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Industrial hemp is a continuously expanding crop; however, there has been limited research on its herbicide selectivity and weed control. Pendimethalin, s-metolachlor and aclonifen at 1137.5, 960 and 1800 g a.i. ha−1, respectively, were applied in field experiments in 2022 and 2023 in Greece to study the response of industrial hemp to pre-emergence (PRE) herbicides and record their efficacy on weeds. In 2023, each PRE herbicide was followed by the postemergence application of cycloxydim at 200 g a.i. ha−1 due to infestation of Sorghum halepense. In 2022, retardation in hemp growth was recorded by all PRE herbicide treatments, with there being a slight reduction in stand counts by pendimethalin and s-metolachlor and leaf yellowing by aclonifen in one the experiments. In 2023, no reductions in crop establishment and plant height were recorded, whereas leaf discoloration caused by aclonifen was less evident; cycloxydim did not affect hemp and perfectly controlled S. halepense. Despite the herbicide injury, hemp recovered and succeeded in higher biomass in both experiments at Thessaloniki and in higher seed production in the 2023 Thessaloniki experiment. This study showed that pendimethalin, s-metolachlor and aclonifen can be regarded as potential pre-emergence options with precautions in wet and light soils.

Peniophora salaccae (Russulales, Basidiomycota), a newly identified pathogen of Salacca zalacca, is a major cause of snake fruit rot, resulting in significant agricultural losses. This study evaluates the efficacy of chemical fungicides and biological controls against P. salaccae SKRU002, focusing on disease suppression and fruit quality preservation. Commercial fungicides (propiconazole®, prochloraz®, metalaxyl®, azoxystrobin®, thiram®) and Streptomyces philanthi strains RM-1-138 and RL-1-178 were tested. In vitro, prochloraz® (1000 μL mL−1) fully inhibited P. salaccae growth, outperforming other fungicides. Both S. philanthi strains exhibited strong antifungal activity through volatile and non-volatile compounds. Additionally, autoclaved (at 121 °C for 15 min) and diluted (1/1000) bacterial culture filtrates (BCF) from both strains achieved over 55 % inhibition of P. salaccae. In liquid culture, RM-1-138 (86.80 %) and RL-1-178 (80.86 %) demonstrated greater inhibition than metalaxyl® (9.34 %) and azoxystrobin® (56.84 %), though prochloraz® and propiconazole® remained the most effective (100 %). In vivo, untreated fruits inoculated with P. salaccae showed 100 % disease incidence, significant weight loss (13.28 %), color changes (L∗, a∗, and b∗), and reductions in total soluble solids, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity, while titratable acidity remained unchanged. Both biological and chemical treatments effectively controlled the pathogen and preserved fruit quality. These findings highlight the potential of S. philanthi strains and fungicides in managing P. salaccae, offering promising strategies for snake fruit cultivation.

Background: Control of blackleg disease of canola caused by the fungus Leptosphaeria maculans relies on strategies such as the inhibition of growth with fungicides. However, other chemicals are used during canola cultivation, including fertilizers and herbicides. There is widespread use of herbicides that target the acetolactate synthase (ALS) enzyme involved in branched chain amino acid synthesis and low levels of these amino acids within leaves of Brassica species. In L. maculans the ilv2 gene encodes ALS and thus ALS-inhibiting herbicides may inadvertently impact the fungus. Methods and results: Here, the impact of a commercial herbicide targeting ALS and mutation of the homologous ilv2 gene in L. maculans was explored. Exposure to herbicide had limited impact on growth in vitro but reduced lesion sizes in plant disease experiments. Furthermore, the mutation of the ilv2 gene via CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing rendered the fungus non-pathogenic. Conclusion: Herbicide applications can influence disease outcome, but likely to a minor extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To clarify the dynamic of the occurrence of Myzus hemerocallis Takahashi on day-lily buds and screen out the effective and low toxic pesticides to prevent and control Myzus hemerocallis, and provide the basis for the scientifically and efficiently preventing and controlling Myzus hemerocallis Takahashi. In this study, in Taigu district of Jinzhong city from March 2021 to March 2022, the occurrence dynamics of Myzus hemerocallis Takahashi was studied using trap boards and field surveys. The control efficiency of 7 chemical pesticides and 5 biological pesticides on Myzus hemerocallis Takahashi was evaluated by spray method. The results of the dynamic survey showed that, in mid-late April, Myzus hemerocallis Takahashi began to appear in Taigu, peaked from the end of May to the middle of June, and disappeared in mid-July. The maximum amount reached 307.8 head/plant on June 5. The dynamics of Myzus hemerocallis Takahashi on yellow boards was similar to that on plant, but the occurrence number of alatae was significantly less than that on the plant. Results of field efficacy study showed that except for 22.4% of spirotetramat SC and 75% of pymetrozine · spirotetramat WDG in chemical pesticides and 0.5% of veratrine SL in biological pesticides, the other pesticides had better quick-acting effects, and the control efficiency could reach more than 88% and 84% respectively at one day after application. The control efficiency of 70% of imidacloprid WG, 25% of imidacloprid WP, and 20% of nitenpyram WG, 22.4% of spirotetramat SC, and 21% of thiamethoxam SC was significantly better than that of others in chemical pesticides. The control efficiency of 6.0 % of rotenone ME, 2% of abamectin, and 1.5% of natural pyrethrins EW in biological pesticides. could reach 100% at 14 days after application. It is recommended that the above chemical pesticides and biological pesticides should be used alternately in the early stage of the occurrence of Myzus hemerocallis Takahashi on daylily to delay the development of drug resistance of Myzus hemerocallis Takahashi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colletotrichum truncatum, the predominant fungal species associated with soybean anthracnose, is responsible for significant losses in this crop. Chemical control via fungicide application is the most effective strategy for the control of soybean foliar diseases. However, the increasing incidence of anthracnose in some regions of Brazil indicates that current chemical control is not effective against anthracnose. In this study, we evaluated the fungicide sensitivity of C. truncatum genetic lineages to the fungicides azoxystrobin, thiophanate‐methyl, difenoconazole, and fludioxonil using isolates representing two important regions of soybean production in Brazil. We characterized the molecular resistance to the quinone‐outside inhibitors (QoI), methyl benzimidazole carbamates (MBC), and demethylation inhibitor (DMI) fungicide groups based on amino acid sequences of the cytochrome b (cytb), β‐tubulin gene (β‐tub), and P450 sterol 14a‐demethylases (CYP51) genes. Multiple resistance of C. truncatum isolates to QoI and MBC was observed associated with mutation points in the β‐tub (E198A and F200Y) and cytb (G143A). Alternatively, low EC50 values were found for fludioxonil and difenoconazole indicating high efficacy. Analysis of C. truncatum genomes revealed two potential DMI targets, CYP51A and CYP51B, and higher genetic variability in the CYP51A gene. A positive correlation was found between genetic differentiation of C. truncatum populations and fungicide sensitivity (Student's t‐test <0.001). To our knowledge, this is the first report of multiple resistance to QoI and MBC fungicides in C. truncatum in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grey leaf spot (GLS), caused by Cercospora spp., has become a very important foliar disease for second‐crop corn season, mainly in South America. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and validate a standard area diagram set (SADs) to estimate the severity of GLS and to apply the SADs established in this study to evaluate the efficacy of fungicides for GLS control in field trials. The SADs with nine levels of severity (0.5; 2; 5; 10; 20; 30; 40; 50 and 60%) improved accuracy, precision and reliability. To evaluate the control of GLS in corn, two experiments spraying chemical fungicides were conducted, one in Rio Verde (GO) (experiment A) and another in Chapadão do Sul (MS) (experiment B). Both experiments were conducted in randomized block design, with 10 treatments and four replicates. For the severity assessment, the SADs elaborated in this study was used. From this severity data over time, disease progress curves, area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC), and yield were obtained. Based on the AUDPC and yield values, all treatments differed from the control. The fungicide fluxapyroxad + pyraclostrobin + mefentrifluconazole had the highest value, giving 72.8% control efficacy and the highest yield maintenance of 43.5%. The other treatments had an intermediate control efficacy and yield. The SADs proposed here is a useful tool for improving visual assessments of GLS severity on corn leaves and fungicides can be used for integrated disease management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficacy of the fungicide pydiflumetofen + difenoconazole (Postiva) was evaluated at varying application rates and intervals to control black spot disease (Diplocarpon rosae) in rose (Rosa spp. ‘Coral Drift’). Container-grown roses were arranged in a completely randomized design with five single-plant replications. Experiments were conducted under greenhouse and shade-house conditions (56% shade) in 2021/2022 and 2023. Black spot disease in roses was developed naturally. Pydiflumetofen + difenoconazole at 1.1, 1.6, and 2.2 mL·L–1, and standard fungicide azoxystrobin + benzovindiflupyr (Mural) at 0.5·g L–1 were sprayed on foliage to runoff on a 2- or 4-week interval. Plants that were not treated with fungicide served as the controls. Plants were evaluated weekly for disease severity (0%–100% foliage affected) and defoliation (0%–100% defoliation). The season-long area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) and area under the defoliation progress curve (AUDFC) were calculated for the evaluation period. Pydiflumetofen + difenoconazole reduced significantly black spot disease severity, AUDPC, defoliation, and AUDFC both in greenhouse and shade-house conditions compared with control plants, and was as effective as azoxystrobin + benzovindiflupyr. All the application rates and intervals of pydiflumetofen + difenoconazole were equally effective in reducing black spot severity and AUDPC. Our findings suggest that pydiflumetofen + difenoconazole at the lowest rate with the longest application interval is the most cost-effective, and has similar efficacy as treatments with higher rates and more frequent intervals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objectives]The paper aimed to clarify the pathogenic fungi of ‘Chuju' leaf disease and screen the effective chemical pesticides for effective control of the occurrence of diseases in ‘Chuju'. [Methods]The pathogenic fungi were isolated and purified by tissue isolated method, and morphological identification, molecular biological identification and pathogenicity determination, and the primary pathogenic fungi that caused ‘Chuju' leaf diseases were identified. The plate toxicity test was utilized to detect the antifungal effect of 13 fungicides and to screen for the effective drug and control concentration. The foliar mycelial adherence method was used to inoculate with pathogenic fungi in potted chrysanthemum seedlings, and the control effect of screening agents was further determined on live potted seedlings. [Results]The main pathogens fungi isolated from the diseased leaves of ‘Chuju' were Alternaria alternata, Alternaria longipes and Alternaria tenuissima. The results of the plate toxicity test showed that difenoconazole·azoxystrobin had the best effect on mycelial growth inhibition of Alternaria(CJ31, CJ4-1), and hexaconazole had the best effect on mycelial growth inhibition of Alternaria(CJ3-1, CJ37), iprodione had the best inhibitory effect on mycelial growth of Alternaria(CJ30), and all EC50 values were below 7 mg·L-1. According to the efficacy test of the potted medicines, the control effect on Alternaria proved better with iprodione 500 times dilution solution and hexaconazole 3 000 times dilution solution. [Conclusions]In the main production areas of ‘Chuju', the main pathogen causing leaf diseases was Alternaria, which caused black spot disease of ‘Chuju'. Iprodione, hexaconazole and difenoconazole·azoxystrobin were recommended as the pesticides of choice for controlling leaf diseases in the field of ‘Chuju'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The parasitic mite Varroa destructor (Anderson and Trueman) is one of the greatest stressors of Apis mellifera (L.) honey bee colonies. When Varroa infestations reach damaging levels during fall, rapid control is necessary to minimize damage to colonies. We performed a field trial in the US Southeast to determine if a combination of registered treatments (Apivar, amitraz-based; and Apiguard, thymol-based) could provide rapid and effective control of Varroa. We compared colonies that received this combination treatment against colonies that received amitraz-based positive control treatments: (i) Apivar alone; or (ii) amitraz emulsifiable concentrate ("amitraz EC"). While not registered, amitraz EC is used by beekeepers in the United States in part because it is thought to control Varroa more rapidly and effectively than registered products. Based on measurements of Varroa infestation rates of colonies after 21 days of treatment, we found that the combination treatment controlled Varroa nearly as rapidly as the amitraz EC treatment: this or other combinations could be useful for Varroa management. At the end of the 42-day trial, colonies in the amitraz EC group had higher bee populations than those in the Apivar group, which suggests that rapid control helps reduce Varroa damage. Colonies in the combination group had lower bee populations than those in the amitraz EC group, which indicates that the combination treatment needs to be optimized to avoid damage to colonies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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A FABA BEAN (Vicia faba L.) is one of the most significant field crops due to its great nutritional value for humans and animals. However, they were attacked from the roots by parasitic weed plants like broomrape (Orobanche crenata F.), which destroys their host due to their rapid development and deficiency in chlorophyll, a necessary component for photosynthesis. This study was carried out during winter seasons 2020/2021 and 2022/2023 at naturally infested field in Qaha Research Station, Plant Protection Research Institute, Qalyubia Governorate, Egypt. The goal of this study was to apply an alternative strategy of crop protection against broomrape weed control by two chemical treatments including indole acetic acid and salicylic acid to enhance systemic defense responses of faba bean plants. Allelochemical treatments by using trap crops as flax and radish with the main plant that stimulate suicidal broomrape germination in their fields. The obtained results of chemical control illustrated that biochemical assay conducted an increase in total chlorophyll, total phenols and peroxidase activity during the two seasons for IAA and SA respectively. Compared with the allelochemical control they conducted, an increase in total chlorophyll, total phenols for flax and radish were observed. Increasing total protein, prolin and peroxidase enzyme for flax during the two seasons were also observed. Furthermore, all treatments could be used as an integrated control strategies to increase faba bean growth vegetation, decrease the number of spikes per m2 and spikes dry weight per m2 by increasing of broomrape weed control during both seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been difficult to control Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn and Spermacocea latifolia Aubl. in cotton and soybean crops due to their herbicide resistance or tolerance to glyphosate. Thus, this study's objective was to evaluate the herbicide efficacy applied in pre-emergence, associated with desiccant herbicide in sequential application, in these species. The experiments for S. latifolia and E. indica were conducted separately in a greenhouse. The experimental design was completely randomized, with 4 replications, in a 6 x 3 factorial. The first factor consisted of pre-emerging herbicides applied two days after the sowing of each species, diclosulam (35 g a.i./ha), s-metolachlor (600 g a.i./ha), pyroxasulfone (200 g a.i./ha) + flumioxazin (200 g a.i./ha), diuron (2000 g a.i./ha), trifluralin (600 g a.i./ha), and the treatment without herbicide. The second factor consisted of the application of diquat (200 g a.i./ha), ammonium glufosinate (400 g a.i./ha), or the absence of sequential application. The results revealed that only for the diclosulam herbicide a sequential application with desiccants was necessary for an effective control of E. indica. The other herbicide applied in pre-emergence showed high efficacy (> 90%) in E. indica control when applied individually. Regarding S. latifolia chemical control, the herbicides s-metolachlor (80.04%), pyroxasulfone + flumioxazin (100%), diclosulam (82.08%) and diuron (89.58%), applied in pre-emergence, presented a satisfactory control at 42 days after emergence. The sequential applications promoted better control of S. latifolia to trifluralin and diuron. In conclusion, there are pre-emergence options for the effective control of E. indica and S. latifolia. However, sequential application can be an important tool for improving the control of some weed species, such as those studied in this work, by certain herbicides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asian soybean rust (Phakopsora pachyrhizi) is one of the main diseases in soybean crops. In Mexico, there is limited knowledge regarding its management, therefore the objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of mixtures of fungicides of the families: Carboxamides, Strobilurins, and Triazoles on incidence, severity, fungicide efficiency, and yield in soybean variety 'Huasteca 700'. Three commercial combinations of fungicides were evaluated: Tebuconazole + Trifloxystrobin, Fluxapyroxad + Pyraclostrobin, Cyproconazole + Azoxystrobin, with surfactant (Agrega®) at 0.1%, and a control which consisted only of surfactant. The highest incidence and severity occurred in the control treatment; fungicide application formulated with Strobilurins, and Triazoles significantly reduced incidence (54 to 98%) and severity (82 to 100%) and provided a crop protection period of 35 to 54 days post-application. The incidence and severity by stratum plant were lower in the second evaluation cycle, with respect the first evaluation. Damage remained below 1.24, 0.5, and 0.03% in the low, middle, and upper stratum, respectively in treatments treated with fungicides 56 days after the first application. With two applications of chemical fungicides formulated with Strobilurins and Triazoles, in a natural infestation of Asian soybean rust, the damage and incidence were significantly reduced compared to the control treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Onion thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), is an important agricultural insect that infests a wide range of vegetables and fruits. To investigate the occurrence of thelytokous and arrhenotokous types of onion thrips and the effects of insecticides on them, we collected individuals from onion and Welsh onion fields in Shiga Prefecture, Japan. Of the 16 sampling sites, only thelytokous-type individuals were found at 12 sites, whereas arrhenotokous-type individuals co-habited four sites alongside the thelytokous type. Arrhenotokous-type individuals were subsequently eliminated from three sites, but they remained dominant at one site. The effects of insecticides (corrected mortality) were investigated using the leaf dipping method and a Bayesian model on five strains of the thelytokous type and one strain of the arrhenotokous type. The results showed that acephate (500 ppm), acetamiprid (100 ppm), spinetoram (48 ppm), fluxametamide (50 ppm), and flometoquin (100 ppm) were sufficiently toxic, and more than 70% corrected mortality at the lower limit was achieved for both the arrhenotokous and thelytokous types after 48 hours of exposure to these insecticides. The corrected mortality of cypermethrin (30 ppm) was over 90% at the lower limit for the thelytokous types but was 73.6% at the upper limit for the arrhenotokous type. The corrected mortality of pyridalyl (100 ppm) for the thelytokous types varied among the strains； it was over 70% in one strain and under 70% in four strains at the lower limit and less than 50% for the arrhenotokous type at the upper limit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Absorption and translocation of chemical insecticides in plants are complex processes and influenced by different factors. This study investigated the translocation of chlorantraniliprole and cyantraniliprole in soybean plants in greenhouse, using Helicoverpa armigera as a bioindicator and chemical quantification in LC–MS/MS. Two experiments were conducted in the greenhouse and laboratory. Significant acropetal and basipetal movement in leaves was confirmed for both anthranilic diamides. Application via seed treatment (ST) and foliar spray of chlorantraniliprole and cyantraniliprole resulted in significant uptake and translocation via xylem to the flowers emitted after the application of treatments. The mortality of H. armigera with foliar application of chlorantraniliprole (10 g a.i./ha−1) and cyantraniliprole (50 g a.i./ha−1) was 60% and 45% higher than the control treatment, respectively. The use of both insecticides via ST resulted in a residual effect of approximately 60 days after application. The anthranilic diamides studied have shown to have physicochemical characteristics that allow their translocation to structures not yet present at the time of application. Thus, chlorantraniliprole and cyantraniliprole may be an alternative for the management of lepidopteran pests that cause damage during soybean flowering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sigatoka disease complex (SDC), caused by Mycosphaerella fijiensis (Mf) and M. musicola (Mm), comprises the most destructive fungal leaf streak and spot diseases of commercial banana crops worldwide. In Brazil, the site-specific succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI) fungicides labeled for SDC management since 2014 present a high risk for the emergence of resistance if deployed intensively and solo. Our study determined the levels of sensitivity to boscalid and fluxapyroxad in four populations of the SDC pathogens sampled in 2020 from three distinct geographical regions under contrasting fungicide programs. Resistance, defined as EC50 values exceeding 20 µg mL−1, was prevalent at 59.7% for fluxapyroxad and 94.0% for boscalid. Only 1.5% of isolates exhibited sensitivity to both fungicides. We also assessed the changes in the corresponding fungicide target protein-encoding genes (SdhB, C, and D). None of the target site alterations detected were associated with reduced sensitivity. A second SdhC paralog was also analyzed, but target alterations were not found. However, MDR (multidrug resistance) was detected in a selection of isolates. Further monitoring for Sdh target mutations will be important, but an important role for other resistance mechanisms such as the presence of additional Sdh paralogs and MDR cannot be ruled out. These results highlight the importance of implementing sound anti-resistance management strategies when SDHI fungicides are deployed for the management of SDC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Application of insecticides against overwintered adults of Sunn pest has limitations. To find the new measurement against the insect, two insecticides imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam, were tested as seed treatments against overwintered adults of Sunn pest in semi-field and field conditions in Alborz province. This project was carried out in a split-plot design with planting dates at 3 levels (at the beginning of wheat cultivation in 2016, Nov. 7, mid- and late-dates in 2016, Nov. 20, and Dec. 4) as the main plots and seed treatments at 5 levels, including imidacloprid 700WS with two concentrations of 1 and 0.5 g/kg of wheat seed and thiamethoxam 350FS with two concentrations of 0.8 and 0.4 g/kg and control (without seed treatment) as the sub-plots. The comparison of the mean efficiency of treatments at different cultivation dates in the semi-field conditions showed that the lowest (9.1%) and the highest (71.66%) efficiencies were observed at the beginning and late cultivation dates, respectively. In seed treatments, thiamethoxam at high concentration had the maximum efficacy (84.4%) 48 days after the last planting date, and the minimum efficacy (5.55%) was related to thiamethoxam at low concentration 116 days after. The results of field conditions showed that the highest (15%) and lowest (1.25%) efficacies of seed treatments were 97 days after the last cultivation date. Thiamethoxam seed treatment at high concentration had the highest efficiency (21.6%) among the treatments at the first sampling date. On other sampling dates, the efficiency of all treatments was less than 10%. The seed treatment with imidacloprid and thiamethoxam did not have acceptable effectiveness against overwintered adults and nymphs of Sunn pest. Also, the change in the cultivation date of seed-treated wheat cannot be effective in reducing the overwintered adult population of Sunn pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The African fig fly (AFF) Zaprionus indianus Gupta, 1970, is an invasive species that has caused significant damage to several monoculture crops since its introduction in the Brazilian territory, resulting losses for farmers and decrease of fruit productions. A way to manage fruit pests is the chemical control, which could act as a selective pressure against genetic variation in the insect populations. The esterases are detoxifying enzymes that can respond to the selection by insecticides, they are conserved in evolution, and are involved in the hydrolysis of esters, including insecticide degradation. Esterases can be identified by isoenzyme electrophoresis, which is a valuable tool for genetic, biochemical, and ecological studies, particularly in approaches with pest species. This experimental study aimed to evaluate survival and esterase polymorphisms at the Est2 and Est3 loci in three different geographical populations of Z. indianus from Brazil (Aracaju, Uberaba and Florianópolis) after exposition to organophosphate malathion. We identified patterns of sex‐specific genetic variation that indicate a response to insecticide exposition. These results indicated that the insecticide biological response in this species is sex‐dependent, providing relevant information about the AFF‐malathion interaction. This study may contribute to the development of more effective and sustainable management strategies for AFF control in Brazil using genetic and ecological approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction[1] Wheat (Triticum aestivum) is one of the most important crops in Iran. The area under cultivation of this crop in Fars's province is 421,000 hectares. Weeds are one of the most significant factors limiting crop production. They primarily decrease grain yield by competing with the crop for light, nutrients, water, and root space. Weeds can cause a significant reduction in wheat yield, with an average by 23-35%. The most important weed species of wheat in Fars are including Lolium rigidum L., Bromus tectorum L., Mavla neglecta Wallr., Hirschfeldia incana L., Carthamus oxyacanthus M.B., Centaurea solstitialis L., Veronica fasica L. The rigid ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) is one of the most troublesome weeds in winter wheat fields of Fars province. Lolium rigidum, has the capacity to produce 45,000 seeds m−2 in infested wheat fields. Its highly competitive nature for nutrients has been reported to cause a significant reduction in wheat yield. The application of herbicides is the most common method of weed control in wheat fields. Herbicides are registered for weed control in winter wheat fields included of Axial®, Topik®, Othello®, Atlantis®, Total®, Bromicide® MA, Geranestar® and Apiros®. There are a limited number of herbicides that is used in wheat. Therefore, it is necessary to register new herbicides in winter wheat. The objectives of this research were to optimize the dosage of FenoMetri in combination with a non-ionic surfactant, Tifis®, and to compare its efficacy with other pre-mixed herbicides (Bromicide® MA, Othello®, and Atlantis®). Materials and Methods In order to study the efficacy of herbicides for controlling weeds in wheat fields, an exfaiment was conducted at the Fars Province Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Darab, Iran, during 2021-2022. This exfaiment was carried out using a randomized complete block design with 14 treatments and 4 replications. The treatments included post emergence application of Bromicide MA® at 1.5 L ha–1 + Topik® at 1 L ha–1, Bromicide MA® at 1.5 L ha–1 +Puma-sufa® at 1 L ha–1, Granstar® at 20 g ha–1 +Topik® at 1 L ha–1, Atlantis® at 1.5 L ha–1, Othello® at 1.6 L ha–1, Tifis® at 300 g ha–1, FenoMetri  at 0.8, 1 and 1.2 L ha–1 with and without surfactant at 1 L ha–1, Sencor® 800 g ha–1 (400 g ha–1 in the 1- 3 leaf stage + 400 g ha–1 in the tillering stage of wheat and Control (hand weeding). Each plot was divided into two subplots. One subplot was treated with the herbicide applications, while the other subplot was left unsprayed to consider as a weedy check treatment for comparison purposes. Herbicide treatments were applied in tillering stage of wheat (Zadoks' scale = 25) using a pressure backpack sprayer equipped with an 8002 flat fan nozzle tip, which delivered 350 L ha-1 at 2 bar spray pressure. Traits were recorded including weed density, weed biomass, plant height, grains fa spike, number spikes, 1000 grains weigh, grain yield and biological yield. Weed density and dry weight were determined in random 0.50-m2 quadrates fa plot. The grain yield and biological yield were recorded for a 3 m2 and 0.50 m2 from each plot, respectively. Weed control efficiency (WCE) representing the degree of reduction in the density or dry biomass of weeds due to herbicide treatment was determined using Equation 1. A and B are the density or dry biomass of weeds in the unsprayed and sprayed subplots, respectively (Somani, 1992). The changes in each trait of yield wheat (Yi), as mentioned above, were determined using Equation 2  Ys and Yu are the amount of each trait in the sprayed and unsprayed subplots (weedy check treatment), respectively. After checking data normality, the data were subjected to analysis of variance using SAS 9.2 software. To compare the means, the Fisher's Least Significant Difference (LSD) test was used at the 5% level of significance. Results and Discussion Weeds infestations included Lolium rigidum L., Convolvulus arvensis L., Melilotus officinalis (L.) Lam and Carthamus oxyacanthus M.B. The highest and lowest density were observed for L. rigidum (56%) and C. oxyacanthus (5.1%), respectively. While, the highest and lowest weight were observed for L. rigidum (74%) and C. oxyacanthus (4%), respectively. The statistical analysis of the data on the weed density and biomass were revealed that applied herbicides significantly decreased both weed density and biomass. Additionally, the herbicide treatments led to a significant increase in the number of spikes fa m², grains fa spike, 1000 grains weight, grain yield, and biological yield. The Bromicide MA® had the best treatment for controlling the broad-leaved weed by 80 – 85%, On the other hand, Sencor had the best control for ryegrass (L. rigidum) by 80%. The application of FenoMetri at 1.2 L ha–1 with Surfactant® decreased the biomass of C. arvensis, C. oxyacanthus, M. officinalis, L. rigidum and total weed by 71, 63, 52, 48 and 73% respectively. It also increased grain and biological yields up to 20% and 22% as compared to the weedy check treatment. Additionally, the herbicides of Sencor® and Othello® showed the highest- grain yield after hand weeding, respectively. Conclusion The application of FenoMetri at 1.2 L ha–1 with surfactant effectively controlled the density of weed species by 45–71% and the dry biomass of weed species by 48–72%. It also increased grain and biological yields by up to 20% and 22%, respectively, compared to the weedy check treatment. However, the efficacy of FenoMetri herbicide in controlling weeds was lower compared to commonly used herbicides such as Othello®, Bromicide MA® + Topik®, and Bromicide MA® + Puma sufa®. Therefore, it is recommended to evaluate the FenoMetri herbicide with higher application rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionScab disease of apple caused by Venturia inaequalis is one of the most important diseases of apple in the world and Iran. Especially in areas with wet and cold weather its damage reach more than 70%. Apple scab results in symptoms on most upfa plant parts, notably leaves and fruit.  Petioles, flowers, sepals, pedicels, young shoots, and bud scales can also become infected. Apple scab infections are initiated in early spring on emerging and young leaves. The Mills table relates leaf wetness duration and temfaature to determine the likelihood that conidial infection will occur. For example, at an average temfaature of 18°C (65°F), light infection will result if leaves remain wet for 9 h. Lesions can produce conidia after 9 days if the temfaature averages 18°C (65°F), but not until 17 days if the temfaatures are lower, averaging only 8°C (49°F).Materials and MethodsThe exfaiment was conducted in apple orchards located in Yasuj, Bojnourd and Karaj which had a history of apple scab. The exfaimental design was a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 8 treatments and 4 replications. The control treatments included plots without any spraying and plots sprayed with water. The remaining treatments involved the application of specific treatments at three different stages. The first spraying was done at swelling of leaf buds time, the second spraying after fall leaves, and the third spraying 14 days after the second spray. 30 days after observing the first symptoms of the disease in the controls, samples were taken from the leaves and fruits to evaluate the facentage of the disease density and severity of the disease. The data obtained for disease incidence and severity were analyzed using statistical software, such as SAS, and the means of these traits were compared using Duncan's multiple range test at a significance level of one facent. This test helps determine significant differences between the treatment means.Results and DiscutionThe analysis of variance conducted on the data obtained from the evaluation of treated trees revealed a statistically significant effect of the treatments on reducing the facentage of disease severity and disease incidence. Result showed that, there are significant differences between treatments and controls in all three provinces (P = 5%). Mean comparisons of the treatments showed that, all fungicides caused a significant decrease in the severity and incidence of disease infection facent compared to controls. The results of three provinces showed that new fungicide Luna Sensation 500® SC 0.4 and 0.6 ml L-1 and Flint® 50% WG 0.2 ml L-1 during three times spraying is very effective on controlling of apple scab. In Kohghiloyeh and Boyerahmad, 0.4 and 0.6 ml L-1 of Luna Sensation had the best efficiency compared to other treatments. The severity of disease was lower than control about 96 facent in leaves and 98 facent in fruits. Also, incidence of disease in fruit and leaf of these treatments were lower than the other treatments. In North Khorasan province Flint 0.2 ml L-1 and Luna Sensation 0.4 compared to other treatments was more effective in controlling the disease severity and approximately 75 facent compared to controls reduced disease severity on fruits. Also on leaves Luna Sensation 0.4 were effective approximately 80 facent. In terms of disease control on fruit, there were no significant differences between all fungicide treatments except benomyl. Disease incidence on the leaves treated with all three concentrations of Luna Sensation and 0.2 ml L-1 Flint was lower than other treatments. In Alborze province, Luna Sensation 0.4 and 0.6 ml L-1 and Flint 0.2 ml L-1 had the best efficacy and nearly 100 facent decrease severity and incidence of disease in leaves in compared with controls. The results of three provinces showed that new fungicide Luna Sensation 500® SC 0.4 and 0.6 ml L-1 and Flint® 50% WG 0.2 ml L-1 during three times spraying is very effective on controlling of apple scab. Also, the results showed that Luna Sensation fungicide can control apple scab disease on Golden Delicious and Red Delicious and The type of cultivar has no effect on the efficacy of the fungicide. Results show that Luna Sensation 500® SC 0.4 is an effective fungicide to control apple scab and can be used in apple orchards as a part of integrated pest management program. The management of apple scab disease in the world usually requires multiple sprayings, from the greening stage of the branches to harvest. Since V. inaequalis has a high risk of developing resistance to fungicides, the alternating use of effective fungicides from different groups and with different mechanisms of action or the use of fungicides with multiple mechanisms of action in disease management programs are necessary to prevent resistance. The new fungicide Lunasenish® SC 500, which is composed of 21.4% trifloxystrobin, 21.4% flupiram and 57.2% related substances, is a systemic fungicide with a wide range of effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle) is a tree native to China which has invaded disturbed areas in many regions worldwide. Its presence endangers natural ecosystems by displacing native species, modifying habitats, changing community structures, and affecting ecosystem processes. Its invasive nature is enhanced by its high ability to reproduce both vegetatively through root regrowth and sexually through seeds. Seeds, which are wind dispersed, are the main mechanism by which this species reaches new habitats. When they germinate and develop the root system, roots emit new shoots that contribute to a rapid increase in the tree density and the subsequent expansion of the population nearby. The contradictory results about the ecological requirements for seeds to germinate and their degree of dormancy and longevity indicate the complexity and difficulty of understanding the mechanisms that govern the biology and adaptability of this plant. The management of this weed aims at its eradication, with programs based on herbicide applications carried out by injecting the active ingredient directly to the trunk. But, not many active ingredients have shown total control, so new ones should be tested in order to increase the range of available herbicides. During the last few decades, some biological agents have been identified, but their efficacy in controlling the tree and their safety for the local flora have not yet been determined. A correct management strategy should take into account all these aspects in order to contain the expansion of this species and, ultimately, allow its eradication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Harran Journal of Agricultural & Food Science is the property of Harran University, Faculty of Agriculture and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of chemical fungicides against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides in papaya fruits. Design/methodology/approach: The effect of four chemical fungicides (A+F=azoxystrobin + fludioxinil, C+F=cypronil + fludioxinil, B+P=boscalid + pyraclostrobin and T=tiabendazole) at 250, 500, 750, and 1000 mg kg-1 were assessed on severity and the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides inoculated on papaya fruits. Results: At 12 days after inoculation (dai) A+F achieved a range of effectiveness between 63.0 (250 mg kg-1) to 77.52 (1000 mg kg-1); while the range of effectiveness for T was 12.8% (250 mg kg-1) to 74% (1000 mg kg-1). Both fungicides achieved the highest effectiveness at 1000 mg kg-1 that C+F (38.5%) and B+P (55.6%). The AUDPC achieved the same value at the four studied concentration in A+F, C+F, and B+P. Only 750 and 1000 mg kg-1 of T achieved the lowest AUDPC than 250 and 500 mg kg-1. Findings/conclusions: The fungicides A+F and T achieved adequate control of anthracnose in papaya fruits and the use of the diagrammatic logarithmic scale is easy to use to give a quick estimate of the disease, as well as being easy to reproduce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato early blight caused by Alternaria alternata, A. tenuissima and A. solani, occurs in a wide range of environmental conditions. Effectiveness of fluxapyroxad+difenoconazole (Dagonis® SC12.5%), tetraconazole+azoxystrobin (Affiance® SC17%) and mandipropamid+difenoconazole (Carial Star® SC 50%) fungicides were evaluated in the control of tomato early blight disease in comparison with boscalid+pyraclostrobin (Signum® WG33.4%) fungicide. Dagonis® at the rates of 800, 1000 and 1200 ml/ha, Affiance® 450, 600 and 750 ml/ha, Carial Star® 400, 550 and 700 ml/ha and Signum® 500 gr/ha and the control group (no fungicide application). The experiments were carried out under the field condition in Fars and Hormozgan provinces, and under greenhouse condition in Alborz province. The disease severity index and area under the disease progress curve were calculated. The results showed that Affiance® at the rates of 600 and 750 ml/ha with 48-82% efficacy, Dagonis® at the rate of 1200 ml/ha with 50-70% efficacy and Signum® at the rate of 500 gr/ha with the efficacy of 48-75% were effective in controlling tomato early blight disease. Although Carial Star® fungicide with the amount of 700 ml/ha was less effective (45-55%) as compared to aforementioned fungicides, but its average efficiency can be justified. Therefore, Affiance®, Dagonis® and Signum® fungicides, at the rates of 600, 1200 ml/ha and 500 gr/ha, respectively, and Carial Star® fungicide (in the early stages of the disease) at the rate of 700 ml/ha are recommended to control tomato early blight disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of insecticides on a large scale and applied at the wrong time can increase the cost of potato production. Good agricultural pest management practices can reduce the number of insecticide applications and promote the sustainability of potato production in modern agriculture. Thus, the objective was to compare the costs and revenues of a pest management system that uses monitoring (IPM-integrated pest management) with a conventional system (calendar-based insecticide application) in the potato crop. Two experiments were carried out: experiment 1, carried out in the summer with the cultivars Ágata, Atlantic, and FLs 2027, 1867, 2215, and 2221, and experiment 2, carried out in autumn with the cultivar Ágata. The densities of sucking insects, defoliators, and natural enemies were evaluated and compared. In both experiments, treatments were based on pest monitoring (insecticide applications when reaching economic thresholds [ETs]) and a conventional system (calendar-based insecticide application). In experiment 2, a control group was also carried out without the use of insecticides. In experiment 1, with the use of pest monitoring, the number of sprays was reduced by 66.67%, pest control costs were decreased by 60.86%, and there was an increase of 8.97% in net income from potato production. Whilst in experiment 2, the number of sprays was reduced by 71.42%, pest control costs were decreased by 51.38%, and an increase of 12.75% in net revenue from potato production was observed. Thus, it is concluded that the application of insecticides when the pest population reaches the economic threshold (ET) reduces insecticide applications and costs and increases net income in the potato crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the last 15 years in Serbia, there has been an invasion of H. annuus across the country. Plants were initially limited to non-cultivated areas near arable fields, while in recent years the species has started to occur and establish populations in crop fields, especially into wide-row crops. We tested eight herbicides in two greenhouse experiments: 1) a dose-response study; 2) an efficacy study with reduced herbicide rates adding an adjuvant. The tested herbicides showed satisfactory weed control, where all estimated effective doses 90 (ED90) were lower than the recommended field rate for each herbicide, except for dicamba. The addition of non-ionic surfactants significantly increased the efficacy of glyphosate, mesotrione, rimsulfuron, and foramsulfuron. Whereas, there was no clear advantage to adding an adjuvant to bentazone and tembotrione, as the H. annuus population was already very sensitive (plants died in 1/8 of recommended rate in a dose-response study). All tested herbicides, except dicamba, can be used for satisfactory H. annuus control in maize, while glyphosate can be used for control of the species in non-agricultural lands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J E Smith) has become a devastating pest in maize. Field experiments were carried out to assess the efficacy of various IPM modules against this pest. Amongst these, biointensive module recorded highest number of coccinellids (1.27/ plant) and ants (0.42/ plant), while chemical control module led to highest larval reduction over control (86.04%) and being superior with significantly higher grain yield (53.45 q/ ha). This also gave a 1.86 B:C ratio followed by the IPM module (48.06 q/ ha) with 1.85 B:C ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leopard moth, Zeuzera pyrina L. is an important woodborer in orchards especially on walnut trees. Its damage has been remarkably increased in Urmia region in recent years. In this research, the amount of pest damage was compared on different orchards such as apple, walnut and peach. The best control method of pest was investigated by using of two insecticides, pheromone and light traps in field conditions. The highest pest damage was observed on walnut trees in Balo village and the least damage was recorded in Gajin and Haji-Abad villages. Old walnut trees (25-30 years old) suffered more damages than younger trees. In 2020, peak of adult leopard moth emergence was recorded in May 29 by using pheromone trap via mass trapping. Two weeks after flight peak, control methods including the use of Hexaflumuron and Imidacloprid insecticides along with pheromone and light traps were assessed. Based on the obtained results, Hexaflumuron along with the pheromone trap exhibited the best efficacy considering the reduced pest damage in 2021. Thus, this method can be used effectively in integrated management program of leopard moth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Plant Production is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

BACKGROUND: The red palm weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, is one of the gravest threats to palm trees. The challenge in monitoring RPW primarily arises from the inconspicuous presence of larvae within the stem, which is often devoid of noticeable symptoms. This study looks at the use of seismic sensors in RPW management in commercial date palm plantations. It explores whether the data garnered from the sensor domain, and its translation into the health status of date palms, can reliably inform precise decision‐making. RESULTS: Sensor and damage index values, as gauged by the Agrint IoTree seismic sensor, vividly mirrored RPW colonization activity. They also accurately portrayed the impact of three distinct insecticides: imidacloprid, phosphine, and entomopathogenic nematodes. The seismic values and damage index of healthy untreated palms strongly supported the decision to pursue tree recovery. Furthermore, this facilitated the computation of recovery pace discrepancies across the tested treatments, measured as the number of days required for tree restoration. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings underscore the practicality of employing seismic sensors, as exemplified by the IoTree system and its network services, to both monitor and assess palm tree health. Furthermore, it validates their efficacy in evaluating the efficiency of management strategies adopted against RPW, all grounded in a wealth of sensor‐derived data. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The red palm weevil (RPW), is one of the most threatening pests of date palm trees worldwide, causing significant economic losses annually for date palm growers, both globally and in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia. The primary objective of this research was to assess the insecticide market in Saudi Arabia, test various insecticides claimed to be effective against RPW, and evaluate their efficacy in laboratory settings. This evaluation aims to inform further trials under field conditions. Methods: Six insecticides, including imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, fipronil, emamectin benzoate, deltamethrin, and fenitrothion, were tested to assess their toxicity against red palm weevil 8th instar larvae by diet incorporation under laboratory conditions. The insecticides were applied according to the manufacturer’s recommendations with dosages of 1000 µl, 0.20 µl, 7.5 µl, 0.25 µl, 0.25 µl, and 0.5 µl for imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, fipronil, emamectin benzoate, deltamethrin, and fenitrothion, respectively. Results: The results revealed that all tested insecticides exhibited 100 % mortality against 8th instar RPW larvae, with the exception of deltamethrin. However, the time required to achieve this mortality varied. Fenitrothion caused 100 % mortality after 72 h, while thiamethoxam, imidacloprid, and fipronil caused 100 % mortality after 96 h. Emamectin benzoate and deltamethrin resulted in 100 % and 93 % mortality, respectively, after 10 days. The variability in mortality rates may be attributed to differences in their active ingredients, which show varying levels of lethality. In conclusion, all tested insecticides showed effectiveness against RPW larvae and represent viable options for controlling this pest in date palm orchards in Saudi Arabia.

Asian soybean rust (Phakopsora pachyrhizi) is one of the main diseases in soybean crops. In Mexico, there is limited knowledge regarding its management, therefore the objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of mixtures of fungicides of the families: Carboxamides, Strobilurins, and Triazoles on incidence, severity, fungicide efficiency, and yield in soybean variety ‘Huasteca 700’. Three commercial combinations of fungicides were evaluated: Tebuconazole + Trifloxystrobin, Fluxapyroxad + Pyraclostrobin, Cyproconazole + Azoxystrobin, with surfactant (Agrega®) at 0.1%, and a control which consisted only of surfactant. The highest incidence and severity occurred in the control treatment; fungicide application formulated with Strobilurins, and Triazoles significantly reduced incidence (54 to 98%) and severity (82 to 100%) and provided a crop protection period of 35 to 54 days post-application. The incidence and severity by stratum plant were lower in the second evaluation cycle, with respect the first evaluation. Damage remained below 1.24, 0.5, and 0.03% in the low, middle, and upper stratum, respectively in treatments treated with fungicides 56 days after the first application. With two applications of chemical fungicides formulated with Strobilurins and Triazoles, in a natural infestation of Asian soybean rust, the damage and incidence were significantly reduced compared to the control treatment.

Potato farming is a vital component of food security and the economic stability especially in the under developing countries but it faces many challenges in production, blackleg disease caused by Pectobacterium atrosepticum (Pa) is one of the main reason for damaging crop yield of the potato. Effective management strategies are essential to control these losses and to get sustainable potato crop yield. This study was focused on characterizing the Pa and the investigating new chemical options for its management. The research was involved a systematic survey across the three district of Punjab, Pakistan (Khanewal, Okara, and Multan) to collect samples exhibiting the black leg symptoms. These samples were analyzed in the laboratory where gram-negative bacteria were isolated and identified through biochemical and pathogenicity tests for Pa. DNA sequencing further confirmed these isolates of Pa strains. Six different chemicals were tested to control blackleg problem in both vitro and vivo at different concentrations. In vitro experiment, Cordate demonstrated the highest efficacy with a maximum inhibition zones of 17.139 mm, followed by Air One (13.778 mm), Profiler (10.167 mm), Blue Copper (7.7778 mm), Spot Fix (7.6689 mm), and Strider (7.0667 mm). In vivo, Cordate maintained its effectiveness with the lowest disease incidence of 14.76%, followed by Blue Copper (17.49%), Air One (16.98%), Spot Fix (20.67%), Profiler (21.45%), Strider (24.99%), and the control group (43.00%). The results highlight Cordate’s potential as a most effective chemical against Pa, offering promising role for managing blackleg disease in potato and to improve overall productivity.

Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) released two beautiful Lilium varieties in 2020. In the same year the farmers in Gazipur district reported a set of disease symptoms on these flowers and alerted the Plant Pathology Division of BARI. Subsequent investigation confirmed the symptoms as Botrytis gray mold (BGM), caused by Botrytis cinerea. The pathogen identity was confirmed through ITS gene sequencing. A series of in vitro and in planta experiments conducted to understand the symptoms, the optimal growth condition for the pathogen, potential resistant Lilium genotypes, effective chemical treatments and potential of biological control agents to combat the disease. B. cinerea exhibited the highest growth in V8 media (88.55 mm) at pH6 (85.32 mm) and temperature between 20 and 25 °C (89.56 mm), and pH6 (85.32 mm). Screening revealed that five oriental-originated genotypes provided lower disease incidence (31.66–41.66 %), and were categorized as moderately resistant to resistant in disease reaction. Six fungicides successfully reduced mycelial growth in vitro. Moreover, Ipridione provided the lowest % disease incidence (27.11) and % disease severity (5.33) in the in planta nethouse experiment. Therefore, this fungicide was recommended to the farmers initially. Additionally, two fungal biocontrol agents Epicoccum nigrum EJS002 and Trichoderma ThC003, demonstrated effectiveness in reducing leaf lesion size over control in a detach leaf assessment technique. In conclusion, this study presents BGM of Lilium as a farmers issue for the first time in Bangladesh. It also provides valuable insights into its management, recommending specific chemical fungicides for farmers to use, and two fungal antagonists (E. nigrum EJS002 and Trichoderma ThC003) as potential disease control agent.

Abstract Background Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), the fall armyworm (FAW), has recently invaded Egypt and poses serious threats to maize farmers as it causes huge economic costs and yield losses. Selection of efficient insecticides and appropriate methods of application can be a problem to control this pest. Methods Two-year field studies to effectiveness of whorl application (sand mixed or spray) of seven insecticides comprising new insecticides generations with conventional insecticides from different groups at maximum recommended dosage field rate against FAW on yield of maize was evaluated in maize fields at El-Qualubia Governorate, Egypt. Results In plots treated with insecticide mixed in sand, all tested insecticides recorded a significant decrease in FAW larvae with significantly higher yields than those treated with spraying or untreated plots. However, among tested insecticides in both applications, chlorantraniliprole was found to be the most effective followed by emamectin benzoate and spinosad and these insecticides gave better control FAW with higher yield than conventional insecticides tested. In this context, the highest decrease in FAW density was recorded in plots treated with chlorantraniliprole mixed in sand or sprayed (93.69% for 2021; 91.59% for 2022) and (84.74% for 2021; 85.78% for 2022), respectively, as well as a significantly high yield. However, lambda-cyhalothrin recorded the highest density of FAW (33.86% for 2021; 32.72% for 2022) in the treated plots with spraying with lowest significant yield during the 2021 and 2022 seasons in the treated plots with spraying by 8.98 and 8.00%, respectively, increase over control plots. Conclusions These results indicate that insecticides mixed in sand application are more efficacious against FAW larvae along with yield increase than spraying.

The article discusses the importance of fungicides in modern agriculture and the potential consequences of further restrictions on their use. It highlights the role of fungicides in securing global food production and reducing hunger rates. The article also criticizes the proposed sustainable use regulation (SUR) by the EU, arguing that it overestimates the risks of plant protection products and ignores the significant reductions in risks that have already been achieved. It warns that further restrictions on crop protection could have negative effects on agricultural production, profitability, and the environment. The article concludes that effective crop protection will remain essential for food security in the foreseeable future. [Extracted from the article]

ABSTRACTWe analysed the timing of pesticide treatments for eventual analysis of temporal environmental risks associated with pesticide use in field vegetable crops. At the same time, we investigated whether farmers followed the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) instructions. The data cover chemical plant protection in field vegetable farms in southwestern Finland in 2009–2019. The timing of treatments, made with different pesticides in the weeks following sowing, corresponded with the known phenology of different pests of carrot, swede and fresh pea. The same was true for the carrot fly, the pea moth and the second generation of the cabbage root fly when phenological flight time models using historical data were used to predict the timing of treatments. We conclude that farmers acted in accordance with the principles of IPM when practising chemical control. For those species that lacked phenological predictive models in the study years, the degree days for the observed timing of treatments can be used as a starting point if such models are developed in the future. Our results can be used as a long-term baseline in future surveys on the changes in pesticide use and their risks regarding the studied crops.

Chemical control methods to prevent crop damage have long been directly implicated in the selection of lepidoptera insect populations resistant to insecticides. More recently, new products featuring different modes of action (MoA), developed to mitigate the negative effects of control management on both producers and the environment, are rapidly losing efficacy due to the emergence of resistant insects. Among these, certain resistances are associated with molecular changes in the genomes of pest insects that are valuable for developing molecular markers for diagnostic tools, particularly the point mutations. Molecular diagnosis represents an innovative solution for insecticide resistance management (IRM) practices, allowing for the effective monitoring of insecticide resistance. This approach facilitates decision making by enabling the timely alternation between different modes of action (MoAs). In this context, this review focuses on the major lepidopteran pests that affect globally significant crops, discussing the impacts of insecticide resistance. It gathers literature on diagnostic methods; provides a comparative overview of the advantages of different techniques in terms of efficiency, cost, precision, sensitivity, and applicability; and highlights several novel diagnostic tools. Additionally, this review explores the coffee leaf miner, Leucoptera coffeella, as an applied model to illustrate potential approaches for more effective and sustainable control strategies.

Dicamba is a post-herbicide, showing some activity in soil, and its dynamics can be influenced by several factors, including the presence of straw. Brazil has more than 50% of its production area in a no-till system; thus, a good amount of the herbicide is intercepted by the straw. This study aimed to evaluate dicamba dynamics in straw and weed control efficacy when sprayed as a PRE herbicide. For this, five different studies were conducted: we utilized different straw amounts (1) and different drought periods (2) for straw sprayed with dicamba and dicamba + glyphosate to evaluate its release from straw, different straw amounts (3), different drought periods (4), and wet and dry straw (5) to evaluate pre-emergence weed control (Bidens pilosa and Ipomoea grandifolia) and dicamba availability in medium-texture soil. Around 80% of dicamba was released from the straw after 100 mm of rainfall. One day after dicamba application, 65–70% of dicamba was released from the straw with 20 mm of rainfall, while for 7 and 14 DAA, 60% was released. Dicamba was efficient in controlling the pre-emergence of both species studied, and the amount of straw did not interfere in weed control; however, dicamba was less available in the soil after rainfall when sprayed in the straw than when sprayed directly in the soil. Up to 80% of dicamba can be released from the straw after 100 mm of rainfall and weed control was efficient for the species studied; however, the carryover effect in sensitive crops might become an issue.

Kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis) cultivation is expanding worldwide, with China, New Zealand, and Italy being the major producing countries. Halyomorpha halys, the brown marmorated stink bug, is raising serious concerns to kiwifruit cultivation both in China and Italy. This study aimed at improving the chemical control efficacy against this pest by comparing two insecticide spray techniques (a conventional ray atomizer and a trumpet-modified atomizer adapted for localized spray application) in kiwifruit. In fact, kiwifruit is often grown with a ‘pergola’ training system, which may reduce the effectiveness of insecticide penetration into the canopy. Experiments were performed in naturally infested orchards of both Actinidia chinensis var. chinensis ‘Jintao’ and A. chinensis var. deliciosa ‘Hayward’. Furthermore, mesh cages containing H. halys adults were deployed within orchards to assess the insects’ mortality at 1, 3, 7, and 10 days after an insecticide application with two spray techniques during two consecutive seasons. In the cultivar ‘Jintao’, the two systems performed similarly, while in the cultivar ‘Hayward’, an overall significantly higher insect mortality was recorded with the trumpet atomizer (94–100%) compared to the conventional atomizer (59–78%). Crop damage was also evaluated on both cultivars, simulating the grower insecticide applications with the two spray techniques. At harvest, no difference emerged between the spray techniques, which provided a significantly better protection compared to the untreated control (12–17% compared to 33–47% of injured fruits). Further investigations in this direction are needed also considering the restriction of insecticidal active substances ongoing in the European Union and the need to maximize the efficacy of the available tools.

Background: Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), the fall armyworm (FAW), has recently invaded Egypt and poses serious threats to maize farmers as it causes huge economic costs and yield losses. Selection of efficient insecticides and appropriate methods of application can be a problem to control this pest. Methods: Two-year field studies to effectiveness of whorl application (sand mixed or spray) of seven insecticides comprising new insecticides generations with conventional insecticides from different groups at maximum recommended dosage field rate against FAW on yield of maize was evaluated in maize fields at El-Qualubia Governorate, Egypt. Results: In plots treated with insecticide mixed in sand, all tested insecticides recorded a significant decrease in FAW larvae with significantly higher yields than those treated with spraying or untreated plots. However, among tested insecticides in both applications, chlorantraniliprole was found to be the most effective followed by emamectin benzoate and spinosad and these insecticides gave better control FAW with higher yield than conventional insecticides tested. In this context, the highest decrease in FAW density was recorded in plots treated with chlorantraniliprole mixed in sand or sprayed (93.69% for 2021; 91.59% for 2022) and (84.74% for 2021; 85.78% for 2022), respectively, as well as a significantly high yield. However, lambda-cyhalothrin recorded the highest density of FAW (33.86% for 2021; 32.72% for 2022) in the treated plots with spraying with lowest significant yield during the 2021 and 2022 seasons in the treated plots with spraying by 8.98 and 8.00%, respectively, increase over control plots. Conclusions: These results indicate that insecticides mixed in sand application are more efficacious against FAW larvae along with yield increase than spraying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are important pathogens that seriously harm agricultural production and negatively affect almost every crop in the world. In China, root-knot nematodes are becoming more and more serious with the expansion of protected cultivation and the continuous increase of crop multiple cropping index. Current management practices are not enough to completely control root-knot nematodes. Chemical nematicides are still the most common short-term management strategy for root knot nematodes. In this review, the recent research progresses of the current occurrence of root-knot nematodes and control agents were summarized, including the main problems in the chemical control and the optimization of chemical agents and application technology. The outlook for the development of chemical control methods against root knot nematodes was envisaged: chemical control of root-knot nematodes should be combined with other management strategies to achieve efficient, safe and sustainable integrated management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The green-belly stink bug (Diceraeus melacanthus Dallas (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)) is a key pest of corn-soybean crop systems and the management of this pest is difficult due to behavioral characteristics. However, products that alter its behavior, such as arrestants, dislodgers, and phagostimulants, have been used in an attempt to improve the effectiveness of chemical control. In this study, the effect of these products on the walking behavior of nymphs and adults of D. melacanthus was initially evaluated through computational behavioral tracking (Ethovision system). Adults of D. melacanthus exposed to the dislodgers Creolin Pearson and Quimifol S450 (sulfur) significantly increased the distance covered and the walking speed. On the other hand, the only treatment that significantly affected the walking behavior of nymphs was the treatment with soy milk (phagostimulant). The physical–chemical analyses indicated considerable changes in the pH and electrical conductivity of mixtures of such products with insecticides from different chemical groups, as well as lack of homogeneity (physical incompatibility). Nevertheless, none of the products tested improved the control efficacy of an insecticide based on imidacloprid + beta-cyfluthrin, either in laboratory tests (contact bioassay) or in tests conducted in corn crops during 2 crop harvests. Thus, the association of these products in a tank mixture does not increase the control levels of D. melacanthus in post-emergence of maize and may have an antagonistic effect in some associations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrus Under Protective Screen (CUPS) production system excludes the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, vector of Huanglongbing (HLB), and large predators. However, small pests and beneficial arthropods such as predatory mites may enter the CUPS. Predatory mites from the family Phytoseiidae attack several economically important pests, especially phytophagous mites common in CUPS. The species assemblage, abundance, and distribution of phytoseiid mites in CUPS and open-air (control) were investigated in Ray Ruby grapefruit from 2018 to 2020. Foliar sprays of chemicals for pest suppression were used in both systems and evaluated for effect on predatory mite populations. In the 2 production systems, a significant peak in the phytoseiid mite population was observed in February 2019 and 2020. This increase coincided with the blooming period of grapefruit, which likely provided pollen as an alternative food. A total of 2,234 specimens of 11 species were identified. Amblyseius tamatavensis Blommers and Typhlodromalus peregrinus (Muma) were dominant in both systems. Amblyseius tamatavensis was slightly more abundant in CUPS (50% of total specimens) than T. peregrinus (47%), while T. peregrinus was prevalent (82%) in open-air compared with A. tamatavensis (16%). Shannon index and evenness were significantly higher in CUPS, but species richness was similar. Chlorpyrifos with abamectin and oil, cyantraniliprole with spirodiclofen, copper, and oil as well as pyridaben alone reduced phytoseiid populations between 87% and 96%. Fenbutatin oxide mixed with copper reduced phytoseiids by 48% in open-air only. Our results demonstrate phytoseiid survival, reproduction, and contribution to biological control in CUPS, despite high temperature and humidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]