Host Selection Behavior of Helicoverpa armigera Summary Proceedings of the First Consultative Group Meeting 5-7 Mar 1990

Helicoverpa (Heliothis) armigera Hubner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a major pest of several food and cash crops in the Old Wor ld semi-arid tropics. In this publication, scientists review research on the host selection behavior of H. armigera and on the mechanisms of host-plant resistance to this pest in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) and chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Five technical papers cover host selection by lepidopteran insects, behavioral and electrophysiological studies of H. armigera, the identification of host-plant resistance in pigeonpea and chickpea, and the chemical basis of pest resistance in these pulse crops. Recommendations are made for further action to control H. armigera through a better understanding of its host selection behavior and the factors that interfere wi th this behavior

Agroecology Now!

This open access book develops a framework for advancing agroecology transformations focusing on power, politics and governance. It explores the potential of agroecology as a sustainable and socially just alternative to today’s dominant food regime. Agroecology is an ecological approach to farming that addresses climate change and biodiversity loss while contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals. Agroecology transformations represent a challenge to the power of corporations in controlling food system and a rejection of the industrial food systems that are at the root of many social and ecological ills. In this book the authors analyse the conditions that enable and disable agroecology’s potential and present six ‘domains of transformation’ where it comes into conflict with the dominant food system. They argue that food sovereignty, community-self organization and a shift to bottom-up governance are critical for the transformation to a socially just and ecologically viable food system. This book will be a valuable resource to researchers, students, policy makers and professionals across multidisciplinary areas including in the fields of food politics, international development, sustainability and resilience

The influence of rainfall deficits on the abundance of Helicoverpa (=Heliothis) armigera in Andhra Pradesh, India

Analysis of larval counts, light-trap data and weather patterns over a six year period shows that prolonged rainfall deficits promote the growth of Helicoverpa armigera populations in Andhra Pradesh, India. Drought stress resulting from rainfall shortages enhances the chemical cues involved in larval host selection behaviour and improves the nutritional quality of many wild and cultivated host plants on which this polyphagous pest reproduces. A more holistic analysis of the causes of H. armigera outbreaks should also include the effects of man induced drought that stem from the destabilisation of the water cycle in the drylands of India. Water conservation measures may need to be integrated in an overall plan of insect control on an area-wide basis

Spatial and temporal changes in the abundance of Helicoverpa (= Heliothis) armigera (Hubner) in India

A pheromone trap network was used to study the temporal and spatial variations in the abundance of the pod borer, Helicoverpa (= Heliothis) armigera (Hubner) in India. The pattern of pheromone trap catches of Helicoverpa armigera was similar within any given agroclimatic zone but there were also obvious changes with latitude in patterns of trap catches. The catches were generally higher and had more sharply defined peaks, at northern locations than at southern locations. The catches at the eastern locations were lower than those elsewhere. The practical applications of this information for pest control are discusse

Mulching Effects on Termite Scarification of Drying Groundnut Pods

Termites are important pests of groundnut in Africa and Asia. Plant mortality and /or reduced yields result(s) from tunneling in tap roots and stems, defoliation, attack of pegs, scarification of pods—with associated increases in aflatoxin contamination; (see cover photo), and consumption of drying haulm

Monitoring Adult Populations of Maruca testulalis (Geyer) with Light Traps at Patancheru and Hisarin India

Maruca testulalis (Geyer) is the most damaging insect pest of pigeonpea in some areas of Asia and Africa. The larvae of this insect web the leaves and terminal buds together, and feed and pupate inside this web. Attacks by this insect can last up to the podding stage

Effects of Mulches on Foraging Behaviour of Microtermes Obesi and Odontotermes Spp. in India

Termites are important agricultural pests in the semi-arid tropics. Conventional methods of control have relied on persistent organochloride insecticides with accompanying health and environmental problems. In contrast, cultural control methods provide untested, but environmentally sound options to farmers. This study reports results from three experiments on the use of mulches to reduce Microtermes obesi and Odontotermes spp. damage with relevance to groundnut production in India....