Worldwide, tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is one of the most devastating invasive pests of tomato crops. It is one of the most important biotic constraints for tomato production which may lead to the production loss up to 100% if it cannot be controlled. T. absoluta comprises four developmental stages: egg, larvae, pupa, and adult with a rapid growth rate. Among these larvae is the most devastating stage which affects the fruit, leaves, and stem. Recently, T. absoluta is turned into a key pest of tomato in Bangladesh. This pest was first detected by IPM lab, Horticulture Research Centre, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Gazipur, Bangladesh from a commercial tomato grower in the village of Chaklarhat (26019’N, 88043’E) under the Tunirhat union of Panchagarh Sadar Upazila, Panchagarh district of Bangladesh in May 2016. Since its introduction in 2016, there was no sound action plan implemented. Therefore, this paper focused on relevant scientific knowledge regarding its biology, potential damage and different control measures which will open the windows for future researches for efficient and sustainable management strategies against T. absoluta in Bangladesh.

This study was planned to characterize the physicochemical and antioxidant properties, and microbiological quality of honey obtained from the sandbar pumpkin field. In this study, four sugar supplemented and one control (without sugar fed) honey sample was used. Results revealed that all samples exhibited appropriate maturity considering their low moisture content (* 19%) and high total solids (* 80%) and TSS (* 79%). Total acidity (\ 40 meq/kg) and pH (* 4.5) directed the absenteeism of detrimental fermentation. Ash (* 0.29%) and electrical conductivity (* 700 lS/cm) were reasonable and distinctive of dark yellowish-brown honey, which is buttressed by color attributes. Reducing sugars, glucose, fructose, and sucrose values ranged from 68.98 to 75.82%, 26.01 to 33.84%, 34.93 to 38.70%, and 1.74 to 5.96%, respectively. Proline (* 400 mg/kg), HMF (\ 40 mg/kg) and diastase action (* 14°Gothe) were found within accepted limits, and also possesses good antioxidants in terms of total phenol (* 160 mg GAE/100 g), total flavonoid (4.67-6.25 mg CE/100 g), and DPPH-RSA (30.65-35.97%). The microbial study revealed that the total viable count ranged between 33.33 and 27.66 CFU/g, while yeasts and mold count varied between 14.33 and 12 CFU/g. Principle component analysis (PCA) results revealed that all the studied parameters could be used effectively to discriminate the honey sample. The overall results signpost a new information regarding the quality i.e. processing, maturity, freshness and composition of honey obtained from the sandbar pumpkin field.

The developmental rate and reproductive biology of Neoseiulus californicus, a generalist predator on spider mites and small insects, was investigated in the laboratory at five constant temperatures: 15, 20, 25, 30, and 34°C. The European red mite, Panonychus ulmi, an important pest in Korean apple orchards, was used as prey. Mean developmental time and adult longevity were inversely related to temperature from 15 to 30°C. Lifetime fecundity was greatest at 25°C, whereas daily fecundity was highest at 30°C. The sex ratio (female to male) was highest (0.77) at 25°C and lowest (0.67) at 34°C. Survivorship during immature development varied from 74.3 to 92.9%, with the lowest rate at 34°C. Life table parameters were analyzed and pseudo-replicates for the generation time (t ( G )), the intrinsic rate of natural increase (r (m)), finite rate of increase (λ), net reproductive rate (R (0)), and doubling time (t ( D )) were generated using the Jackknife method. Generation time (t ( G )) was lowest (10.7 days) at 34°C, R (0) was highest (49.2) at 25°C, and both r (m) (0.29) and λ (1.34) were highest at 30°C. In conclusion, the development and adult life-history traits obtained for N. californicus fed on P. ulmi indicated significant potential for biological control.

ABSTRACT. Worldwide, the ectoparasitic mite varroa (Varroa destructor Anderson & Trueman) is potentially the main threatening parasite for Apis mellifera L. To find an alternative therapy for varroa and to limit the chemical residues in bee products, 27 bee colonies with their brood, were treated at 42°C for 12 to 480 minutes. All experimental colonies had 5-8 frames of brood and 10 frames of population (approximately 10.000 bees each colony). During the treatment the final temperature inside the hive