Ecology Journal

Ecology Journal

Ecology Journal

Ecology Journal

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Toxicity of insecticides to red pumpkin beetle on sweet gourd leaf

Toxicity of insecticides to red pumpkin beetle on sweet gourd leaf


Abstract: Red pumpkin beetle Aulacophora foveicollis Lucas (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a major devastating insect pest of sweet gourd. The larva and adult stages of this beetle are injurious to sweet gourd plants. Several groups of insecticides are applied by the farmers in Bangladesh to control this insect pest. However, the efficacy of these insecticides in field and laboratory conditions have not been assessed in Bangladesh. In this study, the efficacy of the frequently used insecticides namely, Cyren 20 EC, Marshal 20 EC, Ripcord 10 EC and Orogard 55 EC were evaluated to control adult red pumpkin beetles. The mortality rates of the beetles at 24, 48 and 72 hours after application of the insecticides ranged from 14.4 to 46.7%, 33.3 to 73.3% and 52.4 to 86.7%, respectively, and the results differed significantly. Among the tested insecticides, only Orogard 55 EC with recommended dose revealed statistically higher mortality rate (86.7%) of the beetle at 72 hours after treatment, and the computed toxicity data (LC50 and LC95 ) were 7260 ppm and 8323.4 ppm, respectively. Cyren 20 EC, Marshal 20 EC and Ripcord 10 EC with recommended doses revealed very lower rates of mortality and showed toxicity at very high concentrations, indicating that the beetle has developed resistance to these insecticides. 

 

Keywords: Aulacophora foveicollis, sweet gourd, insecticide, mortality, toxicity

Post Time: 1 year ago

In vitro regeneration and dry matter assessment of pyrethrin-rich  Tanacetum cinerariifolium genotypes

In vitro regeneration and dry matter assessment of pyrethrin-rich Tanacetum cinerariifolium genotypes


Abstract: 2019 Pyrethrins, a group of six closely related insecticidal esters derived from Tanacetum cinerariifolium (pyrethrum), are considered the safest natural pesticides for the environment. This study focused on the in vitro propagation of six naturally pyrethrin-producing genotypes of T. cinerariifolium through direct shoot regeneration using apical shoot explants. Highly pyrethrins reproducing genotypes were identified by regeneration technique using apical shoot. Significant variation was observed among genotypes in terms of plant height and number of leaves. The Chlorophyll A content of leaves at 60 days old varied significantly among pyrethrum genotypes. Data analysis showed that percent dry matter content was significantly difference between genotypes. The maximum percent dry matter content was observed in genotype LW 8-9 (9.03%) which was followed by genotype LW 9-10(8.75%) of T. cinerariifolium. These f indings suggest that direct shoot regeneration is an effective method for selecting and propagating high pyrethrin-producing genotypes of T. cinerariifolium for potential use in sustainable pest management programs. 

 

Keywords: Insecticide, repellent, tanacetum cinerariifolium, root, shoot

Post Time: 1 year ago

Analyzing temperature fluctuations in Khulna: A long-term assessment

Analyzing temperature fluctuations in Khulna: A long-term assessment


Abstract: The study investigates the temperature fluctuations in Khulna from 2005 to 2024. From the study, it has been found that the maximum temperature in Khulna has risen by 0.306°C over the past 20 years, according to the yearly average maximum temperature changes at the rate of 0.015°C. A notable increase of 0.072°C over the past 20 years was indicated by a 0.0036°C per year increase in annual average minimum temperatures. The annual average minimum temperature ranged from 21.73°C to 22.74°C; remarkably, the highest recorded annual average minimum temperature was 22.74°C in 2016. According to a monthly temperature analysis, January has the lowest mean monthly maximum temperature (25.06°C), and April has the highest (35.31°C). Mean monthly temperature showed both increasing and decreasing trends over the years. These findings highlight the gradual warming trend in Khulna, which could have significant implications for agriculture, water resources, and public health. The rise in temperature may contribute to increased heat stress, changes in crop productivity, and shifts in local ecosystems. 

 

Keywords: Annual, meteorology, Bangladesh, mean, temperature

Post Time: 1 year ago

Genetic diversity evaluation of brinjal germplasms for varietal improvement

Genetic diversity evaluation of brinjal germplasms for varietal improvement


Abstract: A field experiment was conducted with 72 brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) germplasms at the Plant Genetic Resources Centre (PGRC) of BARI, Joydebpur, Gazipur, to assess the variability among the germplasms. A wide variation in genetic diversity was observed in both qualitative and quantitative characters studied. Qualitatively all the germplasms showed distinct variation except leaf hairs, corolla colour, fruit cross section and fruit position. The maximum variation observed in overall leaf prickles, fruit calyx prickles, fruit colour at ripening and fruit flesh density. The variability was maximum in leaf prickles. Five categories of leaf prickles were found such as very few (4.17%), few (51.39%), intermediate (26.39%), many (8.33%) and very many (9.72%) in the studied germplasms. Quantitatively the highest variation was observed in 100 seed weight (CV- 67.91%) which was followed by yield per plant (CV-62.40) and number of fruits per plant (CV-59.93%). Based on yield and yield-contributing parameters, the germplasms K 21 (1116.67 g), K 24 (1221.67 g), and RAI 230 (1680.83 g) were identified as the top performers in terms of yield. 

 

Keywords: Solanum melangena, characterization, germplasms, improvement

Post Time: 1 year ago

Taxonomic account of a new genus of jumping spider  from Jhenaidah, Bangladesh

Taxonomic account of a new genus of jumping spider from Jhenaidah, Bangladesh


Abstract: 2019 Taxonomic account of a new genus of jumping spider Harmochiroides n. gen. is proposed with its newly identified type-species H. shikerpurensis n. sp. from Jhenaidah, Bangladesh. Generic diagnosis and distribution together with illustrated description of the species is provided herewith. 

 

Keywords: Araneae, Harmochirinae, Harmochiroides, Taxonomy, Genus, Species, Salticidae

Post Time: 1 year ago

Present status and future scenario of water security  in the Barind area of Bangladesh

Present status and future scenario of water security in the Barind area of Bangladesh


Abstract: E 2019 The present study assessed the spatial and temporal dynamics of water security from 1988 to 2021 and projected the future scenarios for 2026 and 2031 in the Barind area of Bangladesh. Geospatial techniques such as, weighted overlay method with composite weight levels ranging from 1 to 5 (representing very low to very high water security), were applied to delineate and identify water security conditions across specific locations within the Barind area. A total influence of 100 was distributed among key variables based on their relative importance. Using GIS and remote sensing software, rainfall, temperature, groundwater, and surface water conditions were processed, estimated, and predicted based on collected datasets. The findings reveal a significant deterioration in water security from 1988 to 2021, with a noticeable expansion of both very low and low water security conditions. Very low water security, nearly negligible in 1988, affected 17.08% of the region by 2021. Low water security increased from 12.22% in 1988 to 27.39% in 2021. Moderate water security, initially covering a substantial portion of the region, declined to 41.06% by 2021, while high water security areas dropped sharply from 44.06% in 1988 to just 12.29% by 2021. Throughout this period, very high water security conditions remained consistently limited, covering only 2.18% of the region by 2021. Projections for 2026 and 2031 suggest a further decline in water security, with very low water security predicted to affect 30.42% of the region by 2031 and low water security expected to cover 36.72%. High water security is projected to shrink to just 4.47% of the region, while very high water security will remain stable but limited, covering only 1.43%. These trends signify the pressing needs for improved water management strategies such as surface water conservation, sustainable irrigation practices, managed aquifer recharge and afforestation to mitigate increasing water scarcity and ensure sustainable resource use in the Barind area. 

 

Keywords: Climate change, future prediction, ground water, water security, weighted overlay

Post Time: 1 year ago

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on cultivation of potato in Bangladesh

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on cultivation of potato in Bangladesh


Abstract: COVID-19 pandemic was a serious catastrophe which affected the people worldwide. The study was carried out to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on cultivation of potato variety BARI Alu-25 in Bangladesh. The study sites were Sirajdikhan and Tongibari upazilas under Munshiganj district and Pirgacha and Mithapukur upazilas under Rangpur district. Data were collected from 80 BARI Alu-25 growers. Descriptive statistics were used for data analyses. About one-fifths (13.8%) of the respondents were very highly affected in marketing BARI Alu-25 and 10.0 percent of them were very highly affected in getting market price due to COVID-19 pandemic. The highest portion of the respondents suggested to give incentives, subsidies, inputs, marketing support, labourer financial grants, credit at a reduced rate of interest and transport facilities for carrying potato farming during lock down with government initiative. 

 

Keywords: Solanum tuberosum, COVID-19, labourer, market price

Post Time: 1 year ago

A new species of comb-footed spider from Bangladesh

A new species of comb-footed spider from Bangladesh


Abstract: 2019 A comb-footed spider of the genus Theridion Walckenaer was identified as new to science. The species was collected from village Teroshri, district Manikganj, Bangladesh. Taxonomic description of the species together with its generic diagnosis and distribution are presented here. 

 

Keywords: Comb-footed spider, Theridion, Araneae, Theridiidae, Theridinae

Post Time: 1 year ago

Dynamics and threats to floral diversity in Bhawal national park

Dynamics and threats to floral diversity in Bhawal national park


Abstract: 2019 Bhawal National Park (BNP) situated in Gazipur district of Bangladesh is a crucial site for biodiversity conservation, particularly its Sal (Shorea robusta) forests, which dominate the landscape and provide essential ecological services. This review synthesizes recent studies on BNP’s floral dynamics and highlights the environmental challenges that threaten its biodiversity. BNP is facing significant biodiversity loss due to anthropogenic pressures such as industrial encroachment, illegal logging, and land-use changes, which have led to deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and the decline of native species. Additionally, climate change, characterized by rising temperatures and erratic rainfall, is further disrupting the park’s floral composition by favoring drought-resistant plants over moisture-dependent ones. These threats have caused a significant reduction in species richness. This review emphasizes the urgent need for integrated conservation strategies, including climate adaptation measures, reforestation with native species, and stronger community involvement to preserve BNP’s unique biodiversity. Continuous monitoring and research are essential for developing adaptive management strategies that ensure the park’s resilience in the face of ongoing environmental changes. 

 

Keywords: Biodiversity loss, climate change impact, floral dynamics, national park, sal forest

Post Time: 1 year ago

Understanding the life cycle and benefits of black soldier fly and its prospect in Bangladesh

Understanding the life cycle and benefits of black soldier fly and its prospect in Bangladesh


Abstract: Black soldier fly Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), an insect that most commonly used as animal feed, consume copious amounts of organic waste to develop their bodies, which are composed of 40–48% protein, 30–38% fat, and a variety of vital minerals. While the higher fat content of black soldier fly may be a necessary component for the manufacture of organic fertilizer, the higher protein content may be utilized to either fully or partially replace the very costly fishmeal. In addition, the black soldier fly eliminates some hazardous bacteria and insect pests and has a better capacity to convert organic waste. The population of world continues to rise, hence there is a rising demand for animal proteins, surpassing supply and leading to the production of organic waste. Larvae may also remove trace elements like copper and zinc, and produce high-value products with low quantities of heavy metals. There are new and inventive applications for black soldier fly byproducts in fields like bioplastics, medicine, and renewable energy. Black soldier fly pre pupae samples were processed and examined by a number of researchers in Bangladesh to determine their proximate compositions, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids. Pre-pupae of cultivated black soldier flies have a significant concentration of certain minerals (Ca, Ni, and Co), suggesting that they might serve as a valuable source of mineralized animal feed. Significant amounts of both necessary and non-essential amino acids were found in the pre-pupae, indicating that the cultured black soldier fly was in a healthy state. Pre-pupae were found to be a potential source of essential fatty acids. Their cultivation required minimal resources, making it affordable for local farmers. Additionally, with the global rise in demand for insect-based feed, Bangladesh could position itself as a supplier in this emerging industry. Expansion of this sector could drive job creation and improve food security. The aim of this review is to understand the prospects of this emerging technology, evaluates its constraints and respond to open research questions by means of lab scale experiments in Bangladesh. 

 

Keywords: Hermetia illucens, rearing, challenges, aquaculture, animal feed, waste management

Post Time: 1 year ago