPM farmers. Among the IPM farmers, majority of the farmers (97%) reported that pesticides use was adequate, followed by quality of pesticide (62%) and awareness about labels (92%) and expiry date (57%) and farmers bought from registered company (87%). Similarly, in case of non-IPM farmers, 98 percent were opined the adequacy of pesticides use, quality of pesticides (47%), bought from registered company (68%) and awareness about labels (73%) and its expiry date (38%). About 47 percent of the farmers used knapsack sprayer and remaining 53 percent of the farmers used power sprayers. With regard to mixing of the pesticides with water, majority of the farmers (54%) mixed the chemicals with pouring water and 42 percent of farmers have used wooden stick for mixing. Most of the farmers (72.5%) applied chemicals across the wind direction.