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This research was funded by Cyprus University of Technology internal funding program, to Nicolas Ioannou; and by the Rural and Environment Science and Analytical Services, Division of the Scottish Government, to David Cooke. Cyprus is the southernmost island country of Europe, located in the Mediterranean. Despite its limited area, potato production is considered an integral source of the national agricultural revenue. During 2010-2012, a late blight epidemic period for the country, the population structure of Phytophthora infestans was analyzed via a sample of 539 isolates collected from all of the main potato-cultivating regions of Cyprus. We determined mating type, mefenoxam sensitivity, and genetic polymorphism at 12 simple sequence repeat (SSRs) loci. Although both mating types were detected in the country, a gradual but dynamic shift toward A2 dominance was manifested over time. The pathogen population also demonstrated reduced sensitivity to the phenylamide fungicide, since 96.2% of the tested isolates had high (70.3%) and intermediate (25.9%) resistance to mefenoxam, which suggests that it should be replaced with other active ingredients in local disease management strategies. The genotypic analysis also revealed the predominance of the highly aggressive mefenoxam-insensitive EU_13_A2 lineage across the country, with a frequency of 79.2%. Other samples comprised an older lineage EU_2_A1 (19.5%), a very low proportion of EU_23_A1 (0.37%), and others that did not match any known lineage (0.92%). SSRs data supported triploid genomes among the dominant lineages, and patterns of their asexual population history were also apparent. A high subclonal variation of the 13_A2 population was detected, which suggested introduction events of this widespread genotype to Cyprus from major tuber-exporting countries. Present data indicate the severe impact of inoculum migration to the structure of the local population; thus, current phytosanitary procedures should be reconsidered and possibly attuned. This is the first comprehensive study to elucidate the diversity of P. infestans in Cyprus and could serve as a baseline for future monitoring of this highly adaptive plant pathogen, given that late blight management strategies should be constantly refined according to the traits of the dominant genotypes of P. infestans.

Aims: The present study aims to evaluate the effect of potassium carbonate (58 p.c) on agronomic and phytosanitary parameters in tomato crops. Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out from May to September 2020 at N'gattakro, a village near the international airport in the city of Yamoussoukro, center region of Côte d’Ivoire. Methodology: Five doses of potassium carbonate (PC:T1= 2 Kg/ha; T2 = 3 Kg/ha; T3 = 4 Kg/ha; T4 = 5 Kg/ha; T5 = 6 Kg/ha), a reference control (TR1= IVORY (mancozeb 80%) and an untreated control were tested in a Fisher's complete block design with 4 replicates in a commercial garden plot. Results: As results T4 and T5 potassium carbonate improved the tomato yield. These doses promoted the yield of 5.02±0.09 and 6.92±0.16 t/ha compared to the control (3.405±0.1 t/ha). Moreover, at these doses, there was a low manifestation of toxicity. In addition, 6kg/ha of PC showed a fusarium wilt infection rate of 1.38±0.71% compared to 3.62±0.90% for the control. Conclusion: Potassium carbonate (58%) at 6 kg/ha can be an alternative solution to chemical control of fungal diseases in tomato cropping.

There are risks involved in the production and exportation of fruit fly hosts due to the possible spread of tephritid pests during distribution. Anastrepha grandis attacks cucurbit fruits and is considered an A1 quarantine pest in many countries. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of hot water treatment on the eggs and larvae of A. grandis in vitro, and on ‘Atlas’ squash (Cucurbita moschata). The eggs and third-instar larvae of A. grandis were exposed to hot water at temperatures of 42.0, 44.0, 46.0, 46.5, 47.0, 47.5, 48.0, 49.0 and 50.0 (± 0.5) °C for durations of 0 (control), 10, 20, 30 and 60 minutes. Water temperatures of at least 44 °C affected the in vitro larval eclosion of A. grandis during all exposure times. No adults were obtained when in vitro A. grandis larvae were treated at 49 °C and 50 °C at all exposure times and, 48 °C for 30 and 60 minutes. No adults were obtained when squashes infested with A. grandis eggs or larvae were treated at temperatures of 49 °C and 50 °C during any exposure time, as well as subjected to 48 °C for 20 minutes. Anastrepha grandis larvae were slightly more susceptible to hydrothermal treatment than eggs in squashes. Hot water treatment applies at a temperature of 48 °C for 20 minutes is an effective phytosanitary treatment for squashes cv. Atlas infested with eggs and larvae of A. grandis.

Background. Narrow-leaved lupine (Lupinus angustifolius L.) is an important high-protein forage and green manure crop, also promising for food use. This is a plastic species produced under various ecogeographic conditions and the only cultivated species of lupine adapted to high northern latitudes – up to 60° NL. Gradual expansion of lupine production areas led to the accumulation of pathogens, damage to lupine crops by harmful organisms, and significant harvest losses. Breeding and cultivating resistant varieties is the most profitable and environmentally sound way to control diseases and pests. Studying the species composition of pathogens and searching for source material are the necessary stages of plant breeding for immunity.Materials and methods. A set of 101 accessions of L. angustifolius from the VIR collection were studied in the northwest of the Russian Federation (Pushkin, St. Petersburg) in 2019, and 62 accessions from the same set in 2020. Mycological examination of the affected leaves was carried out on potato sucrose agar medium under laboratory conditions. The degree of damage to plants by diseases and infestation by pests was assessed during the period of flowering, fruit formation and ripening using point scales.Results and conclusions. A wide range of harmful organisms were identified for their negative impact on the growth and development of narrow-leaved lupine plants. The dominant pest was the lupine aphid (Macrosiphum albifrons Essig), discovered in Russia for the first time. A whole set of fungal pathogens was identified, among which the most common and harmful were the causative agents of Fusarium, brown leaf spot, powdery mildew, gray mold, and Sclerotinia stem rot. Narrow-leaved lupine accessions with weak degrees of pathogenic damage were selected.

Many abiotic and biotic factors can negatively affect the production and productivity of coconut cropping systems. The incidence of Lasiodiplodia species in crops can lead to significant economic losses due to the development of leaf blight and, consequently, both pre- and post-harvest stem-end rot of fruits. The management of these pathogens is complex, expensive and primarily depends, on the massive use of chemical products. In addition, decision making on effective control measures depends on the target pathogen. This work evaluated epidemiological aspects of Lasiodiplodia species, in association with the green dwarf coconut from Northeastern Brazil. The isolates were sampled in production areas located in the dry, sub-humid and humid climatic zones in the states of Pernambuco and Paraiba and were identified using multilocus phylogenetics with the tef1-α, ITS, tub2, and rpb2 regions. Lasiodiplodia theobromae was found in crops present in all three evaluated zones while L. pseudotheobromae was reported only in the dry zone of Pernambuco. All species were pathogenic to green dwarf coconut, with L. theobromae, L. pseudotheobromae and L. subglobosa being the most aggressive species. The recognition of L. theobromae, L. pseudotheobromae, L. brasiliensis and L. subglobosa, in coconut plants from Northeast Brazil, complements the scientific understanding about stem-end rot and leaf blight in coconut crop. Additionally, this study presents relevant information on the pathogenic characteristics of these species that can be used in future research into epidemiological factors, fungal resistance, phytosanitary management and genetic improvement.

BACKGROUND The coffee mealybug Planococcus lilacinus Cockerell, is an invasive pest that infests dragon fruit [Selenicereus undatus (Haworth) D.R. Hunt], that may require a phytosanitary treatment to meet quarantine requirements. In this study, vapor heat treatment was conducted to disinfest P. lilacinus on dragon fruit and the quality of dragon fruit was evaluated thereafter. RESULTS Adult female P. lilacinus was the most heat-tolerant stage at 47, 48 and 49 °C. The death kinetic model and probit model were used to predict LT99.9968 at the three temperatures. The treatment times predicted by the kinetic model that could effectively disinfest adult female P. lilacinus females were 120.84, 78.06 and 67.96 min at 47, 48 and 49 °C, respectively. In a confirmatory test of vapor heat treatment at 49 °C for 70 min, complete mortality was recorded for 33 195 adult females infesting 148 dragon fruits; thus, the efficacy level of disinfestation was 99.9910% at 95% confidence level. The quality of dragon fruit generally was not affected by heat treatment, fruit firmness was increased remarkably and respiration rate was significantly decreased. CONCLUSION Our result indicates that vapor heat treatment at 49 °C for a duration of 70 min is an effective phytosanitary treatment for control of P. lilacinus on dragon fruit that minimally impacts fruit quality.

The article is devoted to solving the problem of increasing the resistance of winter wheat crops to the effects of the most common diseases, weeds and pests during its cultivation after the predecessors of six types of perennial legumes without the use of pesticides. The percentage of damage to the leaf surface of winter wheat with diseases of septoria and powdery mildew is shown. The number of the soil pest of the May beetle larvae was analyzed. The level of weediness of winter wheat crops in the context of predecessors was investigated with the determination of superior weed species after each of them. The level of grain yield of winter wheat, depending on the predecessors, was investigated and correlation-regression relationships between it and the spread of pests, diseases and weeds in their crops were revealed. A close correlation has been proved between the yield of winter wheat grain and the percentage of damaged leaf area by powdery mildew disease. It is shown that the highest level of grain yield of winter wheat is observed after the predecessor of meadow clover. The smallest damage to the leaf surface of winter wheat plants by powdery mildew disease was found after the predecessor of meadow clover. The defeat of the leaf surface of winter wheat by the disease septoria was the least after the predecessor of the sweet clover. During the sowing period of winter wheat, no larvae of the May beetle pest were found in the arable soil layer after the predecessors of alfalfa, sweet clover and eastern goat's rue. The smallest amount of weeds during the spring growth of winter wheat was found after the predecessor of the sweet clover.

Seed health is one of the quality characteristics that must be assessed during the seed certification process. In this study, the freezing blotter method was used to detect fungi present in a total of 102 and 75 maize seed lots produced in 2019 and 2020 respectively, by eight companies in different geographic areas. The analysis of the seed samples produced in 2019 showed significant differences among companies and countries in the percentage of infection with Aspergillus spp. and Fusarium spp. The results obtained with the samples produced in 2020 were not statistically different. PCR-based tests were carried out on 90 isolates to identify the fungal species and differentiate the mycotoxigenic isolates. The results showed that Fusarium verticillioides and Aspergillus flavus were the most common species infecting seed and that 46.5% of F. verticillioides and 57.1% of A. flavus isolates were toxigenic. The most effective seed treatments against Fusarium spp. and Aspergillus spp. contained azoxystrobin and prothioconazole.

Surveys were carried out in 2019–2020 to determine the laboratory germination and the microflora species composition in the original and replicated grains of winter rye varieties in the environments of Kirov oblast for potential risk assessment from a phytosanitary perspective in rye biocenoses. Seeds of eight test winter-rye varieties of different geographical origins and ecological conditions served as the survey material. A microbiological analysis of original (sampled at five research institutions in the Russian Federation) and replicated (resown at the Rudnitsky Federal Agricultural Science Center for Northeast) seeds was performed. Percentage of the replicated and original seeds affected with the cumulative impact of infection comprised 93.0 and 51.6% on average, respectively. Representatives of 12 taxa, including Alternaria spp., Fusarium spp., B. sorokiniana, Cladosporium spp., Stemphylium spp., Aspergillus spp., Acremoniella spp., Curvularia spp., Penicillium spp., Mucor spp., Xanthomonas spp., and Bacillus spp., were identified in the seeds. Significant instability in mycobiota of seeds, caused by climatic conditions and genotypes, was revealed. Alternaria infections became dominant on the replicated seeds of all the test varieties, comprising 75.5% on average. Percentage of infections caused by potentially pathogenic fungi, B. sorokiniana and Fusarium spp. species, and bacteria comprised 20.0, 4.0, 6.0, and 1.6%, respectively. The original seed mycobiota had specific properties. Thus, the fungus B. sorokiniana was not revealed. A fuzarium infection is represented only by F. avenaceum, comprising a medium portion of 8.4%. A bacterial infection was dominant in the Saratovskaya 5 (75.0%) and Era (61.5%) winter rye varieties, while its percentage comprised 28.3%, on average. Alternaria infections were found only in the Chulpan 7 (50.0%) and Pyshma (71.4%) varieties. The proportion of potentially pathogenic fungi averaged 43.1%. Significant relationship (r = –0.70) between the laboratory germination of seeds and the bacterial infection was revealed.

The cost of Eucalyptus seed and adoption of strict phytosanitary regulations in seed trade makes it imperative to monitor the quality and ensure supply of pathogen-free seeds for both forestry regeneration and research. Based on seed health tests, two species in the Colletotrichum gloeosporioides species complex were found to be naturally associated with seeds of Eucalyptus dunnii, E. nitens and E. macarthurii produced in South Africa. Multiloci phylogenetic analyses based on the concatenated sequences of the ITS regions, β-tubulin, actin, glutamine synthetase and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase genes, identified representative isolates PPRI 24,314 as C. fructicola and PPRI 24,315 as C. kahawae subsp. cigarro (C. cigarro). Subsequent biochemical tests showed that isolate PPRI 24,315 was able to utilise either ammonium tartrate or citric acid as a sole carbon source, confirming its identity as C. cigarro. Pathogenicity tests showed that both C. fructicola and C. cigarro caused anthracnose leaf spots on E. camaldulensis, E. dunnii, E. nitens and E. viminalis seedlings. Disease symptoms included irregular dark-brown leaf spots on seedlings six days after inoculation. The two fungi were exclusively re-isolated from disease spots, thereby fulfilling Koch’s postulates. Sowing Eucalyptus spp. seed artificially inoculated with either of the two pathogens showed the seed-transmissibility of C. fructicola and C. cigarro in E. camaldulensis, E. dunnii and E. nitens seedlings. To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. fructicola and C. cigarro associated with Eucalyptus.

Relevance. Chemical pesticides are currently used to protect potatoes from diseases. Their main advantage is efficiency, mass scale and speed. The main disadvantage is the dangerous to human life and warm-blooded animals toxic effect, as well as the death of beneficial insects (bees, bumblebees) pollinating plants. In addition, most harmful bacteria and fungi develop resistance to chemicals, forcing manufacturers to create new, increasingly toxic drugs. To solve this problem, it is of paramount importance to improve the technology of potato cultivation in the direction of its biologization, that is, the search for biological agents, the creation and use of biological agents on their basis for protecting potatoes and obtaining environmentally friendly products. Methods. The aim of the study was to evaluate the growth-stimulating and antifungal action of bacteria of the genus Bacillus on potatoes of the Tuleyevsky variety. The results of field experiments are presented for the period 2019–2020. The experiments were conducted in the Novosibirsk region, g, Novosibirsk, UPH “Garden of Michurintsev” of the Novosibirsk State Agrarian University. To improve morphometric parameters and reduce the prevalence of rhizoctonia, potato tubers were treated with strains of the bacterium of the genus Bacillus: B. thuringiensis ssp. morrisoni; B. thuringiensis ssp. dacota; B. subtilis; B. liheniformis. Phytosporin-M, P (B. subtilis strain 26 D) was used as a reference. Results. The best results (on average for 2 years) were seen in the variant using the B. subtilis strain, which provided an increase in plant biomass by 1.7 (2019) and 1.2 (2020) times and the number of stolons by 43% compared to the control variant. The use of the strain B. thuringiensis spp. dacota in 2019 provided an increase in the length of the ground part by 10%, by 1.2 times-the number of stems and by 1.6 times — stolons. The prevalence of the causative agent of the black scab in all periods of accounting decreased by 1.7–3.7 times compared to the control in variant B. subtilis, and on the 10th week of accounting — in 3.5 (2019) — 2.6 (2020) times relative to the standard. The use of bacterial strains allowed us to achieve a higher quality and higher yield compared to the control version and the standard. When using strains of B. thuringiensis ssp. morrisoni and B. thuringiensis ssp. dacota in 2019, the yield increased by 1.4 and 1.5 times, respectively, and in 2020, with the strains of B. subtilis and B. thuringiensis ssp. morrisoni — by 1.2 and 1.3 times respectively.

The substitution of landrace populations of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) by commercial cultivars provided genetic uniformity and loss of rusticity. It makes the bean plants more vulnerable to pests, increasing the use of pesticides. The objective of this work was to evaluate the productivity and health of beans landraces compared to commercial cultivars, reducing the effect of high dynamic dilutions. The evaluated traits were grain yield (kg ha-1), thousand grain weight (g), and occurrence of anthracnose (Colletotrichum lindemuthianum) and bacteriosis (Xanthomonas sp.). Evaluation of high dynamic dilutions was also done in addition to the previous variables, was evaluated number of pods per plant and pods with the presence of anthracnose. The analysis of the data did not show any differences in the productivity and disease rate between the landraces and the commercial cultivars of beans. The high dynamic dilutions do not show any conclusive results in terms of productivity. However, all treatments were superior in phytosanitary management compared to control

Even though the growing demand for seeds of native forest species, for both commercial and reforestation purposes, this sector still has some challenges for the large-scale production. Harvesting of these seeds frequently takes place in natural populations, areas not registered for such use, not considering sampling criteria that guarantee their genetic conservation. Due to the economic and socio-environmental importance of Pityrocarpa moniliformis (Benth.) Luckow & R. W. Jobson, a species native to the semiarid region of Brazil, this study aimed to select mother plants of P. moniliformis for seed production that meets the quality requirements demanded by the forest conservation and production programs. To that end, seeds from 44 trees were subjected to evaluation of physical and physiological aspects as well as of genetic diversity from mother plants and progenies by using ISSR molecular markers. There was considerable variation on the physiological quality of seeds, where 77% of P. moniliformis trees produced seeds with germination above 50%. The progeny test showed that 64.4% of the source from total variation in the loci comes from the progenies, indicating an increased difference between generations. By considering the phytosanitary aspect, yield (800 seeds/individual) and seed viability (> 50%), as well as genetic diversity (Nei genetic distance < 0.78 and progeny test), it was possible to select 27 P. moniliformis mother plants with superior characteristics for seed production. Even though physical and physiological quality are important parameters in selecting mother plants for producing seeds intended for commercialization, the access to the genetic diversity of P. moniliformis assists in selecting mother plants aiming at the recovery of degraded areas, reforestation and genetic breeding. Seed-producing mother plants of P. moniliformis can be selected based on the genetic distance between individuals and on the physiological quality of their seeds.

Translocation of threatened plants is increasingly being used as a conservation or mitigation action. The success of this practice is mixed and methods to increase likelihood of success are commonly investigated. Using a long-lived perennial shrub endemic to the Sydney Basin, Australia, as a case study, we examined the role of pre-planting nutrient loading (High, Low) and addition of Provenance (home soil) on growth and flowering, where Provenance soils had on average 50% lower nutrients than the Low treatment. We found that Provenance- and Low-treated plants grew better under propagation compared to High treatments, but these differences did not persist. At 11 months post-planting, Provenance-treated plants had growth rates no different from any other treatments and that plants under both High and Provenance soil treatments had higher peak flowering events, indicating that Provenance-treated soils could confer a flowering advantage akin to fertilisation. This study demonstrates that there were no negative effects of growing plants using home soil, despite a lower nutrient status than standard propagation medium. Translocations, particularly reintroduction or augmentation, should consider home soil treatment within pilot studies as a simple and cost-effective method of potentially reducing transplant shock, providing ethical and phytosanitary measures are addressed.

Brome mosaic virus (BMV) and cocksfoot mottle virus (CfMV) are pathogens of grass species including all economically important cereals. Both viruses have been identified in Poland therefore they create a potential risk to cereal crops. In this study, a duplex—reverse transcription—polymerase chain reaction (duplex-RT-PCR) was developed and optimized for simultaneous detection and differentiation of BMV and CfMV as well as for confirmation of their co-infection. Selected primers CfMVdiag-F/CfMVdiag-R and BMV2-F/BMV2-R amplified 390 bp and 798 bp RT-PCR products within coat protein (CP) region of CfMV and replicase gene of BMV, respectively. Duplex-RT-PCR was successfully applied for the detection of CfMV-P1 and different Polish BMV isolates. Moreover, one sample was found to be co-infected with BMV-ML1 and CfMV-ML1 isolates. The specificity of generated RT-PCR products was verified by sequencing. Duplex-RT-PCR, like conventional RT-PCR, was able to detect two viruses occurring in plant tissues in very low concentration (as low as 4.5 pg/µL of total RNA). In contrast to existing methods, newly developed technique offers a significant time and cost-saving advantage. In conclusion, duplex-RT-PCR is a useful tool which can be implemented by phytosanitary services to rapid detection and differentiation of BMV and CfMV.

Mycobiota of Podolyanka and Poliska 90 winter wheat varieties seeds was found to be represented mainly by fungi of the Alternaria, Fusarium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Chaetomium, Trichothecium genera which are characterized by various levels of pathogenicity, depending on the physiological and biochemical properties the host variety. Signifcant increase is air temperature and relative humidity during the wheat flowering and milking stage of grain ripening contributed to the spread of micromycetes of the genus Alternaria Nees. (50 %). The seeds the affected by fungi Alternaria were physiologically underdeveloped, had low energy and germination, which averaged 40 %. Plants form such seeds lag behind in growth and development. It is established that the physiological and biochemical mechanism of Podolyanka winter wheat variety stimulates mycelium radial growth and intensity of fungi Alternaria sporulation indicating the rapid reproduction of micromycetes, which contributes to the contamination of agrophytocenoses by propagative structures of the pathogen. However, the intensity of spore formation and the rate of mycelium radial growth on Poliska 90 variety seeds, was signifcantly lower. This fact gives reason to believe that the physiological and biochemical mechanism of the Poliska 90 variety plants is able to restrain the intensity of the genus Alternaria micromycetes spore formation at an ecologically safe level. It was found that the seeds of the Podolyanka and Poliska 90 winter wheat varieties are low in protein content and have high humidity. In terms of raw gluten content, they are classifed in the quality group 3. Isolates of fungi the genus Alternaria developed more intensively on the Podolyanka winter wheat variety grain, which is characterized by a lower content of protein and gluten. However the development of fungi was signifcantly lower on the Poliska 90 variety grain, which is characterized by a slightly higher content of protein and gluten. System-ecological approach to the improvement of agroecosystems in organic farming can be carried out using indicators of the variety physiological and biochemical properties interaction with physiological properties of phytopathogenic fungi, namely sporulation intensity and mycelial radial growth rate. This can increase the level of biosafety in agroecosystems and improve the quality of plant raw materials. Key words: the frequency of occurrence, mycelium radial growth, sporulation intensity, phytosanitary optimization, wheat winter agrphytocenoses.

The fundamental basis for the adequate development of avocado crops is the quality of the planting material, which must have genetic identity and high phytosanitary standards. It is considered that many of the pathologies present in the fields are introduced from the nursery stage, as asymptomatic infections. The objectives of this study were to identify the inoculum sources of different diseases and origin of disorders and to design management strategies to reduce pathogen inoculum and the occurrence of abiotic disorders in avocado at nursery stage. This experiment and survey involved the monitoring of six commercial avocado nurseries for a period of eight years. We evaluated seed, water, soils and substrate, size bags and soil moisture to determine the source of biotic and abiotic causal agents of the different diseases and disorders. In the second part, we evaluated the incidence and mortality of diseases and disorders under management practices associated with sanitation of all processes in nurseries to produce seedlings. It was found that seeds, irrigation and drainage water, and especially the substrate for germination and growth are the principal sources of inoculum of pathologies of biotic origin as Phytophthora cinnamomi, P. palmivora, Verticillium spp., Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Pythium spp., Fusarium oxysporum, Cylindrocarpon spp., Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Penicillium sp., and Rosellinia sp. On the other hand, bag size and moisture regimes are involved in root atrophy and hypoxia-anoxia disorders. In addition, we suggest basic procedures based on seed quality and hygiene processes to improve disease prevention and pathologies reduction in avocado nurseries.

According to the results of phytosanitary monitoring in the Arboretum of the NBG, 26 pest species were identified on 97 tree introduced species (1039 foci). In the Arboretum of the NBG in 2020, 27 species of phytopathogenic fungi (186 foci) were identified on 65 species of woody plants. Of these, 18 species are wood-destroying fungi that cause root and trunk rot in 57 species of tree introduced species (159 foci). In the Arboretum, 5 types of powdery mildew fungi (9 foci) and 4 types of fungi that cause rust (18 foci) were identified. The results of phytosanitary monitoring for the period 2015-2020 were summed up. The number of pest species increased by 8 species and amounted to 26 species of phytophagans, the number of pest foci increased by 32%. The number of foci of phytopathogenic bracket fungi that cause root and trunk rot increased from 103 to 159 units, the increase in foci of pathogens was 56 units. Currently, the number of bracket fungi that cause root rot is 7 species (135 foci), bracket fungi that cause trunk rot - 11 species (24 foci). The number of powdery mildew and rust fungi did not change during the studies. The biology and ecology of cottony-cushion scale ( Icerya purchasi ) was studied.

Variations in populations of arthropod pests, under the influence of climate change, compromise the effectiveness of the cotton phytosanitary protection strategy in Cote d'Ivoire. This study aims to establish a new classification of cotton production areas, on the basis of predominant pests. A monitoring was therefore carried out from 2016 to 2019 in 400 farmers' fields. In these fields, surveys were conducted weekly, from the 30th to the 122nd day after emergence. Data analysis, through Principal Component Analysis, identified four groups of localities. The first group includes the northeastern localities (4°W to 5°W: 8°N to 10.5°N) such as Kong, Ouangolodougou, Sordi, Tiekpe, Kaouara. This area is characterized by high infestations of most pests (jassid, white flies, exocarpic lepidoptera, endocarpic lepidoptera, phyllophagous lepidoptera and mites). The second group is intermediate between northeast and central (5.5°W to 6.2°W: 8.3°N to 10.5°N). This area is characterized by infestations of jassid, white flies and exocarpic lepidoptera (H. armigera and D. watersi). It remains less infested by endocarpic lepidoptera (T. leucotreta and P. gossypiella). The third area is located in the South (4.5°W to 8.5°W: 6°N to 8.5°N). It is essentially infested by endocarpic lepidoptera T. leucotreta and P. gossypiella. Jassid and whitefly infestations are less important in this part, compared to the northern part. The fourth and last area extends from the center to the west (6°W to 8°W: 8°N to 10.5°N). Pest infestations are lower in this area compared to other areas.

Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) are the primary pests of horticultural crops worldwide, causing both direct and indirect damage to the fruit production, including Anastrepha grandis (Macquart, 1846), which exclusively infests Cucurbitaceae fruit. Dose-response tests were used to examine the effects of gamma radiation exposure on 24 – 48 h old eggs and third instar larvae, both in vitro and in Atlas squashes (Cucurbita moschata). The following physicochemical properties of Atlas squashes exposed to gamma radiation were evaluated: titratable total acidity, sugar, pH, external colouration, and texture. It was found that under in vitro conditions, a 20.0 Gy dose of gamma radiation was able to prevent larval eclosion, but a 200 Gy dose was necessary to prevent emergence after the exposure of third instar larvae. In Atlas squashes, 200 and 250 Gy doses of gamma radiation were able to prevent the emergence of A. grandis adults from eggs and larvae, respectively. The radiation doses estimated by Probit 9 to prevent emergence from squashes infested with eggs and third instar larvae were 257.13 Gy and 270.25 Gy respectively. The use of gamma radiation did not significantly affect the physicochemical properties of Atlas squashes, which suggested that gamma radiation may represent a potentially useful technique for the quarantine control of A. grandis in cucurbits.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the interference of physical, nutritional, sanitary and genetic aspects in the quality of seeds. The experimental design used was randomized blocks, using 55 soybean F6 genotypes, with 4 replications. In this study, thousand seeds mass, germinated seeds, accelerated aging, tetrazolium, phytosanitary indicators ( Aspergillus flavus,Cercospora kikuchii, Fusarium graminearum,Fusarium semisectum and Bacteriosis), seed nutritional indicators (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, boron, copper, iron, manganese, zinc, sodium and molybdenum). The physiological quality of the seeds is negatively affected by the health aspects of Cercospora kikuchii , Aspergillus flavus , Fusarium semictectum and Bacteriosis, in addition, nutritional aspects also act negatively due to the presence of salts, and positive due to the levels of P. Likewise, Zn, Mo and K are correlated as strong indicators of seed vigor levels. The developed genotypes have excellent behavior towards pathogens and seed nutrition, contributing to high quality seed production.

According to the legislation of Ukraine, one of the requirements of organic crop production is the use of organic seeds and organic planting material. High productivity and quality of sowing material for organic production of agricultural products can only be obtained with the full supply of plants and soil to nutrients and the protection of plants from diseases, pests and weeds. The purpose of the work was to study the technologies of protection and nutrition of legumes (peas and soybean) with the use of domestic biopreparations in seminal organic agrophytocenoses. The research was carried out in the right-bank forest-steppe of Ukraine. The influence of technologies of the use of complexes of biological products of natural origin on the productivity of the seed material of peas and soybeans, its seed quality and phytosanitary condition of crops were studied. The study evaluated the potential of legume crops by main economic characteristics in the conditions of use of organic production technologies in different phases of ontogenesis of plants. Positive influence of technologies of complexes of biological preparations on growth and development of cultivated plants, which was reflected on their biometric indices, is established, finally forming the yield of peas and soybeans and high crop quality. In general, the use of all investigated technologies using biopreparations on peas and soybeans ensured obtaining quality organic seed material that meets the requirements of DSTU 2240-93 for reproductive seed.

Wheat seeds are a favorable environment for pathogenic mycoflora, which in turn causes a decrease in seed viability and the release of various mycotoxins that significantly affect the growth and development of plants. The study of the phytosanitary condition of spring soft wheat seed material of competitive variety testing for the seed borne pathogen was carried out. As a result of research, a high degree of infection of seeds with pathogens of root rot and mold on a natural infectious background was revealed. The studied seed samples were dominated by fungi: Alternaria sp. (with a percentage frequency from 3 to 23% in favorable years and 36-53% in unfavorable years, and a relative abundance of 7.9-54.8% and 48-69. 2%, respectively), Fusarium sp. (with a percentage frequency from 8 to 26% in favorable years and 1-19% in unfavorable years, and a relative abundance of 17.9-61.9% and 8-33. 3%, respectively) and a group of fungi that cause seed mold. Differences in precipitation and relative humidity may be a possible reason for differences in the frequency of occurrence and in the form of fungi found on wheat seeds in different years.

In recent years, Fungal Biocontrol Agents (FBCAs) have played a significant role in the biological control of pests and plant pathogens of several economically important crops, including tea. Although such agents are environment friendly, the risk of their effect on non-target organisms in tea gardens remains elusive. Among those FBCAs commercialized for field application, their impacts on the populations of arthropod pests and the prevalence of pathogens in tea ecosystems are still limited. Some products based on FBCAs have been applied for the control of pests and plant pathogens in tea crop. This review focuses on the biological potential of the fungal entomopathogens and antagonists against prevalent pests and diseases of tea crop, and their practical applications as bio-pesticides to minimize the load of chemical pesticides. The roles of FBCAs in plant growth promotion, their suitability as alternatives of chemical pesticides, challenges in the use of FBCAs, and perspectives are also discussed.

Tephritid fruit flies are major economic pests for fruit production and are an impediment to international trade. Different host fruits are known to vary in their suitability for fruit flies to complete their life cycle. Currently, international regulatory standards that define the likely legal host status for tephritid fruit flies categorize fruits as a natural host, a conditional host, or a nonhost. For those fruits that are natural or conditional hosts, infestation rate can vary as a spectrum ranging from highly attractive fruits supporting large numbers of fruit flies to very poor hosts supporting low numbers. Here, we propose a Host Suitability Index (HSI), which divides the host status of natural and conditional hosts into five categories based on the log infestation rate (number of flies per kilogram of fruit) ranging from very poor (100). Infestation rates may be determined by field sampling or cage infestation studies. We illustrate the concept of this index using 21 papers that examine the host status of fruits in five species of polyphagous fruit flies in the Pacific region: Bactrocera tryoni Froggatt, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), Bactrocera latifrons (Hendel), Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett), and Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae). This general-purpose index may be useful in developing systems approaches that rely on poor host status, for determining surveillance and detection protocols for potential incursions, and to guide the appropriate regulatory response during fruit fly outbreaks.

The root rot of holm and cork oaks caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi is one of the main phytosanitary problems in dehesas and montados, open woodlands of the Southern Iberian Peninsula. Biofumigation with seed meals rich in sinigrin is a promising technique to diminish the impact of this disease, but verification of its effectiveness is necessary before applying it in the field. The effectiveness to reduce sporangial production of P. cinnamomi and to control disease in holm and cork oak plants of biofumigation with non-defatted seed meal of Brassica juncea and pellets of defatted seed meal of Brassica carinata, combined or not with calcium carbonate, was tested in experimental conditions. The combinations of biofumigant materials and CaCO3 in vitro experiments were more effective in reducing the production of sporangia than the application separately, even with high doses of biofumigants. In plant experiments, none of the treatments significantly reduced disease symptoms in holm oak plants. In cork oak plants, the most effective treatment was seed meal of B. juncea (1.34 g L−1 of substrate) combined with CaCO3 (1.5 g L−1of substrate), although treatments with both doses of B. juncea seed meal (1.34 and 2.68 g L−1 of substrate) and with pellets of B. carinata (1.5 g L−1 of substrate) combined with CaCO3 (1.5 g L−1 of substrate) also significantly reduced root symptom severity in contrast with the inoculated control. Biofumigation with B. juncea seed meal or with B. carinata pellets, combined with the application of CaCO3 can be a tool to integrate control strategies into the disease in the dehesas.

Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV; genus Tobamovirus, family Virgaviridae) was fi rst observed in 2014 on tomatoes in Israel, and otbreaks have recently occurred in China, Mexico, the USA and several EPPO countries. The virus is characterized as highly infectious and persistant. Propagative materials including transplants and seeds, as well as fresh fruits are considered high risk pathways for the introduction of ToBRFV into new areas. Also, ToBRFV is a virus easily spread mechanically by plant-to-plant contact, contaminated tools, shoes, clothing, hands and equipment during performing various plant care measures. Control of ToBRFV is a very diffi cult and it is important to prevent the introduction of the virus by using virus-free propagative materials. Once the virus is introduced, control measures are very limited and mainly rely on the elimination of infected plants and the application of strict hygiene measures, as resistant cultivars are not currently available. Due to its high damage potential for the tomato production, ToBRFV poses a considerable phytosanitary risk for European countries and was added to the EPPO A2 List in 2020.

The use of phytosanitary products remains uncontrolled and abusive in the practice of market gardening in most developing countries. However, it remains one of the potential sources of environmental contamination and public health problems. This study examines the health and environmental risks associated with the use of phytosanitary products in market gardening in the town of Abengourou in Cote d’Ivoire. Field surveys carried out among all (30) market gardener sites housed 150 farmers showed that when the products were spread, no health and safety measures were observed. Approximately 80% of the respondents did not wear gloves or face masks. Some products used were not approved for market gardening. Farmers had itching, dizziness, headaches, colds and vomiting on a regular basis when applying the products. The study also revealed the presence of empty packaging in the surrounding surface water and on the ground. In addition to producers, this type of uncontrolled market gardening likely exposes consumers to high health risks and also contributes to environmental degradation. Raising awareness among stakeholders of good agricultural practices could help promote sustainable market gardening. However, studies of the effects of products in such an environment on the health of consumers deserve to be carried out.

Goal. Conduct screening of modern data on the state of plant protection and its own studies of phytophagus pests of wood plants in the conditions of the metropolis of Ukraine. Methods. Analytical methods and faunistic screening of data literary sources are used on the issue of phytophagus pests of Ukraine. Results. The substantiation of the concept of preventive creation of sustainable urbotocenoses for the use of a wide range of ethnic and introduced species of plants with increased resistance to biotic and abiotic factors has been carried out. The theoretical basis of plant protection should be a preventive system based on the use of environmental protection methods with the restriction of the use of pesticides. Planning for preventive ecologically directed protection of plants from pests should begin with obtaining information about the crop and its varieties (hygrothermal regime of crop cultivation, plant resistance to harmful phytophagous species of this crop, determination of the effect of attractive or antifeeding properties of the crop on entomophages that can be used). The next stage is data on the species composition of phytophages, pests — vectors of causative agents of viral diseases of a given culture and pests that are capable of forming hemipopulations (features of the dynamics of their number, the succession series of their dominance in the process of plant growth and development). Selection of entomophages and determination of their ability to reproduce on an alternative type of food. Based on the preliminary information received, a decision is made to create a multicomponent entomocenosis in plantations before the start of plant development. In order to obtain current information, the phytosanitary state of woody plants is regularly monitored (every 20—30 days) and the dynamics of the number of components of the created useful entomocenosis, as well as a decision is made to replace or supplement its joints. Conclusions. In developing the concept of the formation and functioning of sustainable umbilical phytocoenoses with increased resistance to biotic and abiotic factors, it is necessary to take into account the peculiarities of damage to little ethnic and introduced species of plants with harmful organisms. Creation of sustainable urbotocenoses with increased resistance to biotic and abiotic factors has an important environmental and economic significance. The theoretical basis of protection of urbothocoenoses should be based on natural plant protection systems based on the use of environmental methods with the restriction of the use of pesticides.

Colombia is recognized as an important agricultural producer of pineapple and flowers. One of the most significant phytosanitary problems of these crops is pathogenic nematodes and it is necessary to find biocontrol alternatives for their management. This study evaluated the effect of Purpureocillium sp., strain UdeA0106, over the number of nematodes. Soil from pineapple and flower crops was collected on expanded polystyrene containers and suspension of the fungi was multiplied in a bioreactor (1x108 conidia/mL), then homogenized and finally applied. The control consisted of the containers with soil and sterile distilled water (SDW) and 4 to 6 repetitions were evaluated on each crop. The number of individuals of each genus on 100g of soil was analyzed using R studio®, Kruskal-Wallis, and van der Waals tests were applied to evaluate significant differences between strain and control (P=0.05). The results showed that the strain did not affect the saprophytic nematodes but decreased the number of Meloidogyne spp., Paratylenchus spp., Helicotylenchus spp., and Tylenchus spp; no biocontrollers had been reported before for the last two genera.

Background. VIR’s potato collection is one of the oldest and richest; however, it is constantly exposed to viruses that negatively affect useful agronomic properties of tubers. Close monitoring of the phytosanitary state of potato accessions helps to select the most effective method of therapy for subsequent healing of infected plants and obtaining high-quality planting material.Materials and methods. The research was aimed at improving the health of 18 varieties of Solanum tuberosum L. from the VIR collection. Testing for the presence of viruses was based on the ICA and RTPCR techniques, and the consequent healing was performed using the methods of meristem culture and cryotherapy.Results and conclusions. During the field test of potato plants, PVX, PVS and PVA were found to be the most common viruses. PSTVd was completely absent in all tested accessions. The effectiveness of in vitro healing of potato plants from viruses was assesses using meristem culture. The percentage of healed plants was 0% for PVS, 0% for PVX, 33.4% for PVA, 50% for PLRV, 72.3% for PVY, and 83.4% for PVM. Healing with meristem culture was shown to be the most effective against PVY and PVM. While assessing the effectiveness of post-cryogenic restoration of potato microplants, the level of post-cryogenic regeneration of the shoot tips in potato microplants was determined at 22.3% on average for a sample. The minimum was observed in k-16762 ‘Sagita N’ (5%), and the maximum in k-1378 ‘Marta’ (41.7%). Analysis of the effectiveness of potato recovery from viruses by in vitro cryotherapy showed that the percentage of recovered plants was 100% for PVY, 100% for PVA, 88.9% for PVM, 77.8% for PVS, 44.4% for PVX. Thus, the techniques of apical meristem culture and cryotherapy proved to be effective against PVY, PVA and PVM viruses. However, in the case of multiple infections, it is necessary to combine elements of different healing protocols to increase the effectiveness of the healing procedure.

The present study consisted of evaluation of cultural practices and pesticides contamination level of tomato in some gardening sites in the region of Boucle du Mouhoun (Burkina Faso). A survey of phytosanitary practices among 30 producers was carried out at the Di and Dedougou sites. The pesticide contamination level of tomatoes collected was determined by the QuEChERS method. The survey revealed a low level of literacy among producers (60%), an increased use of pesticides without adequate protection materials, non-compliance with prescribed doses, use of unregistered pesticides (28%) and poor management of packaging. Chromatophic analysis of the samples detected 16 active substances predominantly organophosphorus (62%). 62.5% of detected compounds (Omethoate, Parathion methyl, Diazinon, Methydathion, Pyridaphethion, Pyrimiphos methyl, Alachlor, 2.4 DDT, lindane, permethrin and Imazalil) are not authorized by the CSP. Among authorized compounds, Dimethoate, Malathion, and Cypermetrin contamination levels higher than the MRLs have been observed. These results confirmed risks of environment contamination and sanitary of farmers and consumers linked to their exposure and consumption of tomatoes. Measures should be taken to raise awareness among market gardeners of good pesticide use practices and the adoption of alternative methods to pesticides to protect environment, gardeners and consumers health. Key words: Lycopersicon esculentum, pesticides, contamination, LMRs, Burkina Faso.

Background. The most rational way to reduce barley crop losses from diseases, pests and adverse edaphic factors is cultivation of resistant varieties. The specificity of the host– pathogen interactions necessitates a constant search for new donors of resistance for breeding, and phytosanitary monitoring of cultivars.Materials and methods. The research material comprised 248 barley cultivars included in the State Register of Selection Achievements Admitted for Usage in the Russian Federation – 168 were developed domestically, and 80 by foreign breeders. Their resistance to powdery mildew and leaf rust was studied in under laboratory and field conditions. Barley cultivars distinguished for powdery mildew resistance were analyzed using molecular markers. In the laboratory, barley was screened for greenbug resistance. To study the sensitivity to toxic aluminum ions in barley, we used the laboratory method for the early diagnosis of the trait – the root test method.Results and conclusions. Field and laboratory screening revealed a fairly wide diversity of barley cultivated in Russia in terms of resistance to harmful organisms and the edaphic stressor. It was established that 24 barley cultivars were resistant to powdery mildew, and 14 accessions were carriers of the effective mlo11 allele. Two cultivars manifested combined resistance to powdery mildew and barley leaf rust. In 11 cultivars, a distinct greenbug resistance was revealed. High resistance to toxic aluminum ions according to the root and sprout length indices was observed in 26 cultivars. Accessions with the complex resistance to harmful organisms and the edaphic stressor were identified.

Irradiation is a quarantine treatment option for stored product pests. In the present studies, we try to investigate the effect of low gamma irradiation doses in the range of 20–300 Gy on the different developmental stages of Rhyzopertha dominica in wheat grains. It was found that no adults emerged after irradiation of eggs, larvae, and pupae at 140, 240, and 260 Gy, respectively. Treatment of adult weevils at the radiation dose of 180 Gy resulted in 71.33% mortality after 14 days post-treatment and there was no adult emergence in the F1 generation. When the adult emergence of the F1 generation was used for the measuring effective irradiation dose and phytosanitary efficacy, 280 Gy was required for quarantine security of wheat weevils. The comet assay serves to verify the DNA damage induced by the phytosanitary irradiation dose, 280 Gy on the R. dominica, and wheat grains. DNA damage was measured as the percentage of comet tail DNA. A significant linear increase in DNA damage was observed in the irradiated adult stage of R. dominica but there is no DNA damage in the wheat grains. Also, the wheat grains viability (in terms of wheat germination) was not affected by the dose level, 280 Gy. Thus, an irradiation dose of 280 Gy is recommended as an effective phytosanitary irradiation dose for quarantine security to control lesser grain borer.

Coffee production faces challenges due to the susceptibility of the crop to insects. Owing to the coffee leaf miner Leucoptera coffeella, which is one of the main insect pests, the technology for the application of phytosanitary measures becomes the main challenge for coffee growers. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of coffee leaf miner control using different methods of application. The study was conducted in an experimental site in the municipality of Monte Carmelo - Minas Gerais. Spray depositions in different positions of the plant canopy and the effective control of coffee leaf miner were evaluated using the following application treatments: a hydropneumatic sprayer with varying spray volumes (200 and 400 L ha-1), two hollow-cone spray nozzles with the presence and absence of agricultural adjuvant, and electrostatic application using a spray volume of 200 L ha-1 with and without spray adjuvant. The addition of an adjuvant to the spray did not influence coffee leaf miner control; in contrast, a spray volume of 200 L ha-1 combined with the application of coarse droplets was efficient in the management of insect pest. The reduction in the rate of the application using coarse droplets increased the operational capacity and reduced spray drift potential.

An important place in the set of measures aimed at increasing the yield of maize is occupied by the methods of using fertilizers, herbicides and growth regulators. The yield of maize is largely determined by the phytosanitary state of crops. Maize has an average competitiveness and is sensitive to the presence of an excessive amount of weed-field component in agrocenoses. The article presents the results of three-year studies on the use of the pre-emergence herbicide DualGold and the postemergence herbicide Elumisna in various agrophonics, and shows their role in reducing the weediness of crops in the early maturing hybrid of maize Ladoga 181 MB. The possibility of using the growth regulator Zircon using herbicides has been studied. The observations showed that three weeks after the application of the post-emergence herbicide, the combined use of herbicides had a more effective effect on the state of maize crops - the total weediness decreased by 77.3 ... 79.1%. In the same variants, weeds accumulated the smallest dry biomass - 14.4 ... 17.8 g against an unfertilized background and 23.8 ... 25.1 g when applying mineral fertilizers. For harvesting, the greatest biological efficiency was also noted with complex herbicide treatment - 53.7 ... 62.3%. A significant decrease in the dry weight of weeds was established due to chemical weeding: against an unfertilized background by 7.9 ... 9.1 times, with fertilization - by 4.2 ... 6.9 times. The complex application of the growth regulator Zircon with herbicides contributed to a decrease in the number and weight of weeds by the time of harvesting maize, did not increase the adaptation of weeds to the effects of chemicals.

Wheat dwarf virus (WDV) is considered as one of the most common viruses on cereal crops. Recently, severe outbreaks of WDV have been observed especially on winter wheat in southwestern part of Poland. Moreover, the presence of genetically different WDV-barley-specific and WDV-wheat-specific forms (WDV-B and WDV-W, respectively) was confirmed. In this study, a loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay (LAMP) was developed for the first time for efficient and rapid detection of WDV-B and WDV-W in infected plants. The reaction was performed using a set of three primer pairs: WDVF3/WDVB3, WDVFIB/WDVBIP and WDVLoopF/WDVLoopB specific for coat protein coding sequence. The amplified products were analyzed by direct staining of DNA, gel electrophoresis and real-time monitoring of the amplification curves. The sensitivity of optimized reaction was tenfold higher in comparison with conventional PCR. LAMP assay developed here is a useful and practical method for the rapid detection of different WDV isolates and can be implemented by phytosanitary services.

Relevance and methodology . Research was carried out in 2018-2019 in the Moscow region at VNIIO-branch of the Federal state budgetary INSTITUTION FNTSO on the culture of vegetable peas Pisum sativum L. As a result of the assessment of the phytosanitary condition of the collection of pea varieties, it was revealed that the dominant pathogens of both seeds and parts of vegetating plants examined in the field were fungi of the genera Alternaria and Fusarium with a prevalence of 45-65% of colonies isolated in vitro. Using the method of isolation of fungal pathogens from the surface of seeds and seedlings, four isolates of fungi of the genus Fusarium were obtained in pure culture. Five more isolates of Fusarium fungi that cause root rot and withering of plants during the bean formation phase were isolated using the method of isolating a population of pathogens from the organs of vegetating plants. Results . According to cultural and morphological features, four Fusarium isolates were identified as belonging to the species F. oxysporum. Using the method of determining the aggressiveness of isolated isolates on a sandy substrate in vegetation tanks, the most aggressive isolate No. 3 was identified, which will be used in further work on creating an artificial infectious background for the selection of Fusarium-resistant breeding forms of peas. The authors have compiled an up-to-date map of the prevalence and zones of harmfulness in Russia of pea fusariosis, which causes root rot and tracheomycosis wilting.

Aim . The purpose of these studies is to assess the phytotoxicity and insectoacaricidal activity of actinomycetes culture fluid. The results of phytosanitary monitoring on plantings of crops indicate the massive development of pathogens of viral phytopathogens which can spread through insects – pests and ticks. In this connection, the study of soil actinomycetes of the Astrakhan region provides a promising direction for creating a microbial preparation for regulating pests which are carriers of phytopathogenic viruses. Material and Methods . The phytotoxicity of the actinomycetes culture fluid was assessed in laboratory experiments on seeds of the Novichok tomato variety. Acidic and acaricidal activity was determined in the laboratory by a method based on contact interaction between the preparation and the test object. Results . As the result of the studies, ten isolates showed a phytotoxic effect on the Novichok tomato. The highest biometric indicators of the plants studied – biomass (15.3 ‐ 17.0 mg), root length (3.7 ‐ 5.0 cm) and stem length (2.0 ‐ 2.7 cm) were found in variants with isolates No 2, No 3, No 10, No 11 and No 18, which also had high rates of seed germination. These isolates most actively suppressed the vitality (90 ‐ 100%) of melon ( Aphis gossypii Glover. ) а nd legume (beet) ( Aphis fabae Black. ) а phids and spider mites ( Tetranychus urticae Koch. ) in laboratory conditions. Conclusion . The study of isolates No 2, No 3, No 10, No 11 and No 18 showed high insectoacaricidal activity and phytostimulating properties. Using 16S DNA sequencing, 2 strains, No 2 and No 18, that are represented by Nocardiopsis umidischolae species, were identified.

Aim . To study the effects of a biological plant protection agent on the state of the microbiocenosis of agricultural soils in the arid climate of the Astrakhan region. Material and Methods . The objects of study were agricultural soils located in the Kamyzyaksky district of the Astrakhan region. During the experiment the soils were treated with Bacillus atrophaeus ACIM B ‐ 11474. Studies were carried out in accordance with generally accepted microbiological and agronomic techniques. Field experiments were undertaken according to the generally accepted methodology of field and vegetation experimentation in the fields of strategic partner LLC Nadezhda ‐ 2 when growing potatoes. Results . Agricultural soils were investigated for agrochemical, agrophysical and microbiological indicators. Microorganisms involved in the mineralization of organic matter occurring in soil and the mobilization of nutrients were identified. The effect of the agent on the intensity the mobilization processes in the soil and on the activation of decomposition and mineralization of organic substances has been established. The use of the agent helped reduce the number of micromycetes in the soil and on cultivated crops studied. Plant protection has an impact on reducing their incidence, increases potato yields, increases the mass of tubers and reduces the number of diseased tubers. Conclusion . The use biological plant protection agent has a positive effect on the formation of the microbiocenosis and on the phytosanitary condition of the agricultural soils studied, as well as improving the characteristics of agricultural products cultivated on them.

Goal. To determine the influence of prolonged action of natural and anthropogenic factors on the phytosanitary condition (pests) of winter wheat and the dynamics of its performance for permanent cultivation. Methods. Field, statistical, laboratory. Results. The obtained results show that anthropogenic and natural factors have a certain influence on the distribution of pests in crops of winter wheat and the level of its performance. By the results of the monitoring of pests in the crops, it was found out that the greatest damage was done to them by Agrotis segetum and the larvae of grasshoppers. The average number of insects of Agrotis segetum for the duration of the study was 4.3 ins./m2, and of grasshoppers — 8 ins./m2. Among grasshoppers, the dominant species was Agriotes gurgistanus Fald. — 52,5% in the species composition. Correlation link between the presence of pests in crops of winter wheat and the weather conditions and years of observation have shown their inverse relationship. The correlation coefficient between the number of pests and temperature and water regimes during the growing season were respectively –0,78...–0,62. Fertilization has a positive effect on the productivity of winter wheat even for permanent cultivation. So, on average for years of researches, the yield increase due to fertilizers was 8.3–9.5 t/ha. However, the imbalance of nitrogen and weather conditions (particularly soil moisture) can lead to lower yields. Therefore, before the application of fertilizers, it is recommended to carry out diagnostics of soil and plants as to the content of macro-elements. Conclusions. The correlative relationship is determined between the presence of pests in crops of winter wheat and weather conditions, which indicates their inverse relationship. It is established that the productivity of winter wheat over the years, not decreased. It is proved that the culture by its genetic characteristics can adapt to long cultivation in the same place. However, the study confirms the feasibility of compliance with science-based crop rotations.

The Russian Federation imports large quantities of planting and grafting material of grapes, including from countries where dangerous harmful organisms are spread to vineyards. Plant protection specialists in this industry, as well as grape producers, must understand the possible risk associated with the danger of the entry of quarantine disease pathogens into the Russian Federation and the potential damage if infected plant material is imported. Studies have been carried out by the staff of All-Russian Plant Quarantine Center to assess the phytosanitary risk of pests associated with the import of seedlings, stocks and grape cuttings. Based on these studies, the list of pests for the vine that have quarantine status and potentially quarantine status for the Russian Federation, in particular bacterioses, phytoplasmas and viral diseases has been established. This article describes the main diseases that affect grapes and are included in the Unified List of Quarantine Pests of the Eurasian Economic Union, as well as potentially dangerous viral diseases that are not currently included, but planned for inclusion in the Unified List, which pose a serious threat if they penetrate to the territory of the Russian Federation. From quarantine pathogens, grapes are affected by grape bacteriosis (Pierce disease of grapevine) (Xylella fastidiosa Wells et al.), bacterial blight of grapevine (Xylophilus ampelinus (Panagopoulos) Willems et al.), Flavescence dorée of grapevine (Candidatus Phytoplasma vitis), from the planned inclusion grapes are affected by red spotting of grape leaves (Grapevine red blotch-associated virus), marbling of grape leaves (Grapevine vein clearing virus) and discoloration of the leaves of Roditis grape (Grapevine Roditis leaf discoloration-associated virus). The article considers the biological peculiarities of pathogens, ways of their possible penetration and spread on the territory of the cultivation of grape in the Russian Federation, host plants of quarantine and dangerous pests, the main symptoms of diseases on plants, possible vectors, damage caused by quarantine pests in the countries of spreading, diagnostic methods, as well as areas of possible harmfulness for the Russian Federation.

Frosty pod rot (FPR) (Moniliophthora roreri), along with black pod rot (Phytophthora species) and witches’ broom disease (Moniliophthora perniciosa) constitute the main phytosanitary problems limiting cacao (Theobroma cacao) production causing severe yield losses. One of the main sought after methods of pod rot management is the selection of tolerant cacao genotypes. Typically, the selection is carried out through the quantification of the percentage of diseased pods (PDP). However, PDP does not consider the relative productivity, or production potential (PT) of the genotype. Production potential can vary among cacao genotypes. Consequently, genotypes with similar PT can have similar or vastly different disease tolerance levels as measured by PDP. The disease and production index (DPI) was developed to integrate a genotype's tolerance to M. roreri and other diseases as measured by PDP, with its PT. Here, we evaluated the number of healthy pods, number of diseased pods, and weight of fresh seed for 29 clones grown in replicated five‐tree plots over 4 years. The data obtained was used to calculate PDP and DPI for each clone for three different disease combinations: frosty pod rot alone, pod rots other than frosty pod rot, and the combination of all pod rots. Multivariate analysis verified that DPI discriminated between clones based on productivity and disease tolerance. Surprisingly, there was a close ranking of clones between resistance to FPR and resistance to all other pod rots. The DPI can be used in breeding programmes focused on the selection of high yielding disease‐tolerant cacao genotypes.

The analysis of the phytosanitary situation in production, selection and seed crops of winter rye in Kirov region for the period from 1999 to 2018 was carried out in order to adjust the tasks of breeding for resistance to the most harmful diseases. The affection of the sowings (spread of the disease), the development of the disease and the area of the affected crops relative to the number of the examined ones were evaluated. The trend in the development of the diseases was established on the basis of a regression analysis of long-term data of the branch of the FSBI Rosselkhozcentr in Kirov region. The annual (100 %) manifestation of snow mold and ergot has been established. Next according to the frequency of manifestation there are root rots and brown rust – 95 %, powdery mildew – 75 %, sclerotinia – 70 %, Fusarium head blight – 70 %, and stem rust – 50 %. A relatively low frequency of manifestation has been observed with septoriose and rhynchosporium – 35 and 30 %. However, taking into account the development of winter rye diseases which exceed the economic threshold of harmfulness (ETH), the studied pathocomplexes have different levels of danger. Thus, the development of brown rust above ETH was diagnosed 13 times within 19 years. The most severe disease development (20.0-52.0 %) was in 2001, 2005, 2009, and 2010; weak - in 2007 (0.8 %), 2017 (1.4 %), 2015 (2.4 %), and 2011 (5 %). The manifestation of powdery mildew above ETH was observed 6 times within 15 years, disease development was at the level of 13.0-53.0 %. The development of septoriose above ETH was diagnosed 6 times within 7 years with the development of disease from 13.5 to 63.0 %. Development of stem rust above ETH was diagnosed 5 times within 10 years with the status of the sign of 15.0-20.0 %. The cyclicity of spread of the most harmful diseases and trends of their change in agrocenoses of winter rye are shown. Thus, the most epitphytotically dangerous diseases include snow mold, brown rust, stem rust, powdery mildew and septoriose. Constant control is also required in relation to ergot and Fusarium head blight. These diseases should be an object for breeding-and-immunological studies.

The Septoria blotch of spring wheat leaves and ears is one of the most economically significant infections in the Siberian region. In the control systems of Septoria blotch the main ecologically safe element is resistant varieties, which are designed to slow down the pathogens reproduction rate and slow down or stop the development of the epiphytotic process. The purpose of the work was to clarify the species composition of Septoria blotch pathogens for West Siberian regions and spring wheat varieties, to study the epiphytotic process of Septoria differentially on the leaves and ears of varieties, and to evaluate the activity of seed transmission of Parastagonospora nodorum. Studies were carried out in 2016-2018 according to generally accepted methods. Septoria leaf and ear blotch of spring wheat is widespread in West Siberia and the Trans-Urals, causing a decrease in yield by up to 50 % or more with the deterioration in grain quality. The causative agents of the disease are P. nodorum, Septoria tritici, and P. avenae f. sp. triticae, and the species ratio varied across the regions and varieties, and within plant organs. In Novosibirsk Region, P. nodorum completely dominated; S. tritici was 13.8 times less common; and P. avenae f. sp. triticae was a singleton. In Tyumen Region, the dominance of P. nodorum was disrupted in some geographic locations by S. tritici and P. avenae f. sp. triticae. In Altai Krai, P. nodorum predominated at all points studied; S. tritici and P. avenae f. sp. triticae were found everywhere, but 5.6 and 8.6 times less often, respectively. The study of spring wheat varieties of different origins has not revealed any samples immune to Septoria blotch. A differentiated manifestation of resistance to Septoria leaf and ear disease has been established. Some varieties show complex resistance, combining reduced susceptibility to Septoria leaf and ear disease. Seed infection with P. nodorum in the regions of Siberia reached 7 thresholds and was largely (52.5 %) determined by the August weather conditions. The study of the collection of spring wheat varieties from three Siberian regions has revealed the following trend. Transmission of P. nodorum with the seeds of varieties was the most active (7.6 %) in Novosibirsk Region and somewhat weaker in Omsk Region (5.7 %). The most favorable phytosanitary situation was in Kurgan Region, where varieties transmitted P. nodorum to a low degree (2.1 %), below the threshold.Септориоз листьев и колоса яровой пшеницы – одна из наиболее экономически значимых инфекций в Сибирском регионе. В системах контроля септориоза основным экологически безопасным элементом являются устойчивые сорта, которые тормозят или останавливают развитие эпифитотического процесса путем замедления размножения возбудителей септориоза. Цель работы состояла в уточнении видового состава возбудителей септориоза по регионам Западной Сибири и сортам яровой пшеницы, исследовании эпифитотического процесса септориоза дифференцированно на листьях и колосьях сортов, а также в оценке активности семенной передачи Рarastagonospora nodorum. Исследования проводили в 2016–2018 гг. по общепринятым методикам. В Западной Сибири септориоз листьев и колоса яровой пшеницы широко распространен: 35 % по показателю развития болезни и 90 % по распространенности. Видовой состав возбудителей септориоза представлен Р. nodorum, Septoria tritici и P. avenae f. sp. triticae, причем соотношение видов изменялось по регионам. В Новосибирской области отмечено полное доминирование Р. nodorum, S. tritici встречался в 13.8 раза реже, а P. avenae f. sp. triticae единично. В Тюменской области доминирование Р. nodorum не было таким безусловным и нарушалось в некоторых географических пунктах S. tritici и P. avenae f. sp. triticae. В Алтайском крае во всех точках учета преобладал Р. nodorum; S. tritici и P. avenae f. sp. triticae встречались повсеместно, но в 5.6 и 8.6 раза реже соответственно. Изучение сортов яровой пшеницы разного происхождения не позволило выявить иммунных к септориозу листьев и колоса форм. Установлено дифференцированное проявление признаков устойчивости к септориозу листьев и колоса, выделены сорта, сочетающие пониженную восприимчивость к септориозу и листьев, и колоса. Инфицированность семян фитопатогеном в регионах Сибири достигала 7 экономических порогов вредоносности и в значительной степени (52.5 %) определялась погодными условиями августа. Изучение коллекций сортов из трех регионов Сибири позволило выявить следующую тенденцию: наиболее активно передача P. nodorum с семенами сортов шла в Новосибирской области (7.6 %), в меньшей степени – в Омской (5.7 %); самая благополучная фитосанитарная ситуация была в Курганской области: сорта передавали P. nodorum в слабой степени (2.1 %), ниже экологического порога вредоносности.

A total of 48 species of mealybugs from 47 different countries were intercepted by plant health inspectors in consignments of plants and plant products at ports of entry in South Korea from 1996 to 2018. A list of all the species identified, along with a dichotomous taxonomic key to the 48 intercepted species of mealybugs, is provided to help in the detection and identification of species of this important group of plant pests.

Irradiation is a physical, environmentally friendly treatment which does not leave any residues in the product. It is increasingly used as an alternative to methyl bromide and other chemical fumigants for disinfestation of insect pest in stored grains. In this research, we try to evaluate the effect of low gamma irradiation doses in the range of 50–1200 Gy on the different stages of Callosobruchus maculatus. It was found that no adults emerged after irradiation of eggs at 450 Gy. No emerging adults (F1 generation) have been shown when larvae or pupae were exposed to 650 Gy. Also, no emerging adult has been shown from the parental C. maculatus adults irradiated with 650 Gy. When suppression of F1 generation was used for the measuring effective irradiation dose and phytosanitary efficacy, 650 Gy was required for disinfestation of cowpea seed weevils. The irradiation dose level of 650 Gy was used for the large-scale confirmatory tests applied to 27,754 adults of C. maculatus in cowpea seeds resulting in non F1 adults' production with a confidence level of 93.77%. All the physical and chemical characteristics of cowpea seeds were non-significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affected by the irradiation dose of 650 Gy. Meanwhile, this irradiation dose very slightly reduced the microbial load of cowpea seeds. We recommend the generic dose 650 Gy as the phytosanitary irradiation dose for the cowpea seed weevil.

The increasingly strict regulation of the use of phytosanitary products and the will of the populations to move towards sustainable development allow bio-sourced products and more particularly for biocontrol in the field of pesticides to progress. The study carried out here concerns the evaluation of the potency of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Bc2 and Trichoderma harzianum to fight against strawberry cultures infected with anthracnose (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.). The studies were carried out in the laboratory and in the field. The results indicate that B. amyloliquefaciens Bc2 and Trichoderma harzianum TR are effective for the biological control of anthracnose, gray mold and powdery mildew on strawberries grown in field conditions. The increase in plant size and the number of fruits produced with these control agents has also been observed.

The potato production in the Far North Region, Cameroon is confronted with rarities or unevenness of rainfall, diseases and pests. In order to improve the production of this plant, a study was conducted in two villages (Mouvou and Gouria) with the general objective of evaluating the impact of fertilizers on the development of viral, bacterial and pest diseases of this plant. The experimental design used was a completely randomized block S with 4 treatments repeated 3 times each. The fertilizer treatments were: Mycorrhizae (MYC), NPK (20-10-10) chemical fertilizers, chicken droppings (CD) and a control (T) that received no application. The plant material used was a local variety of potato (Dosa). Diseases were identified, incidence, severity and rainfall were evaluated. The viral diseases identified were: Virosis M, Rust Stain and PLRV. Bacterial diseases were Bacterial Wilt and Common Scab. The highest incidences of 18.91 % and 10.44 % were obtained with Virosis M and Rust Stain in MYC treatment at Mouvou and Gouria respectively. But, in CD treatment incidence was 2.22 % and 0 % at Gouria for Virosis M and Rust stain respectively. the average rainfall was 697.75 mm. Severity was low in CD treatment in all the sites (< 20 %). All diseases were present in Gouria. The average rainfall was higher in the Gouria site 716.5mm than in Mouvou site which received 679 mm of water. The CD treatment can be recommended to the farmers of Mogode for the phytosanitary protection of potatoes.

Zamioculcas zamiifolia (Araceae) is one of the most widely grown exotic species in Brazil as ornamental plants and in landscape design. Despite tolerating transport and being well adapted to low-light environments, this ornamental is attacked by different pathogens. Thus, the aim was to detect and identify the pathogen that causes stem rot in commercial Z. zamiifolia crops. Z. zamiifolia plants exhibiting stem rot symptoms were sent for phytosanitary diagnosis. In a culture medium, the fungal isolate obtained (SR-001) displayed the following morphological characteristics: cotton-like aerial mycelium, septate hyaline hyphae with no spore production, and the formation of small brown spherical sclerotia. To confirm pathogenicity, Z. zamiifolia plants were inoculated with the SR-001 isolate and, after fifteen days, the fungus was re-isolated when the same rot symptoms emerged. The SR-001 isolate was identified as Sclerotium rolfsii and its representative sequence was deposited in GenBank (Access MG694322). This fungal isolate has not been associated with diseases in Z. zamiifolia in Brazil, and this is the first report of the fungus infecting this ornamental plant species in a cultivated area. Resumo A espécie Zamioculcas zamiifolia (Araceae) está entre as espécies exóticas mais utilizadas e cultivadas no Brasil como plantas ornamentais e requisitada em projetos de paisagismo. Apesar de apresentar durabilidade no transporte e adaptação em ambientes com pouca luz, esta ornamental é acometida por diferentes patógenos. Assim o objetivo foi detectar e identificar o patógeno causador de podridão na haste de Z. zamiifolia em cultivos comerciais. Plantas de Z. zamiifolia apresentando sintomas de podridão nas hastes foram encaminhadas para diagnose fitossanitária. O isolado fúngico obtido, SR-001, apresentou, em meio de cultura, características morfológicas de micélio aéreo de aspecto cotonoso, hifas hialinas septadas, sem produção de esporos, e com formação de pequenos escleródios esféricos de coloração marrom. Para comprovar a patogenicidade, plantas de Z. zamiifolia foram inoculadas com o isolado SR-001 e, após quinze dias, procedeu-se o reisolamento do fungo quando do aparecimento dos mesmos sintomas de podridão. O isolado SR-001 foi identificado como Sclerotium rolfsii e a sequência representativa de S. rolfsii foi depositada no GenBank (Acesso MG694322). Este isolado fúngico não tem sido associado com doenças em Z. zamiifolia no Brasil, sendo assim este o primeiro relato do fungo infectando essa espécie de planta ornamental em área de cultivo.