Background: Mungbean is the major pulse crop of India. Pulse constitute the major source of dietary protein; therefore, it has ability to fulfil required protein recommended dietary allowance for vegetarian population of India. Pulse crop attack more than 200 insect pests. Methods: Efficacy test of Botanicals and Insecticides viz., Kaner powder, Garlic extract, Azadirectin 1500 ppm, Dasparni Ark, flonicamid, thiamethoxam, Imidacloprid and Dimethoate against B. tabaci was conducted in mungbean during Kharif 2022-2023 at Students’ Instructional Farm, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (UP), India under field conditions with nine treatements including control in three replication. Result: The results demonstrated that Thiamethoxam 25 WG (50 g a.i./ha) was the most effective insecticide among all treatments, with a significant population reduction above control, followed by Imidacloprid 70 WG (5ml/l). Among the botanicals, Azadirectin 1500 ppm (5 ml/l) was the most effective against whitefly infestation in mungbean and could be applied as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional pesticides for whitefly management.

The highest incidence of Plutella xylostella was observed on the cabbage crop at the 5th SMW (2.99 larvae plant-1) and the lowest at the 49th SMW (0.90 larvae plant-1). The maximum incidence of Crocidolomia binotalis was recorded at 5th SMW (3.51 larvae plant-1) and minimum was at 49th SMW (0.40 larvae plant-1). The maximum incidence of Spodoptera litura was at the 1st SMW (4.10 larvae plant-1), and minimum was at the 49th SMW (0.60 larvae plant-1). The peak population of aphid was observed at 3rd SMW (36.30 aphid leaf-1) and lowest was observed at 50th SMW (1.40 aphid leaf-1). The populations of diamondback moth, tobacco caterpillar, leaf webber, and aphid exhibited a significant positive correlation with relative humidity and significant negative correlation with maximum temperature. Leaf Webber’s population also showed a negative significant correlation with minimum temperatures.

The experiment had been carried out at the Students' Instructional Farm, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (U.P.), during the Rabi season in 2021-22. Imidacloprid 40% + Fipronil 40% at 500g/ha proved to be the best performing insecticidal treatment when coupled with botanicals in decreasing aphids (Aphis craccivora), whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), leaf miner (Liriomyza trifolli), and pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera). On the other hand, the combination of Emamectin Benzoate + Ipomoea carnea leaf extract 5g a.i./ha + 5% was the least effective against these pests, while Imidacloprid + Ipomoea carnea extract 25g a.i./ha + 5% showed moderate efficiency against pod borer larval populations. Imidacloprid 40% + Fipronil 40% 500g/ha delivered the best yield (8.21 q/ha), while the lowest yield (6.64 q/ha) was achieved in Imidacloprid + NSKE 25g a.i.+5%. The insecticide treatment Imidacloprid 40% + Fipronil 40% at 500g/ha was the most effective in controlling aphids, whitefly, leaf miner and pod borer as well as in maximizing yield and can be incorporated in the pest management programme in French Bean.

Background: Groundnut bruchid (Caryedon serratus Olivier) is the most important stored grain insect pests of groundnut that significantly lowers the quality and market acceptance of the produce. The grub of this insect causes extensive damage to the kernels by boring into undamaged shell and feeds on seeds internally. Therefore, the present study is aimed at screening of the groundnut genotypes on the basis of their physical and biochemical characters which are responsible for imparting resistance against the bruchid pest. Methods: An experiment was conducted at the Department of seed science and technology, OUAT, Bhubaneswar during 2019-20 to study the physical and biochemical characters involved for resistance in stored groundnut genotypes against groundnut bruchid, C. serratus. Varietal screening study was conducted in twenty groundnut genotypes and their physical and biochemical characters were assessed in the laboratory. Result: Small pod size, less pod weight and more shell thickness attributed for resistance to C. serratus resulting in least percentage pod damage and weight loss. Similarly, groundnut genotypes with lower protein content and higher phenol, fiber and ash content conferred resistance against the test insect.

Bee pollen has diverse applications beyond human consumption and bee supplement. Its economic advantages may encourage beekeepers to adopt frequent pollen trapping, yet its impacts on brood rearing remains poorly understood. This study aimed to standardize pollen trapping using front-mounted traps with 50% efficiency on Apis mellifera L. colonies. The effects of different trapping frequencies on pollen load collection, pollen foraging, and brood production were evaluated in 12-frame colonies across two apiaries in Hisar and Kaul, Haryana, India during the mustard flowering seasons of 2017 and 2018. Five experimental groups each with three colonies were established in both apiaries and mounted with traps based on pollen trapping frequencies viz. daily, alternate day, third day, weekly and control (no trapping) with respective duration of 42, 21, 14, 7 and 0 days. Daily trapping yielded maximum pollen load collection (0.56 Kg/colony at Hisar and 1.89 Kg/ colony at Kaul) but reduced brood area by 27.3% at Hisar and retarded brood expansion at Kaul. Conversely, weekly-trapped and control colonies, exhibited larger brood area, indicating a strong negative correlation between trapping frequency and brood area. Mustard season at Kaul exhibited greater pollen diversity (0.70-1.42) and higher protein content (24.3-30.2%). In both locations, pollen foraging peaked between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Therefore, adopting intermittent pollen trapping or restricting daily trapping to peak foraging hours (10:00 AM- 2:00 PM) could be viable strategies to balance pollen collection with colony health.

In the assessment of treatments for management of mustard aphid, it was observed that Neemazal T/S 10,000 ppm (T4) application was the most effective among phyto extracts resulting in the lowest aphid population (15.26 and 7.48 mustard aphid/10cm central twig in first and second spray population, respectively) and yielding the highest output of 12.71 q/ha following closely to T3, which yielded 11.94 q/ha. The treatment T4 also generated the highest net return (Rs. 23927.33/ha) and cost-benefit ratio (1:9.97), trailed by T3 (Rs.20233.58/ha and 1:9.28). Other treatments ranked in terms of effectiveness include, Dashparni ark @ 3% (T1), Lantana camera leaf extract @ 5% (T6), Mixed leaf extract @ 3% (T2), Garlic extract @ 5% (T8), and Parthenium leaf extract @ 5% (T5). Treatment T7 was found the least effective among those tested. As for the standard check, Imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 0.05% (T9) exhibited the most significant impact with a yield of 13.87 q/ha, net return of ₹29851.67/ha and a cost-benefit ratio of 1:12.98. Bangladesh J. Bot. 54(2): 261-267, 2025 (June)

The present studies on population dynamics of gram pod borer insect pest were carried out at Students’ Instructional Farm (SIF) of Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (UP), India during Rabi 2022-23 and 2023-24. The present study revealed that gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera was commenced from the first fortnight of November and touched the highest at 8th SMW (2.98 pod borer larvae per plant) and 7th SMW (3.54 pod borer larvae per plant) in both the year, respectively. The population of H. armigera had a non-significant positive correlation with rainfall (r= 0.101) in Rabi 2022-23. The population of H. armigera had a significant positive correlation with wind speed (r= 0.495*) in Rabi 2023-24.

The current studies on seasonal incidence of major insect pests were carried out at Students’ Instructional Farm of Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (UP), India during Kharif 2022 and 2023. The current study revealed that whitefly, B. tabaci was commenced from the second fortnight of July and touched the peak at 32th (9.8 whitefly per cage) and 35th SMW (9.4 whitefly per cage) in both the year, respectively. The populations of B. tabaci had a significant negative correlation with rainfall (r= -0.699) in Kharif 2022. The jassid had the highest population in 34th SMW (4.6 jassid/cage) in Kharif 2022, while in second year, maximum jassid population of 5.1 jassid/cage was recorded during 33rd SMW. Wind speed had a significant and negative effect (r=-0.804) on the population of jassid during Kharif 2023. Seasonal abundance of thrips showed that, in first year, the thrips activity reached maximum at 33rd SMW (1.2 trips/5 flower buds). In next season, peak population of 1.4 thrips per 5 flower buds was in 32nd SMW. The correlation study during both the season revealed that the sunshine hours (r= -0.683) showed significant and negative effect on thrips population in 2023. Peak pod borer damage was observed in 36th SMW (5.3%) and 35th SMW (6.7%) during 2022 and 2023, respectively. Correlation between pod borer damage and weather parameters showed that wind speed had negative and significant (r= -0.707) effect on borer damage in first year.

Maize is one of the main cereal crops that is grown worldwide for food, fodder, and raw materials. It's a great source of vitamins, carbohydrates, and proteins. Because of the daily attacks by over 250 insect species and mites, maize yield is declining. The most damaging insect pest to maize production is Chilo partellus, sometimes known as the maize stem borer. A laboratory setting was used to grow the corn stem borer, C. partellus, in Department of Entomology, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, U.P. during 2023. The complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa and adult) was recorded in C. partellus. The egg incubation period was 3.80 ± 0.79 days on average. There were six larval instar of C. partellus and total larval period was 29-37 days. The development phase of first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth larval instar was 3-4, 4-6, 6-7, 7-8, 7-8 and 2-4 days respectively on maize leaves. The average pupal period was 7.00±0.96 days. The female was long lived than male. The total developmental period from egg to adult was 37-51 days.

The study identified four key insect pests in mustard crop, i.e., mustard sawfly, mustard aphid, cabbage butterfly and painted bug. These pests have been shown to cause significant crop loss at different growth phases. During the crop's vegetative stage, the highest prevalence of mustard sawfly was observed at the 47th SMW (2.10 grubs plant-1). There was positive relationship with maximum temperature (r=0.460*) and negative correlation with maximum RH (r=0.568*). The peak aphid population occurred during the 5th SMW (126.90 aphids per 10 cm central twig plant) at siliqua formation stage. Notably, aphids exhibited a positive association with Coccinella spp. and syrphid flies (r=0.780** and r=0.805**, respectively). The cabbage butterfly's maximal density was detected during the sixth SMW (2.40 larvae plant-1). It demonstrated a substantial negative association with maximum temperature (r=-0.632*) and a positive correlation with both minimum and maximum RH (r=0.721** and r=0.455*, respectively). The maximum occurrence of the painted bug was observed during the eighth SMW (3.00 bugs plant-1), but no significant link with meteorological factors was found.

The response of rice genotypes to yellow stem borer Scirpophaga incertulas (Walker) infestation under natural climatic conditions was evaluated during kharif 2018-19 and 2019-20 at BHU, Varanasi. Findings revealed that deadhearts and white earheads caused by S. incertulas (Walker) varied significantly, indicating the presence of resistance-susceptibility. The dead hearts was significantly lower in resistant genotypes BRRI DHAN-64 (1.49%) and IR82475-110-2-2-1-2 (2.00%). The susceptible TN1 (17.45%), Swarna (14.98%), and IR-92960-75-1-3 (14.58%) had the highest amount of deadhearts. The least white earheads was recorded in IR82475-110-2-2-1-2 (1.16%) and AKSHYADHAN (1.19%), however the maximum percent of white earheads was observed in TN1 (13.37%), SWARNA (11.22%) and IR-92960-75-1-3 (9.87%). Infestation was significantly and positively correlated with total sugar, crude protein andtotal free amino acid; showed significant negative correlation with phenol, crude silica tannin.

Maize is a important cereal harvests developed for food, fodder and raw material throughout the country. It is rich source of proteins, carbohydrates and vitamins. Corn production is decreasing day by day due to attack of more than 353 insect species and mites. Among insect pests, Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda is best destructive pest for corn production. The rearing of Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda was conducted under laboratory conditions in Department of Entomology, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, U. P. during 2023. The complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa and adult) was certified in Spodoptera frugiperda. The average fecundity was 2.59 ± 0.40 days. There were 6th instar larval of Spodoptera frugiperda and total larval period was 15-20 days. The growth period of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th larval instar was 2-3, 2.5-3, 2.2-3, 2-2.5, 2.5-3, 4-6 days respectively on corn leaves. The average period of pupa was 10.33 ± 1.07 days. The female was long lived than male. The total evolved period from egg to adult was 45-47 days.

The rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is one of the most damaging pests to stored cereal grains worldwide. The current study aimed to clarify the relationship between S. oryzae development and the governing physicochemical grain properties. Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the grain preference of various landrace and commercial rice genotypes to rice weevil. S. oryzae, findings divulged the low rates of adult emergence, low rates of grain consumption and high rates of mortality in the grain of rice varieties, HUR-3022 and Nagina-22. Conversely, S. oryzae adult emergence and grain consumption were found to be high in the grain of Swarna, Sathi, and Pusa basmati-1. Interestingly, the morphological and biochemical composition of the grain was the most important factor in determining resistant or preferred rice varieties to S. oryzae. Among the various physical characteristics investigated, grain hardness was found to have a significant and negative correlation with alive insect, grain weight loss, and preference index. On the other hand, protein and other biochemical grain characteristics were found to have a positive correlation with insect emergence, weight loss, and preference index. In particular, amylose (a key grain component) was found to have a negative correlation with weight loss and insect emergence. The findings of this study suggest that screening of different rice genotypes, for determining grain preference, may be a more viable option to minimize the grain losses during storage caused by S. oryzae. Moreover, the findings of present study could also help to formulate the breeding programs aimed at developing cultivars resistant to this notorious pest.

In India, cabbage is attacked by approximately 35 insect pests; due to the high nutritional value and succulent nature of cabbage, it has attracted the attention of several insect pests. Monocultures are low-diversity agroecosystems that may be more prone to outbursts of pests. The present study aimed to determine the impact of different intercrops on the incidence of insect pests on cabbage. The outcomes revealed that during Rabi 2021-22, populations of Plutella xylostella and Spodoptera litura were recorded for the first time during the 51st standard meteorological week (SMW). The incidence of aphids was first recorded in the 2nd SMW and reached the maximum level in the 8th SMW along with P. xylostella and S. litura. The lowest incidence of P. xylostella and aphids was recorded in the T6-Cabbage + Coriander treatment (2:2), followed by the T5-Cabbage + Coriander treatment (2:1); the maximum incidence of P. xylostella and aphids was observed in the T3-Cabbage+ Radish treatment (2:1), and all the intercropping treatments were superior to those used for the sole cabbage crop, with the maximum incidence of P. xylostella. The lowest incidence of S. litura T6-Cabbage + Coriander (2:2) was followed by T5-Cabbage + Coriander (2:1), and the maximum incidence of S. litura was observed in the T1-Cabbage + Onion treatment (2:1). The yield was the highest in the T6-Cabbage+ Coriander (2:2) treatment (257.33 q/ha main crop, 3.30 q/ha), followed by the T5-Cabbage+ Coriander 2:1 treatment (233.33 q/ha main crop, 1.83 q/ha) and the T3-Cabbage+ Radish treatment (2:1) (197.33 q/ha main crop, 25.32 q/ha).

Screening of 50 rice genotypes against brown planthopper infestation was conducted in open field conditions over two consecutive years (Kharif 2018-19 and 2019-20). Based on pest population per hill, rice genotypes IR82475-110-2-2-1-2, Akshyadhan, and MTU-1010 had the least brown planthoppers. TN1, Swarna, MTU 7029, Rajendra Kasturi, Baranideep, and Sahbhagidhan had the highest population and were classified as pest-prone. Rice leaf biochemical characteristics examined in selected genotypes, revealed that the pest population was significantly and positively correlated with total sugar (r = 0.608), crude protein (r = 0.306) and total free amino acid (r = 0.358), but significantly negatively correlated with phenol (r = -0.429), crude silica (r = -0.401), and tannin (r = -0.301). Correlation analysis revealed that susceptible entries contained more total sugar, crude protein, and total free amino acids, whereas resistant genotypes contained significantly more phenol, crude silica, and tannins. This study highlighted the significance of antixenotic properties in rice genotypes against brown planthoppers.

Various combinations of insecticides and botanicals were evaluated for their efficacy against the insect pest complex of mungbean, Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek. Betacyfluthrin 8.49% + imidacloprid 19.81% OD 400 mL/ha was a very effective treatment against whitefly, jassids, thrips, and spotted pod borers. Emamectin Benzoate + parthenium leaf extract (5 g a.i./ha + 5%, respectively) was least effective against whiteflies, jassids, and thrips. However, Imidacloprid + parthenium leaf extract (25 g a.i./ha + 5%, respectively) was also less effective against spotted pod borer. The highest yield of the crop (10.03 q/ha) was obtained in betacyfluthrin 8.49% + imidacloprid 19.81% OD at the rate of 400 mL/ha treated plots. The benefit-cost ratio was highest (1:11.33) recorded in imidacloprid + parthenium leaf extract (25 g a.i./ha + 5%, respectively) treatments, which was lowest in fipronil + neem seed kernel extract (30 g a.i./ha + 5%, respectively), which was 1:3.46.. KEYWORDS :Botanicals, Field efficacy, Insect pest complex, Insecticides, Mungbean, Parthenium

Tomato fruits are considerably affected by array of insect pests infesting at different stages of crop growth. Among the factors responsible for low yield of tomato, insect pests are major one. The present experiments entitled was carried out at Students’ Instructional Farm, Acharya Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (UP) during rabi season 2020-21 to test the efficacy of certain combination insecticides against major insect pests. Among the efficacy of certain combination insecticides, the treatment Betacyfluthrin 8.49% + Imidacloprid 19.81% OD 400ml/ha was observed most effective against whitefly, Jassid and serpentine leaf miner, whereas Chlorpyriphos 50%+ Cypermethrin 5% EC 1000 ml/ha was least effective against whitefly, Profenofos 40%+Cypermethrin 4% EC 1250 ml/ha was found least effective against Jassid and Triazophos 35%+ Deltamethrin 1% EC 1000ml/ha was least effective against serpentine leaf miner. Chlorantraniliprole 10%+Lambda cyhalothrin 5% ZC 250 ml/ha was most effective and found Triazophos 35%+ Deltamehtrin 1% EC 100ml/ha least effective against larval population of H. armigera followed by Imidacloprid 40%+Fipronil 40% WG 500 g/ha, Imidacloprid 40%+Ethiprole 40% WG 500 g/ha. The maximum yield (203.41 q/ha) was recorded in Betacyfluthrin 8.49% +Imidacloprid 19.81% OD 400ml/ha and minimum yield was recorded in Triazophos 35%+ Deltramethrin 1% EC 1000ml/ha (163.17 q/ha). The benefit cost- ratio 1:19.31 was recorded highest in Betacyfluthrin 8.49%+Imidacloprid 19.81% OD 400 ml/ha and lowest 1:3.12 in Imidacloprid 40%+Ethiprole 40% WG 500 g/ha. In comparison to traditional pesticides, these combination insecticides are a newer more efficient against the major pest of tomato at lower doses.