The present study provides the first global molecular characterisation and COI barcode for Omiodes milvinalis (Swinhoe, 1886) from the Western Ghats of Kerala, India. Genomic DNA was extracted, and the mitochondrial COI gene was amplified and sequenced. BLAST analysis revealed 92.9 - 94.0% similarity with congeners such as O. odontosticta, O. localis, and O. nigriscripta, confirming its affinity within the genus Omiodes while indicating distinct genetic divergence exceeding interspecific thresholds commonly used in Lepidoptera barcoding. Phylogenetic tree construction using the Neighbour-Joining (NJ) method (Kimura 2-Parameter model) placed O. milvinalis in a distinct clade, closely associated with Omiodes odontosticta (Australia) and Pexicopia sp. (Australia), with Troides minos as the outgroup. The topology supports its placement within Spilomelinae and validates its taxonomic distinctness. This first barcode record from India provides a valuable foundation for future phylogenetic, ecological, and conservation studies on Spilomelinae moths of the Western Ghats.

Abstract Aquatic insects exhibit remarkable adaptations that enable them to thrive in low oxygen environments, showcasing a diverse range of morphological and physiological strategies. This study explores these adaptations, highlighting the ecological significance of these insects in maintaining aquatic ecosystems.

Abstract This study was conducted using basil plants that function as whiteflies repellent on cucumber plants in the experimental field, and compared with non use of basil as control. Data on the number of whiteflies collected and then their abundance was analyzed. In addition, environmental factor data were also collected, such as air humidity, temperature, and wind speed. The results showed that basil plants affected the abundance of whiteflies on cucumber plants. Naturally, basil plants can suppress the abundance of whiteflies on cucumber plants (0.01 <0.05).

Abstract This study was carried out in 2023-2024 at the Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya Laboratory, Department of Agricultural Entomology and the six pulse crops viz., chickpea (Cicer arietinum), red gram (Cajanus cajan), green gram (Vigna radiata), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), black gram (Vigna mungo), and field pea (Pisum sativum) were evaluated for their susceptibility against C. chinensis infestation under controlled laboratory conditions. Different parameters used included seed damage, weight loss, developmental period, adult emergence, oviposition period, and fecundity. In terms of fertility (78.45 eggs/female), adult emergence (86.67%), weight loss (47.73%), seed damage (96.00%), and developmental duration (27.63 days), cowpea was shown to be the most vulnerable host to Callosobruchus chinensis. A longer developmental time (30.41 days) and the lowest seed damage (28.00%), weight loss (6.91%), and adult emergence (34.0%) were seen in black gram, which demonstrated considerable resistance.

Abstract The rising demand for ecologically friendly farming practices all throughout the world highlights the necessity of fresh approaches to eradicate insects. This paper discusses the design of smart insect nets using artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) to automatically monitor pests. These new technologies are supposed to help strategies for eradicating pests better by providing real-time data and information.

Abstract Present study was performed to evaluate the effect of alginate film-wrapping on the storage quality of rose apple fruit. Rose apple fruit was wrapped with 0.5 -2.5% alginate solutions and then stored in perforated bag at ambient condition for 15 days. In 3 day-interval, samples were taken to examine weight loss, firmness, total soluble solid content, vitamin C content, total phenolic content and freshness. Results showed that among various film-wrapping solutions, 2.0% alginate solution gave superior performance to prolong the stability of rose apple fruit while retaining the best physicochemical, phytochemical and sensorial quality properties. This finding proved that alginate film-wrapping successfully extended shelf-life of rose apple fruit and maintained its quality attributes during postharvest.

Abstract Insect pests are so adjusting to climate change in both physical and behavioural respects. These comprise alterations in their movement, reproduction speed, and rate of growth. These developments let them reside in more locations than they might have in past times. There have been observed microevolutionary changes including the choice of species resistant to pesticides. Case studies of pests such as aphids and locusts reveal how fast evolution may occur and how variations in the quality and quantity of host plants resulting from temperature impact the survival and population increase of pests.

Abstract Globally, root-feeding insect pests and soil-borne fungal infections significantly reduce yields, yet managing both at the same time is still difficult. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) that can inhibit both biotic. In this study the synthesis of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and the activity of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase were assessed in ten bacterial strains that were isolated from the rhizospheres of healthy agricultural plants in Odisha, India. IAA (26.3 µg/mL) and ACC deaminase activity (0.78 µmol a-ketobutyrate mg-1 h-1) were highest in isolate RS-09. In cowpea greenhouse pot tests, RS-09 dramatically lowered root damage from white grub larvae by 38.9% and disease severity indices of Fusarium oxysporum and Rhizoctonia solani by more than 40%. In comparison to stressed controls, PGPR inoculation increased shoot and root biomass by 35-40% under combined pathogen-insect load. These results emphasize the potential of RS-09 for integrated pest and disease management.

Abstract This review paper examines the common pests found in hydroponic lettuce systems, their ecological impact, and effective pest management strategies. Key pests identified include aphids, whiteflies, thrips, and fungus gnats, which negatively affect plant growth, quality, and yield. Various pest management strategies, including biological control, integrated pest management (IPM), environmental manipulation, and organic pesticides, are discussed, highlighting their effectiveness and limitations. Furthermore, sustainable pest management approaches, with an emphasis on ecological balance and minimal pesticide use, are recommended.

The acaricides tested against European red mite, Panonychus ulmi (Koch) included cyenopyrafen, fenazaquin, etoxazole, spiromesifen, hexythiazox, propargite and a combination of propargite + hexythiazox and compared with horticultural mineral oil (HMO). Cyenopyrafen has been reported to be most toxic acaricide to adults with an LC50 value of 100.35 ppm and a relative toxicity of 74.68, making it the most effective acaricide followed by fenazaquin with LC50 value of 130.22 ppm and a relative toxicity of 57.0. Other acaricides including etoxazole (LC50 203.25 ppm), spiromesifen (LC50 205.11 ppm), and hexythiazox (LC50 529.75 ppm) were comparatively less toxic with relative toxicities of 36.57, 36.20 and 14.03, respectively. On the other hand, propargite and propargite + hexythiazox exhibited lowest toxicity among tested chemicals with LC50 values of 626.47 and 629.65 ppm, and relative toxicities of 11.86 and 11.80, respectively. HMO was least toxic with an LC50 value of 7434.42 ppm. The order of toxicity based on LC50 values was cyenopyrafen followed by fenazaquin, etoxazole, spiromesifen, hexythiazox, propargite, propargite + hexythiazox and HMO. The fiducial limits of the acaricides varied, indicating differences in their range of effectiveness. Cyenopyrafen and fenazaquin were found most potent acaricides.