The spotted stem borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is being successfully reared on artiWcial diets for screening programmes. Besides quality characteristics of the diet, rearing density and adult nutrition have signiWcant implications on the successful mass multiplication of lepidopterans. The performance of C. partellus moths was assessed on diVerent adult diets (water and sugar solution) and compared with unfed adults. Further, three pairing densities, viz. 2, 5 and 8 pairs/oviposition jar (1177.5 cm 3 ) were compared for their eVect on C. partellus longevity and fecundity. In another experiment, diVerent larval densities (100, 150 and 200 neonate larvae/diet jar) were evaluated for their eVect on the larval survival. Water-fed moths (both males and females) lived longer (7.32 and 7.26 days, respectively) and showed higher fecundity (307.17 eggs) than the sugar-fed or unfed moths. The latter, however, showed better egg hatchability (76.55%) than the water-or sugar-fed moths (60.45 and 50.59%, respectively). The longevity (5.67 days) and fecundity (258.46 eggs) were signiWcantly greater at pairing density of 2 pairs/jar. The larval survival was higher (58.50%) at rearing density of 100 larvae/jar. The neonate larval release into diet jars was compared with conventional egg release and both modes were no diVerent with respect to larval survival.
Three transgenic maize hybrids, viz. Prabal YG, Hishell YG and Double YG, producing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cry1Ab protein (event Mon 810), were evaluated under field and laboratory conditions for their resistance to spotted stemborer Chilo partellus (Swinhoe). The Bt maize hybrids suffered less damage than their non-Bt iso-hybrids with respect to per cent plant infestation (0.0 -0.6), leaf injury rating (1.0 -1.1) and per cent stem tunnelling. These hybrids also resulted in significantly higher larval mortality (79.4 -100.0%) in laboratory bioassays. The toxin protein produced in leaves was equally effective against neonates and 15-day-old larvae. Neonate larvae consumed less leaf area (5.0 -13.8%) in case of Bt hybrids than their non-Bt iso-hybrids.
Soil fertility evaluation of an area is an important aspect in the context of sustainable agriculture production. In the present investigation KVK, Palem farm was selected in the district Nagarkurnool of Telangana and studied physico-chemical, available macro and micronutrient status using Nutrient Index approach made with the study of 60 surface soil samples and were analyzed for pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Organic Carbon (OC), Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K) and micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn). Study results indicated that a major proportion of area soils are neutral (62.08%) and non-saline (100%). The whole study area was low in organic carbon content, ranging from 0.40 to 0.45 with a mean of 0.42%, and available nitrogen also low in the entire study area varied from 150.53 to 188.16 kg ha-1 with a mean value of 165.67 kg ha-1. The percent distribution of available P varied from medium to high status (34.48 and 72.41%), where available K was categorized under high (100%) status. With regard to micronutrients, the soils were predominantly deficient in Zn (24.13%) followed by Fe (20.68%) and Mn (6.89%).
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