INSECT PEST COMPLEX AND CROP LOSSES IN PIGEON PEA IN MEDIUM ALTITUDE HILL OF MEGHALAYA

Field experiments were carried out at ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Umiam, Meghalaya to study the pest complex and crop losses in pigeon pea (Var: Bahar) during 2009-10 and 2010-11. Weekly observation was taken through Plant Inspection Method (PIM) from 30 plants since seedling stage to till maturity of the crop. Total 41 insect species comprising 11 Coleoptera, 13 Hemiptera, 3 Orthoptera, 1 Diptera, 1 Thysanoptera, 11 Lepidoptera and 1 Hymenoptera were recorded. Several natural enemies including 8 coccinellid beetles, 1 yellow wasp, 1 predatory bug and 2 unidentified parasitoids and some spiders were recorded during the crop seasons. Pod damage caused by different insect pests were recorded 8.75 and 6.25% by Helicoverpa armigera, 7.50 and 5.25% by Lampides boeticus, 31.25 and 67.5% by Apion clavipes and 44.94 and 17.75% by Melanagromyza obtusa during first and second seasons, respectively. Mean pod damage caused by H. armigera, L. boeticus, A. clavipes and M. obtusa were found to be 7.50, 6.38, 49.38 and 31.35%, respectively. Results revealed that pod boring insects (H. armigera, L. boeticus, A. clavipes and M. obtusa) caused major crop losses to pigeon pea in this region

Population dynamics of rodents during bamboo flowering event in North East India

The ecological aspects of rodents during bamboo flowering (BF) phase (Mautam) were studied in Meghalaya and Mizoram states of India during 2005-2008. Rodent population was almost stable during BF in Meghalaya. Likewise, it was also normal in Mizoram during 2005 to 2007. However, rodent outbreak was observed after gregarious flowering (GF) of M. baccifera during 2007-08 in Mizoram and it was more severe after complete fruit shedding. Rodent activities were found to be highest during July to October and their population was significantly higher in upland cultivated areas especially near animal farm-houses. Out of 12 species recorded, merely six species of rodents were observed in BF areas of Mizoram. Surprisingly, Bandicota bengalensis was recorded to be a pre-dominant species, though not observed in bamboo forests. Species wise, sex ratio of rodents varied from 1:0.81 to 1:1.12 in Mizoram. Furthermore, rodent population was recorded to be higher in GF areas and location wise it was more in Kolasib district of Mizoram. In general, sex ratio of rodents was quite equal in all districts of Mizoram; however it was basically female biased in sporadic flowering (SF) areas. Maturity status of rodents in Mizoram indicated their complete adulthood during flowering time; where testes and vaginas were largely scrotal and perforated type, respectively. Overall study concludes that, bamboo flowering alone didn’t increase rodent population significantly; but other factors mainly weather and starting time of flowering could also be involved in this complex process

Loungu (Carpenter worm): Indigenous Delicious Insects with Immense Dietary Potential in Nagaland state, India

Carpenter worms of genus Cossus (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) are common wood-boring insects that can cause significant damage to several economically important plant species across the globe. Nevertheless, these worms are a popular delicacy among the indigenous population of Nagaland state of India since age old days. The carpenter worms (locally known as ‘Loungu’) are culturally significant during the Te-l Khukhu festival of Southern Angami region, annually held during July. The direct larval consumption is also cited for medicinal value. Rearing of carpenter worm is gaining popularity in hill tracts of Nagaland, because of its potential as a viable source of income for the rural population. The present study aimed to determine the eventual nutritional value of the larva by approximating its nutritional potential for the first time. Proximate analysis presents a significantly higher value of crude fat (37%), crude protein (48%), crude fibre (12.90%) and an appreciable calorific value. Close correlation between increased polyphenol value with its higher antioxidant capacity and pigment content is strongly evident. Nevertheless, the larva also provides appreciable quantities of dietary minerals reflected in terms of higher zinc and iron content. Analysis of thin layer chromatography undertaken in the study interestingly identified some of the essential amino acids, viz., methionine, lysine, leucine, histidine, threonine etc. This is the first report pioneering other detail studies to establish the significant value of carpenter worm larvae as an exotic dietary supplement among the indigenous Naga population, thereby providing more impetus for its promotion and commercialization

Invasiveness, biology, ecology, and management of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith, 1797), is a serious pest of several crops, particularly maize and other cereals. It has long been known as a pest in the Americas and has invaded most of Africa and parts of the Middle East, Asia, and Australia in the last six years. Its new status as an invasive species causing serious damage in many regions worldwide has highlighted the need for better understanding and has generated much research. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of FAW covering its (i) taxonomy, biology, ecology, genomics, and microbiome, (ii) worldwide status and geographic spread, (iii) potential for geographic expansion and quarantine measures in place, and (iv) management including monitoring, sampling, forecasting, biological control, biopesticides, agroecological strategies, chemical control, insecticide resistance, effects of insecticides on natural enemies, as well as conventional and transgenic resistant cultivars. We conclude with recommendations for research to enhance the sustainable management of FAW in invaded regions

Invasiveness, biology, ecology, and management of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda.

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<i>Pieris brassicae</i> (large cabbage white).

Abstract P. brassicae is an oligophagous insect that feeds on members of family Brassicaceae (Lal and Ram, 2004; Younas et al., 2004; Hwang et al., 2008; Hasan and Ansari, 2010; 2011). Damage to cabbage heads has been reported to be as high as 70-98% (Prasad, 1961; 1963).</p

DNA barcoding confirmed the occurrence of invasive vegetable leaf miner, Liriomyza sativae Blanchard (Diptera:Agromyzidae) in Northeast India

The vegetable leaf miner, Liriomyza sativae (Diptera:Agromyzidae), is an invasive polyphagous species originally known to be found in America and now spread in many parts of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific region. During 2016, L. sativae was observed for the first time infesting tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) leaves in experimental farms of an institute at Umiam (Meghalaya state of northeastern India). Based on museum specimens, this species was reported from India on tomato during 1994. Nevertheless, no further information is hitherto available from India apart from just new record. Considering the pest status of L. sativae across the globe, it is crucial to understand its expansion range, severity, biological attributes, and seasonal incidence on tomato in India. Taxonomic identification of different species of Liriomyza leaf miners is very complex due to morphological resemblance, and consequently, species-level identification is often done incorrectly by mistaking one species for another. Therefore, we characterized L. sativae at the molecular level and developed species specific DNA barcodes by using mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase gene. Moreover, the information on the correct distribution, seasonal incidence, and basic biological attributes of different stages of L. sativae is reported and discussed