Abrar Amin | Bahauddin Zakariya University (original) (raw)

Papers by Abrar Amin

Plant Protection Quarterly

The present study was conducted to monitor the blossom midge Procontarinia mangiferae Felt and le... more The present study was conducted to monitor the blossom midge Procontarinia mangiferae Felt and leaf gall midge Procontarinia sp. (adults and larvae) in mango orchards. Sticky traps of different colours were used for adults and polyethylene sheet traps were used for larval monitoring of mango blossom and leaf gall midges. Midge host preference was examined in the following mango varieties: Daisi, Ratol 12, Fajri, Summer Behasht Chaunsa, White Chaunsa and Black Chaunsa. Fortnightly data of adult and larval population was recorded through sticky coloured and other traps. Results from the coloured sticky trap trials showed that the highest population of adult P. mangiferae were attracted towards the green and orange coloured traps whereas the highest population of Procontarinia sp. adults have been recorded on red and orange coloured sticky traps. The highest larval population of both P. mangiferae and Procontarinia sp. were mostly trapped during the last week of February to the first w...

The present study was conducted at the Faiz Chaman mango orchard, Multan to find out the attracti... more The present study was conducted at the Faiz Chaman mango orchard, Multan to find out the attraction of mango hopper Idioscopus clypealis to sticky traps of different colors. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block designed with three replications. The sticky traps were hung vertically with the branch/twig under the canopy of mango trees. Data were recorded under binocular stereoscope. Results indicated significant differences in the number of I. clypealis (adults) captured in the different colored sticky traps. Yellow color was found most attractive with a capture of highest number of adults of I. clypealis (11.53 adults/trap). While pink and purple colors were found less attractive. The peak population of mango hoppers was recorded at the 31.96˚C during 25-April to 9-May. Yellow sticky traps were found most effective in trapping a considerably higher number of hoppers throughout the study period. Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between temperature and the mean number of I. clypealis adults. Population peaks of I. clypealis were recorded at temperatures >30˚C, while at lower temperatures relatively low numbers of adults were recorded.

The present study was conducted in the research area of Cotton Research Station, Multan during sp... more The present study was conducted in the research area of Cotton Research Station, Multan during spring 2011. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of different insecticides against mustard aphid (Lipaphis erysimi Kalt.), leaf miner (Phytomyza horticola Gour.), seven spotted lady beetle (Coccinella septumpunctata L.) and syrphid fly larvae under field conditions. Bifenthrin, diafentheuron, dimethoate and imidacloprid were the insecticides used and data was recorded before 1 day and after 1, 2, 3 and 7 days of spray application. Results on percent reduction indicated that bifenthrinwas most effective insecticide against L. erysimi and P. horticola. Bifenthrin caused 74.06% and 75.22% reduction in L. erysimi population and 85.13% and 84.02% reduction in P. horticola population after three and seven days of spraying. All insecticides were found toxic to the C. septumpunctata and syrphid fly larvae. However, Imidacloprid and dimethoate were found relatively safe as compared to other insecticides. Imidacloprid showed 57.34% reduction in C. septumpunctata population whereas dimethoate 52.77% reduction in larval population of syrphid flies after seven days of spray application. It is concluded that bifenthrin and imidacloprid can be used for the management of mustard insect pests because of their higher efficacy against aphids and leaf miners and less toxicity to beneficial insects.

Email: Field evaluation of the application of botanical extracts from five medicinal plants viz.,... more Email: Field evaluation of the application of botanical extracts from five medicinal plants viz., Azadirachta indica, Melia azadirach, Eucalyptus cineraceae, Momordica charantia, Calatropis cineraceae was conducted against the pest complex of Rosa indica, and pollinators and predators associated with it. Plant extracts exhibited variable responses to Thrips tabaci (L.), Helicoverpa armigera (Hub.), Syrphid flies, Apis florea (F.) and Maladera castanea (A.) population. Results unveiled that A. indica seed extract caused 77 % mortality in T. tabaci population after 72 hours of the application. A. indica seed extract and M. charantia extract killed 84.00 and 82.00 percent H. armigera population after 72 hours. M. azadirach leaf extract and A. indica leaf extract proved safer to Syrphid flies. M. azadirach and E. cineraceae leaf extract proved less effective to A. florea. Order of efficacy of botanical extracts of plants used in the experiment against M. castanea was C. cineraceae > A. indica seed kernel extract> M. azadirach>E. cineraceae> A. indica leaf extract> M. charantia fruit extract after 72 hours of the treatment. Biopesticides are future of agriculture pest management. Studies suggest that these botanical extracts should be manipulated in field to control pest population.

Cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis T. (Sternorrhyncha: Coccoidea: Pseudococcidae) proved a m... more Cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis T. (Sternorrhyncha: Coccoidea: Pseudococcidae) proved a menace to subcontinent South East Asia economy since 2005. After introduction of this notorious Caribbean pest it was necessary to identify biological control agents in country which are indigenous and successfully suppress the pest. In present studies eleven spotted ladybird beetle female (Coccinella undecimpunctata L.) predating efficiency was determined against cotton mealybug. Adult female during whole life consumed 1519 mealy bugs during whole life cycle through devouring 854, 308, 269 and 86 1 st , 2 nd , 3 rd instar and adult stage cotton mealybug respectively. While adult male during entire life consumed 1420 cotton mealybug through consuming 792, 291, 263, 74 1 st , 2 nd , 3 rd instars and adult cotton mealybug. The population structure and biological parameters were also determined through no choice feeding trials. Adult female of C. undecimpunctata consumed higher number of mealybug than adult male during its whole life. Experiment demonstrated that C. undecimpunctata is an effective bio control agent of cotton mealybug which can be used in integrated pest management program successfully for the management of this notorious pest on cotton crop.

The present study was conducted at the Faiz Chaman mango orchard, Multan to find out the attracti... more The present study was conducted at the Faiz Chaman mango orchard, Multan to find out the attraction of mango hopper Idioscopus clypealis to sticky traps of different colors. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block designed with three replications. The sticky traps were hung vertically with the branch/twig under the canopy of mango trees. Data were recorded under binocular stereoscope. Results indicated significant differences in the number of I. clypealis (adults) captured in the different colored sticky traps. Yellow color was found most attractive with a capture of highest number of adults of I. clypealis (11.53 adults/trap). While pink and purple colors were found less attractive. The peak population of mango hoppers was recorded at the 31.96˚C during 25-April to 9-May. Yellow sticky traps were found most effective in trapping a considerably higher number of hoppers throughout the study period. Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between temperature and the mean number of I. clypealis adults. Population peaks of I. clypealis were recorded at temperatures >30˚C, while at lower temperatures relatively low numbers of adults were recorded.

Abstract by Abrar Amin

About 16 species of gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) are known to infest mango, Mangifera ind... more About 16 species of gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) are known to infest mango, Mangifera indica L. (Anacardiaceae) in Asia where mango is grown as commercial fruit tree. Important species of midges in Pakistan are leaf gall midges (Procontarinia spp.) and blossom midge (Procontarinia mangiferae) on mango. Eggs are laid by the females in the youngest flowers and leaf buds resulting in leaf and blossom damage causing low yield of mango fruit. To assess the yield losses caused by midges, three sites were selected for damage assessment of different species of leaf gall midges and blossom midges. Selected mango varieties were Fajri, White Chaunsa, Black Chaunsa, Ratol 12 and Malda. Data was recorded by counting number of galls per10 leaves on each twig at different stages of tree. Data was recorded fortnightly. Alos blossoms of variety Anwar Ratol were randomly selected to count the midge symptoms and population of larvae in traps by fully observing the inflorescence. There was a positive correlation between with the gall number per leaf and and blossom, and the yield loss caused by different mango midge species.

Mango midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) have become serious pests in manmy mango growing countries ... more Mango midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) have become serious pests in manmy mango growing countries of the world. Some species attack fresh leaves and young shoots by making blister-shaped or circular galls and blackening shoot tips. While others attack inflorescences, flower buds and fruit causing a reduction in yield of mango. Experiments on monitoring of mango midges were done in Multan, Pakistan. Sticky traps of fifteen different colours were used to attract and monitor adults. Polyethylene sheets spread under the canopy of trees were used to monitor larvae . Important mango varieties of Pakistan, Daisi, Ratol 12, Fajri, Summer Chaunsa, White Chaunsa and Black Chaunsa were selected for trials. Four species of mango midges were observed on sticky color traps: Procontarinia mangiferae, Procontarinia sp., Cecidomyiidae sp. 1 and sp. 2. Females of Procontarinia mangiferae punctures leaves, shoots, buds, fruit and inflorescence to lay eggs. Procontarinia sp. causes globular leaf galls. Cecidomyiidae sp. 1 and sp. 2 attack fresh mango leaves and produce blister-shaped galls. Highest population of adults of Procontarinia mangiferae and Procontarinia sp. were recorded on green and red colored sticky traps, respectively. Yellow and dark yellow colours were mostly attracted Cecidomyiidae sp. 1. Orange sticky traps had highest number of adults of Cecidom,yiidae sp. 2. Adults of Procontarinia mangiferae and Procontarinia spp. were mostly active at temperatures between 17.7-21.5 o C during the last week of February to the 1 st week of March with the largest adult population of both species recorded during that period. Largest adult population of Cecidomyiidae sp. 1 was recorded during the last week of March at temperatures around 25 o C while that of sp. 2 was recorded at temperatures around 30 o C in the 2 nd week of April. Results showed that highest numbers of larvae on polythene sheets were found under canopy of mango variety White Chaunsa with 97.7 larvae/sq. meter followed by Summer Chaunsa and Black Chaunsa. The lowest numbers of larvae were found under canopy of Daisi, 8.2 larvae/sq. metres. f Most larvae (186.3 per sq. metre) were found at tepmeratures around 20.4 o C during 2 nd week of March. It is concluded that Procontarinia mangiferae attacks various plant organs i.e. leaves, shoots, inflorescence and fruit. Procontarinia sp., Cecidomyiidae sp.1 and sp. 2 attack only leaves. Different species of gall midge are attracted to different colour and become active at different temperatures. Mango varieties White Chaunsa and Summer Chaunsa are more susceptible to the infestation by mango midges.

Plant Protection Quarterly

The present study was conducted to monitor the blossom midge Procontarinia mangiferae Felt and le... more The present study was conducted to monitor the blossom midge Procontarinia mangiferae Felt and leaf gall midge Procontarinia sp. (adults and larvae) in mango orchards. Sticky traps of different colours were used for adults and polyethylene sheet traps were used for larval monitoring of mango blossom and leaf gall midges. Midge host preference was examined in the following mango varieties: Daisi, Ratol 12, Fajri, Summer Behasht Chaunsa, White Chaunsa and Black Chaunsa. Fortnightly data of adult and larval population was recorded through sticky coloured and other traps. Results from the coloured sticky trap trials showed that the highest population of adult P. mangiferae were attracted towards the green and orange coloured traps whereas the highest population of Procontarinia sp. adults have been recorded on red and orange coloured sticky traps. The highest larval population of both P. mangiferae and Procontarinia sp. were mostly trapped during the last week of February to the first w...

The present study was conducted at the Faiz Chaman mango orchard, Multan to find out the attracti... more The present study was conducted at the Faiz Chaman mango orchard, Multan to find out the attraction of mango hopper Idioscopus clypealis to sticky traps of different colors. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block designed with three replications. The sticky traps were hung vertically with the branch/twig under the canopy of mango trees. Data were recorded under binocular stereoscope. Results indicated significant differences in the number of I. clypealis (adults) captured in the different colored sticky traps. Yellow color was found most attractive with a capture of highest number of adults of I. clypealis (11.53 adults/trap). While pink and purple colors were found less attractive. The peak population of mango hoppers was recorded at the 31.96˚C during 25-April to 9-May. Yellow sticky traps were found most effective in trapping a considerably higher number of hoppers throughout the study period. Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between temperature and the mean number of I. clypealis adults. Population peaks of I. clypealis were recorded at temperatures >30˚C, while at lower temperatures relatively low numbers of adults were recorded.

The present study was conducted in the research area of Cotton Research Station, Multan during sp... more The present study was conducted in the research area of Cotton Research Station, Multan during spring 2011. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of different insecticides against mustard aphid (Lipaphis erysimi Kalt.), leaf miner (Phytomyza horticola Gour.), seven spotted lady beetle (Coccinella septumpunctata L.) and syrphid fly larvae under field conditions. Bifenthrin, diafentheuron, dimethoate and imidacloprid were the insecticides used and data was recorded before 1 day and after 1, 2, 3 and 7 days of spray application. Results on percent reduction indicated that bifenthrinwas most effective insecticide against L. erysimi and P. horticola. Bifenthrin caused 74.06% and 75.22% reduction in L. erysimi population and 85.13% and 84.02% reduction in P. horticola population after three and seven days of spraying. All insecticides were found toxic to the C. septumpunctata and syrphid fly larvae. However, Imidacloprid and dimethoate were found relatively safe as compared to other insecticides. Imidacloprid showed 57.34% reduction in C. septumpunctata population whereas dimethoate 52.77% reduction in larval population of syrphid flies after seven days of spray application. It is concluded that bifenthrin and imidacloprid can be used for the management of mustard insect pests because of their higher efficacy against aphids and leaf miners and less toxicity to beneficial insects.

Email: Field evaluation of the application of botanical extracts from five medicinal plants viz.,... more Email: Field evaluation of the application of botanical extracts from five medicinal plants viz., Azadirachta indica, Melia azadirach, Eucalyptus cineraceae, Momordica charantia, Calatropis cineraceae was conducted against the pest complex of Rosa indica, and pollinators and predators associated with it. Plant extracts exhibited variable responses to Thrips tabaci (L.), Helicoverpa armigera (Hub.), Syrphid flies, Apis florea (F.) and Maladera castanea (A.) population. Results unveiled that A. indica seed extract caused 77 % mortality in T. tabaci population after 72 hours of the application. A. indica seed extract and M. charantia extract killed 84.00 and 82.00 percent H. armigera population after 72 hours. M. azadirach leaf extract and A. indica leaf extract proved safer to Syrphid flies. M. azadirach and E. cineraceae leaf extract proved less effective to A. florea. Order of efficacy of botanical extracts of plants used in the experiment against M. castanea was C. cineraceae > A. indica seed kernel extract> M. azadirach>E. cineraceae> A. indica leaf extract> M. charantia fruit extract after 72 hours of the treatment. Biopesticides are future of agriculture pest management. Studies suggest that these botanical extracts should be manipulated in field to control pest population.

Cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis T. (Sternorrhyncha: Coccoidea: Pseudococcidae) proved a m... more Cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis T. (Sternorrhyncha: Coccoidea: Pseudococcidae) proved a menace to subcontinent South East Asia economy since 2005. After introduction of this notorious Caribbean pest it was necessary to identify biological control agents in country which are indigenous and successfully suppress the pest. In present studies eleven spotted ladybird beetle female (Coccinella undecimpunctata L.) predating efficiency was determined against cotton mealybug. Adult female during whole life consumed 1519 mealy bugs during whole life cycle through devouring 854, 308, 269 and 86 1 st , 2 nd , 3 rd instar and adult stage cotton mealybug respectively. While adult male during entire life consumed 1420 cotton mealybug through consuming 792, 291, 263, 74 1 st , 2 nd , 3 rd instars and adult cotton mealybug. The population structure and biological parameters were also determined through no choice feeding trials. Adult female of C. undecimpunctata consumed higher number of mealybug than adult male during its whole life. Experiment demonstrated that C. undecimpunctata is an effective bio control agent of cotton mealybug which can be used in integrated pest management program successfully for the management of this notorious pest on cotton crop.

The present study was conducted at the Faiz Chaman mango orchard, Multan to find out the attracti... more The present study was conducted at the Faiz Chaman mango orchard, Multan to find out the attraction of mango hopper Idioscopus clypealis to sticky traps of different colors. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block designed with three replications. The sticky traps were hung vertically with the branch/twig under the canopy of mango trees. Data were recorded under binocular stereoscope. Results indicated significant differences in the number of I. clypealis (adults) captured in the different colored sticky traps. Yellow color was found most attractive with a capture of highest number of adults of I. clypealis (11.53 adults/trap). While pink and purple colors were found less attractive. The peak population of mango hoppers was recorded at the 31.96˚C during 25-April to 9-May. Yellow sticky traps were found most effective in trapping a considerably higher number of hoppers throughout the study period. Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between temperature and the mean number of I. clypealis adults. Population peaks of I. clypealis were recorded at temperatures >30˚C, while at lower temperatures relatively low numbers of adults were recorded.

About 16 species of gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) are known to infest mango, Mangifera ind... more About 16 species of gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) are known to infest mango, Mangifera indica L. (Anacardiaceae) in Asia where mango is grown as commercial fruit tree. Important species of midges in Pakistan are leaf gall midges (Procontarinia spp.) and blossom midge (Procontarinia mangiferae) on mango. Eggs are laid by the females in the youngest flowers and leaf buds resulting in leaf and blossom damage causing low yield of mango fruit. To assess the yield losses caused by midges, three sites were selected for damage assessment of different species of leaf gall midges and blossom midges. Selected mango varieties were Fajri, White Chaunsa, Black Chaunsa, Ratol 12 and Malda. Data was recorded by counting number of galls per10 leaves on each twig at different stages of tree. Data was recorded fortnightly. Alos blossoms of variety Anwar Ratol were randomly selected to count the midge symptoms and population of larvae in traps by fully observing the inflorescence. There was a positive correlation between with the gall number per leaf and and blossom, and the yield loss caused by different mango midge species.

Mango midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) have become serious pests in manmy mango growing countries ... more Mango midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) have become serious pests in manmy mango growing countries of the world. Some species attack fresh leaves and young shoots by making blister-shaped or circular galls and blackening shoot tips. While others attack inflorescences, flower buds and fruit causing a reduction in yield of mango. Experiments on monitoring of mango midges were done in Multan, Pakistan. Sticky traps of fifteen different colours were used to attract and monitor adults. Polyethylene sheets spread under the canopy of trees were used to monitor larvae . Important mango varieties of Pakistan, Daisi, Ratol 12, Fajri, Summer Chaunsa, White Chaunsa and Black Chaunsa were selected for trials. Four species of mango midges were observed on sticky color traps: Procontarinia mangiferae, Procontarinia sp., Cecidomyiidae sp. 1 and sp. 2. Females of Procontarinia mangiferae punctures leaves, shoots, buds, fruit and inflorescence to lay eggs. Procontarinia sp. causes globular leaf galls. Cecidomyiidae sp. 1 and sp. 2 attack fresh mango leaves and produce blister-shaped galls. Highest population of adults of Procontarinia mangiferae and Procontarinia sp. were recorded on green and red colored sticky traps, respectively. Yellow and dark yellow colours were mostly attracted Cecidomyiidae sp. 1. Orange sticky traps had highest number of adults of Cecidom,yiidae sp. 2. Adults of Procontarinia mangiferae and Procontarinia spp. were mostly active at temperatures between 17.7-21.5 o C during the last week of February to the 1 st week of March with the largest adult population of both species recorded during that period. Largest adult population of Cecidomyiidae sp. 1 was recorded during the last week of March at temperatures around 25 o C while that of sp. 2 was recorded at temperatures around 30 o C in the 2 nd week of April. Results showed that highest numbers of larvae on polythene sheets were found under canopy of mango variety White Chaunsa with 97.7 larvae/sq. meter followed by Summer Chaunsa and Black Chaunsa. The lowest numbers of larvae were found under canopy of Daisi, 8.2 larvae/sq. metres. f Most larvae (186.3 per sq. metre) were found at tepmeratures around 20.4 o C during 2 nd week of March. It is concluded that Procontarinia mangiferae attacks various plant organs i.e. leaves, shoots, inflorescence and fruit. Procontarinia sp., Cecidomyiidae sp.1 and sp. 2 attack only leaves. Different species of gall midge are attracted to different colour and become active at different temperatures. Mango varieties White Chaunsa and Summer Chaunsa are more susceptible to the infestation by mango midges.