The aim of this study was to (1) examine the factors involved in the adoption or non-adoption of Bt cotton, (2) identify sources of Bt cotton seed acquisition, and (3) evaluate farmers' knowledge and perception of insect pests incidence and management practices in Bt cotton in the Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 150 farmers growing Bt cotton expressing Cry1Ac protein were interviewed in the main cotton-growing districts of the Punjab province. The main reasons for farmers adopting Bt cotton were to: (1) reduce bollworm damage; (2) reduce pesticide requirements; (3) obtain higher yield and profit; and (4) reduce labour. Most farmers were not initially aware of Bt cotton's effectiveness against cotton bollworms and then grew it on a trial basis. The main sources of Bt cotton seed were the local market and seed companies while many farmers used home-retained Bt cotton seed, much as they do with conventional cotton. Our survey showed that farmers were aware of the major insect pests of cotton and reported a low incidence of cotton bollworms (Helicoverpa armigera, Pectinophora gossypiella, Earias vitella and E. insulana) and a high incidence of armyworm (Spodoptera litura and S. exigua) and sucking pests (Bemisia tabaci, Thrips tabaci, Amrasca devastans and Aphis gossypii) in Bt cotton. Farmers also noted the incidence of a new pest, the cotton mealybug (Phenacoccus sp.), which caused major damage to the crop in most cotton-growing areas. Farmers knew little about natural enemies and diseases in their fields, but reported a high incidence of cotton leaf curl virus. Farmers still relied heavily on chemicals to control the pests in Bt cotton as they are easily persuaded by the advertisements of pesticide companies. To further understand farmers' perceptions of Bt cotton, a survey of 75 farmers not cultivating Bt cotton was conducted. The main reason for the rejection of Bt cotton by farmers was that they were not sure of its effectiveness against insect pests. Higher prices of Bt cotton seed, perception of higher vulnerability to viral infection and greater requirements for fertilisers and irrigation were also reasons for rejection of Bt cotton cultivation.

Fall armyworm [Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith, 1797)] was first reported in the Americas, then spread to all the continents of the world. Chemical insecticides are frequently employed in managing fall armyworms. These insecticides have various modes of actions and target sites to kill the insects. Chlorantraniliprole is a selective insecticide with a novel mode of action and is used against Lepidopteran, Coleopteran, Isopteran, and Dipteran pests. This study determined chlorantraniliprole’s lethal, sub-lethal, and trans-generational effects on two consecutive generations (F₀, F₁, and F₂) of the fall armyworm. Bioassays revealed that chlorantraniliprole exhibited higher toxicity against fall armyworms with a LC₅₀ of 2.781 mg/L after 48 h of exposure. Significant differences were noted in the biological parameters of fall armyworms in all generations. Sub-lethal concentrations of chlorantraniliprole showed prolonged larval and adult durations. The parameters related to the fitness cost in F₀ and F₁ generations showed non-significant differences. In contrast, the F₂ generation showed lower fecundity at lethal (71 eggs/female) and sub-lethal (94 eggs/female) doses of chlorantraniliprole compared to the control (127.5–129.3 eggs/female). Age-stage specific survival rate (S_xj), life expectancy (E_xj) and reproductive rate (V_xj) significantly differed among insecticide-treated groups in all generations compared to the control. A comparison of treated and untreated insects over generations indicated substantial differences in demographic parameters such as net reproduction rate (R₀), intrinsic rate of increase (r), and mean generation time (T). Several biological and demographic parameters were shown to be negatively impacted by chlorantraniliprole. We conclude that chlorantraniliprole may be utilized to manage fall armyworms with lesser risks.

Rove beetles of the genus Paederus cause dermatitis when they come in contact with human skin. This condition is prevalent in some tropical and subtropical regions, such as in northern Pakistan, where it was recorded for the first time by US troops. Despite much research from other countries on this subject, few studies, mostly clinical, have been performed in a Pakistani context. A survey was carried out in villages, towns and cities of Punjab province, Pakistan, to explore the rove beetle population dynamics and to develop a model to elucidate the symptoms, preventive measures and treatment strategies for this dermatitis.

The relationship between a coccinellid beetle (Coccinella septempunctata L.) and four different aphid species (spinach aphid, Aphis fabae Scopoli; coriander aphid, Hyadaphis coriandri (Das); cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae L.; pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris) was evaluated in the laboratory in no choice and free choice feeding assays. In the no choice feeding assay, the stages of beetle (adults, 3rd and 4th instar) consumed more aphids than early stages (1st and 2nd instar). In the free choice feeding assay, the consumption of pea aphid (77.647) was statistically high followed by spinach (66.276), coriander (66.14) and cabbage (61.48) aphids. Manly’s preference index suggest that pea aphid was the most preferred (by all stages of C. septempunctata) aphid species followed by coriander, and the cabbage aphid was the least preferred species. The results of the present study revealed predatory potential of C. septempunctata against different aphid species under the laboratory conditions. The results could be helpful in designing biological management strategies for aphids.

Transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton is engineered to express delta endotoxin (Cry toxin) proteins in lepidopteran midgut when ingested by lepidopteran larvae such as the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner). The efficacy of Bt technology depends on stage, age, and susceptibility of the tested population to Cry proteins. The baseline susceptibility bioassay test for first, second, and third larval instars of S. exigua, collected from Faisalabad, Multan, and Bahawalpur, compared with susceptible laboratory population was carried out in 2015 and 2016. The LC50 ranged from 0.45 to 2.52 μg ml−1, 1.08 to 5.74 μg ml−1, and 2.01 to 7.85 μg ml−1 for first, second, and third larval instars, respectively. The Bahawalpur population was highly resistant and showed 5.63, 5.30, and 3.89 variations than the susceptible population, followed by Multan 3.01, 3.71, 3.10, and Faisalabad 1.93, 2.41, 2.31 population for first, second, and third larval instars, respectively. The molt inhibitory concentration (MIC50) ranged from 0.04 to 0.56 μg ml−1, 0.08 to 0.99 μg ml−1, and 0.10 to 1.42 μg ml−1 for the three instars, respectively. The trend in lethal concentration and its respective resistance level was higher in 2016 than in 2015.