Resistance of beet armyworm Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to endosulfan,organophosphorus and pyrethroid insecticides in Pakistan

Field populations of beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), from Pakistan were assessed for their resistance to the chlorinated hydrocarbon endosulfan, the organophosphates chlorpyrifos and quinalphos, and the pyrethroids cypermethrin, deltamethrin, bifenthrin and fenpropathrin. Using a leaf-dip bioassay, resistance to endosulfan was high during 1998–2000 but declined to very low, to low levels during 2001–2007, following a reduced use of the insecticide. Organophosphates and pyrethroids were consistently used over the past three decades, and the resistance had been increasing to these insecticide classes. Generally, the resistance to chlorpyrifos and pyrethroids remained low from 1998 to 2002–2003, but resistance increased to moderate to high levels from 2003–2004 to 2006–2007. For deltamethrin, resistance was very high during 2004–2007. Quinalphos resistance remained low during 1998–2006. Correlation analysis of LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values showed a positive correlation between organophosphates and pyrethroids, but no correlation between endosulfan and organophosphates or pyrethroids tested herein. These results suggest that the conventional chemistries should be replaced with new chemistries for the successful management of S. exigua.     

Cross‐resistance,mode of inheritance and stability of resistance to emamectin in Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

BACKGROUND: Spodoptera litura (F.) is a cosmopolitan pest that has developed resistance to several insecticides. The aim of the present study was to establish whether an emamectin‐selected (Ema‐SEL) population could render cross‐resistance to other insecticides, and to investigate the genetics of resistance. RESULTS: Bioassays at G₁ gave resistance ratios (RRs) of 80‐, 2980‐, 3050‐ and 2800‐fold for emamectin, abamectin, indoxacarb and acetamiprid, respectively, compared with a laboratory susceptible population Lab‐PK. After three rounds of selection, resistance to emamectin in Ema‐SEL increased significantly, with RRs of 730‐fold and 13‐fold compared with the Lab‐PK and unselected (UNSEL) population respectively. Further studies revealed that three generations were required for a tenfold increase in resistance to emamectin. Resistance to abamectin, indoxacarb, acetamiprid and emamectin in UNSEL declined significantly compared with the field population at G₁. Furthermore, selection with emamectin reduced resistance to abamectin, indoxacarb and acetamiprid on a par with UNSEL. Crosses between Ema‐SEL and Lab‐PK indicated autosomal and incomplete dominance of resistance. A direct test of a monogenic model and Land's method suggested that resistance to emamectin was controlled by more than one locus. CONCLUSION: Instability of resistance and lack of cross‐resistance to other insecticides suggest that insecticides with different modes of action should be recommended to reduce emamectin selection pressure. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Ecological disturbances due to high cutback in the green infrastructure of Karachi: Analyses of public perception about associated health problems

This paper evaluates the changes to the green infrastructure of the megacity of Karachi, Pakistan, occurring during a period of rapid development, involving extensive loss of trees and green spaces since 2000, occurring as a consequence of road widening and improvements to the city's transport infrastructure, aggravated by a series of cyclones, involving further tree loss and which has led to numerous ecological problems in the city, assessing how the effect of the reduction of Karachi's green infrastructure has impacted both the reality and the perception of human health conditions. It uses medium-resolution satellite images classified for land use and land cover (LULC) data extraction and detailed field surveys to map the extent of change; structured questionnaires are used to identify the perception of selected, targeted groups regarding the state of Karachi's urban green infrastructure and perceived human health conditions. Findings indicate that the public perception of green space functionality or presence does not equate with the remote sensing and field mapping results, which show a dramatic loss. The need to develop a comprehensive urban greening strategy, which considers the needs and priorities of the population, is identified. The impact of such a strategy in terms of increased frequency of visits to green sites and associated increase in the physical activity of the people to improve overall physical health is discussed in relation to the general development of Karachi.     

Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Herbage Production of an Established Grass Sward in Relation to Moisture and Nitrogen Fertilization

Herbage growth and nitrogen (N) use efficiency in grazed or mown grasslands are generally low, associated mostly with poor response to fertilizer N. The aim of the present investigation was to examine the short-term response of grass to fertilizer N with respect to herbage yield and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in order to provide a better basis for improving the efficient use of fertilizer N in grassland ecosystems. Both NO₃ ^? and NH₄ ⁺ sources of N were applied to an established grass sward with three moisture levels, i.e., natural conditions (63% water-filled pore space, WFPS), near field capacity level (71% WFPS), and slightly wetter than field capacity (84% WFPS). Herbage yield, i.e., dry matter (DM), N uptake, N recovery efficiency, yield efficiency, and physiological efficiency were determined over a 7–28 d period. Addition of N fertilizers significantly increased the herbage yield and N uptake of grass sward over that of the control. In the plots where NO₃ ^??N was added as the N source, DM yield was between 1760–1870 kg ha^?1, N recovery efficiency was between 24%–43%, and yield and physiological efficiency were in the range of 2.1–3.2 and 6.4–8.8 kg DM kg^{? 1} N, respectively. In NH₄ ⁺?N added plots, the DM yield was between 3190–3700 kg ha^{? 1}, N recovery efficiency was between 39%–48% while yield and physiological efficiency were in the range of 3.5–5.6 and 9.0–11.6 kg DM kg^{? 1} N, respectively. Results indicated that total DM yield, N uptake, and NUE depend on the source of N and the level of moisture in the field. Assimilation of N is also affected by the stage of plant development after N fertilization. About 50%–54% of applied N was recovered in the initial 14 and 21 d after fertilizer application and thereafter translocation of N slowed. A fall in herbage production and minimal response to N fertilizer has been observed at 84% WFPS, while the maximum herbage yield and N recovery efficiency was recorded in soil near or below field capacity. The grass sward with added NH₄ ⁺?N produced a larger yield and had higher NUE relative to the sward with NO₃ ^??N. Results confirm that applied N was not utilized efficiently by grass sward and a decrease in N uptake and its utilization seem to be the key factors responsible for the poor herbage productivity often observed in pastoral agriculture. These results suggest that both moisture and N source have a substantial effect on herbage yield and N utilization by plants and therefore should be considered for efficient management of N fertilization and recommendations for grass sward.     

Efficacy of insecticide mixtures against pyrethroid‐ and organophosphate‐resistant populations of Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

BACKGROUND: Spodoptera litura (F.) is an important pest worldwide, with over 112 host plants, and is exposed to insecticides throughout the year, resulting in the rapid development of resistance. Insecticide mixtures can delay the development of resistance more effectively than sequences or rotations. Cypermethrin, deltamethrin, profenofos, chlorpyrifos and fipronil were assessed separately and in mixtures against laboratory susceptible S. litura and two field‐collected populations. RESULTS: The field‐collected population from Khanewal (KWL) was significantly more resistant to cypermethrin, deltamethrin, chlorpyrifos and profenofos than one collected from Muzaffar Garh (MGH). Mixtures of cypermethrin + chlorpyrifos or profenofos and of deltamethrin + chlorpyrifos or profenofos at 1:1, 1:10 and 1:20 ratios significantly increased (P < 0.01) toxicity to cypermethrin and deltamethrin in field populations. The combination indices of cypermethrin + chlorpyrifos at 1:1 and 1:10 ratios and cypermethrin + fipronil at 1:1, 1:10 and 1:20 ratios for the KWL strain and of cypermethrin + profenofos or fipronil at 1:1, 1:10 and 1:20 ratios for MGH were significantly below 1, suggesting synergistic interactions. The inhibitors DEF and PBO largely overcame resistance to deltamethrin, cypermethrin and profenofos, suggesting that resistance to the insecticides was associated with esterase and monooxygenase detoxification respectively. CONCLUSION: Chlorpyrifos, profenofos and fipronil could be used in mixtures to restore cypermethrin and deltamethrin susceptibility. These findings may have considerable practical implications for S. litura resistance management. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Delayed cuticular penetration and enhanced metabolism of deltamethrin in pyrethroid-resistant strains of Helicoverpa armigera from China and Pakistan

The penetration and metabolism of [14C]deltamethrin was studied in susceptible and resistant Chinese and Pakistani strains of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner), which were resistant to deltamethrin by 330- and 670-fold, respectively. The penetration of deltamethrin into resistant individuals was significantly slower than into susceptible individuals over a 24-h period. The time taken for 50% penetration of the applied deltamethrin was 1 h for the susceptible strain and 6 h for both of the resistant strains. The internal radioactivity was reduced by the larvae of resistant strains much faster than by the susceptible larvae. After 48 h, 40% of the penetrated deltamethrin was still inside the larvae of the susceptible strain, in comparison with 1.5-5% in the Pakistani strain and 8-14% in the Chinese strain. Both of the resistant strains produced methanol-soluble and water-soluble metabolites, but the susceptible strain produced methanol-soluble metabolites only. By 12, 24 and 48 h after dosing, the amount of methanol-soluble metabolites excreted by the resistant strains was almost double that of the susceptible strain. Both of the resistant strains also excreted 5-7% of the penetrated dose as a water-soluble metabolite after 48 h. In comparison with the Chinese strain, the Pakistani strain exhibited slower penetration, lower internal content and faster excretion of deltamethrin, which correlated with the higher resistance of the Pakistani strain. These findings show that the resistant Pakistani and Chinese strains of H. armigera possess mechanisms of reduced cuticular penetration and enhanced metabolism of deltamethrin and perhaps other pyrethroids.     

Effect of feeding different levels of discarded date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) on digestibility,milk yield,and composition in Damani sheep

Tropical Animal Health and Production - Poor quality feed and lack of feed resource conservation in Pakistan are the major constraints influencing livestock production systems in the country. In...     

Contribution of cultivated crops,vegetables, weeds and ornamental plants in harboring of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bemisia tabaci </Emphasis>(Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) and associated parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) in cotton agroecosystem in Pakistan

The population dynamics of Bemisia tabaci and its parasitoids was studied on Gossypium hirsutum, Cucumis melo, Helianthus annus, Glycine max, Solanum melangena, Cucurbita pepo melopopo, Bauhinia pupurea, Morus alba, Albizzia lebbek, Lantana camara, Achyranthus aspera, and Convolvulus arvensis in cotton growing areas of Punjab, Pakistan during 2004 and 2005. Whitefly infested leaves having maximum number of second to third instar were collected and kept in glass petri dishes with lid on at 28 ± 2°C and 65 ± 3% RH. Mean population of whitefly adults that emerged per 200 cm² leaf area per sampling period recorded was maximum on G. hirsutum (43.2), followed by C. melo (31.5), L. camara (23.0), H. annus (20.5), G. max (19.3), C. pepo melopopo (18.1), S. melangena (16.9), A. aspera (11.2), C. arvensis (9.2), B. pupurea (5.4), M. alba (5.3) and A. lebbek (5.0). Percentage parasitism was higher on G. hirsutum (44.3%), followed by C. melo (38.9%), A. aspera (38.3%), L. camara (38.1%), A. lebbek (35.3%), G. max (33.5%), C. arvensis (33.0%), M. alba (31.1%), B. pupurea (27.0%), S. melangena (24.8%), C. pepo melopopo (16.1%) and H. annus (15.2%). Overall the population of whitefly remained low during winter (November–February) and high during summer (May–August) whereas, the percentage parasitism was higher during June–September and lower during December–February. The study revealed that the availability of parasitoids could be enhanced by planting L. camara, B. pupurea, A. lebbek and M. alba in the cotton growing area.     

Growth Performance,Carcass Yield and Meat Quality of Korean Native Duck

This study was carried out to investigate the growth performance, carcass yield and meat quality of large-type Korean native ducks （KND）. A total of 420 day-old ducklings were divided into four treatments （seven replicates/treatment, 15 birds/replicate） by strains （A and B） and gender （male and female） in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement under complete randomized design. The body weight （BW） of female KND was higher at week 2 and for male it was higher in week 8 （P 〈 0.05）. BW gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio of male KND were higher than those of female KND （P 〈 0.05） during week 0 to week 8. The carcass yield of both strains increased from 6 weeks to 8 weeks （P 〈 0.05）. The breast meat ratio was the highest at week 8 whereas the leg meat ratio was the highest at 6 weeks of age in both strains （P 〈 0.01）. Lightness （L＊）, yellowness （b＊） and juiciness of meat were the highest at 6 weeks （P 〈 0.05）. Moisture, ash and fat contents of meat were the highest at 7 weeks （P 〈 0.05） and protein content was the highest at 8 weeks （P 〈 0.01）. These results may provide the basic data on growth performance and meat quality of large-type KND, which can be used for genetic improvements and rearing at commercial scale.