The legume pod borer (Maruca vitrata) is one of the most serious legume pests due to its wide host range and high damage potential. Pheromone components on M. vitrata have been previously identified, allowing research on more environmentally friendly IPM tools for its control. M. vitrata produces a three-component pheromone blend containing (E, E)-10,12-hexadecadienal (major), (E, E)-10,12-hexadecadienol (minor), (E)-10-hexadecenal (minor). This study focused on the efficacy of synthetic pheromone lures and their blend components for mating disruption in M. vitrata. Under laboratory conditions, the mating behavior of M. vitrata pairs was observed from 18:00 to 02:00 h in an interval of 20 min to assess the efficacy of different pheromone lures. The scotophase behavior results show that the complete pheromone blend (E, E)-10,12-hexadecadienal + (E, E)-10,12-hexadecadienol + (E)-10-hexadecenal with a blend ratio of 1:1:1 effectively disrupted mating. The impact on mating disruption was evident from the lower fecundity and egg hatch/eclosion. The same lures were evaluated in a small-scale caged field study. The results show that the pheromone blend of (E, E)-10,12-hexadecadienal + (E, E)-10,12-hexadecadienol + (E)-10-hexadecenal in a1:1:1 ratio significantly disrupted the normal mating, leading to lower flower and pod damage and higher mung bean yield.

Invasive thrips, Thrips parvispinus (Karny) is a relatively new pest on chilli crop. This species has been occurring in serous proportions and causing significant damage to chilli crop in most of the chilli growing areas of India.In this study we assessed the bio-efficacy of new generation molecules and biorationals against T. parvispinus. The results suggested that new molecules viz., broflanilide 30 SC (18.60g a.i/ha) and fluxametamide 10 EC (40 g a.i/ ha) were found highly effective in reducing the thrips population on chilli crop, followed by spinetoram 11.7 SC (60 g a.i/ha) and tolfenpyrad 15 EC (150 g a.i/ha). Other insecticides viz., spinosad 45 SC (73 g a.i/ha), cyantraniliprole 10.26 OD (60 g a.i/ha) and thiamethoxam 25 WG (37.50 g a.i/ha) were found moderately effective on this species. Biorationals viz., Lecanicillium lecanii (2.5 kg /ha), Beauveria bassiana (2.5 kg /ha) and azadirachtin 1 % (2.00 ml/l) recorded comparatively higher thrips populations. The results of this investigation may be useful forthe management of invasive thrips on chilli using insecticides. Further, broflanilide and fluxametamide exhibit similar mode of action and hence must be used prudently to delay the evolution of resistance.

International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN:2319-7692(Print), ISSN:2319-7706(Online) is a multidisciplinary peer-reviewed journal with reputable academics and experts as members of its Editorial Board. The Current Microbiology aims to publish all the latest and outstanding research articles. Review and letters in all areas of major importance to techniques of microbiology and applied research with publishes high quality of review and research articles on novel aspects of Microbiology including Environmental, Food, Agricultural, Medical, Pharmaceutical, Veterinary, Soil, Water and Biodeterioration.

Honey bees, essential pollinators for a wide range of important crops, are currently at risk from exposure to neonicotinoid insecticides. In this study we assessed the impact of two most commonly used neonicotinoid insecticides namely imidacloprid and thiamethoxam on honey bee, Apis cerana through controlled feeding experiment at doses of 15 ng/bee, 30 ng/bee, 60 ng/bee and 120 ng/bee. Mortality was recorded at 4, 8, 18, 24 and 48 h after exposure to insecticides. At 24 h, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam @ 60 ng/bee caused 43.75 and 72.50 % mortality, respectively. After 18 h of exposure to 120 ng/bee of imidacloprid and thiamethoxam, mortality rates reached 82.5 % and 87.5 %, respectively. Significant, dose-dependent effects of imidacloprid and thiamethoxam on bee mortality were observed over time, with the highest concentrations (120 ng/bee and 60 ng/bee) producing the most pronounced effects. Furthermore, prolonged exposure to lower doses (15 ng/bee and 30 ng/bee) induced adverse effects such as trembling and impaired coordination in bees. Overall, the differences in toxicity between imidacloprid and thiamethoxam were largely non-significant across doses and exposure durations. Field studies on foraging activity suggested that imidacloprid can negatively impact honey bee foraging behavior. Three days after exposure to sucrose spiked with imidacloprid at 0.28 mg/kg, foraging activity dropped from 62.67 bees per 10 min before treatment to 6.76 bees per 10 min. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing the harmful effects of neonicotinoids on honey bees, which impact both their behavior and survival, particularly with prolonged exposure.