Chemical Control Measures Research Articles

SMCVdb: a database of experimental cellular toxicity information for drug candidate molecules.

Many drug discovery exercises fail because small molecules that are effective inhibitors of target proteins exhibit high cellular toxicity. Early and effective assessment of toxicity and pharmacokinetics is essential to accelerate the drug discovery process. Conventional methods for toxicity profiling, including in vitro and in vivo assays, are laborious and resource-intensive. In response, we introduce the Small Molecule Cell Viability Database (SMCVdb), a comprehensive resource containing toxicity data for over 24 000 compounds obtained through high-content imaging (HCI). SMCVdb seamlessly integrates chemical descriptions and molecular weight data, offering researchers a holistic platform for toxicity data aiding compound prioritization and selection based on biological and economic considerations. Data collection for SMCVdb involved a systematic approach combining HCI toxicity profiling with chemical information and quality control measures ensured data accuracy and consistency. The user-friendly web interface of SMCVdb provides multiple search and filter options, allowing users to query the database based on compound name, molecular weight range, or viability percentage. SMCVdb empowers users to access toxicity profiles, molecular weights, compound names, and chemical descriptions, facilitating the exploration of relationships between compound properties and their effects on cell viability. In summary, the database provides experimentally derived cellular toxicity information for over 24 000 drug candidate molecules to academic researchers, and pharmaceutical companies. The SMCVdb will keep growing and will prove to be a pivotal resource to expedite research in drug discovery and compound evaluation. Database URL: http://smcvdb.rcb.ac.in:4321/.

Identifying the sex chromosome and sex determination genes in the cattle tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus.

Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus is globally one of the most economically important ectoparasites of cattle costing the agriculture industry billions of dollars annually. Resistance to chemical control measures has prompted the development of novel methods of control. Recent advancements in genetic control measures for human and other animal vectors have utilized sex determination research to manipulate sex ratios, which have shown promising results in mosquitoes namely Aedes aegypti and Anopheles stephensi. Here, we use R. (B.) microplus as a model to provide foundational research to allow similar avenues of investigation in ticks using R. (B.) microplus as a model. Karyotypes for R. (B.) microplus show an XX:XO sex determining system with the largest chromosome being the sex chromosome. Using flow cytometric methods, the size of the sex chromosome was estimated at 526.91 Mb. All measures to identify the sex chromosome within the cattle tick genome assembly associated sex chromosomal characteristics to two chromosomes. This discrepancy between the assembly and karyotypes of the tick led to generating a new genome assembly with a single adult male specimen. The two chromosomes in question aligned with a single scaffold within the new genome that had a length of 513.29 Mb and was the first time the sex chromosome was identified in an Ixodid genome assembly.

Enhancing crop resistance to root nematodes through advanced breeding techniques

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of using nematode-resistant maize and cassava in Nigeria to improve farmers' sustainability and reduce pest pressures. Nematodes significantly impact global crop yield and availability, necessitating the development of resistant cultivars to reduce yield losses and reliance on chemical control measures. Field experiments were conducted in Agbor-Nta, Nigeria, using Resistant Variety A and Resistant Variety D developed from CRISPRCas9 and Marker Assisted Selection. The study found that Resistant Variety A reduced nematode count by 80%, increased yields, and higher net profits. Resistant Variety D also showed reasonable nematode control and economic returns, significantly reducing the nematode population to 12 per gram, achieving a 76% reduction. The adoption rate of CRISPR-Cas9 developed Resistant Variety A reached 50% by 2024. The study underscored the importance of advanced breeding technologies in producing nematode-resistant crops for farming sustainability and economies. The application of germplasm from CRISPR-Cas9 and MAS techniques successfully improved genetic improvement, reduced pest pressures, and enhanced yields. These findings align with efforts to improve agricultural sustainability by promoting reliable crop types to maintain food supply and economic stability in agricultural-dependent areas.

A Systematic Review on the Distribution of Invasive Plant Species Across Asia: Assessing the Rates of Invasion Success and Management

The advancement of invasive plant species in a particular environment is threatening across Asia. When they are introduced, they could have a variety of different negative effects, either as minor inconveniences or a severe problem. The aim of this review is to compile a list of invasive plant species across Asia and organize a set of data according to their reproduction rates, growth rates, dispersal rates, and characterize the allelochemicals they produce and allelopathic effects they have on their environment. The target is to know the extent of their spread ability in the area that they inhibit and know what control measures can be done with that specific species. The data has been gathered by compiling research articles and obtaining pertinent data relating to the objective. This review also utilized the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist to confirm the credibility of the collected references. To achieve the needed references, keywords such as "distribution", "invasive", and "Asia" have been used to search for these on search engines and research journals such as Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, ResearchGate, and Directory for Open Access Journals, to be then compiled in spreadsheets and document files. The results show that the growth rate of these species varies from 7.5-60 cm per year, where Ipomoea eberhardtii has the highest growth rate of 60 cm per year. The dispersal rates of the species ranges from 0.002-2592 km from the parent plant, where animal mediated, water, and wind dispersal methods are the primary vector to spread. Allelopathic effects produced by the allelochemicals present mostly inhibit growth and seed germination. There are already implemented approaches to control these species, where biological control, physical means, and the use of chemicals are the most used strategies. In different dynamic processes, physical and chemical control measures are most utilized in this case.

The Identification of the Peanut Wild Relative Arachis stenosperma as a Source of Resistance to Stem Rot and Analyses of Genomic Regions Conferring Disease Resistance through QTL Mapping

Peanut stem rot, also known as white mold, poses a significant threat to peanut production. It is typically managed using fungicides and moderately resistant cultivars. Cultivars with higher resistance can reduce fungicide dependency and increase sustainability. This study explores the potential of wild peanut species in stem rot resistance breeding programs by enhancing genetic diversity in cultivated peanut. Through greenhouse and field evaluations, 13 allotetraploid hybrids with Arachis stenosperma as one of the parents showed superior resistance compared to other wild genotypes. The genomic regions that confer the stem rot resistance were further identified by genotyping and phenotyping an F2 population derived from the allotetraploid ValSten1 (A. valida × A. stenosperma)4× and A. hypogaea cv. TifGP-2. A linkage map was constructed from 1926 SNP markers. QTL analysis revealed both beneficial and deleterious loci, with two resistance-associated QTLs derived from A. stenosperma and four susceptibility loci, two from A. stenosperma and two from A. valida. This is the first study that evaluated peanut-compatible wild-derived allotetraploids for stem rot resistance and that identified wild-derived QTLs for resistance to this pathogen. The allotetraploid hybrid ValSten1, that has A. stenosperma as one of the parents, offers a resource for resistance breeding. Markers associated with resistance QTLs can facilitate introgression from ValSten1 into cultivated peanut varieties in future breeding efforts, potentially reducing reliance on chemical control measures.

Ficus carica Linn leaves extract induces cucumber resistance to Podosphaera xanthii by inhibiting conidia and regulating enzyme activity

Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus L.) are highly susceptible to infection by powdery mildew (PM), resulting in a deterioration of cucumber quality. The utilization of chemical control measures can effectively control cucumber PM; however, it may potentially give rise to issues such as environmental pollution, compromised safety, and drug resistance. The urgent need for a green, secure, and efficient strategy to manage cucumber PM necessitates attention. The predominant fungal pathogen causing PM in cucumbers is Podosphaera xanthii (P. xanthii) in this study. The preventive and control efficacy of Ficus carica Linn leaf extract (FLE) against P. xanthii was investigated for the first time. The preventive experiments entail pre-infection spraying of FLE prior to the occurrence of P. xanthii, while the curative experiments involve post-outbreak spraying of FLE. After comprehensive consideration, the optimal approach was determined to be spraying the front of cucumber leaves with a concentration of 0.04 mg/mL FLE in order to effectively control P. xanthii in leaf disc bioassay. The lowest superposition rate from FLE and trisodium phosphate dodecahydrate was 12.86 %, indicating that the impact of FLE on the respiratory metabolism of P. xanthii conidia primarily operates through the hexose monophosphate pathway (HMP). The growth of P. xanthii conidia and mycelium can be inhibited or delayed by FLE. The application of FLE can effectively mitigated chlorophyll loss, suppressed the activities of peroxidase (POD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO), as well as enhanced the activities of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), chitinase, and β- 1,3-glucanase. Furthermore, three representative enzyme genes, PAL, POD, and chitinase, were chosen for the purpose of validation. The results suggested that FLE has the ability to modulate the expression of relevant enzyme genes, with peak effects observed after 3–4 days of treatment. The findings offer theoretical support for the advancement of novel botanical pesticides aimed at controlling crop diseases.

Slime molds (Myxomycetes) causing a "disease" in crop plants and cultivated mushrooms.

Myxomycetes (plasmodial slime molds) are eukaryotic protist predators that are associated with wood, leaf litter, and soil in forests, where they feed on bacteria, protozoans, and (to a more limited extent) fungi. The health of crop plants is essential because they represent a primary food source for humans. However, when myxomycetes produce numerous fruiting bodies on the stems and leaves of crop plants, which is herein referred to as a myxomycete colonization, this has the potential of interfering with plant photosynthesis, transpiration and respiration by blocking out light and covering stomata. Myxomycetes are not pathogens, but their occurrence on plants can be mistakenly interpreted as some type of infection. However, this phenomenon has been largely ignored. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the taxonomic and economic diversity of the organisms involved in myxomycete colonization. In addition, the various types of myxomycete colonization reported in the literature are described and discussed, a number of images provided, and cultural and chemical prevention and control measures are summarized. The latter should be of significant relevance for local production of crops and plant protective stations. While myxomycetes are not pathogens of crop plants, some species can seriously impact commercially grown mushrooms. Reports of myxomycetes affecting mushrooms are also described in this paper.

Integrated Management of Rhizome Rot and Wilt Disease Complex of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) – A Review

This review article focuses on integrated management options for ginger diseases, especially rhizome rot and wilt. We compiled the results of several strategies, including chemical treatments, cultural practices, soil solarization, organic additions, and biological management for rhizome rot and wilt disease complex of ginger. Effective approaches includes (i) raise the temperature by soil solarization, (ii) additions of soil amendments like wood sawdust, oil cakes, neem cakes that prevent soil pathogen and simultaneously improve soil health, (iii) cultural techniques such as soil selection, crop rotation and intercropping, (iv) biological control using Trichoderma species is another useful method to lower infestation and increase ginger yield, and (v) use of chemical control measures such as Ridomil MZ, Metalaxyl, and Streptomycin. The above-listed aspects can be integrated to develop integrated management strategies that aid in developing a treatment strategy for management for rhizome rot and wilt disease complex of ginger.

Evaluation of larvicidal activity of Ocimum basilicum L. essential oil on Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti L.

Aedes aegypti is a mosquito species of significant importance to public health because of its role in the spread of infections in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Chemical control measures are crucial for insect management. However, the widespread use of commercial insecticides has led to the development of resistance to Ae. aegypti. Therefore, alternative control measures must be explored. This study aimed to investigate the larvicidal activity and mechanism of action of Ocimum basilicum essential oil against Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti L. The phytochemical components of the oil were identified using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry analysis, which revealed that oxygenated monoterpenes, primarily Linalool and Estragole, were the major components. The essential oil demonstrated concentration-dependent larvicidal activity, with increased mortality rates at higher concentrations. The larvicidal activity of the essential oil may be enhanced, as shown by molecular docking of its phytochemical components, either individually or in combination with juvenile hormones. These findings suggest that the essential oil has the potential to be used as a larvicide for the management of Ae. aegypti populations and that the mechanism of action may involve interactions between the phytochemical components and juvenile hormones.

Anthracnose of Brachybotrys paridiformis Caused by Colletotrichum siamense in Northeast China.

Brachybotrys paridiformis Maxim. ex Oliv. (Boraginaceae) is a perennial medicinal plant and vegetable that is cultivated commercially in China. Anthracnose is a devastating disease of B. paridiformis, with annual production losses exceeding 33% based on our survey. In July 2021, anthracnose of B. paridiformis was observed on 2-year-old plants in Shenyang city, Northeast China, which is the most important region for B. paridiformis cultivation. Round or irregular-shaped black spots were exhibited on leaves, with the leaf edges most commonly infected. As the necrosis expanded, the leaves withered and dropped; young leaves were generally not infected (Fig. 1). More than 40% of the plants in a 21-ha sampling field were infected in 2021. Symptomatic leaves (n = 20) were collected and the diseased tissue was cut into small pieces, immersed in 1% NaOCl for 2 min, rinsed three times with sterile water, and placed on acidified potato dextrose agar (PDA) in Petri dishes. After a 3-day incubation in darkness at 25 °C, 18 suspected single-pure morphologically identical Colletotrichum isolates were obtained and sequenced. Isolate SQZ9 was randomly selected and identified. Colonies on PDA were initially white, but gradually became pale brownish with a reverse side that was pale yellowish to pinkish. Aerial mycelia were grayish-white, dense, and cottony, with microsclerotia detected on some aging mycelia. The detected single-celled conidia (11.65-17.25 × 4.25-6.15 µm; n = 50) were fusiform to cylindrical with obtuse to slightly rounded ends. Appressoria were ovoid to clavate and medium brown. Setae were not observed. The morphological characteristics were similar to those of Colletotrichum spp. (Prihastuti et al. 2009; Weir et al. 2012). Initial BLAST searches of the GenBank database revealed the SQZ9 rDNA internal transcribed spacer region (OP389109, 566 bp), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (OP407730, 260 bp), chitin synthase (OP407731, 301 bp), calmodulin (OP407732, 712 bp), actin (OP407733, 282 bp), glutamine synthetase (OP407734, 909 bp), β-tublin (OP407735, 498 bp), and superoxide dismutase (OP407736, 396 bp) sequences were respectively 99%-100% similar to the C. siamense type strain JX010278, JX010019, JX009709, GQ856775, GQ856730, JX010100, JX010410, and JX010332 sequences (Carbone & Kohn 1999; Moriwaki & Tsukiboshi 2009; Stephenson et al. 1997). The SQZ9 identity was confirmed by constructing a phylogenetic tree combining all loci, which grouped the isolate and the C. siamense type strain in the same clade (Fig. 2). For pathogenicity tests, 15 healthy 2-year-old plants (3 plants per pot) were spray-inoculated with SQZ9 conidial suspension (1 × 105 conidia/mL) at 2 mL per plant. Same number of plants sprayed with water were used as control. This experiment was repeated twice. All plants were covered with clear plastic bags for 72 h to maintain high humidity and then placed in a greenhouse (29 °C, natural light, and 85% relative humidity). After six days, the inoculated leaves exhibited symptoms that were similar to those observed in the field, but the controls were symptomless. The same fungus was recovered from inoculated symptomatic leaves, and its identity was confirmed by sequencing and a phylogenetic analysis. This is the first report of C. siamense causing anthracnose on B. paridiformis in China. Future studies should assess the effectiveness of chemical and biological control measures for managing this disease.

Effect of Different Integrative Weed Management Tactics on Paddy (Oryza sativa L.) during kharif in terai Region of West Bengal

Background: Now a days chemical control measures alone develops resistance in different weed species. Integrative weed management techniques are more effective and sustainable than chemical management. Based on these facts, a field experiment was conducted during kharif, 2019 and 2020 at Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya to investigate the impact of integrative weed management treatments on growth attributes, yield attributes, yield, weed indices and economics of paddy. Methods: The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with four replications. In each replication, five integrated weed management treatments were done namely, pretilachlor + paddy weeder (P1), pyrazosulfuron followed by metsulfuron methyl + chlorimuron ethyl (P2), bispyribac sodium + paddy weeder (P3), completely no weed (P4) and No treatment (P5). Result: Among the chemical and integrative weed control options, bispyribac sodium + paddy weeder i.e., treatment P3 showed significantly better results than others in case of all the growth attributes and yield attributes except 1000-grain weight. Significantly higher grain yield than all other treatments were recorded in treatment P4 i.e., complete weed free (6.68 t ha-1) followed by treatment P3 i.e., bispyribac sodium + paddy weeder (6.54 t ha-1). Among all the treatments, weed indices like weed control index (80.17, 72.30 and 82.51% at 30, 45 and 60 DAT, respectively) and weed control efficiency (76.48, 79.01 and 80.79% at 30, 45 and 60 DAT, respectively) showed highest results on all the dates whereas weed persistence index at 90 DAT (0.91) and weed index (2.10%) were calculated lowest in treatment P3 i.e., bispyribac sodium + paddy weeder after treatment P4 i.e., completely no weed treatment. This study also indicated rice treated with P4 i.e., weed free showed highest gross return (₹116700 ha-1) and rice treated with P3 i.e., bispyribac sodium at 15 DAT + paddy weeder at 30 DAT showed highest net return (₹59269 ha-1) and benefit:cost (2.07).

Efficiency of agrotechnical and chemical measures in control of weeds in onion (Allium cepa L.) fields

In the scientific article, in the study of the efficiency of agrotechnical and chemical control measures against weeds in the maintenance of onion (Allium cepa L.) seedlings in the meadow gray soils of the Samarkand province, when the soil is plowed to a depth of 30-35 cm using a two-layer tube in the fall, 18-22 cm to the soil surface (plowing) soil density decreased by 0.06-0.09 g/cm3 in the tilled 0-30 cm layer compared to the treated options. porosity increased by 1.4%. water permeability was higher by 80.2-82.4 m3. When the soil is plowed to a depth of 30-35 cm, Select 120 KE herbicide is applied at the rates of 0.5-1.0 l/ha in the maintenance of onion seedlings (3-4 ginseng period), one-year weeds are 85.2-93.9 and 84.1 by -96.7%, perennials 67.7-81.4; 69.2-83.9% destroyed. It is stated that the phytosanitary conditions of the cultivated area will be improved, and the yield of commercial onions will be 73.6-74.4 tons/ha and high quality.

The Optimal Choice of Trap Type for the Recently Spreading Jewel Beetle Pests Lamprodila festiva and Agrilus sinuatus (Coleoptera, Buprestidae).

Two jewel beetle species native to Europe, the cypress jewel beetle, Lamprodila (Palmar, Ovalisia) festiva L. (Buprestidae, Coleoptera), and the sinuate pear tree borer, Agrilus sinuatus Olivier (Buprestidae, Coleoptera), are key pests of ornamental thuja and junipers and of orchard and ornamental rosaceous trees, respectively. Although chemical control measures are available, due to the beetles' small size, agility, and cryptic lifestyle at the larval stage, efficient tools for their detection and monitoring are missing. Consequently, by the time emerging jewel beetle adults are noticed, the trees are typically significantly damaged. Thus, the aim of this study was to initiate the development of monitoring traps. Transparent, light green, and purple sticky sheets and multifunnel traps were compared in field experiments in Hungary. Light green and transparent sticky traps caught more L. festiva and A. sinuatus jewel beetles than non-sticky multifunnel traps, regardless of the larger size of the colored surface of the funnel traps. Although light green sticky sheets turned out to be optimal for both species, using transparent sheets can reduce catches of non-target insects. The key to the effectiveness of sticky traps, despite their reduced suitability for quantitative comparisons, may lie in the behavioral responses of the beetles to the optical features of the traps.

Public acceptance and sustainability perceptions of food produced with chemical, digital and mechanical weed control measures

This study investigated public acceptance and perceptions of the sustainability of food produced with different weed control measures. An online survey with a within-subject design was conducted with 485 respondents from the French- and German-speaking parts of Switzerland. Acceptance of food produced using the investigated measures and social, economic and environmental sustainability perceptions were assessed for full-surface herbicide spraying, herbicide reduction (spot spraying, precise spraying) and herbicide-free mechanical technology (hoeing machine). The importance of food’s naturalness, chemophobia, perceptions of farmers and sociodemographic variables were also recorded. The results revealed changes in social, economic and environmental sustainability perceptions based on the weed control measures, indicating that laypeople assess the impacts of these measures based on their type (chemical, digital, mechanical). The amount of herbicide sprayed is relevant for people’s judgements, as well as the precise spraying that keeps crops intact. The use of hoeing machine is perceived to be the most sustainable, natural and acceptable compared to the other investigated measures. Overall, the findings suggest that communicating information on weed control measures, the quantity of herbicide applied and the precision of the spraying might help increase public acceptance of plant protection measures applied by farmers, promoting sustainability.

Interspecific competitive effects and annual differences in predation of Empoasca onukii (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) by wandering spiders.

Empoasca onukii Matsuda is an important pest widely distributed in tea areas in China, which greatly affects tea production and quality. The long-term use of chemical control measures will cause environmental pollution. To better utilize wandering spiders that have strong competitive effects on the predation of E. onukii, we conducted a path analysis between the populations of E. onukii and wandering spiders in 3 tea plantations in 2020 and 2021. The wandering spider species that had the greatest direct and indirect effects on the population of E. onukii were analyzed by the magnitude of the path coefficient. Then, a gray system analysis was conducted to determine the closeness of the populations of different wandering spiders to E. onukii by the magnitude of gray correlation coefficient. Finally, the competition coefficients were calculated to determine the competitiveness of wandering spiders. In addition, considering the influence of the number of E. onukii on the interspecific competition of wandering spiders, the gray correlation coefficient and competition coefficient were combined to derive the competition intensity index, which was used to analyze the competitiveness of wandering spiders in a comprehensive manner. The highest competition coefficients in 2020 and 2021 were found for Ebrechtella tricuspidata Fabricius (Araneae: Thomisidae) (X2, 0.5329) and Clubiona reichlini Fabricius (Araneae: Clubionidae) (X4, 0.8475), respectively. The magnitude of the competition intensity index showed that the most competitive wandering spider in 2020 and 2021 was E. tricuspidata (X2, 0.5692) and C. reichlini (X4, 0.8892), respectively. The least competitive spider in both years was Plexippus setipes Karsch (Araneae: Salticidae) (X7). The more competitive the wandering spider is, the closer it is to E. onukii in terms of numbers, and the more dominant it is in feeding on E. onukii. By reasonably protecting and utilizing the competitive E. tricuspidata (X2) and C. reichlini (X4), we can achieve sustainable and effective control of E. onukii.

Sheath Blight of Rice: A Review of Host Pathogen Interaction, Management Strategies and Future Prospects

This review article delves into the impact, epidemiology, and management of sheath blight disease in rice, caused by Rhizoctonia solani, which is a pernicious pathogen causing severe quality and production losses globally. Rice is a staple crop for almost two-thirds of the world’s population, and sheath blight disease significantly affects rice cultivation in many countries, causing substantial annual losses in grain yield. The article provides comprehensive insight into the biology of the pathogen, including its host range, symptoms, disease cycle, and factors influencing its severity. In particular, the pathogen’s virulence factors and the underlying mechanisms of its pathogenesis are explored in detail. The review also highlights the significant economic implications of sheath blight disease in rice and the consequent impact on food security and the livelihoods of farmers. Various management strategies, including chemical, cultural, and biological control measures, are discussed in this manuscript. These strategies offer potential solutions to mitigate the devastating effects of sheath blight disease on rice crops. In particular, the review emphasizes the importance of integrated pest management strategies that combine multiple control measures, including the use of resistant cultivars, fungicides, and cultural practices, to achieve long-term sustainable management of the disease. The manuscript concludes with recommendations for farmers, researchers, and policymakers working in agriculture sector to combat the disease’s threat and reduce crop losses. The findings of this review article can serve as a valuable resource for stakeholders in the rice production industry to enhance their understanding of sheath blight disease and develop effective management strategies to protect the rice crop's health and yield.

A Review on Disease Management in Millets

Millets, both major and minor, are important source of human diet. They are rich in proteins, carbohydrates, fat, fiber, micro nutrients including vitamins and minerals. Production of millets increase every year as they have high capacity to withstand biotic and abiotic stresses. However, in recent times, they are subjected to all type of bacterial, viral infections and fungal diseases. Blast, downy mildew, ergot, grain mold, smut, rust, bacterial leaf strike, bacterial leaf spot, Maize stripe virus (MStV-S), Maize streak virus, Maize mosaic virus (MMV-S) are common among all millets. Integrated crop management and pest control through agronomic cultural practices, use of resistant tolerant cultivars, chemical and biological control measures reduce the spread of diseases leading to high crop yield.

PLANT PROTECTION METHODS IN ORGANIC FARMING

Today, producers generally aim to increase product quality and diversify, but ultimately increase efficiency. On the other hand, when the negative effects of chemical pollution in nature is in consideration, the producer can’t harvest all of the produced crops, but they harvest the crops that aren’t consumed by diseases and pests. The increasing human movement and trade in the world in the last few hundred years has facilitated the transfer of harmful organisms from one geographical region to another. It is estimated that there are about 20 thousands potentially harmful organisms on the globe today. However, 5 thousands of these are known to be harmful to plants. In Turkey, 6 hundreds of these organisms cause economic damage. However, in 2011, according to the records of the Department of Phytosanitary and Quarantine in the General Directorate of Food and Control (GKGM), it was determined that there were around 470 harmful organisms in Turkey, and 350 of them had technical instructions and were combated. In other words, the number of harmful organisms that threat plant health is generally increasing. Even before there was no Ministry of Agriculture in Turkey, the fight against phylloxera started and the legislation and physical infrastructures were established due to the obligation to fight against pests. However, the last 100 years of pest control studies in plant production have revealed that the fight against harmful organisms is not sustainable when only chemical control measures are taken. Because faulty or excessive chemical applications sometimes cause irreversible damages to the ecosystems, cultivation areas, water sources, human health and food chains. For this reason, it is needed to include alternative control measures, such as biotechnical and biological controls, perhaps even more so, methods such as genetic control.

Optimizing Ozone Disinfection in Water Reuse: Controlling Bromate Formation and Enhancing Trace Organic Contaminant Oxidation.

The use of ozone/biofiltration advanced treatment has become more prevalent in recent years, with many utilities seeking an alternative to membrane/RO based treatment for water reuse. Ensuring efficient pathogen reduction while controlling disinfection byproducts and maximizing oxidation of trace organic contaminants remains a major barrier to implementing ozone in reuse applications. Navigating these challenges is imperative in order to allow for the more widespread application of ozonation. Here, we demonstrate the effectiveness of ozone for virus, coliform bacteria, and spore forming bacteria inactivation in unfiltered secondary effluent, all the while controlling the disinfection byproduct bromate. A greater than 6-log reduction of both male specific and somatic coliphages was seen at specific ozone doses as low as 0.75 O3:TOC. This study compared monochloramine and hydrogen peroxide as chemical bromate control measures in high bromide water (Br- = 0.35 ± 0.07 mg/L). On average, monochloramine and hydrogen peroxide resulted in an 80% and 36% decrease of bromate formation, respectively. Neither bromate control method had any appreciable impact on virus or coliform bacteria disinfection by ozone; however, the use of hydrogen peroxide would require a non-Ct disinfection framework. Maintaining ozone residual was shown to be critical for achieving disinfection of more resilient microorganisms, such as spore forming bacteria. While extremely effective at controlling bromate, monochloramine was shown to inhibit TrOC oxidation, whereas hydrogen peroxide enhanced TrOC oxidation.

Climate-Related Risk Modeling of Banana Xanthomonas Wilt Disease Incidence in the Cropland Area of Rwanda.

Banana Xanthomonas wilt (BXW) is a major threat to banana production in Rwanda, causing up to 100% yield loss. There are no biological or chemical control measures, and little is known about the potential direction and magnitude of its spread; hence, cultural control efforts are reactive rather than proactive. In this study, we assessed BXW risk under current and projected climates to guide early warning and control by applying the maximum entropy (Maxent) model on 1,022 georeferenced BXW datapoints and 20 environmental variables. We evaluated the significance of variables and mapped potential risk under current and future climates to assess spatial dynamics of the disease distribution. BXW occurrence was reliably predicted (mean validation AUC values ranging from 0.79 to 0.85). Precipitation of the coldest quarter, average maximum monthly temperature, annual precipitation, and elevation were the strongest predictors, which were responsible for 22.1, 13, 12.6, and 9.4% of the observed incidence variability, respectively, while mean temperature of the coldest quarter had the highest gain in isolation. Furthermore, the most susceptible regions (western, northern, and southern Rwanda) were characterized by elevation (1,350 to 2,000 m), annual precipitation (900 to 1,700 mm), and average temperature (14 to 20°C), among other variables, suggesting that a consistent, rainy, and warm climate is more favorable for BXW spread. Under the future climate, the risk was predicted to increase and spread to other regions. We conclude that climate change will likely exacerbate BXW-related losses of banana land area and yield under the influence of temperature and moisture. Our findings support evidence-based targeting of extension service delivery to farmers and national early warning for timely action.