Browsing by Author "Malini Nilamudeen"

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Documentation and management of pests of jasmine, Jasminum spp.
(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture,Vellayani, 2022) Swathy, I M; Malini Nilamudeen
In Kerala, jasmine is mostly grown as an ornamental crop in homesteads. Recently, there is an increase in jasmine cultivation due to its high export potential. In this scenario, knowledge about the pests and defenders of jasmine and their eco-friendly management under Kerala condition is highly essential. With this backdrop, the study entitled “Documentation and management of pests of jasmine, Jasminum spp.” was carried out at Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during the period of 2019 to 2021. The objectives of the study were to document the pests infesting Jasminum spp., their damage and symptoms, natural enemies associated with the pest and to develop suitable pest management measures. The documentation conducted at three districts viz., Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Alappuzha recorded sixteen pests. Jasmine budworm (Hendecasis duplifascialis Hampson), jasmine leaf webworm (Nausinoe geometralis (Guenee), Nausinoe perspectata (Fabricius)), shoot webworm (Margaronia unionalis Hubner), jasmine gallery worm (Elasmopalpus jasminophagus (Hampson)), blossom midge (Contarina maculipennis Felt), lacewing bug (Corythauma ayyari Drake), flower thrips (Thrips orientalis (Bagnall)), flea beetle (Hyphasis sita (Maulik)), grasshoppers (Diabolocatantops pinguis (Stal), Neorthacris acuticeps (Bolivar)), tortoise beetle (Cassida sp.), leafhopper (Kolla ceylonica (Melichar)), jasmine bug (Antestiopsis cruciata (Fabricus), moth bug (Ricania sp.), whitefly (Dialeurodes sp.), mealy bug (unidentified) and red spider mite (Tetranychus sp.). The grasshoppers (D. pinguis, N. acuticeps) tortoise beetle (Cassida sp.) and leafhopper (K. ceylonica) were reported for the first time from Kerala as pest of jasmine. Natural enemies associated with pests of jasmine were also documented in which the spiders were prominent predators followed by praying mantis. The spiders documented were white lynx spider (Oxyopes shweta Tikader), crab spider (Camaricus sp.), pantropical jumping spider (Plexippus paykulli (Audouin)), heavy bodied jumper (Hyllus semicupreus (Simon)), two striped jumper (Telamonia dimidiata (Simon)), flower crab spider (Thomisus lobosus Tikader), grass cross spider (Argiope catenulata (Doleschall)), long jawed orb-weaver (Tetragnatha maxillosa Thorell) and banded phintella (Phintella vittata (C. L Koch)). Apart from spiders, Asian mantis (Hierodula membranacea Burmeister) and praying mantis (Odontomantis pulchra Olivier) were also documented. Spiders Camaricus sp., A. catenulate and T. maxillosa were reported for the first time from Kerala on jasmine. A consolidated documentation of spider and mantid predators from jasmine ecosystem is first of its kind from Kerala. Pupal parasitoid Brachymeria nephantidis Gahan and larval parasitoid Apanteles sp. were found parasitizing on the jasmine leaf webworm, N. geometralis and larval parasitoid Phanerotoma hendecasiella (Cameron) was found parasitizing on jasmine budworm H. duplifascialis and jasmine gallery worm E. jasminophagus. Studies on the biology of H. duplifascialis and N. geometralis were carried out under laboratory condition. H. duplifascialis had an average of 3.35 + 0.11, 11.15 + 0.08 and 5.25 + 0.10 days of egg, larval and pupal period respectively whereas N. geometralis recorded an egg, larval and pupal period of 3.35 + 0.11, 10.65 + 0.20 and 6.65 + 0.11 days respectively. The prophylactic and curative field experiments were conducted at College of Agriculture, Vellayani for evolving efficient pest management practices. It was found that the prophylactic treatments with biopesticides, oil based formulation of Metarhizium anisopliae NBAIR Ma 4 @ 10 mL L-1 and Beauveria bassiana NBAIR Bb 5 @ 10 mL L-1 caused cent per cent reduction in the population of C. ayyari at 60 days after planting. The population of H. duplifacsialis was also nil in these plots. A three and two fold increase in flower yield was recorded for M.anisopliae and B.bassiana, respectively in comparison to untreated plots. The treatments were found safe to spider predators also. Among the curative treatments, chlorantraniliprole 8.8% w/w+Thiamethoxam 17.5 % w/w SC @150g a.i ha-1 was the best with no pest incidence and also had three-fold increase in mean flower yield (8.10 g plant -1 ) compared to the untreated plots. However, it was not safe to spiders. Among the biopesticides, oil based formulation of M. anisopliae NBAIR Ma 4 @ 10 mL L-1 and B. bassiana NBAIR Bb 5 @ 10 mL L-1 caused 73 and 67 per cent reduction in the population of H. duplifascialis and 90 and 89 per cent respectively for C.ayyari. The mean flower yield in M. anisopliae NBAIR Ma 4 @ 10 mL L-1 and B. bassiana NBAIR Bb 5 @ 10 mL L-1 treated plots was 2.7 and 2.2 times higher than that in untreated plots. Both treatments were found safe to spiders. From the present study, it can be concluded that, of the sixteen pests infesting jasmine, H. duplifascialis, C. ayyari and C. maculipennis attained the status of major pests. However, considering the presence of different pests belonging to various orders on jasmine, pest surveillance is highly recommended in the scenario of area expansion. The study recorded an extensive spectrum of spiders and parasitoids which played a key role in preventing the population build-up of pests. Prophylactic sprayings of oil based formulation of M. anisopliae NBAIR Ma 4 @ 10 mL L-1 or B. bassiana NBAIR Bb 5 @ 10 mL L-1 can be recommended during the initial appearance of pests on jasmine and the same can be recommended for curative management. However, for managing severe incidence of pest, single spray of Chlorantraniliprole 8.8% w/w+ Thiamethoxam 17.5 % w/w SC @150 g a.i ha-1 can be recommended.
Entomopathogenic fungi for the management of insect pests in rice ecosystem
(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2015) Malini Nilamudeen; Sudharma, K
Nutrient profiling of insects as protein source for poultry feed
(Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture,Vellayani, 2024-02-12) Chrystina ,Allien Xavier; Malini Nilamudeen
The study entitled “Nutrient profiling of insects as protein source for poultry feed” was conducted at the Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram during 2021-2023. The objectives of the study were the evaluation of insects as an alternative protein source in poultry feed and the development of insect-based feed for broiler chicken. In this study, black soldier fly (BSF) maggots Hermetia illucens L., house fly (HF) maggots Musca domestica L., rhinoceros beetle (RB) grubs Oryctes rhinoceros L. and earthworm (EW) Eudrilus eugeniae K. were reared on cow dung and groundnut cake mixture in a ratio of 4:1. The mean production of BSF maggots was 2.38 kg from 5 kg substrate which was significantly superior to HF maggots, RB grubs and EW. Similarly, BSF had the maximum dry weight of 0.58 kg and the highest dry matter recovery of 26.83 % which was significantly superior to all the other samples. Statistical analysis of the nutrient composition of different test organisms showed significant differences between them. The crude protein content of the EW (615.2 g kg-1) was significantly superior to HF maggots, RB grubs and BSF maggots. The highest carbohydrate content was recorded in RB grubs (257.3 g kg-1) which was significantly superior to all other samples. BSF maggots had a fat content of 300.1 g kg-1 and it was significantly superior to HF maggots, RB grubs and EW. RB grubs had 128 g kg-1 crude fibre which was significantly superior to all other samples followed by BSF maggots (109.9 g kg-1). The calcium and phosphorus content of RB grubs was 29200 mg kg-1 and 11300 mg kg-1, respectively and was significantly superior to other samples. Due to the high dry matter recovery per cent and easiness in rearing, BSF maggots were selected for the poultry feed trials. Poultry trials were conducted at University Poultry and Duck Farm, Mannuthy in CRD design with six treatments having varying levels of insect meal inclusion. Dietary treatments were given 5 %, 10 %, 15 %, 20 % and 25 % BSF maggot meal included poultry feed and control group was given soybean meal-based poultry feed. In the pre-starter phase (1st week), the average weight of chicks in the group fed with 15 % BSF meal included diet was 203.11 g and it was on par with the control group (187.67 g). In the 2nd week (starter phase), the body weight of the chicks in the treatment given soybean meal-based feed (533.67 g) was on par with that of the chicks in treatment with 10 % BSF meal inclusion (500.22 g). During the 3rd week (starter phase), birds in the control group weighed 998.11 g and was statistically on par with the weight of the birds fed 5 %, 20 % and 10 % meal included diet. In the finisher phase, the body weight of the chicks in different dietary treatments was statistically on par. The average feed consumption of birds in the treatments with 15 % and 10 % BSF meal inclusion was 158.56 g and 152.11 g, respectively during the pre-starter phase and was statistically on par whereas chicks in the treatment with soybean meal based feed consumed 123.67 g feed. During 2nd week, chicks in the treatment given standard broiler feed consumed 433.22 g feed which was significantly superior to the other treatments. In the 3rd week, chicks in the dietary treatment with soybean meal based poultry feed consumed 692.17 g feed and was on par with treatments having 10 %, 20 %, and 5 % larval meal inclusion. In the finisher phase, there was no significant difference between the dietary treatments. In the pre-starter phase, the feed conversion ratio (FCR) of the control group (0.87) was on par with the treatment group with 15% meal inclusion (1.0). During the starter and finisher phases, the FCR of different dietary treatments was statistically on par. So, poultry feed can be effectively substituted with 25 % BSF maggot meal. Analysis of the carcass characters revealed that BSF meal inclusion in poultry feed did not affect the eviscerated yield, giblet yield, abdominal fat and ready-to-cook yield. Livability was 100 % in all treatments with insect meal inclusion and no disease was observed. Economic comparison between BSF meal and soy meal-based poultry feed revealed that the average feed cost of treatments with standard broiler feed (Rs. 172.18) was higher than treatments with 5 % (Rs. 162.97), 10 % (Rs. 151.31), 15 % (Rs. 144.30), 20 % (Rs. 147.32) and 25 % (Rs. 139.69) BSF maggot meal inclusion. The profit obtained from the treatments with 0%, 5 %, 10 %, 15 %, 20 % and 25 % BSF meal inclusion were Rs. 299.45, Rs. 295.27, Rs. 294.87, Rs. 302.16, Rs. 288.47 and Rs. 288.59, respectively. The benefit-cost ratio of treatments with 15 %, 25 %, 20 %, 10 %, 5 % and 0 % maggot meal inclusion were 2.09, 2.07, 1.96, 1.95, 1.81 and 1.74, respectively. The cumulative feed consumption and cumulative FCR of chicks from day-old to 6th week in different dietary treatments did not differ significantly and the treatment with 15 % BSF meal inclusion had high benefit-cost ratio. So, we can conclude that soya meal-based poultry feed can be effectively substituted with 15 % BSF maggot meal included feed in broilers. Thus, the results of the present study revealed that a properly coordinated and centralized, BSF-based poultry feed unit can effectively address the problem of rising feed costs in the poultry industry.
Pests of curry leaf Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. and their management
(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture , Vellayani, 2023-04-25) Karthika S; Malini Nilamudeen
The study entitled “Pests of curry leaf Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. and their management” was carried out at the Department of Agricultural Entomology during the period 2020-2022. The main objectives of the study were to document the pests infesting M. koenigii, natural enemies associated with the pests, biology of major pests, their nature of damage and symptoms, and to develop effective management practices. The documentation conducted at twenty homesteads of Thiruvananthapuram district for a period of one year, recorded twenty pests. The pests found infesting curry leaf were lemon butterflies (Papilio demoleus Linnaeus and Papilio polytes Linnaeus), citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri Kuwayama), citrus green mite (Schizotetranychus baltazari Rimando), curry leaf tortoise beetle (Silana farinosa (Boheman)), citrus leaf roller (Psorosticha zizyphi (Stainton)), black looper (Hyposidra talaca (Walker)), mealybug (Rastrococcus iceryoides (Green)), scale insects (Pinnaspis strachani (Cooley) and Icerya aegyptiaca (Douglas), blackflies (Aleurocanthus terminaliae Dubey & Sundararaj, Aleurolobus orientalis David & Jesudasan)), whitefly (Aleuroclava complex Singh), hairy caterpillar (Olene mendosa Hübner), tortoise beetle (Cassida exilis Boheman), ash weevil (Myllocerus brevirostris Marshall), bean bug (Riptortus pedestris (Fabricius), coreid bug (Dasynus antennatus Kirby), leafhopper (Empoasca sp.), bagworms (unidentified), cow bug (unidentified), slug caterpillar (unidentified) and planthopper (unidentified). Out of the documented pests, H. talaca, P. strachani, I. aegyptiaca, A. terminaliae, A. orientalis, Empoasca sp., C. exilis and M. brevirostris were reported for the first time from Kerala as pest of curry leaves. A total of eight spiders, one praying mantid, a reduviid bug, two predatory ants, three coccinellids and three parasitoids were recorded. Spiders documented were Burmese lynx spider (Oxyopes birmanicus Thorell), lynx spider (Oxyopes javanus Thorell), white lynx spider (Oxyopes shweta Tikader), two-striped jumping spider (Telamonia dimidiata (Simon)), wasp-mimic jumping spider (Rhene flavicomans (Simon)), crab spider (Camaricus formosus Thorell), jumping spider (Carrhotus sp.) and heavy-bodied jumper spider (Hyllus semicupreus (Simon)). Praying mantid (Odontomantis pulchra Olivier), reduviid bug (Scipinia horrida (Stål)), ants (Camponotus compressus (Fabricius) and Diacamma ceylonense Emery), and three coccinellid beetles of the genus Phrynocaria sp. were also recorded. Parasitoids obtained were larval parasitoid (Tachinidae) from P. polytes, nymphal parasitoid Tamarixia radiata (Waterson) from D. citri nymphs and pupal parasitoid Brachymeria apicicornis (Cameron) from S. farinosa. A consolidated documentation of spiders and other defenders from curry leaf is first of its kind from Kerala. Biology studies were carried out for S. farinosa, D. citri, and P. polytes under laboratory conditions. P. polytes had a mean number of days of 3.30 + 0.15, 20.30 + 0.26 and 8.40 + 0.16 as egg, larval and pupal period, respectively. S. farinosa had a mean of 5.30 + 0.15, 16.80 + 0.29, 5.00 + 0.21 and 81.10 + 0.80 days as egg, grub, pupal and adult period, respectively. D. citri had a mean of 3.50 + 0.15, 12.50 + 0.41 and 25.75 + 0.66 days egg, nymphal and adult period, respectively. To evaluate the qualitative damage due to pest infestation, chlorophyll, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, and tannins in mite infested (broad, narrow leaved) and psyllid infested (broad leaved) leaves were compared with their quantity in uninfested broad and narrow leaved samples. Murraya exotica, a closely related species of M. koenigii was found resistant to most of the pest species recorded from the latter. Hence, a comparative study of its biochemical constituents was also done. Results showed a decline in chlorophyll content by 13.64 and 63.16 per cent in mite infested broad and narrow leaved samples, over their respective control and a reduction of 36.36 per cent in psyllid infested samples. In psyllid infested broad leaved samples, carotenoid content got reduced by 18.00 per cent over its uninfested control whereas a reduction of 28.96 per cent occurred in mite infested narrow leaved samples over its respective control. Quantity of ascorbic acid also declined by 30 per cent in mite infested broad leaved sample whereas other samples showed no significant reduction. Tannin content increased by 6.51 and 20.20 per cent in mite and psyllid infested broad leaved samples, respectively over uninfested samples whereas it showed a reduction of 13.60 per cent in mite infested narrow leaved sample. M. exotica showed a decrease in chlorophyll, carotenoids and tannin content by 31.82, 16.85 and 5.88 per cent, respectively and an increase in ascorbic acid content by 42.68 per cent over uninfested M. koenigii. A field experiment conducted at farmer’s field for evaluating effective management practices against curry leaf pests revealed that among biopesticides, neem garlic soap formulation- KAU Raksha @ 10 g L-1 and talc based formulation of L. lecanii NBAIR Vl 8 @ 20 g L-1 were effective in reducing the population of psyllids by 65 and 58.17 per cent and damage by 51.48 and 60.53 per cent, respectively 14 DAT. Against mites, Horticultural Mineral Oil HMO @ 25 mL L-1 and talc based formulation of L. lecanii NBAIR Vl 8 @ 20 g L -1 were effective in reducing the population by 39.18 and 33.44 per cent and damage by 35.74 and 42.37 per cent, respectively. Whitefly was effectively managed by talc based formulation of L. lecanii NBAIR Vl 8 @ 20 g L-1 which reduced the population and damage of whitefly by 75.23 and 63.23 per cent, respectively 14 DAT. The chemical insecticide, chlorantraniliprole 8.8 % w/w + thiamethoxam 17.5 % w/w SC @ 150 g a.i ha-1 was effective in reducing psyllid, mite and whitefly population by 89.91, 49.76 and 76.63 per cent and damage by 79.08, 55.57 and 81.04 per cent, respectively over untreated control, 14 DAT. All chemical treatments were toxic to spiders and caused cent per cent reduction of spiders, 14 DAT. Harvest time residue analysis showed that, the residues of all the three insecticides viz., chlorantraniliprole, thiamethoxam and quinalphos were below the limit of quantification, at 14 DAT. The present investigation documented twenty pests, fifteen predators and three parasitoids from curry leaf ecosystem. Based on the extent of incidence, D. citri, P. polytes, S. baltazari, and S. farinosa are categorised as major pests. The biochemical analysis proved the qualitative deterioration due to pest damage, which emphasise the importance of developing good agriculture practice in curry leaf pest management as it is an important raw material in ayurvedic medicinal preparations. For managing pests infesting curry leaves, talc based formulation of L. lecanii NBAIR Vl 8 @ 20 g L-1 , neem garlic soap formulation-KAU Raksha @ 10 g L-1 or Horticultural Mineral Oil HMO @ 25 mL L-1 can be recommended as non-chemical options whereas the insecticide chlorantraniliprole 8.8 % w/w + thiamethoxam 17.5 % w/w SC @ 150 g a.i ha-1 can be recommended for managing severe pest infestation.
Pests of tulsi (ocimum tenuiflorum L ) and their management
(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2007) Malini Nilamudeen; Nandakumar, C
The seasonal occurrence and the extent of damage caused by pests of tulsi were assessed in a survey conducted at monthly intervals for one year in five locations viz., Perumpazhuthoor, Parasuvaikkal, Poojapura, Peroorkada and Vellayani of Thiruvananthapuram district. A field trial was carried out in the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani to evaluate the effect of various botanicals against the pests, the spiders and on herbage yield of tulsi. The five major hemipteran pests recorded on tulsi were Monanthia globulifera W., Aphis gossypii Glover, Cajanus cajani Maskell, Phymatostetha deschampes L. and Icerya spp. The minor pests recorded were Anchon pilosum L., Lygaeus sp., Agonoscelis sp., Leptocorisa acuta (Thunb.), Pseudococcus sp., Cyrtacanthacris sp., Syngamia abruptalis Wlk., Anisephyra ocularia Fab., Lasius sp. and Solenopsis sp. A viral disease and a fungal leaf spot caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Penz. were also recorded. The infestation by A. gossypii., Icerya spp., P. deschampes, A. pilosum Lygaeus sp., Agonoscelis sp., L. acuta, Pseudococcus sp., A .ocularia, Lasius sp. and Solenopsis sp. are being reported for the first time. The diseases are also being reported for the first time from Kerala. All the five major pests were polyphagous in nature. The incidence of the pests and magnitude of damage caused by them varied among the different locations as well as during the different months. Both the density dependent factors like availability of other host plants and density independent factors like temperature, relative humidity and rainfall played a major role in the distribution of pests in various locations. Except P. deschampes, the population and infestation of all the other major pests were high during summer months compared to the rainy months. The population and damage by P. deschampes had positive correlation with rainfall. The natural enemies of the pests included eight species of spiders and a dipteran (syrphid). The spiders were observed in all locations throughout the year. The syrphid Paragus serratus Fabr. was a predator of A.gossypii. An encyrtid pupal parasitoid of P.serratus was also observed. The adults of C.cajani were parasitized by Coccophagus tschirchii (Madhihassan) and the larvae of S. abruptalis were parasitized by Bracon sp. The results of the pest management trial revealed that the botanicals were not only effective in containing the pests but also safe to the spider fauna. The treatments gave higher yield also. Among the botanicals, pongamia oil two per cent or azadirachtin 0.004 per cent or neem cake soil application @ 250 kg ha-1+ NSKE five per cent could be recommended for the control of the pests of tulsi. This would be of use in the protection of tulsi in homesteads as well as in mediculture.