Scientific Approaches for Mass Production, Cold Storage and Release of Trichogramma: Their Role in Insect Pest Management

The use of Trichogramma as a tool in the scientific management of pest insects emerges as a vital element to promote sustainability in agriculture. Having suitable storage methods for parasitoids is a valuable asset within biological control programs. The quality of Trichogramma is affected by cold storage with an acclimation period. Prepupae were subjected to storage for 50, 75, and 100 days at 5°C, preceded by acclimation periods of 10 or 20 days at 12°C. The research revealed the potential to halt the development of Trichogramma. Treatments with a 10-day acclimation period resulted in emergence values below 10%, rendering them unsuitable for establishing a cold storage protocol. In contrast, a 20-day acclimation period benefitted cold storage tolerance for the 50- and 75-day storage periods. The storage of Trichogramma, using a 20-day acclimation period and up to 50 days under cold temperatures, did not adversely affect adult emergence, emergence time, sex ratio, parasitism, or progeny quality.

Mental Health among Youth: an analysis during the second wave of COVID-19

Background: The second wave of COVID 19 pandemic has shaken the world and significantly impact psychological well-being of people. During this time students feel uncertainty and a sense of loss of control over their life. The purpose of the present study is to assess the mental health status (depression, anxiety, stress) among youths due to pandemic COVID 19. Methodology: The study was conducted on 160 college-going youths in the state of Bihar. Two state universities and two professional institutes of Bihar were included in the sample frame. All the respondents were between 18-28 years of age; the ratio of boys and girls was 60:40. A standard PDF sheet and 21 items DASS Hindi scale by Singh were employed to capture responses through online mode. Results: The study suggested that 33 per cent college going normal youths experienced mental health issue during COVID 19 periods. About 25 per cent youths reported depression, 35 per cent anxiety and 40 per cent reported stress during lockdown. The prevalence of mental health issues (depression, anxiety and stress) was significantly higher among youths of professional institutes than youths of the state universities. The findings suggested additional psychological support. Conclusions: The mental health of youth was affected during the second wave of COVID-19 and needs further studies in diverse populations