Sustainable Concrete by Partially Replacing Coarse Aggregate Using Coconut Shell

A common feature of sustainable buildings is that they drastically reduce emissions, material use and water use and with involvement of economic vitality, environmental, health, and social equity in it. As a whole, the study main concern is the environment and the construction and building technology to enhance natural world as well as building materials. In view to provide new knowledge to the contractors and developers on how to improve the construction industry methods and services by using coconut shells and to sustain good product performance and meet recycling goals, there is need to design a technical specification of concrete using coconut shell as aggregates that will meet the Indian standard requirements in order to help contribute to the industry in saving the environment, to encourage the government to find solutions regarding the disposal to landfills of waste materials and save the environment. The use of coconut by products has been a long time source of income for some people. Recycling of the disposed material is one method of treating the agricultural waste. The used of coconut shell could be a valuable substitute in the formation of composite material that can be used as a housing construction,such as concrete

INSECT PEST COMPLEX AND CROP LOSSES IN PIGEON PEA IN MEDIUM ALTITUDE HILL OF MEGHALAYA

Field experiments were carried out at ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Umiam, Meghalaya to study the pest complex and crop losses in pigeon pea (Var: Bahar) during 2009-10 and 2010-11. Weekly observation was taken through Plant Inspection Method (PIM) from 30 plants since seedling stage to till maturity of the crop. Total 41 insect species comprising 11 Coleoptera, 13 Hemiptera, 3 Orthoptera, 1 Diptera, 1 Thysanoptera, 11 Lepidoptera and 1 Hymenoptera were recorded. Several natural enemies including 8 coccinellid beetles, 1 yellow wasp, 1 predatory bug and 2 unidentified parasitoids and some spiders were recorded during the crop seasons. Pod damage caused by different insect pests were recorded 8.75 and 6.25% by Helicoverpa armigera, 7.50 and 5.25% by Lampides boeticus, 31.25 and 67.5% by Apion clavipes and 44.94 and 17.75% by Melanagromyza obtusa during first and second seasons, respectively. Mean pod damage caused by H. armigera, L. boeticus, A. clavipes and M. obtusa were found to be 7.50, 6.38, 49.38 and 31.35%, respectively. Results revealed that pod boring insects (H. armigera, L. boeticus, A. clavipes and M. obtusa) caused major crop losses to pigeon pea in this region

Insecticidal potential of traditionally important plant, Zanthoxylum armatum DC (Rutaceae) against cabbage butterfly, Pieris brassicae (Linnaeus)

304-311Cabbage butterfly, Pieris brassicae (Linnaeus) is one of the most destructive pests of brassicaceous crops. Zanthoxylum armatum DC (Rutaceae) is versatile, traditionally important and edible medicinal plant, known to have insect repellent and larvicidal properties against many pests. Thus, the insecticidal potential of Z. armatum was evaluated against P. brassicae. N-hexane fraction of different plant parts of Z. armatum was extracted by using standard Soxhlet extraction method. Median lethal concentrations and time (LC50 and LT50) were determined by contact and oral toxicity tests by using Probit analysis. Pericarp and leaf extracts were found toxic to the caterpillars by contact. LC50’s of pericarp and leaf extract (by contact) was found to be 0.15% and 0.22%, respectively at 72 h. The relative toxicity of pericarp extract was recorded to be 1.50, when Azadirachtin 0.15 EC was considered as a unit. With sub-lethal concentrations, the developmental time was delayed; while percentage of pupation and adult emergence was significantly affected in treated caterpillars. In semi-field study, egg-laying of the female butterfly was significantly reduced and larval mortality was considerably higher (up to 53.33%) within 72 h after treatment in plants treated with Z. armatum extracts. In field trial, significant reduction (67.92%) in larval population was observed within 5 days of spraying of Z. armatum extracts

Population dynamics of rodents during bamboo flowering event in North East India

The ecological aspects of rodents during bamboo flowering (BF) phase (Mautam) were studied in Meghalaya and Mizoram states of India during 2005-2008. Rodent population was almost stable during BF in Meghalaya. Likewise, it was also normal in Mizoram during 2005 to 2007. However, rodent outbreak was observed after gregarious flowering (GF) of M. baccifera during 2007-08 in Mizoram and it was more severe after complete fruit shedding. Rodent activities were found to be highest during July to October and their population was significantly higher in upland cultivated areas especially near animal farm-houses. Out of 12 species recorded, merely six species of rodents were observed in BF areas of Mizoram. Surprisingly, Bandicota bengalensis was recorded to be a pre-dominant species, though not observed in bamboo forests. Species wise, sex ratio of rodents varied from 1:0.81 to 1:1.12 in Mizoram. Furthermore, rodent population was recorded to be higher in GF areas and location wise it was more in Kolasib district of Mizoram. In general, sex ratio of rodents was quite equal in all districts of Mizoram; however it was basically female biased in sporadic flowering (SF) areas. Maturity status of rodents in Mizoram indicated their complete adulthood during flowering time; where testes and vaginas were largely scrotal and perforated type, respectively. Overall study concludes that, bamboo flowering alone didn’t increase rodent population significantly; but other factors mainly weather and starting time of flowering could also be involved in this complex process

Loungu (Carpenter worm): Indigenous Delicious Insects with Immense Dietary Potential in Nagaland state, India

145-151Carpenter worms of genus Cossus (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) are common wood-boring insects that can cause significant damage to several economically important plant species across the globe. Nevertheless, these worms are a popular delicacy among the indigenous population of Nagaland state of India since age old days. The carpenter worms (locally known as ‘Loungu’) are culturally significant during the Te-l Khukhu festival of Southern Angami region, annually held during July. The direct larval consumption is also cited for medicinal value. Rearing of carpenter worm is gaining popularity in hill tracts of Nagaland, because of its potential as a viable source of income for the rural population. The present study aimed to determine the eventual nutritional value of the larva by approximating its nutritional potential for the first time. Proximate analysis presents a significantly higher value of crude fat (37%), crude protein (48%), crude fibre (12.90%) and an appreciable calorific value. Close correlation between increased polyphenol value with its higher antioxidant capacity and pigment content is strongly evident. Nevertheless, the larva also provides appreciable quantities of dietary minerals reflected in terms of higher zinc and iron content. Analysis of thin layer chromatography undertaken in the study interestingly identified some of the essential amino acids, viz., methionine, lysine, leucine, histidine, threonine etc. This is the first report pioneering other detail studies to establish the significant value of carpenter worm larvae as an exotic dietary supplement among the indigenous Naga population, thereby providing more impetus for its promotion and commercialization

Loungu (Carpenter worm): Indigenous Delicious Insects with Immense Dietary Potential in Nagaland state, India

Carpenter worms of genus Cossus (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) are common wood-boring insects that can cause significant damage to several economically important plant species across the globe. Nevertheless, these worms are a popular delicacy among the indigenous population of Nagaland state of India since age old days. The carpenter worms (locally known as ‘Loungu’) are culturally significant during the Te-l Khukhu festival of Southern Angami region, annually held during July. The direct larval consumption is also cited for medicinal value. Rearing of carpenter worm is gaining popularity in hill tracts of Nagaland, because of its potential as a viable source of income for the rural population. The present study aimed to determine the eventual nutritional value of the larva by approximating its nutritional potential for the first time. Proximate analysis presents a significantly higher value of crude fat (37%), crude protein (48%), crude fibre (12.90%) and an appreciable calorific value. Close correlation between increased polyphenol value with its higher antioxidant capacity and pigment content is strongly evident. Nevertheless, the larva also provides appreciable quantities of dietary minerals reflected in terms of higher zinc and iron content. Analysis of thin layer chromatography undertaken in the study interestingly identified some of the essential amino acids, viz., methionine, lysine, leucine, histidine, threonine etc. This is the first report pioneering other detail studies to establish the significant value of carpenter worm larvae as an exotic dietary supplement among the indigenous Naga population, thereby providing more impetus for its promotion and commercialization

Formulation Development and Evaluation of Polyherbal Gel Containing Extract of Eclipta Alba (L.) (Asteraceae) For The Management of Alopecia

It is well known that  Eclipta alba (L.) plant thrives best in climates that can be classified as either tropical or subtropical. The Hassak plant, belonging to the Asteraceae family, holds considerable importance in the field of medicine. The application of this specific therapeutic approach is frequently noticed in the care of various skin, liver, and gastrointestinal disorders in nations such as India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and other comparable countries. The main aim of this paper was to gather and examine the current body of literature regarding the biological functions, phytoconstituents, and traditional uses of E. alba. The compilation of scientific literature involved the utilisation of various resources such as books, proceedings, and electronic bibliographic databases like Scopus, MEDLINE/PubMed, Google Scholar, and SciFinder. The investigation identified several active phytochemicals, including phenolic acid, flavonoids, triterpenoid saponins, steroid saponins, and substituted thiophenes. Different extracts and chemicals isolated from E. alba have shown a wide range of biological properties, such as the ability to fight bacteria and cancer, protect the liver and brain, and promote hair growth. The study provides strong evidence to justify the utilization of a botanical blend in the context of hair care therapy. Hence, the botanical specimen could be regarded as an organic reservoir and potentially harnessed to develop an alternative therapeutic approach for alopecia

Evaluation of Bio-pesticides and Insecticides Against Brinjal Shoot and Fruit Borer (Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee) in Meghalawya of North-Eastern India

The field experiments were conducted at ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, India during 2011–2012 to evaluate some bio-pesticides and newly introduced insecticides against shoot and fruit borer of brinjal. The experiments were laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. The treatments viz., azadirachtin 1 EC (2 ml l-1), karanjin 2 EC (2 ml l-1), anonin 1 EC (2 ml l-1), Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt.) (2 g l-1), emamectin benzoate 5 SG (0.4 ml l-1), flubendiamide 480 SC (0.3 ml l-1), chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC (0.4 ml l-1), chlorpyriphos 20 EC (2 ml l-1) were applied thrice at fifteen days interval starting from initiation of shoot and fruit borer infestation. Results showed that chlorantraniliprole (2.46%) was the best treatment in reducing the shoot infestation (81.88% reduction) which was statistically at par with flubendiamide (3.08%) and emamectin benzoate (3.76%) with 77.37% and 71.95% reduction over untreated control, respectively. The overall mean fruit infestation were also minimum in chlorantraniliprole (5.76%) and flubendiamide (5.93%) treated plots with 79.45% and 78.84% reduction over untreated control plots (28.03%), respectively. Pooled data of two years experimental results indicated that highest marketable yield was recorded in chlorantraniliprole treated plots (155.01 q ha-1) followed by flubendiamide (149.50 q ha-1), emamectin benzoate (134.24 q ha-1) and chlorpyriphos (125.43 q ha-1). Among bio-pesticides, highest mean marketable yield was recorded in Bacillus thuringiensis treated plots (114.45 q ha-1) followed by azadirachtin (101.11 q ha-1)

Invasiveness, biology, ecology, and management of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith, 1797), is a serious pest of several crops, particularly maize and other cereals. It has long been known as a pest in the Americas and has invaded most of Africa and parts of the Middle East, Asia, and Australia in the last six years. Its new status as an invasive species causing serious damage in many regions worldwide has highlighted the need for better understanding and has generated much research. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of FAW covering its (i) taxonomy, biology, ecology, genomics, and microbiome, (ii) worldwide status and geographic spread, (iii) potential for geographic expansion and quarantine measures in place, and (iv) management including monitoring, sampling, forecasting, biological control, biopesticides, agroecological strategies, chemical control, insecticide resistance, effects of insecticides on natural enemies, as well as conventional and transgenic resistant cultivars. We conclude with recommendations for research to enhance the sustainable management of FAW in invaded regions

Integrated pest management of Tuta absoluta: practical implementations across different world regions

The South American tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), has invaded most Afro-Eurasian countries and is threatening worldwide tomato production. Various strategies have been developed and implemented to manage this pest. Here, we present a timely review on the up-to-date development and practical implementation of integrated pest management (IPM) programs for tomato crops across different world regions infested by T. absoluta. While insecticide resistance is a growing concern, biological control via releasing or conserving arthropod natural enemies and sex pheromone-based biotechnical control are the most successful management practices. Agronomic control-related research is an emerging area where the soil fertilization and/or irrigation, as well as breeding of resistant cultivars, has the potential to enhance IPM effectiveness. Grower survey responses in the native areas (i.e., South America), early-invaded areas (i.e., first report between 2006 and 2012) and newly invaded areas (i.e., first report after 2012) showed that the control programs evolved along with the areas and time since invasion. Growers in the early-invaded areas shifted more rapidly from chemical control to biological control compared to those from the native area. In all concerned regions, the pest control failure risk following chemical insecticide applications and the high cost associated with either biological or biotechnical control methods have been the greatest concerns for growers. The information gathered from the native and/or early-invaded areas may help achieve a more effective management in newly invaded areas. Lastly, researchers are expected to break the bottlenecks of some key issues that would enable lowering application cost of novel biorational alternative management options