Ultra-structural and physico-chemical characterization of eggs and egg hairs (setae) of the new invasive pest, fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) in India: A first report.

In this study, we report first time in India on the morphology, ultra-architectural pattern of the chorion in the egg and egg hair (setae). Further, physico-chemical characterizations of egg hairs (setae) were studied in the new invasive pest, fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda. The egg is dome shaped with flattened base and curves upward to a broadly rounded point at the apex. HR-SEM micrographs revealed the surface ultrastructure of eggs chorion and shows structural elements of a marked rosette of petals surround the micropyle followed by micropylar rosette region around the micropyle plate. There was a small single micropylar opening along with 9 micropylar rosette cells and 13 micropylar rosette zones present near to the micropylar pit. In the egg the first order ribs were absent, but around 58-60 numbers of second order ribs were present. All the ventral and lateral cells of the eggs are connected by 19-22 cross striae and not forming a grid pattern, but joints with the longitudinal ribs at several of angles and totally 1,277-1,495 convex cells present at the egg's surface. The physico-chemical characteristics of egg hairs were studied using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) analysis. TGA results show that three weight losses occurred at 142, 418, and 880°C, respectively. FT-IR confirms the presence of amides, sulfoxide, and nitro compounds in egg hairs (setae).

Microbial control of the invasive spiraling whitefly on cassava with entomopathogenic fungi.

The entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Lecanicillium lecanii and Isaria fumosorosea were tested for their efficacy in managing the exotic spiraling whitefly Aleurodicus dispersus (Hemiptera, Aleyrodidae) on cassava (Manihot esculenta) during 2 seasons (2011-2012 and 2012-2013). The fungi I. fumosorosea and L. lecanii exhibited promising levels of control (> 70% mortality of the A. dispersus population). The percent mortality increased over time in both seasons. Application of I. fumosorosea was highly pathogenic to A. dispersus in both seasons compared to the other entomopathogenic fungi. Analysis of the percent mortality in both seasons revealed differences in efficacy between 3 and 15 days after treatment. The season also influenced the effects of the fungi on the A. dispersus population. Thus, entomopathogenic fungi have the potential to manage A. dispersus infestation of cassava.

Microbial control of the invasive spiraling whitefly on cassava with entomopathogenic fungi

Abstract The entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Lecanicillium lecanii and Isaria fumosorosea were tested for their efficacy in managing the exotic spiraling whitefly Aleurodicus dispersus (Hemiptera, Aleyrodidae) on cassava (Manihot esculenta) during 2 seasons (2011-2012 and 2012-2013). The fungi I. fumosorosea and L. lecanii exhibited promising levels of control (> 70% mortality of the A. dispersus population). The percent mortality increased over time in both seasons. Application of I. fumosorosea was highly pathogenic to A. dispersus in both seasons compared to the other entomopathogenic fungi. Analysis of the percent mortality in both seasons revealed differences in efficacy between 3 and 15 days after treatment. The season also influenced the effects of the fungi on the A. dispersus population. Thus, entomopathogenic fungi have the potential to manage A. dispersus infestation of cassava.