Insect Conservation and Management: A Need of the Hour

Insects play a very vital role in divergent ecosystems and have gained great economic and medical importance as pollinators, pests, predators, parasitoids, decomposers and vectors. With the large-scale practice of synthetic pesticides, the diminishing rate of beneficial and pollinator insects is increasing rapidly. Environmental pollution, climate change, global warming, urbanization, industrialization and some natural calamities like wildfires add more fuel to the acceleration of insect decline all over the world. Alternative steps should be employed to replace the toxic pesticides and implementation of integrated pest management (IPM) should be put forward to reduce the overuse of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which have a great impact on beneficial insects as well as birds, aquatic organisms, and also on human health. The present study aims to create awareness among the researchers and general public by providing a brief review of insect importance, decline and conservation strategies

A SURVEY ON BUTTERFLIES IN KODIYERI, THALASSERY MUNICIPALITY, KANNUR DISTRICT FROM KERALA

The present study was an attempt to assess the butterfly diversity in Kodiyeri, Thalassery municipality, Kannur district in Kerala. The data was obtained by trapping and sweeping net method from August 2020 to May 2021. Totally 57 species of butterflies representing from 5 major families were recorded. Family Nymphalidae represented the maximum of species followed by Lycaenidae- 16 species, Hesperidae- 8 species, Pieridae -7 species and 6 species from the family of Papilionidae. All families were found maximum during October and it may be due to the availability of nectar as many shrubs were actively blooming. Out of the 57 species recorded, five of them are included in the schedule I category and one species in schedule II of Wild Life Protection Act 1972. Castalius rosimon, Neptis columella, Papilio clytia, Hypolimnas misippus, Pachilopta hector and Lampides boeticus are the identified species which include in WPA status

Feeding deterrent and growth inhibitory activities of PONNEEM, a newly developed phytopesticidal formulation against Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner)

Objective: To assess the feeding deterrent, growth inhibitory and egg hatchability effects of PONNEEM on Helicoverpa armigera (H. armigera). Methods: Five oil formulations were prepared at different ratios to assess the feeding deterrent, growth inhibitory and egg hatchability effects on H. armigera. Results: Invariably all the newly formulated phytopesticidal oil formulations showed the feeding deterrent and growth inhibitory activities against H. armigera. The maximum feeding deterrent activity of 88.44% was observed at 15 μL/L concentration of PONNEEM followed by formulation A (74.54%). PONNEEM was found to be effective in growth inhibitory activities and egg hatchability at 10 μL/L concentration. It exhibited statistically significant feeding deterrent activity and growth inhibitory activity compared with all the other treatments. Conclusions: PONNEEM was found to be effective phytopesticidal formulation to control the larval stage of H. armigera. This is the first report for the feeding deterrent activity of PONNEEM against H. armigera. This newly formulated phytopesticide was patented in India

Feeding Deterrent and Genotoxicity Analysis of a novel Phytopesticide by using Comet Assay against Helicoverpa armigera (HÜbner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Newly developed Phytopesticidal formulations from pongam and neem oils were evaluated for their feeding deterrent activity using leaf disc choice and no-choice methods, and genotoxic study using comet assay against Helicoverpa armigera at different concentrations of 5, 10, 15, and 20 ppm. Among various phytopesticidal formulations, neem and pongam oils at 1:1 ratio, called PONNEEM showed significant feeding deterrent activity against H. armigera at 20 ppm concentration and wasgenotoxic to H. armigera (P>0.001). The comet parameters, namely tail moment (arbitrary units), tail length (µm) and tail DNA (%) were observed at all the concentrations of PONNEEM. Statistically significant changes in all the comet parameters of H. armigera were observed at 20 ppm (P<0.001). Feeding deterrent and genotoxicity effect of PONNEEM could be applied as phytopesticide for controlling the lepidopteran insect pests

Enhancing Horticultural Crops through Genome Editing: Applications, Benefits, and Considerations

Genome editing has emerged as a powerful tool for accelerating crop improvement in horticultural crops by enabling precise modifications to their genetic makeup. This review provides an in-depth exploration of the applications, methodologies, and potential impacts of genome editing in horticulture. The review focuses on three major genome editing tools in horticulture, CRISPR-Cas9, TALENs, and ZFNs. The underlying mechanisms, applications, and potential challenges associated with each tool are discussed in detail. CRISPR-Cas9, being a versatile and widely used system, has the potential to enhance traits such as disease resistance, abiotic stress tolerance, nutritional content, and yield in horticultural crops. TALENs and ZFNs, although less commonly used, offer alternative options for targeted DNA modifications, and have demonstrated success in specific applications. We emphasize the potential benefits of genome editing in horticulture, including improved crop productivity, quality, and nutritional value. However, challenges such as off-target effects, delivery methods, and regulatory frameworks need to be addressed for the full realization of this technology’s potential. This review serves as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders, providing insights into the opportunities and complexities associated with harnessing genome editing for enhanced traits in horticultural crops. By navigating these challenges, genome editing can contribute to sustainable advancements in horticulture, benefiting both producers and consumers worldwide

Taxonomic notes on some South and Southeast Asian members of the genus Rhene Thorell, 1869 (Aranei, Salticidae, Dendryphantini)

Caleb, John T.D., Sanap, Rajesh V., Tripathi, Rishikesh, Sampathkumar, M., Dharmaraj, Jayaraman, Packiam, Soosaimanickam Maria (2022): Taxonomic notes on some South and Southeast Asian members of the genus Rhene Thorell, 1869 (Aranei, Salticidae, Dendryphantini). Zootaxa 5125 (4): 389-407, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5125.4.

Rhene flavicomans Simon 1902

Rhene flavicomans Simon, 1902 Figs 1–4, 72 Rhene flavicomans Simon, 1902: 33 (D &male;); Prószy&nacute;ski, 1984: 119–121 (&male;, D &female;); Jastrz&eogon;bski, 1997: 51, figs 9–11 (&female;). Rhene biembolusa Song & Chai, 1991: 23, figs 14A–E (D &male;); holotype &male;, in the Institute of Zoology, Beijing, not examined; syn. n. For a complete list of taxonomic references see WSC (2022). Material. INDIA: Kerala: 1 &male; (RTC), Trivandrum (8.56408°N, 76.89197°E), 39 m a.s.l., 20.06.2019, leg. R. Tripathi; Assam: 1 &female; (NZC-ZSI/AA383), Sontipur, Biswanath Charali (26.6739°N, 92.8577°E), 69 m a.s.l., 29.05.2016, leg. S. Kundu & D. Singha. Comments. Rhene biembolusa Song & Chai (1991) was described based on a holotype male from Bawangling, Hainan, China. The species was later discovered from mainland China and both sexes were illustrated (Peng et al., 1994; Song et al., 1999; Peng, 2020). Based on the original and subsequent illustrations, the species shows clear resemblance in genital morphology to R. flavicomans. The male palp with short, ventrally curved embolus accompanied with slightly broad terminal apophysis resembling the embolus; epigyne with medially placed pair of oval openings; copulatory ducts broad, subparallel (cf. Figs 1–4, illustrations in Prószy&nacute;ski (1984: 119–121), figs 9–11 in Jastrz&eogon;bski (1997), figs 14A–E in Song & Chai (1991), figs 5–9 in Peng et al. (1994) and figs 280a–i in Peng et al. (2020)). Therefore, here R. biembolusa is considered as a junior synonym of R. flavicomans. Distribution. India (Assam, Kerala (present data), West Bengal (Caleb, 2019)), Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, China (WSC, 2022) (Fig. 72).Published as part of Caleb, John T. D., Sanap, Rajesh V., Tripathi, Rishikesh, Sampathkumar, M., Dharmaraj, Jayaraman & Packiam, Soosaimanickam Maria, 2022, Taxonomic notes on some South and Southeast Asian members of the genus Rhene Thorell, 1869 (Aranei, Salticidae, Dendryphantini), pp. 389-407 in Zootaxa 5125 (4) on pages 390-392, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5125.4.3, http://zenodo.org/record/645090

Bianor angulosus

Bianor angulosus (Karsch, 1879) Figs 65–71, 72 Ballus angulosus Karsch, 1879: 553 (D &female;). Bianor hotingchiehi &Zdot;abka, 1985: 210, figs 1–15 (&male; &female;). Bianor angulosus &Zdot;abka, 1988: 442, figs 56–58 (&female;). Rhene haldanei Gajbe, 2004: 135, figs 181–183 (D &female;); holotype &female;, in NZC-ZSI, examined; syn. n. For a complete list of taxonomic references see WSC (2022). Type. Rhene haldanei Gajbe, 2004: Holotype &female; (NZC-ZSI) from INDIA, Madhya Pradesh, Jabalpur, Tilwaraghat, 07.08.1998, leg. P. Gajbe. Comments. Rhene haldanei Gajbe, 2004 was described based on a holotype female from Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. Detailed examination of the holotype revealed it to be identical to Bianor angulosus in both general colour pattern and genital morphology. The abdominal pattern with a pair of white spots in the posterior half and median chevron shaped markings; epigyne with a well-developed central pocket and fossae; copulatory openings leading to funnel-shaped inlets; copulatory ducts long with clearly visible first loop and spermathecae elongated (cf. Figs 65–70 with figs 7, 11 in Zabka (1985) and figs 53, 55, 61 in Logunov (2001)). Thus, the species R. haldanei is to be treated as a member of Bianor and a junior synonym of B. angulosus. Distribution. India (Assam, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha, Punjab, West Bengal (Caleb, 2019), Kerala (Babu et al., 2021), Madhya Pradesh (present study)), Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Bangladesh, China, Taiwan, Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia (WSC, 2022) (Fig. 72).Published as part of Caleb, John T. D., Sanap, Rajesh V., Tripathi, Rishikesh, Sampathkumar, M., Dharmaraj, Jayaraman & Packiam, Soosaimanickam Maria, 2022, Taxonomic notes on some South and Southeast Asian members of the genus Rhene Thorell, 1869 (Aranei, Salticidae, Dendryphantini), pp. 389-407 in Zootaxa 5125 (4) on pages 403-405, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5125.4.3, http://zenodo.org/record/645090

Rhenefictus wandae Caleb & Sanap & Tripathi & Sampathkumar & Dharmaraj & Packiam 2022, comb. n.

Rhenefictus wandae (Wang & Li, 2021) comb. n. Rhene wandae Wang & Li, 2021: 149, figs 16A–C, 17A–D (D &male;). Rhenefictus tropicus Logunov, 2021: 1044, figs 120–126 (D &male;); holotype &male; in MMUE, not examined; syn. n. Comments. Rhene wandae Wang & Li, 2021 was described based on the holotype male and the paratype male from Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, China. Rhenefictus tropicus Logunov, 2021 was described based on the holotype male from the Tuyen Quang Province in northern Vietnam. While comparing the illustrations of both species, it is evident that they depict the same species. The unique male palp with the long whip-like, coiled embolus lacking a terminal apophysis (cf. figs 120–126 in Logunov (2021) with figs 16A–C, 17A–D in Wang & Li (2021)) is a diagnostic characteristic of the newly erected genus Rhenefictus Logunov, 2021. Despite both descriptions being published in 2021, the paper by Wang & Li appeared in October, whereas that of Logunov in November. Therefore, the name Rhene wandae has a priority over R. tropicus Logunov, 2021, and the latter is to be considered a junior synonym of the former. Yet, the validity of the newly erected, monotypic genus Rhenefictus remains unquestioned, and thus Rhene wandae is to be transferred to this genus: Rhenefictus wandae (Wang & Li, 2021) comb. n. Finally, despite the newly established synonymy and based on Article 67.1.2 of the ICZN, Rhenefictus tropicus Logunov, 2021 remains the type species of Rhenefictus, and is now regarded as a synonym of Rhene wandae Wang & Li, 2021. Distribution. China, northern Vietnam (Wang & Li, 2021; Logunov 2021: sub Rhenefictus tropicus; WSC, 2022) (Fig. 72).Published as part of Caleb, John T. D., Sanap, Rajesh V., Tripathi, Rishikesh, Sampathkumar, M., Dharmaraj, Jayaraman & Packiam, Soosaimanickam Maria, 2022, Taxonomic notes on some South and Southeast Asian members of the genus Rhene Thorell, 1869 (Aranei, Salticidae, Dendryphantini), pp. 389-407 in Zootaxa 5125 (4) on page 403, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5125.4.3, http://zenodo.org/record/645090

Rhene mus

Rhene mus (Simon, 1889) Figs 36–41, 72 Homalattus mus Simon, 1889: 335 (D &female;). Rhene mus: Roewer, 1955: 1235. Type. Homalattus mus Simon, 1889: Holotype &female; (NZC-ZSI 3556/10) from INDIA, Uttarakhand, Jaonsar, Siri (30.59854°N, 78.53740°E), 1750 m a.s.l., leg. R.D. Oldham. Diagnosis. The species is similar to R. menglunensis Wang & Li, 2020 in epigynal morphology but can be differentiated by the orientation of the copulatory openings—the scletorized u-shaped margin, oriented along the longitudinal axis (crescent-like in R. menglunensis) (cf. Figs 37, 40 with fig. 14A in Wang & Li (2020)). Supplementary description. Female (holotype). Body length: 4.68; carapace: 1.98 long, 1.91 wide; abdomen: 2.70 long, 1.82 wide. Carapace brown, covered with pale hairs; eye field light brown; posterior eyes surrounded by black patches (Fig. 36). Eye measurements: AME 0.38, ALE 0.18, PME 0.05, PLE 0.14, AER 1.29, PER 1.93, EFL 1.27. Clypeus height 0.03. Chelicerae 0.52 long. Sternum oval, light brown. Chelicerae yellow-brown; labium and maxillae light brown. Legs yellowish brown (Figs 36, 38, 39). Abdomen yellow, without any pattern (Fig. 36); venter yellowish uniformly. Spinnerets yellowish. Epigyne with a pair of medio-lateral copulatory openings and a median epigynal pocket in the posterior margin (Figs 37, 40). Distribution. India (Uttarakhand) (Fig. 72).Published as part of Caleb, John T. D., Sanap, Rajesh V., Tripathi, Rishikesh, Sampathkumar, M., Dharmaraj, Jayaraman & Packiam, Soosaimanickam Maria, 2022, Taxonomic notes on some South and Southeast Asian members of the genus Rhene Thorell, 1869 (Aranei, Salticidae, Dendryphantini), pp. 389-407 in Zootaxa 5125 (4) on page 398, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5125.4.3, http://zenodo.org/record/645090