Chemical Control Measures Research Articles

Identification of plant hormones and candidate hub genes regulating flag leaf senescence in wheat response to water deficit stress at the grain-filling stage.

In order to clarify the transcriptional regulatory network and physiological mechanisms governing leaf senescence response to drought stress in wheat, experiments were performed using two wheat varieties with contrasting drought tolerance: Fu287 (F287, a drought‐sensitive genotype) and Shannong20 (SN20, a drought‐resistant genotype). The latter has higher SPAD values, salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), zeatin (Z), zeatin riboside (ZR), and gibberellin (GA 3) content as well as higher expression levels of Cu/Zn‐SOD, Mn‐SOD, Fe‐SOD,POD,CAT, and APX under various water deficit conditions. Conjoint analysis of physiological and biochemical indicators and transcriptome data by weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA) in the present study provides a useful genomic and molecular resource for studying drought adaptation in wheat. The flag leaf senescence process was changed by altering the concentration of phytohormones. SA, JA, abscisic acid (ABA), Z, ZR, and GA 3 coordinate with each other to control leaf senescence and plant adaptation under drought stress. Further, the leaf senescence process was divided into two phases: the persistence phase and the rapid loss phase. Shorter Chltotal (duration of the flag leaf being photosynthetically active), shorter Chlper (persistence phase), reduced M (inflection point cumulative temperature when senescence rate is the maximum), decreased r max (the maximum senescence rate), larger r 0 (the initial senescence rate), and increased r aver (the average senescence rate) were slightly associated with low grain mass. We speculated that extending the period of the persistence phase by cultivation or chemical control measures could further increase the drought survivability and productivity of wheat.

Determination of the Critical Period of Cyper-diforce® Treatment against Arthropod fauna and Productivity of Watermelon

Watermelon has been reported to be vulnerable to insect pest pressure throughout its growth stages with a resultant indiscriminate calendar-based insecticide application (of up to 25 sprays/season in the study area), with its attendant consequences. In order to recommend the crop growth period(s) to effect chemical control measures that will give better return on investment, field trials were set-up in the early- and late-cropping seasons of 2016 and 2017. Forty, 5m long x 8m wide plots were demarcated in randomized complete block design in 4 replications. Treatments were applications of 0.5% Cyper-diforce® (Cypermethrin 30g/L + Dimethoate 250g/L) at seedling, mid-vegetative, mid-flowering, mid-fruiting stages and their combinations. Unsprayed plots served as control. Pest and beneficial arthropod density, leaf injury, crop growth and yield data were collected and subjected to variance analysis and significantly different means were separated by SNK at 5% level of probability. Cost:benefit ratios of the various treatments was also computed. Findings indicate that, leaf-eating beetles had the highest impact on stand survival and yield. Insect pest density and damage generally decreased with increase in frequency of insecticide application and treatment differences were significant (p< 0.05) except in the case of A. gossypii in the late-sown crop of 2017. Plot sprayed at seedling + vegetative + fruiting stages gave the highest fruit yield and return on investment. It is therefore suggested that, for economic production of watermelon, the crop should not be sprayed during the flowering period.

Genotypic and phenotypic characterization of Phytophthora infestans populations from potato in Turkey

Late blight disease caused by Phytophthora infestans is an important yield reducing, prolific, and destructive pathogen of Solanaceae family members, mainly tomato and potato. P. infestans may cause entire crop loss unless controlled by chemical and cultural control measures. The Cukurova region of Turkey is one of the main potato-producing areas of Turkey and climatic conditions incite P. infestans to develop and cause severe yield losses in the region. A total of 186 isolates of P. infestans were obtained through survey studies conducted during the 2013–2014 potato-growing seasons in the Cukurova region comprised of Hatay, Adana and Mersin provinces in Turkey. All the isolates were analyzed for their metalaxyl resistance, mating type, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotype and allozyme genotype diversity. P. infestans isolates were metalaxyl sensitive and both mating types were found in the potato-growing areas of the Cukurova region. The A1 mating type was more common (68.8%) than A2 (22.5%) and 8.6% of the P. infestans isolates were self-compatible. mtDNA haplotypes were diverse in the region and Ia was the most common type. Allozyme analyses revealed that the US-1 (Gpi 86/100) and US-6 (Gpi 100/100) patterns were prevalent in the potato-growing areas of the Cukurova region. This study contains the first data on molecular and biochemical characterization of potato late blight in Turkey.

Global Status of Phytoplasma Diseases in Vegetable Crops.

The presence of phytoplasmas and their associated diseases is an emerging threat to vegetable production which leads to severe yield losses worldwide. Phytoplasmas are phloem-limited pleomorphic bacteria lacking the cell wall, mainly transmitted through leafhoppers but also by plant propagation materials and seeds. Phytoplasma diseases of vegetable crops are characterized by symptoms such as little leaves, phyllody, flower virescence, big buds, and witches’ brooms. Phytoplasmas enclosed in at least sixteen different ribosomal groups infecting vegetable crops have been reported thus far across the world. The aster yellows phytoplasma group (16SrI) is presently the prevalent, followed by the peanut witches’ broom (16SrII). Wide and overlapping crop and non-crop host ranges of phytoplasmas, polyphagous insect vectors, limited availability of resistance sources and unavailability of environmentally safe chemical control measures lead to an arduous effort in the management of these diseases. The most feasible control of vegetable phytoplasma diseases is a consequence of the development and implementation of integrated disease management programs. The availability of molecular tools for phytoplasma identification at the strain level greatly facilitated this kind of approach. It is moreover essential to understand the molecular basis of phytoplasma-vector interaction, epidemiology and other factors involved in disease development in order to reduce the disease outbreaks. Information on the knowledge about the most widespread phytoplasma diseases in vegetable crops is reviewed here in a comprehensive manner.

Mathematical Modeling of Yellow Fever Transmission Dynamics with Multiple Control Measures

Yellow-fever disease remains endemic in some parts of the world despite the availability of a potent vaccine and effective treatment for the disease. This necessitates continuous research to possibly eradicate the spread of the disease and its attendant burden. Consequently, a deterministicmodel for Yellow-fever disease transmission dynamics within the human and vector population is considered. The model equilibrium solutions are obtained while the criteria for their existence and stability are investigated. The model is solved numerically using the forth order Runge- Kunta scheme and the results are simulated for different scenarios of interest. Findings from the simulations show that the disease will continue to be prevalent in our society (no matter how small) as long as the immunity conferred by the available vaccine is not lifelong and the Yellowfever infected mosquitoes continue to have unhindered access to humans. Thus, justifying the wisdom behind the practice of continuous vaccination and the use of mosquito net in areas of high Yellow-fever endemicity. However, it was equally found that the magnitude of the Yellowfever outbreak can be remarkably reduced to a negligible level with the adoption of chemical or biological control measures which ensure that only mosquitoes with minimal biting tendency thrive in the environment.

Unravelling the Complex Genetics of Karnal Bunt (Tilletia indica) Resistance in Common Wheat (Triticum aestivum) by Genetic Linkage and Genome-Wide Association Analyses.

Karnal bunt caused by Tilletia indica Mitra [syn. Neovossia indica (Mitra) Mundkur] is a significant biosecurity concern for wheat-exporting countries that are free of the disease. It is a seed-, soil-and air-borne disease with no effective chemical control measures. The current study used data from multi-year field experiments of two bi-parental populations and a genome-wide association (GWA) mapping panel to unravel the genetic basis for resistance in common wheat. Broad-sense heritability for Karnal bunt resistance in the populations varied from 0.52 in the WH542×HD29 population, to 0.61 in the WH542×W485 cross and 0.71 in a GWAS panel. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis with seven years of phenotypic data identified a major locus on chromosome 3B (R2 = 27.8%) and a minor locus on chromosome 1A (R2 = 12.2%), in the WH542×HD29 population, with both parents contributing the high-value alleles. A major locus (R2 = 27.8%) and seven minor loci (R2 = 4.4–15.8%) were detected in the WH542×W485 population. GWA mapping validated QTL regions in the bi-parent populations, but also identified novel loci not previously associated with Karnal bunt resistance. Meta-QTL analysis aligned the results from this study with those reported in wheat over the last two decades. Two major clusters were detected, the first on chromosome 4B, which clustered with Qkb.ksu-4B, QKb.cimmyt-4BL, Qkb.cim-4BL, and the second on chromosome 3B, which clustered with Qkb.cnl-3B, QKb.cimmyt-3BS and Qkb.cim-3BS1. The results provide definitive chromosomal assignments for QTL/genes controlling Karnal bunt resistance in common wheat, and will be useful in pre-emptive breeding against the pathogen in wheat-producing areas that are free of the disease.

PM2.5 Pollution in Xingtai, China: Chemical Characteristics, Source Apportionment, and Emission Control Measures

Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) and its surrounding areas are one of the most polluted regions in China. Xingtai, as a heavy industrial city of BTH and its surrounding areas, has been experiencing a severe PM2.5 pollution in recent years, characterized by extremely high concentrations of PM2.5. In 2014, PM2.5 mass concentrations monitored by online instruments in urban areas of Xingtai were 116, 77, 128, and 200 µg m−3 in spring, summer, autumn and winter, respectively, with annually average concentrations of 130 µg m−3 exhibiting 3.7 times higher than National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) value for PM2.5 (35 µg m−3). To identify PM2.5 emission sources, ambient PM2.5 samples were collected during both cold and warm periods in 2014 in urban areas of Xingtai. Organic carbon (OC), sulfate, nitrate, ammonium and elemental carbon (EC) were the dominant components of PM2.5, accounting for 13%, 11%, 12%, 11% and 8% in the cold period, respectively, and 11%, 12%, 9%, 6%, and 5% in the warm period, respectively. Source apportionment results indicated that coal combustion (24.4%) was the largest PM2.5 emission source, followed by secondary sulfate (22.2%), secondary nitrate (18.4%), vehicle exhaust dust (12.4%), fugitive dust (9.7%), construction dust (5.5%), soil dust (3.4%) and metallurgy dust (1.6%). Based on PM2.5 source apportionment results, some emission control measures, such as replacing bulk coal with clean energy sources, controlling coal consumption by coal-fired boiler upgrades, halting operations of unlicensed small polluters, and controlling fugitive and VOCs emission, were proposed to be implemented in order to improve Xingtai’s ambient air quality.

Efficacy of chemical and biological slug control measures in response to watering and earthworms

The Spanish Slug (Arion vulgaris, formerly known as Arion lusitanicus) is an invasive agricultural and horticultural pest species that causes great damages all over Europe. Numerous options to control this slug are on the market; among the most commonly used are slug pellets containing the active ingredients metaldehyde or iron-III-phosphate and the application of parasitic nematodes (Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita). These control measures potentially also affect non-target organisms like earthworms (Lumbricidae), which themselves can directly and/or indirectly alter a plant’s susceptibility against slug herbivory. Also, the efficacy of slug control treatments is expected to be influenced by watering. In a greenhouse experiment we investigated the influence of daily watering vs. every third day watering on slug control efficacy and potential interactions with earthworms. We found significant interactions between watering and slug control efficacy. Slug herbivory and biomass decreased after application of slug pellets; metaldehyde was more effective under less frequent watering while iron-III-phosphate was unaffected by watering. Parasitic nematodes had no effect on slug herbivory and biomass production. Earthworm activity was reduced with less frequent watering but did not interact with slug control. We conclude that watering patterns should be considered when choosing slug control measures.

Biology and management of the invasive weed Ageratina adenophora (Asteraceae): current state of knowledge and future research needs

SummaryBiological invasion is increasing worldwide and the management of invasive species is becoming an important priority for vegetation managers. Success of invasive species management depends on a thorough understanding of the biology of the organism in question and the effectiveness of current management efforts, in order to identify the best practices for management improvement. In this review, we synthesised current biological knowledge of a noxious invasive weed Ageratina adenophora to identify knowledge gaps and assessed management efforts to identify best practices. Finally, we proposed some priority areas for future research to fill knowledge gaps and improve management. Our analysis showed that A. adenophora has already invaded 40 countries, mainly in Asia, Oceania, Africa and Europe. Phenotypic plasticity, allelopathic interference and invasion‐mediated changes in the soil microbial community are the proposed mechanisms that facilitate rapid spread of this weed. However, allelopathy as a mechanism of invasion success of this weed has not been supported by ecologically meaningful experiments. Though mechanical, chemical and biological control measures have been used, their success remains limited and the weed continues to spread in new regions. Among seven biological control agents examined to date, gall fly (Procecidochares utilis) and leaf spot fungus (Passalora ageratinae) have been effective in limited areas to suppress growth of this weed. Some perennial native grasses (e.g. Setaria sphacellata and Lolium perenne) have shown potential to competitively suppress A. adenophora. In conclusion, understanding the invasion mechanisms, exploring further to identify effective biological control agents, combined with approaches of ecological restoration, could help in the management of this weed.

Integrated Management of South American Tomato Leaf Miner [Tuta Absoluta (Meyrick)]: A Review

Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) is one of the newly introduced insect pest of tomato in Nepal, which was first detected by Entomology Division, Nepal Agricultural Research Council from a commercial tomato grower of Balaju, Kathmandu on 16th May 2016. The pest occurs all-round the year within the temperature range of 20-27° C, and therefore, the environment of mid hills and plains of Nepal is suitable for sustaining the pest except during the winter season. T. absoluta pest mainly attacks Solanaceous crops, especially evident in tomato, however, it is also found in non-solanaceous crops. Larva of the pest is devastating causing damage in fruit, leaves and stem, and reducing tomato production by 80-100% in open field as well as in plastic house, if no control measures are carried out. Chemicals, like Spinosad, Chlorantraniliprole and Novaluron are recommended in Nepal for controlling this pest, but studies have revealed the inefficacy of chemical control measures due to wide host range, faster reproducing ability and development of pesticide resistance. Therefore, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) with mass trapping of the pest using pheromone trap, biological control by predator, parasitoid, entomopathogenic microbes, including cultural practices are imperative for the effective control of this pest.

Bionomics and Management of Maize Weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky

The maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera:Curculionidae) is an important pest of maize in storage in term of losses caused in food quality and quantity in Nepal. Attempt made to review bionomics and management practices of this pest gleaning published literatures/papers on national and international journals, proceedings, reports, newsletter and books. The paper discusses on nomenclature, morphology, distribution, biology and ecology of maize weevil and provides prospect of using various physical, sanitary, cultural, botanical, biological and chemical control measures to manage weevil. This information is useful to personnel involved on agricultural research and development for developing location specific integrated pest management approach of this pest. Finally, it also shows importance of farmers’ awareness on pest biology and ecology, appropriate maize harvesting time, storage structures and post-harvest handling practices to reduce losses in maize storage.

ФАКТОРИ ПОШИРЕННЯ AMBROSIA ARTEMISIFOLIA L. (ASTERACEAE DUMORT.) НА ТЕРИТОРІЇ М. ЛУЦЬКА (ВОЛИНСЬКА ОБЛАСТЬ)

The distribution of the plant quarantine species – Ambrosia artemisifolia L. ( Asteraceae ) in Lutsk city has been investigated, which grows in territories with different ecological conditions was investigated: on railroad, near rivers, landfills, cultivated fields, residential buildings. Primary distribution centers were marked near railway stations and roadside lanes of the road. The first massive appearance of A. artemisifolia on the territory of the city are observed at the end of April – the beginning of May, the flowering begins in mid-August and lasts until October. The basic localities were indentified and the map of A . artemisifolia distribution on the territory was compiled. There are five main areas of distribution of A. artemisifolia within the city: three areas of industrial units (northern, southern and eastern), railway area and area of building. The largest area of distribution of A. artemisifolia in the city is the area of the building, and the main centers of growth with the highest density fall into the railway area and the area of the southern industrial place. It was found that the distribution of A . artemisifolia deep into the city takes place from the railway and industrial areas as well, as from the entry roads – the streets Kovelska, Volodymyrska and Lvivska. It was hypothesis established that the successful area capture by this species within the city is connected with the environmental preferences of A . artemisifolia : in places of distribution there is a high level of illumination of the territory, an increased amount of exchangeable Са +, К + , Nа + in the soil, it neutral or light-grained soil pH reaction, violation of vegetation density, due to which the competitiveness of the investigated species and its further maintenance in phytocoenoses increases. Usage of only mechanical (periodic abatement) methods of combating with this species do not give positive results, so it is recommended that chemical and biological control measures be used in accessible places, as well as the introduction of legal aspects and raising public awareness of the harmfulness of this species.

Spillover of Drosophila suzukii between noncrop and crop areas: implications for pest management

Abstract Semi‐natural areas may promote Drosophila suzukii population dynamics by providing alternative host resources, overwintering habitats and refuge areas during cold, warm or dry periods, or when crops are sprayed with insecticides. In the present study, we investigated the spillover of D. suzukii between noncrop and crop areas using sweet cherry as a model crop. We sampled the pest at different heights and at different distances from the forest, from the the winter dormancy stage to the post‐harvest period. Drosophila suzukii activity‐density in the orchards declined strongly with increasing distance from the forest margin and with increasing height above the ground. The observed patterns varied over the crop phenological development stages, indicating that the pest used multiple habitats throughout the year. When the host plant was not suitable for reproduction, D. suzukii preferred to fly closer to the forest margin and at lower heights. When the host plant was suitable (i.e. ripe cherries), D. suzukii further colonized the orchards both horizontally and vertically, exploring the canopy volume more in depth. The results of the present study will contribute to the development of more effective and practical approaches for protecting fruit crops from D. suzukii and improving chemical, physical or mechanical control measures.

Prevention and Control Strategies to Counter Zika Virus, a Special Focus on Intervention Approaches against Vector Mosquitoes-Current Updates.

Zika virus (ZIKV) is the most recent intruder that acquired the status of global threat creating panic and frightening situation to public owing to its rapid spread, attaining higher virulence and causing complex clinical manifestations including microcephaly in newborns and Guillain Barré Syndrome. Alike other flaviviruses, the principal mode of ZIKV transmission is by mosquitoes. Advances in research have provided reliable diagnostics for detecting ZIKV infection, while several drug/therapeutic targets and vaccine candidates have been identified recently. Despite these progresses, currently there is neither any effective drug nor any vaccine available against ZIKV. Under such circumstances and to tackle the problem at large, control measures of which mosquito population control need to be strengthened following appropriate mechanical, chemical, biological and genetic control measures. Apart from this, several other known modes of ZIKV transmission which have gained importance in recent past such as intrauterine, sexual intercourse, and blood-borne spread need to be checked and kept under control by adopting appropriate precautions and utmost care during sexual intercourse, blood transfusion and organ transplantation. The virus inactivation by pasteurization, detergents, chemicals, and filtration can effectively reduce viral load in plasma-derived medicinal products. Added to this, strengthening of the surveillance and monitoring of ZIKV as well as avoiding travel to Zika infected areas would aid in keeping viral infection under check. Here, we discuss the salient advances in the prevention and control strategies to combat ZIKV with a focus on highlighting various intervention approaches against the vector mosquitoes of this viral pathogen along with presenting an overview regarding human intervention measures to counter other modes of ZIKV transmission and spread. Additionally, owing to the success of vaccines for a number of infections globally, a separate section dealing with advances in ZIKV vaccines and transmission blocking vaccines has also been included.

Cost analysis of artificial and natural oak regeneration in selected forest districts

Abstract The aim of the paper is to present the results of a cost analysis for artificial and natural oak regeneration in selected forest districts in Poland. This research was conducted in six forest districts with a high share of natural oak regeneration, located in south-western and central Poland. Altogether 65 plots with artificial and 35 plots with natural regeneration were analysed based on the extent of silvicultural (weeding, blank-filling and pre-commercial thinning) and protective measures (chemical and mechanical wildlife damage control, fencing) performed on the regenerated areas for the six years following forest regeneration. An intensity ratio (i.e., a proportion of the area of measures to the area of forest regeneration) as well as the mean unit costs of the measures and mean costs of the measures per hectare of forest regeneration were calculated. The results show that the total costs of silvicultural and protective measures in natural oak regeneration were considerably lower as compared to artificial regeneration. The cumulative average costs during 6 years (without costs of fencing) amounted to 1216 PLN/ ha and 6543 PLN/ha for natural and artificial regeneration respectively. Lower costs of natural oak regeneration resulted from the complete lack of expenditures on seedlings and planting, a considerably lower weeding intensity, scarce blank-filling, and the absence of mechanical wildlife damage control measures. Nonetheless, natural regeneration generated higher costs for pre-commercial thinning due to its higher intensity, earlier initiation, and higher unit costs compared to artificial regeneration, as well as chemical wildlife damage control measures, for which the unit costs were higher by over 50%. However, the higher costs of pre-commercial thinning and chemical control measures did not significantly affect the measurable financial benefits of natural regeneration. In conclusion, the matter of financial viability of natural oak regeneration should be explored in more detail over longer time spans.

Pest categorisation of Elsinoë fawcettii and E.australis.

The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Elsinoë fawcettii and E. australis, the causal agents of citrus scab diseases, for the EU. The identities of the pests are well‐established and reliable methods exist for their detection/identification. The pests are listed in Annex IIAI of Directive 2000/29/EC as Elsinoë spp. and are not known to occur in the EU. Species and hybrids of citrus (Family Rutaceae) are affected by E. fawcettii and E. australis, with the latter having a more restricted host range and geographical distribution compared to the former. The status of Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) as a host of E. australis is uncertain. The pests could potentially enter the EU on host plants for planting and fruit originating in infested Third countries. The current distribution of the pests, climate matching and the use of irrigation in the EU citrus‐growing areas suggest that the pests could establish and spread in the EU citrus‐growing areas. Uncertainty exists on whether cultural practices and control methods, currently applied in the EU, would prevent the establishment of the pests. In the infested areas, the pests cause scab pustules on host leaves and fruit resulting in yield/quality losses. It is expected that the introduction and spread of the pests in the EU could impact citrus production. Cultural practices and chemical control measures may reduce the inoculum sources and to some extent the disease incidence, but they cannot eliminate the pests. Phytosanitary measures are available to mitigate the risk of introduction and spread of the pests in the EU. E. fawcettii and E. australis meet all the criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as potential Union quarantine pests. As those pests are not known to occur in the EU, this criterion to consider them as Union regulated non‐quarantine pests is not met.

Bruchid pest management in pulses: past practices, present status and use of modern breeding tools for development of resistant varieties

AbstractBruchids (Callosobruchus spp.) are recognised as the most detrimental storage pest of pulses, especially in the tropics and subtropics. They invade matured pods as well as seeds during storage and, to some extent, farming fields, in turn reducing the net yield of the crops. Several approaches including cultural, biological, physical and chemical control measures have been implemented with the aim of managing these pests, but none of these have been successful across time and space. Recently, transgenic‐ and marker‐assisted breeding approaches have appeared as promising tools for the successful management of these pests. Although some efforts have been made on the development of bruchid‐resistant transgenic crops, the cultivars developed are yet to be commercialised worldwide because of various limitations. In contrast, marker‐assisted breeding involving the identification of DNA‐based markers linked to host resistance against bruchids, have shown some success in the quest for the development of bruchid‐resistant cultivar(s). DNA markers linked to bruchid resistance have been identified in various grain legumes, particularly in the genus Vigna, and include mung bean (Vigna radiata), azuki bean (Vigna angularis), rice bean (Vigna umbellata), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and black gram (Vigna mungo). After their validation in different genetic backgrounds, these markers could be utilised for marker‐assisted selection and breeding ventures to protect pulse crops. The present study discusses the pros and cons of different approaches for the successful management of the bruchid pests in pulses. The review also highlights about the integrative approach aided with molecular interventions to improve productivity by avoiding losses incurred due to bruchids, and to attain sustainable yields for major pulse crops.

THE EFFECTS OF APPLYING BIOLOGICAL CONTROL MEASURES IN GREENHOUSE CULTIVATION ON THE PRODUCTION EFFICIENCY IN KAŞ DISTRICT OF ANTALYA PROVINCE, TURKEY

Nowadays, in vegetable production, biological pest control practices are recommended to prevent human health and environmental damage even though there has been lacking of economic information. Therefore, the study examined the economic dimension of biological and chemical control measure and aimed to reveal the link between production efficiency and biological pest control practice. Research data were collected from randomly selected 51 farms implemented chemical pest control practice, and 52 farms implemented biological pest control practice by using questionnaire. Cluster analysis was performed to select similar farms from two different groups. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) was used to calculate the efficiency measures such as technical efficiency, allocative efficiency and economic efficiency. Research results showed that farms implemented in biological pest control in pepper production had better technical efficiency and economic efficiency scores comparing to tomato ones, while the reverse was the case for allocative scores. Farms focused only pepper production, implemented biological pest control had better technical efficiency scores compared to chemical ones. Research results also showed that biological pest control in tomato was excessive net profit, biological control costs and pesticide use in greenhouse, while the reverse was the case for pepper. Farmers would increase their technical efficiency if they improve their skills via participating the extension and training programs. Keywords: greenhouse cultivation, biological pest control, production efficiency, Antalya, DEA

Constraints in adoption of integrated pest management practices by cotton growers in Nimar region of Madhya Pradesh

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a pest management system that in the context of the associated environment and the population dynamics of the pest species, utilizes all suitable techniques and methods in as compatible manner as possible and maintain the pest population at level below these causing economic injury. This approach has been globally accepted for achieving sustainability in agriculture and maintaining the agro-eco-system. Cotton being a major commercial crop of the Nimar region in Madhya Pradesh and keeping in view the importance of IPM to manage the insects and pests of cotton crop, the present study was carried out to assess the present status of adoption of IPM practices by cotton growers in Barwani district of Nimar region. The multistage sampling technique was employed to select 140 respondents from seven blocks of the district for present study. The perusal of data indicated that the majority of respondents adopted recommended chemical control measure (95.33%). The great majority of the farmers are using chemicals to protect their cotton crop along with other cultural practices like grazing by sheep and goat in cotton field after last picking (79.16%), use of certified seed (85.66%) and use of recommended dose of fertilizers (66.33%). The findings also indicated that the majority of cotton growers faced problems that inadequacy of labours and high wage rate for undertaking the manual work like handpicking (87.85%), adoption of biological control measures and mechanical control (82.14%). The lack of knowledge about yellow sticky traps for control of white fly (74.28%), lack of knowledge about use of pheromone trap (82.14%), lack of knowledge about intercropping of cotton with cowpea/maize/lady finger as trap crop (73.57%), lack of knowledge about use of bio-agent (58.57%) and lack of knowledge about procedure of preparing extract of neem seed kernel (52.14%) were the major constraints in adoption of IPM programme.

Multi-Phyto Beneficial Mechanisms and Applications of Serratia spp.

Plant diseases generate substantial threat to agriculture. Bacterial species with the ability to prevent these diseases are expected to have promises as natural alternative to chemical control measures. The bacteria of the genus Serratiahave been reported to have bothrhizospheric and endophytic association with protective effect to various plants. Among the various species, S. marcescens, S. plymuthica, S. rubidaea and S. liquefaciens have been extensively studied for their anti-phytopathogenic mechanisms. These involve production of antibiotics such as prodiogisin, pyrrolnitrin and oomycidin and also the production of lytic enzymes such as chitinases. In addition to this, they are also known for their ability for the induction of induced systemic resistance, which indirectly make the plant competent towards various pathogens. Serratia spp. are also known for their accumulation of other plant beneficial features like indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase activity and phosphate solubilization. Hence the multi-beneficial mechanisms of Serratia spp. towards plants is highly impressive and is expected to have increasing agricultural applications. Current review is designed to provide insight into plant beneficial promises of Serratia spp.