Genetic control of pest insects

The present study is conducted to evaluate the bio-pesticidal efficacy of two plants, Euphorbia tithymaloides and Ocimum basilicum against C. analis infesting Cicer arietinum (chickpea) seeds during storage. Acetone and methanol extracts of dried inflorescence, leaves mixture, seeds of O. basilicum and stems of E. tithymaloides were prepared and employed at different concentrations of 5, 10 and 20% with three replicas each. 100% mortality of adults was observed on 9 th and 10 th day of treatment at 20% conc. of acetone extract of inflorescence and leaves mixture of O. basilicum and stem extract of E. tithymalodies respectively. Efficacy of these extracts was observed on adult mortality, fecundity and F1 adult emergence. Results revealed that inflorescence and leaves mixture extracts of O. basilicum and E. tithymalodies stem extracts were effective in reducing life span, fecundity and adult emergence of C. analis among all the treatments.

In the present study, an evaluation of four quantitative characters viz. Yield/100 dfls, SR%, Denier, and Reel ability of Cocoons produced by Silkworm through analysis of variance was carried out. Eighteen varieties of mulberry silkworm, Bombyx mori L. were used in this analysis viz., Nistid white(P), ISK, D× C, BN(P), BN-(P)m, BN(M)M, N(I)M, N(I) K(M), N(I)K(P), N(I)K(P)L, NN7B-P, NN7B-M, MBY0115 (P), BSR 3 Yellow(p), BSR-3 Yellow (m), BSR-10 yellow(m), BSR-1 white(m) and BSR-1 white(p). Analysis of variances conducted on the results indicated that the varieties differ significantly (P < 0.01) in respect of some characters studied to identify the existence of real differences among the varieties through analytical observation. The good performing varieties were ISK, D×C, BN (P), BN(M)M, N (I)M, N(I) K(P), N(I) K(P) EL, NN7B(M), BSR-1White-(M), BSR-1White-(P) in most cases. But the most superior variety was N (I) M, because it showed the highest performances in both cases of deni...

Larvicidal activity of Menthe longifolia different extracts against lymphatic filariasis vector, Culex pipiens and Rift Valley Fever vector, C. antennatus was tested. The extraction was carried out using methanol, acetone, chloroform and petroleum ether solvents. Obtained results revealed that petroleum ether extraction from leaves of M. longifolia was more effective against 3 rd instar larvae of C. pipiens and C. antennatus than those of chloroform, acetone and methanol extractions. Methanol, acetone, chloroform and petroleum ether extracts from leaves of M. longifolia recorded LC50 values of 1741.5, 1322.0, 702.4 and 379.5 ppm against C. pipiens third larval instar and 1064.6, 850.3, 459.9 and 250.4 ppm against C. antennatus third larval instar, respectively. In addition, LC90 values recorded 2282.0, 1897.7, 1300.3 and 511.9 ppm by methanol, acetone, chloroform and petroleum ether extract from leaves of M. longifolia against C. pipiens third larval instar and 1596.5, 1388.6, 979.4 and 388.2 ppm against C. antennatus third larval instar, respectively. Also, both C. pipiens and C. antennatus larval and pupal periods were prolonged by all tested extracts at all concentrations used as compared with the untreated groups. Menthe longifolia tested extracts are considered as new promising controlling agents against C. pipiens and C. antennatus, however, more studies are necessary to reach the active ingredient in the tested extracts.

Mosquitoes are the most important single group of insects acting as vector for many tropical and subtropical diseases. Using insecticides of plant origin to interrupt the life cycle, vector borne diseases can be controlled. Artocarpus lakoocha Roxb. popularly known as Monkey Jack or Lakuch is ethnobotanically used to treat fever, purge, skin ailments and also as an appetizer. The present study investigated the pharmacognostical and larvicidal activity of leaves and fruits of A. lakoocha against Anopheles stephensi, Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus larvae. As a step towards standardization of crude drug, the powder microscopy, physico-chemical analysis, TLC studies and HPTLC profiles of active pet ether extract were established. The larvicidal potential of successive solvent extracts were screened and expressed as LC 50 values. The pet ether extract of leaves and fruits were significant with LC 50 241.36, 624.88, 1162.86 and 1180.95, 1286.69, 1398.69 µg/mL on the three species, respectively compared to other extracts. The results indicate that the triterpenoids and phytosterols present in the pet ether extract exerted a dose dependent larvicidal activity and the malarial vector, An. stephensi was more susceptible to the pet ether extract.

The present study performed at evaluating the potency of methanol, acetone, chloroform and petroleum ether extracts of Lagenaria siceraria leaves against the 3 rd instar larvae of the housefly, Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae) which consider as a diseases vector. The repellent efficacy of the prepared plant extracts against M. domestica adults was examined. All plant extracts showed a larvicidal activity against the 3 rd instar larvae of M. domestica larvae; however, the petroleum ether extract was found that to be the more effective than chloroform, acetone and methanol extracts. The LC 50 values of methanol, acetone, chloroform and petroleum ether extracts recorded 468.5, 432.1, 433.8 and 101.4ppm; respectively. As well, at the LC 50 values of the tested extracts exhibited repellent activity against M. domestica adults. The effective plant extract that exhibited high antifeedant or repellency action was petroleum ether extract as compared to chloroform, acetone and methanol extracts. These results demonstrated that methanol, acetone, chloroform and petroleum ether extracts of L. siceraria leaves can be used as pest control even in their crude form. These results may provide an opportunity to develop alternatives to costly organic pesticides with some available cheap plants which are usually safe to the environment and to living organisms.

The use of chemical pesticides against storage pests by farmers in developing countries like Bangladesh is inadequately docummented. The holistic view of pest control technology is required to evaluate its impact on net social welfare, the simultaneous determination of optimal storage operations, consumption and production over time and optimal pest management. To make these variables operational the collaboration of biologists (especially pest management expert), economists, systems analysts, extension workers and social scientists are very much to be solicited. It is apparent that our basic understanding of bruchid pests is still far from being adequate. Therefore, intensive studies of their, biology, ecology and effects on foodstuffs are needed to be vigorously persued. Chemical pesticides are expected to play a major role in pest management programmes. However, the development of alternative pest management strategies involving non-chemical methods should vigorously pursued. There is no single answer to pest problems. The development of an integrated pest management system incorporating the principles, methods and techniques advanced by various disciplines into a coherent and comprehensive programme seems to be the answer.

Five cultivated mulberry plant varieties, BSRM‐34, BSRM‐56, BSRM‐57, BSRM‐58 and BSRM‐59, were used to evaluate the effects of plant variety on larval and cocoon characteristics of mulberry silkworm Bombyx mori L. Silkworm larvae undergo their entire larval periods on leaves of mulberry varieties. Different larval characteristics of larval weight, larval length and larval breadth were measured in different growth stages. After rearing, the fifth instar larvae were transferred into a mountage (Chandraki) structure for cocoon rearing for spinning and cocoon production. The cocoons were then harvested and different cocoon characteristics like cocoon weight, shell weight and shell percentage; and other characters like pupal weight and effective rate of rearing were measured. The results showed statistically significant differences among different varieties on larval and cocoon characteristics. The highest performance was observed by feeding the variety BSRM‐34 in respect of the average ...

All over the world, millions of people are suffering from mosquito borne diseases spreading by bacteria, viruses or parasites and transmitted by mosquitoes to humans. It is estimated that about billions of currencies are spent by nations annually due to these diseases and millions of people dye as a consequence of catching mosquito borne diseases. The World Health Organization has recorded mosquitoes borne diseases as one of the topmost threats to public health, particularly in developing countries. In India, it has been estimated that annually more than 40 million people suffer from mosquito illness. Mosquito control includes target killing the larvae of mosquitoes even before they emerge into adults via using botanical extracts as an alternative larvicides. Herbal plants having a good medicinal values and potential so now a days it has been used as an insecticide at an individual and community level. These are non-toxic and biodegradable measures that are easily available and inexpensive depicting broad spectrum potential against the various strains of mosquitoes. Existing studies have taken in account the probit analysis for the calculation of percentage, LC 50, LC 90 values and 95% confidence limits to propound the observed relationship between the mortality percentage of larvae and logarithmic concentration of the active constituents found in herbal extracts. In this article, we reviewed on the current state of knowledge available on the larvicidal value of plant extracts and mosquitocidal activity, the nature of active parts of plant and promising advances, knowledge to make herbal or biological control of various species of mosquitoes as a potential eco-friendly and safe larvicides.

The present study performed at evaluating the potency of methanol, acetone, chloroform and petroleum ether extracts of Lagenaria siceraria leaves against the 3 rd instar larvae of the housefly, Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae) which consider as a diseases vector. The repellent efficacy of the prepared plant extracts against M. domestica adults was examined. All plant extracts showed a larvicidal activity against the 3 rd instar larvae of M. domestica larvae; however, the petroleum ether extract was found that to be the more effective than chloroform, acetone and methanol extracts. The LC 50 values of methanol, acetone, chloroform and petroleum ether extracts recorded 468.5, 432.1, 433.8 and 101.4ppm; respectively. As well, at the LC 50 values of the tested extracts exhibited repellent activity against M. domestica adults. The effective plant extract that exhibited high antifeedant or repellency action was petroleum ether extract as compared to chloroform, acetone and methanol extracts. These results demonstrated that methanol, acetone, chloroform and petroleum ether extracts of L. siceraria leaves can be used as pest control even in their crude form. These results may provide an opportunity to develop alternatives to costly organic pesticides with some available cheap plants which are usually safe to the environment and to living organisms.

Thevetia peruviana an evergreen shrub, belonging to Apocynanceae family, is a very poisonous shrub in nature and the kernels being the most toxic. This plant is native of central and South America, but now frequently grown throughout the tropical. The shrub or small tree that bears yellow or orange-yellow, trumpet like flowers and its fruit is deep red/black in color enhancing a large seed that bears some resemblance to a Chinese lucky nut . Leaves are covered in waxy coating to reduce water loss. The active principles in yellow oleander are cardiac glycosides. The physical properties of the fruit and kernel are unique and different from other tree borne oilseeds i.e. the storage, transport handling etc. Activities related to the fruits and kernels will require modifications in the processes and structures prevailing for other tree born oilseeds (Balusamy and Manrappan, 2007).

Phytosanitary irradiation for food commodities has been widely accepted in recent years. Gamma irradiation has been used as a phytosanitary treatment against microbial diseases, insect infestation and food spoilage. The goal of the current study was to determine the lowest possible dose of gamma irradiation that will induce longterm sterility of insects through generations. The effect of four gamma irradiation doses examined were; 20,40, 50 and 70 Gy. Irradiated males were crossed with normal females. For the cowpea beetle Callosobruchus maculatus(F.), adult fecundity, hatchability, adult emergence, sterility% was investigated. 100% adult mortality was achieved by 70 Gy dose. Fecundity, hatchability, number of adults emerged, sterility% were significantly reduced when males exposed to 20, 40, and 50 Gy compared to the control. The effect of parental irradiated males exposed to 20 Gy on F2 generation was also studied. Fecundity, hatchability, number of adult emerged, sterility% were ...

Extracts of Polygonum hydropiper leaves in Methanol was introduced to the 3rd and 4th instar larvae of Aedes aegypti with various concentration (.25–1.5 μg/ml). Insecticidal assays data showed significant mortality against the Aedes aegypti larvae. The LC50 and LC90 value after 24 hours of exposure was 0.002 and 0.47 μg/ml respectively. As predicted the result showed that the larvicidal activity of P. hydropiper on Ae. aegypti larvae was dose reliant. The result clearly exhibited that methanol extract of P. hydropiper, as a potential biological control agent against Ae. aegypti larvae, is eminent. Bangladesh J. Zool. 51(1): 119-127, 2023

The phytochemical composition and larvicidal efficacy of essential oils extracted from Millingtonia hortensis flowers against Aedes aegypti were investigated. The essential oils of fresh M. hortensis flowers were extracted by maceration in petroleum ether, provided yields of oils about 0.02% (v/w) of dry weight. The aromatic volatile components of the essential oils were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC- MS). Out of 37 compounds, twenty seven have been identified and accounted for 85.84% of the chromatographable components. These included solanesol (25.72%), trans-farnesol (19.71%), nerolidol (8.54%), palmetic acid (6.77%), vanillin (6.20%), oleic acid (4.54%), linoleic acid (3.87%), L-linalool (3.37%), 1-octen-3-ol (1.67%), -farnesene (1.22%), and methyl salicylate (1.03%). The larvae (3 rd -4 th ) exhibited LC50 (24 hours) ca. 208.5 ppm. The concentration at 500 ppm of extract showed the highest effectiveness in controlling the larvae with 98% morta...

Phytosanitary irradiation for food commodities has been widely accepted in recent years. Gamma irradiation has been used as a phytosanitary treatment against microbial diseases, insect infestation and food spoilage. The goal of the current study was to determine the lowest possible dose of gamma irradiation that will induce longterm sterility of insects through generations. The effect of four gamma irradiation doses examined were; 20,40, 50 and 70 Gy. Irradiated males were crossed with normal females. For the cowpea beetle Callosobruchus maculatus(F.), adult fecundity, hatchability, adult emergence, sterility% was investigated. 100% adult mortality was achieved by 70 Gy dose. Fecundity, hatchability, number of adults emerged, sterility% were significantly reduced when males exposed to 20, 40, and 50 Gy compared to the control. The effect of parental irradiated males exposed to 20 Gy on F2 generation was also studied. Fecundity, hatchability, number of adult emerged, sterility% were ...

The effect of temperature and humidity fluctuations on fecundity and fertility of the silkworm lines was investigated during autumn and spring by exposing 4 th and 5 th instar larvae of eleven inbred silkworm lines (M-101, M-103, M-104, M-107, Pak-1, Pak-2, Pak-3, Pak-4, PFI-1, PFI-2 and S-1) to 25±1°C, 30±1°C and 35±1°C in combination with 55, 65 and 75% relative humidity (RH) for 3hr daily. Temperature and relative humidity during larval rearing affected the fecundity and fertility of inbred silkworm lines adversely. The maximum average number of eggs were laid at 25±1°C with 75±5% RH (413.1) followed by 25±1°C with 75% RH (400.4) and 25±1°C with 65% RH (390.9). Significant difference in egg fertility was observed between all the treatments. Maximum average fertilized eggs were recorded at 25±1°C with 75±5% RH (88.77) followed by 25±1°C with 75% RH (86.88) and 25±1°C with 65% RH (85.09) while lowest fertility was shown by 35±1°C with 55% RH (67.52). The deleterious effect of temperature and humidity was observed on fecundity and fertility of inbred silkworm lines. Pak-4 was the best performer with maximum eggs (471.5) at 25±1°C with 75±5% RH followed by PFI-1 (465.2) and M-101(464.1) in the same environment. The best temperature and humidity for rearing silkworm lines for seed cocoon production (to obtain higher number of eggs per moth with increased fertility) is 25±1°C with 75±5% RH. Pak-2, Pak-4, Pak-3 and PFI-I were the better lines which may be utilized in seed cocoon production and hybridization. Investigations elucidated that temperature and humidity variations during larval rearing resulted in low fecundity and high incidence of unfertilized eggs. The study suggests that fecundity and egg fertility can be enhanced by avoiding temperature and humidity fluctuations during larval rearing.

The effect of temperature and humidity fluctuations on fecundity and fertility of the silkworm lines was investigated during autumn and spring by exposing 4 th and 5 th instar larvae of eleven inbred silkworm lines (M-101, M-103, M-104, M-107, Pak-1, Pak-2, Pak-3, Pak-4, PFI-1, PFI-2 and S-1) to 25±1°C, 30±1°C and 35±1°C in combination with 55, 65 and 75% relative humidity (RH) for 3hr daily. Temperature and relative humidity during larval rearing affected the fecundity and fertility of inbred silkworm lines adversely. The maximum average number of eggs were laid at 25±1°C with 75±5% RH (413.1) followed by 25±1°C with 75% RH (400.4) and 25±1°C with 65% RH (390.9). Significant difference in egg fertility was observed between all the treatments. Maximum average fertilized eggs were recorded at 25±1°C with 75±5% RH (88.77) followed by 25±1°C with 75% RH (86.88) and 25±1°C with 65% RH (85.09) while lowest fertility was shown by 35±1°C with 55% RH (67.52). The deleterious effect of temperature and humidity was observed on fecundity and fertility of inbred silkworm lines. Pak-4 was the best performer with maximum eggs (471.5) at 25±1°C with 75±5% RH followed by PFI-1 (465.2) and M-101(464.1) in the same environment. The best temperature and humidity for rearing silkworm lines for seed cocoon production (to obtain higher number of eggs per moth with increased fertility) is 25±1°C with 75±5% RH. Pak-2, Pak-4, Pak-3 and PFI-I were the better lines which may be utilized in seed cocoon production and hybridization. Investigations elucidated that temperature and humidity variations during larval rearing resulted in low fecundity and high incidence of unfertilized eggs. The study suggests that fecundity and egg fertility can be enhanced by avoiding temperature and humidity fluctuations during larval rearing.

The experiment was conducted from 2013-2014 at Genetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Rajshahi in Bangladesh to evaluate the effects of carbofuran (granular) against pulse beetle Callosbruchus maculatus (F.). The black gram (Vigna mungo L.) seeds were treated with carbofuran and different reproductive potentials viz. fecundity, duration of immature stages, percentage of adult emergence and adult longevity of pulse beetles were investigated under laboratory conditions. Six doses of carbofuran (0, 20, 16, 12, 8 and 4 ppm) were used to pulse seeds treatment and the untreated female beetles after mating with males were released to lay eggs on treated seeds. Results revealed that the different doses of carbofuran induced significant (P<0.01) changes in the developmental period (34.76±1.00, 32.67±0.81, 32.57±0.94, 35.69±0.87, 36.06±1.70, 35.28±2.44; F5,24=5.71) and percentage of adult emergence (67.66 ±16.40, 47.64±18.38, 67.53±15.22, 60.52±7.54...

Studies on effects of gamma radiation on life stages (egg, larva, pupa and adult) of pulse beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis (L.) was conducted in the laboratory with different packing materials viz., polypropylene bag (70 micron), HDPE bag (100 micron), HDPE bag (200 micron), PVC container and laminated urea bag. The packing materials contained withfresh and infested grains ofpigeonpea, mungbean and chickpea with pulse beetle. Seeds containing 24 hrs old eggs, 10 days old larvae, 6 days old pupae and 1 day old virgin adults of pulse beetlewere exposed to radiation source in gamma chamber-5000 with different dosages viz., 400 Gy, 650 Gy and 850 Gy. Complete mortality of egg, larva, pupa and sterility of adult was noticed in all the doses. Post emergence studies were carried out after treatment and were continued up to six months in all the doses of treatment which showed nil emergence of pulse beetle. The treated packing materials were monitored regularly for pulse beetle re-infestation and re-infestation was not recorded which remained fresh. The results showed that lower dose of 400 Gy were found to be effectiveagainst all life stages ofpulse beetle. The irradiation with gamma rays greatly influencing the growth and development of C. chinensis, which can be considered as a safe method of control in pulses.

Fig moth E. cautella, considered the most serious pests infest dates and cause economic losses in the field and warehouses in Iraq which produces between 600-700 thousand tons of dates annually. In order to reduce this damage different pest control methods are used and fragmentation of radiation considered one of the newest and innovative way to control this Moth that attack stored dates. Dates, Zahdi variety artificially infested by eggs of Ephestia cautella .Eggs and larvae of insect were irradiated by gamma radiation with different doses between (106 - 397.5Gy) and then irradiated dates stored at 19C o , 30 and 40 days for Larvae and Eggs respectively. Fragmentation of irradiation dose of gamma were used, five periods of irradiation with three different times separating each period (5, 10, 15min). Physical and chemical properties of dates were analyzed. Results showed that the fragmentation technique is comparable with continuous irradiation and effective for eliminating the inse...

Five cultivated mulberry plant varieties, BSRM-34, BSRM-56, BSRM-57, BSRM-58 and BSRM-59, were used to evaluate the effects of plant variety on larval and cocoon characteristics of mulberry silkworm Bombyx mori L. Silkworm larvae undergo their entire larval periods on leaves of mulberry varieties. Different larval characteristics of larval weight, larval length and larval breadth were measured in different growth stages. After rearing, the fifth instar larvae were transferred into a mountage (Chandraki) structure for cocoon rearing for spinning and cocoon production. The cocoons were then harvested and different cocoon characteristics like cocoon weight, shell weight and shell percentage; and other characters like pupal weight and effective rate of rearing were measured. The results showed statistically significant differences among different varieties on larval and cocoon characteristics. The highest performance was observed by feeding the variety BSRM-34 in respect of the average weight of 10 mature larvae (40.5 g), single mature larval length (7.6 cm) and breadth (1.0 cm), single cocoon weight (1.4 g), shell weight (0.2 g) and pupal weight (1.2 g) while the average performance was recorded by feeding varieties BSRM-57 and BSRM-59. The poorest performance was showed by feeding the variety BSRM-56 (in case of larval characters) and BSRM-58 (in case of cocoon characteristics). These two varieties also showed the poorest performance for silk yield. Through comparing all the above parameters it was concluded that BSRM-34 is the best mulberry variety and it is recommended that Bangladeshi farmers adopt that variety for better yield of silk.

Susceptibility of the developmental stages of Callosbruchus maculatus (F.) to gamma radiation was studied by irradiating infested cowpea grains. Irradiation of one-day-old eggs at doses ranging from 16 Gy to 24 Gy resulted in 100% mortality; and mortality was 65.0 and 85.0% in three-day-old eggs and seven-day-old grubs, respectively, at the dose of 24 Gy. A dose of 150 Gy was required to cause 70.0% mortality in ten-day-old grubs. Exposure of four-day-old pupae to gamma radiation (100 Gy and above) completely inhibited adult emergence. 100% mortality of both sexes occurred by the third day at 1500 Gy. However, irradiation at a dose of 24 Gy induced complete sterility in adults of C. maculatus. Adult emergence from infested grain was significantly reduced due to gamma irradiation. Gamma radiation did not alter the protein and carbohydrate contents of irradiated cowpea grains.

Using 254nm UV radiations of exposure periods from 2 to 16 min against adults. Time mortality response of the cowpea weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae), adults and alterations in vital reproductive attributes as fecundity, immature duration, adult emergence and adult longevity of the beetles from parental through F1 generation have been estimated. Time mortality response of the adults of the cowpea weevil Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae), and alternations in vital reproductive attributes is fecundity, immature duration, adult emergence and longevity from parental through F1 generation using 254nm UV radiations of response periods from 2-16min have been estimated. Results show that an exposure time to kill 50% of the adults is around 20 min (LT50 = 19.99min), and irradiation significantly reduced egg-laying (P<0.001), lengthened immature durations (i.e. larval and pupal developmental periods; P<0.05), decreased adult emergence...

Larvicidal activity of Menthe longifolia different extracts against lymphatic filariasis vector, Culex pipiens and Rift Valley Fever vector, C. antennatus was tested. The extraction was carried out using methanol, acetone, chloroform and petroleum ether solvents. Obtained results revealed that petroleum ether extraction from leaves of M. longifolia was more effective against 3 rd instar larvae of C. pipiens and C. antennatus than those of chloroform, acetone and methanol extractions. Methanol, acetone, chloroform and petroleum ether extracts from leaves of M. longifolia recorded LC50 values of 1741.5, 1322.0, 702.4 and 379.5 ppm against C. pipiens third larval instar and 1064.6, 850.3, 459.9 and 250.4 ppm against C. antennatus third larval instar, respectively. In addition, LC90 values recorded 2282.0, 1897.7, 1300.3 and 511.9 ppm by methanol, acetone, chloroform and petroleum ether extract from leaves of M. longifolia against C. pipiens third larval instar and 1596.5, 1388.6, 979.4 and 388.2 ppm against C. antennatus third larval instar, respectively. Also, both C. pipiens and C. antennatus larval and pupal periods were prolonged by all tested extracts at all concentrations used as compared with the untreated groups. Menthe longifolia tested extracts are considered as new promising controlling agents against C. pipiens and C. antennatus, however, more studies are necessary to reach the active ingredient in the tested extracts.

The selection of silkworm seeds is critical when we are going to start a sericulture business that must be by the environmental conditions, especially the climate. This research aims to look at the response of silkworm seeds which are preserved on two different altitudes from the seed sources in South Sulawesi and Central Java. The seeds preservation, started from hatching eggs to become cocoons, is done at an altitude of 120 meters above sea level (Soppeng Regency) and 700 meters above sea level (Enrekang Regency). Preservation procedures are carried out by the standard operating procedures for maintaining silkworms. The preservation procedure is carried out based on the standard operating procedure for preserving silkworms. The results show that the duration of local C301 PPS seeds is 1.5 - 2 days longer than CRT and C301 CRT BS09 at two different altitude locations. Adaptation of the three seeds based on the hatchability of eggs and the durability of larvae meet the standard comm...

The present investigation reported the effects of amoxocillin, oxytetracyclin and doxycyclin on physiological parameters, growth and development of the larva and pupa, mortality percentage and different cocoon characteristics of silkworm, Bombyx mori L. at various concentrations. The experimental results showed that the effect of different antibiotics on physiological parameters like food consumption, food utilization and food digestibility of 5 instar larvae were increased in the treated lines in comparison to the control. The highest food consumption, food utilization and food digestibility of 5 instar larvae was recorded at 5% doses. Weight of larva and pupa were significantly increased due to different antibiotics application in mulberry leaves and the most effective result was found at 5% doses of amoxicillin, followed the order oxytetracyclin and doxycyclin. In case of larval and pupal duration, it was observed that the duration of larval and pupal period of silkworm, B. mori ...

Phytosanitary irradiation for food commodities has been widely accepted in recent years. Gamma irradiation has been used as a phytosanitary treatment against microbial diseases, insect infestation and food spoilage. The goal of the current study was to determine the lowest possible dose of gamma irradiation that will induce longterm sterility of insects through generations. The effect of four gamma irradiation doses examined were; 20,40, 50 and 70 Gy. Irradiated males were crossed with normal females. For the cowpea beetle Callosobruchus maculatus(F.), adult fecundity, hatchability, adult emergence, sterility% was investigated. 100% adult mortality was achieved by 70 Gy dose. Fecundity, hatchability, number of adults emerged, sterility% were significantly reduced when males exposed to 20, 40, and 50 Gy compared to the control. The effect of parental irradiated males exposed to 20 Gy on F2 generation was also studied. Fecundity, hatchability, number of adult emerged, sterility% were ...

Reproductive isolation in four Sumatran Epilachna species was studied by testing 1) food preference, 2) mate choice, 3) sperm viability and 4) hybrid viability. Food habits of two solanum feeders, E. vigintioctopunctata and E. enneasticta (abbreviated as Ev, Ee) overlapped, while two cucurbit feeders, E. dodecastigma and E. septima (Ed and Es) preferred different food plants. Complete or strong ethological isolation was observed in all but one combination consisting of Ev and Es females and Es males. In this combination, half of the Ev females and all Es females received sperm of Es male(s), but sperm of Es male(s) was inactivated in Ev females. The average percentage of egg hatch for four conspecific combinations was 65.9%, while in 12 interspecific ones none hatched. These results show that the four Epilachna species are completely isolated by the combination of 1) difference of food preference, 2) strong preferences for conspecific matings, 3) inactivation of sperm in heterospecific females, and 4) inviability of eggs from interspecific matings. Food plants of Ev, Ee, and Es were introduced to Sumatra relatively recently and the presumed native food plants of these three species have not been found. Thus, the four Epilachna species had probably been isolated when the present relationship between Epilachna and their food plants was established in West Sumatra.

Larvicidal activity of Menthe longifolia different extracts against lymphatic filariasis vector, Culex pipiens and Rift Valley Fever vector, C. antennatus was tested. The extraction was carried out using methanol, acetone, chloroform and petroleum ether solvents. Obtained results revealed that petroleum ether extraction from leaves of M. longifolia was more effective against 3 rd instar larvae of C. pipiens and C. antennatus than those of chloroform, acetone and methanol extractions. Methanol, acetone, chloroform and petroleum ether extracts from leaves of M. longifolia recorded LC50 values of 1741.5, 1322.0, 702.4 and 379.5 ppm against C. pipiens third larval instar and 1064.6, 850.3, 459.9 and 250.4 ppm against C. antennatus third larval instar, respectively. In addition, LC90 values recorded 2282.0, 1897.7, 1300.3 and 511.9 ppm by methanol, acetone, chloroform and petroleum ether extract from leaves of M. longifolia against C. pipiens third larval instar and 1596.5, 1388.6, 979.4 and 388.2 ppm against C. antennatus third larval instar, respectively. Also, both C. pipiens and C. antennatus larval and pupal periods were prolonged by all tested extracts at all concentrations used as compared with the untreated groups. Menthe longifolia tested extracts are considered as new promising controlling agents against C. pipiens and C. antennatus, however, more studies are necessary to reach the active ingredient in the tested extracts.

By nature, every living mother develops an individual and a plant, leaving a legacy for the next season. These hereditary trait traits are passed from generation to generation through chromosomes, which are the cell component within their cells. In animals and plants, somatic chromosomes are passed on to their offspring. That is why from man to man, from sheep to lambs, from cattle to calves. Wheat grows from wheat, barley from barley, and life goes on. But when this balance is disturbed, a new individual is born as a result of artificial influences caused by nature, when there is a change in the chromosomes in their genotypes.

Susceptibility of the developmental stages of Callosbruchus maculatus (F.) to gamma radiation was studied by irradiating infested cowpea grains. Irradiation of one-day-old eggs at doses ranging from 16 Gy to 24 Gy resulted in 100% mortality; and mortality was 65.0 and 85.0% in three-day-old eggs and seven-day-old grubs, respectively, at the dose of 24 Gy. A dose of 150 Gy was required to cause 70.0% mortality in ten-day-old grubs. Exposure of four-day-old pupae to gamma radiation (100 Gy and above) completely inhibited adult emergence. 100% mortality of both sexes occurred by the third day at 1500 Gy. However, irradiation at a dose of 24 Gy induced complete sterility in adults of C. maculatus. Adult emergence from infested grain was significantly reduced due to gamma irradiation. Gamma radiation did not alter the protein and carbohydrate contents of irradiated cowpea grains.

Eleven inbred silkworm lines (M-101, M-103, M-104, M-107, Pak-1, Pak-3, Pak-2, Pak-4, PFI-1, PFI-2, and S-1) were evaluated for various parameters of cocoon production under different temperature and relative humidity conditions (25±1,30±1, and35±1 °Cin combination with 55, 65, and 75% RH for three hrs during 4th and 5th instar. The experiment was laid out in factorial design with three replications. Significant variations in the performance of silkworm lines were noticed due to influence of temperature and RH treatment on 4th and 5th instar larvae. The silkworm lines performed significantly better when the larvae were reared at25±1 °Cwith 70–80% RH while almost all the silkworm lines showed poor performance at higher temperature exposures for 3 hrs. Exposures to lower humidity (55%) during larval rearing in 4th and 5th instar at different temperatures (25±1,30±1, and35±1 °C) resulted in lowering the cocoon production. The cumulative evaluation index values for different traits show...

Five cultivated mulberry plant varieties, BSRM-34, BSRM-56, BSRM-57, BSRM-58 and BSRM-59, were used to evaluate the effects of plant variety on larval and cocoon characteristics of mulberry silkworm Bombyx mori L. Silkworm larvae undergo their entire larval periods on leaves of mulberry varieties. Different larval characteristics of larval weight, larval length and larval breadth were measured in different growth stages. After rearing, the fifth instar larvae were transferred into a mountage (Chandraki) structure for cocoon rearing for spinning and cocoon production. The cocoons were then harvested and different cocoon characteristics like cocoon weight, shell weight and shell percentage; and other characters like pupal weight and effective rate of rearing were measured. The results showed statistically significant differences among different varieties on larval and cocoon characteristics. The highest performance was observed by feeding the variety BSRM-34 in respect of the average weight of 10 mature larvae (40.5 g), single mature larval length (7.6 cm) and breadth (1.0 cm), single cocoon weight (1.4 g), shell weight (0.2 g) and pupal weight (1.2 g) while the average performance was recorded by feeding varieties BSRM-57 and BSRM-59. The poorest performance was showed by feeding the variety BSRM-56 (in case of larval characters) and BSRM-58 (in case of cocoon characteristics). These two varieties also showed the poorest performance for silk yield. Through comparing all the above parameters it was concluded that BSRM-34 is the best mulberry variety and it is recommended that Bangladeshi farmers adopt that variety for better yield of silk.

Mosquitoes constitute a serious public health menace, resulting in millions of deaths worldwide each year. Emergence of insecticide resistance strains of the mosquitoes poses a serious threat and hence calls for alternative control measures. This study assessed the larvicidal efficacy of the ethanol and aqueous extracts of leaves of Thevetia peruviana against the larvae of malaria vector Anopheles mosquitoes. Bioassay was carried out on 2 nd and 3 rd instar larval stages of Anopheles mosquitoes. The toxicity effect of the treatment was measure in terms of mortality, which was observed for 72 hours, at 24 hours interval. Data collected was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) to determine the larvicidal efficacy of T. peruviana. The means were separated using the Least Significant Difference, while the log/probit-regression analysis was used to determine the lethal concentrations of the treatments at 50% and 95% i.e. LC 50 and LC 95 respectively. The treatment extracts at 200 and 400 mg/ml significantly recorded higher mortality of the larvae of Anopheles mosquitoes when compared with the control (acetone) experiment. The regression coefficient (R 2) further revealed the superiority of ethanol extract (0.882 ppm) against aqueous extract (0.055 ppm). This was further evident in the LC 50 (9.193 ppm, 2.42E+13 ppm) and LC 95 (17.545 ppm, 1037.079 ppm), for ethanol and aqueous extracts, respectively. Therefore, this study further confirms the efficacy of the use of the use of biopesticides as larvicidal in controlling insect pests especially Anopheles larvae.

The susceptibility of different stored pulses infested by Callosobruchus chinensis L. (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) was observed in three varieties of stored pulses i.e. gram (Cicer arietnum L.), pea (Pisum sativum L.) and mung (Vigna radiata L.) during April, 2017 to May, 2018. The longest incubation-, larval- and pupal period of pulse beetle were in gram 5.4 ± 0.29, 12.6 ± 0.25, 5.5 ± 0.32 days, respectively and the shortest were in mung 4.6 ± 0.25, 11.3 ± 0.28, 4.2 ± 0.19 days, respectively. The shortest developmental period of pulse beetle was 20.1 ± 0.46 days in mung. The incubation-, larval-, pupal- and total developmental period of pulse beetle varied significantly between the pulse beetle grown in gram and mung (p < 0.05). The highest longevity and fecundity were in gram, 8.2 ± 0.33 days and 70.2 ± 7.53, respectively. The fecundity did not vary significantly in different stored pulses (p > 0.05). The longevity and number of adults emerged varied significantly (p < 0.05) b...

The developmental characteristics of five silkworm hybrids -­‐ J 2 J 1 , K 1 W 1 , W 1 D 2 , J 1 C 1 , and C 1 J 2 – fed with mulberry leaves, 2, 3, 4 and 5 times per day were investigated in a 5x5 factorial arrangement fitted into a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replicates. The aim of the experiment was to identify the best of the four feeding regimes for cocoon production optimization. Each replicate consisted of one hundred silkworm larvae of each hybrid. Results showed that larval and pupal weights and fecundity were significantly jointly influenced by silkworm hybrid and feeding regime. Hybrid C 1 J 2 , when fed 3 times daily, produced the highest larval and pupal weights, and fecundity relative to other hybrids and feeding regimes, while higher fecundity was obtained at 4 and 5 feedings per day. Whereas larval developmental period was significantly influenced by silkworm hybrids, adult longevity was influenced by feeding regime. Mortality was higher with C 1 J 2...

Authors' Contribution SZ conducted research work. MH conceived idea, supervised the research work, wrote the manuscript and performed data analysis. KA helped in the write up. MFM helped in improving the manuscript and data analysis. RK provided silk seed and technical support. SL and MK helped in silkworm rearing and data collection.

The uzifly, Exorista sorbillans (Diptera: Tachinidae), a major and serious endo-larval parasitoid of Muga silkworm Antheraea assamensis Helfer causing a considerable damage to Silkworm crop particularly during November-April. The fly lays eggs on the integument of the worms in the dorsal and dorso-lateral side. After hatching from the eggs, the maggots of the fly penetrate into the larval body and feed on the tissue of the worm. The mature maggots come out of the larvae/pupae and undergo pupation in the rearing field or grainage hall. The uzi infested muga silkworm dies during larval or pupal stage and cause great lose in the yield of cocoons continuously due to its infestation. The peak of uzi fly infestation is more in Chotua crop. The availability of silkworm crops through out the year enables perpetuation and establishment of the uzi fly in Muga growing areas. This paper attempts to highlight the severity of uzi fly infestation and crop loss due to uzifly infestation during Chotua crop of Muga.

Authors' Contribution SZ conducted research work. MH conceived idea, supervised the research work, wrote the manuscript and performed data analysis. KA helped in the write up. MFM helped in improving the manuscript and data analysis. RK provided silk seed and technical support. SL and MK helped in silkworm rearing and data collection.

The present paper deals with the effect of Samrudhi, a Juvenile Hormone Analogue (JHA) mimic on 5 th instars larvae of Antherea mylitta D. and was studied at interval of 48, 72 and 96 hours for knowing silk performance parameters viz. larval weight, cocoon weight, shell weight and shell ratio (gm). The larvae were reared on arjun leavers (Terminalla arjuna) in the laboratory at temperature range 25+-2oC and 70+-5%RH. It was observed that the weight increased by 10-15% and silk weight by above 10%. The increase in cocoon yield was 8-10kg/100 dfls. Thus, the effect of Samrudhi on 5 th instar larvae of Antheraea mylitta D. applied topically may be able to increase tasar silk productivity.

The essential oil from the leaves of Polygonum hydropiper L. (Polygonaceae) was tested against Aedes aegypti L. The LC50 values were 190.72 and 234.37 ppm against second and fourth instar larvae of A. aegypti, respectively. Confertifolin (6,6,9a-trimethy l-4,5,5a,6,7,8,9,9a-octahydronaphtho [1,2-c] furan-3 (1H)-one) was isolated from the essential oil of P. hydropiper leaves using silica gel column chromatography. The LC50 values were 2.90 and 2.96 ppm for second and fourth instar larvae of A. aegypti, respectively. At 10 ppm, the concentration of confertifolin showed ovicidal activity of 100, 100, and 77.6 % on 0-6, 6-12, and 12-18 h old eggs; the repellent activity was 323.2 min; and oviposition deterrent activity was 97.52 % and adulticidal activity was 100 % against A. aegypti. The results were statistically significant at P < 0.05 level. The results suggested that confertifolin as an effective major constituent against A. aegypti and might be considered as a potent source fo...

The performance of the Japanese race of silkworm, Bombyx mori L. (Bombycidae: Lepidoptera) was studied at Sericul ture Wing, Forest Department Peshawar under laboratory conditions of 25 + 2 oC temperature and 70 + 10 % relative humidity in complete dark (24 hours) and a complete light (24 hours) con dition. The results showed that mean life cycle of B. mori was 62 days in dark and 68 days in light. The diurnal variation in the activity persisted in constant darkness, but was suppressed by constant l ight. Mean cocoon weight was 1.06 gm in dark and 0.9 gm in light. Mean shell weight in dark and light was 0. 2 gm and 0.16 gm, respectively. Shell ratio in dark was 19.40 gm, whe reas it was 18.35 gm in light. Percentage of sex ra tio (F:M) was 56:44 in dark, whereas it was 42:58 in light. Mortality percent of larvae kept in dark was lower (13.3 %) than in lig ht (24.4 %). Mean fecundity of the adults emerged from larvae kept in dark and light was 112.6 and 46.7 eggs/f, respectively. Gen...

Each year millions of peoples die to due mosquito's related diseases. Resistance of these mosquitoes towards chemical pesticides is one of serious issue. Bio-control is one of the safe ways to control these vectors. The aim of our study was to evaluate three different plant extract against the 4 instar larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes. Two ethanolic plants extract and one plant essential oil (EOs) was used for the larvicidal activity ranging from concentration of 0 to 900 ppm against the 4 instar larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus. To determine the LC50 and LC90 value, data was subjected to probit analysis. Mosquito larvae's used during this study was identified using COI gene sequencing. Among them Argania spinosa oil showed moderate larvicidal effect at low concentration but Thevetia peruviana extract and Saueda monoica extract shows high larvicidal activity at low concentration respectively. The LC50 and LC90 values for Thevetia peruviana extract was 105.95 and 2...

Silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) is a monophagous insect that drives almost all required nutrients for its growth and development from mulberry leaf. Nutrition plays a vital role in sericulture. It improves the growth, development, health, feed consumption and conversion of silkworm thereby improving the commercial traits. Application of the required nutrient in the required amount to mulberry plant is, therefore, very essential for the successful silkworm growth and cocoon production. The present study was carried out at the Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture Moshtohor, Benha University, Egypt. Chemical fertilizer, bio-fertilizer and its mixture increased the traits of fresh cocoon weight, cocoon shell weight, cocoon shell ratio, total larval duration, hatchability, silk gland weight, filament length and filament weight and filament size. While, application by bio-fertilizer resulted in better values for cocoon shell ratio, cocoon formation percentage, larval weight, t...

Chromolaena odorata Linn is considered an environmental weed that is traditionally used as a treatment of numerous environmental conditions such as wound healing functions and amelioration of inflammation. In this study, Chromolaena odorata Linn was discovered as an alternative and natural product of mosquitocide. Based on the results gathered and obtained the stem, leaves, and roots are proven to be effective to use rather than using only one part of the plant. Furthermore, the data gathered shows that it only took a small amount of time to kill the mosquito using all parts of the Chromolaena odorata Linn extract. The mosquitocidal activity of Chromolaena odorata Linn had shown its potential significance, ecofriendly, and cost-effective with the presence of botanical phytochemicals (alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, anthocyanin, tannin, and flavonoids) as a source of controlling the mosquito population

The mulberry silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) is very delicate, highly sensitive to environmental fluctuations and unable to survive in extreme nature. The seasonal fluctuations affects the morphological as well as biochemical aspects of silkworm such as length & weight of larvae and diameter & weight of cocoon along with protein content of silk-gland and cocoon. The environmental conditions vary day to day and season to season highlight the requirement of physical parameters like temperature, light and humidity for sustainable cocoon production. The present review deals with the role of temperature on the growth and development of silkworm and its silk-gland. In this study CSR (multivoltine) and CV (bivoltine) hybrid is taken as raw materials. Bombyx mori L. CSR is a multivoltine crossbreed that produces high quantity of silk. The length and weight of worms and glands are directly related to the yield of silk, higher larval weights leads to higher production of silk. CV is also a thermoto...

Improvement of eri silkworm tolerant to high temperature condition was carried out by selection and continuous rearing (1 – 12 generation) under high temperature (42±1 °C) and low relative humidity (50±5%R.H.). The eri silkworm rearing at a normal temperature (25±2 °C; 80±5%R.H.) served as control treatment. The result revealed that eri silkworm was continuously tolerant to high temperature of 42±1˚C with low relative humidity (50±5%R.H.) up to 12 generations. Among treated generations with high temperature, the silkworm survived from larva stage (1st – 5th instar) to adult in all generations ranking 16.67 – 54.17%. Between F12 and F1, survival rate of larva – adult stage of F12 was 43.33% less than F1 (54.17%), but not significantly different (P<0.05). For cocoon yields, fresh cocoon weight, pupa weight and cocoon shell weight of F12 were lower than F1. Shell ratio of F12 (11.84%), total cocoon shell weight (5.72g) and fresh cocoon/10,000 larvae (9.39 kg) were not significantly ...

In the present study, an evaluation of four quantitative characters viz. Yield/100 dfls, SR%, Denier, and Reel ability of Cocoons produced by Silkworm through analysis of variance was carried out. Eighteen varieties of mulberry silkworm, Bombyx mori L. were used in this analysis viz., Nistid white(P), ISK, D× C, BN(P), BN-(P)m, BN(M)M, N(I)M, N(I) K(M), N(I)K(P), N(I)K(P)L, NN7B-P, NN7B-M, MBY0115 (P), BSR 3 Yellow(p), BSR-3 Yellow (m), BSR-10 yellow(m), BSR-1 white(m) and BSR-1 white(p). Analysis of variances conducted on the results indicated that the varieties differ significantly (P < 0.01) in respect of some characters studied to identify the existence of real differences among the varieties through analytical observation. The good performing varieties were ISK, D×C, BN (P), BN(M)M, N (I)M, N(I) K(P), N(I) K(P) EL, NN7B(M), BSR-1White-(M), BSR-1White-(P) in most cases. But the most superior variety was N (I) M, because it showed the highest performances in both cases of deni...

A critical evaluation study comprising five mulberry varieties viz., S 1708 , MS 5, C 10 , C 6 and M 5 was conducted for their leaf quality through silkworm moulting and rearing using crossbreed (PMxNB 4D2) silkworms. Results revealed that, in moulting tests, silkworm larvae reared on S 1708 mulberry leaves recorded highest larval weight (25.03mg) and moulting ratio (84.96%) and lowest larval weight (17.04mg) and moulting ratio (71.06%) recorded in silkworms reared on C 6 leaves during II moult. Silkworms reared on S 1708 leaves recorded highest larval weight (39.08mg), cocoon weight (1.90g), shell weight (0.41g), shell percentage (21.66%), filament length (957.57mts), reelability (86.88%), renditta (6.06), denier (2.08) and E.R.R (88.31%), whereas lower larval weight (26.20g), cocoon weight (1.30g), shell weight (0.19g), shell percentage (16.18%), filament length (722.60mts), reelability (56.12%), renditta (8.30), denier (2.62) and E.R.R (78.86%) were observed in C 6 mulberry leave...