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The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a highly destructive polyphagous pest that primarily damages maize. Maize is considered a most versatile crop for growing intercrops due to the wide row it needs. Maize–pea intercropping is preferred by small and marginal farmers worldwide due to various advantages including higher yield and improved economic benefits. However, the success of this intercropping system may be hampered if pea could sustain the FAW population. Thus, to clarify the fitness and potential effect of S. frugiperda on pea, we analysed the survival and development of S. frugiperda fed on pea leaves in the laboratory and constructed age-stage and two-sex life tables. Results showed that FAW successfully completed its life cycle when fed on pea and produced fertile offspring. The pre-adult duration was significantly higher on pea than maize. The net reproductive rate, intrinsic and finite rate of population increase on pea (135.06 offspring per individual, 0.12 offspring per individual per day and 1.13 times per day) were all significantly different from those on maize (417.64 offspring per individual, 0.19 offspring per individual per day and 1.21 times per day). The probability of survival of S. frugiperda at each stage was lower when fed on pea leaves than that of maize-fed larvae. Due to the overlapping growth periods of the maize and pea, S. frugiperda can easily proliferate throughout the year by shifting between adjacent crops. Thus, this study revealed the adaptability of S. frugiperda for pea and provides the foundation for further assessment of FAW risk to other inter-crops.

Conventional agricultural practices have been associated with detrimental effects such as soil degradation, reduction in biodiversity, environmental contamination due to agrochemical use, and a decrease in the nutritional quality of crops. These challenges necessitate a transition toward sustainable and ecologically sound farming systems. Natural Farming, the regenerative agriculture has shown promising results in restoring soil organic carbon, enhancing microbial biomass and enzymatic activity, improving water retention, and supporting nutrient cycling through natural inputs. This approach emphasizes on-farm biomass recycling while excluding all synthetic inputs, fostering an economic and environment-friendly system. The current study was carried out over two cropping seasons to explore the potential of natural farm inputs on sustainable and high-quality strawberry crop production. Biological modifications namely, Ghan-jeevamrit and Jeevamrit have been used. Ghan-jeevamrit contained 4–5 days air dried indigenous cow dung (100 kg), raw sugar (1 kg), phosphorus solubilizing bacteria rich pulse flour (1 kg), cow urine (3 L) and forest soil (250 g). Liquid microbial culture of Jeevamrit contained cow dung-urine (pH-5.65, EC-0.23 dS/m) and was enriched with Azotobacter chroococcum , Pseudomonas species and actinobacteria. The trial included, Ghan-jeevamrit-2.5 kg/m 2 ; Ghan-jeevamrit-5 kg/m 2 ; Ghan-jeevamrit-2.5 kg/m 2  + Jeevamrit-2.0 L/m 2 ; Jeevamrit-2.0 L/m 2 ; Ghan-jeevamrit-2.5 kg/m 2  + Jeevamrit-1.0 L/m 2 and Farmyard manure (FYM)-100% of nitrogen equivalent basis. The results showed that Ghan-jeevamrit-2.5 kg/m 2  + Jeevamrit-2.0 L/m 2 significantly improved the production parameters, quality metrics and yield of strawberries. Microbial formulations resulted in maximum build-up of bacteria, fungi and arbuscular-mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in the soils which received Ghan-jeevamrit-2.5 kg/m 2  + Jeevamrit-2.0 L/m 2 . Bio-mobilization and recycling of native nutrients through combined application of Ghan-jeevamrit and Jeevamrit encouraged dehydrogenases and acid phosphatase enzymatic activity to maintain soil health and productivity for long-term and sustainable strawberry production. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed highest cumulative variation for AMF population, dehydrogenase, soil bacteria and fungi. The study further recognised as a practical and affordable solution to farmers in order to improve soil health, increase crop nutrition and lower production costs. This study highlights that the adoption of natural farm inputs can enhance soil biological health, while, promoting high-quality and sustainable strawberry production.

Helicoverpa armigera is an important polyphagous pest of agriculture worldwide. In the current study, the pest has been found to diversify its host range to apple in Himachal Pradesh (India). Currently, H. armigera is found in almost all continents except Antarctica as per CABI and EPPO report and it feed over 300 crops making it a highly damaging and polyphagous pest. In apple orchards of Northern Himalayan region, the larvae were found damaging leaves and young fruits. The present study reveals the current status of infestation and overall mean infestation was observed to be 32.31% in the apple orchards with a range from 12.09 to 41.44%. The lowest infestation of 12.09% and maximum infestation of 38.22% was found during pea stage and lowest infestation of 18.03% and maximum infestation of 41.44% was recorded in case of walnut stage in different apple orchards. Since, apple is a major horticultural crop of Himachal Pradesh and this pest may pose a threat to the economy of apple growers in near future. Ecological versatility, global climate changes, injudicious use of insecticides, advanced detoxification mechanisms and changing farming practices may be responsible for the expanded host range of H. armigera . Therefore stakeholders need to implement various management practices against this pest so that upcoming losses may be avoided.

Eupeodes corollae (F.) (Diptera: Syrphidae) is the most abundant syrphid fly which is distributed worldwide and is the sole predator of aphids. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate the predation rate and functional response of E. corollae against the cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae (L.). The experiment was carried out under laboratory conditions at 25 ± 2°C with 60–70% relative humidity. The results revealed that age-specific net predation rate ( q x ) increased after the 4th day and a peak was recorded on the 10th day of pivotal age in the third larval instar. The stable host kill rate and finite host kill rate of E. corollae were 18.63 and 21.07, respectively, against the B. brassicae and predicted that a mean of 20.78 aphids was needed for E. corollae to produce one offspring. A negative linear coefficient ( P < 0) indicated the type II functional response for all larval instars of E. corollae against the B. brassicae . At higher prey density, the prey consumption was significantly at par with second and third instar larvae of E. corollae as the prey consumption was increased with increasing the prey density, which then decreased after attaining the upper asymptote (76.40 and 81.40% consumption, respectively). The Roger's predator random equation for type II functional response was fitted to estimate attack rate ( a ) and handling time ( T h ). The maximum prey consumption was recorded for third instar of E. corollae with a higher attack rate (0.336 h −1 ) and lower handling time (0.514 h) against B. brassicae , followed by the second and first instar. Thus, it is concluded that the third larval instar of E. corollae was the voracious feeder and used as an efficient biocontrol agent in the IPM programme.

Objective . This study evaluates the comparative impact of Natural Farming (NF) and Conventional Farming (CF) on soil health and economic outcomes in apple orchards across two agro-climatic zones in Himachal Pradesh, India. Findings . Soil analysis showed improved health under NF systems. Organic carbon levels were higher in NF soils, reaching 26.10 g kg −1 in Zone III and 12.50 g kg −1 in Zone IV. NF also maintained more favorable pH and lower electrical conductivity. Available nitrogen and phosphorus were consistently higher in NF, with nitrogen up to 522 kg ha −1 and phosphorus up to 198.26 kg ha −1 . Potassium levels were slightly higher in cf Micronutrient concentrations—including zinc, copper, iron, and manganese—were significantly greater in NF soils, with maximum values of 9.67 mg kg −1 for zinc, 12.15 mg kg −1 for copper, 91.25 mg kg −1 for iron, and 14.84 mg kg −1 for manganese, compared to notably lower values in cf Economically, NF farmers practiced more diverse intercropping systems such as Apple + Vegetables, Apple + Pulses, and Apple + Pea, whereas CF focused mainly on Apple + Pea and Apple + Kidney Beans. The Apple + Vegetables combination under NF resulted in a 31.29% increase in net returns and a 27.55% reduction in production costs, primarily due to the elimination of chemical inputs. Implications . NF improves soil quality, enhances farm profitability, and reduces dependence on synthetic inputs. These results support the need for targeted policies, including subsidies, training, and awareness campaigns, to promote NF and ensure sustainable apple farming in the region.

According to Kaur et al., (2021) and Saha et al., (2018) pest occurrence, growth and activity are primarily caused by ambient weather, either directly or indirectly, along with the crop. The seasonal fluctuations of the insect provide crucial information for the timely scheduling of control operations (Pazhanisamy and Hariprasad, 2014). [...]it's critical to comprehend how various weather factors, such as temperature and relative humidity, alter the dynamics of pest occurrence. According to the data, the leafminer population continued till start of April as observed by Khan et al., 2015. [...]it can be concluded that the pooled peak incidence of leafminer during two years of experimentation i.e., 2020-21 and 2021-22 was observed during 10th SMW, i.e., 2nd week of March, when reduction in succulent parts of the plant was observed.

Background Entomopathogenic fungi are the most versatile having a wide host range, capable of infecting insects at different developmental stages. In the present study, Metarhizium rileyi, at the concentrations of 10 2 , 10 3 , 10 4 , 10 5 , 10 6 , 10 7 and 10 8 conidia/ml and sub-lethal concentrations of azadirachtin (1.02 and 1.53 ppm) and indoxacarb (0.72 ppm) were evaluated against the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th larval instars of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) under laboratory conditions. Results M. rileyi applied at 10 6 conidia/ml caused a maximum mortality of 83.33 and 80.00% of 1st and 2nd larval instars of H. armigera, respectively . The maximum mortality of 3rd, 4th and 5th larval instars of H. armigera with 10 8  conidia/ml of M. rileyi was 83.33, 76.67 and 53.33%, respectively . When M. rileyi blended with azadirachtin at 1.02 ppm, the highest mortality rate of 86.21% at 10 6 conidia/ml against 2nd instar larvae was resulted . Similarly, M. rileyi applied at 10 8 conidia /ml mixed with azadirachtin (1.53 ppm) showed 89.66% mortality of 3rd instar larvae. The 2nd instar larvae treated with M. rileyi at 10 6  conidia/ml, mixed with indoxacarb (0.72 ppm), the corrected mortality rate was 82.14%. Concentration mortality response of 3rd instar larvae to M. rileyi blended with indoxacarb (0.72 ppm) was 85.71% at 10 8  conidia/ml. The median lethal concentration (LC 50 ) values were 5.51 × 10 3 , 1.86 × 10 4 , 2.81 × 10 5 and 5.55 × 10 5  conidia/ml for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th larval instars, respectively, after 7 days of treatment. M. rileyi when mixed with sub-lethal concentrations of azadirachtin (1.02 ppm) and indoxacarb (0.72 ppm) resulted LC 50 values of 1.09 × 10 4  conidia/ml and 1.37 × 10 4  conidia/ml against 2nd instar larvae, respectively, after 24 hours. Similarly, M. rileyi mixed with sub-lethal concentrations of azadirachtin (1.53 ppm) and indoxacarb (0.72 ppm) resulted LC 50 values of 3.12 × 10 8 and 3.06 × 10 5  conidia/ml against 3rd instar larvae, respectively, after 24 hours. The study revealed that the susceptibility of larvae decreased in case of large larval instars. Conclusions M. rileyi can be utilized as one of the component of Integrated Pest Management Program for the eco-friendly management of H. armigera. As the application of M. rileyi @ 10 7  conidia/ml alone or in combination with azadirachtin (1.02 and 1.53 ppm) or indoxacarb (0.72 ppm) resulted to the highest mortality.

Main conclusionIntegrated management strategies, including novel nematicides and resilient cultivars, offer sustainable solutions to combat root-knot nematodes, crucial for safeguarding global agriculture against persistent threats.Root-knot nematodes (RKN) pose a significant threat to a diverse range of host plants, with their obligatory endoparasitic nature leading to substantial agricultural losses. RKN spend much of their lives inside or in contact by secreting plant cell wall-modifying enzymes resulting in the giant cell development for establishing host-parasite relationships. Additionally, inflicting physical harm to host plants, RKN also contributes to disease complexes creation with fungi and bacteria. This review comprehensively explores the origin, history, distribution, and physiological races of RKN, emphasizing their economic impact on plants through gall formation. Management strategies, ranging from cultural and physical to biological and chemical controls, along with resistance mechanisms and marker-assisted selection, are explored. While recognizing the limitations of traditional nematicides, recent breakthroughs in non-fumigant alternatives like fluensulfone, spirotetramat, and fluopyram offer promising avenues for sustainable RKN management. Despite the success of resistance mechanisms like the Mi gene, challenges persist, prompting the need for integrative approaches to tackle Mi-virulent isolates. In conclusion, the review stresses the importance of innovative and resilient control measures for sustainable agriculture, emphasizing ongoing research to address evolving challenges posed by RKN. The integration of botanicals, resistant cultivars, and biological controls, alongside advancements in non-fumigant nematicides, contributes novel insights to the field, laying the ground work for future research directions to ensure the long-term sustainability of agriculture in the face of persistent RKN threats.

Climate change continues to present global challenges for farmers’ livelihoods. Celtis australis (kharik) is one of the versatile multipurpose tree species, that provides quality fodder, particularly during the lean periods and fulfils the needs of rural communities for sustenance. Unfortunately, owing to significant defoliant attacks, tree phenology and forage availability og this species have changed in recent years. Therefore, the present study was conducted during four seasons (spring, summer, rainy, and winter) in three diameter classes (< 10 cm, 10–20 cm, 20–30 cm) under defoliated and undefoliated tree conditions to assess the alteration in phenology, nutritive value and leaf biomass productivity of kharik. The study revealed that under undefoliated trees, the leaf nutrients (dry matter, ether extract, crude fibre, total ash content, acid insoluble ash, acid fibre content and neutral detergent fibre content) were highest during the summer in 20–30 cm diameter class, except for crude protein, nitrogen-free extract, organic matter and total carbohydrate contents. In defoliated trees, the tree nutrients, namely phosphorus (0.28%) and calcium (12.50%) were highest in winter. However, the leaf antinutrients, i.e., tannins and phenolic content were maximum in the spring season in 20–30 cm diameter class under defoliated and undefoliated tree conditions. Overall, the defoliation of kharik resulted in changed phenology, a marked decline in the crude protein, neutral detergent fibre, organic matter content, and leaf and branch biomass productivity vis-à-vis undefoliated ones. Simultaneously, defoliated trees retain their leaves until winter thus providing fodder availability during scarcity season. However, continued insect attacks may have a negative impact on kharik’s health; thus, a timely effective pest management strategy is required to be devised.

A field experiment was carried out to assess the susceptibility of 14 different cauliflower genotypes against infestation by cabbage butterfly. Throughout the growing season of the crop, observations on larval infestation were made by assessing the presence of larvae on randomly selected and tagged plants. The total concentrations of glucosinolates and phenols in the leaves of different varieties were determined. Glucosinolate concentration was estimated by processing samples in triplicates and measuring content by spectrophotometry method utilising a Na 2 PdCl 4 assay, with sinigrin standards for calibration. The estimation of total phenols from field collected samples on the other hand, was carried out using an 80% ethanol extraction method. Following the grinding of samples and ethanol extraction, samples were processed using Folin-Ciocalteau reagent and sodium carbonate. This was followed by spectrophotometric measurement at 650 nm, performed to estimate the phenol content via a pyrogallol standard curve. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant negative correlation ( r = -0.985) between cabbage butterfly infestation and total glucosinolate content. Conversely, a significant positive correlation ( r  = 0.901) was observed between total phenols and cabbage butterfly infestation. It was found that the Pusa Snowball-1 genotype had the lowest mean larval population at 21.66 and the lowest total glucosinolate content (9.35 µmoles/g). In contrast, the Olympus genotype, which had the highest total phenol concentration of 931.42 mg/100 g, exhibited the highest mean larvae per plant at 30.86. This study underscores the crucial role of host-plant resistance in pest management, highlighting that variations in glucosinolate and phenol content among different cauliflower genotypes significantly influence susceptibility to cabbage butterfly infestation.