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

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

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

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....

Scholar-activists in an expanding European food sovereignty movement

This article analyzes the roles, relations, and positions of scholar-activists in the European food sovereignty movement. In doing so, we document, make visible and question the political dimensions of researchers' participation in the movement. We argue that scholar-activists are part of the movement, but are distinct from the affected constituencies, put in place to ensure adequate representation of key movement actors. This is because scholar-activists lack a collective identity, have no processes to formulate collective demands, and no mechanisms for inter-researcher and researchers-movement communication. We reflect on whether and how scholar-activists could organize, and discuss possible pathways for a more cohesive and stronger researcher engagement in the movement.</p