Promoting a Sustainable Future Through Research, Collaboration, and Education
Safeguarding Ecosystems, Empowering Communities, and Shaping Environmental Policy
From Research to Action - Protecting Natural Resources and Fostering Sustainability
Collaboration, Education, and Advocacy for a Sustainable Future
Securing a Thriving Environment for Generations to Come Through Research and Education
ABSTRACT: The genus Allotropa Förster 1856 (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae: Sceliotrachelinae) comprises a group of primary endoparasitoids known for their critical role in controlling mealybug populations. In this study, authors reported the discovery and description of a new species within this genus, reared from Phaenacoccus manihoti (Matile-Ferrero) collected in a cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) field in Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand. The collected mealybugs were reared in a laboratory setting, where the emergence of the parasitoid led to the identification of a previously undocumented species. This new species, Allotropa suasaardi Sarkar sp. nov. was distinguished by several unique morphological characteristics. The holotype female and allotype male exhibit unusual yellow body coloration, in contrast to the typically blackish appearance of other described Allotropa species. Additionally, the male is characterized by exceptionally long bristles on the antennomeres. Other defining features include reduced wing venation and distinct sculpturing of the mesosoma. This discovery not only expands to the known diversity within the genus Allotropa but also highlights the potential of this new species as a biological control agent for managing mealybug infestations in cassava crops, thereby enhancing our understanding of parasitoid biodiversity in Southeast Asia.
Keywords: Allotropa suasaardi, new record, parasitoid, Phaenacoccus manihoti, unusual yellow body
Post Time: 2 weeks ago
ABSTRACT: Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) is one of the most pesticide-intensive vegetable crops in Bangladesh, where excessive insecticides are used to control the brinjal shoot and fruit borer (Leucinodes orbonalis Guenée) and sap-sucking pests which poses severe environmental and health risks. To develop an eco-compatible alternative, field experiments were conducted during two consecutive Rabi seasons (2020-2021 and 2021-2022) at the Entomology Research Field, BARI, Gazipur, to evaluate the efficacy of new generation microbial pesticides and some selected insecticides. Significantly the lowest mean population of jassid, thrips and whitefly were received in afidopyropen (Sefina 5 DC) and it was followed by spraying with thiamethoxam (Actara 25 WG). The mean population of jassid, thrips and whitefly were lower in Metarhizium anisopliae (Bio Magic 1.15%WP); Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Bio Fighter 2.0%WP), Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Biocure 2.0%WP) and Metarhizium anisopliae (Lycomax-M 2.0%WP). These treatments have been showed better performance among the microbial pesticides. The mean aphid, jassid and whitefly population was (2.11, 4.52 & 3.02/five leaves, respectively) in Sefina 5 DC and it was followed by Actara 25 WG (2.72, 5.86 & 6.81/five leaves, respectively). In the treatment Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Biocure 2.0%WP) the mean aphid, jassid and whitefly population was (3.02, 7.15 & 8.49/five leaves, respectively). However, among them afidopyropen (Sefina 5 DC) resulted the greatest pest suppression, appeared as the best approach providing highest average yield (16.08 t ha⁻¹) whereas Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Biocure 2.0%WP) treated plot produced 14.25 t ha⁻¹. The biorational tool offers a robust, residue-free alternative to pesticide-intensive management. Adoption of such bio-intensive strategies can substantially reduce chemical dependency, conserve natural enemies, and promote safer, more sustainable brinjal production systems in Bangladesh and similar agro-ecological regions.
Keywords: Assessment, Solanum melongena, jassids, whiteflies, aphids, microbial pesticides
Post Time: 2 weeks ago
ABSTRACT: Coffee cultivation is emerging as a promising high-value agricultural crop in some areas of Bangladesh, particularly in Sylhet region. But information on insect pest occurrence and pesticide use in newly established coffee plantations remains limited. This study was conducted to document the major insect pests associated with coffee cultivation and assess pesticide usage patterns in Sylhet district. A field survey was carried out across five upazilas of Sylhet district using structured questionnaires, face-to-face interviews, and focus group discussions involving 60 respondents. Data were normalized first and then analyzed using descriptive statistics in R-studio and origin to characterize pest incidence, farmer profiles, and pesticide use practices. The findings revealed that Coffea arabica was the predominant coffee species cultivated by 96.67% of farmers. A total of 16 insect pest species were documented from coffee plantations. Coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei) and coffee leaf miner (Leucoptera coffeella) were identified as the most important pests, reported by 55.00% and 46.67% of respondents, respectively. Other frequently occurring pests included white stem borer (43.33%), mealybug (40.00%), and shot hole borer (38.33%). Functional group analysis showed that sap-sucking insects constituted the dominant pest category (43.75%), followed by stem borers and leaf feeders (18.75% each). The study further revealed extensive dependence on chemical pesticides, with 83.34% of respondents using WHO Class II (moderately hazardous) pesticides, primarily organophosphates, neonicotinoids, and pyrethroids. Notably, 76.67% of farmers had not received any formal training on coffee pest management. The high prevalence of key insect pests, combined with heavy reliance on moderately hazardous pesticides and limited technical knowledge, highlights the urgent need for farmer training, strengthened extension services, and the adoption of integrated pest management strategies to ensure sustainable coffee production in Sylhet.
Keywords: Bangladesh, Documentation of Pest diversity; Pesticide hazard; WHO Class.
Post Time: 2 weeks ago
ABSTRACT: Pesticide adulteration is extremely harmful for agricultural production and also detrimental to the environment. This study was carried out to investigate the adulteration of the available marketed brands of five selected pesticide groups collected from different dealers in Kishoreganj, Gazipur, and Dhaka. High Performance Liquid Chromatography with an ultra violet detector was used to analyze the pesticides at the Pesticide Analytical Laboratory of Entomology Division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute. Results revealed that 45% of tested pesticides contained lower levels of active ingredients than those specified on the product containers/labels. Of the 68 pesticide brands tested, 37 (approximately 54%) revealed 100% presence of active ingredient (AI), 15 brands had between 80% and 98% of active ingredient (AI), while the remaining 16 brands contain less than 80% active ingredient (AI) as per product labels. Among these, one brand contained no active ingredient of concerned.
Keywords: Assessment, Pesticides, Adulteration, HPLC, Active ingredient
Post Time: 2 weeks ago
ABSTRACT: Leafhopper and Planthopper (Family Cicadellidae and Delphacidae) are very important sucking insect pests of Bangladesh. Many authors indiscriminately have listed these species under different names and hosts without conducting scientific studies. The authors aware that there is no national checklist of insect fauna in Bangladesh. This study was conducted in Department of Entomology, Gazipur Agricultural University during November 2023 to October 2024 to list and describe the available leafhoppers and planthoppers species in Bangladesh. The objective of the study was to conduct an extensive survey in the major rice growing regions of Bangladesh for collecting leafhoppers and planthoppers for their identification, description and preparation checklist. In this survey, the author records a total of 10 species of leafhoppers and 5 species of planthoppers in Bangladesh. The leafhopper species are Cofana spectra (Distant 1908), Exitianus indicus (Distant 1908); Hecalus porectus (Walker 1908), Maiestas dorsalis (Motschulsky 1859), Nephotettix cincticeps (Uhler 1896), Nephotettix malayanus Ishihara & Kawase 1968, Nephotettix nigropictus (Stål 1870), Nephotettix virescens (Distant 1908), Orosius orientalis (Matsumura 1914) and Thaia oryzivora Ghauri 1962 as well as planthopper species are Laodelphax striatellus (Fallen 1826), Nilaparvata lugens (Stål 1854), Nisia nervosa (Motschulsky 1863) Sardia rostrate Wilson & Claridge 1991 and Sogatella furcifera (Horváth 1899). Checklist and taxonomic key for the identification of available leafhopper and planthopper species in Bangladesh are provided here. Additionally, first time the authors have described Laodelphax striatellus, (Fallen 1826) from Bangladesh.
Keywords: Taxonomy, Identification, Leafhoppers, Planthoppers, Cicadellidae, Delphacidae, Sucking pests
Post Time: 2 weeks ago
ABSTRACT: Coconut is an important cash crop in Bangladesh, particularly for coastal livelihoods, contributing significantly to safeguard economic stability, nutritional security, and environmental protection. But being invasive sap-sucking insect pest, the rugose spiraling whitefly (RSW) (Aleurodicus rugioperculatus) has recently been recognized as a serious threat to coconut cultivation all over Bangladesh. Studies were carried out in two locations viz. Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Jashore and RARS, BARI, Barishal to document the comparative efficacy of five biopesticides against rugose spiraling whitefly (RSW) infesting coconut during 2023-24. The results revealed that biopesticide Bioclean 5% SL (d-limonene) provided highest efficacy with 66.51-70.56% reduction of nymph/adult population of RSW over control. Whereas, application of Fizimite (10% sodium lauryl ether sulfate) offered the second highest efficacy with 60.05-61.38% reduction of nymph/ adult population of RSW over control. The highest natural parasitism (17.01 18.34%) and parasitoid adult emergence (12.35-13.59%) was recorded from Fytoclean (potassium salt of fatty acid) followed by Biotrin (5% matrine). The best performing biopestcides viz. Bioclean 5% SL and Fizimite could be utilized in a well designed IPM program against rugose spiraling whitefly in coconut.
Keywords: Biotrin, Fizimite, Fytoclean, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus, IPM
Post Time: 2 weeks ago
ABSTRACT: A field experiment was conducted during the August 2024 to February 2025 cotton seasons at the Cotton Research, Training, and Seed Multiplication Farm, Sreepur, Gazipur, to evaluate five insecticides, viz., Imidacloprid (Tido 20 SL) @ 0.5 ml L⁻¹, Thiamethoxam (Spike 25 WG) @ 0.3 g L⁻¹, Diafenthiuron (Pannel 50 SC) @ 0.5 ml L⁻¹, Acetamiprid (Tundra 20 SP) @ 0.5 g L⁻¹, and Acephate (Asataf 75 SP) @ 1.5 g L⁻¹. Significant differences were observed among treatments in suppressing jassid population, conserving beneficial arthropods, and improving productivity. Diafenthiuron recorded the lowest mean jassid population (0.53 leaf⁻¹) with 84.77% reduction over untreated control. Acetamiprid and Acephate showed moderate efficacy, while Imidacloprid provided comparatively lower control. Thiamethoxam performed poorly and sometimes increased jassid incidence. After five sprays, Acetamiprid conserved the highest populations of spiders (0.33 plant⁻¹) and ladybird beetles (0.32 plant⁻¹), while Diafenthiuron produced the highest seed cotton yield (2713.99 kg ha⁻¹), net return (Tk. 124,979 ha⁻¹), and benefit-cost ratio (1.85).
Keywords: Cotton, jassid, insecticide, beneficial arthropods, IPM module
Post Time: 2 weeks ago
ABSTRACT: Pink hibiscus mealybugs infest all plant parts; feeder roots, root crowns, stems, twigs, leaves, and flowers of ornamental plants. Ornamental plants enhance the beauty of homes, gardens, and commercial landscapes but this tiny pest can silently damage them. The study was conducted at Patuakhali Science and Technology University campus to assess the incidence of pink hibiscus mealybugs, Maconellicoccus hirsutus and their damage symptoms on different ornamental plant species grown in landscape and pots during period from February to September 2021. Results revealed that the highest incidence of mealybugs per plant in common coleus and china rose was recorded in the month of April and the lowest was in September. Among three hosts, the highest incidence was found on jatropha followed by Ixora and Mussaenda. In jatropha, the highest number of mealybugs per branch was observed in the month of April whereas the lowest number was in the month of September. In Ixora, the maximum number of mealybugs was recorded in the month of April and whereas the lowest number was in the month of September. Among ornamental plants, the highest percent leaf area covered by Mealybugs was found on garden croton (65%) and the lowest percent was on red China rose (10%). The maximum twig area covered by Mealybugs was recorded on yellow China rose (45%) while the minimum twig area covered was observed on croton (21%). The highest percent flower area covered by Mealybugs was found on Mussaenda (40%) and the lowest percent flower area covered was recorded on Ixora (12%). Findings on the incidence and damage severity by mealybugs on ornamental plants illustrated the serious threats to landscape and beautification of different institutions.
Keywords: Pink mealybugs, incidence, damage severity, ornamental plants, homes garden, landscape, pots
Post Time: 2 weeks ago
ABSTRACT: Bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) is a popular vegetable crop in Bangladesh including some other countries in Asia. The production of bottle gourd is hampered due to multiple insect pest infestation in recent years. For developing eco-friendly management, a survey among 150 farmers across three major districts of Bangladesh was performed to assess farmers’ knowledge and perceptions on insect pest infestation of bottle gourd and management. Results showed that farmers identified a total of 7 insects in bottle gourd. Among them, all the farmers observed fruit fly and red pumpkin beetle as the major insect pest. Approximately 66.67% of farmers reported significant yield loss due to fruit fly infestation, while 22.0% experienced yield loss due to sap beetle infestation. Farmers employed chemical pesticides, pheromone trap, ash, soapy water and bio-pesticides for pest management in bottle gourd. Almost all the respondents (99.3%) applied pesticides more than 5 times in a single growing season. Most of the growers (62.7%) applied pesticides at 15-days interval. Majority farmers (68.67%) didn’t receive any training on sustainable management of the insect complex of bottle gourd plant. Authors findings provide insight into the importance of developing sustainable pest management approaches for bottle gourd production in Bangladesh.
Keywords: Survey, insect complex of bottle gourd, eco-friendly & sustainable management
Post Time: 2 weeks ago
ABSTRACT: The Fall Armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, poses a significant threat to maize production in Patuakhali and other regions globally. To mitigate this problem, the present study focused on developing a rearing protocol for two potential biological control agents: the larval parasitoid, Bracon hebetor, and the egg parasitoid, Trichogramma chilonis and the efficacy of Bracon hebetor was carried out in the bio-control laboratory of Entomology department, PSTU during October 2022 to September 2023. Laboratory trials were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the reared parasitoids against FAW larvae of different instars. The rearing protocols of B. hebetor were established utilizing the associated hosts, Galleria mellonella (wax moth) and Corcyra cephalonica (rice moth), respectively. The rearing protocol development involved optimizing environmental conditions, nutritional requirements, and host rearing methods to ensure large parasitoid populations. Observations on parasitism rates, and FAW population suppression were recorded to assess the effectiveness of the biological control strategy. The results demonstrated the potential for Bracon hebetor as biological control agent against FAW. The highest parasitism was found in 5th instar larvae which was about 96% while the lowest parasitism was found in 3rd instar larvae which was about 33%. In 4th instar mean parasitization was 6.33±1.52 which is about 63%. The parasitism of FAW by B. hebetor ranged from 20-40 % in net cage trial. The length and breadth of 6th instar larva of wax moth were 1.215 ± 0.13cm and 0.371 ± 0.03cm, respectively while the length and breadth of pupa were 2.13 ± 0.14cm and 0.33 ± 0.03cm, respectively. The length and breadth of 5th instar larva of fall armyworm were 3.66 ± 0.23cm and 0.372 ± 0.02cm while the length and breadth of pupa were 1.46 ± 0.05cm and 0.5 ± 0.00cm, respectively. Overall, the protocol development for rearing of larval and egg parasitoids and their efficacy against FAW provide valuable biological control strategies for managing FAW in maize fields and offer a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides.
Keywords: Fall Armyworm, Bracon hebetor, Corcyra cephalonica, Galleria mellonella, maize, Trichogramma chilonis
Post Time: 2 weeks ago
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