Traditional medicinal knowledge about Pea leaf miner Phytomyza atricornis Meigen. feeding on Senji (Melilotus indica) leaves, in Chhattisgarh, India. Updated Version.

Traditional medicinal knowledge about Pea leaf miner Phytomyza atricornis Meigen. feeding on Senji (Melilotus indica) leaves, in Chhattisgarh, India. Updated Version.

Pankaj Oudhia

Introduction

Entomophagy and Entomotherapy are well known in Asia since generations. Unfortunately not much work has been done to document valuable Traditional Medicinal Knowledge about Insects. Pankaj Oudhia is documenting this knowledge since year 1990. The present note “Traditional medicinal knowledge about Pea leaf miner Phytomyza atricornis Meigen. feeding on Senji (Melilotus indica) leaves, in Chhattisgarh, India.”  is updated version of his previously published online research document available through pankajoudhia.com.

Keywords: Entomophagy; Entomotherapy; Medicinal Insects; Ayurveda; Chhattisgarh;

Senji (Melilotus indica) grows as problematic winter season weed in crop fields of Chhattisgarh. In many parts of Chhattisgarh, many varieties of Senji are under cultivation as fodder crop. In different systems of medicine in India, many medicinal properties and uses of Senji have been reported. In Homoeopathy, it is one of the most frequently used medicines. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh are also aware of its medicinal uses. The Pea leaf miner Phytomyza atricornis uses the Senji herb as alternative host. Pea is a major pest of pulse crops in Chhattisgarh. During the Ethno-entomological surveys conducted in different parts of Chhattisgarh, in recent past, many traditional healers informed that in early days the medicinal uses of maggots feeding on Senji herb were in existence in many parts of the state. The traditional healers were using the full fed maggots after purification, in treatment of all types of bleeding, both internally as well as externally. The purification is the process, the traditional healers of present generation is not aware of. This is the reason, according to them, responsible for its less use. It is not its poor efficacy that has made it out of use. When the traditional healers of present generation tried the maggots collected from Senji leaves without purification, they observed its harmful effects. Through the on-going Ethno-entomological surveys, I am trying my best to gather the information from senior traditional healers aware of its purification method. Every year this it infests the Senji heavily. I personally feel that if we can start utilizing the Phytomyza feeding on Senji as medicinal insect, this will be the great help for the Chhattisgarh farmers, because they invest much on agrochemicals to manage this insect in crop fields. Unlike other medicinal insects, the traditional healers were using the maggots feeding on Senji, in pure form, without adding medicinal herbs in it.

Although the above mentioned traditional medicinal uses are not in existence in Chhattisgarh but from documentation point of view it is important information. You will find more details about this medicinal insect in coming articles.

New comments added on May, 2014

Through recent surveys I have collected information about over 5000 Formulations in which Phytomyza collected from Melilotus is added as important ingredient. These Formulations are used in treatment of skin diseases. In Goniothalamus based Formulations Phytomyza is added as tertiary ingredient. In these Formulations barks of different wild trees are added along with Phytomyza. In Psoralea based Formulations it is added as quaternary ingredient. These Formulations are used for treatment of allergies. The Traditional Healers of Odisha add Phytomyza as tertiary ingredient in Sterculia based Formulations whereas the Healers of Chhattisgarh add it as quinary ingredient in these Formulations. In Wild Curcuma based Formulations Phytomyza is added as septenary ingredient. In Tinospora based Formulations it is added as senary ingredient along with Ocimun, Hyptis and Costus. These Formulations are popular among the Healers. In Orophea based Formulations for Eczema it is added as denary ingredient. In Asparagus based Formulations of Chhattisgarh Plains Phytomyza is added octonary ingredient. In Medicinal Rice Laicha based Formulations it is added as nonary ingredient. In Xanthophyllum based Formulations of Maharashtra it is added as quinary ingredient. For information on complete Formulations and dosage please visit pankajoudhia.com  

Thank you very much for reading the article.

Related References

Oudhia, Pankaj and Thakur, B.S. (1996). New record of the leaf beetle on a weed. Current Research 25: 218.

Oudhia, P., Kolhe, S.S. and Tripathi, R.S. (1996) Allelopathic effect of Datura stramonium L. on linseed. Agril. Biol. Res. 12 (1&2) : 12-17.

Oudhia, P. (1997) Evaluation of host specificity of Blumea leaf beetle (Chrysolina sp. nr. madrasae Jackoby). Insect Environment. 3 (3): 80.

Oudhia, P. and Tripathi, R.S. (1997).Allelopathic potential of Calotropis gigantea R.Br. World Weeds.4:109-119.

Oudhia, P. and Tripathi, R.S. (1997) Germination and seedling vigour of Soybean as affected by allelopathy of Ipomoea carnea Jacq. Legume Research. 20 (3/4): 227-229.

Oudhia, P., Kolhe, S.S. and Tripathi, R.S.(1997) Allelopathic effect of white top (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) on chickpea. Legume Research. 20 (2): 117-120.

Oudhia, P. and Tripathi, R.S. (1998). Allelopathic potential of Datura stramonium L. Crop. Res. 16 (1): 37-40.

Oudhia, P., Kolhe, S.S. and Tripathi, R.S. (1998) Allelopathic effect of Blumea lacera L. on Rice and common kharif weeds: Oryza 35 (2) : 175-177.

Oudhia, P. and Tripathi, R.S. (1998). Allelopathic effects of Parthenium hysterophorus L. on Kodo, Mustard and problematic weeds. Proc. First International Conference on Parthenium Management (Vol. II) UAS, Dharwad 6-8 Oct. 1997: 136-139.

Oudhia, P. and Ganguali, R.N. (1998). Is Lantana camara responsible for Sal-borer infesttation in M.P.? Insect Environment. 4 (1): 5.

Oudhia, P. (1998). Medicinal insects and spiders. Insect Environment. 4(2): 57-58

Banwarilal and Oudhia P. (1999). Beneficial effects of Allelopathy: I . Crop Production.Indian J. Weed Sci. 31(1&2): 103-105

Oudhia, P. (1999) Effect of some botanicals on hatchability of Blumea leaf beetle eggs. Insect Environment. 4(4): 154

Oudhia, P. (1999). Studies on Allelopathy and medicinal weeds in chickpea fields. International Chickpea and Pigeonpea Newsletter (ICRISAT) 6: 29-33.

Oudhia, P. (1999) Blumea leaf beetle in Chhattisgarh Plains. Insect Environment. 5 (1): 22.

Oudhia, P. and Ganguli, J. (1999). Outbreak of Tortoise beetle Aspidomorpha miliaris F. (Coleoptera ; Chrysomelidae) in Chhattisgarh plains. Insect Environment 5(3): 110-111.

Oudhia, P. (1999). Effects of Total Solar Eclipse on activities of some insects and mites. Insect Environment 5(3): 113-114.

Oudhia, P. (1999). Traditional medicinal knowledge about Red velvet mite Trombidium sp. (Acari : Trombidiidae) in Chhattisgarh. Insect Environment 5(3): 113.

Oudhia P., Pandey N. and Tripathi R.S. (1999). Allelopathic effects of obnoxious weeds on germination and seedling vigour of hybrid rice. Internaitonal Rice Research Notes (IRRI). 24(2): 36.

Oudhia P, Pandey N, Ganguli RN & Tripathi RS (1999) Gall midge (Orseolia oryzae) infestation in hybrid rice as affected by agronomical practices. Insect Environment 4: 123–124.

Oudhia P, Pandey N, Tripathi RS & Ganguli RN (1999) Effect of nitrogen and water management practices on gall midge (Orseolia oryzae) infestation in hybrid rice. Insect Environment 4: 119–120.

Oudhia P, Pandey N, Tripathi RS & Ganguli RN (1999) Reaction of hybrid rice varieties to gall midge (Orseolia oryzae).. Insect Environment 4 (4): 134.

Oudhia P, Pandey N, Tripathi RS & Ganguli RN (1999) Effect of different fertility levels on the gall midge (Orseolia oryzae) infestation.. Insect Environment 4 (3): 66-67.

Oudhia, P. and Ganguli, R. N. (1999) Chrysolina madrassae: A potential bio-control agent for Blumea lacera. VIII Biennial Conference of Indian Society of Weed Science held at BHU, Varanasi 5-7 Feb. p 134.

Gupta A., Thakur M.P. and Oudhia P. (2000). Effects of different Homoeopathic drugs prepared from common weeds on radial growth of Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus membranaceus) under in vitro condition. Research on Crops 1(2):255-257.

Oudhia, P. (2000). Studies on host specificity and preference of the metallic coloured Tortoise beetle (Aspidomorpha miliaris F.) Ecol. Env. And Cons. 6(3):357-359.

Oudhia, P. (2000). Effects of leaf extracts on Metallic Coloured Tortoise beetle Aspidomorpha miliaris F. Insect Environment 5(4): 165.

Oudhia, P. (2000). Toxic effects of Parthenium leaf extracts on Aspidomorpha miliaris F. and Zonabris pustulata Thunb. Insect Environment 5(4): 168.

Oudhia,P. (2000).Evaluation of some botanicals against orange banded blister beetle(Zonabris pustulata Thunb.).Crop Research 20(3):558-559

Oudhia,P.(2000).Record of Orange Banded Blister Beetle Zonabris pustulata Thunb.(Coleoptera: Meloidae) on Safed Moosli(Chlorophytum borivilianum).Insect Environment.6(3):138

Oudhia,P.(2000).Effect of some leaf leachates on hatchability of Blumea leaf beetle(Chrysolina madrasae Jackoby) Eggs.Indian J. Weed Sci. 32(3&4):206-207.

Oudhia, P. (2000). Traditional medicinal knowledge about green leaf hopper, Nephotettix spp. in Chhattisgarh (India). International Rice Research Notes.25 (3):40

Oudhia, P. (2000). Common housefly Musca nebulo Wiedemann (Diptera: Muscidae) as medicinal insect in Chattisgarh. Insect Environment. 6(1):36-37.

Oudhia, P. (2000). Germination and seedling vigour of kodomillet as affected by Allelopathy of Ipomoea carnea Jacq. Indian J. Plant Physiol. 5(4) NS: 383-384.

Oudhia, P. (2000). Parthenium hysterophorus: a new weed in upland rice fields of the Chattisgarh Plains(India).International Rice Research Notes (IRRN).25.1:34.

Oudhia, P. (2000). Positive (inhibitory) Allelopathic effects of Parthenium hysterophorus leaves on germination and seedling vigour of sunflower.Crop Research 20(3):560-562.

Oudhia, Pankaj (2000). "Problems perceived by safed moosli (Chlorophytum borivilianum) growers of Chhattisgarh (India) region: a study." Journal of Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Sciences 22.4a (2000): 396-399.

Oudhia, P. (2001). Traditional medicinal knowledge about Pod borer Helicoverpa armigera in Chhattisgarh, India. International Chickpea and Pigeonpea Newsletter.8:14-15.

Oudhia, P. (2001). Allelopathic research on chickpea seeds in Chattisgarh (India) region: An overview. Ecol. Env. and Cons.7(1):31-34.

Oudhia, P. (2001). Stimulatory Allelopathy of Ageratum conyzoides L. on soybean.Agri. Sci. Digest. v.21(1):55-56.

Oudhia, P. (2001). Medicinal insects of Kharif crops and weeds of Chattisgarh (India). VII National Science Conference, Bharitya Krishi Anusandhan Samitee, Directorate of Cropping System Research, Meerut, India, 12-14 April.

Oudhia, P. (2001). Record of Aphis craccivora Koch.(Hemiptera: Aphididae) on medicinal crop Mucuna pruriens L. in Chhattigarh (India). Insect Environment. 7(1):24.

Oudhia, P. (2001). Traditional medicinal knowledge about Bed Bug Cimex lectularius L.(Hemiptera: Cimicidae) in Chhattisgarh (India). Insect Environment. 7(1):23.

Oudhia, P. (2001). Phyllotreta crucifera Goeze: A new pest of medicinal crop Lepidium sativum L. in Chhattisgarh (India).In: Souvenir cum Abstracts. National Research Seminar on Herbal Conservation, Cultivation, Marketing and Utilization with Special Emphasis on Chhattisgarh, ‘The Herbal State’. Srishti Herbal Academy and Research Institute (SHARI) and Chhattisgarh Minor Forest Produce (Trading & Dev.) Co-operative Fedration Ltd., Raipur (India), 13-14 December, 2001. p.74.

Oudhia, P. (2001). Improved cultivation practices for medicinal crops: glimpses of research of farmers' fields in Chhattisgarh (India).In: Oudhia P, editor. Souvenir-cum-abstracts. National Research Seminar on Herbal Conservation, Cultivation, Marketing and Utilization with Special Emphasis on Chhattisgarh, The Herbal State, Srishti Herbal Academy and Research Institute (SHARI), 13-14 December 2001. p 44.

Oudhia, P. (2001). Evaluation of Allelopathic effects of some fruit tree leaf extracts on emergence and seedling vigour of Lathyrus var.Biol-212.Legume Res. 24(3):207-208.

Oudhia, P. (2001). Germination and seedling vigour of wheat as affected by allelopathy of some obnoxious weed.Agric.Sci.Digest. 21(4):275-276.

Oudhia, P. (2001). Phyto-sociological studies of rainy season wasteland weeds with special reference to Parthenium hysterophorus L. in Raipur (India) district. Asian Jr. of Microbiol. Biotech & Env. Sc.3 (1-2):89-92.

Oudhia, P. (2001). My experiences with world’s top ten Indian medicinal plants: Glimpses of research at farmer’s field in Chhattisgarh (India).In: Abstract. Workshop cum Seminar on Sustainable Agriculture for 21st Century, IGAU, Raipur, India, 20-21 Jan.

Oudhia, P. (2002). Traditional medicinal knowledge about common insects and mites in India. Eco. Env and Consv. 8(4):339-340.

Oudhia, P. (2002). Rice-Acorus intercropping: a new system developed by innovative farmers of Chhattisgarh (India).International Rice Research Notes. 27 (1):56.

Oudhia, P. (2002). Traditional medicinal knowledge about Red Ant Oecophylla smaragdina (Fab.) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Chattisgarh, India. Insect Environment.8 (3):114-115.

Oudhia, P. (2002). Traditional medicinal knowledge about Fireflies, Photuris sp.(Coleoptera : Lampyridae)in Chhattisgarh (India). Insect Environment, Vol.8 (1):25

Oudhia, P. (2005). Traditional Knowledge about medicinal insects and mites in Chhattisgarh, India: An overview. International Conference on “Promotion and Development of Botanicals with International Coordination: Exploring quality, safety, efficacy and regulations”. February 25- 26, 2005 Supported by: Drug Information Association, USA Secretariat: School of Natural Product Studies Jadavpur university, Kolkata 700032.)

Costa-Neto, E. M. (2005). Entomotherapy, or the medicinal use of insects.Journal of Ethnobiology, 25(1), 93-114.

Oudhia, P., 2007. Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb. [Internet] Record from PROTA4U. Schmelzer, G.H. & Gurib-Fakim, A. (Editors). PROTA (Plant Resources of Tropical Africa / Ressources végétales de l’Afrique tropicale), Wageningen, Netherlands

Oudhia, P., 2007. Agave americana L. In: Schmelzer, G.H. & Gurib-Fakim, A. (Editors). Prota 11(1): Medicinal plants/Plantes médicinales 1. [CD-Rom]. PROTA, Wageningen, Netherlands.

Oudhia, P., 2007. Cordia myxa L. [Internet] Record from PROTA4U. Schmelzer, G.H. & Gurib-Fakim, A. (Editors). PROTA (Plant Resources of Tropical Africa / Ressources végétales de l’Afrique tropicale), Wageningen, Netherlands. . Accessed 27 April 2014.

Oudhia, P., 2008. Phyllanthus amarus Schumach. & Thonn. In: Schmelzer, G.H. & Gurib-Fakim, A. (Editors). Prota 11(1): Medicinal plants/Plantes médicinales 1. [CD-Rom]. PROTA, Wageningen, Netherlands.

Oudhia, P., 2008. Phyllanthus fraternus G.L.Webster. In: Schmelzer, G.H. & Gurib-Fakim, A. (Editors). Prota 11(1): Medicinal plants/Plantes médicinales 1. [CD-Rom]. PROTA, Wageningen, Netherlands.

Oudhia, P. (2008). Series on Wilderness medicines (Expedition medicines) of Indian state Chhattisgarh. http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, P. (2008). The Indian experiences on organic farming of medicinal and aromatic crops useful for African herb growers. http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, P. (2008). New record of Aspidomorpha miliaris F. (Coleoptera; Chrysomelidae) on Shorea robusta in Gariaband region of Indian state Chhattisgarh. http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, P. (2008). One summer day with Traditional healers, Herb Collectors and forest of Gariaband and Rajim regions of Indian state Chhattisgarh. Part-I. http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, P. (2008). Dataiya (Paper Wasp) in Biodiversity rich Indian state Chhattisgarh. http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, P. (2008). Note on Scientific Report titled ‘Traditional medicinal knowledge about herbs and herbal combinations used in treatment of Type II Diabetes in India with special reference to Chhattisgarh’. http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, P. (2008). That’s how Climate Change is affecting Traditional Healing. 1. Interactions with Traditional Healers having expertise in use of medicinal mite Trombidium in Indian state Chhattisgarh. http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, P. (2008). Extremely Complex Traditional Formulations are important in treatment of Type II Diabetes and associated troubles. http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, P. (2008). The search for Man faced bug Catacanthus incarnatus in Indian state Chhattisgarh. http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, P. (2008). Through Bhavri and Medicinal Herbs Epilepsy is treated in Chhattisgarh. http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, P. (2008). Impact of Globalization on Biodiversity with Special emphasis on Livelihood of poor and marginalised: A case study of Raigarh Region, Chhattisgarh, India. http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, P. (2008). Search for New Medicinal Insects and Mites in Indian State Chhattisgarh. http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, P. (2008). Prevent and cure Chikungunya through traditional medicinal knowledge this time. http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, P. (2008). Bird diversity of Barnawapara wildlife sanctuary, Chhattisgarh , India . http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, P. (2008). Are all Gram caterpillars possess same medicinal properties? (New comments and results of recent [year 2005 onwards] Ethnobotanical surveys). http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, P. (2008). Some unique traditional ways of herb collection in Chhattisgarh, India. (New comments and results of recent [year 2005 onwards] Ethnobotanical surveys). http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, P. (2008). Status of Mexican Beetle Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister in Chhattisgarh, India. (New comments and results of recent [year 2005 onwards] Ethnobotanical surveys). http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, P. (2008). My observations and experiences with Parrots of Chhattisgarh with special reference to Barnawapara wildlife Sanctuary region. http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, P. (2008). Recent Interactions with Farmers of Barnawapara wildlife sanctuary region, Chhattisgarh , India having traditional knowledge about organic farming. http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, P. (2008). Recent interactions with farmers of Chhattisgarh Plains , India facing problem of Monkey nuisance. http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, P. (2008). Traditional Shurbut (Sherbet) based 365 days schedule (XVIII) for Heart patients (at second stage) suggested by Traditional Healers of Indian state Chhattisgarh. http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, P. (2008). Ethnobotanical survey in Ghata Rani Forest region of Indian state Chhattisgarh during July. 2008. Part-I. http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, P. (2008). Ethnobotanical survey in Ghata Rani Forest region of Indian state Chhattisgarh during July. 2008. Part-II. http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, P. (2008). Ethnobotanical survey in Ghata Rani Forest region of Indian state Chhattisgarh during July. 2008. Part-III. http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, Pankaj and Paull Robert E. (2008). Monkey Jack Artocarpus lakoocha Roxb., Moraceae p485-487. Encyclopedia of Fruit and Nuts - 2008, J. Janick and R. E. Paull -editors, CABI, Wallingford, United Kingdom

Oudhia, Pankaj and Paull Robert E. (2008). Butter tree Madhuca latifolia Roxb. Sapotaceae p827-828. Encyclopedia of Fruit and Nuts - 2008, J. Janick and R. E. Paull -editors, CABI, Wallingford, United Kingdom

Oudhia, Pankaj and Paull Robert E. (2008). Chironji Buchanania lanzan Spreng. Anacardiaceae p14-15. Encyclopedia of Fruit and Nuts - 2008, J. Janick and R. E. Paull -editors, CABI, Wallingford, United Kingdom

Oudhia, Pankaj and Paull Robert E. (2008). West Indian Almond Terminalia catappa L. Combretaceae. p273-276.. Encyclopedia of Fruit and Nuts - 2008, J. Janick and R. E. Paull -editors, CABI,Wallingford, United Kingdom

Oudhia, Pankaj (2009).Management of Magnaporthe grisea (Pyricularia grisea [=P. oryzae]) in Rice (Oryza sativa) crop. B. Azadirachta indica based formulations. [Internet]. Version 1. Knols of Pankaj Oudhia. 2009 Oct 6. Available from: http://pankajoudhiaknols.wordpress.com/article/management-of-magnaporthe-grisea-3nerdtj3s9l79-15/.

Horgan, F. G., & Crisol, E. (2013). Hybrid rice and insect herbivores in Asia. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata, 148(1), 1-19.

Majumdar, Ushinor (2013). A fight to save Traditional Medicines. Tehelka. 2013-07-27, Issue 30 Volume 10. http://www.tehelka.com/a-fight-to-save-traditional-medicines/

Citation

Oudhia, Pankaj (2014). Traditional medicinal knowledge about Pea leaf miner Phytomyza atricornis Meigen. feeding on Senji (Melilotus indica) leaves, in Chhattisgarh, India. Updated Version.  pankajoudhia.com