DNA Barcode for the Parthenogenetic Surinam Cockroach Pycnoscelus surinamensis (Linnaeus, 1758) (Blattodea: Blaberidae) from India

DNA Barcoding is one of the emerging tools in molecular identification of faunal diversity, specifically insect fauna. The Surinam cockroach, Pycnoscelus surinamensis is the only known roach to be obligatorily parthenogenetic, with reported haplotypes. P. surinamensis is well established in Indomalayan, tropical and subtropical regions and substantially documented from India with a phenetic approach. Herewith we report the first set of mt DNA barcode from a vouchered collection for the species from southern Western Ghats India. Discussions are made on the identity of two sequences each of Blatteria species and Pycnoscelus species reported from USA.

Oviposition Deterrence and Ovicidal Activity of Birbira (Melletia furrgunia) on Diamondback Moth (Plutella xylostella) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)

The efficacy of different polar and non-polar solvent extracts of Birbira, Melletia furrginea (Hochst.) Baker tree seeds namely: Water, Acetic acid, Acetone, Chloroform, Toluene, and Hexane at different rates were evaluated on Diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella L. oviposition and egg mortality under laboratory conditions. The leaf dipping method was used to run both assays. In the assay, full Oviposition deterrence was recorded at the higher rates of polar solvent extracts. Significantly higher egg un-hatchability was recorded only at the higher rates for non-polar extracts. Eggs mortality caused by extracts with Water and Acetone was very high, and have much smaller LC50 values. In contrast, LC50 was higher for the other extracts. However, there was a constant increase in the percent kill of egg mass with the increase in the extract concentration. From this study, it is evident that M. furrgunia extracts with different solvents possess significant oviposition deterrence and ovicidal effect on P. xylostella.

The Domestic Livestock Resources of Turkey: Silkworm (Bombyx Mori, L. 1758) (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) Lines and their Conservation

This paper reviews the current status of Turkish silkworm genetic resources and activities being undertaken for their conservation. Silk production and the trade in silk have been important activities in Turkey, which lies on the ancient Silk Road, for many hundreds of years. Current production of silk is on the rise after a period of very low production. Turkey has a well-established programme of conservation and development of all of its domestic animal genetic resources, of which silkworm is considered a constituent part. Three distinct lines of native silkworm have been registered with the national standards body, the Turkish Standards Institute. Distribution of silkworm germplasm is regulated by the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock through Cooperative Unions which have more than 10,000 members. Renewed and increased international demand for natural and biological products is favourable to Turkey’s silkworm industry. The prognosis for the future development of silk production is strongly positive.