Papers by Sowmiya Arumugam
Review article, 2024
Defenses of direct and indirect means are used by plants in order to protect themselves from pest... more Defenses of direct and indirect means are used by plants in order to protect themselves from pest invasion. Direct defense entails biophysical, biochemical, molecular and nutritional barriers that have an impact on herbivores ability to feed grow and survive. Indirect defense entails the emission of mixture of volatile blends referred as Herbivore Induced Plant Volatiles (HIPVs) which attract the natural defenders of the insect pests. These defense-oriented tactics utilized by the plants are strengthened if they are given silicon (Si). Si is absorbed by plants as silicic acid, which they draw in as phytoliths to boost their physical defense. Upon a pest attack, silicon deposited in plant tissue is intensified. In addition, Si increases the protein activity and gene expression which are attributed towards inducing the plant defense and enhancing the building-up of secondary metabolites, hence activates molecular and biochemical defenses. Additionally, Si is essential for both direct and indirect defense mechanisms mediated by phytohormones. Silicon's role in insect defense is more obvious, but the practical applications related to crop protection studies have garnered less attention. This review focuses on the underlying mechanism of different forms of Si in strengthening host plant resistance against insect herbivores.
Review article, 2024
Insect pests pose significant challenges to vegetable crops, causing not only economic losses but... more Insect pests pose significant challenges to vegetable crops, causing not only economic losses but also compromising the quality of our food. Shockingly, up to 20 % of globally produced goods fall victim to these insidious invaders. While chemical insecticides have historically bolstered food production, they come with notable drawbacks, including handling risks, residue concerns and negative impacts on non-target species and the environment. Though they have not yet completely replaced chemical insecticides, biopesticides are becoming key in reducing pesticide overuse and promoting safer, residue-free food and environments. Derived from plants and microorganisms, biopesticides offer a safer alternative, ranging from plant extracts to microbial agents such as bacteria, fungi, viruses and nematodes. Additionally, insect hormones and semiochemicals, along with silica-based mineral products like activated clay and rice husk, contribute to eco-friendly pest control solutions. Cutting-edge nano biopesticides also deliver unparalleled pest control with precision targeting and excellent environmental credentials. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve deep into the myriad forms of biopesticides, their commercial availability, modes of action and the advantages and disadvantages in vegetable pest management. Crucially, we illuminate the path toward integrating biopesticides into holistic pest management strategies, which can lead to healthier crops, increased yields and more sustainable agricultural practices. By emphasizing biopesticides, we can promote environmental safety and support a greener future in agriculture.
Research Article, 2024
Field experiments were conducted to evaluate bioefficacy of new generation insecticides against l... more Field experiments were conducted to evaluate bioefficacy of new generation insecticides against leaf miner (Aproraema modicella Deventer) and tobacco caterpillar (Spodoptera litura Fab.) on groundnut under field condition during Kharif and Rabi seasons of 2020 and 2021. The observations on number of tobacco caterpillar larvae and leaf miner larvae were recorded on top, middle and bottom leaves of five randomly selected plants from each treatment at one day before and 3, 7, 10 and 14 days after first and second application of insecticides. The results of the field experiments conducted in Kharif and Rabi seasons of 2020 and 2021 revealed that all the insecticides were found significantly superior over untreated control in reducing population of leaf miner larvae at 3, 7, 10 and 14 days after first and second application. Spinosad 45 SC @ 200 ml/ha and Emamectin Benzoate 5 SG @ 200 g/ha were found most effective for managing leaf miner larval population on ground nut. Similarly the population of tobacco caterpillar was the lowest in Spinosad 45 SC @ 200 ml/ha followed by Profenophos 50 EC @ 1lit/ha and Cartap hydrochloride 50 SP @ 500 g/ha with 0.67, 0.67 and 1.00 larva/5plants, respectively.
Research Article, 2025
The study was carried out to assess the efficacy of commonly used insecticides against sucking pe... more The study was carried out to assess the efficacy of commonly used insecticides against sucking pests on okra plants treated with Bacillus subtilis Bbv57, a plant-growth-promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR). The experiment was designed in a completely randomized block design with three replications. Okra seeds were treated with a talc-based formulation of B. subtilis Bbv57, and the PGPR was also applied to the soil before sowing. Insecticides, including imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, acetamiprid, and thiacloprid, were sprayed on both PGPR-treated and untreated plots. Pest populations, including aphids and leafhoppers, were monitored at 3, 7, 10, and 14 days after treatment. The results indicated that insecticide treatments on PGPR-treated plants significantly reduced pest populations compared to untreated plants. Acetamiprid 20 SP at 100 g ha-1 was the most effective, reducing aphid and leafhopper populations to the lowest levels on PGPR-treated plants. Furthermore, PGPR treatment enhanced pest resistance, likely through induced biochemical changes. The highest yield (18.55 tonnes ha-1) and benefit-cost ratio (1:2.53) were observed in PGPR-treated plants treated with acetamiprid. This study demonstrates that combining PGPR with insecticide treatments provides an effective, sustainable solution for managing sucking pests in okra, offering both improved pest control and higher economic returns.
Research Article, 2024
Field experiment was carried out at the Entomology Laboratory, Agricultural College and Research ... more Field experiment was carried out at the Entomology Laboratory, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Vazhavachanur, Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India during Rabi 2020 and to study the efficacy of insecticides with specific mode of action against thrips and whitefly in castor. The experiments were conducted with completely randomized block design along with ten replications. Minimum mean population of thrips 4.48/plant was recorded after two spraying of Buprofezin 25 SC @ 0.8 ml/lit of water whereas untreated check recorded 39.65 thrips/plant with a mean population reduction of 88.70 per cent over untreated control plot. Similarly, Buprofezin 25 SC @ 0.8 ml/lit recorded a lowest mean population of whitefly as 8.30/plant with a mean population reduction of 87.84 per cent over untreated control followed by Profenophos 50 EC @ 2 ml/lit and Azadirachtin 1% with a mean population reduction of 78.76 and 46.58 per cent respectively over.
Research Article, 2023
Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) is a widely cultivated vegetable in Asia, facing ongoing ... more Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) is a widely cultivated vegetable in Asia, facing ongoing challenges from aphids (Aphis gossypii Glover). A field study was conducted on a microplot in Kasilingapuram, Karungulam block, Thoothukudi district, during the Rabi season of 2020 and the Summer of 2021. Various plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) were applied to the hybrid COBh 4 okra cultivars through soil, seed, and foliar treatments, and their impact on aphid populations was assessed. The findings revealed a significant reduction in aphid numbers and enhanced production of defensive compounds and enzymes in plants treated with Bacillus subtilis Original Research Article
Research Article, 2024
Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) is a widely grown vegetable in Asia, valued for its nutri... more Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) is a widely grown vegetable in Asia, valued for its nutritional properties and culinary uses. Nevertheless, it is significantly threatened by leafhoppers (Cicadellidae), which can transmit various plant viruses. To promote sustainable production and protect the crop from pest damage, a field study was conducted on a microplot in Kasilingapuram, Karungulam block, Thoothukudi district, during the Rabi season of 2020 and the Summer of 2021.
Research article, 2023
Rice (Oryza sativa L.) one of the primary and staple food crops consumed throughout Asia belongs ... more Rice (Oryza sativa L.) one of the primary and staple food crops consumed throughout Asia belongs to Poaceae family. Yellow stem borer, Scirpophaga incertulas W. is a predominant insect pest infesting rice in India which damages the crop throughout the cropping season.
Books by Sowmiya Arumugam
Book chapter, 2023
Agroecosystems represent a vital component of modern agriculture, and their sustainability is ess... more Agroecosystems represent a vital component of modern agriculture, and their sustainability is essential for food security. In these systems, the presence and activity of beneficial insects play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, enhancing crop yields and reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides. This chapter explores the multifaceted role of beneficial insects in agroecosystems, including their contributions to
natural pest control, pollination and ecological balance. It also examines the challenges and opportunities associated with their conservation and management.
Book chapter, 2023
Phytochemicals are classified as either primary or secondary plant metabolites. Of the estimated ... more Phytochemicals are classified as either primary or secondary plant metabolites. Of the estimated 3,08,800 plant species, very few have been surveyed and most remained unexploited and unutilized for pesticidally active principles. Till date, about 2,400 plant species have been reported to possess pesticidal properties belonging to 189 families among which about 22 families contain more than 10 plant species in each family with anti insect properties. Approximately, more than 350 insecticidal compounds, more than 800 insect feeding deterrents and quite a good number of insect growth inhibitors and growth regulators have been isolated from various plant species but, apparently only few have achieved the commercial status. Among the currently marketed botanical pesticides in the world, major ones include pyrethrins, rotenone, nicotine, ryanodine, sabadilla, neem based products and toosendanin. During last few years, plant essential oils comprising mono and sesquiterpenoids are being developed as green pesticides. Some of these oils are well known insect toxins, repellents and deterrents. Rosemary oil as hexacide has been
released and is effective against aphids, whiteflies, thrips and mites on a variety of crops like cotton, strawberry, grapes, squash and many ornamentals.
Book chapter, 2023
Natural farming is an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiver... more Natural farming is an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. The principal guidelines for organic / natural farming are to use materials and practices that enhance the ecological balance of natural systems which integrate the parts of the farming system into the ecosystem as whole. The primary goal of natural farming is to optimize
the health and productivity of interdependent communities of soil life, plants, animals and people called ‘one health concept’. Natural farming is a system where the laws of nature are applied to agricultural practices. This method works along with the natural biodiversity of each farmed area, encouraging the complexity of living organisms, both plants, and
animals that shape each particular ecosystem to thrive along with food plants. Insects are highly mobile and well adapted to farm production systems and pest control tactics. In the organic/natural farms, where the focus is on managing insects rather than eliminating them, success depends on learning the biological, ecological and behavioral information of the insects. Biological information means what the insect needs to survive can be used to determine if insect pests can be deprived of some
vital resource. Ecological information is how the insect interacts with the environment and other species can be used to shape a pest resistant environment. Behavioural information is about both pest and beneficial insects and how the insect goes about collecting the necessities of life can be manipulated to protect the crops. According to the natural farming system, insect pest problems may be managed through cultural,
mechanical or physical methods; development of habitat for natural enemies of pests and non-synthetic control such as traps, lures and repellents.
Book chapter, 2023
In natural farming, agricultural practices are based on the principles of nature itself. This app... more In natural farming, agricultural practices are based on the principles of nature itself. This approach works in harmony with the unique biodiversity of each farm, supporting the complexity of living organisms—both plant and animal—that shape each local ecosystem while nurturing food crops. Insects, being highly adaptable and mobile, are an essential part
of farm production and pest control systems. In organic and natural farming, the goal is to manage insects, not eliminate them. Success lies in understanding the biological, ecological, and behavioral traits of insects.
Biological information reveals the survival needs of insects, which can be used to deprive pest species of crucial resources. Ecological information highlights how insects interact with their environment and other species, providing insights into how to create pest resistant ecosystems. Behavioral information focuses on how both harmful and beneficial insects gather the resources necessary for survival, allowing farmers to manipulate these
behaviors to protect crops. Pest management in natural farming is achieved through a combination of cultural, mechanical, and physical methods, the creation of habitats for natural pest predators, and the use of non-synthetic controls like traps, lures, and repellents. By embracing these approaches, natural farming offers a sustainable path forward for agriculture that prioritizes both the health of the land and the well-being of its inhabitants.
Book chapter, 2023
Modern agriculture, marked by its extensive scale and efficiency, confronts numerous challenges, ... more Modern agriculture, marked by its extensive scale and efficiency, confronts numerous challenges, foremost among them being pests that jeopardize crop yields. Traditionally, farmers employed diverse methods to tackle pests, ranging from manual removal to crop rotation. However, the advent of chemical pesticides in the mid-20th century transformed pest control
practices significantly. Although these chemicals effectively curbed pest
populations, they also triggered unintended ecological repercussions, such as harm to non-target species, ecosystem disruption, and human health risks. Agroecosystems stand as a pivotal element of contemporary agriculture, and their sustainability is paramount for food security. Within
these systems, the presence and actions of beneficial insects hold immense importance in preserving ecological equilibrium, boosting crop yields, and reducing reliance on chemical pesticides. This chapter thoroughly explores the multifaceted role of beneficial insects in agroecosystems, elucidating their contributions to natural pest control, pollination, and ecological stability. Furthermore, it scrutinizes the hurdles and prospects linked to their conservation and management.
Book chapter, 2023
Modern agriculture is known for its vast scale and efficiency, but it also faces significant chal... more Modern agriculture is known for its vast scale and efficiency, but it also faces significant challenges, particularly from pests that threaten crop yields. Historically, farmers employed a variety of methods to manage pests, such as manual removal and crop rotation. However, the widespread use of chemical pesticides in the mid-20th century revolutionized pest control practices. While these chemicals were successful in reducing pest populations, they also introduced unintended ecological consequences, including harm to non-target species, disruption of ecosystems, and growing concerns over human health. Agroecosystems are a cornerstone of modern agriculture, and their sustainability is crucial for ensuring food security. In these systems, beneficial insects play a vital role in
maintaining ecological balance, boosting crop yields, and reducing dependence on chemical pesticides. This chapter delves into the diverse roles of beneficial insects within agroecosystems, focusing on their contributions to natural pest control, pollination, and overall ecological harmony. It also explores the challenges and opportunities related to their
conservation and management. The goal of this chapter is to offer a comprehensive understanding of the indispensable role that beneficial insects play in agroecosystems. It highlights their contributions to natural
pest control and pollination, and examines the challenges and opportunities in conserving and managing these essential species. Through case studies and current research, this chapter emphasizes the importance of beneficial insects in sustainable agriculture and advocates for the integration of pest management practices that prioritize their role.
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Papers by Sowmiya Arumugam
Books by Sowmiya Arumugam
natural pest control, pollination and ecological balance. It also examines the challenges and opportunities associated with their conservation and management.
released and is effective against aphids, whiteflies, thrips and mites on a variety of crops like cotton, strawberry, grapes, squash and many ornamentals.
the health and productivity of interdependent communities of soil life, plants, animals and people called ‘one health concept’. Natural farming is a system where the laws of nature are applied to agricultural practices. This method works along with the natural biodiversity of each farmed area, encouraging the complexity of living organisms, both plants, and
animals that shape each particular ecosystem to thrive along with food plants. Insects are highly mobile and well adapted to farm production systems and pest control tactics. In the organic/natural farms, where the focus is on managing insects rather than eliminating them, success depends on learning the biological, ecological and behavioral information of the insects. Biological information means what the insect needs to survive can be used to determine if insect pests can be deprived of some
vital resource. Ecological information is how the insect interacts with the environment and other species can be used to shape a pest resistant environment. Behavioural information is about both pest and beneficial insects and how the insect goes about collecting the necessities of life can be manipulated to protect the crops. According to the natural farming system, insect pest problems may be managed through cultural,
mechanical or physical methods; development of habitat for natural enemies of pests and non-synthetic control such as traps, lures and repellents.
of farm production and pest control systems. In organic and natural farming, the goal is to manage insects, not eliminate them. Success lies in understanding the biological, ecological, and behavioral traits of insects.
Biological information reveals the survival needs of insects, which can be used to deprive pest species of crucial resources. Ecological information highlights how insects interact with their environment and other species, providing insights into how to create pest resistant ecosystems. Behavioral information focuses on how both harmful and beneficial insects gather the resources necessary for survival, allowing farmers to manipulate these
behaviors to protect crops. Pest management in natural farming is achieved through a combination of cultural, mechanical, and physical methods, the creation of habitats for natural pest predators, and the use of non-synthetic controls like traps, lures, and repellents. By embracing these approaches, natural farming offers a sustainable path forward for agriculture that prioritizes both the health of the land and the well-being of its inhabitants.
practices significantly. Although these chemicals effectively curbed pest
populations, they also triggered unintended ecological repercussions, such as harm to non-target species, ecosystem disruption, and human health risks. Agroecosystems stand as a pivotal element of contemporary agriculture, and their sustainability is paramount for food security. Within
these systems, the presence and actions of beneficial insects hold immense importance in preserving ecological equilibrium, boosting crop yields, and reducing reliance on chemical pesticides. This chapter thoroughly explores the multifaceted role of beneficial insects in agroecosystems, elucidating their contributions to natural pest control, pollination, and ecological stability. Furthermore, it scrutinizes the hurdles and prospects linked to their conservation and management.
maintaining ecological balance, boosting crop yields, and reducing dependence on chemical pesticides. This chapter delves into the diverse roles of beneficial insects within agroecosystems, focusing on their contributions to natural pest control, pollination, and overall ecological harmony. It also explores the challenges and opportunities related to their
conservation and management. The goal of this chapter is to offer a comprehensive understanding of the indispensable role that beneficial insects play in agroecosystems. It highlights their contributions to natural
pest control and pollination, and examines the challenges and opportunities in conserving and managing these essential species. Through case studies and current research, this chapter emphasizes the importance of beneficial insects in sustainable agriculture and advocates for the integration of pest management practices that prioritize their role.