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The Varroa mite, Varroa destructor is a destructive ecto-parasite of honey bee (Apis mellifera L) colonies. The main objective of this study was to examine the role of naturally occurring chemicals against Varroa mites of A. mellifera. Nine colonies of A. mellifera were selected to check the infestation of V. destructor randomly. Treatment was applied once and post-treatment data was recorded after 12, 24, 48 and 72 h after all applications of the tested material through sticky cards placed at the bottom of each colony. The results showed that maximum efficacy (76.05 ± 2.28%) was observed in powdered sugar. It was followed by sulfur dust with efficacy of 53.368 ± 1.61%. In addition, we in vitro experiment, five different essential oils were evaluated against Varroa mites. Maximum mite mortality was observed in eucalyptus oil (96 ± 2.89%) followed by winter green oil (79 ± 2.89%), mustard oil (70 ± 2.1%), neem oil (61 ± 1.83%) and orange oil (54 ± 1.62%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thrips tabaci Lind. commonly called as onion thrips, is important foliage feeding pest of vegetables crops of Pakistan. For this research Ten onion accessions Early red, Phulkara, Chiltan, Saryab red, Swat-1, Hazara, Nasarpuri, Red imposta, VRIO-7, VRIO-8 were evaluated during rabi season of 2017-18 at Chak Shahzad, Islamabad (33o 40 N and 73o 08 E), for their susceptibility to onion thrips under field conditions. Seeds of different onion varieties were obtained from Ayub Agriculture Research Institute Faisalabad (AARI), National Agriculture Research Center Islamabad (NARC) and BARC Quetta. Experiments were planned as Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) which were replicated five times. The plot size was kept at 3.0 × 3.0 m, with ridge to ridge distance of 15 cm and 10 cm onion plant-to-plant distance on each ridge. Fertilization, irrigation, weeding and all other agronomic practices were carried out in onion experimental fields except thrips management practices. Results revealed that thrips incidence occur after 6th week of transplantation. Saryab red found relatively susceptible against thrips with maximum mean population of 52.41±15.42 individuals per plant while Red imposta was relatively resistant with 37.02±9.97 individuals per plant infestation. Thrips tabaci showed maximum activity at 24 oc which shows positive correlation between temperature and thrips development. Considering categorization of ten onion accessions against thrips, Red Imposta was found as highly resistrant, early red, Chiltan, Nasar puri as resistant cultivar whereas Swat 1, Virio7 and 8, Phulkara, Saryab red were found susceptible while Hazara grouped in highly susceptible category due to maximum thrips infestation. Visual assessments depicted that all resistant cultivars had yellowish-green leaf color whereas the cultivars with blue-green foliage showed susceptibility towards thrips infestation. The Red imposta had lowest thrips infestation suggesting strong antibiosis and antixenosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was carried out in the Bio-control Laboratory, Department of Entomology at Pir Mehr Ali Shah, Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi to check the efficacy of commercial biopesticides under controlled environmental conditions. Bio pesticides are important alternates for chemical control of economically damaging insect pests like leaf worm, Spodoptera litura Fabricius. In this study, two commercial products including Dipel with Bt sub speciess kurstaki and Turex with Bt sub speciess kurstaki and aizawai were tested against three early larval instars of S. litura under laboratory conditions using leaf dip method. Mortality was recorded after three and seven days of exposure. The results indicated that larval mortality increased with time and Turex (Bt sub speciess kurstaki and aizawai) after 3 days of exposure caused significantly higher mortality i.e 46.43, 43.45 and 38.69 % as compared to Dipel (Bt sub speciess kurstaki) that caused 19.05, 6.55 and 4.76 % mortality for 1st, 2nd and 3rd instar, respectively. The data for 7th day also showed significantly higher mortality as 64.29, 60.71 and 45.24 % by Turex (Bt sub speciess kurstaki and aizawai) in comparison with 55.95, 57.74 and 42.86 % mortality by Dipel (Bt sub species kurstaki) for 1st, 2nd and 3rd instar, respectively. Susceptibility to both bio pesticides increased with increase in their concentration and decreased with increase in larval instar. Similarly LC50 values suggested Turex (Bt sub species kurstaki and aizawai) to be more toxic with less LC50 values as compared to Dipel (Bt sub species kurstaki). These results indicated that these bio pesticides if used at early insect stage can help to control this pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proposed research work was conducted at Honeybee Research Institute of National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad on Apis mellifera Lingustica honeybee colonies during the spring months of March-April 2017. The effects of four larval grafting techniques, addition of royal jelly (A), dry grafting (B), grafting with addition of one drop of distilled water (C) Royal jelly plus distilled water (D) on queen bee rearing were investigated under field conditions. A considerable variation in queen rearing success was observed as calculated by percentage of secluded queen cells vs. grafted larvae over the study interlude. The highest larval acceptance 80.85 ± 0.64 and 81.25 ± 2.05 was observed by addition of royal jelly in March and April and lowest 42.05 ± 0.69 and 48.21 ± 2.02. The shortest pre oviposition period by addition of royal jelly in March and highest was by addition of distilled water droplet during March and April. The length of queen cell was highest in royal jelly added treatment followed by dry grafting, royal jelly plus distilled water and distilled water respectively. The queen emergence weight was slightly higher in the royal jelly added grafting than other treatments. The queen spermatheca diameter, emergence rate and mating rate were not found to be affected by the treatments and rearing interludes. Additional research is suggested and needed for clear recommendation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Callosobruchus chinensis is one of the most destructive insect pests of Cicer arietinum (Chickpea) in storages and renders grains unfit for human consumption. In the present study, synergistic effects of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF), Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae and entomopathogenic bacteria (EPB), Photorhabdus temperata and Xenorhabdus nematophila were studied as bio-control agents to manage this pest. In addition, percent conidial germination and % mortality of C. chinensis were also evaluated when B. bassiana was used with DEBBM. The minimum number of eggs (0.66 grain-1), number of holes (1 grain-1), number of F1 new emerged (5.6 jar-1), days to 100 percent mortality F1 (3), weight loss (4%), damage (5%) whereas the maximum inhibition rate of 85% and percent mortality of C. chinensis were observed in synergistic concentration of EPB as compared to EPF. Synergistic concentration (1×108) of bacteria gave the best results against C. chinensis as compared to that of entomopathogenic fungi. The maximum percent conidial germination (90%) of B. bassiana and percent mortality (50.40±2.20a), (79.70±0.28a) and (90.76±0.56a) of C. chinensis were observed when DEBBM was synergized with B. bassiana after seven, fourteen and twenty one days, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field experiment was conducted at apiary of University of Sargodha. The coordinates of apiary are 32º13´15.7ʺN, 72 º68´41.8ʺE. The apiary had 24 Langstroth standard colonies of Apis mellifera naturally infested with Varroa destructor. Ectoparasitic mite, V. destructor is considered the most important parasite of A. mellifera L. that badly affects the development and performance of bees. Main objective of our study was to assess the effectiveness of five synthetic acaricides (Bayvarol®, Apivar®, Apistan® Apitol® and Perizin®) against V. destructor in infested colonies of A. mellifera in Langstroth standard hives. Four hives were selected for each acaricide and one group of four hives was left untreated as control. As seen from results, all acaricides significantly reduced the infestation levels of varroa mite on adult honeybees and worker brood and the efficacy of Perizin® and Apistan® was high (91.3%±0.81 and 81.6%±1.2, respectively). Lowest mite mortality (52.3%±1.2) was recorded in Apitol® treatment. Overall, the data indicated that acaricides like Perizin® and Apistan® were highly effective against V. destructor and can be recommended for better management of this destructive pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted in twenty different managed and unmanaged apple orchards of Murree for determining relationship of different pollinator groups with crop yield. Apple is dependent on insect pollinators to set fruit. Farmers in Pakistan are generally not aware of pollination needs of apple. Results depicted a high population decline of Syrphids and Non-Apis bees. Syrphids were recorded as 12.65 to 13.85 per 250 flowers in 2013 but decreased in year 2014 by 7.82 to 7.88 per 250 flowers and Non-Apis bees was recorded as 6.15 to 7.59 per 250 flowers in 2013 which also decreased and recorded as 5.35 to 5.70 per 250 flowers in year 2014. The results showed the trends of increase in population of Apis mellifera and Apis cerana between 8.22 to 11.5 per 250 flowers in 2013 as compared to 1.12 to 13.92 per 250 flowers in 2014, whereas population of indigenous Apis cerana varied between 3.80 to 5.44 h per 250 flowers in 2013 as compared to year 2014 where it was recorded as 4.34 to 5.56 honey bees per 250 flowers. Apple fruits yield per tree ranged between 214.56 to 218.64 in 2013 and 2014 respectively. Average fruit weight varied between 124.84 to 127.34 g, average number of seeds varied between 7.95 to 7.73 seeds per fruit and yield per tree was recorded between 28.92 to 31.65 kg per tree. Number of Apple fruits per tree ranged between 145.72 to 164.58 in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Average fruit weight varied between 103.66 to 112.13 g and average number of seeds varied between 7.73 to 7.95 seeds per fruit and yield per tree was recorded between 17.34 to 21.78 kg per tree. Eighteen different species were recorded under 16 genus and 07 families. Ceratina hieroglyphica, Halictus subauratus, Osmia caerulescens were reported first time from Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pollen collection by honeybees (Apis mellifera Linguistica) from Brassica campestris was examined during February - March 2015 at National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad. Twenty five honeybee colonies were used which had similar number of worker bees, brood and stored food. In order to study the foraging activity of honeybees in the field condition, the number of pollen foragers returning to the hive entrance was recorded for 10 min duration on hourly basis between 0800 h to 1600 h for 3 days per week. The data was collected at 0800-1000 hours (early morning foraging activity), 1000-1200 hours (late morning foraging activity), 1200-1400 hours (Noon foraging activity) and 1400-1600 hours (afternoon foraging activity). The pollen collected in the pollen trap trays at regular intervals for a period of one month using pollen traps fitted at the entrance of the hives and left for a period of 8 h. The pollen loads were weighed fresh and preserved in the compact/air tight containers in the refrigerator. Our results showed maximum foraging ratio (59.88 ± 2.89) and pollen collection (145.8±8.79) during 1000-1200 hours followed by the duration of 1200-1400 hours when foraging ratio was 58.24 ± 3.03 and pollen collection was 134.4±5.49 and during 0800 - 1000 hours when foraging ratio was 48.36 ± 2.84 and pollen collection was 121.8±6.73, whereas, the lowest values were found during 1400-1600 hours when foraging ratio was 44.36 ± 3.36 and pollen collection was 117±3.77. It can be concluded that best time for pollen collection and foraging time for honeybee was 100-1200 hours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was carried out to determine the effects of screen bottom board trays on reducing ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor Anderson and Trueman (Acari:Varroidae) populations in honeybee Apis mellifera linguistica (Hymenoptera: Apidae) colonies in the winter, spring and summer season (2013-14). Four honeybee colonies were exposed to oxalic acid (3.2%), thymol (0.5 g) and formic acid (65%) on screen bottom boards in winter, spring and summer seasons. The fourth group had screen bottom board trays but without any chemical. There was a trend of fallen mean number of mites 157±6.28, 97±3.81, 132.75±9.76 and 26±1.68 in winter, 160±20, 149±30, 161.75±18.5 and 27.5±1.04 in spring and 188.25±5.34, 196.25±5.48, 144.25±7.74 and 34.5±4.94 (Mean±SE) in summer, respectively. The average efficacy (%) of the four groups were 86±.58, 66.5±3.93, 75±7.04, 18.25± 10.25 in winter, 77±3.52, 76.75±30, 79±2, 18.25±0.75 in spring and 74.75±1.44, 65.75±1.11, 63±2.04, 18.25±1.11 in summer season, respectively. No queens were lost, and there was no adult honeybee mortality in any of the colonies during the experiment. It can be concluded that screen bottom board trays alone and with soft chemicals in all three seasons effectively control the Varroa mite and can be used without any side effect during all the three seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mango, Mangifera indica is an indigenous fruit of the Indian sub-continent, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years. In Pakistan it is grown mainly in Sindh and Southern Punjab. Despite its long history of cultivation the potential yield has not been achieved. Mango is dependent on insect pollinators to set fruit. Farmers in Pakistan are generally not aware of pollination needs of mango. A study was conducted in different orchards of Multan for relationship of different pollinator groups with the crop. It was observed that fruit weight and fruit quality is enhanced with increasing number of visitors per panicle, as well as vice versa. Similarly inter-cropping was also strongly associated with the average number of visitors. It can also be concluded that inter-cropping attracted pollinators which increased the fruit weight and quality. Moreover, inter cropping also increased the number of observed hives. Same trend was also observed between number of hives and floral diversity at the orchards. Conclusively, it can be depicted safely that intercrop, diversity and average number of visiting pollinators contributed positively to the fruit weight and fruit quality. Pollinators collected from Multan belonged to seventeen different species under 15 genera and 07 families. Ceratina binghami apparently seems to be the dominant bee species followed by Apis andreniformis though no significant difference was observed. Among flies, Episyrphus balteatus seems to be dominant fly visiting mango orchards compared to other pollinators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the acaricidal effects of some plant oils and tobacco extract on Varroa destructor mites, a study was conducted in laboratory as well as in bee hives at Honeybee Research Institute, NARC, Islamabad. In the lab experiments, clove oil and tobacco extract both proved to be equally effective against mites. The treatments were significantly effective when applied in 5% as compared to 10 and 15% concentrations. The most effective combination was clove oil and tobacco extract when used in 5% concentration for 24 h. In the field experiment all the oils/extract individually and in combinations confirmed clove oil + tobacco extract (T14) the best combination with 96.48±0.52 efficacy. The honey produced in kg was found maximum 20.5±0.29 in treatment T14. The highest number of fallen Varroa mites 381.67±24.31 was also occurred in T14 treatment and difference between the treatments was highly significant. No queens were tost and there was no adult honeybee mortality in any of the colonies during the experiment. A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was applied to all laboratory and field experiments. It was concluded that clove oil + tobacco extract (T14) can play an important role in an integrated pest management program to control Varroa mite in honeybee colonies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effectiveness of oxalic acid (3.2%), formic acid (65%) and flumethrin strip (Bayvarol) for the control of Varroa destructor (Anderson and Trueman) mite in broodless honeybee (Apis mellifera lingustica Linnaeus) colonies was determined. Three groups of five colonies each were treated with one of these agents, while the fourth group of five colonies was used as control. Mite mortality was examined in debris at 4-day intervals before application of the next treatment. The highest number of fallen mites 177±35.l2 (Mean ± SE) occurred with oxalic acid and the difference between the treatments was highly significant. The efficacy and honey yield from the experimental colonies were also highly significantly different from the controls. The highest mean efficacy of 99±1.24 and honey yield 12.08± 0.86 was found in 3.2% oxalic acid treatment. No queens were lost and adult honeybee mortality did not occur in any of the colonies during the experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the efficacy of formic acid and thymol against the mite Tropilaelaps clareae and focuses on the honey production of Apis mellifera linguistica colonies treated with formic acid and thymol. The highest efficacy of formic acid and thymol against T. clareae on honeybee was 97% and 95.3%, respectively. In the formic acid group, T5 (25ml) produced the maximum hone at 22.54 kg/colony. In the thymol group, T5 (25g) yielded the maximum honey at 20.7 kg/colony. The results suggest that all the treatments of formic acid and thymol are effective against the T. clareae.

The article explores the effects of thymol, powdered form, with 3.2% oxalic acid (OA) on two ectoparasitic mites, Varroa destructor Anderson and Trueman and Tropilaelaps clareae Delfinado and Baker populations in honeybee Apis mellifera linguistica colonies in the fall. Results reveal that thymol 2 g, 4 g and 6 g with 3.2% OA applied on 20 honeybee colonies on three different dates demonstrated 26%, 41%, 36% mortality in T. clareae and 93%, 99% and 94% mortality in V. destructor, respectively. The findings indicate that 3.2% OA with 4 g thymol was the best treatment for controlling these mites. During the experiment, no queens were lost, and no adult honeybee was killed in any of the colonies.

The article discusses a study which aimed to determine the efficacy of formic acid and thymol against ectoparasitic brood mite Tropilaelaps clareae and to observe the honey production of colonies treated with formic acid and thymol at Honeybee Research Institute of National Agricultural Research Centre in Islamabad, Pakistan. Results show that formic acid killed significantly higher number of mites as compared to thymol. It was also found that total honey production harvested from colonies treated with different acaricides remained the same.