The aphids (Homoptera: Aphididae) are one of major pests of agriculturally important crops, including vegetables, across the world. They suck plant sap, cause leaf curling, yellowing and stunted growth of the host plants. They also act as vectors of many viral diseases in plants. In order to explore aphid pests and their naturally occurring bio-control agents (parasitoids and predators), an extensive field survey was conducted in different vegetable ecosystems of the Kashmir valley during the years from 2014-2019. Moreover, a through literature survey pertaining to aphids, reported from Jammu and Kashmir, was also done. Accordingly, based on these studies, it was concluded that as many as 18 species of aphids belonging to 12 genera infest as many as 26 species and 30 varieties of vegetable crops in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). It was also concluded that at least 29 species of insect predators and 17 species of parasitoids occur naturally to suppress these aphid pest species in vegetable ecosystems in J&K. In sum, through this study, a comprehensive account of aphids and their natural enemies with reference to vegetable crops in J&K is presented. This work will be useful for the studies concerning the devising of strategies for Integrated Control Program of aphids, especially through utilization of natural bio-control agents.

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Background: A sealer is required during obturation to fill space between gutta-percha and canal walls. It provides an impervious seal, fills the irregularities and minor discrepancies between the root canal wall and core filling material, and assists in microbial control. Aim: To evaluate the penetration depth and percentage area of a root canal sealer placed by five different techniques using confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). In our study we compared ultrasonic, endoactivator (sonic device), lentulospiral (rotary) and master gutta-percha with NiTi spreader in reciprocating hand piece for sealer placement using AH Plus sealer. Methods: Thirty extracted then decoronated and standardised mandibular premolars were prepared by Protaper rotary files up to master apical file F3. Samples were randomly divided into five groups for sealer placement; Group 1, Ultrasonic file; Group 2, Endoactivator; Group 3, Reciprocating hand piece with NiTi spreader; Group 4, Rotary Lentulospiral; Group 5, Master apical gutta-percha .Two root sections from apical and coronal third were analysed for sealer distribution and depth of sealer penetration by confocal microscope, using the ruler tool of the IOB software (Olympus). Results: Results showed that maximum depth and percentage of sealer penetration is shown by Group 1; ultrasonic file and least by Group 5; master apical gutta-percha both at apical as well as coronal levels. Conclusion: Sealer penetration is influenced by placement method and new method of using reciprocating NiTi spreader was comparable to ultrasonic method which showed best sealer penetration and distribution.

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