The espousal of nanotechnology is a current come-up of the present revolution. As we know that the rose aphid, Macrosiphum rosae (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is a key pest on rose plant in Kashmir Valley, India, it exhibits a worldwide distribution. In the present study, we have synthesized biologically silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) from Solanum lycopersicum and characterized them by UV-vis spectroscopy, TEM, and X-RD analysis. The experiment was performed by leaf dip method. Insecticidal solutions of different Ag NPs concentrations, namely, 200, 300, 400, and 500 ppm, were tested on M. rosae. For assessment purposes, leaves were treated with distilled water (used as control). Aphid mortality data revealed that the Ag NPs were effective at 500 ppm concentration. As the concentration and day’s treatment increased, the aphid mortality rate also increased. There were statistically significant differences in M. rosae mortality between concentrations by LSD at 5%. In wrapping up, the use of Ag NPs in pest control processes will be the most novel eco-friendly approach in the Kashmir Valley, India, in future.

In the modern high intensity aquaculture, probiotics offer an encouraging substitute to chemicals and antibiotics, one such important application of probiotics is their use as growth promoters, in addition to health and water quality management. On the same background, the study was carried to evaluate the effect of dietary incorporation of probiotic - Bacillus subtilis on the growth performance of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella).The probiotic - Bacillus subtilis was mixed with the basal diet (Protein 32%) in three different concentrations (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 % designated as T1, T2, and T3). The basal feed with no probiotic was used as control (T0). The impact was recorded for a period of 60 days. Feeding was done twice a day at the rate of 5% of their body weight. Growth performance was evaluated through estimation of weight gain, feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), protein Efficiency Ratio (PER), specific growth rate (SGR) and feed efficiency ratio (FER). It was observed that the probiotic Bacillussubtilis fed at 1.5% significantly improved the growth performance of the fish Ctenopharyngodon idella showing the highest growth rate followed by 1% and 0.5% probiotic fed diets. Lowest growth rate was recorded in control group.

<p>Pomegranate fruit borer,<em> Deudorix epijarbas</em> (Moore, 1858) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) is a destructive pest of pomegranate affecting the quality as well as quantity of its fruits. The pest and its other allied species are nuisance to pomegranate cultivation throughout India, particularly in hilly state of Jammu &amp; Kashmir. The aim of present investigation was to study the bionomics of pomegranate fruit borer in laboratory, which included the studies on its morphometry and extent of different developmental stages in the life cycle of pest, for developing a sound management plan against it. The results revealed that the eggs are laid by females singly on fruits, stalks, leaves and flower buds. On hatching, emerging larva bores in to fruits and feed on its pulp thus rendering them unfit for trade. The pest passed through five larval instars of different duration and the total larval period was 32.20 ± 1.87 (SD) days. The larval stage was followed by pupal stage which lasted for 9.50 ± 1.84 (SD) days. Furthermore, the longevity of adult male and female butterflies was recorded as 9.20 ± 1.73 (SD) and 13.20 ± 1.43 (SD) days respectively. The study thus provides information necessary for development and implementation of different control strategies in IPM of pomegranate fruit borer.</p>

<p>Rose is the principal flower of the world floriculture industry that is being exclusively used as cut flower, potted plant and garden plant. It plays significant part in numerous industries viz. food, perfumery and cosmetic industries. About 96 % of women’s perfumes contain true Bulgarian rose oil. Roses are well acclimatized in Jammu &amp; Kashmir because of its suitable agro climatic conditions which can permit its large scale production and rose products produced in the state are at par with the international standards. But the aesthetic and commercial value of roses is greatly lowered by numerous insect pests resulting in low yield. However, its major pest include aphid species most notoriously Macrosiphum rosae that pose many challenges and threats to rose plant cultivation. Aphid colonies on roses result in reduction of medical value of the plant and cause economic losses to growers particularly during spring and summer season. In order to reduce the economic losses inflicted by rose aphid, it is necessary to study different biological parameters of this pest species so that an effective management plan can be formulated.</p>