Papers by Dr. Khalid Ali Khan
Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 2019
This study investigated pollinator assemblage diversity and richness in four forested ecosystems ... more This study investigated pollinator assemblage diversity and richness in four forested ecosystems of southern Punjab, Pakistan, with different landscape types. Pirowal is situated in the plains of irrigated Punjab, Lal Suhanra is part of a sandy desert ecosystem, Ghazi Ghat is part of the Indus River delta, and Fort Munro is located in dry hilly mountains. A yearlong survey of pollinator populations was carried out in these four forested ecosystems from January to December of 2010. Fortnightly hand netting was performed for collecting flower-visiting insects whereas, pan traps of three colors (white, blue, and yellow) were deployed for collecting the data. A total of 8,812 individuals from two orders (Lepidoptera and Diptera) were observed, including 22 families and 154 species. Bees were the most abundant, with 4,502 individuals, and the most species-rich taxa, with 70 species in five families, followed by flies having 2,509 individuals and 51species in 10 families. Wasps were the least abundant with 1,801 individuals and 33 species in seven families. The assemblage structure of pollinator communities as visualized through rank abundance curves showed that there were many species with low abundance and only a few species with a much higher abundance. The most abundant species among the bees, in order, were Nomia sp.3, Megachile bicolor, and Colletes sp.3; among flies, Syrphus sp.2, Calliphoridae sp.1, and Empididae sp.4; and among wasps, Tiphiidae sp.1, Myzininae sp.2, and Scelionidae sp.1.
International Journal of Tropical Insect Science
Pulse beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus (Bruchidae: Coleoptera), commonly known as Cowpea weevil o... more Pulse beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus (Bruchidae: Coleoptera), commonly known as Cowpea weevil or Cowpea seed beetle is a pest of stored grain that attacks legumes in the field and stored conditions. An investigation was conducted for screening the developmental preference of Callosobruchus maculatus in different legumes. Five different legumes were used with three replications in Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The grains of legumes were obtained from the local market of Dera Ghazi Khan. Two pairs of adult (C. maculatus) were inoculated in 20 g seeds of different legumes. Statistics on egg count, egg-laying preference percentage, hatching percentage, incubation period, larval + pupal period, total developmental period (from egg to adult), male and female population, total adult emergence, No. of holes in seeds and seeds weight loss percentage was recorded. The outcomes of this study represented that red kidney bean grains (22.54%) contained more egg-laying preference for C. maculatus as compared to other tested legumes while desi chickpea grains (14.53%) had a lesser ovipositional preference. Minimum growth period was recorded on mung bean (22.66 days), followed by cowpea (24.33 days), kabuli chickpea (27 days) and desi chickpea (30.33 days). But there was (0.0 days) no growth of C. maculatus on red kidney bean grains. In short, smooth seed coat and well-filled seeds were most preferred by C. maculatus for egg-laying, short developmental time, maximum adult emergence and increased holed seeds.
International Journal of Tropical Insect Science, 2020
Worldwide, stored products are attacked by a large number of pests resulting in significant econo... more Worldwide, stored products are attacked by a large number of pests resulting in significant economic losses. Among these stored grain pests, khapra beetle, Trogoderma granarium (Everts) (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) is one of the top ranked pests that has ability to survive under diverse climate conditions. The management of this pest is mainly done by using synthetic chemicals which have side effects on consumers, ecosystem and non-target organisms. However, phyto-derivatives were found to be the effective environment friendly alternatives against T. granarium. Therefore, in this review, success of phyto-derivatives against khapra beetle from conventional means to modern research has been critically analyzed, summarized and discussed. In context, the different life stages of the insect starting from egg laying to adult development have been briefly explained. The review focuses upon recent research conducted on the evaluation of dozens of phyto-derivatives. In addition, the article has also highlighted some limitations of plant derived compounds and concludes via hoping that the future formulated pesticides will be safer, economical, least toxic to human and our planet ecosystem.
Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part C: Toxicology & Pharmacology, 2021
The host-pathogen interaction has been explored by several investigations, but the impact of fung... more The host-pathogen interaction has been explored by several investigations, but the impact of fungal pathogens against insect resistance is still ambiguous. Therefore, we assessed the enzymatic activity and defense-related gene expression of Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) nymphal and adult populations on Huanglongbing-diseased citrus plants under the attack of Cordyceps fumosorosea. Overall, five enzymes viz. superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), carboxylesterase (CarE), and four genes, namely SOD, 16S, CYP4C68, CYP4BD1, were selected for respective observations from ACP populations. Enzymatic activity of four enzymes (SOD, POD, GST, CarE) was significantly decreased after 5-days post-treatment (dpt) and 3-dpt fungal exposure in fungal treated ACP adult and nymphal populations, respectively, whereas the activity of CAT was boosted substantially post-treatment time schedule. Besides, we recorded drastic fluctuations in the expression of CYP4 genes among fungal treated ACP populations. After 24 hours post-treatment (hpt), expression of both CYP4 genes was boosted in fungal treated populations than controlled populations (adult and nymph). After 3-dpt, however, the expression of CYP4 genes was declined in the given populations. Likewise, fungal attack deteriorated the resistance of adult and nymphal of ACP population, as SOD expression was down-regulated in fungal-treated adult and nymphs after 5-dpt and 3-dpt exposure, respectively. Moreover, bacterial expression via the 16S gene was significantly increased in fungal-treated adult and nymphal ACP populations with increasing post-treatment time. Overall, our data illustrate that the fungal application disrupted the insect defense system. The expression of these genes and enzymes suppress the immune function of adult and nymphal ACP populations. As it is reported first time that the applications of C. fumosorosea against ACP reduce insect resistance by interfering with the CYP4 and SOD system. Therefore, we propose new strategies to discover the role of certain toxic compounds from fungus, which can reduce insect resistance, focusing on resistance-related genes and enzymes.
Journal of King Saud University - Science, 2021
Bactrocera dorsalis and B. correcta (Diptera: Tephritidae) are economically important pests of fr... more Bactrocera dorsalis and B. correcta (Diptera: Tephritidae) are economically important pests of fruits and have caused serious damage to fruits for the last several years worldwide. In China, B. correcta is second economic pest of fruits after B. dorsalis. Considering the importance of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs, Information regarding host preference and fitness of both Bactrocera species are necessary for better management strategies. Therefore, the current study explains the response of both Bactrocera species on banana, guava, and mango fruits. The cultivar of banana, guava, and mango fruits used first time in this study. Therefore, the volatile/aromatic components of banana, guava, and mango fruits were determined using porapak Q via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results concluded that the number of male flies of both species on each types of fruits were lower in comparison to female flies. The number of flies and oviposition punctures by female B. dorsalis flies were maximum on mango fruits than those of guava and banana fruits. While in the case of B. correcta, the guava fruits were preferable for visits and oviposition punctures than those of other two fruits. Mango fruits were more favorable for the development and survival of both Bactrocera species than those of other two fruits. The GC/MS results indicated that butanoic acid-3-methylbutyl ester, a-caryophyllene, and 3-carene were the major volatile components of banana, guava, and mango fruits, respectively. Based on the results, mango and guava fruits were more suitable for both Bactrocera species. Future studies are needed to confirm the results of this laboratory study in the fruit orchards.
Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology, 2019
, et al., Enhanced effects of dietary tannic acid with chlorantraniliprole on life table paramete... more , et al., Enhanced effects of dietary tannic acid with chlorantraniliprole on life table parameters and nutritional physiology of Spodoptera exigua (Hübner), Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology,
Cercetari Agronomice in Moldova, 2014
A study was conducted at the Eco-toxicology laboratory in the Department of Agricultural Entomolo... more A study was conducted at the Eco-toxicology laboratory in the Department of Agricultural Entomology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, against three species Apis florea, A. dorsata and A. mellifera of honey bees, to check long-term survival of honeybees when exposed to different insecticides. In this study, we used a modeling approach regarding survival data of caged bees under chronic exposure to seven insecticides (Carbosulfan, Chlorpyrifos, Bifenthrin, Spinosad, Indoxacarb, Emamectin benzoate and Imidacloprid), having three replicates and four concentrations (1000, 500, 250, 125 and 0 ppm). We demonstrate the chronic toxicity induced by these insecticides. Laboratory bioassay of these insecticides showed that carbosulfan and imidacloprid were the most toxic at their high dose (1000 ppm) with LT50 of 4 hours in each case for A. mellifera, chlorpyrifos and imidacloprid were the most toxic at their high dose (1000 ppm) with LT50 of 5 hours in each case for A. florea whereas chlo...
PLOS ONE, 2021
Background Pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is a native pest of... more Background Pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is a native pest of Asia and preferably invasion on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) crop as a commendatory host plant. Commercially, G. hirsutum is known as white gold and is an important cash crop all over the globe. Limited studies were published to focus on certain dietary compositions against different cotton pests. Therefore, the present study was undertaken in the laboratory under controlled conditions (temperature: 27 ± 2°C and relative humidity: 60 ± 10%) to determine the impact of three different treatment diets (wheat germ meal, okra, and chickpea) on the biological aspects (lifetime, developmental period) of P. gossypiella. Results Results revealed that the shortest larval time of P. gossypiella was observed on the okra feed diet while the longest period was recorded on the wheat germ diet. Meanwhile, the pupation delay was noted on the wheat germ diet. The dietary influence was also observed on ...
Journal of King Saud University - Science, 2021
Objectives: The activity and productivity of the honey bee colony depend upon many factors operat... more Objectives: The activity and productivity of the honey bee colony depend upon many factors operating simultaneously and reacts to some environmental conditions. We aimed to study the morphometric characteristics and glands development of nurse and forager of hybrid Carniolan honey bee (Apis mellifera carnica Pollmann) workers in relation to activities of the colony during the different seasons. Methods: The study was conducted during spring, summer, fall, then winter in 2020/2021. Ten colonies of hybrid Carniolan honey bees, every colony with about 14,000 bees, were utilizedz. The seasonal variations of foraging activity, hoarded pollen area, and sealed brood area were determined. Also, the body weight, some morphometric characteristics, and development of glands of nurses and foragers bees were measured. Results and conclusions: The highest numbers of foragers and pollen foragers/colony/min., stored pollen area, and worker sealed brood area were recorded in May. Measurements of nurses reared during spring were larger than nurses and foragers of other seasons for body weight, mandibular and hypopharyngeal glands (HPGs), length and width of the 2nd wax mirror. The highest proboscis and corbicula lengths were found in foragers reared during spring, without significant differences between worker castes. It can be concluded that the performance of the colony, morphometric characteristics, and development of glands were dependent on the time of the year. Beekeepers in Kafrelsheikh province and similar environmental condition areas should provide the colonies with pollen substitutes or supplements during April, June, and October to February to maintain the strength of the colonies.
Toxicon, 2021
Microbial pathogens attack every plant tissue, including leaves, roots, shoots, and flowers durin... more Microbial pathogens attack every plant tissue, including leaves, roots, shoots, and flowers during all growth stages. Thus, they cause several diseases resulting in a plant's failure or loss of the whole crop in severe cases. To combat the pathogens attack, plants produce some biologically active toxic compounds known as saponins. The saponins are secondary metabolic compounds produced in healthy plants with potential anti-pathogenic activity and serve as potential chemical barriers against pathogens. Saponins are classified into two major groups the steroidal and terpenoid saponins. Here, we reported the significance of saponin toxins in the war against insect pests, fungal, and bacterial pathogens. Saponins are present in both cultivated (chilies, spinach, soybean, quinoa, onion, oat, tea, etc.) and wild plant species. As they are natural toxic constituents of plant defense, breeders and plant researchers aiming to boost plant immunity should focus on transferring these compounds in cash crops.
Scientific Reports, 2021
Pollinators can detect the color, shape, scent, and even temperature of the flowers they want to ... more Pollinators can detect the color, shape, scent, and even temperature of the flowers they want to visit. Here, we present the previously unappreciated capacity of hoverflies (Eristalis tenax and Cheilosia albipila) to detect the electric field surrounding flowers. Using hoverflies as key dipteran pollinators, we explored the electrical interactions between flies and flowers—how a hoverfly acquired a charge and how their electrical sensing ability for target flowers contributed to nectar identification and pollination. This study revealed that rapid variations in a floral electric field were related to a nectar reward and increased the likelihood of the fly’s return visits. We found that thoracic hairs played a role in the polarity of hoverfly charge, revealing their electro-mechanosensory capability, as in bumblebees (Bombus terrestris). Electrophysiological analysis of the hoverfly’s antennae did not reveal neural sensitivity to the electric field, which favors the mechanosensory ha...
Microbial Pathogenesis, 2021
Global food security is threatened by insect pests of economically important crops. Chemical pest... more Global food security is threatened by insect pests of economically important crops. Chemical pesticides have been used frequently for the last few decades to manage insect pests throughout the world. However, these chemicals are hazardous for human health as well as the ecosystem. In addition, several pests have evolved resistance to many chemicals. Finding environment friendly alternatives lead the researchers to introduce biocontrol agents such as entomopathogenic fungi (EPF). These fungi include various genera that can infect and kill insects efficiently. Moreover, EPFs have considerable host specificity with a mild effect on non-target organisms and can be produced in bulk quantity quickly. However, insights into the biology of EPF and mechanism of action are of prime significance for their efficient utilization as a biocontrol agent. This review focuses on EPF-mediated insect management by explaining particular EPF strains and their general mode of action. We have comprehensively discussed which criteria should be used for the selection of pertinent EPF, and which aspects can impact the EPF efficiency. Finally, we have outlined various advantages of EPF and their limitations. The article summarizes the prospects related to EPF utilization as biocontrol agents. We hope that future strategies for the management of insects will be safer for our planet.
PLOS ONE, 2020
Bee pollen is a natural product that has valuable nutritional and medicinal characteristics and h... more Bee pollen is a natural product that has valuable nutritional and medicinal characteristics and has recently garnered increasing attention in the food industry due to its nutritive value. Here, we harvested pollen loads from the Al-Ahsa oasis in eastern Saudi Arabia during spring, summer, autumn, and winter in 2018/2019 to compare the nutritional value of bee pollen protein with the amino acid requirements of honeybees and adult humans. Based on the nutritional value of bee pollen protein, the optimal season for harvesting bee pollen was determined. The composition of the bee pollen showed the highest contents of crude protein, total amino acids, leucine, glutamic acid, valine, isoleucine, threonine, and glycine in samples collected in spring. The highest contents of lysine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, arginine, tyrosine, and cysteine were observed in samples collected in winter. The highest contents of histidine, methionine, and serine were in samples collected in autumn....
Journal of King Saud University - Science, 2021
Objectives: The small hive beetles (SHBs) cause dangerous damages to bee colonies in several coun... more Objectives: The small hive beetles (SHBs) cause dangerous damages to bee colonies in several countries. Some African countries represent the native land to these beetles. The SHBs are not well established in North Africa and South Europe (the closest land to the native countries). Therefore, this study aimed to model the current and future distribution of SHBs in Africa and South Europe utilizing temperature datasets. Methods: A total of 250 occurrence data was incorporated in the study. Six temperature variables were used in the Maxent analysis to model the suitability of the study countries for the SHBs. Three climate models were used to estimate the future distribution of SHBs in 2050 and 2070, considering the lowest and the highest limits of the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (126 and 585). Results and conclusions: The high performance of the used model was confirmed by analyzing omission/commission rates as well as the area under curve. All future maps showed the potential expansion of SHBs towards the Northern parts of Africa and some parts in Europe. Such potential expansion was discussed in light of current distribution of SHBs. The study concluded that the SHBs can cause damages to bee colonies in new regions in Africa and Europe during the near future.
Pakistan Journal of Zoology, 2020
Authors' Contribution IP conducted all practical and theoretical work. JIQ and YS supervised all ... more Authors' Contribution IP conducted all practical and theoretical work. JIQ and YS supervised all practical work and manuscript.
Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 2020
Journal of King Saud University - Science, 2020
This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the ad... more This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the addition of a cover page and metadata, and formatting for readability, but it is not yet the definitive version of record. This version will undergo additional copyediting, typesetting and review before it is published in its final form, but we are providing this version to give early visibility of the article. Please note that, during the production process, errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.
Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 2019
This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the ad... more This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the addition of a cover page and metadata, and formatting for readability, but it is not yet the definitive version of record. This version will undergo additional copyediting, typesetting and review before it is published in its final form, but we are providing this version to give early visibility of the article. Please note that, during the production process, errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.
Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 2019
The yearlong association of a native bee, Pseudapis oxybeloides (Halictidae: Hymenoptera) was stu... more The yearlong association of a native bee, Pseudapis oxybeloides (Halictidae: Hymenoptera) was studied with 72 plant species in a subtropical planted forest and some adjacent agricultural landscapes at Multan, Pakistan. The study resulted in 66 interactions of P. oxybeloides with only 24 plant species in 15 families while other 48 plant species were not visited by this bee. The maximum abundance of P. oxybeloides (7-9 individuals) was recorded on Achyranthes aspera and Launaea procumbens followed by Ageratum conyzoides, Trianthema portulacastrum and Cleome viscosa (5-6 individuals). Majority (19) of plant species were visited by only 1-4 individuals. The bee activity was started in the month of March which attained its peak in May followed by a gradual decline until September. No bees were observed during the months of January and February. There was a significant positive relationship between bee abundance and number of flowering plant species. Bee abundance had a strong positive relationship with temperature while it had a strong negative relationship with relative humidity (%). Floral abundance increased with the number of flowering plant species while it was not influenced by floral span of plant species. Besides giving the floral host plants of P. oxybeloides, the current study also gives a better understanding of its seasonality along with its relationships with different biotic and abiotic factors under local conditions. These findings can help in maintaining and managing P. oxybeloides population particularly and other native bees in general at local scale.
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Papers by Dr. Khalid Ali Khan