Motivation: Freshwater ecosystems have been heavily impacted by land-use changes, but data syntheses on these impacts are still limited. Here, we compiled a global database encompassing 241 studies with species abundance data (from multiple biological groups and geographic locations) across sites with different land-use categories. This compilation will be useful for addressing questions regarding land-use change and its impact on freshwater biodiversity. Main Types of Variables Contained: The database includes metadata of each study, sites location, sample methods, sample time, land-use category and abundance of each taxon. Spatial Location and Grain: The database contains data from across the globe, with 85% of the sites having well-defined geographical coordinates. Major Taxa and Level of Measurement: The database covers all major freshwater biological groups including algae, macrophytes, zooplankton, macroinvertebrates, fish and amphibians.

Oryzaephilus surinamensis, also known as the sawtoothed grain beetle, is a widely distributed storage pest that thrives in products with high sugar and carbohydrate contents. Every year, O. surinamensis causes devastating losses in post-harvest and stored products, particularly grain products. The aim of this study was to determined the repellence and toxicity actions of black pepper (Piper nigrum) against O. surinamensis. The repellence bioassay was conducted using two types of treatments, hot infusion of black pepper powder at concentrations of 25, 50, 75 and 100 g/L and commercial black pepper oil at 1.25, 2.50, 3.75, and 5.00 mL/L. A toxicity bioassay through contact was also investigated using commercial black pepper oil at the same concentrations. The highest repellence action was recorded at 25 g/L (5.70 +/- 1.055) for hot infusion and at 2.50 mL/L (5.40 +/- 0.400) for commercial black pepper oil. Meanwhile, in the toxicity bioassay, mortality was recorded to reach 50% after 6 hours and 24 hours of exposure at 3.75 mL/L and 2.50 mL/L concentrations, respectively. The highest mortality was recorded at 3.75 mL/L (20.75 +/- 1.315) and reached 83% after 48 hours of exposure. Thus, it can be said that black pepper, despite being prepared in the simplest way possible for use in the home, is a potent insect deterrent and excellent biopesticide against the sawtoothed grain beetle.

Plant and pollination have a mutualistic relationship where both parties offer and gain benefits for each other. The plant-pollinator interactions resulted in successful crop pollination in which the plant received pollination services by animal pollinator to increase food production that eventually increase crop economic value. Overall, ecosystem is highly dependent on pollinator thus there is a need to review potential valuation method of crop production and analyse the current understanding of the value of pollination service towards the ecosystem as well as the traits plant offer and benefits that pollinators gain from the relationship. The attractant and rewards highly depending on each other. Plant often able to attract pollinators through traits like the shape, size and colours of flower, deception, scents as well as location. In the meantime, plant would provide a reward for pollinators that visited the flower which includes food from pollen and nectar that contains high nutritional value, energetic rewards to reduces energy cost of survival, protection and shelter against predator and not to forget breading, oviposition and mating sites inside the flower plant. The ecological relationship of plant and pollinator resulting in effective crop pollination if the attractant and incentives are significantly reliant on one another. With this review and current technological advancements, optimistically more deeper investigations in the interaction of pollinator and flowering plant can be conducted and best pollinator management approaches can be established to secure sustainable crops production

Pollinators are the key point for successful pollination in most flowering plants around regions where around 90% depend entirely on pollination. Majority of the pollinating species are wild, comprising bees, certain species of flies, wasps, moths, butterflies, thrips, beetles, bats, birds and other vertebrates, and among them insect pollinators are the most crucial. Fruit crops benefit in an impressive way from insect pollination, where there is a remarkable improvement both in the productivity and the quality of self-fertilized, self-incompatible and cross-cropping crops worldwide. The pollinators are responsible for assisting these flowering plants with their reproduction. However, the crisis of the wild and managed pollinators has attracted the attention of the world, which could seriously disrupt pollination activities and the ecosystem. Despite the growing concern about the decline in pollinators worldwide, issues remain uncertain as data are often limited and undermined. Guava Psidium guajava is a marketable fruit culture in numerous tropical and subtropical regions around the world. There has been a growing interest in pollination studies on guava because of its great economic importance. In guava, self-pollination is evident, however, they benefit greatly from insect pollination. This article aims to provide an overview of tropical pollination and pollination problems that have occurred around the world with a focus on pollination activities in guava.

The loss of aquatic biodiversity in tropical streams of SE Asia is evident due to increasing anthropogenic activities. Therefore, there is a necessity for immediate and feasible conservation plans. Effective conservation planning depends on successful application of surrogate groups. However, progress of this approach is hindered by the paucity of relevant reports based on cross-taxon congruence analysis. In this study, we investigated congruence patterns among aquatic groups (Plecoptera, Trichoptera, Ephemeroptera, Odonata and fish) in six rivers located in the Kerian River Basin (KRB), Malaysia. Species richness was significantly correlated among aquatic groups (except for Ephemeroptera and Trichoptera where r = 0.040 and P = 0.202). The strongest relationship in species richness was reported between Ephemeroptera and Plecoptera. The Mantel's r coefficient of similarity matrices (based on the Bray-Curtis distance measure) showed a positive correlation between the matrices of Ephemeroptera-Trichoptera and Plecoptera-Trichoptera. However, a negative relationship was reported between Odonata-fish matrices. The relationships between average Trichoptera-Odonata distance to the centroid (i.e. beta diversity) among the aquatic groups were also investigated. The strongest relationship in the average to the centroids was reported between Ephemeroptera and Odonata (R2 = 0.424, P < 0.05). However, the weakest relationship was reported between Trichoptera and fish with R2 value of 0.024. It is concluded that richness of Plecoptera, Odonata and fish showed correlations patterns, and these can be used as surrogates for each other with some restrictions.(c) 2020 Ecological Society of China. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The host on which Oryzaephilus surinamensis choose to lay eggs and multiply can have a great influence on their development. In this study, morphometric characterization has been used to measure size variability of this insect pest reared in different types of culture and verify whether the food preference has an impact on the morphology of the insect. Measurement of body length, body width at the widest point, head width, length of antenna, length of thorax and length of hind femur of 3 rd generation of saw-toothed grain beetle from four cultures; barley, rice, oat groat and dried maize were measured using stereoscopic microscope equipped with LAS EZ imaging software. All data were analyzed using IBM SPSS. The present morphometry study showed significant differences between populations thus proved that food preference or host range choices play important role in development and growth of the insect. Significant differences were recorded for body length (F = 8.250), body width at the widest point (F = 4.620), and head width (F = 4.300) at P < 0.05 among the cultures. Thus, body length, body width at the widest point and head width were the most suitable measurements to be used in observing the effect of food on O. surinamensis biological growth.

The incidence of infestation by a black stink bug Coptosoma variegatum (Hemiptera: Plataspidae) on mango Mangifera indica L. (Anacardiaceae) tree was scientifically reported for the first time in Malaysia. This insect is commonly known as home invader and legume pest. Abundance of this insect was monitored on mango panicles by 15 minutes hourly collection from 0800 h until 1500 h at 4-day interval from the beginning of flowering until all flowers dried up (12-28 February 2013 and 28 January 2014 – 7 March 2014). Five hundred twenty-six individuals collected during the study period with drastic increase observed in second season. However, their infestation on mango flowers was not fully evident therefore was suggested as a potential pest for mango flower in Malaysia solely due to their appearance on mango panicles. Nevertheless, co-occurrence of this sap-sucking insect with other secondary pests may pose a serious economic implication on the productivity of the crop. Thus, more research regarding this insect biology is required so that control requirement can be identified to maximize mango production in Malaysia.

Investigations on the distribution and abundance of aquatic macroinvertebrates functional feeding group (FFG) in Bogak, Kerian and Serdang rivers of Kerian River Basin showed that there were 120 genera from 59 families of 13 orders of macroinvertebrates. Predator mainly Odonata, Hemiptera and Coleoptera was the most common group and found in high densities in Bogak River (modified river) and Kerian River (main river). The second dominant group in both rivers was collector-gatherer (Diptera and Ephemeroptera) followed by scraper (mollusks). A different pattern of FFG distribution was observed in Serdang River (tributary of Kerian River). The most abundant group was collector-gatherer, followed by predator and scraper. In general, predator abundance showed a significant positive correlation with their prey abundance (other feeding groups). Predator abundance especially in Bogak and Kerian rivers, was significantly influenced by parameters such PO43-, NO3-N and Zn. In Serdang River, collector-gatherer abundance was affected by water temperature, velocity, TSS, turbidity, Mn and Cu content in the sediments. However, all water parameters weakly influenced the abundance of FFGs in all locations. High abundance of collector-gatherer in Serdang River was related to enriched water contributed by anthropogenic waste from surrounding residential areas. In general, dominant FFG in each river reflected the influence of different environmental conditions and availability of food sources in the area.

An infestation of a snout weevil Alcidodes sp. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) on Mangifera indica L. (Anacardiaceae) was scientifically reported for the first time in Malaysia. This snout weevil causes severe damage on young stems and flower panicles. Even though the tree survived from a few infestations, but severe cases could pose a serious economic implication on the productivity of the crop. Thus more research regarding the pest management of M. indica is required to maximize mango production in Malaysia.

Abstract Oryzaephilus surinamensis is one of the stored product insect that commonly found in Malaysia. The biological study through host range or food preferences of O. surinamensis is important for the development of sustainable management practice to control its infestation. The objective of this study was to identify the food preference of O. surinamensis to different plant products in relation to food type and moisture content. Twenty adult of O. surinamensis were exposed to three different group of food; dried fruits (date, raisin, apricot, fig), grain/cereals (rice, barley, oat grout, dried maize), and nuts (almond, ground nut, walnut, cashew nut) for 240h in laboratory Kulliyyah of Science, IIUM Kuantan. Moisture content in each food was also measured. It was found out that the most preferred food by O. surinamensis is oat groat of cereal grain group with medium level of moisture content. Further analysis on food moisture suggested that under current experimental conditions (temperature of 27℃ and 64% relative humidity within 240h of exposure), food moisture content does not affect pest infestation and distribution.

Odonata larvae have been intensively used as bioindicators for freshwater pollution as their community structure closely follow changes in the environment and habitat settings. In this study, 28 taxa of Odonata larvae were collected from three stations (upper, middle and lower) of a polluted river in Malaysia. The upper river basin receives effluents from an oil palm plantation. However, the middle station is presumably contaminated with anthropogenic wastes. The lower station is found to receive polluted discharges from aquaculture outlet. Several environmental parameters of water and sediment were continuously measured during the study. The water parameters showed no significant differences amongst the three stations. The species richness of Odonata was 22, 24 and 20 in the upper, middle and lower stations, respectively. The abundance of Odonata was significantly different among the studied sites. The tolerant damselfly, Pseudagrion sp. (41.22%), and facultative dragonflies, Onychothemis sp. (17.12%), were the most dominant taxa along the river stations. Onychothemis sp. and Paragomphus capricornis were equally important at the upper station [Important Species Index (ISI) 25.3 and 24.2%, respectively]. Pseudagrion sp. only scored an ISI value of 9.7%. Pseudagrion sp., P. capricornis and Onychothemis sp. were dominant in the middle station (ISI: 41.2%, 25.9% and 10.9% respectively), and Pseudagrion sp., Onychothemis sp. and Prodasineura sp. dominated the areas with dense growth of submerged aquatic weeds Hydrilla sp. in the lower station (ISI: 47.9, 24.5 and 13.8%, respectively). On the basis of the variations in larval abundance and ISI values, microhabitats differences partly in response to different types of pollutions entering the water structured the Odonata communities in this river basin.

A study on composition and distribution for Odonata larvae and their relationship with physicochemical parameters was carried out in selected rivers of Gunung Jerai Forest Reserve, Kedah. Different river physichochemical parameters might influence or affect different type of Odonata composition. Therefore, Odonata larvae were sampled monthly at three selected rivers in Gunung Jerai Forest Reserve which were Teroi, Tupah, Batu Hampar rivers from August 2007 until January 2008 by using a D-frame aquatic net. A total of 253 individuals of 12 genera belonging to nine families of Odonata have been identified. Greatest number of odonates individuals was recorded in Teroi River (112 individuals) with mean density recorded highest in January 2008 (6.6 ind/m2). The major families were Libellulidae, Euphaeidae and Gomphidae. Aeshnidae, Macromiidae, Calopterygidae, Coenagrionidae, Amphipterygidae and Chlorocyphidae represented the minority groups. Libellulidae reported the greatest number of individuals in all study areas, followed by Euphaeidae. Ranking from the highest to the lowest number of genus collected were Zygonyx, Euphaea, Macromia, Anax, Ophiogomphus, Libellago, Vestalis and Devadatta, Neurobasis, Cercion, Pseudagrion, Gamphidictinus, and Paragamphus. The distribution of these genera were significant in different months studied (Kruskal Wallis, p<0.05) in all three rivers. The abundance of individuals collected was strongly influenced by velocity of water. Libellulid Zygonyx was the most affected by velocity and biochemical oxygen demand in all studied river. A Euphaea larva was influenced by temperature, depth, pH and biochemical oxygen demand. The ecological index (Richness, diversity and evenness index) exhibited poor Odonata communities in all studied rivers. In conclusion, water velocity, biochemical oxygen demand do have influenced on Libellulidae family while temperature, depth, pH and biochemical oxygen demand have influenced on Euphaeidae family.Keywords: diversity, odonata, northern peninsular Malaysia, physicochemical.

Measuring wild pollinator services in agricultural production is very important in the context of sustainable management. In this study, we estimated the contribution of native pollinators to mango fruit set production of two mango cultivars Mangifera indica (L). cv. ‘Sala’ and ‘Chok Anan’. Visitation rates of pollinators on mango flowers and number of pollen grains adhering to their bodies determined pollinator efficiency for reproductive success of the crop. Chok Anan failed to produce any fruit set in the absence of pollinators. In natural condition, we found that Sala produced 4.8% fruit set per hermaphrodite flower while Chok Anan produced 3.1% per flower. Hand pollination tremendously increased fruit set of naturally pollinated flower for Sala (>100%), but only 33% for Chok Anan. Pollinator contribution to mango fruit set was estimated at 53% of total fruit set production. Our results highlighted the importance of insect pollinations in mango production. Large size flies Eristalinus spp. and Chrysomya spp. were found to be effective pollen carriers and visited more mango flowers compared with other flower visitors.

The diversity and abundance of macroinvertebrate shredders were investigated in 52 forested streams (local scale) from nine catchments (regional scale) covering a large area of peninsular Malaysia. A total of 10,642 individuals of aquatic macroinvertebrates were collected, of which 18.22 % were shredders. Biodiversity of shredders was described by alpha (αaverage ), beta (β) and gamma diversity (γ) measures. We found high diversity and abundance of shredders in all catchments, represented by 1,939 individuals (range 6–115 and average per site of 37.29 ± 3.48 SE) from 31 taxa with 2–13 taxa per site (αaverage = 6.98 ± 0.33 SE) and 10–15 taxa per catchment (γ = 13.33 ± 0.55 SE). At the local scale, water temperature, stream width, depth and altitude were correlated significantly with diversity (Adj-R 2 = 0.205). Meanwhile, dissolved oxygen, stream velocity, water temperature, stream width and altitude were correlated to shredder abundance (Adj-R 2 = 0.242). At regional scale, however, water temperature was correlated negatively with β and γ diversity (r 2 = 0.161 and 0.237, respectively) as well as abundance of shredders (r 2 = 0.235). Canopy cover was correlated positively with β diversity (r 2 = 0.378) and abundance (r 2 = 0.266), meanwhile altitude was correlated positively with β (quadratic: r 2 = 0.175), γ diversity (quadratic: r 2 = 0.848) as well as abundance (quadratic: r 2 = 0.299). The present study is considered as the first report describing the biodiversity and abundance of shredders in forested headwater streams across a large spatial scale in peninsular Malaysia. We concluded that water temperature has a negative effect while altitude showed a positive relationship with diversity and abundance of shredders. However, it was difficult to detect an influence of canopy cover on shredder diversity.

The hemipteran (Insecta) diversity in the upper part of the Kerian River Basin was low with only 8 families and 16 genera recorded at 4 study sites from 3 rivers. Water bug composition varied among sampling sites (Kruskal-Wallis χ (2) = 0.00, p<0.05) but was not affected by wet-dry seasons (Z = 0.00, p>0.05). All recorded water parameters were weakly associated with generic abundance but the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), Water Quality Index (WQI) and heavy metals (zinc and manganese) showed relatively strong positive or negative relations with hemipteran diversity and richness (H' and R2). Within the ranges of measured water parameters, the WQI was negatively associated with hemipteran diversity and richness, implying the tolerance of the water bugs to the level of pollution encountered in the river basin. Based on its highest abundance and occurrence (ISI), Rhagovelia was the most important genus and along with Rheumatogonus and Paraplea, these genera were common at all study sites. In conclusion, habitat availability and suitability together with some environmental parameters influenced the abundance and composition of hemipterans in this river basin.

Seasonal changes in Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (EPT) community was studied at rivers in Gunung Jerai Forest Reserve, Kedah, Malaysia. The rivers were visited monthly from September 2007 to August 2008 to sample aquatic insects using D-pond nets. More EPT were found in the wet season (10664 individuals) compared with the dry season (6599 individuals). In all rivers, ephemeropteran populations was highest during the wet season (z=-2.465, p=0.014). Meanwhile, the plecopteran population was low and almost constant throughout seasons in all rivers (z=-2.280, p=0.023). Trichopterans exhibited the highest peak of abundance in the dry season (z=-6.096, p=0.00). Concomitantly, higher diversity was recorded in the dry season (29 taxa) compared with 25 taxa recorded in wet season from all rivers. Tupah River had the most diverse EPT assemblage during the dry season. In wet season, the abundance of ephemeropterans genera such as Baetis, Platybaetis, Campsoneuria and Thalerosphyrus increased tremendously especially in Teroi River.