Priya Bhaskaran’s research while affiliated with University of Calicut and other places

DNA barcoding has become the method of choice for a rapid, reliable, and cost-effective identification of pest species. Since DNA barcoding have proven to be highly efficient in identifying both immatures and adults, it is used to differentiate invasive and native pests. It has been used in managing species complexes in agricultural, IPM systems and also in the cases unpredictable species. Recently, DNA barcoding of partial mitochondrial COI gene is very popular in DNA based identification of various agricultural pest species. The present study investigates the molecular evolution of the Asota species using COI gene and its usefulness for reconstructing phylogenetic relationships within and among different Asota species.

For the past few years, DNA barcoding has become an efficient method for the identification of species. In this study we test the efficiency of DNA barcoding for true bug, Zicrona caerulea (Hemiptera: Heteroptera), an ecologically and economically important as well as morphologically diverse insect taxon. These bugs are useful predators of leaf beetles of the genus Altica, larvae of various beetles and caterpillars of moths, and it also feeds on plants. The study emphasizes the use of DNA barcodes for the identification of Zicrona caerulea and to represent an important step in building-up a comprehensive barcode library for the true bugs. As part of our study we analyzed DNA barcodes of Zicrona caerulea isolated from Kerala and its phylogenetic status with other related taxonomic groups. The PCR amplified cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene (COI) partial sequence of Zicrona caerulea has 1.11% difference to that of Zicrona caerulea (GenBank Accession: GQ292256) of Seoul, Korea and 1.68% difference to Zicrona caerulea (KM023126) Bremen, Germany.

For the past few years, DNA barcoding has become an efficient method for the identification of species. In this study we test the efficiency of DNA barcoding for true bug, Zicrona caerulea (Hemiptera: Heteroptera), an ecologically and economically important as well as morphologically diverse insect taxon. These bugs are useful predators of leaf beetles of the genus Altica, larvae of various beetles and caterpillars of moths, and it also feeds on plants. The study emphasizes the use of DNA barcodes for the identification of Zicrona caerulea and to represent an important step in building-up a comprehensive barcode library for the true bugs. As part of our study we analyzed DNA barcodes of Zicrona caerulea isolated from Kerala and its phylogenetic status with other related taxonomic groups. The PCR amplified cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene (COI) partial sequence of Zicrona caerulea has 1.11% difference to that of Zicrona caerulea (GenBank Accession: GQ292256) of Seoul, Korea and 1.68% difference to Zicrona caerulea (KM023126) Bremen, Germany.

Pesticides are substances that are used to kill undesirable organisms, repel or control certain forms of plant or animal life that are considered to be pests. The importance of controlling pests have led to the development of a variety of insecticides that prevent agricultural loss and spreading of diseases. The irrational use of these insecticides causes some serious hazards including alteration in the environmental condition and biomagnifications in higher organisms. To overcome these drawbacks more effective and specific insecticides were developed. One among this category is chlorantraniliprole, a ryanodine receptor agonist useful against lepidopteran pests. The mode of action and toxic effect of chlorantraniliprole needs detailed investigation and the present work is an attempt to evaluate the same on the fat body and haemolymph of the final instar larvae of silk insect, Bombyx mori. Total protein, urea and aminotransferases in the fat body and haemolymph were analysed. Reduced protein level indicates the reduction in protein synthesis due to toxic stress. Increased urea levels are seen due to the detoxification of chlorantaniliprole. The activity of aminotransferases were high in treated groups compared to the normal, indicates the physiological stress condition due to the insecticide.

The secretory bioactive components of the hexane extract of Anoplodesmus saussurii was analyzed using GCMS. From the study, presence of ten components in the secretion was confirmed. N-[3-(4-Butoxyphenyl) -10- Oxo-10H-9-oxa-2,4-diaza- phenanthren-1-yl] propionamide and 8,9-Octadecenamide are the major components and was found in 22.646% and 20.023% in peak area. These components showed a variety of functional as well as physiological properties like antioxidants, steroidal antimineralocorticoid agents, plasticizers, antibacterial agents, antimicrobial agents and ectoparasiticides.