Efficacy and toxicity of different plant extracts over the period of time in Bracon hebetor (Say) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae).

Bracon hebetor (Say) is an important parasitoid and played a suitable model role for bio control programs. Pest management through biocontrol approaches such as plant extracts is an ecologically responsive and enthusiastic means of reducing insect pests. The main objective of the present research was to discover the efficiency and susceptibility periods of plant extracts for the assessment of parasitoids. The toxicity of five plants (Cymbopogon nardus, Azadirachta indica, Syzygium aromaticum, Datura stramonium and Parthenium hysterophorus) extracts were evaluated against B. hebetor to detect the possible way forward to controlling insect pests along with the adverse effects on beneficial insects. The data was recorded regarding mortality of B. hebetor, after calculated time periods with different intervals of up to 2 days. Datasets were followed by a statistical probe which exhibited significant results. The extracts of C. nardus, A. indica, S. aromaticum and D. stramonium exhibited non-toxic effects, whereas P. hysterophorus indicated low toxicity annotations against investigated parasitoid. These investigations suggested that four plants examined are not hazardous to the parasitoids whereas P. hysterophorus somehow has detrimental effects at low toxicity levels. Further development of insecticide resistance mechanisms in the parasitoid favors the enhancement of parasitoid efficacy with plant extracts. The possible selective use of these plant extracts and their effects on the safety period of parasitoids for integration with other approaches in sustainable pest management programs is discussed.

Antioxidant and Pulmonary Protective Potential of Fraxinus xanthoxyloides Bark Extract against CCl4 -Induced Toxicity in Rats.

Fraxinus xanthoxyloides is a perennial shrub belonging to family Oleaceae, traditionally used for malaria, jaundice, pneumonia, inflammation, and rheumatism. Our study is aimed to assess the total phenolics (TPC), flavonoids (TFC), terpenoids contents (TTC) and antioxidant profiling of F. xanthoxyloides methanol bark extract (FXBM) and its fractions, hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and aqueous, along with high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD). Further, the antioxidant and pulmonary protective potential was explored against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 )-induced CCl4-induced pulmonary tissue damage in rats. The highest TPC, TFC and TTC were found in FXBM (133.29±4.19 mg/g), ethyl acetate fraction (279.55±10.35 mg/g), and chloroform fraction (0.79±0.06 mg/g), respectively. The most potent antioxidant capacity was depicted by FXBM (29.21±2.40 µg/mg) and ethyl acetate fraction (91.16±5.51 µg/mg). The HPLC-DAD analysis revealed the predominance of gallic, chlorogenic, vanillic and ferulic acid in FXBM. The administration of CCl4 induced oxidative stress, suppressed antioxidant enzymes' activities including catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, and glutathione reductase. Further, it increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and H2 O2 levels, induced DNA injuries and reduced the total protein and glutathione content in lung tissues. The treatment of rats with FXBM restored these biochemical parameters to the normal level. Moreover, the histopathological studies of lung tissues demonstrated that FXBM protected rats' lung tissues from oxidative damage restoring normal lung functions. Thus, F. xanthoxyloides bark extract is recommended as adjuvant therapy as protective agent for patients with lung disorders.

Exploration of polyacrylamide microplastics and evaluation of their toxicity on multiple parameters of Oreochromis niloticus.

Due to the increased production of polyacrylamide microplastics in the environment impacting the adverse effects on aquatic organisms have become a global concern. The present study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of different concentrations (0.018, 0.03 0.09 g/1) of polyacrylamide microplastics on Oreochromis niloticus. Polyacrylamide microplastics were characterized by Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy. The FTIR technique revealed the spherical morphology and size range of polyacrylamide (0.1-0.4 mm) with 99 % purity. Raman Spectroscopy results showed peaks around (1100 cm-1 and 1650 cm-1) in gills, these peaks confirmed the presence of polyacrylamide microplastics in the gills of Oreochromis niloticus. Polyacrylamide microplastics significantly shortened the antioxidant enzymes (Catalase and Reduced glutathione) proceedings and the increase was observed in Malondialdehyde and Lipid peroxide levels in high-dose treated groups. Moreover, total protein contents were expressively increased, while other blood parameters (AST, ALP, ALT) were significantly decreased. Hemoglobin (g/dl), Erythrocyte (106/µl) and TLC (1x109/l) levels were reduced significantly (p < 0.05) in high concentrations. The administration of polyacrylamide microplastics induced different histological changes in the gills, liver and intestine of O. niloticus. It was concluded that polyacrylamide microplastics are toxic agents having harmful effects on fish health.

Genome wide association mapping of yield and various desirable agronomic traits in Rice.

BACKGROUND: Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the staple foods worldwide. To feed the growing population, the improvement of rice cultivars is important. To make the improvement in the rice breeding program, it is imperative to understand the similarities and differences of the existing rice accessions to find out the genetic diversity. Previous studies demonstrated the existence of abundant elite genes in rice landraces. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed for yield and yield related traits to find the genetic diversity. DESIGN: Experimental study. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 204 SSRs markers were used among 17 SSRs found to be located on each chromosome in the rice genome. The diversity was analyzed using different genetic characters i.e., the total number of alleles (TNA), polymorphic information content (PIC), and gene diversity by Power markers, and the values for each genetic character per marker ranged from 2 to 9, 0.332 to 0.887 and 0.423 to 0.900 respectively across the whole genome. The results of population structure identified four main groups. MTA identified several markers associated with many agronomically important traits. These results will be very useful for the selection of potential parents, recombinants, and MTAs that govern the improvements and developments of new high yielding rice varieties. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of diversity in germplasm is important for the improvement of cultivars in the breeding program. In the present study, the diversity was analyzed with different methods and found that enormous diversity was present in the studied rice germplasm. The structure analysis found the presence of 4 genetic groups in the existing germplasm. A total of 129 marker-trait associations (MTAs) have been found in this study.

Comparative light and scanning electron microscopic studies of pollen of two marijuana species causing allergies.

Marijuana (Cannabis) belongs to family Cannabaceae. This plant is a great natural source of cannabinoids, which have several medical applications such as it is used for the treatment of anxiety and psychosis, disorders of motility and epilepsy. However, this plant is also notorious for its pollen allergic reactions. Mainly two species, that is, C. sativa L. and C.indica Lam. are involved in allergic reactions. In this study, morpho-palynological studies of both the species were conducted. A number of morphological differences were observed in the both species. C. sativa is tall with narrowed leaves and fibrous stalk plant while C. indica is short, bushier, broad leaves, and having woody stalk plant. Both the species are varied in their pollen characteristics. The polar diameter of C. sativa observed was 7.5 µm and equatorial diameter was 8 µm, and its shape was oblate-spheroidal. C. indica had 7 µm polar diameter, 7.5 µm equatorial diameter but its shape was similar to C. sativa, that is, oblate-spheroidal. About 40%-50% people were affected with both these marijuana species and had symptoms of allergies like dry cough, congestion, itchy eyes, sore throat, nausea, a runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing. It was concluded that both species' pollen are allergy causing and pollen of both species are different with variations in morphological and allergic symptoms. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Marijuana has great therapeutic importance but it is also notorious for its pollen allergic reactions. Two species of Marijuana, that is, Cannabis sativa L. and Cannabis indica Lam mainly responsible for these pollen allergies. The present research work focused the morpho palynological analysis of these two Marijuana species through light and scanning electron microscopy.

Morphological and palynological assessment of taxonomically problematic genus Paspalum based on light and scanning electron microscopy.

Present research work was carried out to clarify the variations among species of genus Paspalum morphologically and palynologically as this genus is taxonomically difficult due to having multiple similar morphologically overlapping characters which make it difficult to identify. Henceforth present research work was carried out to delimit taxa within the same genus by morphological and palynological tools through light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Both these tools are considered as the most useful taxonomic characters for taxonomically problematic genera. The results showed a lot of variations among morphological characters. In Paspalum dilatatum, the upper glume was ovate whereas in the other two species, the upper glume was elliptic. The upper glume apex found in P. dilatatum and Paspalum scrobiculatum was obtuse whereas in Paspalum distichum, upper glume apex was acute. Glume nerves showed variation in all three species. Paspalum distichum was 3 nerved, P. scrobiculatum was 5-7 nerved, and P. dilatatum was 5-9 nerved. All three species showed variation in lemma nerves. Paspalum scrobiculatum had 3 nerved lemma whereas in P. distichum 3-5 nerved and P. dilatatum 5-9 nerved lemma were present. In polar and equatorial view, pollen grains ranged from 25 (20-30) to 37.5 (30-45) µm. Paspalum distichum appeared to be the smallest in size whereas P. dilatatum was the largest. Exine thickness ranged from 0.75 (0.5-1) to 1.35 (1.2-1.5) µm. The higher value of pollen fertility was found in P. scrobiculatum as 87.69% and the lowest value was in P. distichum as 78.08%. Morphological keys were also given for correct identification.

Light and scanning electron microscopy-based foliar morpho-anatomical comparison of selected family Rosaceae members distributed in District Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.

In the present study morpho-anatomical characterization of selected Rosaceae members distributed in District Lahore was performed. Light and scanning electron microscopy was used for systematic characterization of the selected 19 species. Distinguished morpho-anatomical features such as size and shape of epidermal cells, size and type of stomatal cells, size and shape of trichomes, oil droplets, and silica bodies were contrasted. Results reported remarkable variations which could be taxonomically useful in identification of these members. Polygonal epidermal cells were observed in Eriyobotraya japonica, Potentilla bifurca, Potentilla supina, and Prunus amygdalus. However, Prunus cerasus possessed irregular-shaped epidermal cells that can be distinguished from hexagonal epidermal cells of Prunus persica. Similarly, stomatal type varied among some members. Paracytic or perisocytic stomata were observed in E. japonica whereas P. bifurca observed paracytic and anisocytic stomata. Lengths of guard cells were also of variable sizes. The average length of guard cells ranged from 53 (52-54) µm to 74 (73-75) µm in abaxial view. Potentilla supina had biggest, while Rosmarinus officinalis had tiny guard cells. Trichomes were tubular, stellate, cylindrical, ribbon-like, glandular, and nonglandular. Silica bodies in the present investigation were bilobed, rounded, and oval-shaped. It is inferred that diverse anatomical features proved to be valuable taxonomic tools that could be fruitfully helpful in identification of plants at specific as well as generic level.

Host instars preference, density-dependent parasitism and behavioral perspective of parasitoids (Aphidius colemani, Aphidius matricariae and Aphelinus abdominalis) in Aphis glycines and Aphis gossypii

ABSTRACT Three parasitoid species Aphidius colemani, Aphidius matricariae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and Aphelinus abdominalis (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) were evaluated concerning their parasitism potential in two aphid species, Aphis glycines and Aphis gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae). The feeding of these two aphid species, even at low sums, can significantly damage photosynthesis and is found to transmit many kinds of plant viruses, which impact potential adverse effects on the plants. The overall parasitization on all nymphal ages in As. glycines was accomplished by Ad. colemani (60.50%), Ad. matricariae (49.16%) and Al. abdominalis (40%), while in As. gossypii parasitism exhibited by Ad. colemani (79.48%), Ad. matricariae (65.33%) and Al. abdominalis (58.83%). Aphelinus abdominalis exhibited the lowest parasitism in both given species as hosts. Significant differences in parasitism of different parasitoids and host species were observed. Concerning the preference of nymphal instars, we found that parasitoids species prefer to parasitize 1st- 4th instars in As. gossypii while in As. glycines 2nd, 1st, 3rd and 4th. Our results showed that the parasitism increases with the increase of parasitoid numbers and hosts densities.

Impacts of oxalic acid-activated phosphate rock and root-induced changes on Pb bioavailability in the rhizosphere and its distribution in mung bean plant.

Rhizosphere acidification in leguminous plants can release P from the dissolution of phosphate compounds which can reduce Pb bioavailability to them via the formation of insoluble Pb compounds in their rhizosphere. A soil polluted from Pb-acid batteries effluent (SPBE), having total Pb = 639 mg kg-1, was amended with six different rates (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 6%) of oxalic acid-activated phosphate rock (OAPR) and their effects on pH, available P and bioavailable Pb concentrations in the rhizosphere and bulk soils of mung bean plant were evaluated. Furthermore, the effects of these variant OAPR rates on Pb concentrations in plant parts, bioaccumulation factor (BAF) and translocation factor (TF) for Pb in grain and traits like productivity, the activities of antioxidant enzymes, and grain biochemistry were investigated. Results revealed that increasing rates of OAPR significantly increased pH values and available P while decreased bioavailable Pb concentrations in the rhizosphere over control. The highest dissolution of P in the rhizosphere was with 4 and 6% OAPR rates. As a result, the formation of insoluble Pb compounds affected on reduced Pb concentrations in shoots, roots, and grain in addition to lower grain BAF and TF values for Pb over control. Likewise, the highest plant productivity, improved grain biochemistry, high Ca and Mg concentrations, least oxidative stress, and enhanced soil alkaline phosphatase activity were found with 4 and 6% OAPR rates. The OAPR 4% rate is suggested for reducing grain Pb concentration, cell oxidative injury, and improving grain biochemistry in mung bean.

Efficacy of chitosan-coated textile waste biochar applied to Cd-polluted soil for reducing Cd mobility in soil and its distribution in moringa (Moringa oleifera L.).

Soil pollution with Cd has promoted serious concerns for medicinal plant quality. Amending Cd-polluted soils with textile waste biochar (TWB) coated with natural polymers can lower Cd bioavailability in them and reduce associated environmental and human health risks. In this study, we explored the impacts of solely applied TWB, chitosan (CH), their mix (TWB + CH) and TWB coated with CH (TBC) in Cd-polluted soil on Cd distribution in moringa (Moringa oleifera L.) shoots and roots as well as plant-available Cd in soil. Moreover, amendments effects on plant growth, dietary quality, and antioxidative defense responses were also assessed. Results revealed that the addition of TWB, CH, and TWB + CH in Cd-polluted soil reduced Cd distribution in shoots (56%, 66%, and 63%), roots (41%, 48%, and 45%), and plant-available Cd in soil (38%, 52%, and 49%), compared to control. Interestingly, the TBC showed significantly the topmost response for reducing Cd concentrations in shoots, roots, and soil by 73%, 54%, and 58%, respectively, relative to control. Moreover, amending Cd-polluted soil with TWB, CH, and TWB + CH depicted significantly better effects on plant growth, dietary quality, and activities of soil enzymes but the topmost response was observed with TBC treatment. Compared with control, TBC improved plant growth parameters: shoot length (81%), root length (90%), shoot fresh weight (60%), root fresh weight (76%), shoot dry weight (75%), root dry weight (68%) contents of chlorophyll-a (42%) and chlorophyll-b (74%), and soil enzyme activities: urease (130%), catalase (138%), protease (71%), cellobiohydrolase (45%), acid phosphatase (34%), peroxidase (60%), ß-glucosidase (152%), chitinase (62%), and phosphomonoesterase (139%). Furthermore, TBC treatment arrested Cd-induced oxidative stress via escalating the activities of antioxidant enzymes as well as improved moringa dietary parameters (protein, tannins, lipids, alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids, flavonoids, and tocopherols contents). Such findings suggest that the TBC has an immense perspective to remediate Cd-polluted soils and prevent human health risks associated with Cd exposure through the diet.

Antibiotics, Acid and Heat Tolerance of Honey adapted Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhi and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

The medicinal importance of honey has been known for many decades due to its antimicrobial properties against life-threatening bacteria. However, previous studies revealed that microorganisms are able to develop adaptations after continuous exposure to antimicrobial compounds. The present study was conducted to explore the impact of subinhibitory concentrations of branded honey (Marhaba) and unbranded honey (extracted from Ziziphus mauritiana plant) locally available in Pakistan on Escherichia coli ATCC 10536, Salmonella Typhi and Klebsiella pneumoniae by investigating the development of self- or cross-resistance to antibiotics (gentamicin, kanamycin and imipenem). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of autoclaved honeys were determined. The bacterial cells of E. coli ATCC 10536, S. Typhi and K. pneumoniae were subjected to honey adaptation by exposing to » × MIC (4 passages) and ½ × MIC (4 passages) of both honeys. Moreover, tolerance to low pH and high temperature was also studied in adapted and unadapted cells. The decreasing trend in growth pattern (OD600nm) of E. coli ATCC 10536, S. Typhi and K. pneumoniae was observed with increases in the concentration of honeys (6.25-50% v/v) respectively. Our results showed that continuous exposure of both honeys did not lead to the development of any self- or cross-resistance in tested bacteria. However, percent survival to low pH was found to be significantly higher in adapted cells as compared to unadapted cells. The results indicate that both branded honey (Marhaba) and unbranded honey (extracted from Ziziphus mauritiana plant) were effective in controlling the growth of tested pathogenic bacteria. However, the emergence of tolerance to adverse conditions (pH 2.5, temperature 60 °C) deserves further investigation before proposing honey as a better antibacterial agent in food fabrication/processing, where low pH and high temperatures are usually implemented.

Studying the Influence of Apple Peel Polyphenol Extract Fortification on the Characteristics of Probiotic Yoghurt.

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of apple peel polyphenol extract (APPE) on the physicochemical and microbiological properties of probiotic yoghurt. Five concentrations of APPE were added in probiotic yoghurt as: (1) CTL, control without APPE; (2) AE1, addition of 1% APPE; (3) AE2, addition of 2% APPE; (4) AE3, addition of 3% APPE; (5) AE4, addition of 4% APPE; and (6) AE5, addition of 5% APPE. The prepared probiotic yoghurt was stored at 4 °C for 21 days and analyzed for physicochemical and microbiological properties. The initial viable count of L. bulgaricus, S. thermophilus, B. lactis and L. acidophilus were similar in all yoghurt samples at day 1. The maximum viability loss of probiotics was observed in CTL (p < 0.05). The lowest viability loss of probiotics was observed in AE5 samples (p < 0.05). The acidity, water holding capacity and viscosity were increased with the addition of APPE. No significant effects were observed on milk fat and total solid contents of probiotic yoghurt with the addition of APPE. The total phenolic contents of probiotic yoghurt increased significantly as 0.59, 0.71, 0.97, 1.18, 1.35 in AE1, AE2, AE3, AE4 and AE5, samples respectively. It was observed that AE3 and AE4 samples had better taste, flavour and colour with good texture. The survival of probiotics and antioxidant activity of the yoghurts were enhanced with the addition of APPE. In conclusion, apple peels could be successfully used as prebiotic in yoghurt with increased viable counts of probiotics.

Associative effects of lignin-derived biochar and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi applied to soil polluted from Pb-acid batteries effluents on barley grain safety.

While disobeying environmental regulations of Pakistan, several Pb-acid batteries recycling and repairing units discharge their effluents into water canals that irrigate arable fields. Resultantly, serious ecological risks, as well as human health hazards through consumption of edible crops grown on such Pb-polluted soils have been reported. In this experiment, we observed associative effects of amending a soil polluted from Pb-acid batteries effluents (SPB) with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and lignin-derived biochar (LBC) on barley grain safety to human health. The SPB was treated with AMF inoculum (a consortium of four AMF species), lignin (LN), and LBC, as sole treatments and AMF inoculum with LN and LBC. Barley parameters involving Pb distribution in grain and other parts, grain biochemistry, and nutrition were assessed. Likewise, Pb bioavailability in SPB, AMF root colonization, soil enzymes, microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and AMF produced total glomalin related soil protein (TGSP) were also scoped. Additionally, human renal cells (HEK 293) cytotoxicity test was performed by opting barley grain-related Pb concentrations. Results show that LBC + AMF significantly reduced grain Pb concentrations below the critical limit [4.67 mg kg-1 (WHO/FAO standard)], AMF colonization, MBC, soil enzymology, and TGSP, compared to control. Likewise, rest barley parameters were also improved in this treatment. Contrary to other treatments, grain produced on LBC + AMF did not result in (a) cell apoptosis, (b) cell distortion and (c) cohesion loss. Immobilization of Pb in SPB was due to the dilution effect of Pb adsorption on LBC, AMF mycelium and TGSP which resulted in a significant drop of grain Pb concentrations below the critical limit and ultimately no harm to HEK 293 cells. Our findings endorse that grain produced at LBC + AMF treatment are safer for human consumption and will not pose health risks. The LBC + AMF application can remediate SPB for safer cereal production.

Neurada procumbens promotes functions regain in a mouse model of mechanically induced sciatic nerve injury.

Peripheral nerve injury is a complex condition which results in restricted physical activity. Despite the tremendous efforts to figure out effective remedies, the complete functional retrieval is still a goal to be achieved. So, the need of hour is the exploration of potential natural compounds to recover this functional loss. Here, we have investigated the role of a local plant "Neurada procumbens" in ameliorating the functional recovery after an induced nerve compression injury in a mouse model. A dose of N. procumbens (50mg/kg of body weight) was administered orally from the day of injury to onwards. The motor functional recovery was assessed by evaluating muscle grip strength and sciatic functional index; while the sensory functions were gauged by the hotplate test. The serological parameters were carried out to analyze the effect of N. procumbens on oxidative stress level. The recovery of sensory and motor functions was significantly improved and perceived earlier in the treatment group. Moreover, the elevated antioxidant level was statistically significant in the treatment group. These results indicate that the supplementation of N. procumbens accelerates functional recovery after sciatic nerve crush injury.

Methadone hydrochloride and leukemia cells: Effects on cell viability, DNA fragmentation and apoptotic proteins expression level.

Leukemia is a type of blood cancer where abnormal and immature leucocytes are produced in the bone marrow. Methadone hydrochloride is a man-made drug that is commonly used in the maintenance treatment for drug addiction. The objective of this research was to determine the cytotoxic activity and apoptotic effects of methadone hydrochloride treatment towards two leukemia cell lines which are CCRF-CEM and HL-60. CCRF-CEM and HL-60 cells were treated with methadone hydrochloride for 24 and 48 hours to determine the cytotoxic activity. IC50 at 24 hours obtained for CCRF-CEM was 121.6µmol/L while IC50 for HL-60 cells was 97.18µmol/L. Result obtained from DNA fragmentation assay showed no characteristic DNA ladder pattern in CCRF-CEM leukemia cells treated with methadone hydrochloride. Characteristics DNA ladder pattern was observed in methadone hydrochloride treated HL-60 cells. Formation of comets was seen in methadone hydrochloride treated CCRF-CEM and HL-60 cells with varying degree of DNA damage. The comets formed by methadone hydrochloride treated HL-60 cells were more prominent as compared to methadone-treated CCRF-CEM cells. The expression of apoptotic-related proteins in methadone-treated CCRF-CEM and HL-60 cells were checked by incubating the cell lysate with Raybio® Human Apoptosis Antibody Array. Significant alterations in expression level of apoptosis-related proteins in methadone hydrochloride treated CCRF-CEM cells were found involving upregulation of caspase-8 expression and downregulation of survivin expression. Methadone hydrochloride induced apoptosis in HL-60 cells involved upregulation of Bid and caspase-8 expression and downregulation of Bcl-2, p21 and survivin expression.

Resistance and Synergism of Novel Insecticides in Field Populations of Cotton Bollworm Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Pakistan.

The cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) is still a serious pest of non-Bt crops in Asia and Africa. It has been a notorious pest in developing resistance to all the insecticide classes applied for its control. Response of field populations of H. armigera to new chemistries having novel modes of action was monitored during 2003-2016 using a leaf-dip bioassay. No or very low level of resistance was found to newer insecticides, such as spinetoram, chlorantraniliprole, and flubendiamide during 2008-2016. There was also no or very low resistance to chlorfenapyr from 2003 to 2016. Resistance to spinosad, abamectin, and emamectin benzoate was none or very low as well during 2003-2013 and then it rose to a low level for spinosad and to a high level for avermectins by the year 2016. Methoxyfenozide resistance was very low during 2003-2010, low during 2011-2013, and moderate during 2014-2016. Resistance to thiocyclam was very low to low during 2009-2011, but it increased to moderate to high levels during 2012-2016. Resistance to indoxacarb was moderate during 2003-2006, which then decreased to low level during 2007-2010, very low level during 2011-2014, and no resistance during 2015 and 2016 corresponding to the reduced use of indoxacarb in the Pakistani agriculture. Piperonyl butoxide and tribufos exhibited a good synergism with indoxacarb and chlorfenapyr but not with spinosad in H. armigera populations. Rotation of new insecticides, having no, very low, and low resistance along with other IPM practices, is recommended to manage resistance to insecticides in H. armigera.

Reconnoitring the impact of different extraction techniques on ginger bioactive moieties extraction, antioxidant characterization and physicochemical properties for their therapeutic effect.

The core directive of current study was to compare the different extraction techniques for their extraction yield of ginger bioactive moieties. Purposely, ultrasonic assisted and supercritical fluid extraction techniques were adapted alongside conventional solvent extraction for comparison. The variables targeted for the extraction process in different modules were time (20, 30, 40 minutes), temperature (30, 40, 50oC), solvent to sample ratio (4:6, 6:4, 8:2), pressure (2000, 3000, 4000 psi) and amplitude (20, 30, 40%). All variables were found to be momentously (P>0.05) effecting the extraction rates. The antioxidant potential of bioactive moieties was evaluated through FRAP, DPPH and ABTS. The outcomes of the optimization process suggested that the total phenolic content and total flavonoids content extracted through 80% ethanol at 50oC for 40 minutes showed maximum antioxidant activity. However, ultrasound assisted extraction, by using 80% ethanol, at 50oC for 40 minutes and at ultrasonic amplitude of 40% exhibited best results. Moreover, supercritical fluid extraction at 50oC for 40 minutes at5000 psi pressure, showed maximum extraction potential. All the extracts gathered through conventional, ultrasound and supercritical techniques were further quantified through HPLC protocols. The statistical interpretation of the results from all the analytical findings revealed highest concentration of polyphenols in supercritical fluids extracts followed by ultrasound and conventional extracts. One best treatment on the basis of superior nutritional profile as depicted by HPLC quantification was selected for the formulation of ginger drink. Physicochemical analysis elucidated momentous upshot on color, pH and acidity with progressive storage period whereas TSS followed a non-significant trend. Moreover, storage interval and treatments significantly affected the antioxidant potential of drinks.

The hitchhiker's guide to Europe: the infection dynamics of an ongoing Wolbachia invasion and mitochondrial selective sweep in Rhagoletis cerasi.

Wolbachia is a maternally inherited and ubiquitous endosymbiont of insects. It can hijack host reproduction by manipulations such as cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) to enhance vertical transmission. Horizontal transmission of Wolbachia can also result in the colonization of new mitochondrial lineages. In this study, we present a 15-year-long survey of Wolbachia in the cherry fruit fly Rhagoletis cerasi across Europe and the spatiotemporal distribution of two prevalent strains, wCer1 and wCer2, and associated mitochondrial haplotypes in Germany. Across most of Europe, populations consisted of either 100% singly (wCer1) infected individuals with haplotype HT1, or 100% doubly (wCer1&2) infected individuals with haplotype HT2, differentiated only by a single nucleotide polymorphism. In central Germany, singly infected populations were surrounded by transitional populations, consisting of both singly and doubly infected individuals, sandwiched between populations fixed for wCer1&2. Populations with fixed infection status showed perfect association of infection and mitochondria, suggesting a recent CI-driven selective sweep of wCer2 linked with HT2. Spatial analysis revealed a range expansion for wCer2 and a large transition zone in which wCer2 splashes appeared to coalesce into doubly infected populations. Unexpectedly, the transition zone contained a large proportion (22%) of wCer1&2 individuals with HT1, suggesting frequent intraspecific horizontal transmission. However, this horizontal transmission did not break the strict association between infection types and haplotypes in populations outside the transition zone, suggesting that this horizontally acquired Wolbachia infection may be transient. Our study provides new insights into the rarely studied Wolbachia invasion dynamics in field populations.