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Deroceras reticulatum also known as the Grey Field Slug is a serious agricultural and horticultural pest. Integrated pest management of D. reticulatum and other pest molluscs includes the use of chemical mollusicides, crop management practices and biological control. Research into the biology and control of D. reticulatum requires animals for experiments; however, collection of wild animals for these purposes is often not feasible due to variations in seasonal availability or geographic distribution. Additionally, the use of wild animals introduced a large amount of variation in experiments due to differing health status, age and prior environmental exposure of the animals. This paper describes protocols for the establishment and maintenance of a colony of D. reticulatum in the laboratory which can provide large numbers of eggs or animals of different ages for study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Durian (Durio zibethinus) brings in princely revenue for the fruit economy in Southeast Asia, ushering the current trend of clearing forests for durian plantations. Despite the thorny fruit's popularity and increasing bat-durian papers, not many associate their vital plant-pollinator relationship. This unfamiliarity has led to the persisting negative connotations of bats as agricultural pests and worse, a disease carrier amplified by the Covid-19 pandemic. This review focuses on the bat-durian relationship comprising botanical insights and pollination ecology in relevance to the wider pteropodid-plant interactions. The majority of the studies compiled have concluded that bats are the most effective pollinator for durian than insects. Six fruit bat species (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae) have been recorded pollinating durian flowers, with several other pteropodid species speculated to pollinate durian, including in non-native countries. Lastly, we address the research gaps for the bat-durian relationship, which can also be applied to other chiropterophilous plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insect pests affecting standing and stored crops can cause severe damage and reduce yields considerably. Was this also the case in Neolithic Europe? Did early farming populations take a certain amount of harvest loss into account? Did they decide to change crops or rotate them when they became too infested? Did they obtain new crops from neighbouring communities as part of this process? Or did they actively fight against pests? This paper focuses on pulse crop pests, presenting the earliest evidence of fava beans displaying boreholes and of the presence of pea weevil in two different archaeological sites: Can Sadurní (in a phase dated to ca. 4800-4500 cal BC), located in the NE Iberian Peninsula and Zürich-Parkhaus Opéra (in a phase dated to ca. 3160 BC), located in Central Switzerland. Evidence suggests that early farmers were aware of the damages produced by pests and we propose different strategies for their management, including potential evidence for the use of repellent or trap plants in the plots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Otún River watershed, located in the Colombian coffee region, provides water to over 700,000 inhabitants of the Risaralda department. Onion (Allium fistulosum) has been cultivated in this area since 1960, and it currently represents an important economic contribution for local farmers who have assimilated the models of intensive agricultural production with the common use of chemical inputs. The aim of this research paper is to identify management practices, and their potential impact on water quality for human supply in the Otún River. Using surveys conducted among local producers, a general farmers group with primary education was identified, who were not members of any producer association (≤9.1). Improper agricultural practices were identified in farms, where up to 1449 L ha−1 of diluted agrochemical supplies are used. Up to 70 different products with a large variety of toxicological categories (from a slightly toxic products class (III) to extremely toxic products (Ia)), for the management of pests and diseases of onion crops. With the Pesticide Impact Rating Index (PIRI) tool, a high impact of pesticide mobility toward water sources and risk to the ecosystem and humans was identified. In the water sources sampled, ten organochlorine pesticides and 16 organophosphate pesticides were detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper assesses the environmental impacts associated with changes in pesticide use with GM crops at a global level. The main technologies impacting on pesticide use have been crops modified to be tolerant to specific herbicides so as to facilitate improved weed control and crops resistant to a range of crop insect pests that otherwise damage crops or typically require the application of insecticides to control them. Over the 24 year period examined to 2020, the widespread use of GM insect resistant and herbicide tolerant seed technology has reduced pesticide application by 748.6 million kg (−7.2%) of active ingredient and, as a result, decreased the environmental impact associated with insecticide and herbicide use on these crops (as measured by the indicator, the Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ)) by a larger 17.3% between 1996 and 2020. The technology that has delivered the largest change in pesticide use has been insect resistant cotton, where a 339 million kg of active ingredient saving has occurred and the associated environmental impact (as measured by the EIQ indicator) has fallen by about a third. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A reprint of an article by L.W. Koch that appeared in the journal "Scientific Agriculture" (1935, Vol. 15) is presented. It reports on the black knot of plums and cherries. It is reported that black knot is first manifested as a small swelling on a twig at the border of a knot. It the case of primary infections, swellings appear during the fall of the year of infection.

α-Amylase is abundant in plants and animals. α-Amylase inhibitors can reduce endogenous α-amylase activity, playing an essential role in agricultural pest control, and preventing and treating human disease. In the agricultural field, α-Amylase inhibitors can restrict pest that relies on the starch of crops. Acarbose is an α-amylase inhibitor used to treat diabetes. Some α-amylase inhibitors are represented by antinutritional factors, while others are proteinaceous. Depending on their structures and sources, researchers have divided them into seven types: The knottin-like type, the γ-thionin-like type, the cereal type, the Kunitz type, the thaumatin-like type, and the lectin-like type. This paper introduces the methods for separating, purifying, and detecting proteinaceous α-amylase inhibitors while examining the structure and inhibition mechanism of several proteinaceous α-amylase inhibitors. Finally, it explores the potential applications of α-amylase inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize is one of the most important crops in the world, particularly in Mexico where it was domesticated and is central to traditional cultures. The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda [J.E. Smith]), is a major pest that can greatly reduce production of this crop. Climate change also threatens maize production, as projections estimate an increase of fall armyworm outbreaks. For these reasons, (1) we assessed the changes in the S. frugiperda life cycle along a temperature gradient ranging from 23 °C to 31 °C, and (2) assessed the development of larvae feeding on two Mexican landraces and the responses of each landrace to herbivory under current and predicted climatic conditions; both assessments were conducted under laboratory conditions. Development was faster and each life cycle stage was shorter at higher temperatures. The effect of herbivory differed between the landraces; herbivory was more harmful for White Ranchero than for Yellow. As warmer and drier conditions are expected during this century, sowing appropriate maize landraces that can cope with herbivores under climate change could mitigate potential economic losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The obligate root parasitic Orobanchaceae plants Striga, Orobanche and Phelipanche spp. parasitize economically important crops, vegetables and oil plants. They are the most devastating agricultural weed pests worldwide. Based on an analysis of the climatic requirements of these parasites, very large areas of new territory are at risk of invasion if care is not taken. Recent research in combatting root parasitic weeds was reviewed based on scientific papers reported from 2010 and onwards. The countermeasures fell into eight kinds: resistant varieties, tolerant varieties, microbiological approach, cultural practices, chemical controls, host-induced gene silencing, integrated management and dissemination of technologies including the current situation survey. The development of practical, feasible and economical control technologies against root parasitic weeds would be expected by advancing and combining the countermeasures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid expansion of cocoa farming among Sulawesi smallholders since 1980 has transformed the island into a hub within the global cocoa industry. It hosts a number of multinational trading firms and has an expanding grinding sector. In recent years, however, the cocoa sector has been struck by severe pest, disease and quality problems, which are undermining the long-term sustainability of one of Eastern Indonesia's most important rural industries. Some form of intervention is needed if the cocoa industry is to avoid steady decline. This paper examines the role of informal institutions, cocoa multinationals and government in attempts to maintain farm profits in Sulawesi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses issues and topics related to plant diseases. The loss of agricultural products from different pests and diseases varies greatly from year to year and place, but their total over the whole world is enormous. This paper presents several examples of pests and diseases which have led to great famines, or which have made it impossible to grow a previously flourishing plant. These events are all thought to have followed the introduction of a pathogen into new territory, and they might be taken as evidence of what might be achieved deliberately during a war.

The pond wolf spider Pardosa pseudoannulata Bösenberg & Strand, 1906 (Araneae: Lycosidae) is an important predator of agricultural pests in southern, eastern and southeastern Asia. Here, we report the complete mitogenome of this spider reconstructed from Illumina sequencing data. The circular mitogenome length is 14,533 bp with the nucleotide composition A (33.3%), C (8.2%), G (15.2%), and T (43.3%). The P. pseudoannulata mitogenome comprises 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and a control region. Phylogenetic analyses of Lycosidae mitogenomes supported the monophyly of the subfamily Pardosinae and the two genera Pardosa and Alopecosa, and indicated the polyphyly of the subfamily Lycosinae and the paraphyly of its type genus Lycosa. In this study, P. pseudoannulata is the closest relative to P. pusiola. These results provide useful genetic information for future studies on the diversity, phylogeny, and evolution for wolf spiders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we explore the application of weather index insurance to plant pest and disease management strategies using two distinct models: (1) insuring crop loss due to disease incidence (“Crop Insurance”) and (2) insuring the use of pesticides (“Pesticide Insurance”). We find that despite the seeming ease of applying weather-based pest incidence models to an insurance product, insuring plant disease incidence models is presently unsuitable for the insurance market for both scientific and behavioral reasons. However, derivative-like applications of weather index insurance to insure pesticide use offer a means to introduce financial leverage into pesticide usage decisions. Risk management with weather index insurance would thus function as a complement to existing risk management strategies using pesticides, and offer a market-based mechanism for pesticide abatement. We conclude that more interdisciplinary collaboration is needed to develop weather index insurance for remuneration of losses due to plant pests and diseases, but weather index insurance offers a potential mechanism to reduce inefficiencies and negative externalities in agricultural markets if pesticide expenditures are insured instead of crop losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micromelalopha sieversi (Staudinger, 1892) is a significant pest of Poplar trees in China. In this study, we used high-throughput sequencing to sequence the whole mitochondrial genome of M. sieversi. The length of the genome was 15,373 base pairs. The nucleotide composition was 39.8%, 11.5%, 8.0%, and 40.7% for A, C, G, and T, respectively. We used the maximum-likelihood method to construct a molecular phylogenetic tree based on complete mitogenome sequences of 19 Noctuoidea species as ingroups and five Geometroidea species as outgroups. The results indicate that the genus Micromelalopha is closely related to the genus Clostera in family Notodontidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pollen beetleTarchonanthopria freidbergigen. nov., sp. nov., from SW Kenya, Rift Valley, is described and illustrated. The taxonomic and phylogenetic position ofTarchonanthopriais discussed using evidence from a preliminary molecular analysis of the new genus and a group of related genera, as well as results from a companion paper implementing a morphological cladistic analysis of all 47 extant and fossil Meligethinae genera. Morphological data suggest a taxonomic position of the new genus near the speciose Palaeotropical genusPriaStephens, 1830, whereas molecular data suggest a closer relationship with the African genusMicropriaGrouvelle, 1899. Larval host-plants of the single known species of the new genus are male inflorescences of Asteraceae trees in the genusTarchonanthusLinnaeus, 1753.Tarchonanthopria freidbergidoes not exhibit any close phylogenetic relationships with other Afrotropical meligethine genera associated with Asteraceae Tarchonantheae (i.e. members of the African ‘Anthystrixgenus-complex’). A table is presented summarizing all available data on Meligethinae larval–host plant relationships. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:AFC89330-3FA8-46E5-A8E5-2ADCB6D5A57D [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Crop failure due to climate shocks increases the risk of hunger for small-scale farmers. This paper identifies the major climate shocks affecting maize-legume farmers in Kenya, and the factors associated with their decision to adapt including the specific adaptation strategies to employ. During 2000–2010 surveyed farm households reported drought, crop pests and excessive rainfall as the most frequent and severe climate shocks. Probit regression results show that previous experiences of drought reduce the likelihood of adaptation to drought and excessive rainfall. Female-headed households are more inclined than male-headed households to adapt to excessive rainfall. Next, multivariate probit regression results identify farm adjustment (e.g. use of improved varieties and replanting) to be a substitution strategy for selling assets and borrowing for drought adaptation, while reducing consumption seems to be a complementary strategy for borrowing. To adapt to crop pests, farm adjustment seems to be a substitution strategy for selling assets and reducing consumption; however, selling assets is a complementary strategy for borrowing. Policy to encourage adaptation should incorporate implication of multiple shocks and target assistance to poor, food-insecure and female-headed households as these are often disadvantaged in terms of asset endowment and access to the technology necessary for adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All over the world, tens of thousands of oxidation ponds are in operation treating sewage and other biodegradable wastewaters. The performance of such ponds can be greatly enhanced if certain aquatic weeds are held in them. The weeds enable better treatment of wastewater in terms of greater reduction in the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), suspended solids, nitrogen, phosphorous, metals, etc., than is possible in ponds functioning without the weeds. The additional costs of this 'upgradation' are minimal compared to the gains, because it essentially involves introduction in the ponds of easily available plants that have no economic value. This paper presents the gist of the know-how utilizable in 'upgrading' existing oxidation ponds with the help of aquatic weeds but without any significant additional civil works. It also dwells upon the strategies for the management of the weeds, and their postharvest utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Augmentative biological control as a component of integrated pest management programmes involves the release of natural enemies of the pest, such as parasitoids and predators. Several potential uses for nuclear techniques have been identified which can benefit such programmes; these benefits include facilitating trade, protecting the environment and increasing the overall efficacy of the programmes. This may involve sterilising feed material, hosts or even the control insects. Radiation is currently the most favoured sterilising agent, although availability and cost of radiation sources are considered as limiting the use of radiation in support of biological control. This paper reviews various radiation sources that may be used for this purpose, including a comparison of several key parameters such as cost estimates of these radiation sources that should assist in making a judicious selection of a suitable irradiator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new species of the Diptilomiopinae (Acari: Eriophyoidea: Diptilomiopidae) from China are described and illustrated. They are Diptilomiopus vitisis n. sp. on Vitis sp. (Vitaceae), Diptacus chizhouensis n. sp. on Rubus corchorifolius Linn. f. (Rosaceae), Diptacus platycaryae n. sp. on Platycarya strobilacea Sieb. et Zucc. (Juglandaceae) and Apodiptacus albae n. sp. on Swida alba Opiz (Cornaceae). Diptacus gigantorubra Xin and Dong on Rubus pentagonus Wall. ex Focke (Rosaceae) is re-described. All the eriophyoid mite species described in the paper are vagrants on the undersurface of leaves, causing no apparent damage to the host plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper integrates the scattered information on the life histories of the jumping plant lice or psyllids, examining those aspects of their biology that contribute to successful life cycle completion. Variation in life history parameters is reviewed across the world's psyllids and the relative importance of phylogeny and environment, including host-plant growth strategy, in determining life history strategies is assessed. Elements of life cycles considered include: development rate and voltinism, response to high temperature and drought, cold-hardiness and overwintering strategy, seasonal polymorphism, diapause, metabolism, host-plant selection and range, phenological and other adaptations to host plants, disease transmission and host amelioration, dispersal, reproduction and mate finding. Life history parameters are analyzed for 342 species. While a phylogenetic signal can be identified within the data, the main drivers for life history adaptation are environmental temperatures and water availability, acting directly on the psyllids or mediated through their host plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seasonality and abundance of an insect herbivore population are regulated by a complex array of forces from the bottom up, from the top down, and from competition and the environment. This paper examines the effect that two host plants have on an insect herbivore in the absence of top-down regulation or competition. Metamasius callizona is an invasive bromeliad-eating weevil in south Florida that has escaped its natural parasitoid in its home range. A 4-year field study shows the weevil to be present and active year-round, but to exhibit different patterns of seasonality and abundance on two of its host plants. It is argued that this demographic variability is generated by the differences in leaf type and growth habit that exist between the two host plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

“One person's noise is another person's signal” (Knorr and Ng 1998). In recent years, much attention has been given to the problem of outlier detection, whose aim is to detect outliers—objects who behave in an unexpected way or have abnormal properties. Detecting such outliers is important for many applications such as criminal activities in electronic commerce, computer intrusion attacks, terrorist threats, agricultural pest infestations. In this paper, we suggest to exploit the framework of rough sets for detecting outliers. We propose a novel definition of outliers—RMF (rough membership function)-based outliers, by virtue of the notion of rough membership function in rough set theory. An algorithm to find such outliers is also given. And the effectiveness of RMF-based method is demonstrated on two publicly available data sets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Codling moth (CM), Cydia pomonella (L), is regarded as the most serious insect pest of apple worldwide. A variety of problems associated with the traditional use of non-selective insecticides for its control include: untoward environmental effects, insecticide resistance, negative impacts on natural enemies, and safety for pesticide applicators and the food supply. Concerns about these consequences have increased the interest in and development of alternative means for CM control that have little or no impact on humans, beneficial organisms and sensitive ecosystems. An effective and selective alternative to chemical insecticides for CM control is the CM granulovirus (CpGV). The virus was first isolated in Mexico and subsequently studied and evaluated in Europe and North America. A variety of research including pathology, pathogenesis and histopathology of the virus, determination of virulence, development of production methods, field use, factors that influence efficacy, commercial development, formulation, and CM resistance to the virus has been conducted. Commercial products of CpGV are now produced in Europe and North America and used by orchardists worldwide. In this paper we present a comprehensive review of the CpGV literature and the role of the virus in integrated pest management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), is one of the most destructive cosmopolitan insect pests of brassicaceous crops. It was the first crop insect reported to be resistant to DDT and now, in many crucifer producing regions, it has shown significant resistance to almost every synthetic insecticide applied in the field. In certain parts of the world, economical production of crucifers has become almost impossible due to insecticidal control failures. Consequently, increased efforts worldwide have been undertaken to develop integrated pest management (IPM) programs, principally based on manipulation of its natural enemies. Although over 130 parasitoid species are known to attack various life stages of DBM, most control worldwide is achieved by relatively few hymenopteran species belonging to the ichneumonid genera Diadegma and Diadromus, the braconid genera Microplitis and Cotesia , and the eulophid genus Oomyzus. DBM populations native to different regions have genetic and biological differences, and specific parasitoid strains may be associated with the specific DBM strains. Therefore, accurate identification based on genetic studies of both host and parasitoid is of crucial importance to attaining successful control of DBM through inoculative or inundative releases. Although parasitoids of DBM larvae and pupae are currently its principal regulators, bacteria-derived products (e.g., crystal toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis) and myco-insecticides principally based on Zoophthora radicans and Beauveria bassiana are increasingly being applied or investigated for biological control. Viruses, nematodes and microsporidia also have potential as biopesticides for DBM. When an insect pest is exposed to more than one mortality factor, there is the possibility of interactions that can enhance, limit, or limit and enhance the various aspects of effectiveness of a particular control tactic. This paper reviews the effectiveness of various parasitoids and entomopathogens against DBM, interactions among them, and their possible integration into modern IPM programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern gene transfer based on recombinant DNA technology is a rapidly growing subject and offers vast opportunity for manifesting the utility of this technology in economic terms. Various areas where there is an enormous scope for this technology application in vegetables include improved yield, altered nutrition quality, improved resistance to diseases, pests and herbicides and in food stuffs having therapeutic value. Accordingly the preferred target area of research in gene transfer, apart from the ones cited above, include tolerance to various abiotic stresses, plant productivity genes, genes affecting nitrogen fixation, usage of male sterility for production of hybrids, increased storage life, various aesthetic aspects of the product etc. Keeping these advantages in view there has been a drastic increase in the total cultivable area under transgenic crops globally. Among all vegetable crops potato, tomato, eggplant, peppers, cucumber, cauliflower, cabbage and carrot has received the maximum attention particularly in the areas relating to insect pests, disease and herbicide resistance and quality improvement. The paper discusses on the specific technology adopted in these areas. It also discusses the various issues relating to biosafety issues, current constraintsin transformation etc. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Discusses the abstracts of several research papers on plant pathology presented during the British Columbia Regional Meeting of the Canadian Phytopathological Society in 2003. Range of issues and subject matter discussed by the research papers; Author credits; Implications on studies of plant pathology.

Allelopathy plays an important role in the agroecosystems leading to a wide array of interactions between crop-crop, cropweed and tree-crops. Generally, these interactions are harmful to the receiver plants but provide a selective benefit to the donor. Soil microbes play a key role in determining such interactions as they not only alter the nature of allelopathic interactions but also modify the expression of allelochemicals. Soil sickness problem in the croplands could also be attributed to the allelopathic property or even the autotoxicity. The allelochemicals released largely by the plant residues that are left in the fields after the harvest of crops add to the multifarious problems. If properly managed, these residues could be used for controlling weeds and pests. As is true for any chemical based response, allelopathic interactions are also concentration specific. The promotory functions that are inbuilt need to be worked out and exploited. Now a days allelopathic interactions, in general, and the allelochemicals, in particular, are viewed as an important tool for sustainable weed and pest management, and disease control. In this direction, a number of strategies like use of cover or smother or companion crops for weed management, direct use of allelochemicals as natural pesticides, and even the transfer of allelopathic traits/principles to modern day cultivars are being adopted. The purified allelochemicals and/or their derivatives and even the compounds synthesized on their chemistry can be used as novel agrochemicals for sustainable management in an eco-friendly manner. The present paper aims to discuss all the above mentioned roles and aspects of allelopathy in the agroecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Tillage is one of the primary activities for crop production. It is a major cost for crop production and has a strong influence on yield through its interaction with timely planting and good plant stand. In the South Asian rice-wheat systems of the Indo-Gangetic Plains the tillage for rice is unique in that wet plowing (locally called puddling) is most commonly used to prepare the field for eventual transplanting of rice seedlings. The field is usually plowed dry, flooded, and then puddled (plowed when flooded) to create a soil with poor soil physical properties and low water infiltration. Most farmers puddle their fields for rice. Wheat and other non-rice crops grown in this system after rice in the same year receive normal dry plowing before the seeds are planted, usually by broadcasting the seed and incorporating by plowing. Traditional methods of land preparation are either done by animal or by tractor power although there are pockets of land where manual labor provides the power for this work. Animal power ismore common in the eastern belt of the Indo-Gangetic Plains in Eastern India, Bangladesh and Nepal. Tractor power has almost replaced animal power in NW India and Pakistan and is gradually replacing animal power in the rest of the region. Land preparation for rice and wheat usually requires multiple passes of the plow and a practice called planking (a wooden plank is drawn over the field) to level the fields and help break the clods. When animal power is used this can take many days and lead to delayed planting of the crop. Even with tractor power, land preparation can take several weeks. If the land is too wet or dry this can be even longer. Poor availability of tractor power can also delay planting. Late planting is a major cause of low wheat yields. If wheat is planted after the end of November, yields can be reduced by one percent or more for every day's delay in planting. In addition, the systems of broadcasting seed to establish wheat can result in poor plant stands and even lower yields than anticipated. In order to overcome the problems of late planting, poor plant stands and to reduce the costs of production research has been evaluating the use of zero- and reducedtillage systems for wheat in the rice-wheat system. In rice, research has started on systems that do away with puddling the soil since it is hypothesized that by not puddling the soil, the next upland crop will have better soil physical conditions for growth. This paper first describes the present practices for tillage and crop establishment for rice and wheat and then goes on to describe some of the new tillage and crop establishment options being researched in the region. For wheat, the following systems are described and research results presented: 1. Surface seeding. In this system no land preparation is used and seed are merely broadcast onto saturated soils. 2. Zero-tillage. In this system wheat is planted directly into the rice stubble without land preparation. Different soil coulters are needed depending on the rice residues present at planting 3. Reduced-tillage systems. Usually a rotavator is used to prepare the soil ahead of a seed drill and compaction mechanism. This allows wheat to be planted at the same time as land is tilled. 4. Bed planting systems. These ridge and furrow systems have been introduced to improve water and fertilizer efficiency, allow mechanical weeding and reduced herbicide use and increase yield potential because of less lodging. Beds can be made for every crop or left permanent for succeeding crops. For rice, the major research presented is in the area of dry seeded rice where puddling is not done. Weeds become a major problem in this system and various options for this problem are discussed. Some time is also devoted to the use of mechanical transplanters and use of direct seeding on puddled soils. This article discusses several new tillage options for rice and wheat that have great potential in the rice-wheat systems of South Asia. They offer reduced costs of production, the ability to plant on time, give better plant stands and higher crop yields. They also reduce the use of natural resources such as fuel and tractor parts, save water and fertilizer resources and increase the efficiency of agriculture. Also because they can reduce fuel emissions and reduce residue burning they contribute to less global warming. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Biological control (BC) is a cornerstone of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) which in turn is an essential element of sustainable agriculture. BC practitioners seek to use natural enemies to control populations of insect, weed, and pathogen pests. This paper describes the problem of agricultural pests and options for dealing with them. It details the science of BC and its practice within the context of IPM with selected examples. Then it reviews the literature of BC, noting important books, databases, and periodicals. Finally, worldwide centers of research and information are described and selected websites noted. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are used as a sustainable substitute for chemical insecticides and have been recognized as effective biocontrol agents for mitigating insect pest populations. In this study, a naturally-occurring beneficial EPF, Purpureocillium lilacinum CBBS3.12 (Hypocreales: Ophiocordycipitaceae) from a cabbage farm was isolated and identified by combining morphological and molecular (ITS rDNA region) diagnostic characters. Fungal morphological key characters were consistent with the established species description and were subsequently validated through their ITS rDNA sequences, showing high sequence similarities to P. lilacinum isolates from diverse geographical locations, such as Mexico, the USA, Austria, Israel, China, and India. Additionally, the pathogenicity of P. lilacinum CBBS3.12 against the last instar larvae of Zophobas morio (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) was investigated, revealing significant variations in insect mortality based on different fungal concentrations. The highest mortality was recorded at a concentration of 6.0 x 108 spores mL−1, 6 and 12 days post-inoculation. This investigation underscores the promising capabilities of P. lilacinum CBBS3.12 as a biocontrol organism targeting Z. morio. The present study warrants a more comprehensive evaluation of its virulence against diverse agricultural pests and the identification of its active metabolites and compounds to enhance our understanding of its potential application in pest management programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasitoids such as Ganaspis brasiliensis and Pachycrepoideus vindemiae are being researched for biological control of Drosophila suzukii, an important agricultural pest. Parasitoids can be monitored in the field by collecting infested fruit samples or using sentinel traps seeded with host larvae/pupae. Sentinel traps may be covered with a selective barrier to allow parasitoid movement, and prevent nontarget infestation and developing D. suzukii from exiting. In this study, two types of fabric mesh ('square' 1.1 × 1.1 mm2 and 'oval' 1.2 × 0.8 mm2) were assessed for restricting passage of D. suzukii, and enabling passage and parasitism by G. brasiliensis and P. vindemiae. Square wire meshes (1.04, 1.08, 1.11, 1.13, 1.18, and 1.53 mm2) were also tested as a durable alternative to the fabric mesh for G. brasiliensis sentinels. Both fabric meshes and the 1.08 and 1.13 mm2 square wire mesh prevented passage of D. suzukii. Passage was similar through fabric mesh for both parasitoids. For G. brasiliensis, parasitism was higher in open control sentinels than square mesh covered sentinels in one trial, but parasitism was similar at ∼40% in open and square mesh sentinels in another trial. The 1.04, 1.08 and 1.13 mm2 square wire mesh lowered G. brasiliensis parasitism. For P. vindemiae, parasitism was 2-fold higher in oval mesh than open sentinels which may be due to the mesh encouraging this wasp to forage longer. If a selective mesh must be used, the square fabric mesh prevented D. suzukii passage and resulted in the highest G. brasiliensis parasitism compared to wire meshes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae, is one of the main pests of this crop and its control requires the development of methods environmentally safer than those used mostly nowadays, being biological control a possible alternative. Accordingly, the capacity of parasitisation and the biological parameters of Muscidifurax raptorellus, a generalist parasitoid of dipteran pupae, were evaluated on B. oleae at 25°C, 80% RH and a 16:08 h light/dark photoperiod. In a development assay, the rates of parasitism ranged 60% to 72% and the duration of the preimaginal period was between 17.0 and 18.5 days. The total mean number of adult wasps produced per pair in a reproduction assay was 50.7, with a mean daily production of 7 individuals and a mean rate of parasitism of 32.6%. The moment of maximum offspring production was estimated at 2.6 days after the beginning of the oviposition. The intrinsic rate of natural increase of M. raptorellus on B. oleae was 0.147, what determines a population doubling time of 4.7 days. The functional response was type II and the maximum attack rate in 24 h was 19.6 pupae. At host densities ranging 20–80 pupae per female, the number of adult wasps produced was around 20–22. The results obtained show the potential of M. raptorellus to be used for the biological control of B. oleae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study quantified crop losses and economic impacts associated with papaya mealybug (Paracoccus marginatus) infestation in Kenya and identified the most important predictors of papaya tree (Carica papaya L.) yield losses through a household survey of 404 farmers. At least 95% male and 88% female respondents correctly identified papaya mealybug. Papaya was the most affected crop by the pest, with 73% of the respondents indicating that a major part (>60%) of their trees was affected. The estimated papaya yield losses due to papaya mealybug were 57%, with an associated annual economic loss of US$3,009 per ha at the farm level and US$29.8 million at the national level. Regression analysis showed significant yield-reducing effects with high infestation levels of papaya mealybug, use of local varieties, and use of indigenous pest control practices. Economic losses differed significantly by county, with the highest losses reported in Mombasa. Male farmers reported higher losses than their female counterparts. Findings highlight the need for location and gender-specific information on pest management for effectiveness in controlling papaya mealybug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent times, controlling agricultural diseases and pests using chemical pesticides is broadly applied and is considered effective but it is not considered as eco-friendly. For pest control, biological ways have been considered sustainable and safe. As bio-control agents, the Bacillus species exhibit a large spectrum of biological activity. The application of Bacillus subtilis as a potential bio-control agent against the lepidopteran pest, the rice leaffolder, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis is the focus of our study. The strain B. subtilis-MW365355 was identified by morphological, biochemical, and genetic analyses. Under laboratory conditions, cell suspensions of B. subtilis (Bs) were added to an artificial diet, fed to C. medinalis and the effects of the bacterial ingestion were evaluated by measuring the feeding, growth, food utilization and behavioral response of C. medinalis. An effect of B. subtilis in the artificial diet was evaluated with the different spore concentrations of 3.2 × 105, 6.3 × 105, 1.5 × 107 and 4.1 × 107 CFU/ml. The larvae fed with the B. subtilis amended diet had a significantly reduced growth efficiency compared to the control group fed with a bacteria-free diet. In conclusion of our study, B. subtilis (Bs) will significantly contribute to the management of leaffolder disease in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agroecology, the application of ecological concepts to agricultural production, has been developing over the last years with consequent promotion for discovery of bioactive compounds to control pests and abolish crop diseases. In this context, algae from Nitella genus are characterized by high potential for bioeconomic applications due to (1) available biomass for harvesting or cultivation and (2) production of allelochemicals, which present a potential to protect field crops from insect infestation. Therefore, this study aimed to determine primary and secondary metabolites derived from aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of Nitella furcata and to evaluate phytotoxic, cytogenotoxic, insecticidal, and pro-oxidative activities of these extracts. Determination of metabolites showed the presence predominantly of carbohydrates, proteins, phenols, and flavonoids in hydroethanolic extract. Both extracts of N. furcata interfered in the germination of seeds and development of seedlings of Lactuca sativa, with hydroethanolic extract exhibiting greater inhibition. Both extracts also interfered with meristematic cells of Allium cepa as evidenced by chromosomal alterations and higher pro-oxidative activity. Aqueous extract at 5 and 0 mg/ml produced 100% insect mortality. Further, hydroethanolic extract at 0 mg/ml was lethal immediately upon exposure. Therefore, results demonstrate that N. furcata is potential algae species to be considered for development of environmental and ecotoxicological studies as a source of compounds with potential use in agroecological strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants produce arrays of secondary metabolites that act synergistically to deter and/or intoxicate herbivores. In this study, we evaluated the toxicity of piperine and β-asarone, individually and in binary mixtures, to examine their synergistic effects against larvae of two generalist herbivores, Spodoptera litura and Mythimna separata. Acute toxicity of piperine after topical application was lower than that of β-asarone for second instar larvae of both S. litura and M. separata (LD50 53.65 and 7.52 µg/larva, respectively, after 24 h). However, all mixtures produced synergistic, antifeedant effects. Mixtures of either 56.65 or 7.52 µg/larva of piperine + 18 µg/larva of β-asarone were highly synergistic in term of their acute toxicity (synergistic factor 11 and 44 for S. litura and M. separata, respectively). The more concentrated mixture also had the strongest antifeedant effects when presented on artificial diet to both species, S. litura and M. separata (56.64% and 62.30% at 24 h, respectively). Our results suggest that the combination of piperine and β-asarone is a greater deterrent than either pure compound alone. Use of this mixture may provide better crop protection rather than that offered by single compounds for controlling lepidopteran pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop pest insects seriously affect yield and quality of crops, and pesticide control methods cause severe environmental pollution, which has inextricably influenced people's daily lives. Crop pest identification in the field is crucial components of pest control. It is much more complex than generic object recognition due to the apparent differences in the same pest species in the field with various shapes, colours, sizes and complex background. A crop pest recognition method is proposed based on a modified capsule network (MCapsNet). In MCapsNet, a capsule network is used to improve the traditional convolutional neural network (CNN), and an attention module is introduced to capture the most important classification features and speed up the network training. The experimental results on a pest image dataset validate that the proposed method is effective and feasible in classifying various types of insects in field crops and can be implemented in the agriculture sector for crop protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A framework is developed to evaluate eradication as one of three alternative management responses to an outbreak of an invasive species: eradication, suppression or no action. This framework can be used to establish under what conditions an eradication option could provide an expected net economic benefit, and whether this net benefit exceeds that of the other two options. The eradication option is more likely to be preferred in situations where there is an immediate export benefit that is derived from eradication of the outbreak, and also the uncertainty associated with the likely success of eradication is low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nano-metal complexes are found to be more impregnable than their parent drugs, therefore this study was aimed to synthesize Ag-nanocomplex of paracetamol (Para) by novel biosynthesis method. Paracetamol Ag-nanocomplex with the formula [Ag(Para)2(NO3)2] has been characterized and synthesized on the basis of elemental analysis, thermal (TGA), conductivity, 1H, 13C NMR and electronic spectral studies. Verticillium wilt, caused by Verticillium dahliae is considered one of the most serious diseases in olives. The use of Ag-nanocomplex as antifungal with different concentration (25, 50, 100 and 150 mg/ml) led to significant reductions of forming colonies of Verticillium wilt pathogenic fungi, with efficiencies reaching to 79.4, 82.9 and 81.8%, respectively at (100 mg/ml) against "V. dahliae, Fusarium acuminatum and Alternaria brassicae" LD50 was also evaluated, while no changes in physical activity were detected, so this research opens outlooks for more study of fungal biogenic nanoparticles, indicating their use for controlling an agricultural pests [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metarhizium anisopliae (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae, M. anisopliae), as an invertebrate fungal pathogen, has played a significant role in the control of many agricultural pests and human disease vectors. M. anisopliae is typically used as a chemical in dry or liquid formulations of large numbers of aerial conidia. The conidia can directly infect arthropod pests by penetrating their cuticular layer. The availability of the complete genome of M. anisopliae and capable techniques for its transformation have brought several developments in its use as a pest controller. For prospects, more indepth research to improve fermentation and formulation technologies is needed, while multistresstolerant and engineering entomopathogenic strains are selected to promote the widespread acceptance and usefulness of M. anisopliae as a cost-effective fungal biopesticide. Here, we provide an overview of the pathogenesis and formulation strategies, as well as the host ranges and molecular approaches of increasing virulence and efficacy. Several studies of this fungus pathogen demonstrated that M. anisopliae can be an efficient biocontrol agent and has great potential for further research and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pinus densiflora and P. thunbergii, native to Japan, are highly susceptible to pine wilt disease caused by infection with a pine wood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus). Trees of these susceptible species have occasionally been found surviving in forests that are extensively damaged by this disease. Seedlings from a part of surviving trees that were selected as resistant families indicate lower mortality rates after the infection. The factors that prevent the symptoms from developing in resistant families of a susceptible species, P. densiflora, as based on the analysis of the pathogen’s behavior in the tree tissue and the anatomy of the resistant families, are presented in this paper. Nematode populations remained lower in the stems of seedlings from resistant families of P. densiflora than in the stems of non-resistant families. Areas dysfunctional in water transport developed in the stems of resistant families, but did not reach a size large enough to seriously block the ascent of sap. These results suggest that there are systems within the seedlings that prevent nematode migration and reproduction. The 2-year-old seedlings from resistant families of P. densiflora, however, did not suppress the pathogen activity. Numerous branches are a visible characteristic in the seedlings of some resistant families. The arrangement of the resin canals, the only channels in the tree to the pathogen migration, was disoriented at the joints between the branches and the main stem. Such a structure may be effective as a barrier to nematode dispersal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scarab beetles present a great diversity of life history, in which countless species can act as pollinators, decomposers of organic matter and severe agricultural pests. Different methods have been used to capture adult specimens from different scarab beetle subfamilies in natural or anthropogenic landscapes. Here, we evaluated the preference of scarab beetles for different naturally fermented baits in the Amazon rainforest. We used typical aerial traps baited with banana, banana + sugarcane juice, pineapple, pineapple + sugarcane juice, sugarcane juice, or water, every 2 weeks from July to October 2016 in five sites of the Amazon rainforest. We collected 177 individuals belonging to four subfamilies (Cetoniinae, Dynastinae, Rutelinae, and Scarabaeinae), 14 genera, and 22 species of scarab beetles. Between the different tested baits, sugarcane juice alone showed to be sufficient and efficient to capture more individuals and species of scarab beetles in the Amazon rainforest. Therefore, we encourage its use in composing baits in aerial fruit-baited traps, since it is low-cost and easier to use than when combined with fruits. Finally, our study brought a list of scarab beetle species sampled using a method that is still little used in the survey of scarab beetle diversity in Amazon rainforest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Live plants and plant material in various forms have important roles in ecological processes. Weeds may be involved in interactions with desirable species at different trophic levels through the production and release of allelochemicals. The allelopathic potential of the weed Cyperus esculentus (yellow nutsedge) was assessed by preparing aqueous extracts from tubers and foliage from immature or mature plants, and testing their effects on an ectomycorrhiza and two higher plant species. The extracts from tubers and both foliage types significantly reduced the colony diameter of the ectomycorrhiza Boletus maxaria, which was isolated from roots of the forestry species Pinus patula, on agar medium. Extracts (2% m/v) from C. esculentus tubers and the foliage of immature plants inhibited the germination of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) seeds significantly. At 5% concentration, the extracts from foliage of immature weed plants completely inhibited the germination of lettuce seeds at the end of the 7-day trial period. The emergence of corn (Zea mays) was retarded in soil where C. esculentus tubers were planted 28 days before planting the crop, irrespective of whether the weeds continued to grow or were physically removed at the time the corn was sown. In contrast, where weed tubers and corn seeds were planted at the same time, emergence of corn was not affected. It is suggested that the growth stage of weeds be considered in the assessment of their direct and indirect allelopathic effects, and in predictions for their impacts on crop development and yield. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The allelopathic effects of chemical substances released from the tomato plant (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) were investigated on various receptor plants. Bioassays under controlled conditions in a growth chamber showed that germination and seedling growth of Lactuca sativa and growth of Vitis were reduced when grown near tomato plants. It was also observed that when plants were grown in a U-tube pot with tomato plant, the tomato roots excreted allelochemicals that inhibit growth of tested species. To identify the phytotoxic compounds from tomato plant, a GC/MS method was employed. Forty compounds, such as trans-2-hexenal, α-terpineol, linalool, phenylacetaldehyde, methylsalicylic acid and tetradecanoic acid were identified from the essential oil of tomato plants. The volatile substances from leaves inhibited seed germination and seedling growth of receptor plants in laboratory tests. Inhibitory response varied with the concentration of compounds. These findings suggest that the tomato plant may have an interesting allelopathic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Slugs and snails are agricultural pests usually controlled by chemical bait pellets however an alternative method is the commercially produced malacopathogenic nematode Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita, which is sold across northern Europe. P. hermaphrodita can kill several slug species but is unable to affect larger pestiferous snails. Therefore, we examined whether the closely related species Phasmarhabditis californica, isolated from the U.K. could kill neonate or adult common garden snails (Cornu aspersum). In our first experiment, neonate C. aspersum were exposed to 1000 nematodes per tube containing three strains of P. californica (designated DMG0017, DMG0018 or DMG0019) (as well as the commercial formulation of P. hermaphrodita DMG0001) and feeding inhibition and survival were monitored over 14 days. All nematodes apart from P. californica (DMG0017) killed the snails and caused feeding inhibition. In a follow up experiment we exposed adult C. aspersum to two doses (30 and 90 nematodes per cm2) of P. californica (DMG0019) and P. hermaphrodita (DMG0001) and monitored survival, feeding inhibition and changes in weight over 21 days. Neither nematode species affected survival, feeding inhibition or weight of the adult snails. In summary, P. californica (DMG0018 and DMG0019) are as pathogenic as P. hermaphrodita (DMG0001) and could be used to target neonate snails, however, the use of malacopathogenic nematodes to control large adult snails continues to be problematic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural pests cause huge loss to agricultural production. Their control using biopesticides is gaining importance. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are most promising biopesticides in agriculture. EPN like other biopesticides has a very specific action on one species or related species as against chemical insecticides. In addition, the median lethal time for EPNs is also lower. Hence there is a need for novel virulent EPN which is effective against wide range of insects and has a low median lethal dose. In this study, we isolated different strains of EPN using modified insect bait method from 10 different soil samples. Six nematode strains were isolated and tested for pathogenicity against Spodoptera litura egg, larvae, and pupae. Agricultural corn field (AC) strain showed very high virulence against other strains. AC strain 18S rDNA sequencing was done and phylogenetic tree constructed to evaluate its relatedness to other species. The AC strains were identified as Panagrolaimus spp. and the sequence was submitted to Genbank. This species was found to be very effective against all the developmental stages of S. litura [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriocnemis femina (Brauer, 1868) and Ischnura senegalensis (Rambur, 1842) are two damselflies inhabiting paddy lands. As an intermediate predator, they play an important role in controlling certain crop pest and mosquitoes. In this study, we sequenced complete mitogenomes of these two species. The total length of mitogenomes is 15,936 bp in A. femina and 15,762 bp in I. senegalensis. Both of mitogenomes consist of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and one control region. The close relationship between I. senegalensis and I. elegans was further proved by phylogenetic analysis. Our phylogenetic analysis indicated a clear two lineages in Coenagrionidae (Core and ridge-faced Coenagrionidae). Ridge-faced Coenagrionidae consisted of Megaloprepus caerulatus and Ceriagrion fallax. In core Coenagrionidae, Ischnura and Enallagma are most closely related; they formed one clade with Agriocnemis and then grouped together with Paracerion. Our study provides new genetic information for further study in phylogenetic analysis of Coenagrionidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The marsh slug, Deroceras laeve (Müller), is a generalist pest of agricultural crops. Slugs are mainly managed with synthetic pesticides that can also have high toxicity toward vertebrates and nontarget arthropods. Besides, they are not labeled for use in organic crop systems. Bordeaux mixture (BM) is an alternative product often used in organic crops for controlling plant diseases. The molluscicidal activity of BM has been reported; however, to our knowledge, no study has determined its efficacy to control D. laeve. This study aimed to determine the lethal (concentration- and time–mortality curves, and foliar persistence) and antifeedant (reduction in leaf consumption) effects of BM-treated cabbage leaves on D. laeve. The LC50 of BM was 28.15%, and the LT50 was 8.83 h. The BM LC25 reduced D. laeve leaf consumption by 3.31-fold. Furthermore, high control effectiveness (mortality > 90%) was attained until the 7th day after spraying. These findings reveal that BM reduces damage by killing D. laeve in a fast faction and by reducing foliar consumption. Therefore, BM can be an alternative to D. laeve management in both conventional and organic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present article reviews the literature on the biology, pest status and management of Nysius cymoides (Spinola) (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae), an agricultural pest that causes damage to multiple crop species in the Middle East and in Europe, where it may become an emerging pest. The polyphagy of the species and its capability to give rise to outbreaks, mainly during warm and dry periods, make the insect a major pest in a number of countries, as are other species of the same genus. Following our overview of the known aspects, Integrated Pest Management options are discussed in practical terms, with biological features and pest management of other Nysius species also being considered. In order to prevent pest infestations, an integrated framework approach also needs to consider agronomic practices such as weed cover and soil management. Future research would benefit from an assessment of proper methodologies for monitoring N. cymoides and the establishment of economic thresholds for susceptible crops and life stages based on practical parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tarbinskiellus portentosus (Lichtenstein, 1796) is an agricultural and forestry pest, but people in some places use it as a delicacy. The complete mitogenome of T. portentosus (GenBank accession number MZ427921) is 15, 498 bp in size, including 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNAs, two ribosomal RNAs genes, and a noncoding A + T-rich region. The A + T-rich region is located between 12S rRNA and tRNAIle. The base composition of the whole T. portentosus mitogenome is 40.62% for A, 9.87% for G, 32.20% for T, and 17.31% for C, with a high AT content of 72.82%. The phylogeny analysis indicated that T. portentosus had a close relationship with Cardiodactylus muiri. The present data could contribute to further detailed diversity and phylogeographic analysis for this edible cricket. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]