Ozone depletion threatens rising solar UV radiation
levels, prompting worldwide measurement. UV radiation, a photochemically
reactive wavelength, is a critical abiotic stressor for organisms, regulating
life processes and indirectly altering insect biochemistry and morphogenesis,
especially in early life stages. Aphids are small insect pests that cause
problems for a variety of crops, fruits, vegetables, and decorative plants.
They feed plant phloem sap, which affects plant growth, flowering, and
productivity. Alpha-terthienyl is a naturally occurring plant metabolite that
is found in tagget species of Asteraceae family plants and becomes
photoreactive in the presence of solar UV-B radiation.
Monitoring of solar UV-B was performed in Dehradun and Tehri Garhwal.
Mortality rate, protein, and glutathione contents were observed in mustard
aphid (Lipaphis erysimi) and pea aphid (Acyrothosiphon pisum).
After solar and artificial ultraviolet-B irradiation with alpha-terthienyl
photosensitizer. UVB radiation showed seasonal, diurnal, and altitude
variations. After exposure of alpha-terthienyl with solar and artificial UV-B
on aphids showed morphological changes, low reproduction, and increased
mortality. A reduction in protein and glutathione (GSH) levels in aphids was
also observed after UV-B and photosensitizer exposure. Artificial UV-B was
found toxic, but its toxicity increases with photosensitizers and thus can be
used as a natural pesticide. Aphids exposed to alpha-terthienyl showed dose
intensity, and species-dependent variations in toxicity. Results indicate that
UV-B radiation with photosensitizers has a toxic effect on aphid population,
dispersal, and diversity.
