Search

Flatheaded borers (FHB; Chrysobothris spp.), are woodboring-beetles that lay their eggs in the bark and cambium of deciduous trees in North America. Females often target stressed host-plants for oviposition. The reason why is unknown; however, stressed plants often suffer various induced phytochemical changes that may enhance larval infestation success depending on the stressor such as induced upregulation of defenses, reallocation of nutrients, and changes to volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. To understand attraction of FHB to specific stress-induced changes, we analyzed phytochemical changes associated with stress treatments and attractiveness maple trees to FHB. Trees were stressed by: (1) chemical stress (pelargonic acid herbicide), (2) physical stress (physically removing leaves), and (3) physical stress (removing portions of bark near the root crown). After reflush of defoliated trees, bark tissues where FHB larvae feed were analyzed for nutritional changes (carbon and nitrogen), anti-nutritive changes (polyphenols and tannins) and emissions of foliar VOCs. At the end of the growing season, trees were assessed for FHB larval presence and oviposition attempts. There were more larvae and oviposition attempts on trees stressed by herbicide application. Compared to other treatments, herbicide-stressed trees had greater nitrogen and total polyphenol concentrations. Greater nitrogen may play a role in the fitness of feeding larvae, and the greater polyphenol concentration may stimulate female oviposition in the herbicide stressed trees. Females may be able to locate the herbicide-stressed trees by using volatile cues such as increases in limonene, α-farnesene, (E)-4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene (DMNT) and hexenyl acetate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which investigated the seasonal incidence of gram pod borer or Helico armigera, and spotted borer infesting Vigna mungo. The infestation of pod borer was first observed in the third week of August 2024 and showed a positive correlation with both maximum and minimum temperatures, morning relative humidity, and evening relative humidity. Factors that correlated the infestation of spotted pod borer are also mentioned.

The article presents a study on the effectiveness of aqueous extracts procured from plant leaves against the Gram pod borer and spotted pod borer on pigeonpea. Topics discussed include impact of frequent and injudicious use of chemical insecticides for pest management, finding on the use of leaf extracts against pod borers, and plots with the highest incremental cost-benefit ratio.

Invasive grasses cause devastating losses to biodiversity and ecosystem function directly and indirectly by altering ecosystem processes. Escape from natural enemies, plant–plant competition, and variable resource availability provide frameworks for understanding invasion. However, we lack a clear understanding of how natural stressors interact in their native range to regulate invasiveness. In this study, we reduced diverse guilds of natural enemies and plant competitors of the highly invasive buffelgrass across a precipitation gradient throughout major climatic shifts in Laikipia, Kenya. To do this, we used a long‐term ungulate exclosure experiment design across a precipitation gradient with nested treatments that (1) reduced plant competition through clipping, (2) reduced insects through systemic insecticide, and (3) reduced fungal associates through fungicide application. Additionally, we measured the interaction of ungulates on two stem‐boring insect species feeding on buffelgrass. Finally, we measured a multiyear smut fungus outbreak. Our findings suggest that buffelgrass exhibits invasive qualities when released from a diverse group of natural stressors in its native range. We show natural enemies interact with precipitation to alter buffelgrass productivity patterns. In addition, interspecific plant competition decreased the basal area of buffelgrass, suggesting that biotic resistance mediates buffelgrass dominance in the home range. Surprisingly, systemic insecticides and fungicides did not impact buffelgrass production or reproduction, perhaps because other guilds filled the niche space in these highly diverse systems. For example, in the absence of ungulates, we showed an increase in host‐specific stem‐galling insects, where these insects compensated for reduced ungulate use. Finally, we documented a smut outbreak in 2020 and 2021, corresponding to highly variable precipitation patterns caused by a shifting Indian Ocean Dipole. In conclusion, we observed how reducing natural enemies and competitors and certain interactions increased properties related to buffelgrass invasiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hylurgus ligniperda (Fabricius), a significant quarantine pest, has recently invaded China, marking a new spread outside its known global distribution. This study aims to clarify the invasion and colonization mechanisms of H. ligniperda in Shandong Province, a primary colonization site. This study employed sampling surveys and analysis of damaged wood, discovering that the wood-boring insects sharing the same host as H. ligniperda mainly include Cryphalus sp., Arhopalus rusticus, and Shirahoshizo sp. Through ecological niche theory, the study analyzed the ecological niche relationships between H. ligniperda and these three wood-boring insects, from the perspectives of temporal and spatial resource utilization. The results reveal that these insects could cause damage to P. thunbergii trees at different health levels, with H. ligniperda being the most destructive. The ecological niches of insect populations varied significantly by tree vigor and height. Cryphalus sp. occupied the entire trunk, whereas A. rusticus and Shirahoshizo sp. were concentrated in the lower-middle trunk and the root section up to a depth of 1 m. Notably, H. ligniperda primarily targeted tree roots. Due to the differences in spatial distribution, there was no intense competition between H. ligniperda and other wood-boring insects. With a decline in the health of the host tree, Cryphalus sp. ascended the trunk, whereas H. ligniperda spread deeper into the roots and A. rusticus moved towards the base of the trunk and the top of the roots. Shirahoshizo sp. showed a less defined distribution pattern. Therefore, H. ligniperda was more dominant during the later stage of damage. The position occupied by each insect on the trunk was relatively stable, and the ecological niche overlap value with H. ligniperda was low in terms of temporal resources. Therefore, H. ligniperda and other stem-boring pests exhibit coexisting populations mainly through the allocation and utilization of spatial resources, eventually promoting the successful colonization of H. ligniperda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban trees are at risk of stress due to heat island effects and the increased proportion of impervious areas surrounding them. Among pests of trees, insect borers such as bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and flatheaded borers (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) are some of the most devastating, frequently colonizing stressed trees. The objective of this study was to explore the effects of biotic and abiotic risk factors on borer attacks on trees in urban areas. In the summer of 2021 and 2022, this study was conducted in 50 urban sites in Atlanta and Augusta, Georgia (USA). Specific factors explored include overall tree health, differentially warmer maximum and minimum temperatures of sites compared to surrounding areas, tree species, and the percentage of impervious surface surrounding trees. Generalized linear models and zero-inflated models explored how these factors were related to damage from these borers. The number of borer attacks on trees increased with higher percentage impervious area. As the two most commonly encountered trees, Acer rubrum was found to be significantly more susceptible to attack from borers than Ulmus parvifolia. Unhealthy trees were more likely to experience more frequent and more severe borer attack. Trees with increased impervious cover around them as well as those with differentially warmer daily maximum and minimum temperatures relative to surrounding were more likely to be attacked. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "Impact of Abiotic Factors on Occurrence of Capsule Borer and Sucking Pests in Sesamum" examines the relationship between weather factors and the population dynamics of capsule borer and sucking pests in sesame crops. The study, conducted in Andhra Pradesh, India, found that the incidence of capsule borer was influenced by maximum temperature and relative humidity, with peak occurrence in the 9th and 11th weeks. Leafhopper and whitefly populations were also affected by temperature and humidity. This research provides valuable insights into the impact of abiotic factors on pest populations in sesame crops. [Extracted from the article]

This article presents the findings of a study on the resistance of different genotypes/varieties of greengram to the spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata. The study categorized the genotypes/varieties based on larval population and pod damage, and found that four of them were resistant to M. vitrata. The study also measured grain yield and found that one genotype, VSGG 9, had the highest yield. The authors suggest that screening for resistance is an effective way to identify resistant genotypes/varieties. The article provides valuable information on the challenges posed by insect pests to greengram cultivation in India. [Extracted from the article]

The pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) is a major pest of chickpea accounting for 15-80 percent pod damage in the crop. The pod borer pest, collar rot, wilt and root rot diseases are major constraints to increase production in quality and quantity. The on-farm trial (OFT) was undertaken by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Banda under judication of Banda University of Agriculture and Technology, Banda, Uttar Pradesh on the improved package and practices of chickpea in the district for the two consecutive years viz. 2018-19 and 2019-20 at the farmer's field, including control. Different Integrated Pest Management (IPM) components i.e. proper tillage, line sowing and inter cropping with mustard/linseed, HYV JG 16, Seed treatment by biopesticide i.e. Trichoderma spp. and Rhizobium culture for wilt and root rot disease management and better nodulations for nitrogen fixation, respectively. Management of pod borer insect through IPM approaches included installation of bird perches @ 50/ha, nipping before flowering, pheromones traps @ 20/ha, and spray of Azadirachtin (1500 ppm) @ 5 ml/lit at flowering time, spray of Indoxacarb 14.5% SC @ 500 ml/ha water at 50% flowering and at 50% pod filling stage during 2018-19 and same technology with Emamectin benzoate 5% SG @ 500 g/ha water at 50% flowering and at 50% pod filling stage were also comprised during 2018-19 under on farm trial. The performance of improved technology was found most effective in management least number of affected plants/m2 as well as least number of pods/plants in chickpea were recorded 17.5 and 4.4 per cent, respectively. The application of IPM strategies recorded mean grain yield of 12.15 q/ha, which was 14.90 per cent more over farmer's practice. The integrated approaches gave higher mean net returns of Rs. 46152/ha in chickpea, which was 34.96 per cent more over farmers practices. On an average benefit-cost ratio 2.36 was found under demonstrated technologies while it was 1.95 in farmer's practices. It was much encouraging to the farming communities and paved the way for implementation and evaluation at grass root level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gram pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) is a very destructive and serious pest of gram and causes serious damage to the crop. Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Samba, Jammu and Kashmir conducted on-farm trials (OFTs) during rabi 2021-22 and 2022-23 at farmers' fields to assess the efficacy of a new insecticide for the management of gram pod borer in gram. Treatments used were chloropyriphos 20EC @ 2 ml per litre of water (farmers' practice), cypermethrin 25EC @ 1.5 ml per litre of water (recommended) and emamectin benzoate (Missile 5SG) @ 0.4 g per litre of water (intervention). During 2021-22, in case of emamectin benzoate (Missile 5SG) @ 0.4 g per litre of water, 76.34 per cent reduction in damage to pods was observed over farmers' practice (chlorpyriphos). The yield of gram was 92.31 per cent higher due to the emamectin benzoate over farmers' practice. During 2022-23, emamectin benzoate caused 78.26 per cent less damage to gram over farmers' practice. There was an increase of 82.14 per cent in yield due to emamectin benzoate application over farmers' practice. In 2021-22, emamectin benzoate resulted in B-C ratio of 4.51 as against 2.52 in cypermethrin and 1.86 in chlorpyriphos treatments. In 2022-23, emamectin benzoate gave a B-C ratio of 4.62 in comparison to 2.63 and 2.08 in cypermethrin and chlorpyriphos treatments respectively. Therefore, the use of emamectin benzoate (Missile 5SG) @ 0.4 g per litre of water can be recommended for the control of pod borer in gram crop under rainfed conditions of Samba, Jammu and Kashmir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive insect wood borers are a threat to global forests and tree-related industries as they can damage trees and spread plant pathogens. Reports of damages by wood borers on plants that were planted overseas may facilitate the identification of potential invaders and speed up risk assessment. However, much of this information remains unavailable to the international plant protection community due to language barriers, lack of digitization, or limited circulation of regional literature. Here, we investigated reports of wood borers on 7 important North American commercial tree species planted in China (Carya illinoinensis , Liquidambar styraciflua , Pinus elliottii , Pinus taeda , Quercus texana , Quercus rubra , and Quercus virginiana) in peer-reviewed as well as "grey" (nonpeer-reviewed) Chinese literature. A total of 60 unique wood borer records were found, yielding reports of 4 orders, 39 genera, and 44 species of insect wood borers. Among Coleoptera, longhorned beetles (Cerambycidae) were the most commonly reported colonizers of North American trees in China. Chinese peer-reviewed reports of pests on alien plants are a valuable tool to survey for potential wood-boring invaders of North America, and wherever North American trees are planted and have the potential to encounter Asian invasive insects. Digitization and dissemination of non-English literature are essential for contemporary risk assessment. On the other hand, the nonpeer reviewed "grey" literature, primarily agency reports and student theses, provided only 5% of the records; many incidental observations were unreliable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa) is a species of economic interest and an outstanding study model. The aspen borer (Saperda calcarata) causes irreversible damage to poplars and other riparian species in North America. The insect can produce multiple effects ranging from the presence of some galleries in the stem to tree death. Despite the ecological and commercial importance of this tree–insect interaction, the genetic mechanisms underlying the response of P. trichocarpa to S. calcarata are scarcely understood. In this study, a common garden trial of P. trichocarpa provenances, established in Davis, California, was assessed at the second year of growth, regarding the infestation of S. calcarata from a natural outbreak. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted using 629k of exonic SNPs to assess the relationship between genomic variation and insect attack. Tree architecture, in terms of stem number per plant, and the wood metabolome were also included. Insect attack was independent of the number of stems per tree. The performed GWAS identified three significantly associated SNP markers (q-value < 0.2) belonging to the same number of gene models, encoding proteins involved in signal transduction mechanisms and secondary metabolite production, including that of R-mandelonitrile lyase, Chromodomain-helicase-DNA-binding family protein, and Leucine-rich repeat protein. These results are aligned with the current knowledge of defensive pathways in plants and trees, helping to expand the understanding of the defensive response mechanisms of black cottonwood against wood borer insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The document published in the Southwestern Entomologist reports a new geographical record of Stenoma catenifer feeding on Persea schiedeana in Hueytamalco, Puebla, Mexico. The pest poses a risk to 'Hass' avocado areas, and the study suggests implementing phytosanitary regulations to prevent its spread. The research highlights the economic importance of both avocado species and the need for further studies on the insect and its impact on laurel flora. [Extracted from the article]

Native to South Africa and Madagascar, the invasive fireweed, Senecio madagascariensis Poiret (Asteraceae), is a target for biological control in Australia and Hawaii, where substantial infestations persist. Earlier studies in the weed's region of origin, namely KwaZulu-Natal Province in South Africa, assessed the seasonal abundance of stem-boring insect herbivores in S. madagascariensis populations. The weevil Gasteroclisus tricostalis (Thunberg) (Curculionidae) and moth Metamesia elegans (Walsingham) (Tortricidae) were prioritised as candidate agents for Australia due to their persistence across seasons. In this study, the host ranges of these two candidate agents were assessed by comparing the stem-boring curculionids and lepidopterans that are associated with S. madagascariensis with those associated with non-target Senecio species in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands region. DNA barcoding of the adults and endophagous larvae recovered during field sampling of S. madagascariensis and 17 non-target Senecio species in 2017/18, as well as those from earlier field surveys, was used to differentiate the insect species and elucidate their host-plant affinities. Although weevil larvae were recovered from the stems of seven non-target Senecio species, G. tricostalis was associated only with Senecio inaequidens DC. and Senecio skirrhodon DC., both in the S. madagascariensis species complex. Lepidopteran larvae were associated with three non-target Senecio species, all in the S. madagascariensis species complex, with M. elegans associated only with Senecio harveianus MacOwan and S. inaequidens. These results suggest that G. tricostalis and M. elegans have restricted host ranges and that further host-specificity studies in quarantine are warranted to demonstrate their suitability for release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Botryosphaeria canker (causal agent: Diplodia corticola) is considered one of the most important diseases of cork oak (Quercus suber) stands since it necrotizes the subero‐phellodermic layer preventing cork regeneration after harvesting. One of the most intriguing etiological issues of this disease is its plausible spreading through trunk borer insects. In this study, we highlight the phoretic relationship between D. corticola and the oak pinhole borer Platypus cylindrus (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) which massively colonizes debarked cork oaks in southern Europe. We extracted DNA from 154 adults of P. cylindrus collected in six cork oak stands in north‐eastern Spain during the summer of 2021. We developed a new nested quantitative PCR‐based protocol for quick detection of D. corticola carried by insects. RESULTS: The use of real time amplification of a highly specific mitochondrial marker allowed us to detect spore loads down to a single conidium within the first 29 cycles of qPCR. The 29.62% of insect pools (corresponding to 31.16% of studied insects) resulted in an estimated spore load higher than one conidium/insect, with a moderate value of mean spore load for the whole dataset (~33 conidia/insect). Estimated spore load was significantly higher in May and August, regardless of insect abundance in the field. CONCLUSION: This study provides new tools for diagnosis of this emergent pathogen that would be useful for developing monitoring strategies and epidemiological studies. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the years 2020 and 2021, the effects of various biopesticides and the egg parasitoid Trichogramma chilonis on the okra shoot and fruit borer were investigated in open fields. All interventions outperformed over the untreated control. The entomopathogenic bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis was the most promising biopesticide tested, with the lowest shoot (5.49% and 6.87% in 2020 and 2021, respectively) and fruit damage (4.95% and 5.65% in 2020 and 2021, respectively), followed by the entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana (7.08%, 8.04% shoot damage and 6.78% and 6.73% fruit damage during 2020 and 2021, respectively). Interestingly, all biopesticides evaluated were shown to be safe for the polyphagous predators occurring in the okra habitat, such as the ladybird beetles Menochilus sexmaculatus and Micraspis discolour and the spiders Marpissa spp. and Oxyopes lineatipes. However, emamectin benzoate 5% SG was the most effective treatment in terms of minimizing okra shoot and fruit damage, resulting in a maximum percent reduction over control (PROC) (85.54 and 80.90 against shoot damage and 76.60 and 71.33 against fruit damage during 2020 and 2021, respectively). Each treatment's economics were also analysed. The experimental plots treated with emamectin benzoate had the highest cost:benefit ratio (1:11.16), while B. thuringiensis had the highest (1:7.06) among the biopesticide / parasitoid releasing plots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to establish a strategy for controlling pests living in trees and causing damage, injected entomopathogenic fungal conidia suspension of Beauveria bassiana into a four‐year‐old Canary Island date palm, Phoenix canariensis. As a result, B. bassiana Bb‐egfp#3 expressing green fluorescent protein was dispersed from the injection site to the top and bottom of the tree. To evaluate the insecticidal activity of the Bb‐egfp#3 injected into the tree, we released mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor) on the ground palm tree sample that was injected with the conidia suspension. As a result, mycosis caused by the injected Bb‐egfp#3 in the trees was generated in all cadavers. This study suggests the possibility of establishing a new control strategy against tree pests by injecting an entomopathogenic fungal conidia suspension into trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Do trees in urban areas benefit human health? More than 100 million Americans live in large cities, yet little is known about the health benefits of the trees they live with. I provide causal evidence on the elasticity of air pollution and mortality to urban forest loss from the exogenous introduction of the emerald ash borer insect to the continental United States. Trees benefit urban health by reducing pollution; dieback that affects up to 5.8% of city forests is associated with increases in mean PM2.5 levels that reach 4.4%. Damage to city forests ultimately leads to excess deaths of up to 1.8%; much of this increase is driven by increases in cardiovascular and respiratory disease mortality. If the estimated median elasticity of all-cause mortality to tree damage of − 0.42 is extrapolated to all forests in the urban continental United States, my results imply urban forests reduced all-cause mortality by 29.3%, or 299,000 deaths total, in 2014. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fireweed, Senecio madagascariensis Poiret (Asteraceae), is a target for biological control in Australia and Hawaii. Candidate agents recorded in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa, the region of origin of the invasive populations, include stem-boring insects. The seasonal abundance of stem borers associated with S. madagascariensis populations was studied at four field sites in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands region, during 2017/18. DNA barcoding was used to differentiate and link insect taxa with their endophagous larvae. Monthly sampling revealed that stem-boring larvae comprised largely Diptera (42% of specimens) and Curculionidae (38.9%), with Lepidoptera (19.8%) the least abundant. Differences in larval herbivore loads between sites were statistically significant, with the warmer and drier sites supporting 59% higher larval numbers. DNA barcoding focused on Curculionidae and Lepidoptera, which took precedence due to restricted host ranges. Of the four lineages of weevil larvae recorded, 95% of sequenced specimens comprised two maternal lineages of Gasteroclisus tricostalis (Thunberg). Collectively, G. tricostalis was detected across nine months of the year, with peaks in abundance in autumn and summer. Similarly, of the three lineages of lepidopteran larvae recorded, 83% of sequenced specimens comprised Metamesia elegans (Walsingham) (Tortricidae). Metamesia elegans was collected across six months of the year, with an autumn peak. These results support the prioritisation of G. tricostalis and M. elegans as the most promising stem-boring agents for S. madagascariensis. The higher seasonal abundance of G. tricostalis, together with the good track record of weevils in weed biocontrol, suggest that it should take precedence in subsequent laboratory host-range assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since forest and fruit wood borer insects are very harmful, and the formed galleries are complex and not easy to observe, the 3D reconstruction and visual prediction simulation of their galleries are of great importance in agricultural and forestry research. A single image-based 3D reconstruction and visualization method is proposed. The method is divided into two steps: (1) photographing the complete insect galleries on different sample wood segments, correcting the images to obtain the complete insect tract outline, and then redefining the height of model expansion based on the distance from the outline to the midline of the outline via the sketch-based reconstruction method to reconstruct the 3D geometric model of insect tracts; (2) setting the influencing factors, such as forest and fruit wood borer pest species, host plants and insect population density, and simultaneously judging the newly added sample points and updating the original skeleton points according to the category of sample points and the comprehensive consideration of influencing factors, so as to obtain the changes of insect gallery structure under different conditions and achieve the predictive simulation of insect tract structure. We found that modeling 3D wood borer galleries by different pests on different host plants can be achieved. Compared to the hand drawing method, our method can obtain 3D models in a very short time, and the experimental models are all reconstructed within 1.5 s. The predicted variation in the range of insect tracts indicate that it was inversely proportional to the population density and positively proportional to the moth-eating ability of the pests, indicating that the method reflects the relationship between the range of insect tracts and the influencing factors. The proposed method provides a new approach to the study and control of wood borer galleries in the forest and fruit industry. In conclusion, we provide a method to reconstruct and predict the wood borer galleries in three dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The insect pinhole borer, Euplatypus sp., infests rubber tree trunks and induce bleeding symptom which is different to that caused by the fungal pathogen Lasiodiplodia theobromae (Pat. Griff. & Maubl.). Pinholes are very prominent as the insect bore the trunk and exudates of latex are very noticeable in the infested trunk portion. The borer would extend its damage until the sapwood of the tree, leaving a powder-like sawdust in the ground. The death of the pinhole borer-infested trees is very likely to happen if remedial insecticide application cannot be instituted immediately. In addition, the fungus L. theobromae and an unknown bacterium were found associated with the pinhole borer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Agriscientia is the property of Revista AgriScientia 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.)

Summary: Plants have developed tissue‐specific defense strategies in response to various herbivores with different feeding habits. Although defense responses to leaf‐chewing insects have been well studied, little is known about stem‐specific responses, particularly in the pith, to stem‐boring herbivores.To understand the stem‐specific defense, we first conducted a comparative transcriptomic analysis of the wild tobacco Nicotiana attenuata before and after attack by the leaf‐chewing herbivore Manduca sexta and the stem borer Trichobaris mucorea. When the stem‐boring herbivore attacked, lignin‐associated genes were upregulated specifically in the inner parenchymal cells of the stem, the pith; lignin also accumulated highly in the attacked pith. Silencing the lignin biosynthetic gene cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase enhanced the performance of the stem‐boring herbivore but had no effect on the growth of the leaf‐chewing herbivore.Two‐dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance results revealed that lignified pith contains feruloyltyramine as an unusual lignin component in the cell wall, as a response against stem‐boring herbivore attack. Pith‐specific lignification induced by the stem‐boring herbivore was modulated by both jasmonate and ethylene signaling.These results suggest that lignin provides a stem‐specific inducible barrier, protecting plants against stem‐boring insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata F. is the most devastating insect pest of food legumes worldwide. The larvae cause damage to flowers, flower buds, pods and developing grains. In the absence of any viable biocontrol agents and resistant plant varieties, various groups of insecticides with different mode of action are routinely used to protect the crop. Hence, the study was undertaken to evaluate the relative toxicity of the commonly used insecticides viz., indoxacarb 14.5 SC, chlorpyriphos 20 EC, spinosad 45 SC, emamectin benzoate 5 SG and lambda cyhalothrin 5 EC against second and third instar larvae of M. vitrata under laboratory conditions. The results revealed that emamectin benzoate 5 SG was the most toxic followed by indoxacarb 14.5 SC, spinosad 45 SC and lambda cyhalothrin 5 EC and chlorpyriphos 20 EC. The knowledge can help in integration of effective insecticides in IPM systems for the management of the pod borer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Plant Protection & Pathology 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.)

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of integrated management practices over farmers' practices against insect pest complex of green gram (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) during kharif season in the 'A-B' Block Farm of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya in 2019. The results revealed that the incidence of all of the insect pests viz. whitefly, pulse aphid, jassid, flower thrips, gram pod borer, spotted pod borer, blue butterfly, plant bug and pod bug was recorded comparatively less in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plot as compared to farmers' practices. The seed yield of green gram was also recorded a higher (1382.22 kg ha-1) in plots treated with integrated approaches as compared to farmer's practices (476.94 kg ha-1). IPM module recorded maximum cost benefit ratio along with higher gross return and net profit as against farmers' practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted to investigate the occurrence of insect pests in the ber orchards in Punjab during 2017 and 2018. The infestation of Cadra cautella (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) was observed in ber fruits at the Fruit Research Farm, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during November-December. About 10% fruits of variety Sanaur were observed to be infested by black coloured larvae making tunnels inside. This is the first report of field infestation by C. cautella on ber fruits from India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) is an important vegetable crop, and its yield and marketable quality are severely affected by the brinjal shoot and fruit borer (Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee). The management of L. orbonalis requires exploring new insecticides, and in the present study some insecticides were evaluated during 2015-16 and 2016-17. The results revealed that spinosad 45SC @ 0.5 ml/ l was the best with least shoot (2.03 and 2.0%) and fruit damage (12.66 and 10.62%) with maximum yield (25.39 and 26.99 t/ ha). Chlorantraniliprole 20SC @ 0.4 ml/ l and emamectin benzoate 5SG @ 0.5 g/ l were the next best during 2015-16 and 2016-17, respectively. Thus, spinosad 45SC @ 0.5 ml/ l, chlorantraniliprole 20SC @ 0.4 ml/ l and emamectin benzoate 5SG @ 0.5 g/ l can be recommended as sole application or in rotation for effective management of brinjal shoot and fruit borer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiments were conducted to evaluate IPM modules against Maruca vitrata F. and Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) in black gram (Vigna mungo L. Hepper) during summer 2018 at the Chatha farm, SKUAST-Jammu. The IPM modules included: biorational module (m-I); chemical module (m-II); IPM module (m-III); farmer's practice (m-IV) and m-V as a control module. The results showed that the module-I was found to be superior against M. vitrata in the vegetative stage (6.00 larvae/ m2), flowering stage (17.67 larvae/ m2) and pod setting stage (12.00 larvae/ m2). The biorational module (m-I) was found to be superior to others in reducing the larval incidence of H. armigera at vegetative stage (1.33 larvae/ m2), flowering stage (8.00 larvae/ m2) and pod setting stage (5.67 larvae/ m2). On the basis of yield attributes, in case of M. vitrata, maximum yield was obtained from two pickings in module-I (20.00 q/ ha) followed by module-III (16.72 q/ ha), module-II (14.33 q/ ha) and module-IV (10.71 q/ ha); and maximum cost benefit ratio was observed in module-I (1:3.63). Maximum yield was observed in module-I (18.89 q/ ha) against H. armigera, with maximum cost benefit ratio of 1:3.49. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brinjal shoot and fruit borer Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee is an important pest. Two field experiments conducted at the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore during 2016 - 2017 using brinjal variety CO2 evaluated carbosulfan 25EC against this, and toxicity to natural enemies along with phytotoxicity, if any was analysed. The results revealed that based on shoot damage, carbosulfan 25EC @375 g a.i. ha-1 was similar to its dose @312.5 g a.i. ha-1 and 250 g a.i. ha-1. Emamectin benzoate 5SG at 10 g a.i. ha-1, lambda cyhalothrin 5EC @ 15 g a.i. ha-1, fenpropathrin 30EC @ 100 g a.i. ha-1 followed next with similar efficacy. Pooled data of fruit damage also revealed the efficacy of carbosulfan 25EC at 375 and 312.5 g a.i. ha-1 at par with each other, resulting in maximum yield of 18.67 and 17.37 t. ha-1, respectively. Carbosulfan 25EC @ 375 g a.i ha-1 was observed with 1.85 coccinellids/ plant followed by emamectin benzoate 5SG at 10 g a.i. ha-1, fenpropathrin 30EC @ 100 g a.i. ha-1, lambda cyhalothrin 5EC @ 15 g a.i. ha-1 and carbosulfan 25EC @ 250 g a.i. ha-1. Carbosulfan 25EC at 312.5 g a.i ha-1 and 625 g a.i ha-1 did not show any phytotoxic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The studies on incidence of sugarcane borers were observed in sugarcane from April to February during two crop seasons i.e. 2016-17 and 2017-18 at the four locations of Punjab i.e. Gurdaspur, SBS Nagar, Patiala and Fazilka. The early shoot borer was observed from April to June at all the locations, after which it declined. Correlation coefficients of weather parameters with incidence revealed positive significant correlation with T max and T min whereas it is negative highly significant with RH; and negative and insignificantly correlated with rainfall. At Gurdaspur, the incidence of the top borer varied from 0 to 35.00. At SBS Nagar, incidence first appeared (10.00%) in May 2016, reaching a maximum (45.00%) during September 2017; while at Patiala, the top borer started in June 2016 (15.00%), and reached its maximum during September 2016 (27.50 %). However, no activity of top borer was observed during winter. In case of stalk borer, the incidence was observed from September to February with negligible or no activity during March to August. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was undertaken in coastal Odisha i.e. Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Khurda and Kandhamal to document diversity of wood feeding beetles. A total of 22 species were observed on different timbers during storage. Borers on these timbers were observed to belong to families like Cerambycidae, Buprestidae, Lyctidae, Platypodidae, Silvanidae, Passalidae, Scolytidae and Curculionidae. In addition, three termite (Isoptera) species were also observed. Of the borers, the bamboo borer and auger beetle were reared in sal pieces under laboratory condition. The larval, pupal and adult periods were found as 29.33± 0.56, 8.00± 0.51 and 19.20± 0.62 days for Dinoderus minutus F.; and 34.33± 0.49, 12.3± 60.25 and 43.53± 0.42 days for Sinoxylon anale Lesne, respectively. Total lifecycle of Xystrocera globosa Olivier was found to occupy 44.03± 0.46 days; and pupal and adult periods were 6.02± 0.30 and 4.01± 0.51days, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Identification of pest insects, predators and phytopathogenic fungi of the "loche" Cucurbita moschata Duch (Cucurbitaceae) crop in Ucupe, Mocupe-Lambayeque. Methods: random sampling, five sampling points were taken per crop. Results: Bemisia tabaci attacks the milk crop, it was found causing scratches on the underside of the leaves. Thrips tabaci is a pest that locates on the youngest shoots. Diaphania nitidalis, this is the pest that causes the most damage, since it is a borer insect that attacks fruit, stems, and flowers. Among the controllers: Chrysoperla externa, Rhinacloa sp., Neides sp., Orius sp. and Cicloneda sanguinea. Among the phytopathogenic fungi found Cunninghamella spp., Colletotrichium sp., Memnoniella sp., Verticillium sp., Cladosporium sp. and Stemphylium sp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainability science offers an alternative space for research that challenges colonial histories of western science, especially in its orientation to interdisciplinarity and for addressing complex problems through equitable knowledge co-production processes. However, the justice-oriented commitments within sustainability science remain underdeveloped, in particular for centering indigenous research methods (IRM) and promoting decolonization of academic institutions. In this paper, we draw from more than 10 years of experience across three cases of conducting sustainability science in Indigenous homelands. The cases focus on (1) adaptive responses to the Emerald Ash Borer insect which threatens black ash basketmaking cultures and economies; (2) efforts to link science with decision making to protect public health and reduce shellfish bed closures; and (3) collaborative research to support dam removal and river restoration. We identify tensions in science as a discourse, including how sustainability science is uniquely shaped by practices of naming and social constructions of time. We then describe how we engage these tensions through four main commitments to critical praxis, or tailored practices that respond to emergent problems and systems of power. These commitments include centering Wabanaki diplomacy and IRMs, redesigning all stages of research for inclusivity and dialogue, attending to multiple temporalities, and supporting Wabanaki and Indigenous students as leaders and researchers. To conclude, we reflect on how these practices may be adapted to other contexts, histories, and sustainability-related issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shoot and fruit borer Leucinodes orbonalis Guenée (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is the key pest of brinjal. The present study on its population dynamics in relation to brinjal cultivars revealed significant variation in fruit damage (6.73% to 60.26%). The least damage was observed on Eeranagere (23.02%) and maximum on Mullubadane (27.92%). The infestation varied at different growth stages; least (<22.00%) between 8-11th and 35-38th standard meteorological weeks (SMW) in rabi and kharif seasons, respectively. The maximum damage (35.14%) was observed at 50th SMW during rabi 2017 and 43rd and 44th SMW (~35.60%) during kharif 2018; the least damage was in rabi (24.83%) compared to kharif (26.39%). The wind velocity and maximum temperature had a significant negative relation with fruit damage during the rabi season; but in kharif morning relative humidity and minimum temperature had a significant negative association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under changing climatic condition, litchi fruit and shoot borer is becoming a major threat to quality litchi production and leading to more than 70% borer infested fruit in unmanaged orchard. Different management options viz., cultural, bagging of developing fruits, Bio-enhancers/ organic products and safer molecules (IGRs avermectins, spinosyns, diamides) have been found effective against fruit and shoot borer. Therefore, an attempt has been made to review management options for litchi fruit & shoot borer, Conopomorpha sinensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Vietnam, esp. In the northwest region, tea and coffee crops have been increasing in both quality and quantity and scientists are trying to find ways to increase productivity, as well as eliminate damaging insects and coffee berry borer, etc in order to reduce damages for farmers. The fact in agriculture is that when farmers are in good crops, the coffee price is going down and vice versa. In our last paper, we have mentioned coffee berry borer, and until this paper, we will explore new issues of increasing productivity, quality and quantity for both tea and coffee crops in Vietnam, esp. in the northwest area. Among results is relating to coffee seeds and technique planting of farmers with suitable land area and the solutions and ways for farmers to earn profits after they invest into coffee and tea crops. Our paper can be foundations for suggesting and setting agriculture development policies as well. For instance, we recommend that Completing the equivalent system of food hygiene and safety regulations/standards market in developed countries. Additional regulations on safety inspection and supervision food straight from the field. Last but not least, we proposed marketing solutions for farmers to expand exporting markets to other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Caldasia is the property of Universidad Nacional de Colombia 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.)

Chilli crop is attacked by several insect-pests, among which fruit borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) is the major one. This work reports results of investigations carried out at farmer's field near PAU Regional Research Station Gurdaspur during kharif 2019 to determine bioefficacy of chlorantraniliprole (Coragen 18.5 SC) and spinosad (Tracer 45 SC), each applied @ 100, 125 and 150 mL ha-1 against the chilli fruit borer. All the treatments significantly reduced the larval population by 67.50 to 89.25 and fruit infestation by 72.09 to 90.70 per cent due to the fruit borer over the untreated control. The maximum fruit yield (192.85 q ha-1) was achieved with the highest dose of chlorantraniliprole, which was at par with the highest dose of spinosad (189.80 q ha-1). All the treatments did not show any significant adverse effect on population of natural enemies of chilli fruit borer and were non-phytotoxic to the crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigations on management of pod borers [Maruca vitrata (Fabricius), Lampides boeticus (L.)] of yard long bean (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis (L.) Verdcourt) under field conditions revealed that Spinosad 45 SC followed by Bt formulation 2x 108 cfu/ml and Beauveria bassiana @ 107 spores/ml of water were the most effective treatments in preventing pod borer infestation as well as controlling number of pod borer larvae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Biological alternatives to pesticides in agriculture do not harm non-targets organisms including natural enemies of insect pests. Experiments were conducted at sugarcane fields during 2015 to 2019 to assess large scale biocontrol practices, involving inundative releases of trichogrammatids against lepidopteran borers in comparison to conventional chemical-based farmers' practice. Main body: Eight releases each of Trichogramma chilonis Ishii and Trichogramma japonicum Ashmead were made at 50,000 ha−1 at 10 days interval for the management of sugarcane stem borer, Chilo infuscatellus Snellen and the sugarcane top borer, Scirpophaga excerptalis (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), respectively. Likewise, 10–12 releases of T. chilonis were made at 50,000 ha−1 at 10 days interval for the management of sugarcane stalk borer, Chilo auricilius Dudgeon (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). The biocontrol intervention was compared with farmer's practice (chemical control) in managing these borers. The results showed that farmers' practices and biocontrol treated fields resulted in a lower incidence of C. infuscatellus (1.1, 2.9%) and S excerptalis (1.7, 3.9%) than the untreated control fields, wherein the mean per cent incidence of these borers (6.8, 8.5%) was significantly higher. The incidence of C. auricilius was also lower in augmented fields (2.8%) than untreated fields (7.3%). The yield data indicated that farmers adopting biocontrol practices were able to get comparable yield and benefit: cost ratio than farmers' practice, both being better than untreated control. Moreover, in biocontrol fields, parasitism rate on the factitious host, Corcyra cephalonica Stainton cards was estimated. Conclusion: Thus, the study highlights the significance of adoption of biocontrol-based technology over a long run to provide sustainable system of sugarcane insect pest management and economic benefits to the stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]