Bactrocera cucurbitae , commonly known as the melon fruit fly, stands as a formidable threat to global agriculture, particularly in the cultivation of cucurbitaceous crops. The adaptability, high reproductive capacity, and broad host range of B. cucurbitae make it a persistent challenge for growers worldwide. Conventional control methods, often reliant on chemical pesticides, pose environmental and ecological concerns, necessitating the exploration of alternative strategies for sustainable pest management. Invasive plants often exert deleterious effects on ecosystems, and the castor bean plant, Ricinus communis , is no exception. To explore the efficacy of R. communis , a methanol extract was tested to find the toxicity effect against B. cucurbitae . In this study, different bioactive compounds were isolated from R. communis . The crude extract of R. communis was subjected to fractionating using different organic solvents in an increasing order of polarity, where the fraction indicating maximum activity was then taken for the isolation of the bioactive compounds using various chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques such as column chromatography, thin layer chromatography (TLC), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The concentrations of R. communis extracts at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2% methanol were used. Pure methanol was used as the control. The experimental conditions were maintained at 28 + 20 degrees C and 65 + 5% relative humidity. The experiment was laid out in a complete randomised design having five replications. A probit analysis was used to find the LC50 and LC90. The results showed that, as the concentration of the plant extracts increases, the mortalities of B. cucurbitae also increased. After a 72 h exposure period, the crude extracts exhibited the lowest LC50 at 0.30% and LC90 at 0.60%. This study investigates the potential of methanolic extracts derived from various parts of R. communis to serve as a biopesticide against B. cucurbitae which can be easily available, economically feasible, socially acceptable and environmentally friendly.

Due to extended periods of below-normal rainfall and rising temperatures, drought is a significant global issue for agricultural productivity. Hydrological, agricultural, and meteorological droughts all pose different problems with regard to the availability of water for important crops, which in turn impacts plant development and yield. Depending on the crop species and stage of maturity, drought stress degrades plant metabolism and physiological processes, resulting in decreased growth and yield losses that can range from 30% to 90%. Acclimatization and adaptation are the two basic techniques that plants use to survive drought. Rapid alterations in physiological processes and chemical composition, including modifications to osmotic pressure, root and leaf size, and antioxidant systems, are all part of acclimatization. Xerophytism and succulence are two characteristics that drought-resistant plants have evolved to assist preserve cellular integrity and water balance in water-limited environments. Even with these tactics, the majority of important crops—such as maize, rice, and wheat—remain extremely vulnerable to drought stress. To lessen the effects of drought, researchers have looked into a number of strategies, including both conventional and cutting-edge methods. Conventional techniques, like the application of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) and morphological modifications, remain essential for improving drought resilience. Recent breakthroughs have provided innovative alternatives such as nanoparticle (NP) treatments and biochar, which enhance plant resilience. Biochar enhances soil moisture retention and nutrient accessibility, whereas nanoparticles augment water absorption and bolster molecular resilience under stress. Furthermore, microbial inoculants such as plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) enhance nutrient and water absorption, facilitating growth in arid conditions. This review examines the impacts of drought stress on three important staple crops, emphasizing both traditional and novel approaches to lessen the consequences of drought. We highlight how combining insights from ecology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and cutting-edge technologies like biochar and nanoparticles can boost agricultural production and plant resistance in water-scarce environments.

Litter decomposition is essential for nutrient and chemical cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. Previous research on in situ litter decomposition has often underestimated its impact on soil nutrient dynamics and allelopathy. To address this gap, we conducted a comprehensive study involving both field and greenhouse experiments to examine the decomposition and allelopathic effects of the invasive Solidago canadensis L. in comparison with the native Phalaris arundinacea L. In the field, a 6-month litter bag experiment using leaf litter from S. canadensis and P. arundinacea was conducted across three community types: invasive, native, and mixed. Seed germination tests were also performed to investigate the allelopathic effects of decomposing litter. In the greenhouse, a pot experiment with lettuce as a bioindicator was performed to examine the allelochemical inputs from litter decomposition over various time intervals (0, 30, 60, 120, and 180 days). Subsequently, a soil-plant feedback experiment was carried out to further evaluate the effects of decomposing litter on soil biochemistry and plant dynamics. The findings of this study revealed that S. canadensis litter decomposed more rapidly and exhibited greater nitrogen (N) remaining mass compared with P. arundinacea in both single and mixed communities. After 180 days, the values for litter mass remaining for S. canadensis and P. arundinacea were 36% and 43%, respectively, when grown separately and were 32% and 44%, respectively, in mixed communities. At the invasive site, the soil ammonia and nitrate for S. canadensis increased gradually, reaching 0.89 and 14.93 mg/kg by day 120, compared with the native site with P. arundinacea. The soil organic carbon for S. canadensis at the invasive site also increased from 10.6 mg/kg on day 0 to 15.82 mg/kg on day 120, showing a higher increase than that at the native site with P. arundinacea. During the initial decomposition stages, all litters released almost all of their allelochemicals. However, at the later stages, litters continued to input nutrients into the soil, but had no significant impact on the soil carbon (C) and N cycling. Notably, litter-mediated plant-soil feedback facilitated the invasion of S. canadensis. In conclusion, this study highlights the significance of litter decomposition as a driver of transforming soil biochemistry, influencing the success of invasive S. canadensis.

Despite being successful in preventing pests from entering stored goods, residual synthetic pesticides have had a negative impact on the environment. However, the prohibitive cost of synthetic pesticides and the risk of target pests developing insecticide resistance have prompted researchers to develop alternative management strategies. Since plant-based pesticides are biodegradable and less dangerous for organisms other than the target species, they are a useful alternative to chemical pesticides. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of plant extract in preventing the rice weevil Sitophilus oryzae (Linnaeous) (Coloptera: Curcolinidae) from infesting stored-products. For toxicity and synergism against S. oryzae, aqueous extracts of Cannabis sative L., Dodonaea visicosa L., and Parthenium hysterophorus L., were evaluated at different concentrations. D. viscosa and P. hysterophorus extract concentrations were 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0%, and C. sativa extract concentrations were 0.62, 1.25, 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5%. A completely random design with three replications was used, with distilled water serving as the control. The experimental setting was kept at 27 +/- 2 degrees C and 65 +/- 5% R.H. The findings showed that D. visicosa, P. hysterophorus, and C. sativa caused 97%, 90%, and 83% of mortalities at the highest doses, respectively. At highest concentrations, the mortalities found for binary combinations of D. viscosa and P. hysterophorus, D. viscosa and C. sativa, and P. hysterophorus and C. sativa, respectively, were 80%, 77%, and 70%. When used in combination, the effects of D. visicosa, P. hysterophorus, and C. sative produce 100% mortalities, indicating synergism. In single applications for all treatments, plant extracts were the most toxic. However, when used in combination, S. oryzae is completely killed. Phytochemical screening test all the compounds were detected but saponins and coumarins were higher in D. visicosa and P. hysterophorus. As a result, mixing plant extract greatly increases the effectiveness of reducing S. oryzae in storage facilities. Small-scale farmers may benefit from the study's findings since they may offer them a grain storage approach that is both practical and affordable.

An estimated 2000 plant species have been employed for pest control worldwide. The use of these botanical derivatives is thought to be one of the most cost-effective and sustainable options for pest management in stored grain. The present study was designed to assess the efficacy of five plant extracts viz; Nicotiana tabacum L., Nicotiana rustica L., Azadirachta indica A. Juss., Thuja orientalis L., and Melia azedarach L. against Callosobruchus maculatus L. Plant species extracts were applied at six different concentrations, i.e., 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0% in four replications. The phytochemical analyses of ethanolic extracts of five plant species showed variable amounts of phytochemicals i.e., alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, diterpenes, phytosterol, and phenols. Total phenolic and flavonoid compounds were also observed. The efficacy of A. indica was highest, characterized by the lowest infestation rate (16.65%), host seed weight loss (7.85%), mean oviposition (84.54), and adult emergence (58.40%). In contrast, T. orientalis was found to be the least effective against C. maculatus, with the highest infestation rate of 25.60%, host seed weight loss of 26.73%, mean oviposition of 117.17, and adult emergence rate of 82.01%. Probit analysis was performed by estimating LC50 and LC90. The toxicity percentages of N. tabacum (LC50 = 0.69%, LC90 = 14.59%), N. rustica (LC50 = 0.98%, LC90 = 22.06%), and A. indica (LC50 = 1.09%, LC90 = 68.52%) were notable in terms of the lower LC50 and LC90 values after the 96-h exposure period against C. maculatus. Repellency was assessed by using the area preference and filter paper method. The repellency of C. maculatus on plant extracts increased with the increasing dose and time, such that it was the highest after 48 h. Likewise, at a 3% concentration, A. indica demonstrated 100.00% (Class-V) repellency followed by N. tabacum (96.00%, Class-V), N. rustica (74%, Class-IV), M. azedarach (70.00%, Class-IV), and T. orientalis (68.00%, Class-IV). Based on the findings of this study, we recommend integrating N. rustica, N. tabacum, A. indica, and M. azedarach for effective management of C. maculatus and highlight the potential of these plant species in the formulation of new biocidal agents.

The melon fruit fly, Bactrocera zonata (Coquillett) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is a notorious pest, posing a significant threat to a wide range of fruits and vegetables, leading to substantial agricultural losses worldwide. With growing concerns over chemical pesticide resistance and environmental safety, plant-based insecticides have emerged as eco-friendly and economically sustainable alternatives. In this context, the present study delves into the insecticidal potential of Ricinus communis extracts against B. zonata. The crude extract of R. communis was systematically fractionated using a series of organic solvents with increasing polarities. The fraction demonstrating the highest insecticidal activity was further purified for the isolation of bioactive compounds, employing advanced chromatographic techniques such as Column Chromatography, coupled with state-of-the-art analytical methods including Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Bioassays were conducted on B. zonata using the crude extract and its fractions in n-hexane, methanol, and ethyl acetate. Among the isolated compounds, 11,14,17-Eicosatrienoic acid was identified in both the methanol and ethyl acetate fractions. This compound exhibited remarkable insecticidal efficacy, with an LC50 value of 1.36%, a linearity of R2 = 0.64, and a statistically significant probability (p < 0.01). Particularly, 11,14,17-Eicosatrienoic acid emerged as the most potent bioactive agent against B. zonata highlighting its potential as a natural insecticide. These findings underscore the potential of R. communis as a valuable source of bioactive compounds for the sustainable management of B. cucurbitae. This study not only broadens the scope of plant-based pest control strategies but also opens avenues for further exploration of natural compounds in integrated pest management.

Weed communities influence the dynamics of ecosystems, particularly in disturbed environments where anthropogenic activities often result in higher pollution. Understanding the dynamics existing between native weed communities and invasive species in disturbed environments is crucial for effective management and normal ecosystem functioning. Recognising the potential resistance of native weed communities to invasion in disturbed environments can help identify suitable native plants for restoration operations. This review aims to investigate the adaptations exhibited by native and non-native weeds that may affect invasions within disturbed environments. Factors such as ecological characteristics, altered soil conditions, and adaptations of native weed communities that potentially confer a competitive advantage relative to non-native or invasive weeds in disturbed environments are analysed. Moreover, the roles of biotic interactions such as competition, mutualistic relationships, and allelopathy in shaping the invasion resistance of native weed communities are described. Emphasis is given to the consideration of the resistance of native weeds as a key factor in invasion dynamics that provides insights for conservation and restoration efforts in disturbed environments. Additionally, this review underscores the need for further research to unravel the underlying mechanisms and to devise targeted management strategies. These strategies aim to promote the resistance of native weed communities and mitigate the negative effects of invasive weed species in disturbed environments. By delving deeper into these insights, we can gain an understanding of the ecological dynamics within disturbed ecosystems and develop valuable insights for the management of invasive species, and to restore long-term ecosystem sustainability.

The invasion of non-native plant species presents a significant ecological challenge worldwide, impacting native ecosystems and biodiversity. These invasive plant species significantly affect the native ecosystem. The threat of invasive plant species having harmful effects on the natural ecosystem is a serious concern. Invasive plant species produce secondary metabolites, which not only help in growth and development but are also essential for the spread of these plant species. This review highlights the important functions of secondary metabolites in plant invasion, particularly their effect on allelopathy, defense system, interaction with micro soil biota, and competitive advantages. Secondary metabolites produced by invasive plant species play an important role by affecting allelopathic interactions and herbivory. They sometimes change the soil chemistry to make a viable condition for their proliferation. The secondary metabolites of invasive plant species inhibit the growth of native plant species by changing the resources available to them. Therefore, it is necessary to understand this complicated interaction between secondary metabolites and plant invasion. This review mainly summarizes all the known secondary metabolites of non-native plant species, emphasizing their significance for integrated weed management and research.

Abstract Red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) is one of the most devastating pests of stored grains. In current study, the pesticidal effect of deltamethrin and five plant extracts Nicotiana tabacum, Nicotiana rustica A. galangal Azadirachta indica and Curcuma longa was evaluated. Deltamethrin was applied at the rate of 0.001, 0.002, 0.003, 0.004, 0.005 and 0.006% while five different concentrations 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 % were used for each of the plant extracts, for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. Four replications for each treatment were carried out adapting Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Probit analysis was used to determine the LC50 and LC90 values. In contact toxicity test, deltamethrin demonstrated the highest toxicity with 0.88 v/v and 4.74 v/v, LC50 and LC90 respectively. The plant extracts however, demonstrated the highest mortality rate after 96 h of exposure. Lowest LC50 of 1.00 g/L and LC90,5.38 g/L, was recorded for N. rustica. Next in order was N. tabacum with LC50 1.09 g/L and LC90 6.50 g/L, followed by C. longa LC50 1.33 g/L and LC90 6.89 g/L and A. indica LC50 1.46 g/L and LC90 7.43 g/L against the pest species. In residual toxicity on the other hand, deltamethrin exhibited an LC50 of 0.93v/v and LC90 3.83 v/v. Whereas, in case of plant extracts the order of toxicity in terms of lowest LC50 0.79 g/L and LC90 10.37 g/L was observed with N. rustica, followed by LC50 1.18 g/L and LC90 9.02 g/L N. tabacum and LC50 1.82 g/L and LC90 22.36 g/L, A. indica against the red flour beetle. Various groups of phytochemicals such as phenols, saponins, alkaloids, di-terpenes, flavonoids and phytol-steroids were identified in the plants species aqueous extracts. Findings in the present study suggest that N. rustica, N. tabacum, C. longa, and A. indica can be effectively utilized to control T. castaneum as well as these plant species may be useful in the development of novel bio-pesticides.

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) is a widely cultivated vegetable crop all over the world. It is a rich source of protein. The genetic diversity of okra germplasm can play a significant role in developing its high yielding varieties. Selection of best parents for okra hybridization program and subsequent selection of transgressive segregants is an important strategy in this regard. That's why the current study was conducted to investigate genetic variation among the okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) genotypes for yield and yield -related traits. The experimental material comprised fifteen F5:6 (SO1- SO15) okra cross combinations along with their 6 parents (Punjab Selection, Pusaswami, Arka Anamika, Super Green, Green Star and Subz Pari). Results showed that among okra parental populations, Punjab Selection took minimum days to 50% flowering (51.7 days), marketable fruit length (15.1 cm), marketable fruit girth (1.31 cm) and internode length (4.37 cm) while exhibited maximum, pods plant -1 (22.9 pods), physiological mature pod length (16.8 cm), physiological mature pod girth (2.18 cm) and pod yield (6.18 kg), respectively. Maximum internodes plant -1 (22.9 internodes) were observed for okra parental genotype Sabz Pari. Okra genotype SO8 and SO15 gave maximum pods plant -1 (27.6 pods) internodes plant -1 (19.5) and pod yield (7.10 kg), respectively. Based on excellent results okra parental genotypes, Punjab Selection and Sabz Pari along with F5:6 segregating populations SO8, SO12 and SO15 are recommended for future okra crossing programs.

In order to develop integrated management approaches for Pectinophora gossypiella, basic studies are crucial. The two-sex life table is the most important tool for describing the fitness and population parameters of both sexes (male and female) of an insect, while the traditional life table only explains the female sex of an insect. However, no study has reported on the biology of P. gossypiella using two-sex life table tools. Therefore, this study explains the rearing dynamics of P. gossypiella on a cotton seed-based artificial diet and a natural diet (mature cotton bolls). According to the results, the oviposition period of P. gossypiella was recorded to be longer on the artificial diet (9.07 ± 0.24) compared to the natural diet (7.40 ± 0.11). The total fecundity of P. gossypiella was greater on the artificial diet (125.94 ± 3.06) in comparison to the natural diet (60.37 ± 1.10). The population parameters, including intrinsic rate of increase, finite rate of increase, gross reproductive rate, and net reproductive rate of P. gossypiella were highest on the artificial diet in comparison to the natural diet. This study concluded that the cotton seed-based artificial diet was most suitable for the rearing of P. gossypiella. In the future, P. gossypiella may be studied in depth in light of the findings in this study.

As a multi-beneficial amendment, biochar is very useful to be applied for improving soil health and crop productivity. Therefore, this study was carried out to assess the influence of wood biochar and mineral nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilisers viz, [(control; 100% NPK (120:90:60 kg ha−1); 75% NPK + 5 tonne biochar; 50% NPK + 10 tonne biochar; 25% NPK + 15 tonne biochar and 20 tonne biochar ha−1)] on wheat yield and soil properties under different management practices [(raised bed (more than 30 cm above the ground) and flat-bed)]. Split plot two factors randomised completed block (RCB) design with three replications were used where management practices were placed to main plot, while treatments were assigned to subplots. Maximum spike length, grain per spike, 1000 grain weight, grain and biological yield were obtained with application of 75% NPK + 5 tonne biochar ha−1 under both raised and flat-bed, which were statistically at par to 50% NPK + 10 tonne biochar ha−1. The grain and biological yield observed at 75% NPK + 5 tonne biochar and 50% NPK + 10 tonne biochar ha−1 were significantly higher than that of 20 tonne biochar ha−1. However, maximum soil organic matter, extractable P and K contents with slight increases in soil pH and EC was observed at 20 tonne biochar ha−1. Moreover, almost all agronomic parameters were significantly better in raised bed compared to flat-bed sowing. Hence, the present study suggested that 75% NPK + 5 tonne biochar ha−1 is suitable for improving wheat yield and soil properties.

Plant based insecticides are considered among the most economic and ecofriendly chemicals for the protection of plants and stored grains. The cowpea weevil (Callosbruchus maculatus) causes more than 90% damage to sored grains in three to six months. The current study investigates insecticidal potentials of five selected botanicals: Melia azedarach, Nicotiana rustica, Azadirachta indica, Nicotiana tabacum and Thuja orientalis. They are explored at six different concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0%) against C. maculatus and compared to effects of distilled water which is used as a control. Toxicities of 3%(V/V) extracts of N. tabacum, N. rustica, A. indica and T. orientalis against C. maculatus were 100%, 86.11%, 80.56% and 72.22%, respectively. Maximum mortality was caused by N. tabacum and N. rustica (100%), followed by A. indica (82%), whereas minimum mortality was observed in T. orientalis (64%) at 2.5%. Several phytochemicals, alkaloids, saponins, diterphenes, phytosterol, flavonoids and phenols were identified in N. tabacum and N. rustica, while few were present in A. indica. Phytosterol was present in greatest abundance. Saponins were only detected in aqueous extracts of N. rustica and N. tabacum. Taken together, these results indicate the utility of N. tabacum, N. rustica and A. indica as potential botanicals to control pest beetle and cowpea weevil.

Globally, around 2000 plant species are used against pest control. The utilization of botanicals is considered the most economic and biodegradable methods for the control of stored grains pests. Therefore, the current study was carried out to investigate the repellency potential of five botanicals against Callosbruchus maculatus F. in Haripur, Pakistan. The concentrations of Azadirachta indica L., Nicotiana tabacum L., Melia azedarach L., Nicotiana rustica L., and Thuja orientalis L. were, i.e., 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0% in four replicates to establish contact effects. The data were recorded after 1, 2, 3, 6, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours. The repellency effect of these plant species against C. maculatus were increased in both the time- and dose-dependent manner, and highest effect was observed at 72 h. In addition, the repellency effect was 91% for A. indica (class: V), 86% M. azedarach, 82%, N. tabacum (class: V), 79% N. rustica (class: IV), and 75% T. orientalis (class: IV) at 3% concentration against C. maculatus. Furthermore, following 96 hours’ exposure to treatment the sensitivity response of insects decreases as the time interval increases, i.e., 86% A. indica (class: V) was followed by 71% M. azedarach (class: IV), 65% N. tabacum (class: IV), 61% N. rustica (class: IV), and T. orientalis 57% (class: III) repellency at highest concentration of 3%. The current study concluded that A. indica and M. azedarach can be incorporated for the management of C. maculatus and these plant species might be helpful in the productions of new biopesticides.

Cotton stainer, red cotton bug (Dysdercus spp., Heteroptera: Pyrrhocoridae) is one of the economical pest of cotton crop. Pyrrhocorid bugs have multiple hosts and are highly mobile, rendering their insecticidal control less effective. Among pyrrhocorid bugs, Antilochus coquebertii (Heteroptera: Pyrrhocoridae) is considered highly effective predator of cotton stainers. However, predator and prey proportion and their ecological behavior are very important and there is no previous study regarding oviposition behaviour both of predator and prey. In this study, effects of different media on the fecundity both of predator (A. coquebertii) and prey (D. koenigii) were explored for the first time under controlled conditions. Eight different media consisted of Dry Soil + Dry Leaves (DSDL), Dry Soil + Wet Leaves (DSWL), Wet Soil + Dry Leaves (WSDL), Wet Soil + Wet Leaves (WSWL), Dry Soil (DS), Wet Soil (WS), Dry Soil + Cylindrical Perforated Plastic Bottle (DS-CPPB), and Wet Soil + Cylindrical Perforated Plastic Bottle (WS-CPPB). The results revealed significantly higher number of egg batches both of predator and prey on WSWL followed by WSDL. It is, therefore concluded that both the predator and prey preferred WSWL and WSDL media for egg deposition.

Installation of traps in the agricultural field is an economically important and cheaper technique to observe arthropods diversity. Cost-effective ecological monitoring of arthropods by traps has been gaining interest in the field of environmental entomology since last few decades. This study explains the effectiveness of four different types of traps (pitfall, yellow-sticky, pan and barrier traps) to monitor the arthropod diversity in summer and winter seasons. These traps were installed in different mango orchards located in Punjab, Pakistan. diversity of captured arthropods was 1.5 times higher in summer than in winter season. However, among the traps, pitfall traps were most effective than others for trapping edaphic arthropods in both seasons. The pan traps were found most effective in the summer season, while sticky traps in the winter season. The pitfall traps exhibited highest taxa richness index values (8.00 for summer and 5.00 for winter season), while the lowest values were recorded for barrier traps (5.00 for summer and 3.00 for winter season). Moreover, the pitfall were the most effective traps for the capture or collection of Arachnida, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Orthoptera and other arthropods. The PVC barrier and sticky traps were found most effective for Dipteran and Hemipteran's insects, respectively, and hence, are recommended for the ecological monitoring of these arthropod groups in future studies.

Bruchid Beetle. Callosbruchus maculatus Fab. (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) causes huge losses to pulses. In the present experiment aqueous and powder extracts of five plant species, i.e. Azadirichta indica L., Thuja orientalis L., Nicotiana tabacum L., Nicotiana rustica L,. Melia azedarach L. at six different concentrations of 0.50%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5% and 3%, were tested for their toxicity against C. maculatus under controlled laboratory conditions of 27 5 C temp., 60%+/- 5% R.H. and 12:12h (L:D) photoperiod. The research were replicated four times using Completely Randomized Design. C. maculatus mortalities were significantly higher in aqueous form with all N. tabacum concentrations and in powder form with A. indica significantly lower mortalities were recorded of T. orientalis after 24h, 48h, 72h, and 7d and 14d. Overall means mortalities of C. maculatus were also significantly higher with N. tabacum in aqueous form with all concentrations and A. indica in powder form, where it was significantly lower with T. orientalis in aqueous and T. orientalis in powder form after 24h, 48h, 72h, and 7d and 14d. All the Phyto-chemicals were present in N. tabacum and in N. rustica while in A. indica least number of it were present. Phyto-sterol was present in highest while carbohydrates in moderate concentration. Saponins were present only in N. rustica and N. tabacum aqueous extracts. N. tabacum, A. indica and M. azedarach proves the most effective bio pesticides may be used as alternative to synthetic insecticides for the control of C. maculatus in stored pukes.

In current study, extensive field surveys are carried out to explore the fauna of assassin bugs of family Reduviidae, along with their habitats and prey records from different localities in the Pothohar region of Pakistan. The quantitative web structure is constructed for better understanding species habitat linkage and is represents a total of twelve different assassin bug species, of which five were identified as new country records i.e., Tribelocephala indica (Stal, 1853), Coranus spiniscutis (Reuter, 1881), Oncocephalus schioedtei (Reuter, 1882), Scadra annulipes (Reuter, 1881) and Ectrychotes dispar (Reuter, 1881). The result of diversity indices, Shannon-Weiner’s and Simpson’s index showed that Trail-5 (Islamabad), Taxilla (Rawalpindi), Sohawa (Jehlum) have maximum values (1.092, 0.662; 1.75, 0.82 and 1.69, 0.78) respectively. The assassin bug species i.e., Rhynocoris marginatus and R. fuscipes are found to predate maximum number of economically important pests of various crops. The diversity indexes of assassin bugs from the Pothohar region indicated that the species have uneven distribution in the five districts. The variation in richness of assassin bug population was recorded in the selected three districts of the Pothohar region. The species richness showed almost same pattern in Islamabad and Jehlum demonstrated by minute difference in Shannon’s equitability index (0.65–0.929 and 0.77–0.87) respectively.

Melatonin is a crucial biological hormone associated with many physiological and biochemical processes in plants and also enhances resistance against various abiotic stresses. However, the mechanisms underlying the melatonin-assisted mitigation of salt stress in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plant are still poorly understood. A hydroponic experiment was conducted to investigate the protective role of melatonin in two tomato cultivars (Roma and FM9) under a highly saline growth medium (160 mM NaCl). The one level of melatonin (1.0 µmol L−1) was applied exogenously, sole, or in combination with the salinity stress. NaCl-induced phytotoxicity significantly (P < 0.05) reduced shoot and root dry matter accumulation, chlorophyll contents, relative water contents (RWC), membrane stability index (MSI), and antioxidant enzymatic activities in both cultivars as compared to the control treatment. Moreover, salt treatment alone increased soluble sugar contents (sucrose and fructose), sodium (Na+) uptake, as well as oxidative damage in the leaves of tomato seedlings. However, exogenous supply of melatonin alleviated salt toxicity in tomato seedlings which were more obvious in Roma cultivar as compared to FM 9 cultivar, as demonstrated by a higher increment in the values of growth indicators, RWC, MSI, gaseous exchange attributes, activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). In addition, melatonin also alleviated salt-induced oxidative stress by suppressing malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) contents as well as significantly reduced Na+ uptake at the root surface of tomato plants. It can be concluded that melatonin-induced salt tolerance in tomato is due to enhancement of plant water relations, and improved photosynthetic and antioxidant capacity along with ion homeostasis.