Pest Complex Research Articles

Integration of Some Components of Pest Management against Pod Pest Complex on Early Maturing Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.

Integration of Some Components of Pest Management against Pod Pest Complex on Early Maturing Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.

Evaluation of Insecticides against Pest Complex of Cashew

Evaluation of Insecticides against Pest Complex of Cashew

Forest Pathology Pattern of Forest Stands of the Green Belt of Astana

The article presents the results of researches on an estimation of a forest pathology pattern of the Astana green belt stands. For the first time, a complex of insect pests and entomophages is being specified in the Astana green belt stands. The biological effectiveness of biopreparations and insecticides against harmful insects in the system of protective measures and the forest pathology pattern of stands have been estimated. There has been determined the percentage of dominance of the main insect pests, such as birch leaf miner (Fenusa pumila Kl.), spruce bud scale (Physokermes hemicryphus (Dalm.), red spider (Paratetranychus ununguis Jac.), as well as pine web-spinning sawfly (Acantholyda posticalis Mats.) that periodically create a chronic focus and the entomophages: spider (Araneus diadematus Cl.), common lacewing (Chrysoperla carnea), labirynth agelena (Ageiena labyrinthica (Cl.). Bitoxibacillinum biopreparation showed high biological efficiency against birch leaf miner and the akkabelek biopreparation-against butterfly caterpillars. The tested systemic insecticide Aktara 250 v.d.g. against birch leaf miners showed good biological efficiency.

Behavioral Responses of Pityophthorus juglandis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) to Volatiles of Black Walnut and Geosmithia morbida (Ascomycota: Hypocreales: Bionectriaceae), the Causal Agent of Thousand Cankers Disease.

Thousand cankers disease (TCD) is a pest complex formed by the association of the walnut twig beetle (WTB), Pityophthorus juglandis Blackman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), with the fungal pathogen Geosmithia morbida Kolařík, Freeland, Utley and Tisserat (Ascomycota: Hypocreales: Bionectriaceae). Current monitoring and detection efforts for WTB rely on a pheromone lure that is effective over a limited distance while plant- and fungal-derived volatiles that may facilitate host location remain poorly understood. In this study, we test the hypothesis that adult beetles are attracted to volatiles of black walnut, Juglans nigra L. (Juglandaceae), and the pathogen, G. morbida. We measured the response of beetles to head-space volatiles collected from leaves and stems of 12 genotypes of black walnut and found genotypic variation in the attractiveness of host trees to adult WTB. Volatile profiles of the most attractive genotypes contained more α-pinene and β-pinene, and adult beetles were attracted to both of these compounds in olfactometer bioassays. In bioassays, we also demonstrated that adult WTB are attracted to volatiles of G. morbida. These findings suggest that, in addition to the aggregation pheromone, dispersing WTB potentially use host plant and fungal volatiles to locate suitable larval hosts. Finally, we conducted a field experiment to determine the extent to which ethanol, a common attractant for bark beetles, and limonene, a known bark beetle repellent, influence the behavior of adult WTB to pheromone-baited traps. Although ethanol did not increase trap capture, WTB were repelled by limonene, suggesting that this compound could be used to manipulate and manage WTB populations.

Pest complex, biology and population dynamics of insect pests of ginger in northeast India

Insect pests are one of the most important constraints in the cultivation of ginger, Zingiber officinale (Rosc.) in Meghalaya. Although, ginger is a important cash crop in Meghalaya, the detailed information on pest complex of ginger and their population dynamics is lacking, which is crucial to formulate effective IPM strategies. Thus, a field experiment was conducted during 2013–2014 to study the ginger pest complex, their biology, and population dynamics. The rhizome fly (Mimegralla coeruleifrons complex), shoot borer (Conogethes (=Dichocrocis) punctiferalis), rhizome mealy bug (Formicoccocus polysperes), white grub (Holotrichia spp.), rhizome weevil (Prodioctes haematicus) were recorded as pests. In addition, infestation of rhizome scale (Aspidiotus hartii) and termite (Odontotermes obesus) were also observed at the time of harvesting. Weather parameters, particularly temperature and rainfall were found to have significant impact on pest populations.

Pest complex and population dynamics of major insect pests in soybean

Pest complex and population dynamics of major insect pests in soybean

Improvement of insecticide range for sugar beet pest control

Stages of formation and improvement of insecticide range against a complex of sugar beet pests are discussed, beginning from the first highly toxic inorganic preparations against Curculionidae to energy-efficient and ecologically safe insecticides of 3rd-4th classes of danger to mammals. It is shown that the basic ways of optimisation of insecticide range are working out new preparative forms, such as water-dispersible granules, water-soluble and suspension concentrates, and also insecticides from new chemical classes with small norms of application and with preservation of high biological efficiency against main sugar beet pests.

Dissipation Dynamics and Risk Assessment of Thiacloprid Residues in Chilli Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) and Soil using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

The dissipation of thiacloprid (Alanto 240 SC) in fresh, dry chilli pepper and soil is reported. The residues in fresh and dry chilli peppers reached below the quantitation limit of 0.01 mg kg−1 after 15th and 21st d respectively of application of thiacloprid at 63 and 126 g a.i. ha−1. The residue magnified by 1.56 to 1.88 times on sun drying of fresh chilli peppers, necessitating study on its residue dynamics at different processing steps. Half-lives of thiacloprid at lower and higher doses of application were 3.4 and 4.3 d for fresh chilli peppers, and 2.7 and 3.8 d in the case of dry chilli peppers. The corresponding waiting periods were 10.3 and 16.0 d on fresh chilli peppers and 7.7 and 15.9 d in dry chilli peppers. The residue in soil reached below LOQ after 10th and 15th day, registering a half-life of 2.49 and 2.52 d respectively at the two doses. The risk assessment showed TMRC values on 0 d at 0.825 and 1.635 μg person−1 d−1 at the lower and higher doses respectively on fresh chilli peppers, whereas dry chilli peppers showed 0.354 and 0.720 μg person−1 d−1. The thiacloprid applied at the lower and higher doses to chilli pepper did not pose any risk to humans, even on the day of application. It can thus be incorporated in integrated management of pest complex in chilli.

Efficacy of ready mix formulation of spirotetramat 120 + imidacloprid 120: 240 sc against sucking pest complex of Brinjal

Field experiments were conducted during pre-kharif season of 2011 and 2012 at University Experimental Farm, Unit C, Kalyani, West Bengal to study the efficacy of a ready mix formulation of spirotetramat 120 + imidacloprid 120: 240 SC at three combination doses (i.e., 45+45 g a.i./ha, 60+60 g a.i./ha and 75+75 g a.i./ha) against the jassid, whitefly and red spider mite. Six standard checks viz., spirotetramat 150 OD @ 75 g a.i./ha, imidacloprid 200SL @ 75 g a.i./ha, dicofol 18.5% EC @185 g a.i./ha, oxydemeton methyl 25 EC @ 250 g a.i./ha, dimethoate 30 EC @300 g a.i./ha and thiamethoxam 25 WG @ 25 g a.i./ha along with a untreated check were also evaluated. The study revealed that the combination of spirotetramat 120 + imidacloprid 120: 240 SC @ 75+75 g a.i./ha was the best treatment in terms of minimum pest population as well as maximum yield.

Field Evaluation of Advanced Cotton Genotypes Against Insect Pest Complex in Agro-Climatic Conditions of Tandojam, Sindh

Field Evaluation of Advanced Cotton Genotypes Against Insect Pest Complex in Agro-Climatic Conditions of Tandojam, Sindh

Evaluation of various management modules against insectpest complex of blackgram and greengram

An investigation was carried out for the evaluation of various IPM modules against pest complex of greengram and blackgram, at GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar. Five IPM modules were applied under field conditions, consisting of seed treatment with imidacloprid 600FS @ 5ml/kg + Trichoderma 4 g/kg, NSKE 5% or neem based formulation 30–40 DAS and yellow sticking traps @ 100/ha as common practices, whereas the chemical application (Novaluron 1 ml/l, Triazophos 0.04%, Indoxacarb 15.8 EC 250 ml/ha and Acephate 500 g/ha) at 45–50 days after sowing varied in all modules. Higher effectiveness was observed in module 1 (seed treatment with imidacloprid 600FS @ 5ml/kg + Trichoderma 4 g/kg, NSKE 5% or neem based formulation 30–40 DAS, Novaluron 1 ml/l (4550 days after sowing), yellow sticking traps @ 100/ha) against whitefly, jassid, Raptotoris and Maruca sp. Module1 proved superior in reducing population of all tested, sucking insect-pests webbing and pod damage by Maruca sp., resulting in higher grain yield of 1317.17 and 1281.26 kg/ha in greengram and blackgram, respectively. Highest cost benefit ratio of 1: 7.21 and 1: 7.48 were also recorded in greengram and blackgram, respectively under IPM module 1.

Evaluation of Grain Sorghum Entries against Spotted Stem Borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe)

Stem borers are the major pest complex contributing to yield reduction in sorghum and stem borer, Chilo partellus is the important one among them. Identification of resistant genotypes is a contributing factor for releasing new varieties. In the present study, 11 sorghum entries along with one resistant (IS 2205) and susceptible (Swarna) checks were evaluated for stem borer resistance in kharif and rabi seasons considering leaf damage, dead heart, stem tunneling, yield plant -1 and 1000 grain weight. The results revealed that sorghum entries TNS 664 and TNS 667 registered the lowest leaf damage score (2.9, 2.8 and 3.0, 3.5), dead heart (9.9%, 13.3% and 11.0%, 15.0%), stem tunnelling (5.7%, 5.1% and 6.6%, 5.5%) and yield loss (25.2%, 22.7% and 25.8%, 25.4%) and was on par with the resistant check, IS 2205 (2.3, 7.5%, 7.4%, 19.7% and 2.5, 9.0%, 8.2%, 26.9%) during rabi, 2016 and kharif, 2017, respectively.

Faunistic analysis of pest insects and their natural enemies associated with hairy fleabane in soybean crop1

ABSTRACT In addition to competing with crops, weeds can provide shelter for arthropods in cropping fields and adjacent areas. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence and population fluctuation of insect pests and their natural enemies associated with hairy fleabane (Conyza spp.), in soybean farming areas. The predominant species were Schizaphis graminum, Taylorilygus apicalis, Empoasca spp. and Nysius simulans. Species that comprise important pest complexes, including stink bugs and caterpillars, can develop on fleabane plants. Among them, the stink bugs Edessa meditabunda, Dichelops spp., Piezodorus guildinii, Nezara viridula and Euschistus heros, as well as the caterpillars Anticarsia gemmatalis, Spodoptera frugiperda, Spodoptera eridania, Chrysodeixis includens and Helicoverpa spp. have prevailed. The most common natural enemies were Orius spp., Eriopis connexa, Cycloneda sanuiinea and Chrysoperla spp. The population fluctuation analysis indicated that hairy fleabane mainly hosted stink bugs at the beginning of the crop cycle and after soybean maturation. The caterpillars, however, use this weed as an alternative host throughout the crop cycle, continuing after soybean maturation and harvesting. For natural enemies species, the population fluctuation depends on the occurrence of insects that serve as a food source for them. Thus, it is possible to conclude that hairy fleabane is an important alternative host for pest insects and their natural enemies in soybean crops.

Efficacy ofBacillus thuringiensisSprays and Cotton Cultivars Expressing Cry Proteins in the Control ofEarias biplaga(Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Earias biplaga (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) forms part of the bollworm pest complex of cotton in South Africa. Genetically modified Bt cotton that expresses Cry insecticidal proteins successfully controls the bollworm complex in South Africa. Although many insecticides are registered for use against Lepidoptera on this crop, Bt sprays are not registered for control of E. biplaga. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of Bacillus thuringiensis spray applications for the control of E. biplaga on non-Bt cotton and to compare the efficacy of sprays to that provided by Bt cotton. Bioassays were conducted in which cotton bolls of a non-Bt cotton cultivar (Delta Opal) were sprayed with different dosage rates of Dipel DF®, which contains the following insecticidal proteins: Cry1Aa, Cry1Ab, Cry1Ac, Cry2Aa and Cry2Ab. Bollgard® and Bollgard II® cotton which expresses Cry1Ac and both Cry 1Ac and Cry2Ab were used in the study. Neonate larvae were inoculated onto cotton bolls and survival observed 4, 7 and 10 days later. The Bt spray dosage rate recommended for control of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on groundnut and sunflower in South Africa was used in this study and provided between 77 and 88%control of E. biplaga after 10 days. Bt cotton provided 100%control after 10 days. This study provides baseline data on the susceptibility of E. biplaga against Bt cotton which can also be used for future monitoring of resistance evolution.

Field Evaluation of Selective Systemic Formulations against Sucking Insect Pest Complex and their Natural Enemies on a Transgenic Bt Cotton

Field Evaluation of Selective Systemic Formulations against Sucking Insect Pest Complex and their Natural Enemies on a Transgenic Bt Cotton

Ultrastructural analysis of salivary glands in a phytophagous stink bug revealed the presence of unexpected muscles.

The exceptional abilities of stink bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) to colonize a diverse group of plants have been attributed to the feeding behaviors and the functions of the salivary complex of these insects. Here, we describe the ultrastructure of the salivary glands of the Neotropical brown stink bug, Euschistus heros, which is a major component of the pentatomid pest complex on soybeans, Glycine max, in the neotropics. Our results revealed a salivary gland complex consisting of two lobes (i.e., anterior and posterior), with a constriction between them (i.e., the hilum), in which the salivary and accessory gland ducts are inserted. The principal gland epithelium has a single layer of cells lining an enlarged lumen filled with saliva, and these cells are cuboidal, rich in rough endoplasmic reticulum and secretory vesicles, with well-developed nuclei, all of which are typical features of protein-secreting cells. We report, for the first time in insects, the presence of a layer of muscle cells surrounding the columnar hilum epithelium. The accessory salivary gland cells are cuboidal with nuclei containing condensed chromatin and cytoplasm rich in vacuoles and rough endoplasmic reticulum, indicating the potential involvement of these glands in water transport/secretion. The lumen content of each lobe of the principal gland suggests that the lobes produce different compounds. Thus, our results suggest that the E. heros salivary complex might have unconventional mechanisms to mix/release saliva, which might help explain the polyphagous abilities of these insects.

Managing pests after 15 years of Bt cotton: Farmers' practices, performance and opinions in northern China

In China, a substantial amount of literature addresses pest control in Bt cotton, which is genetically engineered to resist some target pests but which had no direct effects on many other pests. The impact of this technology was positive a few years after the commercial release, but this impact was subsequently found to have reversed. The reversal was made known to the international community about ten years after the commercial release of Bt cotton in China, as a consequence of a pest complex shift phenomenon. Nevertheless, all the existing literature seldom took farmers' practices in spraying chemicals into account; farmers' opinions about using Bt cotton were not reported, nor were their opinions of their performance in growing cotton.Our study compensates for this lack through a specific and holistic approach in appraising farmers' practices, performance and opinions 15 years after the commercial release of Bt cotton in northern China. It focused on the topic of pest control by combining a survey of farmers' characteristics and opinions about Bt cotton effectiveness and profitability, as well as on their cotton cropping characteristics, with participatory detailed record-keeping of insecticide spraying by farmers. It is a holistic approach as it took into account the farming context when analyzing the results.Our results indicated that farmers used chemicals somewhat intensively, carrying out 11 insecticide sprayings on average, involving an average of 2 pest target-oriented insecticide controls. The pest complex shift phenomenon was confirmed as farmers aimed 60% of target-oriented insecticide controls at sucking pests, principally aphids even more than Lygus bugs. Three quarters of farmers were not content with Bt cotton profitability while providing a shorter protection time and most of them displayed a lack of proficiency in implementing chemical pest control. The remaining quarter of contented farmers carried out more pest target-oriented insecticide controls. Four spraying strategy factors were found and were associated notably with farmers' attitudes in controlling bollworms, aphids and Lygus bugs. The observed strategies were connected with distinct farming efficiency in a country where farming has lost its attractiveness. Sustainable use of Bt cotton calls for locally adapted actions to improve farmers' proficiency in pest control.

Insect pest complex of rose at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Ambalavayal, Wayanad

Insect pest complex of rose at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Ambalavayal, Wayanad

Validation of integrated pest management module against insect pests of pigeonpea, Cajanus cajan in Tarai region of Uttarakhand

Experiments on validation of integrated pest management (IPM) module against insect pest of pigeonpea in comparison with the Non-IPM (farmer’s practices) were conducted at N.E.B. Crop Research Centre, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar during Kharif 2014 and 2015. Adopted IPM module contained Seed treatment with Trichoderma spp. @10g/kg of seed, Sole crop, Bird perches @ 50/ha, need based insecticides spray (Chlorantraniliprole 18.5SC @ 30 g a. i./ha; Neem soap@10g/lit; Acetamiprid 20SP @ 20 g a. i./ha). The results indicated that minimum population of pod borers (Helicoverpa armigera,Maruca vitrata and podfly) and sucking insects (aphids, jassids, pod bug) was reported in IPM plots and maximum population of insects was observed in Non-IPM plots. Percent insect control over non-IPM was 50.98 % for H. armigera, 44.69 % for M. vitrata and 19.17 % for Maruca webbing were recorded. While, for sucking pest complex, insect control over non-IPM was 51.59 %, 40.36 % and 36.17 % against jassids, aphids and tur pod bug, respectively. Similarly, minimum pod borer damage (6.48 and 7.71 %) was recorded in IPM plots as compared to maximum pod borer damage (8.37 and 8.22 %) in non-IPM plots, respectively during 2014 and 2015. Whereas, pooled grain yield for IPM plots was 1286.5 kg/ha for both seasons as against 888 kg/ha in non-IPM plots with 1:2.89 benefit cost ratio. Hence, It is apparent that studied IPM module was able to increase the yield of pigeonepea with lower cost of production as against non-IPM thus it would be benefiting the farmers.

Development of a multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay for the identification of common cutworm species (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) infesting canola in western Canada

AbstractCutworms (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) constitute an important insect pest complex that causes damage to a variety of crops across western Canada and particularly in canola (Brassica napusLinnaeus; Brassicaceae) crops in recent years. However, individual cutworms are very difficult to identify to species based on morphology alone, particularly at the larval stage. Problems with pest identification can lead to difficulties in recommending appropriate management strategies for specific cutworm infestations. In the current study we have developed and applied a single-step multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay, based on the rRNA ITS2 genomic sequence, which can be used to identify, to the species level, individuals of the following five key cutworm species:Agrotis orthogoniaMorrison,Euxoa auxiliaris(Grote),Euxoa ochrogaster(Guenée),Feltia jaculifera(Guenée), andLacinipolia renigera(Stephens). This molecular identification tool will be a valuable asset in agronomic and ecological studies of cutworm infestations in the canola cropping system across western Canada and potentially could be used as a timely identification tool for determining pest infestations to the species level during outbreaks.