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Fusarium species are common plant pathogens that cause serious crop losses worldwide. Fusarium spp. colonize not only the main host plants, crops, but also alternative hosts. The effectiveness of fungicide use in disease management ranges from very successful to possibly promoting the growth of the pathogen. Triazole fungicides are widely used to control these pathogens due to their broad-spectrum activity and systemic nature. This paper reviews the sensitivity of 40 Fusarium strains isolated from weeds, non-gramineous plants, and spring wheat to metconazole, prothioconazole, and tebuconazole. The effect of fungicides was determined by the percentage inhibition of F. graminearum, F. culmorum, F. sporotrichioides, and F. avenaceum fungal mycelial growth. The 50% effective concentration (EC50) values of all isolates on metconazole were lower than 2.9 mg L−1, prothioconazole EC50 ranged from 0.12 to 23.6 mg L−1, and tebuconazole ranged from 0.09 to 15.6 mg L−1. At 0.00025–0.025 mg L−1, the fungicides were ineffective, except for the growth of the F. avenaceum species. It was observed that isolates from weeds were more sensitive to low concentrations of fungicide than isolates from crop plants. In general, information is scarce regarding the comparison of fungicide resistance in Fusarium isolates from weed and crop plants, making this study an additional contribution to the existing knowledge base. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the 992 samples of culture extracts of microorganisms isolated from soil in Japan, we found that the extract of Streptomyces sp. no. 226 inhibited Orobanche minor seed germination without significantly affecting the seed germination of Trifolium pratense and the growth of Aspergillus oryzae and Escherichia coli. Using ESI-MS, 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR, we identified the active compound as cycloheximide. Cycloheximide had half-maximum inhibitory concentrations of 2.6 ng/mL for the inhibition of seed germination of O. minor and 2.5 µg/mL for that of the conidial germination of A. oryzae. Since cycloheximide is known to inhibit translation by interacting with ribosomal protein L28 (RPL28) in yeast, we investigated whether RPL protein of O. minor plays a critical role in the inhibition of O. minor seed germination. Our data suggested that O. minor RPL27A was not sensitive to cycloheximide by comparing it to the strain expressing S. cerevisiae RPL28. These findings suggest the presence of an unidentified mechanism by which cycloheximide hinders O. minor seed germination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tetrapanax papyrifer, the rice‐paper plant, is an evergreen shrub and is traditionally used as a herbal medicine in China. In October 2021, a serious leaf spot disease was extensively observed on T. papyrifer in Guizhou, China. Given the limited information available about the aetiology of this disease, isolations were performed, the morphological characteristics and multi‐locus phylogenetic analysis of the fungus associated with the disease were described, and the pathogenicity tests and Koch's postulates were completed. To our knowledge, this is the first report of leaf spot on T. papyrifer caused by Alternaria tenuissima in China. Among 11 fungicides tested, 10% difenoconazole WDG had the best inhibition effect in vitro with EC50 values at 0.1 μg mL−1. This study provides new information for the identification and chemical control of Alternaria leaf spot of T. papyrifer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Thrips parvispinus (Karny) is an invasive and polyphagous pest that attacks a wide range of plants, including ornamentals, vegetables, and fruits. Since its detection in Florida in 2020, T. parvispinus has emerged as a serious threat to agriculture in the United States, and it is currently a regulated pest in Florida. Immediate efforts are needed to develop strategies that can effectively safeguard crops from the detrimental impacts of this pest. With that in mind, we identified efficacious conventional and biorational insecticides that can control T. parvispinus infestations rapidly in ornamental plants. Larvae and adults were exposed to each insecticide either directly or through residue toxicity routes. For the direct assays, each product was applied on larvae and adults using a Potter Spray Tower. For the residue toxicity assays, each product was applied on bean plants. Larvae and adults were released after the plant tissue dried. From the 21 conventional insecticides tested against T. parvispinus, chlorfenapyr, sulfoxaflor-spinetoram, and spinosad caused the highest mortality and leaf-feeding damage across all stages in both assays. Among the 11 biorational insecticides tested, mineral oil (3%) and sesame oil caused the highest mortality and lowest leaf-feeding damage. We recommend implementing a rotation program that integrates these products, considering their various modes of action. In 2020, the invasive Thrips parvispinus (Karny) was first detected in Florida, United States. In response to the implemented regulatory restrictions, we conducted laboratory experiments under containment conditions. Thrips larvae and adults were exposed to 32 products (conventional and biorational insecticides) either directly or indirectly. Direct exposure was performed using a Spray Potter Tower, while indirect exposure was conducted by evaluating residue toxicity against the thrips. Water served as a control. We assessed mortality and leaf-feeding damage 48 h post-treatment. Among the conventional insecticides, chlorfenapyr, sulfoxaflor-spinetoram, and spinosad caused high mortality across all stages in both direct and residue toxicity assays. Pyridalyl, acetamiprid, tolfenpyrad, cyclaniliprole-flonicamid, acephate, novaluron, abamectin, cyantraniliprole, imidacloprid, cyclaniliprole, spirotetramat, and carbaryl displayed moderate toxicity, affecting at least two stages in either exposure route. Additionally, chlorfenapyr, spinosad, sulfoxaflor-spinetoram, pyridalyl, acetamiprid, cyclaniliprole, cyclaniliprole-flonicamid, abamectin, and acephate inhibited larvae and adult's leaf-feeding damage in both direct and residue toxicity assays. Regarding biorational insecticides, mineral oil (3%) and sesame oil caused the highest mortality and lowest leaf-feeding damage. Greenhouse evaluations of spinosad, chlorfenapyr, sulfoxaflor-spinetoram, and pyridalyl are recommended. Also, a rotation program incorporating these products, while considering different modes of action, is advised for ornamental growers to avoid resistance and to comply with regulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Iranian Plant Protection Research is the property of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad Press 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.)

In the current study, three equipment were used to control fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on cowpea (Vigna unguiculata). This equipment was a knapsack motor sprayer (Armitsu) (120 L/fed.), knapsack sprayer (Sunflower) fitted hollow cone nozzle (Tx-6) (40 L/fed.), and even a flat fan nozzle (80 L/fed.), and conventional motor sprayer (300 L/fed.), at Facous, Sharqia Governorate. The present study aimed to determine the effects of application technique with different equipment on initial and late biological efficacy using two recommended insecticides, methomyl (Top cromic SP 90% w/w) 300g/fed [Carbamate group] and indoxacarb (Dronz EC 15% w/v) 25cm3/100L [Oxadiazine]. Regarding the efficacy of the two used insecticides results showed that indoxacarb and methomyl on the larval populations of S. frugiperda on cowpea were insignificant ("F" value = 14.75), whereas indoxacarb produced reduction percent with the used equipment (95.6%, 93.3%, 89.53% and 74.0%) and methomyl recorded (91.83%, 85.13%, 84.00%, and 69.97%). Also, comparative between the equipment, showed that the most effective equipment was the knapsack motor sprayer which recorded (95.6% for indoxacarb and 91.83% for methomyl) percent reduction, then the knapsack sprayer with Tx-6 recorded (93.27% for indoxacarb and 84.0% for methomyl), subsequent with knapsack fitted with an even flat fan recorded (89.53% for indoxacarb and 85.13% for methomyl), and followed by conventional motor sprayer which recorded (74.0% for indoxacarb and 69.97% for methomyl), respectively "F" value was 14.75 and LSD was 1.73. Also, the sprayer recorded 13 and 20 droplets with methomyl and indoxacarb, respectively. In the case of the knapsack motor sprayer, the loss was 10 and 7 droplets with methomyl and indoxacarb respectively, the knapsack sprayer with Tx-6 went down the lowest as 5 and 2 droplets with methomyl and indoxacarb respectively, whereas the same equipment with even flat fan gave lost 5 droplets with both two insecticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple arthropod pests can affect the same crop in agricultural systems, requiring the integration of control methods. In the present study, the effects of residual exposure to four broad-spectrum insecticides/acaricides (azadiractin, abamectin, chlorfenapyr, and fenpyroximate) on immature (development and survival time) and adult females (longevity, fecundity, and fertility life table parameters) of the predatory mite Neoseiulus barkeri were evaluated. Additionally, the insecticides/acaricides were categorized according to their selectivity based on the classification proposed by the International Organization for Biological Control (IOBC) for assessing the susceptibility of arthropods in laboratory experiments. Method 004, proposed by the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC), was adopted for the bioassays with predators exposed to insecticide-acaricide residues. Among the insecticides/acaricides studied, azadirachtin had minimal effects on immature and adult N. barkeri (all non-significant) and was considered harmless based on the classification of toxicity according to the standards/categories proposed by the IOBC. All other insecticides/acaricides affected immature and adult N. barkeri and were considered slightly harmful in terms of toxicity, according to the IOBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using glyphosate is easier than manually controlling the invasive plant Carpobrotus in dune ecosystems. However, before it is used its effect on native species in this ecosystem needs to be determined. This study reports the effects in the laboratory of different concentrations of glyphosate (1.0, 0.5, 0.3, 0.1, 0.05, 0.01, and 0.005 g/m2 ) on germination and seedling emergence of four species of Mediterranean dune plants, Lotus creticus, Medicago marina, Ononis ramosissima and Ammophila arenaria, used in the restoration of this natural ecosystem. Germination was completely inhibited when glyphosate was applied at 0.5, and 1.0 g/m². The recommended dose (0.3 g/m²) also inhibited the germination of L. creticus and M. marina. The percentage germination of O. ramosissima and A. arenaria was around 40% and 30% respectively when a dose of glyphosate of 0.1 g/m² was used, whereas for seeds of L. creticus and M. marina it was lower than 5%. The T50 at germination of seed incubated with glyphosate increased in all species independently of the dose of glyphosate. Seedling emergence from seeds previously germinated in the presence of glyphosate was only recorded for O. ramosissima and A. arenaria. The results indicate that seeds of O. ramosissima are more tolerant of glyphosate, followed by those of A. arenaria and those of L. creticus and M. marina are the most sensitive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco 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.)

Monilinia spp. cause brown rot and blossom blight of stone fruit. This study characterized the diversity of Monilinia spp. associated with stone fruit rots in the Cuneo province, the major fruit production area in Piedmont, and assessed their sensitivity to azoxystrobin, cyprodinil, fenhexamid, fludioxonil and tebuconazole. Species diversity was determined by PCR amplification and sequencing of isolate internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions. Sensitivity to fungicides was determined by measuring in vitro mycelium growth on fungicide-amended media. Fifty isolates were obtained from apricot, cherry, or peach fruits with typical brown rot symptoms. Thirteen isolates were identified as M. fructicola, and 37 as M. laxa. Nine isolates of Monilinia laxa and two of M. fructicola had resistance factor (RF) values greater than 10 for different fungicides. The greatest (RF) value (48.96) was measured for azoxystrobin against the M. fructicola isolate CVG 1514. Among the M. laxa isolates, isolate CVG 1547 had the greatest RF value to cyprodinil, while isolate CVG 1709 had RF values greater than 10 for cyprodinil and tebuconazole. A systematic and wider sampling should be carried out in the Piedmont region to determine the distribution of fungicide resistant Monilinia spp. in stone fruit crops. The use of site-specific fungicides remains the most effective strategy for control brown rot, and continued monitoring for fungicide resistance within Monilinia spp. populations is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Verticillium wilt, caused by the soil-borne fungus Verticillium dahliae Kleb., poses a significant threat to olive (Olea europaea L.) cultivation worldwide. This review provides an in-depth comprehension of the disease and its management strategies. The genetic diversity of V. dahliae, comprising various pathotypes and races, has implications for virulence and host interactions. The fungus can affect a wide host range, including crops and trees. V. dahliae is responsible for many symptoms such as wilting, yellowing, stunted growth, necrosis, and vascular discoloration. Economic consequences caused by this pathogen include yield losses, low-quality olive oil, market restrictions, and increased production costs. Verticillium wilt thrives in warm temperatures and excessive soil moisture. Chemical and biological controls and cultural practices are evaluated as potential measures. However, the search for resistant cultivars stands out as a significant solution. Insights from this review underscore the need for an interdisciplinary approach to managing the Verticillium wilt of olives. Integrated disease management strategies, resistant cultivars, and sustainable practices emerge as pivotal approaches for disease control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neoseiulus barkeri Hughes has been used to control several pests, including the red palm mite, Raoiella indica Hirst. However, in some situations, the exclusive use of biocontrol agents is not sufficient to prevent the damage caused by pests. In these scenarios, the integration of chemical and biological controls is desired. For that purpose, the determination of selective acaricides, avoiding or reducing deleterious effects on the biological control agent is desirable. This study evaluated the lethal and sublethal effects of acaricides (abamectin, azadirachtin, fenpyroximate and pyridaben) on the predatory mite N. barkeri. We investigated the toxicity and selectivity of the acaricides and the survival, fertility, egg viability and instantaneous growth rate (ri) of N. barkeri exposed to acaricides. Additionally, we classified the acaricides according to the scale proposed by the International Organization for Biological Control (IOBC). Among the acaricides evaluated, abamectin was selective for N. barkeri because the estimated lethal concentration (LC50) for N. barkeri was higher than that for R. indica. None of the acaricides affected predator survival curves. However, azadirachtin and fenpyroximate reduced the average predator survival time. Pyridaben was the only acaricide that reduced the fertility of N. barkeri females and, consequently, their instantaneous growth rate (ri). All the acaricides affected the viability of N. barkeri eggs. Pyridaben was classified as moderately harmful, whereas other acaricides were classified as harmless. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field trials were conducted to evaluate four IPM modules against jack shoot and fruit borer Diaphania caesalis (Walker). Among different canopy types, the spreading type canopy was the most susceptible. The fruit damage on covered and hooked fruits were significantly lesser compared to control. Among the five modules evaluated-Module I (Nomuraea rileyi (WP)@ 10g/l, pongamia soap 5 gm/l, Trichogramma chilonis@ 45,000 adults and Apanteles stantoni@ 450 adults/acre) were more effective. The laboratory mass multiplied parasitoids and pathogens provided an effective control. Moreover, ecofriendly botanical insecticides i.e. neem and pongamia are equally effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Informacion Tecnica Economica Agraria is the property of Asociacion Interprofesional para el Desarrollo Agrario (AIDA) 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.)

The hala scale, Thysanococcus pandani Stickney, is an invasive insect that infests hala trees, Pandanus tectorius, and has recently arrived in the Hawaiian Islands of Maui, Oahu, and Molokai. Hala scale is native to Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore and was accidentally introduced to Maui, with its first detection in Hana in 1995. The hala tree is a frequently planted ornamental plant throughout Hawaii's urban landscape and is also a native tree found in coastal areas of ecological suitability throughout the state. These trees are integral to native Hawaiian weaving traditions, as the leaves were used to make items such as sails, hats, or mats. The spread of T. pandani threatens the continuation of these practices, as the plant material may not be sufficient for weaving. Hala trees infested with T. pandani can have negative effects such as deformation, discoloration, and early tree death. Experimental field trials were set up to evaluate the efficacy of organic and chemical insecticides as potential treatments to mitigate the damage of T. pandani infestations. This was done on the Island of Maui, where T. pandani is widespread. These trees were artificially inoculated with T. pandani and evaluated throughout the trials for changes in plant height, canopy width, scale removal, and visual infestation ratings. The results of 2 repeated field trials indicated that flupyradifurone and buprofezin were effective treatments in the reduction of the hala scale infestation and improving visual aspects related to plant health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Demethylase inhibitors (DMIs) targeting CYP51 proteins in fungi are often used for plant disease management. Trichoderma harzianum, a widely used biocontrol agent, however, is sensitive to DMIs. This negates their combined use as a strategy in practices. Increasing the tolerance of T. harzianum to DMIs represents a feasible solution to this problem. In this regard, the overexpression of a CYP51B variant in Mycosphaerella graminicola (MgCYP51B-v) conveys increased tolerance to DMIs. Molecular docking indicated a distinct decrease in the affinity of MgCYP51B-v with DMIs. Since CYP51B proteins are conserved in M. graminicola and T. harzianum, we attempted to increase DMI tolerance in T. harzianum by heterologously expressing MgCYP51B-v. A series of T. harzianum mutants were obtained that were able to develop colonies on tebuconazole-amended medium. Two representative mutants were selected for further studies that confirmed that they were resistant to tebuconazole with resistance factors (RFs) of approximately 10.0. The mutants maintained a similar level of resistance after ten rounds of subculture without fungicide, indicating that the fungicide resistance was stably inherited. The mutants also exhibited increased tolerance to other DMIs, including metconazole, ipconazole, hexaconazole, and prochloraz. Further assessment indicated that the DMI resistance in the mutants did not have any impact on their fitness. The improved compatibility between T. harzianum and DMIs enables the utilization of a combined strategy in which these disease control agents are used together. Such a strategy has the potential to provide synergistic disease control and prevent or delay the development of fungicide resistance.

Two biofungicides, Coniothyrium minitans and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, are commercially available and have been shown to limit or suppress Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in soybean. S. sclerotiorum is a soilborne pathogen of soybean that can cause significant yield losses under cool and wet environmental conditions. Integrated soybean pest management practices can include the application of herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides at various times during the growing season to minimize yield losses. However, limited information is available regarding how these biofungicides can be successfully incorporated into a soybean-integrated pest management program. To assess the sensitivity of C. minitans and B. amyloliquefaciens biological activity on S. sclerotiorum to pesticides commonly used in soybean-production systems, a poison plate assay and soil plate and growth chamber experiments were conducted. In the poison plate assay, C. minitans was most sensitive to the preemergence herbicide flumioxazin and the synthetic fungicides boscalid and fluazinam, whereas B. amyloliquefaciens was sensitive only to the synthetic fungicide fluazinam. In the soil plate assay, the mycoparasitic activity of C. minitans on S. sclerotiorum was sensitive to flumioxazin, metribuzin, glyphosate, picoxystrobin, and boscalid. In the controlled environment experiments, none of the pesticides tested decreased the efficacy of B. amyloliquefaciens. [Figure: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.

Due to the long-term use of some chemical insecticides to control rice striped stem borer, Chilo suppressalis in rice fields in the north of Iran and in order to prevent the development of stem borer resistance to them, it is necessary to use new insecticides such as thiocyclam hydrogen oxalate granules 4% (Vibrant®) to control this pest. Experimental treatments in this research include, 1- (VibrantR) granule insecticide 4% at the rate of 10 kg/ha. 2- (VibrantR) granule insecticide at the rate of 12.5 kg/ha. 3- (VibrantR) granule insecticide 4% at the rate of 15 Kg/ha. 4- Diazinon granule insecticide 10% at the rate of 15 kg/ha. 5- Fipronil granule insecticide 0.2% at the rate of 20 kg/ha. 6- Control (only watering). The present study was conducted in the form of randomized complete block design with 3 replications. The following characteristics including: the percentage of dead hearts in the first generation, the percentage of white heads in the second generation, the percentage of insecticide efficiency, the population of larvae and the yield of rice were evaluated. The results of this research showed that among the tested insecticides, (Vibrant®) insecticide in amounts of 12.5 and 15 kg per hectare has significant advantage in controlling the rice stem bore for the first and second generations of the pest, respectively. Also, the results of this study showed that the least contamination of dead hearts (5.22%), white heads (2.33%), the highest larval mortality (86.01%) and the highest yield (4020.83 kg/ha.) was observed in the treatment Vibrant 4% in the amount of 15 kg/ha. Therefore, the findings of the present study indicate that the new thiocyclam hydrogen oxalate insecticide has a good potential in controlling rice striped stem borer and can be used for integrated management of stem borer in paddy field ecosystems.

Relevance. Among the factors of increasing the productivity and quality of cultivated plants, the correct organization and timely implementation of the fight against harmful organisms is of great importance. At the same time, a special place is occupied by quarantine measures. No less important is the timely detection and destruction of quarantine organisms, their localization and elimination in isolated centers of infection.Methods. The methods for registration testing of pesticides in terms of biological effectiveness (VIZR) and of studying the bioecological features of the tomato leaf miner, adopted by the Scientific Council of the National Institute of Plant Protection and Technical Cultures of the Republic of Azerbaijan, was applied.Results. In the conditions of the South Caucasus in the Republic of Azerbaijan, the biology of the tomato leaf miner, the degree of development, the prevalence and the harmfulness of the insect pest have been studied in detail for the first time. The reasons for the rapid spread of the pest are indicated, the conditions are favorable to it. Listed agrotechnical measures that reduce the population of the pest and measures of biological and chemical control. Employees of the Institute of plant protection and technical crops and the Azerbaijan State Agrarian University have developed a set of measures for monitoring, prevention and pest control, thanks to which it is possible to control the number of pests.

Beekeepers need new treatment options for controlling small hive beetles (Aethina tumida), a devastating honey bee (Apis mellifera) pest. For many years, commercial beekeepers in the U.S. have used gel roach baits off-label as a method for treating SHBs. Herein, we evaluated the acute toxicity of active ingredients commonly found in gel roach baits, including abamectin, clothianidin, hydramethylnon, fipronil, and indoxacarb through topical and oral routes of exposure against SHBs and honey bees. Additionally, coumaphos, the active ingredient of the only registered in-hive control treatment for SHBs, was evaluated to provide a comparison to the gel roach bait active ingredients. Fipronil was the most toxic compound to SHBs topically (LD50 = 0.23 ng/SHB) and through pollen (LC50 = 0.06 µg/g pollen). Fipronil (LD50 = 0.31 ng/honey bee) had a selectivity ratio of 1.3, suggesting that it is more toxic to SHBs than it is to honey bees, but only to a small degree. Abamectin, clothianidin, hydramethylnon, and indoxacarb had a higher toxicity to honey bees than to SHBs through topical exposure. Our results suggest that gel roach baits and their active ingredients are toxic to honey bees and pose a serious risk to colony safety if used as in-hive treatments.

AbstractOnion (Allium cepa L.) is an economically important vegetable crop worldwide. However, various fungal diseases, including Fusarium basal rot (FBR), neck rot, and white rot, reduce onion production or bulb storage life. FBR caused by Fusarium species is among the most destructive onion diseases. In this study, we identified Fusarium species associated with FBR in Jeolla and Gyeongsang Provinces in South Korea and evaluated fungicides against the pathogens. Our morphological and molecular analyses showed that FBR in onions is associated with Fusarium commune, Fusarium oxysporum, and Fusarium proliferatum. We selected seven fungicides (fludioxonil, hexaconazole, mandestrobin, penthiopyrad, prochloraz-manganese, pydiflumetofen, and tebuconazole) and evaluated their inhibitory effects on mycelial growth of the pathogens at three different concentrations (0.01, 0.1, and 1 mg/mL). We found that prochloraz-manganese was highly effective, inhibiting 100% of the mycelial growth of the pathogens at all concentrations, followed by tebuconazole. Fludioxonil showed < 50% inhibition at 1 mg/mL for the tested isolates.

The implementation of chemical control in closed facilities is the most difficult task of the mobile diagnostic groups (MDG) of the NBC Protection Troops of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, designed to perform radiation, chemical and biological control at mass events at national and international levels. Built with the use of modern construction and finish materials, they have their own sources of indoor air pollution. In certain cases, the use of polymer and polymer-containing materials in the construction and decoration of such objects leads to the appearance of contamination zones inside these premises with a high concentration of chemical impurities and their transformation products, which poses a threat to human health and affects the reliability of the results of chemical control. The last factor poses the greatest danger, since, leading to an inadequate reaction of the chemical control equipment, it can mask the appearance of poisonous and / or hazardous substances in the air, nullifying the entire complex of measures to ensure chemical safety. The aim of the article is to analyze structural, building and finish materials used in the construction and decoration of facilities that are systematically examined by MDG for the detection of toxic volatile compounds. It is shown in the article, that in the presence of sources of volatile substances, including toxic ones, which can distort the results of chemical control at the surveyed objects, it is necessary to improve the equipment and methodological support of mobile diagnostic groups.

An experiment was conducted to study the bioefficacy of six different insecticides (thiamethoxam 25 WG @ 0.01%, thiacloprid 21.7 SC @ 0.0032%, buprofezin 25EC @ 0.05%, spinosad 48 SC @ 0.017%, chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC @ 0.007% and fenpropathrin 30 EC @ 0.01%) with a control (water spray) against sucking pests, viz., shoot and fruit borers, jassids, whiteflies and aphids, and harvest time residues in brinjal (Surti Ravaiya) at the College Farm, North Asian University, and Navsari during summer-2020. Among the different insecticides evaluated, chlorantraniliprole and spinosad were the most effective, fenpropathrin and buprofezin were the least effective insecticides against shoot and fruit borers, respectively. Thiamethoxam and thiacloprid were the most effective agents. Fenpropathrin and buprofezin were the least effective against whiteflies, jassids and aphids. After two hours of spray, the initial deposition order of the experimental insecticides was buprofezin (10.382 mg/kg) > fenpropathrin (5.602 mg/kg) > chlorantraniliprole (5.097 mg/kg) > thiamethoxam (4.886 mg/kg) > spinosad (3.984 mg/kg) > thiacloprid (3.332 mg/kg), while after 4 days of spray, the residue status of the brinjal fruit was in the order of fenpropathrin (0.539 mg/kg) > chlorantraniliprole (0.154 mg/kg) > thiacloprid (0.127 mg/kg) > thiamethoxam (0.099 mg/kg) > buprofezin (0.076 mg/kg) > spinosad (BDL). Overall, the highest percentage degradation of insecticide residues in brinjal fruits was registered with spinosad (100%), followed by buprofezin (99.26%), thiamethoxam (97.97%), chlorantraniliprole (96.97%), thiacloprid (96.18%) and fenpropathrin (90.37%) after 4 days of II spray.

Pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L., 1753) is one of the widely distributed oak species in Europe. A large number of organisms develop on its leaves. To determine the extent to which the oak powdery mildew, oak lace bug, and other foliofagous insects affect the growth of young oak trees, three experimental fields were selected in a 10-year-old pedunculate oak stand. In each of them, 50 trees were randomly selected, and their height was measured at the beginning of the vegetative season. The first experimental field was treated with a systemic insecticide, the second with a systemic fungicide, and the third, a comparison area, with water, during the entire vegetative season. At the end of the vegetative season, 25 plants with one apical branch were selected in each experimental field. Their height was measured, and 20 leaves were taken from each plant to determine the extent of the damage on them at the end of the experiment. After processing the obtained data, it was determined that: 1. Both foliofagous insects and oak leaf inhabiting fungi affect the growth of the oak trees significantly; 2. The oak lace bug did not influence the growth of the young trees significantly, as its abundance was low in all of the experimental areas; 3. The greatest damage on the leaves was caused by defoliator insects, which is why they contributed the most to the decrease in growth caused by insects; 4. The influence of the foliofagous insects on the growth of the trees was not significantly different from the influence of fungi; 5. Suppression of oak powdery mildew and foliofagous insects on young trees is useful as it positively influences the vitality and growth of those trees, and contributes to economic and ecological gain.

Abstract Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824) is an insect of major economic importance in the mango orchards of the submedium of the São Francisco River Valley, the main area of mango production and exportation in Brazil. To provide alternatives for the management of C. capitata, toxic baits based on alpha-cypermethrin (Gelsura®) and spinosad (Success® 0.02 CB) were evaluated in three commercial mango experiments during two consecutive harvests: 2016/2017 (experiment 1 - area 1) and 2017/2018 (experiment 2 -area 2 and experiment 3 - area 3). According to the results, there was a large reduction in the infestation of C. capitata after five sequential applications of the alpha-cypermethrin (6 g.ha-1) and spinosad (0.38 g.ha-1) toxic baits performed at seven-day intervals during mango fruit ripening in all experiments and years (harvest) evaluated. Compared with the untreated plots, the plots with alpha-cypermethrin and spinosad applications showed a significant reduction in the damage induced (fallen fruits and/or on trees) by C. capitata. The management of C. capitata in mango orchards can include the use of the toxic bait based on alpha-cypermethrin, which represents an alternative to rotate with spinosad toxic bait in the São Francisco River Valley.

The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) combined with other methods to spray insecticides may be a useful technique for controlling Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) and consequently managing Huanglongbing. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the efficacy of insecticide application using a UAV for D. citri control in citrus orchards of 1, 4 and 12 years old. In addition, spray deposition was assessed using copper as a marker. Seedlings of sweet orange were attached on the inner canopy and on the outer canopy of citrus trees before spraying insecticide or copper. An additional experiment was performed to assess the effect of 6 and 10 m spray swaths in the 4‐year‐old orchard. Ten adult psyllids were confined to each sprayed seedling. Untreated seedlings were used as a control. The first psyllid confinement was performed 4 h after spraying insecticide. The second, third and fourth confinements were performed 7, 14 and 21 days, respectively, after spraying. In general, insecticide application using a UAV resulted in psyllid mortality higher than 80% after the first and second confinements, regardless of the orchard age and seedling position on the citrus tree (inner or outer). There were no significant differences in D. citri mortality between the spray swaths assessed. Spray deposition on leaves was higher in the outer canopy than in the inner canopy of citrus trees. This study demonstrated, for the first time, the efficacy of insecticide application using a UAV for D. citri control in citrus orchards of different ages. These results broaden the prevailing perspectives on the use of UAVs as complements to ground spraying for psyllid management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the use of chemical control by perpetrators as part of coercive controlling intimate partner violence and abuse, defined as the nonconsenting use of prescribed and nonprescribed medication (including vaccines), and/or other substances to coerce or control, reducing the victim-survivor's capacity for independence, freedom, and health. Based on testimonies of 37 victims-survivors and nine domestic abuse practitioners in the UK we identify varying tactics used to chemically coerce and control, deepening our understanding about the continually changing forms of domestic violence and abuse and enhancing the potential for a more robust response through better informed policy and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Mexico, some monocultures occupy large areas, and organo-synthetic insecticides are the dominant method of pest control. The conventional chemical strategy is heavily reliant on new insecticides being developed in other countries. This paper discusses the characteristics of traditional/conventional and rational insecticide management. In traditional management, companies compete to position their products in the market once authorized. When pests develop resistance, the farmer must increase the dose and frequency of applications. These actions seriously threaten the environment, human health, and crop profitability. The hope is that another insecticide will enter the market to repeat the cycle of abuse and its consequences. The alternative is a rational strategy based on scientific evidence for chemical pest control. Farmers must adhere to an insecticide resistance management program that keeps resistance gene expression and intensity at acceptable levels. We propose the creation of public and private laboratories to systematically estimate the dynamics of insecticide resistance through bioassays. This will enable decisions to be made based on scientific rather than commercial information. Changing the current paradigm for the use of these agrochemicals will result in significant improvements in the time it takes to maintain acceptable biological efficacy, economic benefits to the producer, and significant reductions in adverse effects on human health and the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: Weeds are one of the most significant limiting factors for the production of crop plants. Weeds primarily cause damage and reduce crop yield through competition. Weed damage in wheat fields has been reported to range from 25% to 30% in Iran. The herbicide application is the most important method for weed control of wheat until now. Also, the application of pre-mixed herbicides is one of the strategies to broaden weed control spectrum. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of the premixed herbicide Florasulam+ MCPA in controlling broadleaf weeds in wheat. Materials and methods: This experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with 14 treatments and 4 replications at the Hasanabad Agricultural Research Station of Darab (Fars) during 2022-2023. Experimental treatments included the application of Florasulam+ MCPA (42% WP) herbicide at dose rates of 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 g ha-1, Florasulam (Florex@ 10% WP) at a rate of 85 g ha-1, 2,4-D+ MCPA (U46 Combi Fluid@ 67.5% SL) at a rate of 2 L ha-1, Bromoxynil+ 2, 4-D (Buctril Universal@ 56% EC) at a rate of 1.5 L ha-1, Bromoxynil+ MCPA (Bromicid MA@ 40% EC) at a rate of 1.5 L ha-1, Bentazone+ Dichlorprop (Basagran DP@ 56.6% SL) at a rate of 2 L ha-1, Prosulfocarb (Boxer@ 80% EC) at a rate of 4 L ha-1, Pendimethalin (Fist Super@ 45.6% CS) 4 L ha-1, control (weed free). Each plot was divided into two subplots. One subplot was sprayed (treatment) and subplot was unsprayed (weedy check). The herbicides pendimethalin and prosulfocarb were applied as preemergence treatments, and other herbicide treatments were applied at the tillering stage of wheat (Zadok’s Stage 25), according to the 3 to 5 leaf stage of the weeds. The plot had dimensions of 10 × 2 m with a plant density of 400 plants m-2 and 8 planting rows. The spraying was done using a fixed-pressure back sprayer equipped with a fan spray nozzle (8002) at a pressure of 2 bar and spray volume of 300 L ha-1. The measured traits included determining density, dry weight, the percentage of control of weed species, and grain yield and yield components. The data were checked for normality and analyzed using SAS 9.3 software through analysis of variance. The means were separated using the LSD test at the 5% level of significance. Results: The results showed that herbicides that were applied significantly decreased weed density and dry weight of Melilotus officinalis, Carthamus oxyacanthus, Sonchus oleraceus, Hirschfeldia incana, Centaurea iberica, as well as a significant increase in grain per spike, the number of spikes per m², 1000 grains weight and grain yield. Also, weed control efficiency improved with an increase in the application rate of Florasulam+ MCPA herbicide. The best application rate for the Florasulam+ MCPA herbicide was 800 g ha-1. This treatment decreased the weed biomass of M. officinalis, C. oxyacanthus, S. oleraceus, H. incana, C. iberica 91, 95, 92, 100 and 95%, respectively, and increased the grain yield (7.29-ton ha-1 ) by 29%. Conclusion: Based on the results of this experiment, the herbicide efficacy of the pre-mix herbicide florasulam+ MCPA in controlling weeds such as M. officinalis, C. oxyacanthus, S. oleraceus, H. incana and C. iberica was significantly higher than the application of florasulam alone. Furthermore, the efficiency of this herbicide in controlling the mentioned weeds was significantly higher than compared to the soil-applied herbicides pendimethalin and prosulfocarb. Additionally, the efficacy of this herbicide in weeds control was higher compared to the post-emergence herbicides in the experiment. Therefore, considering the broad spectrum of weed control and the increase in grain yield, the application of florasulam+ MCPA herbicide is recommended as a suitable herbicide for controlling broadleaf weeds in wheat fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Applying reduced doses of pesticides has advantages such as resistance management, environmental pollution reduction, and control costs. Very few studies show that passing the water used for pesticide applications through a magnetic field can improve the pesticides' efficiency. In this study, the effect of a magnetic field on the acaricidal activity of spirodiclofen was evaluated against Tetranychus urticae. Treatments included distilled water and well water for preparing the suspensions after passing through a constant magnetic field of 0.42 Tesla. Furthermore, additional treatments were made by passing the prepared suspensions through the magnetic field. Mites were counted right before the sprays on days 7, 14, and 21. The treatment efficiencies were calculated by using the Henderson-Tilton formula. Except for 2 of 12 cases in which the efficiencies were negative, in the rest of the experiments, the magnetic field enhanced the efficiency of the studied acaricide. The highest values were recorded for two treatments including magnetizing the mixture of well water and acaricide treatment and magnetized distilled water plus acaricide treatment between days 7 to 21 (approximately 77 %). This study suggests the usefulness of magnetic fields as an environmentalfriendly method to increase the effectiveness of the studied plant protection agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objectives] This study was conducted to prevent the occurrence of root rot disease in Torreya grandis and improve the yield and quality of T. grandis. [Methods] One-year-old and two-year-old seedlings of Torreya grandis ' Xifei' and ' Cufei' were inoculated with the root rot pathogen Fusarium fujikuroi, and the changes in photosynthesis, chlorophyll content, malondialdehyde, and defense enzyme system % superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase) activity in leaves of T. grandis seedlings were investigated using water as a control. Meanwhile, the control effects of 80% carbendazim wettable powder, 64% metalaxyl • mancozeb wettable powder, 430 g/L tebuconazole suspension and 30% difenoconazole • cyproconazole EC on root rot in T. grandis were investigated. [Results] After inocu¬lation with the pathogen F. fujikuroi, the net photosynthetic rates and transpiration rates in leaves of T. grandis ' Xifei' and ' Cufei' decreased, and the contents of chlorophyll decreased, while the contents of malondialdehyde increased, and the contents of superoxide dismutase and catalase increased with time. However, peroxidase showed a high activity in T. grandis ' Cufei' only, but a trend of "increasing-decreasing-increasing" in T. grandis ' Xifei' . Among the four chemical control agents, 64% metalaxyl • mancozeb wettable powder had the best control effect on root rot of T. grandii caused by the pathogenic fungus F. fujiuroi. [Conclusions] The net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, chlorophyU content, malondialdehyde content, superoxide dismutase activity and catalase activity could all be used as screening indicators for T. grandis varieties resistant to root rot. Meanwhile, 64% metalaxyl • mancozeb wettable powder could be used as a control agent for root rot on T. grandii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wireworms (Coleoptera: Elateridae) are economically significant pests of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum), damaging the marketable portion of the crop by feeding and tunneling into tubers. While conventional potato growers use the few registered synthetic insecticides to control wireworms, certified organic growers are left with less options due to the limited effectiveness of the available insecticides. Biologically derived pesticides provide an additional alternative for both systems. Certain gram-negative proteobacteria, such as Burkholderia spp. possess insecticidal compounds. However, very little is known about their efficacy on wireworms. From 2018 to 2021, we conducted experiments in Virginia to assess the efficacy of a Burkholderia spp.-based commercial pesticide, Majestene, as a wireworm control in potatoes. In a lab experiment, soil drench application of this insecticide at a rate of 66 g a.i. per 1 liter resulted in 30% wireworm mortality and significantly reduced wireworm feeding damage on potato tubers. In the field, in-furrow applications of Burkholderia spp. at a rate of 17.66 kg a.i. per ha significantly reduced wireworm damage to tubers in 2 of 7 field experiments conducted. By comparison, the commercial standard insecticide, bifenthrin, significantly reduced tuber damage in 3 of the 7 field experiments. Our study demonstrates the prospect for proteobacteria-derived insecticides for control of wireworms and potentially other soil-dwelling insects. In conclusion, findings present growers with another option to combat wireworm pressure, especially in organic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hibiscus bud weevil is an invasive pest that attacks tropical hibiscus. Its management has been challenging due to its cryptic adult and concealed immature stages. We evaluated the efficiency of four systemic insecticides (spirotetramat, chlorantraniliprole, flupyradifurone, and cyantraniliprole) against the pest using two approaches: one applied 4 weeks before infestation (prophylactic) and the other 1 week after (curative). The number of eggs, larvae, and feeding holes per sampled bud were recorded 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after the infestation (prophylactic), and after the application (curative), respectively. In general, a greater number of treatment effects were detected in the prophylactic approach in comparison with those in the curative. With the prophylactic approach, the mean number of larvae and feeding holes per actively growing bud was significantly greater for the control (water) than for all insecticides. Among fallen buds, chlorantraniliprole, cyantraniliprole, and spirotetramat had significantly fewer feeding holes than those in the control. With the curative approach, the mean number of feeding holes was greater in the control with no differences among insecticides. The prophylactic application can effectively suppress initial HBW infestation, in contrast to the curative application targeting already high populations. This provides the opportunity for reducing the impact of this regulated pest in areas of expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Previous studies have reported that infestations by species of the genus Spodoptera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) have increased in Cry1Ac Bt soybean fields in Brazil, indicating that chemical insecticides will be needed to reduce crop damage. For that reason, we evaluated the dose effects of the insecticides flubendiamide and thiodicarb against Spodoptera species surviving on soybean expressing Cry1A.105, Cry2Ab2 and Cry1Ac Bt proteins; soybean expressing just Cry1Ac; and non-Bt soybean. Our results indicated that L1 and L2 larvae of S. cosmioides, S. eridania and S. albula surviving on Cry1A.105/Cry2Ab2/Cry1Ac and Cry1Ac soybean leaves sprayed with 50% or 100% of the field label dose of flubendiamide (70 mL/ha) or thiodicarb (400 g/ha) presented >86% mortality. Among the Spodoptera larvae surviving insecticide treatment, only some of the S. frugiperda larvae surviving on Cry1Ac and non-Bt soybean sprayed with 50% of the field label dose of flubendiamide or thiodicarb produced fertile adults. However, the surviving insects had a longer larval stage duration and the females laid fewer eggs, indicating substantial sublethal effects on the biological traits of this species. An increase in Spodoptera species was reported in Bt soybean fields expressing Cry1Ac insecticidal proteins in Brazil, requiring additional management with chemical insecticides. Here, we evaluated the dose effects of flubendiamide and thiodicarb on Spodoptera cosmioides (Walker, 1858), Spodoptera eridania (Stoll, 1782), Spodoptera albula (Walker, 1857) and Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) that survived on MON 87751 × MON 87708 × MON 87701 × MON 89788, expressing Cry1A.105, Cry2Ab2 and Cry1Ac; MON 87701 × MON 89788 soybean, expressing Cry1Ac; and non-Bt soybean. On unsprayed Cry1A.105/Cry2Ab2/Cry1Ac soybean, only S. frugiperda showed ~60% mortality after 10 d, whereas S. cosmioides, S. eridania and S. albula showed >81% mortality. The surviving larvae of all species on this Bt soybean showed >80% mortality when exposed to the field label dose of flubendiamide (70 mL/ha) or thiodicarb (400 g/ha) or at 50% of these doses. In contrast, all four species had <25% and <19% mortality on Cry1Ac and non-Bt soybean, respectively. The surviving S. cosmioides, S. eridania and S. albula on these soybean types presented >83% mortality after exposure to both dose levels of flubendiamide and thiodicarb. Some S. frugiperda larvae surviving on Cry1Ac and non-Bt soybean sprayed with a 50% dose of either insecticide developed into adults. However, the L1 larvae developing on Cry1Ac soybean leaves sprayed with flubendiamide and the L2 larvae on this soybean sprayed with thiodicarb had a prolonged immature stage, and the females displayed lower fecundity, which are likely to impact S. frugiperda population growth on soybean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oriental spider mite, Eutetranychus orientalis Klein (Acari: Tetranychidae), is an important pest of Indian siris and some other trees in Ahvaz’s green landscape. By feeding on the Indian siris leaves, this pest causes leaf fall, reducing the aesthetic and green surface and its resistance to other potential pests and diseases. One of the important strategies to control the pest is application of acaricides. The choosing the efficient and safer acaricides plays critical role considering the daily contact of a large number of citizens with the urban green space. In this research, the short-term and long-term effectiveness of four pesticides abamectin, Palizin®, etoxazole, and Nimazal® which are all low-risk pesticides for humans and mammals, at concentrations 0.5, 2, 0.5, and 1 (L/1000 L), were evaluated to control the pest mite population in a field study, respectively. For this purpose, the population of nymphs and adults of this mite was recorded on the treated trees 1 day before, 2, 7, 14, and 21 days after treatment and statistically compared with the control treatment where the trees were treated only with water. This study showed that abamectin and etoxazole had very favorable short-term and long-term effects on E. orientalis population. Although Palizin® led to the control of the pest in the short term, it did not have a favorable long-term protective effect, and as a result, the treatment of trees has to be repeated in order to properly control the pest. Nimazal® also showed its effect with two to three weeks lag time and this effect was relatively lower than abamectin and etoxazole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is an oleaginous plant that shows high suitability for cultivation in Brazil. However, the performance of the crop is influenced by factors such as weed interference, mainly because of the few selective herbicide options. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate weed control and selectivity of four pre-emergent herbicides applied to two sunflower cultivars in sandy and clayey soils. Two field experiments were conducted in a randomized block design with a 2 × 6 factorial scheme, two cultivars (CF 101 and M 734) and six treatments with S-metolachlor (1920 g a.i. ha−1), sulfentrazone (150 g a.i. ha−1), flumioxazin (40 g a.i. ha−1), and trifluralin (1780 g a.i. ha−1) and two controls, one with weeding and the other without weeding and without herbicide application, in soils with contrasting textures (sandy and clayey). No injury symptoms were observed in both cultivars, regardless of soil texture. The cultivar M 734 exhibited the highest values of the agronomic parameters evaluated. The treatment with flumioxazin provided control of more than 90% of the weeds in clayey soil and more than 64% in sandy soil. The yield of both cultivars was lower in the sandy soil. Thus, all herbicide treatments were selective for both cultivars tested, since they did not interfere with sunflower grain yield.

The presence of weeds in the sunflower crop is one of the main factors linked to the low increase in productivity of this crop, and to determine the most appropriate management of weeds, it is essential to carry out a diagnosis through the phytosociological survey. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of chemical control on the phytosociological community of weeds in three areas cultivated with sunflower in the Parecis region (Brazil). The areas were treated with 2,4-D + glyphosate for desiccation; S-metolachlor was used for pre-emergence control in the three areas; meanwhile, sulfentrazone and flumioxazin were applied only in one area; and, finally, clethodim was applied for post-emergence weed management. Sampling was carried out at two different times, in the initial and pre-harvest stages (at 35 and 100 days after the emergence of the crop, respectively), using a quadrate, in which weeds were identified and quantified to determine the frequency, relative frequency, density, relative density, abundance, relative abundance, importance index, and similarity index between areas and times. Seventeen weed species were found in the sunflower crop (70.6% dicot and 29.4% monocotyledonous) in the two seasons, grouped into nine botanical families, with Poaceae being the most diverse family. The dicots Tridax procumbens and Acanthospermum hispidium were present in low frequency only in the initial stages of development of the sunflower crop. The weeds with the highest importance index values in the initial and pre-harvest stages were Euphorbia hirta (104 and 91%) and Bidens pilosa (45 and 66%, respectively), both belonging to the dicots group. These two species were present in the two evaluated periods and in the three experimental areas, demonstrating that there was a similarity index between them with values above 93%. These results of the phytosociological study may contribute to determining more efficient management strategies for weed chemical control in the sunflower crop.

In order to investigate the effect of pre-emergence and post-emergence herbicides on nutrient depletion, weed population and nutrient uptake by wheat in sesame-wheat cropping system in Khuzestan a field experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design with three replications in the research farm of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz in 2019-2020. Treatments included no weeding, hand weeding, Pendimethalin+Atlantis, Pendimethalin+Metribosin, Trifluralin+Atlantis, Trifluralin+Metribozin, Pendimethalin+2,4-D, Trifluralin+2,4-D, green mungbean+2,4-D and 2,4-D in plots seeded by wheat cv. ‘Mehregan’. Weed population varied notably among the experimental treatments. At 60 days after sowing, while the mean number of weeds was 5.6 plants per m-2, it was significantly different among the weed control treatments. Moreover in this growth stage, Pendimethalin+Atlantis and Pendimethalin+Metribuzin treatments significantly reduced the weed population compared to the control no weeding condition. Generally, hand weeding and Pendimethalin+Atlantis treatments improved the growth and yield of wheat compared to Trifluralin+Atlantis, Trifluralin+Metribosin, and Trifluralin+2,4-D treatments, due apparently to reducing weed interference and increasing the uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium of the wheat plants. We concluded that the pre-emergence application of Pendimethalin herbicide along with post-emergence application of Metribozin and Atlantis herbicides at the seedling stage of wheat may increase the absorption of nutrients and grain yield.

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.

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: In order to study alternative ways of control of Dermatobia hominis fly larvae, three processes were tested: T1, cypermethrin 5% + chlorpyrifos 7% + citronellal 0.5% (Pour on); T2, trichlorfon powder dissolved at 2% in burnt oil passed on the nodules; T3, manual larva extraction. The study was conducted at Instituto de Zootecnia in Nova Odessa, São Paulo State, Brazil. In a dairy herd of 176 animals, 29 with at least one larvae were found, distributed in the three treatments. Each treatment’s efficacy percentage was based on the number of live botflies present after 14 days. The animals were observed on days +4, +7, +14 and +21, and new botflies and abscesses were annotated. All treatments presented high effectiveness (above 98%). New botflies were already seen in the first week after applying the three treatments, and on day 21, two abscesses in each chemical treatment were observed. Larva extraction was 100% effective, with no originating abscesses, and should be encouraged in small and medium-sized properties and those with resistant botflies to chemical products.