Diversity and abundance of insects in the recreational forest of Bukit Keluang, Besut, Terengganu.

Bukit Keluang is one of the famous natural recreational sites in Besut, Terengganu due to their beautiful sandy beaches and beautiful landscapes. Bukit Keluang recreational forest consist coastal and lowland dipterocarp forest. The studies on the biodiversity are never been reported at this area and thus, we aimed to investigate the diversity and abundance of insects in the coastal and inland forest of Bukit Keluang recreational forest. We built two plots which are Plot A in the coastal area and Plot B in the inland forest at Bukit Keluang. For each plot, three types of insect traps were used; yellow pan traps, pitfall traps, and Malaise traps.  The traps were left for seven days and all insect samples collected were brought to the laboratory for sorting, enumerating and identifying up to order level. A total of 455 individuals of insects consisted of 10 orders (i.e. Hymenoptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Collembola, Homoptera, Orthoptera, Dermaptera, Blattodea and Isoptera) were successfully collected from the forest of Bukit Keluang. Among them, Hymenoptera order dominated the number of individuals collected at 67.25% followed by Diptera (11.21%) whilst Collembola and Dermaptera were the least abundance order collected at 0.22%, respectively. The coastal forest recorded a total of 271 individuals (nine orders) while inland forest recorded 184 individuals (eight orders). No significant difference (p>0.05) of insect abundance was recorded between both plots. However, the Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index (H’) showed that the diversity of insects in the inland forest was slightly higher (H’=1.52) than the coastal forest (H’=0.86). We conclude that the insects’ diversity in Bukit Keluang is relatively higher in inland forest but lower in coastal forest. As no other insect survey has been conducted in this study area in the past, this study delivers a basic evidence and dataset of diversity and abundance for insect which may beneficial for further conservation research at Bukit Keluang in the future

Assessment of Insect Abundance and Diversity in Paddy Fields Cultivated with Beneficial Plants, Turnera trioniflora

Beneficial plants such as Turnera can be a good shelter and provide a food source for insects. The presence of insects, especially natural enemies in paddy fields is very important because the insects help in natural pest population control. However, detailed studies on the composition of insects in paddy fields cultivated with Turnera plants are still lacking. Therefore, a study was conducted in Besut, Terengganu to determine the population abundance and diversity of insects in paddy fields cultivated with the beneficial plant, Turnera trioniflora. Two paddy fields were selected as sampling plots which cultivated with T. trioniflora plants (Plot A) and without T. trioniflora plants (Plot B). For each plot, three Malaise traps, five yellow pan traps, and five pitfall traps were used to collect insect samples on a weekly basis during the paddy planting season (February-May 2021). Samples collected were brought to the laboratory for identifying processes up to order level. Results showed that a total of 3818 individuals of insects consisting of 10 orders (i.e. Diptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Orthoptera, Thysanoptera, Odonata, Mantodea, and Blattodea) were successfully collected from both plots with a significance different (p < 0.05). Among them, the Diptera dominated the number of individuals collected at 52.12% (n=1990) and followed by Hymenoptera at 16.87% (n= 644) and Lepidoptera at 12.40% (n=474). Whilst the Blattodea order was the least abundant with 0.07% (n=3). Plot A and Plot B recorded a total of 1995 and 1823 individuals, respectively and no significant difference (p > 0.05) of insect abundance was recorded between both plots. However, the diversity of insects in Plot A was slightly higher (H’=1.57) than in Plot B (H’=1.23). In conclusion, the insect’s abundance and diversity in a paddy plot cultivated with T. trioniflora plants was relatively higher than in a paddy plot cultivated without T. trioniflora plants. This study has provided a set of basic data on the abundance and diversity of insects in paddy fields which is very helpful for further studies on the relationship between T. trioniflora beneficial plants and insects

Changes in tannin and pectic substances at different positions within a bunch of Cavendish Banana (Musa cavendishii L. var. Montel) during development and maturation

Studies were carried out on changes in the tannin content, alcohol insoluble solids (AIS) and pectin fractions (water, ammonium oxalate and sodium hydroxide solubles) of Cavendish banana variety Montel at different positions within a bunch during maturation and ripening. There was a significant decrease (P<0.01) in the tannin content between the different portions of hands within a bunch and between different fingers within a hand during maturity. AIS increased at the early stages, but it decreased significantly (P< O. 05) in the ripe fruits (week 12). There was a significant difference (P<0.05) in the pectic substances at different positions within a bunch during maturity. The pectins increased at the early stages, reaching a maximum at week 12 and then slowly decreased. At the end of maturation, the pectic substances started to increase slowly until ripening. There were also significant differences (P<0.05) in the tannin content, AIS and pectic substances during maturity between different portions of hands and fingers. However, significant differences (P<0.05) were observed between portions of hands within a bunch and between fingers within a hand during maturity stage; the top hands and upper fingers were higher in tannin, AIS and pectic substances contents than the middle and bottom hands within a bunch and lower fingers within a hand respectively

Effect of waxing with paraffin and modified atmosphere packaging on the storage of Cavendish Banana (Musa cavendishii L var. Montel)

Postharvest treatment with liquid paraffin, clingwrap, low density polyethylene (WPE) with and without potassium permanganate (KMnO) was studied to extend the shelf life of 'Montel' banana (Musa cavendishii L), under refrigeration (15±1 °C) and at ambient temperature (27±1 °C). The fruits packed in WPE with KMn04 ripened within 60 days after harvesting at week 12 from flower emergence. This was followed l7y treatments with clingwrap (42 days), liquid paraffin (36 days), control at 15±I°C (24 days) and control at ambient temperature (18 days). The percentage weight loss, peel and pulp colours of fruits increased significantly (P<O.OI) for all treatments during the storage period. On the other hand, the texture values and tannin content of the fruit decreased significantly (P<O.OI). The rise in total soluble solids (TSS) and sugar was slow initially but gradually increased at the end of the storage period. However, pH, titratable acidity (TA), ascorbic acid (AA) and starch contents o fruits from all treatments were found to be inconsistent during storage. There is a highly significant (P<O.OI) difference in the production of ethylene (CIl) and carbon dioxide (CO) found from fruits of all treatments during storage. Fruits packed in low density polyethylene (WPE) with KMn04 was found to be the best treatment to extend the storage life of 'Montel' banana

Ovipositional Behaviour Preference of Oriental Fruit Fly, Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel (Diptera: Tephritidae) on Different Host Fruits

The oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel (Diptera: Tephritidae), is a polyphagous insect pest that gives severe damage to orchard fruits when the female adults lay their eggs into the fruits. However, the damage can be reduced by manipulating the behavior of this female insect. Thus, this study aimed to determine the ovipositional  preference behavior  of B. dorsalis on different host fruits. The experiment set up was laboratory-based ‘no-choice’ and ‘choice’ of oviposition behavior by the insect. The parameter recorded were the number of fruit visit, duration of fruit visit, number of attempted to oviposit, number of ovipositing and duration of oviposition completed. Guava (Psidium guajava L), mango (Mangifera indica L.) and papaya (Carica papaya L.) were used as host fruits. In the no-choice experiments, the host fruits significantly influenced the number of fruit visit and duration of the visit of B. dorsalis female. The most fruit visited by B. dorsalis female was mango compared to other host fruits whilst papaya shows the longest duration of the host fruit visit by B. dorsalis. Although the characteristics of host fruits differs, the number and duration of oviposition by B. dorsalis shows no significant difference among the host fruits and no activity of oviposition was recorded on guava fruit. When given a choice of different host fruits, the duration of fruit visit and number of attempt to oviposit by B. dorsalis significantly differed among host fruits. However, the host fruits does not influenced the number of fruit visit, number of oviposit and duration of oviposition completed. Interestingly, only guava shows the egg oviposition activity by B. dorsalis females whilst no oviposition behaviour was observed on mango and papaya. Results obtained in this study will benefit the study of insect pest behaviour which then can be use in biological control program in order to reduce the agriculture damage

Assessment of Fruit Fly Infestation on Melon Manis Terengganu (Cucumis melo var. inodorus) at Different Fruit Ripening Stages

Cucumis melo var inodorus or known as Melon Manis Terengganu (MMT) is a new variety of rockmelon and has been developed and grown exclusively in Terengganu since 2015. However, pest infestations such as fruit flies have reduced melon production yields, and research on fruit flies is still poorly studied in this new variety. Therefore, this study was aimed to identify the fruit fly’s species infested MMT as well as to determine the infestation rate of fruit flies on MMT at different ripening stages. The infested MMT fruits were randomly collected for three consecutive weeks prior to harvest and each week was represented as unripe stage (Week 1), ripe stage (Week 2) and fully-ripe stage (Week 3). Each week, 10 fruit samples were brought to the laboratory and weighed individually before being placed in plastic containers. The fruits were reared until all larvae transformed into pupae for determination of infestation rates and emergence of adult fruit flies for species identification. A total of 232 of fruit flies adults emerged from 30 MMT fruit samples collected and all the flies were identified as Zeugodacus cucurbitae (previously known as Bactrocera cucurbitae).&nbsp; Unripe stage fruits recorded the highest infestation rate of fruit flies at 28.24 ± 18.58 pupae/kg and followed by ripe stage at 24.47 ± 8.17 pupae/kg. Whilst the fully-ripe stage had the lowest infestation rate of flies at 13.5 ± 5.07 pupae/kg. However, no significant difference (P&gt;0.05) of infestation rate was recorded among the different fruit stages. This study contributes new information on the fruit fly’s species that attack MMT and its infestation rate. Hence, these findings are expected to help better management of MMT fruit flies in the future

Population Abundance of Insect Trapped on Different Colours of Sticky Trap in Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) Field

A study was conducted to attract insects using different colours of sticky trap in pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) field. Sticky trap was chosen as it is one of a method to estimate the insect population density in field as it requires a low cost and less skilled labour. Four different colours of sticky traps (i.e. red, white, blue and yellow) were used to determine the insect population abundance at the pumpkin field. All the traps were installed at the height of 100 cm at a random of 1 ha of pumpkin plot with five replicates for each colour and the insect samples were collected weekly for three months (October-December 2019). Overall, a total of 13,052 insects were collected throughout 11 weeks of sampling. The results showed that the percentage of insect population abundance recorded the highest was on week eight (15.01%) whilst the least abundance of insects trapped was on week one (2.28%). The most attractive colour to attract insects was significantly the yellow colour (44.34%) followed by blue (20.12%) and white (19.15%) whilst the lowest insect trapped was on red colour (16.40%). A total of nine insect orders recorded were; Diptera, Hemiptera, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Orthoptera, Blattodea, Isoptera and others. Diptera was the most abundant of insect’s order trapped in the yellow trap with 3427 individuals and followed by Hemiptera order (1022 individuals). Whilst the Isoptera order was the least number of insects caught on a red colour trap with only one individual. In conclusion, our findings showed that the yellow sticky trap colour is the most attractive to attract insects of&nbsp;C. moschata&nbsp;compared to other colours. Therefore, this study could provide essential knowledge that may be useful for the future ecological survey of insects of&nbsp;C. moschata

Diversity and Abundance of Hymenopteran Parasitoids in Perhentian Island, Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia

Hymenopteran parasitoid is one of the major insect component in the terrestrial ecosystems. A study was conducted to determine the diversity and abundance of hymenopteran parasitoids in a coastal and inland forest of Perhentian Island, Terengganu. Three Malaise traps were installed for each sampling points of the plot areas (i.e. coastal and inland forest). The insect samples were collected after seven days and brought to the laboratory for sorting, enumerating and identifying from order up to family level. The abundance of parasitoids collected was analyzed using T-test analysis and Kruskal-Wallis test whilst their diversity was analyzed using the Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index (H’). A total of 25 hymenopteran parasitoids comprising of 10 families were identified. The most abundance families recorded was Braconidae with eight individuals followed by Ceraphronidae with six individuals whilst Figitidae, Scelionidae and Trichogrammatidae represented by two individuals, respectively. The diversity of Hymenopteran parasitoids in the coastal forest showed higher diversity value with H’=2.03 than in the inland forest (H’=1.17). The abundance of Hymenopteran parasitoids individuals, however, was not significantly different (p &gt; 0.05) between coastal forest and the inland forest plots. Overall, this study showed that the diversity of Hymenopteran parasitoids was higher in the coastal forest although the abundance was not obviously differed from the inland forest of Perhentian Island. For the future, vegetation species, distribution and abiotic factors can be taken into consideration in determining the diversity and abundance of Hymenopteran parasitoids in an island forest

Diversity and Abundance of Hymenopteran Parasitoids in Perhentian Island, Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia

Hymenopteran parasitoid is one of the major insect component in the terrestrial ecosystems. A study was conducted to determine the diversity and abundance of hymenopteran parasitoids in a coastal and inland forest of Perhentian Island, Terengganu. Three Malaise traps were installed for each sampling points of the plot areas (i.e. coastal and inland forest). The insect samples were collected after seven days and brought to the laboratory for sorting, enumerating and identifying from order up to family level. The abundance of parasitoids collected was analyzed using T-test analysis and Kruskal-Wallis test whilst their diversity was analyzed using the Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index (H’). A total of 25 hymenopteran parasitoids comprising of 10 families were identified. The most abundance families recorded was Braconidae with eight individuals followed by Ceraphronidae with six individuals whilst Figitidae, Scelionidae and Trichogrammatidae represented by two individuals, respectively. The diversity of Hymenopteran parasitoids in the coastal forest showed higher diversity value with H’=2.03 than in the inland forest (H’=1.17). The abundance of Hymenopteran parasitoids individuals, however, was not significantly different (p &gt; 0.05) between coastal forest and the inland forest plots. Overall, this study showed that the diversity of Hymenopteran parasitoids was higher in the coastal forest although the abundance was not obviously differed from the inland forest of Perhentian Island. For the future, vegetation species, distribution and abiotic factors can be taken into consideration in determining the diversity and abundance of Hymenopteran parasitoids in an island forest