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Seth RL Saharia Government PG College, Kaladera is situated in rural area of Jaipur Rajasthan. The campus is full of lush green variety of trees and rich in faunal species specifically birds. Among trees about 50 % are of neem with large and heavy canopy.In the November 2022 all the neem trees are severely infested by the lepidopteran larva. The infestation was very severe and completely destroy the foliage of about 80% of neem trees. This fall in neem trees drew attention because Neem is considered as the potent repellent, insecticidal and of medicinal values in the plant’shistory. The infestation of neem trees by the neem looper larva is also reported by Anita et al in Talwandi Saho,Punjab in 2017.They also carried out the studies on the biology and seasonal abundance of the neem looper larva. On study ,larva is identified as lepidopteran moth larva and also named as neem looper(Cleora cornaria),a green colour larva which feeds voraciously on neem leaves.

The Neem or Indian lilac (Azadirachta indica) is an omnipotent, deciduous, medicinal tree grown in tropical and sub-tropical climates (Ascher, 1993). It originated in India and the Indian subcontinent including Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka (Radwenski and Wickens, 1981; Schmutteres, 1990; Paul et al., 2011). The Neem belongs to the Meliaceae and Subfamily: Meloideae (Noorul and Gayathri, 2016). Biologically, the neem contains around 140 alkaloids, lavonoids, carotenoids, steroids and ketones. Among these the most active is azadiractine which is a mixture of seven isomeric compounds (Verkerk 1993, Charmaine, et al., 2005, Jones et al., 1994, Biswas 2002). Various biochemicals present in it plays a vital role in pest management in agriculture as Insecticides, Nematicides and Insect repellents (Joseph 2010; Vethanayagam and Rajendran, 2010; Subapriya and Nagini, 2005, Vimla et al 2010). Neem is also utilized as food by human, animals and birds (Schmutterer et al., 1992).Nathah et al,(2009)reported toxic effects of neem extracts against plant hopper(rice) and Nigam et al, 1994 explained Neem as a promising natural insecticide.

There are number of pests attacking various crops and as neem is considered a promising pesticide is now under attack of lepidopteran pest larva(Mishra et al,2012) and also reported by Singh et al,2017.

Study materials

Neem tree (Azadirachta indica)

Neem, Azadirachta has been derived from Arabic word Azadirach-E- Hind, means a free growing tree of India. Every part of neem is used in various applications.it is considered a boon for mankind by nature and has been recommended by Ayurvedafor wide range of diseases.Neem is (Indian lilac) is an omnipotent, deciduous, medicinal tree grown in tropical and sub-tropical climates (Ascher, 1993).It is predominantly grown in Indian subcontinent including Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka (Radwenski and Wickens, 1981; Schmutteres, 1990; Paul et al., 2011).

Over the years number of pests developed resistance against extensive use of chemical /synthetic pesticides.90% of used chemical pesticides has caused accumulation of harmful residues in the environment. This accumulation leads to various severe illness (Beig.2000).To overcome these effects Neem has emerged as a potent biopesticide/herbal pesticide.Biologically, the neem contains many (around 140) alkaloids, lavonoids, carotenoids, steroids and ketones. Among these azadiractine is the most biologically active, which is a mixture of seven isomeric compounds (Verkerk 1993, Charmaine, et al., 2005, Jones et al., 1994, Biswas 2002).  On the basis of these qualities neem is known to be relatively free from pest infestation s or diseases, unfortunately neem is damaged by a wide range of insects,fungi, parasitic plants(cuscuta) and other organisms.Neem is also utilized as food by human, animals and birds (Schmutterer et al., 1992).

In recent years some accidental introduction of the pests severely affecting the neem.

Infesting Pest: ((Cleora cornaria) Semilooper or Neem looper larva

The larva in green in colour with light colour stripe over the body.it have 3 pairs of prolegs and it crawls on leaf or branches by arching their back to form a loop and then projecting the front section of the body in forward direction. On crawling it forms a loop so commonly known as looper larva.it voraciously feeds on leaves and tender branches of neem. The biology of the looper larva studied by Anita Singh et al in Talwandi Saho, Punjab in 2017.There are five larval instars which are active feeders and damage the trees by feeding on leaves. Fifth instar turns in to pupa after 18-21 days by forming a head capsule. Pupa lasts for 13- 15 days. On pupation it becomes dark brown in colour. Pupaand adults are non-feeding stages so do not cause further harm to the tree.

Culture of the pest run in to the lab in glass trough covered by muslin cloth.larvae with fresh neem leaves kept in the trough at optimum temperature of (20-23^oC ) and relative humidity (45-70 R.H.) .larvae are provided fresh neem leaves twice a day and trough is cleaned regularly to avoid any secondary infection due to faecal matter.

NEEM LOOPER LARVA

The study was carried out due to sudden decline in the foliage of neem inthe campus. On observation it was noticed that the neem trees are under severe infestation of the pest.

Other attention drawing factor was increase in the number of cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) in the campus. The number of egrets was a sign to notice the infestation over neem as they migrate infestation was not severeto feed upon larvae.

Discussion

The infestation of larvae was high in the month of December and then the decrease is reported in the number of larvae under trees due to Cattle egrets.

On the basis of this observation we can conclude that cattle egrets can minimize the infestation of the neem pest by means of bio control. The limitation of this bio control is that egrets fed upon the larvae fallen down from trees.

In the laboratory near culture of looper larva number of lady bird beetle/Mexican beetle (Epilachna)were also observed.Due to the presence of beetles number of pests also affected.

EGRETS FEEDING LARVA UNDER TREES

NEEM TREES UNDER INFESTATION(COMPLETELY BARE)

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