UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY https://mbimph.com/index.php/UPJOZ <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong><a href="https://mbimph.com/index.php/index/abstracting-indexing"><img src="https://mbimph.com/public/site/images/dishivam9876mbimph/images.jpg" alt="" width="307" height="144" /></a></strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY</strong> (Print ISSN: <a href="https://portal.issn.org/resource/ISSN/0256-971X">0256-971X</a>) <strong>[NLM ID: <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nlmcatalog?term=0256-971X%5BISSN%5D">9879974</a>] </strong>aims to publish high-quality papers in any branch of ZOOLOGY or Animal Biology (it includes studies of the animal kingdom, including the structure, embryology, evolution, classification, habits, and distribution of all animals, both living and extinct, and how they interact with their ecosystems.. It also includes Anthrozoology, Arachnology, Archaeozoology, Bionics, Cetology, Embryology, Ethology, Helminthology, Herpetology, Histology, Ichthyology, Malacology, Mammalogy, Morphology, Nematology, Ornithology, Palaeozoology, Pathology, Primatology, Protozoology, Taxonomy, Zoogeography, Zoography, Zoometry, Zootomy, etc.). This journal considers following types of papers. National Library of Medicine (NLM, USA) catalog included this journal. NLM ID of this journal is <strong>[<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nlmcatalog?term=0256-971X%5BISSN%5D">9879974</a>].</strong> This journal also encourages the submission of useful reports of negative results. This is a peer-reviewed, open access INTERNATIONAL journal. This journal follows OPEN access policy. All published articles can be freely downloaded from the journal website.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Disclaimer:</strong><br />UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY (Print ISSN: 0256-971X) was founded by late Prof. Dr. S. C. Goel. UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY is academically affiliated to UTTAR PRADESH ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY, 97-B SRIRAMKRUPA, NEW MANDI, P O BOX 296, MUZAFFARNAGAR, INDIA. This journal is published by MB International Media and Publishing House (MBIMPH) from 2017 (Volume 37).</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Society Address:</strong><br />UTTAR PRADESH ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY, 97-B SRIRAMKRUPA, NEW MANDI, P O BOX 296, MUZAFFARNAGAR, INDIA<br />Website: <a href="https://upzs.in/">www.upzs.in</a></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>NAAS score 5.24 (2026)<br /></strong></p> en-US [email protected] (MB International Media and Publishing House) [email protected] (MB International Media and Publishing House) Tue, 13 Oct 2026 13:37:09 +0000 OJS 3.3.0.21 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 Rescue, Medical and Surgical Management of Severe Cervical Snare Trauma in an Indian Monitor Lizard (Varanus bengalensis) https://mbimph.com/index.php/UPJOZ/article/view/5905 <p>An adult Indian monitor lizard (Varanus bengalensis) weighing approximately 2.4 kg was rescued by Telangana Forest Department personnel from Veerpur village, Telangana, after entrapment in a nylon snare around the neck. On presentation to the Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary Science, Korutla, the animal was depressed, dehydrated and minimally responsive, with clinical signs of circulatory shock. Examination revealed a contaminated circumferential cervical laceration involving the skin, subcutaneous tissue and superficial cervical musculature. Emergency management comprised thermal support, subcutaneous Ringer's lactate solution (20 mL/kg), antimicrobial and analgesic therapy, wound irrigation and protective bandaging. Following clinical stabilisation, surgical debridement and repair were undertaken under intramuscular ketamine anaesthesia (20 mg/kg) with local lignocaine administration. Devitalised tissue was removed, the muscle was sutured with absorbable polyglactin 910, and the skin was apposed with polyamide using a horizontal mattress pattern. Post-operative care included ceftriaxone (25 mg/kg intramuscularly) for 10 days, meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg intramuscularly) for 5 days, daily wound dressing and environmental support. By the tenth post-operative day, satisfactory tissue union permitted removal of the skin sutures. During rehabilitation, the lizard resumed voluntary feeding and demonstrated coordinated locomotion, neck mobility and normal responsiveness. After clinical examination, it was released into a suitable natural habitat near the rescue site. This case describes successful short-term clinical management and rehabilitation following severe cervical snare trauma.</p> M. Sravanti, R. Suresh, D. Mohitha Sree, V. Sai Charitha, K. Vijay Kumar, Ch. Lakshmi Narayana, K. Rebca Copyright (c) 2026 Author(s). The licensee is the journal publisher. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 https://mbimph.com/index.php/UPJOZ/article/view/5905 Wed, 14 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Integrated Assessment of Mosquito-Borne Diseases in Ottapalam, Palakkad, Kerala https://mbimph.com/index.php/UPJOZ/article/view/5904 <p>The present multi-component observational and exploratory study assessed reported mosquito-borne disease patterns, community knowledge and preventive practices, household larval indices, and a pilot device-exposure experiment in Ottapalam, Palakkad, Kerala. Local annual case counts for 2021-2025 were abstracted from Primary Health Centre (PHC) Lakkidi records and interpreted alongside official state and national surveillance data. A community survey included 105 participants recruited through Google Forms and face-to-face interviews, and entomological surveillance covered 100 households in Wards 13, 14 and 15. The PHC summary recorded dengue cases of 11, 7, 21, 45 and 10 from 2021 through 2025, respectively. One malaria case was recorded in 2022 and two in 2024; values for 2021, 2023 and 2025 were not stated in the available local summary. No chikungunya cases were recorded in that summary. Survey responses indicated high general awareness but less consistent routine source-reduction behaviour. Six of 100 houses and six of 50 observed containers were positive for mosquito larvae, yielding a House Index of 6%, Container Index of 12% and Breteau Index of 6; no pupae were detected. In the pilot experiment, 20 <em>Aedes albopictus</em> eggs were assigned to each condition. Hatching began on day 5 under device-exposure conditions and on day 8 in the control condition, and the observed developmental stages were shorter under device exposure. No ovicidal or larvicidal effect was observed. Because acoustic dose was not calibrated, independent vessel replication was not documented, and a small device-associated temperature increase was observed, acoustic and thermal contributions cannot be separated. The findings support continued source reduction, community engagement, surveillance and integrated vector management, while acoustic approaches should remain experimental until tested under calibrated, independently replicated and temperature-controlled conditions.</p> P. Lakshmi Devi Menon, Jibish Mathew, Midhu K. Johnson, Honey Sebastian, S. G. Smitha, A. Aparnna, P. Ardra, V. P. Shibila Sherin, M. Sreelakshmi, K. Abhiram, P. Anchana, P. P. Muhammed Sinan, K. Amal Krishna Copyright (c) 2026 Author(s). The licensee is the journal publisher. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 https://mbimph.com/index.php/UPJOZ/article/view/5904 Tue, 13 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Effect of Organophosphate Pesticide Dimethoate on Ascorbic Acid Levels in Various Tissues of Freshwater Fish Channa punctatus https://mbimph.com/index.php/UPJOZ/article/view/5906 <p>Pesticide contamination may disturb biochemical homeostasis in freshwater fish; however, tissue-specific responses of antioxidant metabolites to prolonged dimethoate exposure remain poorly understood. In the present study, changes in ascorbic acid levels in the liver, gills, and muscle tissues of <em>Channa punctatus</em> exposed to three sublethal concentrations of dimethoate (53.4, 26.6, and 17.8 ppm) were examined. A colourimetric hydrazine-based technique was used to quantify ascorbic acid in dried tissues, and responses were compared with those of control tissues. Dimethoate caused significant, tissue-specific changes in ascorbic acid. Hepatic concentrations increased significantly from 5.6487 ± 0.4048 mg/100 mg dry weight in controls to 7.6054 ± 0.3092, 7.4705 ± 0.2024, and 7.4300 ± 0.2142 mg/100 mg at 53.4, 26.6, and 17.8 ppm, respectively. Muscle concentrations also increased, reaching 7.2681 ± 0.4048 mg/100 mg at the highest exposure. Gill concentrations, in contrast, decreased significantly and were lowest at 53.4 ppm. These divergent responses demonstrate marked tissue specificity in ascorbate homeostasis during chronic sublethal pesticide stress. The results support the use of tissue-resolved ascorbic acid responses as informative biochemical indicators of dimethoate-induced stress in freshwater fish and suggest their potential inclusion alongside other ecotoxicological assessments of freshwater contamination.</p> R. Y. Bhandare, A. J. Kharat, K. T. Paithane, T. S. Pathan Copyright (c) 2026 Author(s). The licensee is the journal publisher. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 https://mbimph.com/index.php/UPJOZ/article/view/5906 Wed, 14 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Weather-associated Seasonal Activity of Mustard Aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach) Monitored through Yellow Sticky Traps in Two Different Agro-ecological Conditions https://mbimph.com/index.php/UPJOZ/article/view/5907 <p>The mustard aphid, <em>Lipaphis erysimi</em> (Kaltenbach), is an important pest of rapeseed-mustard, and monitoring its alate population is useful for understanding its seasonal activity. The present investigation was conducted during Rabi 2024–25 and 2025–26 at Banda University of Agriculture and Technology (BUAT), Banda (India) and at a farmer-managed mustard field, to monitor the seasonal abundance of alate mustard aphids using yellow sticky traps and to assess their association with weather parameters. Two yellow sticky traps (21 × 15 cm) were installed at each location (300 m<sup>2</sup>), and aphid catches were recorded at weekly intervals. Maximum temperature, minimum temperature, average temperature, relative humidity and rainfall data were obtained from the Agro-meteorological Observatory, BUAT, and correlation coefficients were calculated separately for each location and season. During Rabi 2024–25, alate aphid activity commenced in the 1st standard meteorological week (SMW), with peak catches of 125.00 and 148.50 aphids trap⁻¹ at the university farm, BUAT and the farmer-managed field, respectively, during the 6th SMW. During Rabi 2025–26, activity commenced earlier, in the 50th SMW, and again peaked during the 6th SMW, reaching 156.50 and 208.00 aphids trap⁻¹ at BUAT and the farmer-managed field, respectively. Thereafter, aphid catches declined towards crop maturity. Alate aphid catches showed negative correlations with maximum, minimum and average temperature, whereas relative humidity showed positive correlations and rainfall showed weak negative correlations. Significant negative correlations with minimum temperature (r = −0.555) and average temperature (r = −0.515) were observed only at the farmer-managed field during Rabi 2024–25; all other correlations were non-significant. The aphid catches were higher at the farmer-managed field than at the university farm.</p> Abhishek Singh, Rakesh Pandey, Mukesh Kumar Mishra, Sundar Pal, Bhupendra Kumar Singh, Surendra Kumar Singh Copyright (c) 2026 Author(s). The licensee is the journal publisher. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 https://mbimph.com/index.php/UPJOZ/article/view/5907 Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Novel Bacterial Shell Disease Syndrome in the Mud Crab Scylla serrata (Forskål, 1775) from the Pichavaram Mangrove Ecosystem, Southeast Coast of India https://mbimph.com/index.php/UPJOZ/article/view/5908 <p>Shell disease syndrome is characterised by progressive alterations of the crustacean cuticle and may involve interactions among the host, microorganisms, and environmental conditions. This study aimed to (i) characterize the morphological and histopathological changes associated with shell lesions in the wild mud crab <em>Scylla serrata</em> and (ii) characterize lesion-associated <em>Aeromonas</em> through 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. A crab exhibiting conspicuous rust-brown to dark-brown lesions on the appendages and ventral body surface was collected from Mudasalodai Fishing Harbour adjacent to the Pichavaram mangrove ecosystem, southeast coast of India. Gross pathological observations were recorded, and tissue samples were fixed, processed by routine histological procedures, sectioned, and examined microscopically to assess tissue and cellular alterations. For molecular characterisation, DNA from lesion-associated material was subjected to PCR amplification and sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, followed by sequence comparison and phylogenetic analysis with reference <em>Aeromonas</em> sequences. Histological examination revealed disruption of the gill cuticle and underlying epithelium, infiltration of eosinophilic granular haemocytes, and formation of haemocyte plugs or nodules. The hepatopancreas showed an increased abundance of B-cells around the basal lamina and the tubular lumen. Two 16S rRNA gene sequences obtained from lesion-associated material, designated AH01 and AH02, occupied different positions within the <em>Aeromonas</em> sequence dataset, with bootstrap support values of 64% and 79%, respectively, and were provisionally identified as <em>Aeromonas hydrophila</em>. The findings demonstrate an association between external shell lesions, internal tissue responses, and lesion-associated <em>Aeromonas</em> DNA in the examined crab. However, because the study was restricted to a single specimen and bacterial causality was not experimentally established, further sampling, bacterial isolation, and molecular confirmation are required to determine the potential role of <em>Aeromonas</em> in shell disease of wild <em>S. serrata</em>.</p> Silambarasan Durai, Keerthika Ganesan, Vasanthan Koothan, Ayyaru Gopalakrishnan, Deepa John, Anirban Kundu, Sibiraj Yuvaraj, Vijayanand Packiaraj Copyright (c) 2026 Author(s). The licensee is the journal publisher. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 https://mbimph.com/index.php/UPJOZ/article/view/5908 Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Integrated Management of the Bean aphid (Aphis craccivora Koch) on Hyacinth Bean (Lablab purpureus L.) in Rajshahi, Bangladesh https://mbimph.com/index.php/UPJOZ/article/view/5909 <p>The bean aphid, <em>Aphis craccivora</em> Koch, is one of the major pests of hyacinth bean (<em>Lablab purpureus</em> L.). An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of selected components of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) against <em>A. craccivora</em> infestation and their effects on bean yield. Admire 200 SL (Imidacloprid) was used as a chemical insecticide, crude tobacco leaf extract as a botanical pesticide (1:10 w/v), larvae of <em>Coccinella transversalis</em> as a biological control agent, and kerosinized ash as a natural control product; these treatments were applied in two rounds. Pre-treatment data on aphid infestation were recorded 1 day before treatment, and post-treatment data were recorded at 1, 3, 7, and 20 days after each treatment. Bean yield was harvested and recorded separately for each treatment plot and sowing date. Across all three sowing dates, the lowest aphid infestation and highest bean yield were obtained from plots treated with two rounds of insecticide (T<sub>1</sub>), followed by plots treated with a first-round application of insecticide plus a second-round application of botanical extract (T<sub>2</sub>), plots receiving first- and second-round releases of natural enemies (T<sub>3),</sub> plots receiving a first-round release of natural enemies and a second-round application of botanical extract (T<sub>4),</sub> and plots treated with a first-round application of kerosinized ash plus a second-round application of botanical extract (T<sub>5</sub>). The lowest yield and highest aphid infestation were recorded in the control plots treated with two rounds of plain water spray (T<sub>6</sub>).</p> S. M. Ali Ashraf, Zerin Sultana, Shorab Ali, Bidhan Chandra Das Copyright (c) 2026 Author(s). The licensee is the journal publisher. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 https://mbimph.com/index.php/UPJOZ/article/view/5909 Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Annelid Fauna of Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, India https://mbimph.com/index.php/UPJOZ/article/view/5910 <p>Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, has historically had limited locality-specific documentation of annelid diversity. A faunal survey conducted in 2026 assessed earthworms and leeches collected from moist microhabitats across the district. Field collection targeted leaf litter, decaying organic matter, and moist soil, with specimens recovered using pickaxes or spades. Specimens were narcotised, fixed, preserved, and examined using external morphological and internal anatomical characters for taxonomic identification. In total, 102 specimens were examined, comprising 84 earthworms and 18 leeches. Fourteen taxa were recorded: 13 earthworm taxa, of which 12 were identified to species level and one was retained as <em>Perionyx</em> sp., and one leech species. The earthworm material represented seven genera and three families, while the leech material represented one genus and one family. The systematic account reports district-level distributional records and identifies one named species—<em>Perionyx</em> <em>shyamasreetus</em>, as first record from West Bengal. <em>Perionyx</em> sp. is retained as an unidentified taxon and is excluded from formal species-level and state-new-record counts. The material includes taxa collected from Nandigram, Mahishadal, Patashpur, Khejuri, Bhagawanpur, and other localities within Purba Medinipur. Recorded abundance varied among earthworm taxa, while the leech material comprised 18 specimens of <em>Haemadipsa</em> <em>sylvestris</em>. These observations update the district-level annelid inventory and provide locality-specific baseline information on the occurrence and distribution of earthworms and leeches in the surveyed habitats. The findings also support continued systematic sampling to improve documentation of annelid diversity in Purba Medinipur.</p> Chandra Kanta Mandal, Dhirendra Nath Das, Bidisha Das Copyright (c) 2026 Author(s). The licensee is the journal publisher. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 https://mbimph.com/index.php/UPJOZ/article/view/5910 Sat, 17 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Effects of Sickle Bush Pod Meal Supplementation on Nutrient Intake, Apparent Digestibility, and Nitrogen Balance in Blackhead Persian Sheep Fed Rhodes Grass Hay https://mbimph.com/index.php/UPJOZ/article/view/5911 <p>This study evaluated sickle bush (<em>Dichrostachys cinerea</em>) pod meal supplementation of Rhodes grass (<em>Chloris gayana</em>) hay in growing Blackhead Persian sheep. Three male sheep with a mean initial body weight of 17.73 ± 0.09 kg (mean ± SD) received hay alone or hay supplemented with 200 or 300 g pod meal/day as fed in a 3 × 3 Latin square. Each period comprised 7 days of adaptation and 5 days of total collection of faeces and urine. Pod meal contained 186.5 g crude protein/kg dry matter (DM), compared with 35.0 g/kg DM in hay. Total DM intake was 296.2, 460.5 and 625.5 g/day in the control, 200 and 300 g/day treatments, respectively (P = 0.0059), with all three means differing in the pairwise comparisons. Organic matter and fibre intakes also differed among all treatments, whereas crude protein intake was greater in both supplemented treatments than in the control but did not differ between supplementation levels. Apparent DM, organic matter and neutral detergent fibre digestibility showed exploratory tendencies toward treatment differences (P = 0.059, 0.057 and 0.069), whereas crude protein digestibility did not differ significantly. The overall treatment effect on acid detergent fibre digestibility was significant (P = 0.048), although no Tukey-adjusted pairwise difference was detected. Nitrogen retention was 0.5, 3.6 and 4.3 g/day, respectively (P = 0.022); both supplemented treatments exceeded the control but did not differ from each other. Nitrogen retention as a percentage of intake showed an exploratory tendency toward treatment differences (P = 0.065), while retention as a percentage of digested nitrogen and body-weight change did not differ significantly. Supplementation increased total nutrient intake and absolute nitrogen retention, without establishing improved nitrogen-use efficiency, a general digestibility benefit or a growth response.</p> Francisco Kanyinji, Acrisius Longwani, Simushi Liswaniso, Jonas W. Ng’ambi, Oswin Chibinga, Joseph Simbaya Copyright (c) 2026 Author(s). The licensee is the journal publisher. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 https://mbimph.com/index.php/UPJOZ/article/view/5911 Sat, 17 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Nesting Habits of the Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus (Linnaeus, 1766) in the Agricultural Landscape of Dharmabad, Nanded District, Maharashtra, India https://mbimph.com/index.php/UPJOZ/article/view/5912 <p>The intricate nesting habits of the Baya Weaver <em>Ploceus philippinus</em> were studied in the agricultural landscape of Dharmabad, Nanded district, Maharashtra, between April and September 2026. This research focuses on Baya Weaver nesting habits such as nesting sites, nesting colonies, nesting materials, nest construction, nest repair, clay deposits on nest walls, various developmental stages of nests and certain threats to their nests. A total of 70 nests at different developmental stages (wad stage, ring stage, helmet stage, egg-chamber closed stage and complete nest stage) were studied. Of the 70 nests, 42 (60%) were active, 18 (26%) were abandoned and 10 (14%) had fallen to the ground. The Baya Weaver uses leaf fibres of palm fronds (Indian date palm), sugarcane leaves, paddy leaves and coarse grasses as nesting materials and takes an average of 18 days, ranging from 6–48 days, depending on the environmental conditions suitable for nest construction. Various anthropogenic activities, environmental factors (monsoon rain, wind, temperature and humidity), and natural predators such as crows, treepies, raptors, snakes and lizards pose threats to the Baya Weaver. Our research findings suggest that the Baya Weaver possesses specific adaptations for nesting in particular tree species, such as acacia and various tall palm trees. The present study enhances understanding of nesting habits of Baya Weaver and provides insights for the conservation of this species.</p> Sanket Kadam Copyright (c) 2026 Author(s). The licensee is the journal publisher. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 https://mbimph.com/index.php/UPJOZ/article/view/5912 Sat, 17 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Impact of Oil Refinery Spillage on Heavy Metal Contamination and Pollution Indices in Biotic and Abiotic Components in Ennore Creek, India https://mbimph.com/index.php/UPJOZ/article/view/5913 <p>Heavy metal contamination has rapidly increased in recent decades, having a significant effect on the aquatic environment and the organisms inhabiting it. The principal objective of this study was to determine the concentrations of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) in water, sediment and biological samples collected before and after the oil spill in Ennore Creek. The commercially consumed fish species <em>Elops saurus</em> and <em>Gerres filamentosus</em> were identified using morphometric characteristics according to an established protocol. Heavy metal concentrations showed marked variation among stations, with Pb exhibiting the highest levels in water and sediment</p> <p>(320.31 μg/L and 856 mg/kg, respectively), followed by Cr (100 μg/L and 164.2 mg/kg). Among the biological matrices analysed after the oil spill, <em>Elops saurus</em> exhibited greater Cr accumulation (2.09 mg/kg), while polychaetes exhibited comparatively elevated Pb levels (1.60 mg/kg). Overall, the elevated metal concentrations, particularly in sediment and biota, indicate potential bioaccumulation and ecological concern in the study area. Pollution indices, including the geoaccumulation index, pollution load index and bioaccumulation factor, indicated increased pollution following the oil spill. These findings highlight the need to protect and improve aquatic ecosystem health for future generations.</p> Anupama Vijay, Madhavi Mookkan, Janani Sridhar Copyright (c) 2026 Author(s). The licensee is the journal publisher. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 https://mbimph.com/index.php/UPJOZ/article/view/5913 Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Effects of Plant Essential Oils Fumigation on Acetylcholinesterase Activity in Surviving Adults of Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) https://mbimph.com/index.php/UPJOZ/article/view/5914 <p>Essential oils (EOs) are well known for their diverse insecticidal properties, including fumigant activity against insect pests infesting stored products. However, their effects on insect physiological processes may differ among oils. This study evaluated acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in adult <em>C. maculatus</em> following 24-h fumigation in desiccators using seven essential oils (Ajwain, Cumin, Coriander, Dill, Celery, Caraway and Black Pepper), at their respective lethal concentrations. The oils were extracted by the hydrodistillation method using a Clevenger apparatus. The LC₅₀ concentrations ranged from 18.8 to 154.8 µL L⁻¹, and observed mortality ranged from 45 to 55% (n = 20, r = 3), whereas mortality in the untreated control was 3.33%. The AChE activities were measured in surviving adults in three replicates using Ellman’s assay. A significant treatment effect was detected among the seven oils and the untreated control. Untreated insects showed the highest AChE activity (44.51 ± 0.96 U min⁻¹ mg⁻¹ protein), whereas Caraway-treated survivors exhibited the lowest activity (11.51 ± 1.18). Relative to the untreated control, AChE activity was reduced by 13.60–74.14% across the oil treatments, with the greatest reduction observed following Caraway exposure, followed by Celery (42%), Ajwain (38.2%), Black Pepper (36.9%) and Dill (30.9%). Cumin and Coriander produced comparatively lower reductions of 13.9 and 13.6%, respectively. These results demonstrate oil-specific alterations in AChE activity among surviving adults despite a similar mortality endpoint. The findings support the inclusion of biochemical endpoints alongside mortality for characterising the physiological effects of acute essential-oil fumigation and provide a basis for further concentration-, time- and mechanism-oriented investigations of neurophysiological responses in <em>C. maculatus</em>. This study provides an opportunity to identify promising essential oils for sustainable, non-synthetic approaches to managing bruchids infesting stored pulses.</p> Lakshmi Pandey, Kalpana Tewari, Revanasidda Aidbhavi, Anup Chandra, Vaibhav Kumar, Ranjitha M. R., Mukesh Srivastava, C. L. Maurya Copyright (c) 2026 Author(s). The licensee is the journal publisher. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 https://mbimph.com/index.php/UPJOZ/article/view/5914 Thu, 22 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Host-plant Associations of Moths Across Agro-ecosystem Landscapes of Central Uttar Pradesh, India https://mbimph.com/index.php/UPJOZ/article/view/5915 <p>This study documented moth diversity and host-plant associations across selected agricultural and associated habitats of Central and Northern Uttar Pradesh, India. The present study was conducted to document moth diversity and host-plant associations across selected agricultural and associated habitats of Central and Northern Uttar Pradesh, India. Field observations and collections were carried out at representative localities in Kanpur, Lucknow, and Lakhimpur Kheri, covering agricultural fields, experimental farms, forestry areas, and associated habitats. Adult moths and larvae were recorded through direct field searches, handpicking, and crop inspections, while host plants were identified from observed larval feeding associations and verified using botanical references. A total of 34 moth species associated with 33 unique host-plant species belonging to 16 plant families were documented. Crambidae, Noctuidae, and Erebidae represented prominent components of the recorded fauna. Host utilisation varied considerably among species, ranging from relatively host-restricted associations to broad polyphagy. <em>Helicoverpa armigera</em> exhibited the broadest host range, utilising six crop species belonging to Fabaceae, Poaceae, and Solanaceae. Other economically important species, including <em>Spodoptera litura</em>, <em>Spoladea recurvalis</em>, <em>Leucinodes orbonalis</em>, <em>Cnaphalocrocis medinalis</em>, and <em>Scirpophaga incertulas</em>, showed distinct patterns of host utilisation. The study provides baseline information on moth–host-plant relationships and highlights their ecological and agricultural significance for future biodiversity assessment, pest monitoring, and integrated pest management in Uttar Pradesh.</p> Ram Ajeet Chaudhary, Anand Kumar Panday, Mukesh Shrivastava, Naushad Khan, Harish Chandra Singh, Shweta, Mohit Tiwari, Rajendra Prasad, Suraj Singh, Laxmi Pandey, Abhiskek Yadav, Pradeep Yadav, Sibun Kumar Raut Copyright (c) 2026 Author(s). The licensee is the journal publisher. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 https://mbimph.com/index.php/UPJOZ/article/view/5915 Thu, 22 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Freshwater Molluscan Diversity, Abundance and Community Structure in Tank Ecosystems of Kadegaon, Maharashtra, India https://mbimph.com/index.php/UPJOZ/article/view/5916 <p><strong>Background:</strong> Freshwater molluscs are important components of inland aquatic ecosystems, yet local information on their assemblages in tank habitats of Kadegaon, Maharashtra, remains limited.</p> <p><strong>Aim: </strong>To assess the diversity, abundance, distribution, and community structure of freshwater molluscs inhabiting selected tank ecosystems of Kadegaon, Sangli District, Maharashtra.</p> <p><strong>Study Design: </strong>A field-based comparative study was conducted in two freshwater tank ecosystems.</p> <p><strong>Place and Duration of Study: </strong>Nerli Tank (Site-I) and Surli Ghat Tank (Site-II), located in Kadegaon, Sangli District, Maharashtra, India. The study was carried out during January 2026, with repeated sampling conducted at both sites.</p> <p><strong>Methodology: </strong>Freshwater molluscs were sampled using hand-picking, scoop-net collection, and random quadrat sampling (1 m × 1 m). Specimens were identified based on shell morphology and standard taxonomic keys. Species abundance and distribution were recorded for both sites, and community diversity was evaluated using the Shannon–Wiener diversity index and Simpson’s dominance index.</p> <p><strong>Results: </strong>Five molluscan species belonging to the classes Gastropoda and Bivalvia were recorded: <em>Pila</em> sp., <em>Bellamya</em> sp., <em>Lymnaea</em> sp., <em>Trochus</em> sp., and <em>Lamellidens</em> sp. Gastropods were dominant at both sites. Site-I recorded 167 individuals, while Site-II recorded 115 individuals. <em>Lymnaea</em> sp. was the most abundant species, whereas <em>Trochus</em> sp. showed the lowest abundance. <em>Lamellidens</em> sp. was recorded exclusively at Site-I. The Shannon–Wiener diversity index was 1.41035 at Site-I and 1.27101 at Site-II, while Simpson’s dominance index was 0.276820 and 0.292906, respectively.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Nerli Tank supported greater molluscan abundance and slightly higher species diversity than Surli Ghat Tank. The differences in species composition, abundance, and distribution between the two sites suggest variation in habitat characteristics and ecological conditions. The study highlights the ecological importance of tank ecosystems as habitats for freshwater molluscan communities and provides baseline information for future biodiversity monitoring and conservation.</p> S. R. Londhe, N. H. Shaikh, N. A. Kamble Copyright (c) 2026 Author(s). The licensee is the journal publisher. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 https://mbimph.com/index.php/UPJOZ/article/view/5916 Thu, 22 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Evaluation of Biopesticides and Biorationals against Sucking Pest Complex and Their Safety to Ladybird Beetle of Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] https://mbimph.com/index.php/UPJOZ/article/view/5917 <p>A field experiment was conducted during the kharif 2025 season at the Instructional Farm, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Dhule, Maharashtra, to evaluate selected biopesticides and biorationals against sucking pests of okra and assess their effects on predatory ladybird beetles. Seven treatments, including an untreated control, were arranged in a randomised block design with three replications. Two foliar sprays were applied at a 14-day interval. Leafhopper, aphid and whitefly populations were assessed on three leaves of five tagged plants per plot, while ladybird beetles were counted per plant. Emamectin benzoate 5% SG at 0.5 g/L recorded the lowest mean populations across both sprays: 0.88 leafhoppers, 1.19 aphids and 0.48 whiteflies per three leaves per plant, compared with 6.76, 15.12 and 6.94, respectively, in the untreated control. Among the biopesticides, sequential application of <em>Lecanicillium lecanii</em> followed by <em>Beauveria bassiana</em> 1.15% WP gave mean counts of 2.40 leafhoppers, 3.81 aphids and 1.76 whiteflies. <em>Metarhizium anisopliae</em> 1.15% WP also reduced pest populations, with corresponding means of 2.64, 4.47 and 2.13. Ladybird beetle populations showed no statistically significant differences among treatments at the recorded observation times. Under the conditions of this field experiment, emamectin benzoate provided the greatest suppression of the three sucking pests, while the fungal treatments showed potential as biological management options.</p> Ravindra Orya Vasave, B. M. Mhaske, D. R. Nandre, P. P. Patil, Aniket Prakash Ahire, K. S. Kolhe, P. B. Toradmal Copyright (c) 2026 Author(s). The licensee is the journal publisher. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 https://mbimph.com/index.php/UPJOZ/article/view/5917 Thu, 22 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Limnological Studies on Somasila Reservoir in Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh, India https://mbimph.com/index.php/UPJOZ/article/view/5918 <p>This study examined temporal variation in physicochemical characteristics of surface water and sediment in Somasila Reservoir, SPSR Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh, between December 2024 and July 2025. Samples were obtained monthly from three stations and analysed using standard methods. The monitoring period covered the northeast monsoon, winter, hot-weather season and southwest monsoon. Water variables included temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, carbon dioxide, chloride, salinity, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, alkalinity, hardness and selected nutrients. Sediment measurements comprised pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon and available nitrogen and phosphorus. Across the study period, water temperature ranged from 26.70 to 34.10 °C, pH from 7.25 to 8.50 and dissolved oxygen from 4.53 to 9.53 mg/L. Electrical conductivity ranged from 234.67 to 421.33 µS/cm, while nitrate and phosphate concentrations ranged from 0.017 to 0.367 mg/L and 0.067 to 1.020 mg/L, respectively. Higher water temperature and conductivity occurred during hot weather, whereas increased nitrite, nitrate and phosphate concentrations were observed during monsoon months. Sediment pH ranged from 6.03 to 7.77 and organic carbon from 0.62% to 1.24%. Descriptive analysis, correlation analysis and analysis of variance were used to examine relationships and variation among the recorded parameters. The results document seasonal differences in measured water and sediment properties and provide a baseline for continued reservoir monitoring and fisheries-related management.</p> M. Kartik, K. Madhavi, R. R. Anupama, N. Jesintha, P. Venkata Srinivasulu, K. Pujitha, P. Pooja, Anamdasu Yasaswi Copyright (c) 2026 Author(s). The licensee is the journal publisher. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 https://mbimph.com/index.php/UPJOZ/article/view/5918 Thu, 22 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000