Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals disruption of Plutella xylostella immune system by fungal peptide cyclosporin C.

The diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella), a major threat to crucifers across the globe, has developed resistance against the majority of insecticides enhancing the need for alternate control measures against this pest. Recently cyclosporin C, a secondary metabolite produced by the insect pathogenic fungus Purpeocillium lilacinum, has been reported to induce lethal and sub-lethal effects against P. xylostella.

Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals differences in gene expression in whitefly following individual or combined applications of Akanthomyces attenuatus (Zare & Gams) and matrine.

Background: Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is a serious pest of crops in different regions of the world. Our recent studies on the joint application of Akanthomyces attenuatus (a pathogenic insect fungus) and matrine (a botanical insecticide) against B. tabaci have shown promising results.

Lethal and Sublethal Toxicity Assessment of Cyclosporin C (a Fungal Toxin) against (L.).

Secondary metabolites/toxins produced by (Hypocreales; Phiocordycipitaceae), a well-known insect pathogen, can be used for the management of different insect pests. We report the lethal and sublethal effects of cyclosporin C (a toxin produced by ) against a major vegetable pest, , at specific organismal (feeding rate, larval growth, adult emergence, fecundity, and adult longevity) and sub-organismal levels (changes in antioxidant and neurophysiological enzyme activities). The toxicity of cyclosporin C against different larval instars of increased with increasing concentrations of the toxin and the maximum percent mortality rates for different larval instars at different times were observed for the 300 µg/mL cyclosporin C treatment, with an average mortality rate of 100% for all larval instars.

Heavy metals transported through a multi-trophic food chain influence the energy metabolism and immune responses of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri.

Contamination of environment with heavy metals is increasingly becoming an issue of major concern across the globe. Heavy metals are highly toxic to humans as well as other organisms of the ecosystem. The translocation of heavy metals from soil to predatory insects via multi-tophic food chains can influence the growth, reproduction, metabolism and innate immune systems of the predators.

Checklist of the mites of Pakistan.

We present the first comprehensive inventory of the mites of Pakistan, based on data from published books and papers. The fauna as presently understood includes 126 families, 316 genera, and 1105 species. The best-documented genera are those that include pests of stored food (for example Acotyledon, 28 species), plant pests (Brevipalpus, 49 species; Tenuipalpus, 35 species), and beneficial predators (Euseius, 44 species; Neoseiulus, 37 species; Phytoseius, 36 species; Typhlodromus, 47 species).

Developmental responses of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri to heavy metals transferred across multi-trophic food chain.

The current studies were carried out to observe the variations in development, biology and life table parameters of ladybird beetle, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, feeding on pink hibiscus mealybug (Dysmicoccus neobrevipes) contaminated with heavy metals (cadmium, lead, and nickel) bio-transferred across a multi-trophic chain. The developmental time required for immature life stages (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th instar nymphs, pupae) and total developmental period (egg-adult) differed significantly among different heavy metal treatments and control. The accumulated survival rate of C.

Subfamily Coleoscirinae (Acari: Trombidiformes: Cunaxidae), with description of one new species from Pakistan.

The Coleoscirinae (Acari: Trombidiformes: Cunaxidae) from Pakistan are summarized in this paper. Two species of Scutascirus Den Heyer (S. pirgus Chaudhri and Akbar and S.

Antioxidant enzyme influences germination, stress tolerance, and virulence of Isaria fumosorosea.

Antioxidizing enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidae) are important enzymatic systems used to degrade hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, thereby lowering intracellular hydrogen peroxide levels. Entomopathogenic fungi display increased activities of antioxidizing enzymes during growth and germination, which is necessary to counteract the hyperoxidant state produced by oxidative metabolism. We studied the influence of different carbon sources on antioxidizing enzyme production by Isaria fumosorosea to determine the importance of antioxiding enzymes induction in fungal germination, stress tolerance and virulence.