An analytical method was standardized for the estimation of spinosad residues on cabbage. The samples were extracted with methanol, diluted with sodium chloride solution (5%), partitioned into dichloromethane, and dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. The extracts were concentrated under vacuum and cleaned up with silica gel mixed with primary secondary amine and MgSO₄. The residues were estimated using a high-performance liquid chromatograph equipped with a photo diode array detector at 244 λ and a C₁₈ reversed-phase column. Consistent recoveries ranging from 85% to 99% were observed when samples were spiked at 0.01, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.20 mg kg⁻¹. The limit of quantification of the method was worked out to be 0.01 mg kg⁻¹. The residues were confirmed by high-performance thin-layer chromatography. A field study was carried out following three applications of spinosad at 15 and 30 g active ingredient ha⁻¹. The average initial deposits of spinosad were observed to be 0.33 and 0.56 mg kg⁻¹ at single and double dosages, respectively. The residue levels of spinosad dissipated below its limit of quantification of 0.01 mg kg⁻¹ after 5 and 7 days at single and double dosages, respectively. The half-life values of spinosad were determined to be 1.4 and 1.5 at single and double dosages, respectively.

Thrips fauna of Punjab have been poorly studied despite their significance on fruit and ornamental plants. Surveys and surveillances were, therefore, carried out in the six agro-ecological zones of the Indian Punjab since 2004, to study the biodiversity of thrips species on fruit crops and ornamental plants. During these surveys, 12 species of thrips viz., Frankliniella schultzei (Trybom), Haplothrips ganglbaueri Schmutz, Haplothrips sp., Megalurothrips distalis (Karny), Rhipiphorothrips cruentatus Hood, Rhipiphorothrips pulchellus Morgan, Rhipiphorothrips sp., Scirtothrips bispinosus (Bagnall), Scirthothrips dorsalis Hood, Thrips florum Schmutz, Thrips hawaiiensis (Morgan) and Thrips palmi Karny have been recorded in Punjab. Out of these, F. schultzei, M. distalis, R. pulchellus, S. bispinosus and T. hawaiiensis have been recorded for the first time from Punjab. Among fruit crops, Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb) Lindl., Malus sp., Psidiumguajava L., Punica granatum L., Pyrus communis L., Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels. and Vitis vinifera L. have been reported as new host plants for H. ganglbaueri, M. distalis and T. florum, S. bispinosus, Rhipiphorothrips sp., Rhipiphorothrips sp., S. dorsalis., R. cruentatus and R. pulchellus and R. cruentatus and Haplothrips sp., respectively. Mansoa alliacea Gentry., Polianthes tuberosa L., Rosa indica L., Tabernaemontana spp., and Tagetes sp. are here reported as new ornamental host plants to T. florum and T. palmi, F. schultzei, T. palmi, S. dorsalis and T. florum, respectively. Diagnostic features, distribution and host plant data for all the recorded species are given. The number of known species of thrips in Punjab is thus increased to fifty one. The population of thrips on different plant parts in fruit crops ranged from 75.3 to 210.6 in citrus, 40.8 to 78.3 in guava, 25.3 to 40.3 in mango, 80.4 in pear, 80.3 to 100.3 in grapes, 42.3 to 200.3 in pomegranate, 80.4 to 215.6 in loquat, 573.3 in jamun and 76.4 in apple. Among ornamental plants, the population ranged from 105.6 to 280.3 in rose, 1083.4 in marigold, 250.3 in tuberose, 325.3 in garlic creeper, 654.3 in single chandni and 780.3 in double chandni. The percent damage caused by the thrips on different plant parts in fruit crops ranged from 15.3 to 70% in citrus, 2.7 to 5.3% in guava, 2.0 to 3.5% in mango, 3.5% in pear, 10.3 to 15.6% in grapes, 2.3 to 5.7% in pomegranate, 5.6 to 10.3% in loquat, 3.4% in jamun and 5% in apple. Among ornamental plants, the per cent damage ranged from 3.4 to 5.3% in rose, 15.3% in marigold, 5.3% in tuberose, 10.3% in garlic creeper, 15.4% in single chandni and 18.3% in double chandni.

Background: Conogethes punctiferalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) has emerged as one of the important pests of guava in Punjab, India. Chemical insecticides have been used for its management, which could have serious implications on environmental and human health. As an alternative to chemical insecticides, biocontrol is the most appropriate alternative for its eco-friendly management. Two field experiments were therefore, conducted to evaluate efficacy of two biocontrol agents, Trichogramma chilonis Ishii (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) (egg parasitoid) and Chelonus blackburni Cameroon (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) (egg-larval parasitoid) against the borer during rainy season, 2020 and winter season, 2020–21. Results: Four releases of both parasitoids at various dosages were carried out at weekly intervals starting from first week of July in rainy season and first week of October in winter season. Trichogramma chilonis @ 2000 parasitized eggs per tree was the best in reducing the fruit damage and increasing yield and net income over check in both rainy as well as winter season crops. There was 73.6% reduction in damage over control, 1.70 Metric tons (MT) increase in yield over control and 258.36 US $ per acre increase in net income over control in rainy season crop. During winter season, there was 62.5% reduction in damage, 1.98 MT increase in yield and 488.23 US $ per acre increase in net income over control. Conclusion: Four augmentative releases of T. chilonis @ 2000 parasitized eggs per tree successfully controlled the fruit and shoot borer incidence in guava during rainy and winter season.