Faculty Profiles

Dr. Mubashar Hussain

Designation : Assistant Professor
Specialization : Entomology

Email : [email protected]

Office Number : +(92) 53-3643112
Office Exten : 214

Biography

I hold a Ph.D. in Entomology from PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi and completed my postdoctoral research at the University of Western Australia. Currently, I am serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Zoology at the University of Gujrat. My research focuses on entomology, insect biodiversity, pest management, and silkworm biology, with a particular interest in the impact of environmental factors on insect populations and agroecosystems. I have contributed significantly to the field through numerous research publications, conference presentations, and book chapters. I have been also actively involved in academic leadership, serving on multiple university committees, including curriculum development, research assessment, and quality enhancement. I have also supervised 40 MPhil and 04 PhD scholars (01 completed and 03 under progress), guiding research in insect diversity, taxonomy, microbiology, insetivorous birds and ecological conservation.

Brief statement of Research Interest

  • My research focuses on entomology, biodiversity, and ecological interactions. My primary interests include insect taxonomy, insect-plant interactions, pest management strategies, silkworm biology, and sericulture. Additionally, I explore environmental factors' impact on insect populations, biodiversity conservation, and microbial ecology, particularly in relation to insect gut microbiota. 

Education

  • PhD,Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi
  • BEd,Allama Iqbal Open University
  • MA ,University of Punjab
  • MSc (Hons),Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi
  • BSc (Hons),Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi
  • FSc,Haiderabad Board of Intermediate & Secondary Education
  • SSC,Gujranwala Board of Intermediate & Secondary Education

Honors and Awards

  • UGC Merit Scholarship   UGC Merit Scholarship
  • HEC Indigenous Scholarship 5000 Fellowships   HEC Indigenous Scholarship
  • HEC Postdoc Scholarship   HEC Postdoc Scholarship for University of Western Australia, Perth

Supervisions

Student Name DegreeTitle Status / Completed Year
Sharon Zulfiqar M.Sc. Investigations on the Predation of Coccinella septumpunctata and Coccinella undecimpunctata on Aphid under laboratory conditions  Coccinella septempunctata is an important natural enemy of several pest species attacking various crops in Pakistan. Mostly pests are managed by the use of pesticides in crops and ornamentals, thus, impact of pesticides needs to be evaluated on predatory efficacy of predatory beetle. The effect of Imidacloprid and Clothianidin (Telsta) on predation of adult beetles predating on rose aphid, Macrosiphum rosae was evaluated under laboratory conditions (25 ± 2 ºC and 65 ± 5 % RH) at Systematics and Pest Management Laboratory, Department of Zoology University of Gujrat. The significant differences in the mortality of C. septempunctata were observed amongst control and other treatments. The adult beetles showed highest mortality (100 % and 50 %) when subjected to Clothianidin (0.7%) after 48 and 24 h of exposure, respectively. Whereas the adult beetles demonstrated highest mortality (75 % and 62.5 %) when exposed to Imidacloprid (0.7%) after 48 and 24 h of exposure, respectively. The statistical analysis showed that non-significant differences were recorded at lower concentrations of both pesticides. The predatory behavior of C. septempunctata was significantly affected by Imidacloprid and Clothianidin. The study emphasized that non-target beneficial species are affected due to residual insecticidal spray effects reducing their population and increasing more dependency on hazardous chemical toxicants. 2016
Aqsa Sharif BS Efficacy of different insecticides against termites under Laboratory Conditions  Three insecticides viz Regent, Tracer and Match were evaluated as slow toxicants against subterranean termites, Heterotermes indicola L (Isoptera:Termitidae). The experiment was performed using termite workers of H. indicola to which these insecticides were dipped in blotting paper once only, in start with the following concentration i.e. 0.000312, 0.000156, 0.00078, 0.00039 and 0.000195%. The total mean percent of mortality after ten days results concluded that Regent (Fipronil 5% SC) was 91.79, 86.40, 78.94, 74.18 and 62.06%, while Tracer (Spinosad 240 SC) was 72.60, 63.53, 60.60, 59.06 and 28.60%, and finally Match (Lufenuron 5% EC) was 49.40, 31.06, 26.19, 22.18 and 10.66%, repectively. Maximum mortality and avoidance was obtained by toxicity of Regent, as it was capable of obtaining 100% mortality even before day ten on every concentration therefore, Regent was considered highly toxic. Tracer was found to be slow acting agent. 100% mortality was recorded by using the 1 st concentration of Tracer on day 7, on day 9 by using the 2 nd concentration, while on day 10 by using the 3 rd concentration of Regent. Match was unable to cause 100% mortality by using any of the tested concentrations. Based on the mortality recorded among the three insecticides the last two (0.000039 and 0.0000195%) concentrations of Regent caused 100% mortality on the 7 th and 8 th days. The 1 st three (0.000312, 0.000156 and 0.000078%) concentrations of Tracer caused 100% mortality on the 7 th , 8 th and 9 th day, and the 1 st concentration of Match caused 80% mortality on the 10 th day. 2015
Noor ul Ane M.Sc. Effect of Lambda Cyhalothrin on the Population Density of Aphid Attacking Strawberry  The study was conducted to investigate the impact of Lambda Cyhalothrin and Imidacloprid on aphids in strawberry fields located in district Gujrat, Punjab, Pakistan. The experiment was laid down in RCBD design with three replications. The spray was carried out once and observations regarding pest infestation were recorded at an interval of seven days for four consecutive weeks. The results depicted that aphid population significantly reduced after the spray of Cyhalothrin and Imidacloprid (1ml l-1). Maximum mean values of aphid population per leaf were found to be 27.9 before spraying Cyhalothrin whereas mean values of aphid population per leaf in case of Imidacloprid was 25.9. The population decreased significantly in first three weeks, however, it showed increasing trend in the fourth week. Minimum mean values of aphid population were found to be 6.6 after 14 days of spraying Cyhalothrin while minimum mean values after Imidacloprid spray was set up to be 11.4. The study demonstrated that both chemicals are effective in lowering aphid density in strawberry; however Lambda Cyhalothrin yielded better results as compared to Imidacloprid. The study emphasizes on the use of these chemicals to suppress aphid population under threshold levels and also recommends concentration and number of sprays to enhance the profitability of the crop and ensuring quality. The study asserts that pest status of aphid need to be assessed and management strategies worked out accordingly at larger scale. 2014
Mahak Khalid BS Studies on the effect of Imidacloprid and Advantage on predation efficacy of Coccinella undecimpunctata  Coccinella septempunctata is an important natural enemy of several pest species attacking various crops in Pakistan. Mostly pests are managed by the use of pesticides in crops and ornamentals, thus, impact of pesticides needs to be evaluated on voracity of predatory beetle. The effect of Imidacloprid and Bifenthrin on predation of adult beetles predating on Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko) was evaluated under laboratory conditions (25 ± 2 ºC and 65 ± 5 % RH) at Systematics and Pest Management Laboratory, Department of Zoology University of Gujrat. The significant differences in the mortality of C. septempunctata were observed amongst control and other treatments. The adult beetles showed highest mortality (91.66 % and 83.83%) when subjected to Bifenthrin (0.7%) after 48 and 24 h of exposure, respectively. Whereas the adult beetles demonstrated highest mortality (75 % and 72.66 %) when exposed to Imidacloprid (0.7%) after 48 and 24 h of exposure, respectively. The statistical analysis yielded non-significant differences were recorded at lower concentrations of both pesticides. C. septempunctata showed lower mean predation of 20.66, 18.66 and 16 when exposed to 0.01, 0.02 and 0.03 % Bifenthrin after 24 h, respectively. The voracity of C. septempunctata was significantly affected by Imidacloprid and Bifenthrin. The study emphasized that non target beneficial species are affected due to residual insecticidal spray effects reducing their population and increasing more dependency on hazardous chemical toxicants. 2014
Ifrah Mubarak M.Sc. Effect of Various Concentrations of lambda Cyhalothrin on Aphid Density  The study was conducted to investigate the impact of Lambda Cyhalothrin and Imidacloprid on aphids in strawberry fields located in district Gujrat, Punjab, Pakistan. The experiment was laid down in RCBD design with three replications. The spray was carried out once and observations regarding pest infestation were recorded at an interval of seven days for four consecutive weeks. The results depicted that aphid population significantly reduced after the spray of Cyhalothrin and Imidacloprid (1ml l-1). Maximum mean values of aphid population per leaf were found to be 27.9 before spraying Cyhalothrin whereas mean values of aphid population per leaf in case of Imidacloprid was 25.9. The population decreased significantly in first three weeks, however, it showed increasing trend in the fourth week. Minimum mean values of aphid population were found to be 6.6 after 14 days of spraying Cyhalothrin while minimum mean values after Imidacloprid spray was set up to be 11.4. The study demonstrated that both chemicals are effective in lowering aphid density in strawberry; however Lambda Cyhalothrin yielded better results as compared to Imidacloprid. The study emphasizes on the use of these chemicals to suppress aphid population under threshold levels and also recommends concentration and number of sprays to enhance the profitability of the crop and ensuring quality. The study asserts that pest status of aphid need to be assessed and management strategies worked out accordingly at larger scale. 2014
Iqra Mustafa BS Evaluation of toxicity Imidacloprid and Bifenthrin against Coccinella septumpunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) under laboratory conditions  Coccinella septempunctata is an important natural enemy of several pest species attacking various crops in Pakistan. Mostly pests are managed by the use of pesticides in crops and ornamentals, thus, impact of pesticides needs to be evaluated on voracity of predatory beetle. The effect of Imidacloprid and Bifenthrin on predation of adult beetles predating on Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko) was evaluated under laboratory conditions (25 ± 2 ºC and 65 ± 5 % RH) at Systematics and Pest Management Laboratory, Department of Zoology University of Gujrat. The significant differences in the mortality of C. septempunctata were observed amongst control and other treatments. The adult beetles showed highest mortality (91.66 % and 83.83%) when subjected to Bifenthrin (0.7%) after 48 and 24 h of exposure, respectively. Whereas the adult beetles demonstrated highest mortality (75 % and 72.66 %) when exposed to Imidacloprid (0.7%) after 48 and 24 h of exposure, respectively. The statistical analysis yielded non-significant differences were recorded at lower concentrations of both pesticides. C. septempunctata showed lower mean predation of 20.66, 18.66 and 16 when exposed to 0.01, 0.02 and 0.03 % Bifenthrin after 24 h, respectively. The voracity of C. septempunctata was significantly affected by Imidacloprid and Bifenthrin. The study emphasized that non target beneficial species are affected due to residual insecticidal spray effects reducing their population and increasing more dependency on hazardous chemical toxicants. 2014
Takhmina Nazir Ph.D Patterns of coexistence of dung beetles in different agro-climatic zones and their congeneric contribution in soil  We explored patterns of dung beetle diversity from croplands and pastures in two climatic zones (hot semi-arid and humid subtropical climate) from six localities in each of three districts, i.e. Gujrat, Kotli and Sialkot. We placed three 500 m long transects each separated by ~150 m apart within a sampling site. Data were collected by placing nine pitfall traps, each separated by ~50 m apart at each habitat. We estimated alpha diversity metrics and also calculated the similarity percentage (SIMPER) between study sites and habitat types. Nineteen species representing eight genera, six tribes and two subfamilies were recorded. Dung beetle assemblages showed significant differences in relative abundance in species richness and abundance. In croplands, Onthophagus gazella (18.19%), Onitis philemon (09%) and Onitis castaneous (12.92%) were the most abundant species. Whereas in pastures, Onthophagus gazella (11.16%), Onitis castaneous (6.65%) and Onitis philemon (8.22%) were abundant. SIMPER results indicated that Onthophagus gazella and Onitis castaneous were top contributors in the dissimilarity between study sites and habitat types. Greater diversity was recorded in Gujrat and Kotli Tunnellers were the most dominant functional guild in both habitat types. The present study highlights that climatic zones influence the patterns of distribution of dung beetle assemblages associated with habitat types. 2025
Sheeza Sakhawat MS BACTERIAL DIVERSITY ASSOCIATED WITH THE GUT OF SCARAB BEETLES IN JHELUM AND MIRPUR DISTRICTS  The gut microbial community of dung beetles (Scarabaeidae: Coleoptera) is crucial for their immune defense, influencing nutrient metabolism, survival, and adaptation to various environments. This study would explore the gut bacterial communities associated with the scarab beetles. The focus will be on the seasonal patterns of distribution in selected habitats. The district Jhelum has diversity in habitat by having croplands, agroforestry, and grazing patches whereas district Mirpur has an altitudinal gradient with mountainous topography and comparatively greater grazing areas. This study would emphasize documenting diversity and drawing conclusions based on the hypothesis that variations in bacterial assemblages help scarab fauna to enhance their survival and reproductive success in varying habitat conditions. Scarab beetles will be collected from selected sites during different seasons using standard methods and identified with the help of taxonomic keys. The bacterial community structure in selected scarab beetles will be processed for isolation, culturing, and identification. This study would provide insight into the bacterial diversity in the gut of different species in different seasons and habitats. This is a pioneer study at least in this part of the world which would contribute to the science of ecology and biogeography. 2025
Ghulam Dastgeer Ph.D Diversity of Dung Beetles and Associated Gut Bacterial Communities of Genus Onitis (Family: Scarabaeidae) from Selected Districts Punjab, Pakistan  The gut microbial community of dung beetles (Scarabaeidae: Coleoptera) is crucial for their immune defense, influencing nutrient metabolism, survival, and adaptation to various environments. This study would explore the gut bacterial communities associated with the scarab beetles. The focus will be on the seasonal patterns of distribution in selected habitats. The district Jhelum has diversity in habitat by having croplands, agroforestry, and grazing patches whereas district Mirpur has an altitudinal gradient with mountainous topography and comparatively greater grazing areas. This study would emphasize documenting diversity and drawing conclusions based on the hypothesis that variations in bacterial assemblages help scarab fauna to enhance their survival and reproductive success in varying habitat conditions. Scarab beetles will be collected from selected sites during different seasons using standard methods and identified with the help of taxonomic keys. The bacterial community structure in selected scarab beetles will be processed for isolation, culturing, and identification. This study would provide insight into the bacterial diversity in the gut of different species in different seasons and habitats. This is a pioneer study at least in this part of the world which would contribute to the science of ecology and biogeography. 2025
Aleena Zahid MS Occurrence and distributional pattern of mosquito species in district Gujrat, Punjab, Pakistan  The presence and behavior of mosquitoes in various agro-ecological zones of Punjab are influenced by a combination of seasonal and topographical patterns, cropping schemes, and human settlement. These modifications have a significant impact on the occurrence of diseases. Therefore, determining the distribution of these species could help in halting their spread and disease outbreaks. 2024
Ayesha Shoukat MS Documenting ground beetle assemblages associated with different vegetation types in selected locales of district Gujrat  The present survey gives the current information on Coleoptera diversity of Gujarat. This is the firstcomprehensive account on Coleoptera species diversity. Different locations were selected for thecollection of coleopteran insects in whole of Gujarat, covering all the districts. Altogether, 177 speciesbelonging to 117 genera under 32 families in the order Coleoptera are reported from the state of Gujarat.This study indicated that the diversity index, species richness and evenness of Coleoptera fauna inGujarat were 1.44, 47.1and 0.63 respectively. This study is part of mission which was initiated under theresearch project sanctioned by Gujarat Biodiversity Board, Gandhinagar. 2024
Ayesha Zubair MS Population dynamics of rice pest and natural enemies on different varieties of rice in District Mandi Bahauddin  Present study was outlined to evaluate the authenticity of morphological identifications of spiders from rice ecosystems of district Lahore, Sialkot and Mandi Bahauddin, Punjab, Pakistan by using DNA barcoding. A total of 2736 spiders were collected from July to October during 2018-19. They were brought to the laboratory for subsequent morphological identification, DNA extraction and sequencing. We identified 38 morph-species, representing 22 genera and 8 families. Accuracy of morphological identification was confirmed by barcode analysis of tissue samples. A standard barcode sequence of COI (Cytochrome c Oxidase I) was recovered from 90 specimens of spiders. Percentage accuracy of morphological identification was 92.10%. Four morphologically misidentified spiders were allotted to correct taxon after molecular identification. To describe the species diversity and richness in numerical structure, diversity indices (Shannon’s and Simpson’s) and evenness indices (Margalf’s index, Chao 1) were applied. No overlap was found between inter-specific and intra-specific divergence values. Neighbor joining tree clearly separated the species into different clusters. Present study concluded that although morphological identification of spiders works convincingly, but it becomes more authentic and reliable when merged with DNA barcoding. 2024
Amina Zafar MS Diversity and community patterns of dung beetles in Gujranwala  Dung beetles are ecologically important taxa to study the assessment of habitat modification and disturbance across the globe. This study was aimed to explore community composition, species richness and abundance of dung beetles in response to Gujrat, Punjab, Pakistan. Dung beetle assemblage were sampled from four habitat (natural rangeland, cropland, roadside and housing colonies) during 2014-2016 by placing pitfall traps baited with cattle dung. A total number of 540 specimens representing 17 species belonging to seven genera and four tribes were collected. We calculated species relative abundance in natural habitat (34.8%), cropland habitat (40.4%) and in road side areas (25.2%) was recorded, whereas no specimens were recorded in urban areas. Aphodius contaminatus (42.96%) was the most abundant species followed by Onitis castaneous (26.29%) and Onitis singhalensis (20.74%). Tunnellers (50.58%) and dwellers (49.01%) were dominant in all habitats, whereas rollers were least abundant (1.37%). The values of Shannon-Wiener (H) diversity and evenness (E) showed variations among different habitats i.e. natural habitat (H=1.20; E=0.55), cropland habitat (H=1.41, E=0.32) and roads-side (H=0.80, E=0.37). The study showed that cropland served as a major habitat for dung beetles due to its uniformity and close association with mammalian fauna. The results emphasized that natural habitats within the agro-ecosystem have become isolated and fragmented habitat with lesser stability and low resources thus resulting into less diverse habitat. Roadside areas are in close proximity with cropland and act as corridors for efficient species flow within ecosystem due to cattle movement through these areas. 2022
Muhammad Umar Ph.D Diversity and Distribution Patterns of Insectivorous birds in croplands of Tehsil Gujrat and Deva Vatala National Park, Bhimber (AJ&K), Pakistan  Diversity and Distribution Patterns of Insectivorous birds in croplands of Tehsil Gujrat and Deva Vatala National Park, Bhimber (AJ&K), Pakistan 2022
Jaweria Riaz MS Seasonal abundance and associated bacterial assemblages of Cockroaches  Mutualisms between microbes and insects are ubiquitous and facilitate exploitation of various trophic niches by host insects. Dictyopterans (mantids, cockroaches and termites) exhibit trophisms that range from omnivory to strict wood-feeding and maintain beneficial symbioses with the obligate endosymbiont, Blattabacterium, and/or diverse gut microbiomes that include cellulolytic and diazotrophic microbes. While Blattabacterium in omnivorous Periplaneta is fully capable of provisioning essential amino acids, in wood-feeding dictyopterans it has lost many genes for their biosynthesis (Mastotermes and Cryptocercus) or is completely absent (Heterotermes). The conspicuous functional degradation and absence of Blattabacterium in most strict wood-feeding dictyopteran insects suggest that alternative means of acquiring nutrients limited in their diet are being employed. A 16S rRNA gene amplicon resequencing approach was used to deeply sample the composition and diversity of gut communities in related dictyopteran insects to explore the possibility of shifts in symbiont allegiances during termite and cockroach evolution. The gut microbiome of Periplaneta, which has a fully functional Blattabacterium, exhibited the greatest within-sample operational taxonomic unit (OTU) diversity and abundance variability than those of Mastotermes and Cryptocercus, whose Blattabacterium have shrunken genomes and reduced nutrient provisioning capabilities. 2021
Somia Liaqat MS Phylogenetic Analysis of Ground Beetle Assemblages of District Sialkot  Dung beetles play significant role in the ecosystems by nutrient recycling and waste removal. The study was conducted to explore the distributional patterns of dung beetle assemblages on local scales. The sampling was accomplished by surveying grassy fields, croplands, old dung piles and fresh dung pats from selected locales of Sialkot during 2016. Specimens were collected by hand picking and cattle dung baited pitfall traps. Sixteen species representing three guilds i.e. Paracoprid (10 species), Endocoprid (4 species) and Telecoprid (02 species) were recorded. Onitis excavatus (27.68 %) and Onitis crassus (9.59 %) showed maximum relative abundance whereas Helocopris bucephalus (0.15 %) and Onthophagus bonasus (0.15 %) were the least abundant species. A. contaminatus, A. fossor and C. indicus were recorded only in August and September whereas C. pithecius and C. platypus were noted in September only. O. gazella were recorded in July, August and September, however, O. castaneous and O. bonasus were not recorded in the month of May, June and August. Maximum abundance was recorded in Mundeke whereas the least abundant site was Malkhanwala. O. excavatus and O. crassus were dominated in the dung pats whereas G. bicallosus was most abundant in cropland areas. Shannon-Wiener diversity index values calculated from different sites indicated variations in species richness (H= 1.72-2.14) and evenness (e^= 0.65-0.85). Similar trend in the values of other diversity indices were observed that indicated better richness and evenness of species. The diversity reported from the Sialkot emphasizes on detailed surveys with respect to feeding guilds, availability of vegetation types and dung preferences need to be explored. 2021
Maryam Khalid MS Distribution Patterns of Insect Pollinator Assemblages at Deva Vatala National Park, Bhimber, Azad Jammu and Kashmir  Diversity and distribution patterns of pollinator assemblages were explored at Deva Vatala National Park (DVNP), Bhimber, AJK, Pakistan. Sampling was recorded fortnightly by using pan traps, sweep nets, and handpicking. A one-year survey of pollinator fauna was recorded from selected locales of DVNP from October 2019 to September 2020. We observed the same species richness in all three study sites, but a great difference was observed in species abundance. A total of 5565 individuals of 58 species belonging to 23 families and four orders were collected from DVNP. Barmala was reported as the highest abundant site (2815 individuals), followed by the Vatala (1832 individuals) and Deva (918 individuals). SIMPER analysis indicated an overall dissimilarity of Deva-Vatala (18.88%), Deva-Barmala (29.12%), and Vatala-Barmala (10.84%). The biological dissimilarity was evaluated and based on insect taxonomy indicated that Coccinella septempunctata, Sceliphron madraspatanum, Aedes albopictus, Eristalis tenax, Crambus albellus, Zonitoschema melanarthra, Zonitoschema gibdoana, Camponotus vagus, Polistes carolira, and Episyrphus viridaureus were the main contributing species in the community dissimilarity. Results showed significant differences between Vatala - Deva with higher Shannon value in Vatala (H’ = 4.03) than Deva (H’ = 3.92), Deva-Barmala with higher Shannon index in Barmala (H’ = 4.05) than Deva (H’ = 3.92) and Vatala-Barmala have a higher average value of Shannon diversity in Barmala (H’ = 4.05) than Vatala (H’ = 4.03). DVNP offers habitat and plentiful resources for the insect pollinator assemblages of four major insect orders, viz. Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, Diptera, and Coleoptera. We detected variations in the abundance of different insect groups (orders, families, and species) during different seasons and study sites within DVNP. This study emphasizes the conduct of research work based on more explorative surveys in association with vegetation types. 2020
Aleena Naeem MS Impact of Azithromycin and Ciprofloxacin on Growth, Cocoon Production and Gut Bacteria of Silkworm  The present investigation was carried out to assess the rearing performance of silkworm Bombyx mori L. on antibiotic supplemented feed at various concentrations. The study was conducted on the silkworm breed APS-45. The worms were reared upto 3rd moult by feeding on mulberry leaves without any treatment. After 3rd moult, three replications were maintained and each treatment received different concentration of antibiotics. For each antibiotic three concentrations (0.05%, 0.10% and 0.15%) were prepared and sprayed on the mulberry leaves, a separate batch was also maintained where only distilled water was sprayed and that served as a control. Among the three antibiotics evaluated ceftiofur sodium showed best results followed by oxytetracycline and enroflaxcin. It was found that improved results were obtained with an increase in concentration of an antibiotic, ceftiofur sodium (0.15%) showed significantly improved results in economic parameters like cocoon characters, cocoon yield, average filament length, raw silk percentage and filament denier. So, present investigation reflected that antibiotics have the potential to be used for enhancing the cocoon and raw silk production. 2020
Waqas Asghar MS Diversity of Orthoptera in Deva Vatala National Park, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan.  Insect biodiversity drives ecological functioning and provides ecosystem services in different landscapes. Protected areas with the least anthropogenic disturbances provide resources with the least disturbance in habitat favouring insect species belonging to different guilds to coexist and contribute to the ecosystem processes. Studies have highlighted the significance of anthropogenic landscapes including agricultural ecosystems for harboring rich native biodiversity. To understand the species composition and abundance agricultural landscape, we explored insect fauna in Deva Vatala National Park (DVNP), Bhimber (Azad Kashmir), and associated croplands of Gujrat, Punjab, Pakistan. We aimed to assess the abundance, richness and diversity of the insect orders, families and species found in the two habitats i.e. national park and croplands. Fortnightly surveys were conducted during 2017-2019. Sampling methodology consisted of handpicking, using sweep nets, light traps, pitfall traps and insect collection was identified by using taxonomic keys. A total of 239 insect species representing 10 orders and 69 families were collected and identified from both habitat types. For both diversity and abundance, we detected a significant difference in community composition at species, family and order levels. Several insect orders and families demonstrated significant differences (p< 0.05) in either abundance or richness or both between the two types of habitats. 2020
Hifza Liaqat MS Patterns of Distribution of Pollinator Assemblages at Deva Vatala National Park, Bhimber, AJK  Diversity and distribution patterns of pollinator assemblages were explored at Deva Vatala National Park (DVNP), Bhimber, AJK, Pakistan. Sampling was recorded fortnightly by using pan traps, sweep nets, and handpicking. A one-year survey of pollinator fauna was recorded from selected locales of DVNP from October 2019 to September 2020. We observed the same species richness in all three study sites, but a great difference was observed in species abundance. A total of 5565 individuals of 58 species belonging to 23 families and four orders were collected from DVNP. Barmala was reported as the highest abundant site (2815 individuals), followed by the Vatala (1832 individuals) and Deva (918 individuals). SIMPER analysis indicated an overall dissimilarity of Deva-Vatala (18.88%), Deva-Barmala (29.12%), and Vatala-Barmala (10.84%). The biological dissimilarity was evaluated and based on insect taxonomy indicated that Coccinella septempunctata, Sceliphron madraspatanum, Aedes albopictus, Eristalis tenax, Crambus albellus, Zonitoschema melanarthra, Zonitoschema gibdoana, Camponotus vagus, Polistes carolira, and Episyrphus viridaureus were the main contributing species in the community dissimilarity. Results showed significant differences between Vatala - Deva with higher Shannon value in Vatala (H’ = 4.03) than Deva (H’ = 3.92), Deva-Barmala with higher Shannon index in Barmala (H’ = 4.05) than Deva (H’ = 3.92) and Vatala-Barmala have a higher average value of Shannon diversity in Barmala (H’ = 4.05) than Vatala (H’ = 4.03). DVNP offers habitat and plentiful resources for the insect pollinator assemblages of four major insect orders, viz. Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, Diptera, and Coleoptera. We detected variations in the abundance of different insect groups (orders, families, and species) during different seasons and study sites within DVNP. This study emphasizes the conduct of research work based on more explorative surveys in association with vegetation types. 2020
Areeba Mashal MS Effect of Levofloxacin and Cefixime on Bacteria Associated with Silkworm Gut and Cocoon Production  The present study was aimed to screen different antibiotics in vivo for their effects against the bacterium Bacillus coagulans in silkworm Bombyx mori in three experimental conditions viz., a) healthy larvae treated with the antibiotics b) larvae which were first inoculated with Bacillus coagulans immediately after the moult and treated with the antibiotics from 24 hour after inoculation up to the end of the instar(pre-inoculated larvae) and c) larvae which were treated with the antibiotics right from hatching up to the end of the instar and inoculated with Bacillus coagulans immediately after the moult(post-inoculated larvae). All the antibiotics used in this study stimulated better performance in improving the rearing performance and economic characters of the cocoons in healthy, pre-inoculated and post-inoculated larvae, besides reducing the mortality of infected larvae. Cephelexin and Tetracycline were more effective than the others in their overall performance under all the three experimental conditions. Chloramphenical caused greater increase in the length of the reelable silk filament, but was not as good in elevating the other parameters compared to the remaining antibiotics. Of the four concentrations of antibiotics tested, 2.0% performed better under all the three experimental conditions. 2020
Neelam Arif MS RIR ChicksRhode Island RedInsect-based proteinGrasshopper  Insects have great potential as an alternative nutrient source in animal feed, fisheries, and poultry industries for sustainable development. Poikelocercus pictus (PP) is an edible grasshopper that has a high percentage of crude protein; thus, we evaluated it as an alternative protein source for Rhode Island Red (RIR) chicken. 2019
Farwa Hameed MS Comparative Growth Performance of Fayoumi Chicks Fed on Insect Based Protein Supplemented Feed  In recent years, interest has grown among poultry nutritionists in using alternative protein sources, such as insect meal, to meet the protein requirements of poultry due to sustainability concerns surrounding traditional protein sources such as soybean and fish meal. Insect meal can be produced from different insects, including black soldier fly, mealworms, and house crickets, and its nutrient composition varies depending on the insect species, the substrate they are reared on, and the production method. This review article provides an updated overview of insect meal as a new form of protein concentrate in poultry diets, including its nutritional value, advantages, challenges, and future prospects. Insect meal has been shown to be a rich source of protein, amino acids (lysine, methionine), and minerals (calcium, phosphorus, zinc), with a high digestibility rate, making it a valuable feed ingredient for poultry production. Additionally, using insect meal in poultry feed could reduce the cost of production and the environmental impact on the industry. Furthermore, the use of insect meal has the potential to improve the growth performance and meat quality of poultry species. However, several challenges related to large-scale insect production, legal regulatory frameworks, and consumer acceptance need to be addressed. Future research and development could help overcome these challenges and increase the adoption of insects as a potential source of protein in poultry feed. This review provides an updated and comprehensive overview of insects as a potential source of protein for poultry nutrition and highlights the possible perspectives of insect meal to contribute to a more sustainable and efficient poultry production system. While challenges remain, the utilization of insect meal in poultry feed has the capability to enhance the sustainability and efficiency in the poultry industry. Hence, insect meal emerges as a highly encouraging protein alternative, offering sustainable prospects for its utilization within the poultry sector. However, advancements in insect production technology and efficiency have the potential to raise the production scale while lowering prices, making insect meals more affordable compared to conventional protein sources. Based on the comprehensive analysis, it is recommended to further explore the practical implementation of insect meal as a reliable and efficient means of supplying protein in poultry nutrition. 2019
Sharon Zulifqar MS Biology and Taxonomic Studies of Silkworm Races Fed on Local Mulberry  We evaluated the performance of biological and commercial parameters of three bivoltine silkworm races fed on local mulberry. The disease-free eggs of Chinese, Korean and Bulgarian races were obtained from Sericulture Research Laboratory, Lahore. The silkworm eggs were incubated at standard conditions. Larval rearing was maintained at standard rearing conditions of temperature (25 ± 1°C), Relative Humidity (75 ± 5 %), and photoperiod (12 light: 12 dark). The experiment was laid out in the Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with five replications. Bulgarian race showed significantly greater variations were observed in the mean larval weight (g) and mean larval length (cm) during all instars i.e. maximum larval weight i.e. 0.076g, 054g, 3.14g, 4.29g, and 6.23g in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th instars, respectively. A similar trend in the mean larval length (P < 0.05) was also observed. Significantly greater fecundity (437 no.), fertility (85.20%), and hatchability (84.40%) were recorded in the Bulgarian races which were significantly higher as compared to Chinese and Korean races. Similarly, cocoon weight (1.32 g), cocoon shell weight (0.28g), cocoon shell percentage (18.74 %) were recorded found in the Bulgarian race which was significantly greater (P < 0.05) than other two races. We documented that the Bulgarian race is promising and has great potential to perform on local mulberry under prevailing environmental conditions. We also suggest that popularizing sericulture as the allied sector of the agricultural economy needs to exploit the potential of the Bulgarian race for the production of hybrid silk seed. 2018
Asma Javaid MS Impact of antibiotics on bacterial pathogens associated with Silkworm gut  Silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) has a clear genetic background, parts of which are highly homologous to certain genes related to human hereditary diseases. Thus, the species presents an excellent interspecies model for drug screening and microbe-host interaction studies. Chloramphenicol (CAM) and vancomycin (VCM) are antibiotics commonly used to treat specific bacterial infections in medical care, animal husbandry, and agriculture. However, inappropriate dosages and prolonged therapy increase their risk of toxicity. In this work, we investigated the physiological and toxicological responses of silkworm to combined oral administration of CAM and VCM. Results showed that antibiotics promote the feeding behavior of silkworm and significantly reduce (P < 0.05) intestinal cultivable bacterial counts. Moreover, antibiotics decreased the antioxidant enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione S-transferase, and thioredoxin reductase and caused oxidative damage to the silkworm intestine; the degree of damage was confirmed by histopathology analysis. The gene expression levels of antimicrobial peptides (attacin, lysozyme, and cecropins) were also perturbed by antibiotics. After antibiotic exposure, 16S rRNA metagenomic sequencing revealed increases in the relative abundance of Sphingobium, Burkholderia, Barnesiella, Bacteroides, Bradyrhizobium, Acinetobacter, Phenylobacterium, Plesiomonas, Escherichia/Shigella, and unclassified bacteria, as well as a reduction of Enterococcus. The metabolic and functional profiles of intestinal microbiota, particularly metabolic processes, such as energy, cofactors and vitamins, lipid, amino acid, and carbohydrate metabolisms, changed after antibiotic exposure. In conclusion, our findings reveal that antibiotics exert substantial effects on silkworm. The present study may promote the applications of silkworm as an interspecies model in the medical and pharmaceutical fields. 2018
Sidra Arshad MS Comparative toxicity of Chalcone crystals and 4-nitro Chalcone against Hibiscus Mealybug (Maconellicoccus hirsutus)  One of the emerging threats to citrus industry in Pakistan is the infestation of mealybug Drosicha mangiferae (Pseudococcidae: Hemiptera), a damaging insect pest of a large number of agricultural and horticultural crops in South East Asia. In spite of extensive applications of conventional synthetic pesticides, citrus farmers are unable to get rid of this pest. In order to find out alternate biorational pesticides, this laboratory study was carried out to evaluate few selected novel chemistry insecticidal formulations against 2nd instar nymphs of D. mangiferae using standard twig-dip bioassay method according to Completely Randomized Design. Results showed that both factors i.e. insecticidal treatments (F 9, 245 = 146.90, P < 0.001) and time (F 4, 245 = 445.75, P < 0.01) and their interaction (F 36, 245 = 9.20, P < 0.001) had a significant effect on the mortality of mealybug nymphs. The most effective novel chemistry insecticides against D. mangiferae mealybugs were sulfoxaflor, spirotetramat, thiamethoxam and pyriproxyfen with mean mortality and LT50 values of 64.00±3.50% and 31.67 h, 62.67±2.64% and 34.42 h, 53.01±4.10% and 45.84 h, and 51.00±3.97% and 48.10 h, respectively. Based on these results, the above mentioned novel chemistry insecticides are recommended to be incorporated in future pest management programs against D. mangiferae mealybugs. 2018
Maryam MS Prevalence, Isolation and Characterization of Anaplasma marginale in Cattle From District Gujranwala, Punjab, Pakistan  Anaplasmosis, caused by intracellular gram-negative bacteria Anaplasma marginale is one of the most frequently reported tick-borne disease (TBDs) in tropical and sub-tropical countries, including Pakistan. In the present study, a total of 428 cattle blood samples were collected to examine the prevalence and phylogenetic origin of A. marginale in two important livestock regions of Punjab Province in Pakistan, i.e. Lodhran and Dera Ghazi Khan Districts. In addition, association between occurrence of A. marginale in cattle blood and selected epidemiological factors has been also investigated. The presence of A. marginale genetic material was confirmed in 9% of the tested blood samples taken from cattle in Lodhran and in 17% from Dera Ghazi Khan. Prevalence of A. marginale was significantly higher in cattle from Dera Ghazi Khan. All the cattle breeds from both districts were equally susceptible to A. marginale infection. We reported higher prevalence of A. marginale in cattle living indoors or with other dairy animals in Dera Ghazi Khan district. However, no such relationship was observed in the Lodhran district. Sequencing of the msp1b gene shows 96-99% similarity of A. marginale in the study area to those reported from other parts of Pakistan, South Africa, and Israel. We recommend that large scale tick and tick-borne disease control strategies must be implemented in both districts. 2018
Abdullah Azzam MS Biodiversity of rice stem borers and natural enemies in rice fields of Gujrat, Punjab, Pakistan  Present study was outlined to evaluate the authenticity of morphological identifications of spiders from rice ecosystems of district Lahore, Sialkot and Mandi Bahauddin, Punjab, Pakistan by using DNA barcoding. A total of 2736 spiders were collected from July to October during 2018-19. They were brought to the laboratory for subsequent morphological identification, DNA extraction and sequencing. We identified 38 morph-species, representing 22 genera and 8 families. Accuracy of morphological identification was confirmed by barcode analysis of tissue samples. A standard barcode sequence of COI (Cytochrome c Oxidase I) was recovered from 90 specimens of spiders. Percentage accuracy of morphological identification was 92.10%. Four morphologically misidentified spiders were allotted to correct taxon after molecular identification. To describe the species diversity and richness in numerical structure, diversity indices (Shannon’s and Simpson’s) and evenness indices (Margalf’s index, Chao 1) were applied. No overlap was found between inter-specific and intra-specific divergence values. Neighbor joining tree clearly separated the species into different clusters. Present study concluded that although morphological identification of spiders works convincingly, but it becomes more authentic and reliable when merged with DNA barcoding. 2018
Umair Bukhtiar MS Biodiversity of ticks associated with cattle in Gujrat, Punjab, Pakistan  Ticks are ectoparasites that act as vectors for transmission of various pathogens to wild and domesticated animals and pose a serious threat to human health. Because of the hot and humid conditions in different agro-ecological zones of Pakistan, ticks are abundant and parasitize a variety of animals. The aim of this study was to identify different tick species and distribution on different hosts especially livestock, such as sheep, goat, cattle, buffalo, and camel, and livestock associated canines and equines, such as horse, donkey, and dog, across different agro-ecological zones of Pakistan. The ticks samples were collected and morphologically identified at genus and species level using morphological keys under stereomicroscope. A total of 2,846 animals were examined for the tick infestation, and 408 animals were tick-infested. Eleven tick species belonging to 4 genera were identified: Hyalomma anatolicum, Hyalomma scupense, Hyalomma dromedarii, Hyalomma isaaci, Rhipicephalus microplus, Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides, Rhipicephalus turanicus, Haemaphysalis cornupunctata, Haemaphysalis montgomeryi, Haemaphysalis bispinosa, and Ixodes kashmiricus. The overall tick prevalence was 14.3%; host-wise infestation rate was 12.2% in sheep; 12.6%, goat; 11.7%, buffalo; 11.7%, cattle; 19.6%, camel; 27.4%, donkey; 23.5%, horse; and 24.3%, dog. Tick infestation of different animals differed on the basis of the zones. Camels showed the highest tick infestation rate in zones 1 and 2 (21.4 and 26.7%, respectively), whereas donkeys showed the highest infestation rate in zones 3, 4, 6, and 7 (25, 39.3, 3.3, and 21.4%, respectively). The infestation rates of Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus were the highest in zone 2 (71.4 and 52.9%, respectively). The infestation rate of Hyalomma was the highest (47.4%) in sheep; Haemaphysalis (46.9%), goat; Rhipicephalus (69.7%), buffalo; Rhipicephalus (62.3%), cattle; Hyalomma (70%), camel; Ixodes (60.9%), donkey; Ixodes (75%), horse; and Rhipicephalus (61.1%), dog. This study showed the diversity and infestation rate of different ticks with respect to their hosts and agro-ecological zones of Pakistan. High tick burdens and infestation rates are responsible for the spread of different tick-borne infections, resulting in loss of animal productivity and posing a threat to animal and human health. Understanding different tick species and their distribution across different zones will be helpful for developing efficient control strategies against different tick born infections. 2018
Waqas Arshad MS Occurrence of sugarcane borers and Comparative damage on different varieties of Saccharum officinarum in Mandi Bahuddin, Punjab, Pakistan  Sugarcane borers are devastating pests of sugarcane crop and often cause economic damage. The study was conducted in five different locations of district Jhang during 2012 aiming to evaluate some commercially grown sugarcane varieties (CP-77-400, NSG-59, SPF-213, HSF-240 and SPF-234) towards different sugarcane borer species in terms of field infestation levels, spatial distribution and their impact on brix percentage. There was no significant difference in populations of top borer (Scirpophaga nivella) among the five sugarcane varieties. The highest abundance of stem borers (Chilo infuscatellus) was recorded in NGS-59 while it was the lowest in HSF-240 and SPF-234. Gurdaspur borer (Acigona steniella) was the highest in abundance in CP-77-400. The maximum number of root borer (Emmalocera depressella) was recorded in CP-77-400 and NGS-59 and the minimum in HSF-240. The mean borer population was also the maximum in CP-77-400 and NGS-59 while it was the minimum in HSF-240 and SPF-234. The brix percentage of CP-77-400, NGS-59 and HSF-240 was significantly reduced by borer infestation. Except top borer, the populations of all the three borer species were significantly distributed among the five locations. The variety SPF-234 proved most successful as it was least attacked by borers and its brix percentage was also least affected. 2018
Fakhra Tabbassum MS Infestation Management of Guava Fruit fly (Bactrocera correcta) in District Nankana Sahib, Punjab, Pakistan  Fruit fly, Bactrocera zonata and Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae) has endangered the trade of Pakistani fruits in foreign markets. Use of IPM is best way to control fruit fly by avoiding harmful insecticidal spray application in order to save natural enemies and environment. Experiment was conducted in three guava, citrus and mango producing districts of Punjab i.e. Faisalabad, Sargodha, Toba Tek Singh with five treatments. Each experimental unit comprised of 1 ha area. Five treatments viz. A=sanitation, B=MAT, C= protein based baits, D= plant extracts and E= A+B+C+D were used during 2015-16. Data of % infested fallen fruits, total flies/trap, total flies captured/year, % fruit punctures, pupal population, % fruit infestation and market value of fruits was collected at regular intervals. Results indicated that when all the components were applied in a combined way they gave significant reduction of fruit losses. As a result of continuous sanitation practices the fruit fall reduced to 10.24, 7.04, and 8.39 % in guava, citrus and mango orchards, respectively during following year in block E. Population peaks were May-July, July-September and July-August in guava, citrus and mango orchards with maximum population 69.06-70.36, 51.0-58.32 and 37.54-43.92/trap, respectively with TFC (total flies captured) reduced during 2nd year. Plant extracts Azadirachta indica and Citrullus colocynthis proved better as they reduced pupal population 14.53 and 10.74, 9.87 and 2.85, 7.20 and 2.27 % in guava, citrus and mango orchards, respectively. Similarly, reduced trend was found in % fruit infestation by 19.41 and 10.29, 15.51 and 10.77, 5.84 and 4.80 % in guava, citrus and mango orchards, respectively after 2nd spray. Maximum % reduction of fruit punctures were found as 14.41, 7.17 and 7.32 in guava, citrus and mango orchards, respectively with combined application of all components. Market value ($) of fruits was maximum in the block having complete IPM package with 15.60, 14.09 and 10.32 % increased value of guava, citrus and mango orchards during following year. 2017
Takhmina Nazir MS Diversity and Distribution of ladybird beetles (Coccinellidae: Coleoptera) at riverside in Wazirabad, Gujranawala, Punjab, Pakistan  Coccinellid beetles (ladybird beetles) are valuable biological pest control agents in all terrestrial landscapes including agroecosystems. Agricultural intensification contributes to the decline of these pest predators mainly due to pesticides, habitat reduction, and decreased food availability. Here, we explored the diversity of ladybird beetles in croplands alongside the river Chenab at Wazirabad. We collected coccinellid beetles from seven sampling sites (Behram, Wazirabad City, Khanki, Burj Cheema, Tahli da Kot, Rasool Nagar and Kot Har Auddin) by handpicking and sweeping aerial net fortnightly during 2016-2017. A total of 4589 individuals were recorded that belonged to 13 species representing six genera, three tribes and three subfamilies. The results showed that maximum number of species belong to genus Epilachna (five species) and Coccinella (four species) which make them most diverse genera. Coccinella septempunctata (16.40%) was the most dominant species followed by Coccinella undecimpunctata (12.83%) whereas Epilachna varivestis (1.61%) was the least abundant species. The results of diversity indices showed lowest Simpson index value (1-D= 0.89) in Rasool Nagar which is indication of high diversity. Maximum species richness was recorded at Behram (H’: 2.47) whereas greater evenness was recorded at Burj Cheema (e^H/S: 0.89). This quantitative assessment of coccinellids from riverside fauna indicated the conservatory impact of the habitat on lady bird beetles. 2017
Misbah Yunus MS Studies on adaptability, diversity and distribution of Genus Onitis (Scarabaeidae; Coleoptera) in District Sialkot  Dung beetles play significant role in the ecosystems by nutrient recycling and waste removal. The study was conducted to explore the distributional patterns of dung beetle assemblages on local scales. The sampling was accomplished by surveying grassy fields, croplands, old dung piles and fresh dung pats from selected locales of Sialkot during 2016. Specimens were collected by hand picking and cattle dung baited pitfall traps. Sixteen species representing three guilds i.e. Paracoprid (10 species), Endocoprid (4 species) and Telecoprid (02 species) were recorded. Onitis excavatus (27.68 %) and Onitis crassus (9.59 %) showed maximum relative abundance whereas Helocopris bucephalus (0.15 %) and Onthophagus bonasus (0.15 %) were the least abundant species. A. contaminatus, A. fossor and C. indicus were recorded only in August and September whereas C. pithecius and C. platypus were noted in September only. O. gazella were recorded in July, August and September, however, O. castaneous and O. bonasus were not recorded in the month of May, June and August. Maximum abundance was recorded in Mundeke whereas the least abundant site was Malkhanwala. O. excavatus and O. crassus were dominated in the dung pats whereas G. bicallosus was most abundant in cropland areas. Shannon-Wiener diversity index values calculated from different sites indicated variations in species richness (H= 1.72-2.14) and evenness (e^= 0.65-0.85). Similar trend in the values of other diversity indices were observed that indicated better richness and evenness of species. The diversity reported from the Sialkot emphasizes on detailed surveys with respect to feeding guilds, availability of vegetation types and dung preferences need to be explored. 2016
Syeda Nafeesa Kazam MS Diversity and Distribution of Grasshoppers in Croplands of District Gujrat  Grasshoppers are major herbivores that occupy agricultural landscapes across the globe due to their ecological, behavioural, and taxonomic diversification. The periodic assessment of the population of grasshoppers in field crops is crucial in devising and implementing pest management strategies. This study explored croplands to document the diversity of grasshoppers from selected locales of district Gujrat. Sampling was conducted on sunny bright days between 11 am to 4 pm by using a sweep net. Data was collected fortnightly from 2015 to 2016. We collected 1266 specimens representing 19 species which belonged to two suborders, three families, nine subfamilies, 12 tribes, and 15 genera. Acrididae (933 specimens; 15 species) was the most abundant family followed by Tettigonidae (1197 specimens; three species) and Pyrgomorphidae (136 specimens; one species). Maximum relative abundance was shown by Oxya hyla hyla (12.80 %) followed by Acrida turrita (12.72 %), Atractomorpha crenulata (10.74 %), Tettigonia viridissimia (9.79 %) and Phlaeoba panteli (9.72 %). Species richness showed non-significant variations in the study sites. Jamal Pur Saydan was the only site which showed maximum species richness with 19 species and 102 specimens. Whereas seven sites out of 14 showed the presence of 18 species. About 56 % of the contribution in the relative abundance was owed to four species belonging to the suborder Caelifera and one species to the suborder Ensifera. Acrididae (73.70 %) was the largest family that contributed maximum in species abundance followed by Tettigonidae (15.56%), and Pyrgomorphidae (10.74 %). The values of Shannon-wiener index (2.48-2.71) and evenness (0.71-0.84) showed all sites have relatively higher diversity. More explorative studies associated with specific crops and damage assessment need to be conducted for pest management and conservation of biodiversity. 2016
Robina Akbar MS   2016
Ayesha Siddiqua MS Toxicological effects of Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and Spinosad on the red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum) (Herbst.)  The results showed that neem leaf powder was the most effective treatment with a record of the highest mean adult mortality of 67.22 per cent and also exhibited the lowest weight loss of 0.67 per cent after 60 days of treatment. It was followed by powders of Eucalyptus (58.89% & 0.87%) and Tulsi (51.11% & 0.80%). The least effectiveness of turmeric rhizome powder against the pest recording minimum adult mortality and maximum weight loss of 30.56% and 1.07% per cent respectively was noticed control against adult mortality (30.56 %), grain weight loss and adult emergence owing to T. castaneum. As a result, 1.5 g/100 g of grains of neem leaf powder can be recommended as a safe control method against T. castaneum in stored wheat. The overall mean adult mortality of T. castaneum in fenvalerate was 72.78 per cent. When it came to treating T. castneum with some inert materials, boric acid treatment was the most effective showed the 100 percent adult mortality, followed by coal ash (71.67 %) and cow dung ash (63.33 %) after 5 days of storage. There was minimum grain weight loss and least adult emergence was recorded in the treatment of coal ash and cow dung ash. Whereas sawdust resulted in the least effective treatment with mean adult mortality of (35.56 %), there was maximum adult emergence seen. 2016
Nadia Noureen MS   2015
Samman Fatima MS   2015
Sehreen Siddique MS   2015

Service Activity

  • Warden Boys Hostels
  • Member Proctorial Board
  • Member Advanced Studies & Research Board
  • Trainer Program Teams for self-assessment of Programs of University
  • Member Unfair Means Committee
  • Member Institutional Performance Evaluation Process
  • Member Board of Faculty, Faculty of Science
  • Convener Food Committee
  • Member National Curriculum Revision Committee (NCRC), Plant Pathology
  • Member Course Code Evaluation Committee
  • Member Academic Audit Team UOG Sub-Campus, Sialkot
  • Member Academic Audit Team UOG Sub-Campus, Lahore
  • Member Program Assessment Teams

Journal Publications

  • 1. Mubashar Hussain, Zubair Ali, Muhammad Faheem Malik, Suleman Hussain Shah, Uswa Zeb, Aqsa Noreen, Aniza Iftikhar, Ghulam Dastgeer, Sheeza Sakhawat, Aiman Saeed “Freshwater snails: distributional patterns in selected locales along the ChenabRiverin Gujranwala Division, Punjab, Pakistan” Zoo Botanica, December 2024  DOI:
  • 2. Hussain M, Kazam SN, Noreen A, Shah SH, Zeb U, Iftikhar A. “Diversity and distributional patterns of grasshoppers in croplands of district Gujrat, Punjab, Pakistan” Biologia, December 2024  DOI:
  • 3. Noreen, A., Hussain, M., Malik, M. F., Iftikhar, A., Zeb, U., Farid, A., Alarfaj, A. A., & Ansari, M. J. “Moringa oleifera based silver nanoparticles: Synthesis and insecticidal toxicity against fall armyworm” Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca, December 2024  DOI:
  • 4. Hussain, M., Razaq, H., Malik, M.F., Aftab, K., Riaz, J. and Liaqat, S. “Taxonomic Diversity of Carabid Beetles in the Agricultural Landscape under Hot Semi-Arid Climate in Mandi Bahauddin, Punjab, Pakistan” Pakistan Journal Of Zoology, December 2024  DOI:
  • 5. Rameen S, Manaf A, Bibi Y, Jhanzab HM, Sher A, Ali N, Hussain M, Alfagham AT, Alamri S, Zeng Y, Qayyum A. “Foliar application of silver (Ag-NPs) and copper (Cu-NPs) nanoparticles enhances phenotypic traits and oil quality in Brassica napus L” Scientific Reports, November 2024  DOI:
  • 6. Hussain, M., Liaqat, H., Malik, M.F., Aftab, K., Batool, M., Iqbal, R. and Liaqat, S. “Distribution patterns of insect pollinator assemblages at Deva Vatala National Park, Bhimber, Azad Jammu and Kashmir.” Pakistan Journal Of Zoology, May 2024  DOI:
  • 7. Mashaal, A., Hussain, M., Naeem, A., Aftab, K., Dastgeer, G., Irum, S., Bashir, S. and Shah, S.H. “Effects of Antibiotic Treated Mulberry Leaves Feeding on Larval Growth, Cocoon Production, and Gut Bacteria of Silkworm.” Pakistan Journal Of Zoology, May 2024  DOI:
  • 8. Hussain, M., Nazir, T. and Malik, M.F. “Community Structure of Ladybird Beetles (Coccinellidae: Coleoptera) Alongside the Chenab River at Wazirabad, Gujranwala, Punjab, Pakistan.” Pakistan Journal Of Zoology, March 2024  DOI:
  • 9. Liaqat, S., Hussain, M., Aftab, K., Khalid, M. and Shah, S “Distributional Patterns of Carabid Beetles under Humid Subtropical Climate in Croplands of Sialkot” Pakistan Journal Of Zoology, November 2023  DOI:
  • 10. Bashir, S., Malik, M.F. and Hussain, M. “Spatiotemporal occurrence of beehives of genus Apis in Northern Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan.” Kuwait Journal Of Science, March 2023  DOI:
  • 11. Asim, M., Aftab, K., Khan, M.A., Abbas, S.G., Babar, M.A., Hussain, M. and Saeed, S. “Middle Miocene “Giraffa” from the Chinji Formation of Siwaliks, Pakistan.” Palaeoworld, March 2023  DOI:
  • 12. Azeem, K., Naz, F., Nadeem, F., Jhanzab, H.M., Sher, A., Bibi, Y., Syed, A., Bahkali, A.H., Elgorban, A.M., Hussain, M. and Qayyum, A. “Deciphering of Microbes× Nitrogen Source Fertilizers Interaction for Improving Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Spring Maize.” Journal of King Saud University-Science, March 2023  DOI:
  • 13. Hussain, M., Hameed, F., Aftab, K., Iqbal, R., Arif, N., Batool, M., Iqbal, R., Toufeeq, S., Syed, A., Elgorban, A.M. and Eswaramoorthy, R. “Prospects of Poikelocercus pictus (Orthoptera: Acrididae) as an Alternative Protein Source for Rhode Island Red Chicken” Journal of King Saud University-Science, March 2023  DOI:
  • 14. Sher, A., Hassan, M.U., Sattar, A., Ul-Allah, S., Ijaz, M., Hayyat, Z., Bibi, Y., Hussain, M. and Qayyum, A “Exogenous application of melatonin alleviates the drought stress by regulating the antioxidant systems and sugar contents in sorghum seedlings.” Biochemical Systematics And Ecology, March 2023  DOI:
  • 15. Fareed, N., Nisa, S., Bibi, Y., Fareed, A., Ahmed, W., Sabir, M., Alam, S., Sajjad, A., Kumar, S., Hussain, M. and Syed, A “Green synthesized silver nanoparticles using carrot extract exhibited strong antibacterial activity against multidrug resistant bacteria.” Journal of King Saud University-Science, February 2023  DOI:
  • 16. Bibi, Y., Ayoubi, S.A., Afzal, T., Gilani, S., Malik, K., Qayyum, A., Hussain, M. and Kumar, S. “Antioxidant-Activity-Guided Purification and Separation of Octocrylene from Saussurea heteromalla” Separations, February 2023  DOI:
  • 17. Umar, M. and Hussain, M. “Faunistic analysis of insects of Deva Vatala National Park and agroecosystem of Gujrat Pakistan.” Kuwait Journal Of Science, January 2023  DOI:
  • 18. Aftab, K., Shadab, M., Khan, M.A., Hussain, M., Babar, M.A., Abbas, S.G., Malik, M.F., Iqbal, R. and Arif, A “New fossils of Miotragocerus gluten from the Lower Siwaliks, Pakistan. ” Kuwait Journal Of Science, January 2023  DOI:
  • 19. Ghazanfar, M., Hussain, M., Abbas, Z. and Batool, M. “Diversity, composition and distribution of dung beetle fauna in croplands and pastures of Jhelum, Punjab, Pakistan.” Pakistan Journal of Science, December 2022  DOI:
  • 20. Umar, M., Hussain, M. and Lee, D.C. “Seasonal diversity and distribution patterns of birds in agricultural landscapes of Gujrat, Pakistan” Pakistan Journal Of Zoology, October 2022  DOI:
  • 21. Zulfiqar, S., Hussain, M., Aftab, K., Malik, M.F., Khursheed, R., Liaqat, S. and Kanwal, M “Comparative Performance of Three Silkworm Races Fed on Local Mulberry against Biological and Commercial Parameters” Pakistan Journal Of Zoology, August 2022  DOI:
  • 22. Javed, M.N., Iqbal, R., Hussain, M., Malik, M.F. and Razaq, A., “Effect of phytobiotic supplementation on growth performance, blood profile and immunity of broiler chicks” Pure and Applied Biology, July 2022  DOI:
  • 23. Aftab, K., Khan, M.A., Afsheen, S., Hussain, M. and Arif, A. “Miocene Giraffids (Giraffidae; Mammalia) from the Lower Siwalik of Pakistan.” Advances in Biological Sciences Research, May 2022  DOI:
  • 24. Nawaz, M.K., Aftab, K., Khan, M.A., Abbas, S.G., Asim, M., Babar, M.A., Hussain, M. and Akhtar, M. “Mesowear and Paleodiets of Middle Miocene Mammals from Chabbar Syedan, Punjab, Pakistan.” Journal Of Animal And Plant Sciences, January 2022  DOI:
  • 25. Naz, S., Malik, M.F., Hussain, M., Iqbal, R. and Afsheen, S. “To check the socio-economic importance of honeybee for developing countries in current financial crisis” Pure and Applied Biology, December 2021  DOI:
  • 26. Hussain, M., Kanwal, M., Aftab, K., Khalid, M., Liaqat, S., Iqbal, T., Rahman, G. and Umar, M., “Distribution patterns of dung beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) assemblages in croplands and pastures across two climatic zones of Pakistan. ” Oriental Insects, December 2021  DOI:
  • 27. Javaid, A., Hussain, M., Aftab, K., Malik, M.F., Umar, M. and Iqbal, T. “Isolation and characterization of bacteria associated with silkworm gut under antibiotic-treated larval feeding” Brazilian Journal Of Biology, November 2021  DOI:
  • 28. Hussain, M., Ghazanfar, M., Malik, M.F., Umar, M. and Younas, M. “Effect of Endectocides and Antibiotic Dung Poisoning on Mortality of Dung Beetle Species: Antibiotic Dung Poisoning in Diferent Species” Pakistan Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research Series B: Biological Sciences, October 2021  DOI:
  • 29. Noureen, N., Hussain, M., Malik, M.F., Umar, M., Abbas, Z. and Munaward, S. “Habitat Types Effect on Diversity, Distribution and Abundance of Dung Beetles: Dung Beetles Diversity in Different Habitats.” Pakistan Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research Series B: Biological Sciences, October 2021  DOI:
  • 30. Umar, M., Hussain, M. and Maloney, S.K. “Assessment of Cholinesterase inhibition activity of birds inhabiting pesticide exposed croplands and protected area in hot semi-arid region of Pakistan” Brazilian Journal Of Biology, September 2021  DOI:
  • 31. Iqbal, M., Iqbal, R., Hussain, M., Malik, M.F., Razaq, A. and Hussain, M “Comparative effects of sesame oil and clove oil on growth performance, blood profile and immunity of rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)” Pure and Applied Biology, August 2021  DOI:
  • 32. Batool, M., Abdullah, S., Naz, H., Hussain, M., Maalik, S., Mushtaq, S., Ahmed, T. and Shafique, L “Evaluation of Growth Performance and Bioaccumulation Pattern of Metals in Catfish Species, Channa marulius and Wallago attu under Cadmium and Chromium Toxicity” Punjab University Journal of Zoology, August 2021  DOI:
  • 33. Umar, M., Hussain, M., Malik, M.F., Awan, M.N. and Lee, D.C. “Avian Community Composition and Spatio-Temporal Patterns at Deva Vatala National Park, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan.” Pakistan Journal Of Zoology, March 2021  DOI:
  • 34. Liaqat, S., Hussain, M., Malik, M.F., Aslam, A. “Genome based research in Aquaculture” Journal of bioresource Management, March 2021  DOI:
  • 35. Umar, M., Arshad, M., Hussain, M., Batool, M. and Malik, M.F. “Assessment of avifauna and water quality parameters of Mangla Wetland, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan.” Pakistan Journal Of Zoology, March 2021  DOI:
  • 36. Asim, M., Aftab, K., Nawaz, M.K., Khan, M.A., Babar, M.A., Abbas, S.G., Hussain, M., Akhtar, M. and Qureshi, A.M. “New Specimens of Merycopotamus (Artiodactyla: Anthracotheriidae) from Middle Miocene of Potwar Plateau, Pakistan” Journal Of Animal And Plant Sciences, August 2020  DOI:
  • 37. Umar, M., Naeem, A. and Hussain, M. “Socio-ecological challenges to Indian Pangolin in Pakistan: A review.” Pure and Applied Biology, July 2020  DOI:
  • 38. Liaqat, S., Hussain, M., Malik, M.F., Aslam, A. and Mumtaz, K. “Microbial ecology: a new perspective of plastic degradation.” Pure and Applied Biology, June 2020  DOI:
  • 39. Dastgeer, G., Hussain, M., Aftab, K., Tufail, M.S., Malik, M.F., Umar, M. and Sajid, M.S. “Seasonal distribution of rotifer diversity in selected fish ponds and Marala Headworks Sialkot, Pakistan. ” Journal Of Animal And Plant Sciences, June 2020  DOI:
  • 40. Malik, S.S., Zia, A., Rashid, S., Mubarik, S., Masood, N., Hussain, M., Yasmin, A. and Bano, R. “XPC as breast cancer susceptibility gene: evidence from genetic profiling, statistical inferences and protein structural analysis.” Breast Cancer, June 2020  DOI:
  • 41. Hussain, M., Younas, M., Malik, M.F., Umar, M., Kanwal, M. and Batool, M. “Spatio-temporal diversity of dung beetles in selected locales of Sialkot, Punjab, Pakistan” Punjab University Journal of Zoology, April 2020  DOI:
  • 42. Murtaza, G., Sultana, R., Malik, M.A., Afzal, S., Hussain, M. and Bashir, S. “Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation: An Alternative Approach to Quit Smoking” Punjab University Journal of Zoology, June 2019  DOI:
  • 43. Kanwal, M., Younus, W. and Hussain, M. “An insight into genomics of mulberry silkworm. ” Scientific Inquiry and review, June 2019  DOI:
  • 44. Zafar, F., Iqbal, R., Malik, M.F., Irfan, M. and Hussain, M. “An overview of mechanism of egress of RBC from bone marrow.” Electronic Journal of Biology, May 2019  DOI:
  • 45. Sajid, M.S., Iqbal, R., Hussain, M., Malik, M.F. and Shah, S.H. “Teratogenic effects of cypermethrin and carbaryl on swiss albino mice (Mus musculus). Pure” Pure and Applied Biology, May 2019  DOI:
  • 46. Shah, S.H., Iqbal, R., Hussain, M., Malik, M.F., Mukhtar, B. and Sajid, M.S. “Histopathological effects of galanin on reproductive hormones and reproductive organs of rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus).” Pure and Applied Biology, May 2019  DOI:
  • 47. Sadia Sidra Aziz and Mubashar Hussain “Fruit Pest Management in Pakistan: A Review” BioScientific Review, October 2018  DOI:
  • 48. Kanwal, M., Hussain, M. and Younus, W. “Hazardous Effects of Arsenic Contaminated Water on the Biological Characteristics of Fishes: A Review.” BioScientific Review, September 2018  DOI:
  • 49. Maimoona, K., Mubashar, H., Zaheer, A., Shakil, A.K. and Fatima, Z. “Yield performance of Bulgarian race of silkworm fed on local mulberry supplemented with vitamins and amino acids. ” Biologia, July 2018  DOI:
  • 50. Hussain, M., Malik, M.F., Siddique, S., Umar, M., Zainab, T. and Zafar, F. “Diversity and Distribution of Coccinellid Beetles in Irrigated and Rainfed Fields of Gujrat, Punjab, Pakistan.” Punjab University Journal of Zoology, June 2018  DOI:
  • 51. Hussain, M., Malik, M.F., Siddique, S., Umar, M., Zainab, T. and Zafar, F. “Diversity and Distribution of Coccinellid Beetles in Irrigated and Rainfed Fields of Gujrat, Punjab, Pakistan.” Punjab University Journal of Zoology, June 2018  DOI:
  • 52. Umar, M., Hussain, M., Murtaza, G., Shaheen, F.A. and Zafar, F. “Ecological concerns of migratory birds in Pakistan: a review.” Punjab University Journal of Zoology, May 2018  DOI:
  • 53. Firoz-ud-Din, A., Nasir, A., Masood, K.R., Mubashar, H., Malik, M.F. and Qayyum, A. “Phytoremediation of arsenic contaminated soild by Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Terminalia arjuna and Salix tetrasperma” Journal Of Applied Botany And Food Quality, February 2018  DOI:
  • 54. Akram, S., Khan, S.A., Fakhar-un-Nisa, M.H., Kanwal, M. and Zafar, F. “Impact of Cholecalciferol (D3) supplementation on biology and cocoon yield of silkworm, Bombyx mori L. ” Asian Journal Agriculture & Biology, December 2017  DOI:
  • 55. Hussain, M., Akbar, R., Malik, M.F., Kazam, S.N. and Zainab, T. “Diversity, distribution and seasonal variations of grasshopper populations in Sialkot, Punjab, Pakistan.” Pure and Applied Biology, October 2017  DOI:
  • 56. Tariq, A., Afsheen, S., Hussain, M., Zia, A., Shah, S.S., Afzal, S., Khan, I. and Hayat, Y. “Bioefficacy of plant powders against Callosobruchus chinensis L. (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) in infested chickpea grains.” Asian Journal Agriculture & Biology, September 2017  DOI:
  • 57. Chaudhry, F. N., Malik, M. F., Hussain, M., & Asif, N. “Insects as Biological Weapons. ” Journal of Bioterrorism & Biodefense, July 2017  DOI:
  • 58. Noureen, N., Hussain, M., Fatima, S. and Ghazanfar, M. “ Cotton mealybug management: a review” Journal of Entomology and Zoology studies, December 2016  DOI:
  • 59. Fatima, I., Iqbal, R. and Hussain, M. “Histopathological effects of chromium (III) sulfate on liver and kidney of Swiss albino mice (Mus musculus).” Asia Pacific Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, September 2016  DOI:
  • 60. Nasir, A., Hussain, M., Fatima, S., Noureen, N. and Ghazanfar, M. “New faunal records of dung beetles from district Sialkot, Punjab, Pakistan. ” Journal Biology and Environmental Sciences, August 2016  DOI:
  • 61. Batool, S. and Hussain, M. “Diversity and distribution of butterflies in Pakistan: A review” Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies, August 2016  DOI:
  • 62. Batool, S. and Hussain, M. “Wildlife in the perspective of environmental degradation: A review.” Journal of Entomology and Zoology studies, August 2016  DOI:
  • 63. Naz, S. and Hussain, M. “Current trends in wildlife conservation” International Journal of Fauna and Biological Studies, August 2016  DOI:
  • 64. Naseem, S., Hussain, M., & Munir, T. “Environmental protection for biological conservation: A Review.” Journal of Entomology and Zoology studies, June 2016  DOI:
  • 65. Munir, T., Hussain, M. and Naseem, S. “Water pollution-a menace of freshwater biodiversity: a review.” Journal of Entomology and Zoology studies, June 2016  DOI:
  • 66. Khan, S.A., Hussain, M., Noureen, N., Fatima, S., Ane, N.U. and Abbas, Z. “Yield performance of turmeric varieties intercropped with mulberry plantations” American Eurasian Journal Agriculture Environmental Sciences, June 2016  DOI:
  • 67. Sarwar, M.K., Malik, M.F., Hussain, M., Azam, I., Iqbal, W. and Ashiq, U. “Distribution and current status of amphibian fauna of Pakistan: A review.” Electronic journal of Biology, April 2016  DOI:
  • 68. Ghazanfar, M., Malik, M.F., Hussain, M., Iqbal, R. and Younas, M. “Butterflies and their contribution in ecosystem: A review” Journal of Entomology and Zoology studies, February 2016  DOI:
  • 69. Ane, N.U., Hussain, M., Zainab, T. and Fatima, S. “Effect of Lambda Cyhalothrin and Imidacloprid on the population density of aphid attacking strawberry” International Journal of Fauna and Biological Studies, February 2016  DOI:
  • 70. Ghazanfar, M., Hussain, M., Hashim, M. and Fahid, A.M. “ Checklist of spider (Araneae) fauna of Pakistan: A review” Journal of Entomology and Zoology studies, January 2016  DOI:
  • 71. Fatima, S., Hussain, M., Shafqat, S., Faheem Malik, M., Abbas, Z. and Noureen, N. “Laboratory evaluation of different insecticides against hibiscus mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae).” Scientifica, January 2016  DOI:
  • 72. Ane, N.U. and Hussain, M. “Diversity of insect pests in major rice growing areas of the world” Journal of Entomology and Zoology studies, December 2015  DOI:
  • 73. Fatima, S, Hussain M, Malik, M.F., Noureen, N. Ane, N, Abbas. Z. “Field efficacy of some insecticides against hibiscus mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)” Journal of Entomology and Zoology studies, December 2015  DOI:
  • 74. Noureen, N., Hussain, M., Malik, M.F. and Afsheen, S. “New records of dung beetle fauna from Pakistan” Journal of Entomology and Zoology studies, March 2015  DOI:
  • 75. Hussain, M., Khan, S.A., Naeem, M. and Nasir, M.F. “ Evaluation of silkworm lines against variations in temperature and RH for various parameters of commercial cocoon production” Psyche-Zeitschrift Fur Psychoanalyse Und Ihre Anwendungen, September 2011  DOI:
  • 76. Hussain, M., Khan, S.A., Naeem, M. and Nasir, M.F. “Effect of rearing temperature and humidity on fecundity and fertility of silkworm, Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae).” Pakistan Journal Of Zoology, August 2011  DOI:
  • 77. Hussain, M., Naeem, M., Khan, S.A., Bhatti, M.F. and Munawar, M. “Studies on the influence of temperature and humidity on biological traits of silkworm (Bombyx mori L.; Bombycidae” African Journal of Biotechnology, August 2011  DOI:
  • 78. Hussain, M., Khan, S.A. and Muhammad, N. “Effect of relative humidity on factors of seed cocoon production in some inbred silk worm (Bombyx mori) lines” International Journal Of Agriculture And Biology, July 2011  DOI:
  • 79. Hussain, M., Khan, S.A. and Aslam, M. “Evaluation of genetic potential of inbred pure lines of silkworm for breeding and cocoon production in Pakistan” African Journal of Food Science, March 2010  DOI:
  • 80. Hussain, M. and Javed, H. “Effect of 0.2% N with various combinations of ascorbic acid on growth and silk production of silkworm (Bombyx mori L.)” Asian Journal of Plant Sciences, June 2002  DOI:
  • 81. Javed, H. and Gondal, M.H. “Effect of food supplementation by N and ascorbic acid on larval mortality of silkworm (Bombyx mori L.)” Asian Journal of Plant Sciences, May 2002  DOI:

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The mission of UOG is to equip the youth in the areas of economy, social policy and research, so as to enable them to compete at the international level; achieve excellence in research and teaching in all disciplines; and develop a world class centre of excellence in the industrial triangle of Gujranwala.

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