LUCKNOW, May 10 -- A research by the Zoology department of Lucknow University, conducted under the Uttar Pradesh government's "Centre of Excellence" programme, focused on controlling harmful pests through the natural chemical cues of the ladybird beetle. A grant of Rs 4 lakh has been sanctioned for the study. Ladybird beetles are generally known for their predatory nature, as they directly feed on pests such as aphids. However, research led by assistant professor Tripti Yadav found the non-consumptive effects of ladybird beetles. The study found that chemical residues and odours released by ladybird beetles influence the behaviour, feeding patterns, growth, and reproductive rate of aphids. "It is believed that the mere presence of ladybird beetles can create a 'predation risk' in the environment, causing harmful pests to avoid damaging crops or naturally reduce in number. At present, conventional pest-control methods rely heavily on synthetic pesticides, which not only pollute the environment but also increase pesticide resistance among pests. This will become a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides in the future," said Yadav. She said that initial laboratory studies have revealed that exposure to extracts prepared from ladybird beetles significantly reduces the survival rate of aphids and alters their behaviour. "The project is expected to play a vital role in ensuring agricultural sustainability in Uttar Pradesh and may pave the way for the development of effective bio-pesticides in the future," she added....