Abstract The integration of molecular phylogenetics and morphometrics represents a significant advancement in insect systematics, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of species diversity and evolutionary relationships. The integration of molecular phylogenetics and morphometrics in the study of insect systematics, emphasizing how these complementary approaches enhance our understanding of insect diversity and evolutionary relationships. Insect systematics plays a crucial role in biodiversity conservation and ecological studies. Traditional methods have relied heavily on morphological traits; advances in molecular phylogenetics have revolutionized our understanding of evolutionary relationships. Case studies highlight the effectiveness of combined approaches in clarifying species boundaries and elucidating evolutionary history. Our findings reveal how morphological variations can be interpreted in the context of genetic data, leading to more comprehensive phylogenetic models. The integration of molecular and morphological approaches offers significant advantages for insect systematics, providing a holistic understanding of biodiversity and evolutionary dynamics.

Abstract Results revealed that cabbage butterfly, thrips, aphids and sugarcane mealy bug were the most prevalent species with a mean population densities recorded at 2.82, 17.008, 4.116, and 7.61 insects per plant. These pests posed significant threats to commonly cultivated major crops like cabbage, broccoli, onion, garlic and sugarcane. Other pests such as leaf miner, tree trunk borer, weevil, and scale insect were identified in certain villages; however their infestation levels remained negligible. Mayangkhang village stood out with the highest cultivated land area, averaging 2.8 acres per household, with onion and sugarcane being the primary crops cultivated. Furthermore, the presence of insect predators and parasitoids including coccinellid beetles and parasitoid wasps were recorded in the selected areas, contributing to natural pest control.

Abstract This research aims to analyze the effectiveness of the case study approach in learning entomology. The type of research is research like an experiment using one group pre-test and post-test design. The population in this study were all students taking entomology courses, using total sampling techniques. Data collection techniques are carried out using tests and observations. Data on learning outcomes were obtained from pre-test and post-test results, while learning activities and critical thinking skills were obtained using observation sheets. The findings show that applying the case study approach can increase student activity to reach the very active category with an average of 83.76%, critical thinking skills 77% in the moderately critical category. For learning outcomes in the form of students’ cognitive abilities with gains the N-Gain score of 0.56 is in the medium category and the percentage of N-Gain score obtained is 56%, which is in the quite effective category.

Abstract Amongst 100 chickpea genotypes screened against Helicoverpa armigera, IC 11627 recorded the lowest larval population (0.60 larvae/5 plants), lowest percent pod damage (6.50%), and highest yield of chickpea (1.73 t/ha). Based on PRSR (Pest resistance susceptible rating), 18 genotypes (IC 11627, EC 198581, IC 538496, IC 5522, IC 2722278, IC 275637, IC 48746, IC 299175, IC 257477, IC 299330, IC 305597, IC 299218, IC 327579, IC 9862, IC 9755, ICC 14402, ICC 4182, & ICCL 86111) showed scale 3 ratings and were categorized as ‘Resistant’.

Abstract The population of A. janata, S. litura, T. ni, D. punctiferalis on castor varied from 2.8 to 12.6, 3.4 to 9.2, 2.1 to 12.6 and 0.5 to 5.4 larvae/per quadrat during kharif 2022-23, respectively. Among different abiotic factor castor semilooper, A. janata and S. litura was showed positive but non-significant correlation with maximum temperature and morning relative humidity and significant positive correlation with minimum temperature. However, the population of T. ni exhibited a significant positive correlation with maximum temperature and wind velocity and positive but non-significant correlation with minimum temperature and evening relative humidity and evaporation. D. punctiferalis population was positive but non-significant correlation with relative humidity, bright sunshine hours, evaporation and wind velocity.

Abstract Various biochemical constituents in 44 genotypes of brinjal were quantified. The starch content of fruit (-0.965 & -0.982) and phenols of fruit (-0.961 & -0.984) and leaf (-0.965 & -0.969) showed negative correlation with fruit and shoot damage per cent of fruit and shoot borer. Jassid intensity based on hopper burn symptoms and jassid number showed negative correlation with starch content of fruit (-0.420 & -0.524), phenols of fruit (-0.420 & -0.519) and leaf (-0.382 & -0.469). Moreover, Hadda beetle number and whitefly number showed negative correlation with total sugars of fruit (-0.506 & -0.474), reducing sugars of fruit (-0.408 & -0.358), non-reducing sugars of fruit (-0.238 & -0.236) and leaf moisture (-0.391 & -0.393).

Abstract The study examines the impact of temperatures on the development, survival, and morphometrics of cucurbit fruit flies. Developmental times for eggs, larvae, and pupae were influenced by temperature, with longer durations generally observed at lower temperatures. Longevity of male cucurbit fruit flies varied, with the highest duration at 24°C and lowest at 20 and 32°C, while female fruit flies exhibited the highest longevity at 24°C and lowest at 32°C. The offspring production and sex ratio (%) significantly correlated with temperature. Sex ratio(%) highest point at 32°C (68.43 ± 1.09). Optimal conditions for survival were found for the 1st instar at 24°C, while consistent survival rates were noted for the 2nd instar across temperatures. Notably, the 3rd instar and pupae demonstrated temperature-dependent survival rates, with peak viability at 24 and 28°C. The length of cucurbit fruit fly larvae and adults varied significantly across temperatures, with optimal lengths generally observed at 28°C. The width of larvae exhibited temperature-dependent variations, while pupal and adult widths remained consistent. Larval and pupal weights were significantly influenced by temperature, with higher weights observed at intermediate temperatures. Adult weight showed similar trends, with maximum weights recorded at 24 and 28°C for both males and females.

Abstract The interplay between plant pathology and human health has unveiled a complex network of interactions, particularly evident in the transmission of zoonotic pathogens facilitated by insect vectors. The intricate relationship between plant diseases, insect vectors, and the transmission of zoonotic pathogens to humans involves multifaceted pathways through which insects serve as conduits for pathogen dissemination between plants and humans. Factors influencing transmission efficiency, such as vector competence, host range, and environmental conditions, are examined to elucidate the complexity of insect-mediated transmission. The critical role of interdisciplinary collaboration among plant pathologists, entomologists, and public health professionals in addressing the emerging challenges posed by insect-borne zoonotic diseases is of paramount importance. This helps in devising effective strategies to mitigate the risks associated with insect-mediated transmission of zoonotic pathogens. By bridging the gap between agricultural and medical sciences, this study seeks to foster a more holistic approach to disease surveillance, prevention, and management. Through comprehensive analysis and synthesis of existing knowledge, it aims to provide insights that can inform policy-making and guide future research endeavors in the realm of vector-borne disease control.

Abstract Present study revealed that the mean population of onion thrips reached its peak, 55.45 thrips/plant in 14th metrological week afterwards started to decline as the crop was nearing its maturity stage. The correlation between mean thrips population and weather data revealed that the mean maximum and minimum temperature had a positive and highly significant effect on the mean onion thrips (nymph & adult) population of all the six villages i.e. (r = 0.826** and r = 0.541*) respectively. Mean relative humidity (morning and evening) had a substantial negative influence on the mean onion thrips (nymph & adult) population of all six villages with ‘r’ value of -0.622* and -0.788**, respectively. The plot treated with fipronil 5% SC showed best effect by 68.77% mean thrips population percent reduction, followed by spinosad 45 SC 62.63% thrips population reduction. The mean per cent reduction in thrips population using acetamiprid 20 SP and dimethoate 30 EC were 60.27% and 60.24% respectively were par with each other. The least thrips population reduction was observed after the use of Beauveria bassiana (1 × spores/ha) 31.85%.

Abstract In the present study, we tried to develop cost-effective media based on inexpensive, easily available raw materials. Among various media components explored for bacterial growth, soybean seed-based medium found to be the best followed by the noxious weed, Parthenium hysterophorus L. extract based medium and they were comparable with standard medium (nutrient broth) with spore counts 34.84, 19.09 and 34.13 (x109 mL-1) respectively, 36 h after fermentation. Soybean seed based and parthenium extract based culture media resulted in highest toxicities (LC50 values of 12.59 µg mL-1 and 21.218 µg mL-1 respectively) against 3rd instar larvae of S. litura. In the nutrient estimation studies, it was observed that; manganese, one of the most important micronutrients for the production of crystal protein (d- endotoxin) of B. thuringiensis, was absent in nutrient broth and was present abundantly in parthenium (0.205 ppm).