The maruca pod borer (Maruca vitrata) is recognized as a highly destructive arthropod, inflicting harsh damage on a broad spectrum of pulse crops and leading to substantial economic losses. As it can thrive on a diverse range of hosts and adaptability, it remains a persistent pest throughout the year under varying agro-climatic conditions. This insect attacks multiple plant parts, including leaves, flowers, and pods. Its seasonal occurrence varies across crops and growing seasons; however, larval infestation typically peaks during the flowering and pod formation stages. Females oviposit flattened, scale-like eggs on floral buds, blossoms, foliage, leaf axils, developing pods, and apical shoots. The caterpillars are translucent, bearing distinct dark-brown markings on across all body segments. The caterpillar period extends for about 11–21 days, whereas the complete life span ranges from 27 to 36 daylights, varying with the host plant. Adoption of cultural methods such as mixed cropping, properly timed weed control, optimum sowing period, and appropriate plant spacing has been shown to reduce its incidence in crops like cowpea. Botanical insecticides, including neem-based formulations including neem kernel extract (NSKE) and neem oil besides bio-pesticides like Bacillus thuringiensis, have exhibited distinct degrees of effectiveness across grain legumes Similarly, the effectiveness of insecticides belonging to various chemical classes against this pest has been well documented.
Mr. Seaweeds are macroscopic marine algae, rich in vitamins, minerals and amino acids. They contain many trace elements and essential nutrients needed to fight against many human diseases, including heart problems, hypertension, sugar problem and cancer. They are characterized by a thallus organization and the absence of true vascular tissues. Taxonomically seaweeds are distributed in major algal groups i.e. in green algae (Chlorophyta), red algae (Rhodophyta) and brown algae (Phaeophta). Red seaweeds are more abundant in subtropical and tropical waters, whereas brown seaweeds predominate in temperate regions. The capability of rapid biomass production and presence of favourable nutritional composition, makes seaweeds a significant contributor of nutritional security, pharmaceutical industry, aquaculture feed, biofertilisers and other agricultural amendments. These attributes are particularly relevant in the context of declining arable soil fertility, stagnating crop yields in many regions, and growing global population pressures that increase the risk of food insecurity. Many coastal states possess extensive bays and lagoons that are suitable for marine farming, yet large-scale cultivation of seaweeds remains underdeveloped. Seaweed culture typically requires relatively low capital and input intensity, can deliver high returns per unit area, and provides opportunities for local employment making it an attractive livelihood option for coastal communities. Strategic investment in cultivation infrastructure, species selection, post-harvest processing, and product development and value-chain integration can increase domestic supply, expand exportable products, and generate socioeconomic benefits for coastal populations. With targeted R&D and investment, countries such as India could become significant producers of seaweed-derived products, enhancing both national food and nutritional security and fisheries export value.
