Search

BACKGROUND Many groups of insects utilize substrate-borne vibrations for intraspecific communication. This characteristic makes them a suitable model for exploring the use of vibrations as a tool for pest control as an alternative to the use of chemicals. Detailed knowledge of species communication is a prerequisite to select the best signals to use. This study explored the use of substrate-borne vibrations for pest control of the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys Stal (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae). For this purpose, we first identified the spectral and temporal characteristics that best elicit male responsiveness. Bioassays were conducted with artificial signals that mimicked the natural female calling signal. Second, we used the acquired knowledge to synthesize new signals endowed with different degrees of attractiveness in single- and two-choice bioassays using a wooden custom-made T stand. RESULTS The results from this study showed that males were attracted to female signals along a high range of amplitudes, especially starting from a threshold of 100 μm s-1 , a high pulse repetition time (1 s) and frequency peak corresponding to the first harmonic (76 Hz). This resulted in an "optimal" signal for use to attract males, while the choice test in the T arena showed that this signal elicits searching behavior and attracts BMSB males towards a stimulation point. CONCLUSION We confirm the use of vibrational signals as a strong tool for behavioral manipulation of male BMSB and suggest its possible use in the development of field traps and further management of this pest. © 2021 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Irrigating vineyard soils can affect grapevine water potential, nutritional status, and must composition. This study aimed to evaluate leaf water potential, nutritional status, and must composition in cv. 'Pinot Nero' grapevines grown with and without irrigation. The experiment was conducted at a commercial vineyard of 'Pinot Nero' 828 grafted on SO4 rootstock, established in 2002 in Trento, Northern Italy. The treatments were irrigated (I) and non-irrigated (NI) throughout the 2013 crop season. The criteria evaluated were the water potential of the leaves, total nutrient content in the leaves and berries, and weight of 100 berries, as well as the total soluble solids content, pH, and total titratable acidity of the must. Despite providing a less negative water potential for the grapevine leaves, irrigation did not affect the nutritional status or must composition, and it only slightly interfered with berry nutrient content. A irrigação em solos de vinhedos pode afetar o potencial hídrico da videira, o estado nutricional e a composição do mosto. O trabalho objetivou avaliar o potencial de água em folhas, o estado nutricional e a composição do mosto, em videiras da cv. 'Pinot Nero', cultivadas com e sem irrigação. O experimento foi conduzido em um vinhedo comercial de 'Pinot Nero' 828, enxertada sobre o porta enxerto SO4, implantado em 2002 em Trento, Norte da Itália. Os tratamentos foram com irrigação (I) e sem irrigação (SI) ao longo da safra de 2013. Avaliou-se o potencial hídrico das folhas, o teor total de nutrientes em folhas e bagas, a massa de 100 bagas e, no mosto, foram avaliados o teor de sólidos solúveis totais, pH e acidez total titulável. A irrigação, apesar de proporcionar potencial de água menos negativo nas folhas da videira, não afetou o estado nutricional, a composição do mosto e pouco interferiu no teor de nutrientes na baga.