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: In Bangladesh, the cultivation of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis) faces critical challenges from insect pest infestations, which lead to substantial reductions in both marketable yield and curd quality. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of five eco-friendly management approaches against major cauliflower pests and their impact on natural enemies and economic returns. The field experiment was conducted at Gazipur Agricultural University during the Rabi season (November 2023 to January 2024) using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Treatments included Vermitec 1.8 EC (Abamectin) @ 1.2 mL L⁻¹ of water, Tracer 45 SC (Spinosad) @ 0.4 ml L⁻¹ of water, Bio-Action 1.5 SL (Matrine) @ 1.5 mL L⁻¹ of water, Phytoclean (Potassium salt of fatty acid 40%) @1.5 mL L⁻¹ of water, Proclaim 5 SG (Emamectin Benzoate) @ 1 mL L⁻¹ of water as an untreated control. Among the treatments, Tracer 45 SC (Spinosad) @ 0.4 ml L⁻¹ was the most effective, resulting in the lowest number of diamondback moth (1.7 ± 0.0/head) and prodania caterpillar (1.5 ± 0.0 head⁻¹), lowest head infestation rates (3.9% by number and 3.5% by weight), highest yield (29.9 ± 0.4 t ha⁻¹), and maximum MBCR (8.3). Three applications of Tracer 45 SC (Spinosad) @ 0.4 ml L⁻¹ was found as an effective, economically viable, and environmentally sustainable strategy for managing major cauliflower pests in Bangladesh, ensuring high productivity and conserving beneficial arthropods.
Keywords: Biopesticides, Diamondback moth, Prodania caterpillar, Eco-friendly management, Spinosad, BARI Fulkopi-1
Post Time: 2 weeks ago
ABSTRACT: A study was conducted to know the prevalence, abundance and diversity of insect pests in the brinjal field at Babugonj, Barisal during May to September 2024. Eleven insect pests namely brinjal mealy bug, Coccidohystrix insolita Green (Margarodidae: Hemiptera); cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover (Aphididae: Hemiptera); green leafhopper, Amrasca biguttula biguttula Ishida (Cicadellidae: Hemiptera); whitefly, Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Aleyrodidae: Hemiptera); plant hopper, Siphanta acuta Walker (Flatidae: Hemiptera); squash bug, Anasa tristis De Geer (Coreidae: Hemiptera); epilachna beetle, Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata Fabricius (Coccinellidae: Coleoptera); leaf beetle, Monolepta signata Olivier (Chrysomelidae: Coleoptera); flea beetle, Phyllotreta cruciferae Goeze (Chrysomelidae: Coleoptera); brinjal shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis Guenée (Pyralidae: Lepidoptera); and cutworm moth, Agrotis ipsilon Hufnagel (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera) were recorded in the field. Among the insect pests, cotton aphid (6.93 insects plant-1 observation-1), green leafhopper (5.60 insects plant-1 observation-1), mealy bug (5.28 insects plant-1 observation-1) and whitefly (0.82 insects plant-1 observation-1) were more abundant while the others were less abundant in the field. The relative abundance of the insect pests was cotton aphid (36.31%) > green leafhopper (29.33%) > mealybug (27.65%) > whitefly (4.29%) > leaf beetle (0.56%) > brinjal shoot and fruit borer (0.49%) > epilachna beetle (0.42%) > flea beetle (0.35%) > plant hopper (0.24%) > squash bug (0.21%) > cutworm moth (0.14%). Among the prevalent 11 insects, 6 insects belong to the order Hemiptera, 3 insects belong to the order Coleoptera and 2 insects belong to the order Lepidoptera. Hemipteran insects belong to the suborder Sternorrhyncha (3), Auchenorrhyncha (2) and Heteroptera (1). All Coleopteran insects belong to Polyphaga and all Lepidopteran insects belong to Heterocera suborder. Therefore, Hemipteran insect of the suborder Sternorrhyncha were most prevalent and abundant in the brinjal field.
Keywords: Brinjal, insect pest diversity, prevalence, abundance, relative abundance
Post Time: 2 weeks ago
ABSTRACT: Yardlong bean (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis (L.) Walp.) is an important leguminous vegetable crop in Bangladesh, and its productivity is severely constrained by major insect pests, including aphids, jassids, whiteflies, and the legume pod borer (Maruca testulalis). Excessive reliance on synthetic insecticides has resulted in resistance development and ecological disruption, highlighting the need for safer alternatives. The experiment was conducted at Gazipur Agricultural University (GAU), Gazipur using a randomized complete block design with eight treatments and three replications. The treatments included Biotrin 0.5 AS (Matrine) @ 1ml/L of water, Bio-Clean 5 SL (De- limonin) @ 1ml/L of water, Biomax M 1.2 EC (Abamectine) 1ml/L of water, mahogany Oil @ 5ml/L of water, Bio-Action 1.5 SL (Matrine) @ 1ml/L of water, Spinomax 44.3 SC (Spinosad) 1ml/L of water, neem oil @ 5ml/L of water, and untreated control. Results showed that Biomax 1.2 EC, Spinomax 44.3 SC, neem oil, and mahogany oil significantly reduced populations of aphids, jassids, whiteflies, and pod borer larvae compared with the untreated control. Spinomax 44.3 SC consistently resulted in the lowest pod infestation (9.5±0.5%) and pod borer larval density (10.3±0.4). Among all treatments, Spinomax 44.3 SC and Biomax 1.2 EC produced the highest yield (20.2±0.8 and 18.6±1.4, respectively) and marginal benefit-cost ratio (3.97 and 3.43, respectively). Botanical treatments exhibited comparatively lower adverse effects on beneficial arthropods. The findings suggest that selected bio-rational insecticides, particularly Spinomax 44.3 SC and Biomax 1.2 EC, can be effectively integrated into sustainable pest management programs for yardlong bean cultivation.
Keywords: Maruca testulalis, Aphid, Jassid, Whitefly, IPM, Eco-friendly pest management.
Post Time: 5 months ago
ABSTRACT: Yardlong bean (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis) is a highly nutritious vegetable widely cultivated in Bangladesh, serving as an important source of protein, particularly for rural populations. However, its production is often constrained by sap-sucking pests, especially jassids, which can cause considerable yield losses. To evaluate effective pest management strategies, a field experiment was conducted at the Entomology Research Field of Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU), Dinajpur, using RCBD. The study assessed the efficacy of four bio-pesticides against jassid infestation in yardlong bean variety BGL-1205. Four treatments were tested: T₁ Azadirachtin 1% EC, T₂ Celastrus angulatus 1% EW, T₃ Buprofezin 40% SC, T₄ Lufenuron 5% EC, and an untreated control. The results showed that buprofezin 40% SC @ 0.4 ml L⁻¹ was the most effective treatment (T₃), recording the lowest mean jassid populations of 8.77, 6.00, and 8.39 per three leaves per plant after the first, second, and third sprays, respectively. In contrast, the untreated control consistently exhibited the highest infestations. Buprofezin reduced jassid populations by 58.67%, 68.42%, and 57.92% after 1st, 2nd and 3rd sprays, respectively and produced the highest yield per pit (318.07 g), the largest yield increase (68.70%) over control and the maximum benefit-cost ratio (2.26). These findings indicate that buprofezin 40% SC @ 0.4 ml L⁻¹ is an effective, economical, and bio-safe option for jassid management, enhancing plant growth and significantly increasing yardlong bean productivity.
Keywords: Evaluation, bio-pesticides, yardlong bean, jassid, safe food
Post Time: 5 months ago
ABSTRACT: Soybean (Glycin max) is high in protein and vegetable oil grown widely globally and nationally. About 15-20% of the total soybean production is lost directly or indirectly by the attack of insect pests every year. The study was conducted during October 2024 to April 2025 in the field and laboratory of the Department of Entomology of Gazipur Agricultural University (GAU), Gazipur to assess some selected bio-rational insecticides against looper and pod borer of Soybean with 6 treatments and 3 replications following randomized complete block design. Biomax 1.2 EC (Abamectin) @ 1 ml/L, Success 2.5 SC (Spinosad) @ 1 ml/L, Biotrin (Matrine 0.5% AS) @ 1.5 ml/L, Bio BTK (Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki) @ 1 g/L, Neem Seed Kernel Extract (NSKE) @ 50 g/L were the key elements of the treatment and an untreated control plot was maintained for comparison. Looper and pod borer were found in the soybean field and those pests were effectively controlled by two sprays of Biomax 1.2 EC (Abamectin), Success 2.5 EC (Spinosad), Biotrin (Matrine 0.5% AS), Bio BTK (Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki) and Neem Seed kernel Extract (NSKE). Among the treatments, the highest percent of pod infestation reduction over untreated control plot was found in Success 2.5 SC (91.6% by n/n) treated plot as well as the highest yield (4.4±1.1 MT/ha) and MBCR (4.6) was recorded with management approach comprising 2 sprays of Success 2.5 SC (Spinosad)@ 1.5 g/L of water. This management approach might be an effective, suitable and viable approach for suppressing looper and pod borer in soybean field.
Keywords: Soybean pests, Helicoverpa armigera, Looper, Bio-rational insecticides
Post Time: 5 months ago
ABSTRACT: The experiments were conducted to study the efficacy of three indigenous plant extracts namely, ata (Annona reticulata), marigold (Tagetus patula) and chilli (C. frutescens) in n-hexane solvent for their residual toxicity and repellency effect against aphid, M. persicae in the laboratory of the Department of Entomology, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur during the period from December 2024 to April 2025. The n-hexane solvent extracts of ata, marigold and chilli at three concentrations (1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mg/ml) were maintained in each extract along with a control. The results showed that all tested plant extracts had toxic and repellent effects against aphid. Among the tested plant extracts, chilli extract showed the highest toxic effect (mortality, 58.98%) whereas marigold extract showed the lowest toxic effect (mortality, 44.29%). The order of the toxicity of the plant extracts were found as chilli>ata> marigold. Mortality percentage was also found directly proportional to the level of concentrations of plant extracts and to the exposure periods. Chilli extract showed the highest repellency (60.44%) but marigold showed the lowest repellency (43.56%).
Keywords: M. persicae, botanical extracts, toxicity, repellency, B:C ratio.
Post Time: 5 months ago
ABSTRACT Fruit flies of the genus Bactrocera (Diptera: Tephritidae) are among the most destructive insect pests of fruits and vegetables in tropical and subtropical regions, causing significant economic losses in Bangladesh. Accurate identification of these species remains challenging because of their morphological similarity and the presence of cryptic taxa, while molecular data from Bangladesh are still limited. To fill this gap, extensive field surveys and laboratory analyses were conducted to determine the species composition, host associations, and infestation patterns of fruit flies across major agroecological regions of Bangladesh. Adult flies were collected using pheromone traps and reared from infested fruits and vegetables. Morphological identification followed standard taxonomic keys, and molecular confirmation was performed through cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequencing. Morphological observations revealed Bactrocera cucurbitae (melon f ly) and B. dorsalis (oriental fruit fly) as the predominant species in all surveyed sites. COI sequencing of 27 specimens resolved four major clades: B. dorsalis, B. tau (pumpkin fruit fly), B. cucurbitae, and B. scutellate (striped fruit fly), with B. scutellata representing the first confirmed record in Bangladesh. A sample initially identified morphologically as Ceratitis capitata was molecularly confirmed as B. tau, highlighting the limitations of morphology-based identification. These results reaffirm the dominance of B. dorsalis and B. cucurbitae in Bangladeshi fruit and vegetable ecosystems and highlight the value of integrating molecular diagnostics with traditional taxonomy. The findings provide crucial baseline information for species-specific, sustainable fruit fly management and strengthen the molecular framework for future tephritid research in Bangladesh.
Keywords: Fruit fly, Bactrocera spp., molecular identification, DNA barcoding
Post Time: 5 months 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 four integrated pest management (IPM) packages combining mechanical, biological, and biorational components. Treatments included combinations of mechanical removal, pheromone trapping, and applications of new-generation bio-insecticides such as Bacillus thuringiensis, Spinosad (Success®, Sodium lauryl ether sulphate (Fizimite®), Matrine (Biotrin®), and Celastrus angulatus extract (Bio-Chamak®). All IPM packages significantly reduced populations of sucking pests including aphids, jassids, and whiteflies, as well as shoot and fruit infestation by L. orbonalis, compared with untreated control and farmers’ conventional practices. Among them, IPM Package-2 (Mechanical control+Fizimite®+pheromone trapping+Spinomax®) and Package-3 (Mechanical control+Biotrin®+pheromone trapping+Bio Chamak®) achieved the greatest pest suppression (≈76-74% reduction in shoot and fruit infestation) and resulted the highest marketable yields (27.0 and 26.7 t ha⁻¹, respectively). These treatments also provided superior marginal benefit cost ratios (6.48-7.77), confirming their economic feasibility. The integration of mechanical, pheromone, and biorational tools offers a robust, residue-free alternative to pesticide-intensive management. Adoption of such bio-intensive IPM 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: Leucinodes orbonalis, jassids, whiteflies, aphids, biopesticides, pheromone trap
Post Time: 5 months ago
ABSTRACT: Methyl eugenol containing yellow and blue sticky traps were evaluated for their efficacy in attracting and trapping fruit flies in two lychee orchards located in two different areas at Dinajpur Sadar, Bangladesh. In both type of traps, only the males of Bactrocera dorsalis were trapped. In both locations, yellow sticky traps captured more fruit flies (174.00 ± 19.41) than the blue sticky traps (114.75 ± 4.57). In both traps, the maximum number of fruit flies was trapped on the first day of trap setting, which continued but gradually decreased up to the last date of fruit fly collection (7th day). On the first day of trapping, the yellow trap captured 60 more fruit flies than the blue trap in Bontara, Luxmitola of Dinajpur Sadar. In Ukundi in Luxmitola of Dinajpur Sadar, on the first day, there was no difference differences but from day 2 to day 7, the yellow trap captured almost double as the blue trap. These findings suggest that the yellow trap is preferable to capture the fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis, when applied in combination with Methyl eugenol.
Keywords: Lychee, Efficacy, Methyl eugenol, Sticky trap, Bactrocera dorsalis
Post Time: 5 months ago
ABSTRACT: Study was conducted at farmers boro rice field in Khulna and Satkhira districts of Bangladesh to find out the incidence and damage of stem borer, leaf folder and BPH at different growth stages of rice during December 2023 to June 2024. Results revealed that the highest number of white stem borer larvae was recorded from Asashuni upazila and the lowest was from Koyra. The highest number of dead heart symptoms was found in Satkhira sadar and the lowest in Paikgasa. The highest number of white head was recorded from Dumuria upazila and the lowest was from Kaliganj. At 40 DAT, the highest number of stem borer larva was found in Koyra (1.4/10 hills) and the lowest number of larva was recorded from Paikgasa (0.4/10 hills). The highest number of dead heart symptoms was recorded from Sathkhira sadar (1.4/10 hills). At 60 DAT, the highest number of stem borer larva was found in Assashuni (0.8/10 hills), the highest number of moth was recorded from Kaligonj (2/10 hills) and the lowest was from Sathkhira sadar (0.8/10 hills). The highest number of dead heart symptoms was recorded from Kaligonj (2.4/10 hills) and the lowest was in Sathkhira sadar (0.8/10 hills). At 90 DAT, the highest incidence of rice stem borer larva (2.8/10 hills) and moth (3/10 hills) was observed in Paikgasa. The highest number of white head damage was recorded in Paikgasa (3.2/10 hills) and the lowest was in Koyra (1.4/10 hills). At 110 DAT, the highest incidence of rice stem borer larva was observed in Paikgasa (2.8/10 hills) but the highest number of stem borer moth was recorded in Assashuni (1.8/10 hills) and the lowest was in Sathkhira (1.4/10hills). The highest number of white head damage was recorded in Kaligonj (4.4/10 hills) and the lowest was in Sathkhira sadar (1.8/10 hills). In case of rice leaf folder, at 40 DAT, the highest number of leaf folder larva (2/10 hills) and folded leaves (0.8/10 hills) was observed in Satkhira sadar followed by Assashuni (0.4/10 hills) but incidence of leaf folder larva and its damage were not found in Kaligonj, Koyra and Paikgasa. At 60 DAT, the highest number of leaf folder larva was observed in Satkhira sadar (1/10 hills) and the lowest number of leaf folder larva was in Koyra (0.4/10 hills) but the highest number of folded leaves was observed in Kaligonj (1.2/10 hills). No folded leaf was recorded from Dumuria. In case of BPH, the highest number (114/10 hills) of Brown Plant Hopper (BPH) was recorded from BR 26 rice field and the number infested tiller was 10. But from rod miniket rice, the number of BPH was 112 and the number of infested tiller was 5. No BPH was found in remaining 5 studied locations.
Keywords: White head, dead heart, WSB, BPH, rice leaf folder, YSB, seasonal incidence
Post Time: 5 months ago
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