International Research Journal of Environment Sciences________________________________ ISSN 2319–1414Vol. 4(4), 74-79, April (2015) Int. Res. J. Environment Sci. International Science Congress Association 74 Biodiversity of Insects in Sugarcane field at a Vadipatti, Tamil Nadu, India Thamarai Selvi V.P. and Merlin Dayana L. J.A. Autonomous College for Women, Periyakulam, Theni District, INDIAAvailable online at: www.isca.in, www.isca.me Received 11th February 2015, revised 17th March 2015, accepted 18th April 2015 AbstractSugarcane is highly important cash crop and sugar production in the country mostly depends on this crop. Sugarcane is known to be attacked by about 200 species of insects and non insects in India. The light trap collection yielded seven orders namely Odonata, Orthoptera, Hemiptera, Homoptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, and Hymenoptera. Homoptera was the prominent order with 6 species. Insignificant values are observed with the help of Correlation and Regression. Coleoptera was the richer in terms of number of individuals (102) and odonata was least recorded with less number of individuals (33). The present study reveals that the most of the light trap collected insects were pest of sugarcane agroecosystem. Many predators and parasite of the orders Odonata, Orthoptera, Hemiptera, Homoptera, Coleopteran, Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera were also found in sugarcane field at A.Vadipatti, Periyakulam Taluk, Theni District. Even though, many insects are found in the sugarcane agro ecosystem, many insects were found to be the pest of sugarcane crop. Keywords: Biodiversity of insects, predominant pest, light trap collections. Introduction Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) is an important cash crop of the world, occupying 13.5 million hectare of area in India. The “richness” indicates the number of species present in sugarcane field whereas “evenness” stands for the relative abundance of each species in the same field. Stem borer ensities are regulated by indigenous parasitoids in host plants. However, since the establishment of extensive sugarcane plantations in South Africa, some borer species, such as Eldana saccharina Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyaralidae), have become serious pest in the sugarcane field due to a lack of natural enemies and the high quality food sources. Insects comprise more than half of earth’s diversity of spices May, 1992. Insects are found in different types of environment and they occupy little more than two thirds of the known species of insect and pests. As many species are strictly seasons and prefer only particularly set of habitats3 they are god indicates of habitat quality. The number of known species of Orthoptera from the world is about 20,000 out of these 1750 species nearly 10% of the world fauna are known from India. Attempts to decrease the magnitude of pest losses primarily through serious environmental and public health problems. Sugarcane is known to be attached by about 200 species of insects and non insects in India. The estimates loss due to insect’s pest is placed at 20 and 15% in sugarcane yield respectively. Biodiversity encompassing all living organisms represents the biological wealth of a Nation and is one of the important cornerstones of sustainable development of the world. More recently, Gadarger et al, Kumar and Mishra andMilton et al10, monitored ant species richness along elevational gradient in low land forests and in agro ecosystem11. Milton 2003 investigated when management of agro forest cases the emerging ecosystem type in uncertain as their species composition and relative abundance may differ. Though various meteorological factors changes (temperature, rainfall, humidity, decomposition rates of litter) are variation in the availability of food resources are the important factors in triggering seasonal activity of insects and pests in sugarcane field was reported by Tran12, Vineesh13, Anu14 and Danks15. Many temperate zone insect species have shifted their distributions in response to recent climatic changes was reported by Balliste et al. 16 Jepsen et al. 17 and Tran et al 18. Distributions of insects fauna is closely related to the type of vegetation in a particular region or habitat. Robinson19, reported group of insects are known to decline in number during the winter season. Unfortunately the abundance that is lower than that observed during the summer season. Methodology Location of the study area: Insect collection was done in the sugarcane field at A. Vadipattyi at Periyakulam Taluk, Theni district, India. Climates: Climate is generally hot in summer and cool in winter. The bulk of rainfall is mainly due to the North East monsoon (October to December) and South West (June to August) monsoon. Light trap: The light trap considered of a metal funnel with a central light source of 100W mercury lamp. At a bottom of a funnel jar containing killing agent of formalin could be place in International Research Journal of Environment Sciences______________________________________________ ISSN 2319–1414 Vol. 4(4), 74-79, April (2015) Int. Res. J. Environment Sci. International Science Congress Association 75 bottle. The light trap is 50 cm or 0.5m and m height. The light trap was set on near the sugarcane field. The light trap was run once in fifteen days for a period of 3 months (December 2012 and February 2013). The light trap was regularly switched on at 18.00 hours evening and switched off at 6.00 hours (in the nest day morning). The light attracted insects passed through the funnel and got into the killer jar. The trap catches out on the same way. The collected entomofauna was counted individually (less abundant species and more abundant species). The insects collected were pooled together, identifying and population status were carried out. Storage of insects: The collected specimens were stored in vials containing formalin solution. Collected insects were identified with the help of related taxonomic materials. The insects for each and every collection day were treated separately and were put into vial for biodiversity count. Results and Discussion Taxanomic Distribution and Biodiversity: A total number of seven species in order viz., Odonata, Orthoptera, Hemiptera, Homoptera, Coloeptera, Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera were collected from November 2012 to January 2013 in a sugarcane field at A. Vadipatti, Periyakulam Taluk, Theni District, India. The order wise species richness as well biodiversity of insects given below: Table-1 Abiotic factos recorded during fortnight collection in sugarcane field at A. Vadipatti, Periyakulam Taluk, Theni District Fortnight collection Temperature ( o c) Rainfall (mm) Maximum (C) Minimum (C) Average (C) November I 38 24 31 1.0 November II 15 13 14 3.2 December I 28 26 27 2.8 December II 29 27 28 1.3 January I 25 27 26 1.0 January II 27 29 27.5 1.5 Table-2 Taxonomic diversity of the entomofauna in sugarcane field at A. vadipatti, Periyakulam Taluk, Theni district Order Fortnight collection periodicity Total (%) 1 2 3 4 5 6 Odonata 3 2 8 7 5 8 33 5.77 Orthopoda 13 18 23 9 21 7 91 17.60 Hemiptera 16 23 13 18 15 --- 85 16.44 Homoptera 11 7 8 10 23 12 71 13.73 Coleoptera 42 14 9 13 24 --- 84 16.24 Lepidoptera --- 6 7 15 28 18 104 20.11 Hymenoptera 9 8 16 4 --- 12 49 9.47 Total 94 78 75 76 116 57 517 99.36 Table-3 Total number of species diversity and percentage recorded in sugarcane field at A. Vadipatti, Periyakulam Taluk, Theni District Order Number of Species Percentage (%) Odonada 4 19.04 Orthropoda 3 14.28 Hemiptera 1 4.76 Homoptera 6 28.57 Coleoptera 1 4.76 Lepidopptera 4 19.04 Hymenoptera 2 9.52 Total 21 99.97 Table-4 Monthly observation of entomofauona in sugarcane field at A.Vadipatti, Periyakulam Taluk, Theni DistrictOrder November December January Total Odonata 3 13 8 24 Orthopoda 21 18 26 44 Hemiptera 13 8 13 21 Homoptera 18 13 41 72 Coleoptera 29 17 26 72 Lepidoptera 12 14 17 43 Hymenoptera 15 13 10 38 Table-5 Entomofauna of the sugarcane field correlate to temperature and rainfall at A Vadipatti, Periyakulam Taluk, Theni District Fortnight collection Temperature Rainfall Odo Ortho Hemi Homo Coleo Lepi Hyme Maximum Minimum November I 38 27 1 3 13 16 11 42 --- 9 November II 15 13 3.2 2 18 23 7 14 6 8 December I 28 26 2.8 8 23 13 8 9 7 16 December II 29 27 1.3 7 9 18 10 13 5 4 January I 25 27 1 5 21 15 23 24 28 --- January II 27 29 1.5 8 7 --- 12 --- 18 12 International Research Journal of Environment Sciences______________________________________________ ISSN 2319–1414 Vol. 4(4), 74-79, April (2015) Int. Res. J. Environment Sci. International Science Congress Association 76 Table-6 Biodiversity of entomofauna in sugacane field at a Vadipatti, Periyakulam, Theni District Order Total Odonata 33 Orthoptera 91 Hemiptera 85 Homoptera 71 Coleoptera 102 Lipitoptera 74 Hymenoptera 49 Table–7 Total number of species diversity of entomofauna in sugarcane fileld at a Vadipatti, Periyakulam Taluk, Theni District. Order No of Species Odonata 4 Orthoptera 3 Hemiptera 1 Homoptera 6 Coleoptera 1 Lipidoptera 4 Hymenoptera 2 Figure-1 Caption not found Figure-2 Total number of species diversity of entomofauna in sugarcane fiels International Research Journal of Environment Sciences______________________________________________ ISSN 2319–1414 Vol. 4(4), 74-79, April (2015) Int. Res. J. Environment Sci. International Science Congress Association 77 Figure-3 Monthly observation of entomofauna in a sugarcane field Table–8 Monthly observation of entomofauna in a sugarcane field at A. Vadipatti Periyakulam Taluk Theni District Order November December January Odonata 3 13 8 Orthoptera 21 18 26 Hemiptera 13 8 13 Homoptera 18 13 41 Coleoptera 29 17 26 Lipidoptera 12 14 17 Hymenoptera 15 13 10 The overall Distribution and Diversity of Insects: Total number of 487 insects belonging to 21 species and 7 order viz, collected from November 2012 to January 2013 from sugarcane field at A. Vadipatti, Theni District. Odonata: Odonata was the moderate order with 4 species. It contributes 33 insects that amount to 6.76% in the total entomofauna. The 6th fortnight collection yielded the maximum number of individuals that 8 during the second half of January 2013 with an average minimum temperature 27.5C. This period experienced an average rainfall 1.4mm the Odonata population declined during first half of November 2012 with least number of individuals 3. This decline in Odonata population conceded with soar temperature maximum 29C. Orthoptera: Orthoptera was the moderate order with 3 species. It contributes 91 insects that amount to 14.8% in the total entomofauna. The 3rd fortnight collection yielded the maximum number of individuals that 26 during the first half of December with an average minimum temperature 27C. This period experienced an average rainfall 1.4mm the Orthoptera population declined during first half of November 2012 with least number of individuals 3. This decline in Orthoptera population conceded with soar temperature maximum 29C. Hemiptera: Hemiptera was the moderate order with 1 species. It contributes 85 insects that amount to 4.76% in the total entomofauna. The 2nd fortnight collection yielded the maximum number of individuals that 23 during the second half of November 2012 with an average minimum temperature 27C. This period experienced an average rainfall 1.4mm the Hemiptera population declined during first half of November 2012 with least number of individuals 13. This decline in Hemiptera population conceded with soar temperature maximum 28C. interestingly this duration experienced poor rainfall 4mm. Homoptera: Homoptera was the moderate order with 6 species. It contributes 71 insects that amount to 28.57% in the total entomofauna. The 5th fortnight collection yielded the maximum number of individuals that 6 during the second half of January 2013 with an average minimum temperature 27C. This period experienced an average rainfall 1.4mm the Homopterapopulation declined during first half of November 2012 with least number of individuals 8. This decline in Homoptera population conceded with soar temperature maximum 29C. Coleoptera: Coleoptera was the moderate order with 1 species. It contributes 84 insects that amount to 19.04% in the total entomofauna. The 1st fortnight collection yielded the maximum number of individuals that 42 during the second half of January 2013 with an average minimum temperature 27C. This period experienced an average rainfall 1.4mm the Coleoptera population declined during first half of November 2012 with least number of individuals 9. And the 6th fortnight contains individuals. This decline in Coleoptera population conceded with solar temperature maximum 29C. Lepidoptera: Lepidoptera was the moderate order with 4 species. It contributes 74 insects that amount to 15.9% in the total entomofauna. The 5th fortnight collection yielded the maximum number of individuals that 28 during the second half of January 2013 with an average minimum temperature 27C. International Research Journal of Environment Sciences______________________________________________ ISSN 2319–1414 Vol. 4(4), 74-79, April (2015) Int. Res. J. Environment Sci. International Science Congress Association 78 This period experienced an average rainfall 1.4mm the Lepidoptera population declined during first half of November 2012 with least number of individuals 6, there is no individuals in 1st fortnight collection. This decline in Lepidoptera population conceded with solar temperature maximum 29C. Hymenoptera: Hymenoptera was the moderate order with 2 species. It contributes 49 insects that amount to 10.6% in the total entomofauna. The 3rd fortnight collection yielded the maximum number of individuals that 16 during the second half of December 2012 with an average minimum temperature 27C. This period experienced an average rainfall 1.4mm the Hymenoptera population declined during first half of November 2012 with least number of individuals 6, and there is no individual in 1st fortnight collection. This decline in Hymenoptera population conceded with solar temperature maximum 29.C. Discussion: The analysis of data in order wise distribution and biodiversity of insects revealed the predominance of Odonata followed Orthoptera, Hemiptera, Homoptera, Coleopteran, Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera. The largest abundant order was Coleoptera. The least abundant orders were Odonata, Homoptera, Hemiptera and Hymenoptera. The number of different species with in a geographical area depends on migration and adaptation to environmental condition20,21. A significant relationship between rainfall and abundance, which should not be surprising, given the large number of groups involved and the many direct and indirect ways in which weather could separately influence the abundance of insects in sugarcane field22. Homoptera: Homoptera was the most dominant order. Dominance was evidenced by the presence of highest number of 6 species and 71 individuals in sugarcane fields at A. Vadipatti. However individual’s abundance less than that of Hemiptera. Correlation and regression calculated for Homoptera. The present study noted that maximum number of individuals of insects in January and minimum number of individuals of insects in December might be due the inverse relationship between increased rainfall and the sugarcane borer found in the field, because the larvae drown in the flooded tunnels. In addition to rainfall, cold winter temperatures are reported to depress the survival of larva. Orthoptera: Orthoptera was the commonly distributed order. Dominance was evidenced by the presence of highest number of 3 species and 91 individuals in sugarcane fields at A. Vadipatti. However individual’s abundance less than that of homoptera. Correlation and regression calculated for Homoptera. Hemiptera: Hemiptera was fourth the individual’s strength. Dominance was evidenced by the presence of highest number of 1 species and 85 individuals in sugarcane fields at A. Vadipatti. However individual’s abundance less than that of Homoptera. Correlation and regression calculated for Hemiptera. The maximum number of individuals of insects in January, November and minimum number of individuals of insects in December might be due to the M. Communis pupate in the spring with maximum flight activity during the summer. Hemiptera live predominantly in water surface, the minimum number of individuals in December might be due to the poor rainfall and high temperature. Coleoptera: Coleoptera was the commonly distributed order. Dominance was evidenced by the presence of highest number of 1 species and 102 individuals in sugarcane fields at A. Vadipatti. However individual’s abundance less than that of homoptera. Correlation and regression calculated for homoptera. The maximum number of individuals of insects in November and minimum number of individuals of insects in December might be due to rich foliage, which attracted the leaf feeding coleopteran and other insects which served as prey for predatory insects. Lepidoptera: Lepidoptera was the commonly distributed order. Dominance was evidenced by the presence of highest number of 4 species and 74 individuals in sugarcane fields at A. Vadipatti. However individual’s abundance less than that of Homoptera. Correlation and regression calculated for Homoptera. The maximum number of individuals of insects in January and minimum number of individuals of insects in November might be due to whitefly attack because humidity rises during these months. Hymenoptera: Hymenoptera was the commonly distributed order. Dominance was evidenced by the presence of highest number of 2 species and 49 individuals in sugarcane fields at A. Vadipatti. However individual’s abundance less than that of Homoptera. Correlation and regression calculated for Homoptera. The maximum number of individuals of insects in November and minimum number of individuals of insects in December might be due to larvae are present in the summer and because of summer oviposition there is a large increase in larval populations in the fall. Ant can constitute up to 20% of the animal biomass in tropical forest and play essential roles in ecosystem functioning 24Karunakaran, Geetha Nayak and Prasad, 2007. Conclusion The present study was carried out in the sugarcane agro ecosystem at Theni District for a period of three months from November 2012 to January 2013. Fortnight collections of insects were carried out using light trap. The light trap collection yielded seven orders namely Odonata, Orthoptera, Hemiptera, Homoptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, and Hymenoptera. Homoptera was the prominent order with 6 species. Odonata and Lepidoptera was contain as 4 species. Hemiptera and Coleoptera contain 1 species. Orthoptera contain 3 species and hymenoptera contain 2 species. Insignificant values are observed with the help of Correlation and Regression. International Research Journal of Environment Sciences______________________________________________ ISSN 2319–1414 Vol. 4(4), 74-79, April (2015) Int. Res. J. Environment Sci. International Science Congress Association 79 Coleoptera was the richer in terms of number of individuals (102) and odonata was the least recorded with less number of individuals (33). The present study reveals that the most of the light trap collected insects were pest of sugarcane agroecosystem. Many predators and parasite of the orders Odonata, Orthoptera, Hemiptera, Homoptera, Coleopteran, Lepitoptera and Hymenoptera were also found in sugarcane field at A.Vadipatti, PeriyakulamTaluk, Theni District. Even through, many insects are found in the sugarcane agro ecosystem, many insects were found to be the pest of sugarcane crop. References 1.Vancaly J.K., Species richness and Productive Forest Management. Proc. Oxf. Con. 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