Effective Control Research Articles

NIGHT-FLYING BEETLES, ADORETUS COMPRESSUS – PESTS OF OIL PALM

Adoretus compressus are small night-flying beetles, and also known as cockchafer beetles. A. compressus beetles are about 10-15 mm long, brown in colour and elongate and oval shaped. Adults usually eat by chewing and forming small holes in the foliage. The larvae or grubs live in the soil, generally under grass and almost exclusively feeding on plant refuse or decaying vegetable matters of the top soil. Life history of A. compressus is not well known and the life cycle of the insect is roughly complete in three months. A. compressus is polyphagous and feeds on leaves of many species of plants including several plantation based crops of tea, coconut, cocoa, rubber and oil palm. It is the most common insect pest in oil palm nurseries. Occasional outbreaks cause serious defoliation in immature plantings. During serious outbreaks, large number of Adoretus beetles can cause 80 to nearly 100 per cent defoliation of newly planted seedlings within two weeks. Almost all the fronds become badly damaged and skeletonised; and finally total drying of leaves occurs. Yield recording started when fruit bunches production commenced for a period of 27 months. Even though the affected palms recovered after effective chemical control, immature palms with severe damage (more than 50% defoliation) recorded 27 per cent reduction in fresh fruit bunch (FFB) yield and 18 per cent reduction in bunch number. Various aspects of management and control are discussed. In dealing with occasional outbreaks, spraying of insecticides like triclorfon, carbaryl, carbosulfan and cypermethrin at intervals of 7 to 14 days is effective. In southern Thailand, spraying of carbaryl 85 per cent wettable powder (WP) 60 g per 20 litres water + application of carbosulfan 5 per cent granules (G) at 200 g per palm gave 100 per cent effectiveness after three rounds of treatments at weekly intervals. Keywords: Adoretus compressus, cockchafer beetles, night flying beetles, leaf-eating pest, oil palm, control.

Implementation and Analysis of Software for Control and Administration of Expenses in Machinery

In the last three years, the use of technological and online resources has increased, going beyond borders. The problem is focused on the insufficiency of control of expenses to manage, therefore, control is lost and as a result of this the need to have a new tool is created; without this, it is believed unnecessary to be able to carry it in an orderly and correct manner. This article is based on the experience and empirical work of the construction specifically in the ERPs or software to keep an effective control, considering that the machinery is a generator of income and with it to put emphasis to obtain good results. A qualitative and quantitative analysis was carried out, in companies that use a similar type of software, a comparison is made in two programs, identifying in the COMPANY-A program the lack of reports unlike CharLow MACHINERY, therefore, the need for Create a new software that includes all the previous reports and therefore a relationship is established from the data analysis of the new software. The results show that the creation of this type of software solves the problems of administration and control of a company as part of a monitoring in a first phase to obtain the positioning of the user and team and in a second phase the version 2.0 working in customer satisfaction the users.

NON-ANALYTICAL DESIGN OF THE PI CONTROLLER OPTIMAL PARAMETERS FOR A CONTINUOUS LINE

The multiple motor drives are complex and coupled MIMO nonlinear systems. Due to the complexity of their mathematical models the development of effective control systems is quite complicated task. This paper presents the design of optimal control based on the quadratic optimality criterion for the central section of the continuous production line using soft computer methods when fuzzy model of the controlled system has been used. In this case, the proposed method demonstrates non-analytical design of the optimal parameters of PI controller with emphasis on minimal knowledge on the controlled system. The realized experimental measurements on a continuous line laboratory model confirmed the effectiveness and the good dynamic properties of the optimal continuous line controller and also its applicability to others MIMO nonlinear dynamic systems.

A deterministic mathematical model with non-linear least squares method for investigating the transmission dynamics of lumpy skin disease

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an economically significant viral disease of cattle caused by the lumpy disease virus (LSDV) which is primarily spread mechanically by blood feeding vectors such as particular species in flies, mosquitoes and ticks. Despite efforts to control its spread, LSD has been expanding geographically, posing challenges for effective control measures. This study develops a Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered-Susceptible (SEIRS) model that incorporates cattle and vector populations to investigate LSD transmission dynamics. The model considers the waning rate of natural active immunity in recovered cattle, disease-induced mortality, and the biting rate. Using a standard dynamical system approach, we conducted a qualitative analysis of the model, defining the invariant region, establishing conditions for solution positivity, computing the basic reproduction number, and examining the stability of disease-free and endemic equilibria. We employ a non-linear least squares method for model calibration, fitting it to a synthetic dataset. We subsequently test it with actual infectious cases data. Results from the calibration and testing phases demonstrate the model’s validity and reliability for diverse settings. Local and global sensitivity analyses were conducted to determine the model’s robustness to parameter values. The biting rate emerged as the most significant parameter, followed by the probabilities of infection from either population and the recovery rate. Additionally, the waning rate of LSD infection-induced immunity gained positive significance in LSD prevalence from the beginning of the infectious period onward. Simulation results suggest reducing the biting rate as the most effective LSD control measure, which can be achieved by applying vector repellents in cattle farms/herds, thereby mitigating the disease’s prevalence in both cattle and vector populations and reducing the chances of infection from either population. Furthermore, measures aiming to boost LSD infection-induced immunity upon recovery are recommended to preserve the immune systems of the cattle population.

Yersinia ruckeri Infection and Enteric Redmouth Disease among Endangered Chinese Sturgeons, China, 2022.

During October 2022, enteric redmouth disease (ERM) affected Chinese sturgeons at a farm in Hubei, China, causing mass mortality. Affected fish exhibited characteristic red mouth and intestinal inflammation. Investigation led to isolation of a prominent bacterial strain, zhx1, from the internal organs and intestines of affected fish. Artificial infection experiments confirmed the role of zhx1 as the pathogen responsible for the deaths. The primary pathologic manifestations consisted of degeneration, necrosis, and inflammatory reactions, resulting in multiple organ dysfunction and death. Whole-genome sequencing of the bacteria identified zhx1 as Yersinia ruckeri, which possesses 135 drug-resistance genes and 443 virulence factor-related genes. Drug-susceptibility testing of zhx1 demonstrated high sensitivity to chloramphenicol and florfenicol but varying degrees of resistance to 18 other antimicrobial drugs. Identifying the pathogenic bacteria associated with ERM in Chinese sturgeons establishes a theoretical foundation for the effective prevention and control of this disease.

Models and policies for family development, population control, and family planning: a scoping review

Uncontrolled population growth causes poverty, hunger, disease and death. Ironically, population explosions usually occur in developing countries, while population growth is usually low, zero, or even negative in developed countries. Considering these factors, this research aims to formulate effective family planning and population control methods to improve the quality of family development. In this research we present a scoping review article regarding family development models and policies, population control, and family planning. A comprehensive search was conducted in major databases, including PubMed, EBSCO, ProQuest, and ScienceDirect, via presentation methods using PRISMA-ScR guidelines. As a result, we found 16 articles meeting the eligibility criteria. The findings of this research provide insight to stakeholders and researchers into how family development, population control, and family planning policies can be modeled so that effective results can be achieved.

MicroRNA-3037 targeting CYP6CY2 confers imidacloprid resistance to Sitobion miscanthi (Takahashi)

The wheat aphid Sitobion miscanthi is a dominant and destructive pest in agricultural production. Insecticides are the main substances used for effective control of wheat aphids. However, their extensive application has caused severe resistance of wheat aphids to some insecticides; therefore, exploring resistance mechanisms is essential for wheat aphid management. In the present study, CYP6CY2, a new P450 gene, was isolated and overexpressed in the imidacloprid-resistant strain (SM-R) compared to the imidacloprid-susceptible strain (SM-S). The increased sensitivity of S. miscanthi to imidacloprid after knockdown of CYP6CY2 indicates that it could be associated with imidacloprid resistance. Subsequently, the posttranscriptional regulation of CYP6CY2 in the 3′ UTR by miR-3037 was confirmed, and CYP6CY2 participated in imidacloprid resistance. This finding is critical for determining the role of P450 in relation to the resistance of S. miscanthi to imidacloprid. It is of great significance to understand this regulatory mechanism of P450 expression in the resistance of S. miscanthi to neonicotinoids.

The role of asymptomatic carriers on the dynamics of a lymphatic filariasis model incorporating control strategies

This study presents a mathematical model to investigate the patterns of transmission in lymphatic filariasis. The model considers chronic, acute, and asymptomatic individuals and integrates key control strategies. Random synthetic data is generated robustly through numerical solutions to closely replicate real-world scenarios and encompass uncertainties. The synthetic data adheres to a Gaussian distribution to ensure validity and reliability. Following the derivation of the basic and effective reproduction number using the next generation matrix approach, Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS) and the Partial Rank Correlation Coefficient (PRCC) algorithm is utilized to assess the parameters that significantly influence the model outputs. The study examine the trajectories of different population compartments through numerical simulations over time, with particular emphasis on the role played by asymptomatic individuals in the transmission of the disease. To assess the potential for disease elimination, the study introduces a range of strategies involving protective measures, treatment interventions, and mosquito control. These strategies are determined through sensitivity analysis. The findings demonstrate that the simultaneous implementation of all control measures has a noteworthy effect in managing lymphatic filariasis. In conclusion, the proposed model enhances understanding of lymphatic filariasis dynamics and informs effective control strategies.

Malaria prevention practices among patients attending the NTOUM departmental hospital, Northwest Gabon

Introduction: In Gabon, a territory located in Central Africa, prevention is an essential measure in the fight against malaria. The aim of this study was to evaluate, in the Komo-Mondah department, the prophylaxis practices employed by the inhabitants of the commune of Ntoum and the prevalence of anti-malarial drugs prescribed by local doctors. Methods: We carried out a prospective, cross-sectional study over a 3-month period, on patients of both sexes and of all ages who came for consultation to the departmental hospital of Ntoum. Patients who had a prescription for malaria drugs at the end of their medical visit were included in the study. Results: Of the 248 subjects enrolled, children under 5 years of age were the main victims (84%).Indeed, children under 5 were two (2) and three (3) times more likely to test positive to malaria than the age group 16-24 (OR = 2.44 [1.05 - 5.63]; P ˂ 0.05) , 25 and over (OR= 3.10 [1.46 - 6.59]; P ˂ 0.05), respectively. Anti-malaria prophylaxis was practiced by 80% of the study population. Patients who declared sleeping under a bed net appear to be protected compare to those who did not (OR= 0.53 [0.28 - 0.97] ; P ˂ 0.05). Self-medication was recorded in 29% of patients, and the drugs most commonly prescribed by doctors were artemisinin-based combinations, including Artefan (51%), Coartem (30%) and Eurartesim (2%). Conclusion: Although conventional prophylaxis measures (vector control and chemoprevention) are adopted by many Gabonese, careful pharmacological management and the implementation of targeted, long-term prevention-surveillance and health education strategies will enable effective malaria control in this part of Gabon.

Does ownership structure drive the effect of CEO overconfidence on earnings quality?

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of chief executive officer (CEO) overconfidence on earnings quality and the moderating role of ownership structure as a crucial corporate governance device.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses the generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation method to test our models on a sample of 335 French companies between 2009 and 2020, i.e. 4,020 observations.FindingsThe results show that CEO overconfidence negatively affects earnings quality. This result supports the predictions of behavioral finance theory and suggests that CEO overconfidence is a behavioral bias that affects the quality of earnings. The authors also examined the effect of different types of ownership structures on this relationship. The results show the significant role of controlling shareholders, owner-managers, families and institutional investors in mitigating the negative effect of CEO overconfidence on earnings quality.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper has some limitations. First, other types of ownership structures could have been analyzed such as state ownership. Second, we ignored the role of the board of directors as an important governance mechanism in controlling overconfident CEOs’ actions.Practical implicationsCompanies should be aware of the potential risks associated with CEO overconfidence, which can compromise the faithful representation of earnings. This highlights the importance of effective monitoring and internal controls to detect and prevent such practices, which involve the role of ownership structure.Originality/valueThis paper addresses the effect of CEO overconfidence on earnings quality and provides new evidence on the role of different ownership structure types in shaping this relationship. Additionally, this paper sheds new light on how overconfident CEOs may behave in challenging times.

Unraveling the reasons for failure to control Amaranthus albus: insights into herbicide application at different growth stages, temperature effect, and herbicide resistance on a regional scale.

This study investigates factors contributing Amaranthus albus control failure in processing tomato fields in northern Israel. The study region is characterized by a significant climate gradient from east to west, providing the opportunity to investigate the effect of critical elements of the agricultural environment, e.g., temperature. Eight populations were collected from commercial fields in this region. Post-emergence herbicide efficacy of metribuzin, a photosystem II inhibitor, and rimsulfuron, an acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitor, was assessed through dose-response analyses at various growth stages. Temperature effects on control efficacy and resistance mechanisms were also explored. Standard metribuzin dose (X) was ineffective on A. albus plants with more than six true-leaves, whereas 2X dose proved effective. Rimsulfuron at 16X dose was ineffective on plants with more than four true-leaves. We report here the first case of target site resistance to ALS inhibitors in A. albus, due to point mutation in the ALS gene (Pro197 to Leu). Furthermore, our findings suggest potential involvement of CYT P450 enzymes in enhanced metabolizing of rimsulfuron. An overall decrease in dry weight was observed in response to both herbicides at 16/22 °C (P < 0.0001). Rimsulfuron was effective against only one population when applied at 28/34 °C. A possible fitness cost associated with target site-resistant biotypes was observed under low temperature conditions, leading to effective control. This regional-scale study highlights the challenges faced by growers, emphasizes the need for adapting management practices to the local climatic conditions and lays the groundwork for implementing location-specific weed management strategies in commercial fields. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding dengue among non-health undergraduate students of Nepal.

Dengue poses a significant public health concern worldwide. It is identified as a recent emerging infectious disease in Nepal. Understanding the situation and dynamics between knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to dengue among students is crucial for effective prevention and control strategies. This study aimed to assess the KAP and their associated factors of dengue among non-health undergraduate students of Nepal to identify gaps and suggest appropriate interventions. A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 429 non-health undergraduate students at eleven Nepalese Universities, with 80% of participants from the four most prominent ones in the country. Self-administered online forms were administered via Google Forms platform predominantly through social media for data collection. Data was cleaned and then exported to IBM SPSS Statistics 20.0 for analysis. Demographic characteristics of respondents were described using descriptive statistics. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to determine the association between individual characteristics and KAP. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to determine the association between knowledge-attitude, attitude-practice, and knowledge-practice. Statistical significance was determined at the p-value < 0.05. Around half of the participants were female (50.3%). The majority of participants were between 22 to 37 years, unmarried, and belonged to the Brahmin/Chhetri ethnic group. This study demonstrated a significant gap in KAP. Only 15.2% of participants had good knowledge while 25.9% and 68.3% of participants exhibited good attitudes and practices respectively. Marital status (AOR = 3.32, CI: 1.32-8.34), third-year educational level (AOR = 3.59, CI:1.34-9.57), and fourth-year educational level (AOR = 4.93, CI:1.88-12.94) were significantly associated with knowledge regarding dengue. Age (AOR = 1.73, CI: 1.10-3.01) was significantly associated with preventive practice regarding dengue. None of the demographic or socio-economic characteristics of respondents was associated with attitude on dengue. The knowledge-attitude (rka = 0.01), knowledge-practice (rkp = 0.22), and attitude-practice (rap = 0.01) were positively correlated in this study.

Staphylococcal mastitis in dairy cows

Bovine mastitis is one of the most common diseases of dairy cattle. Even though different infectious microorganisms and mechanical injury can cause mastitis, bacteria are the most common cause of mastitis in dairy cows. Staphylococci, streptococci, and coliforms are the most frequently diagnosed etiological agents of mastitis in dairy cows. Staphylococci that cause mastitis are broadly divided into Staphylococcus aureus and non-aureus staphylococci (NAS). NAS is mainly comprised of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species (CNS) and some coagulase-positive and coagulase-variable staphylococci. Current staphylococcal mastitis control measures are ineffective, and dependence on antimicrobial drugs is not sustainable because of the low cure rate with antimicrobial treatment and the development of resistance. Non-antimicrobial effective and sustainable control tools are critically needed. This review describes the current status of S. aureus and NAS mastitis in dairy cows and flags areas of knowledge gaps.

Plant Disease Detection Using Deep Learning-Based Convolutional Neural Networks With Transfer Learning Algorithms

Plant diseases can have significant impacts on agricultural production, leading to significant losses in yield and quality. Early detection and diagnosis of crop diseases is essential for effective control and management. In this study, We present a novel approach for the automated detection of plant diseases using deep learning-based Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) coupled with Transfer Learning algorithms. Our study focuses on developing a robust and adaptable system capable of accurately identifying plant diseases from image data. By leveraging a comprehensive dataset comprising diverse plant species and disease types, our goal is to train the model to achieve high accuracy and real-time detection capabilities. The potential significance of this research lies in its potential to significantly improve agricultural practices by offering farmers a valuable tool for prompt disease diagnosis and management, ultimately leading to increased crop yields and sustainable farming practices. Keywords: CNN, Deep Learning, Plant Diseases detection, Disease Diagnosis, Agriculture.

Discussion and Countermeasures on the Application of Health Code in the Routine Prevention and Control of COVID-19

From the previous SARS to the current novel coronavirus, major public health emergencies have occurred in China one after another. With the development of The Times and the progress of society and science and technology, people are more and more aware of the importance of effective prevention and control of such incidents, and what means to adopt effective prevention and control has gradually attracted global attention. In the context of the new coronavirus epidemic, the health code, an innovative young measure, can be said to have opened up a precedent and played an irreplaceable role in China's epidemic prevention and control. In the three years since the outbreak of COVID-19 from the beginning of 2020 to the end of 2022, health codes have been widely used and become an important means of epidemic prevention, but some problems have inevitably been exposed, especially in the period of normal epidemic prevention and control, such as: The problems of digital divide, information island, and abnormal color of health code have impacted the effective prevention and control of the epidemic in this period. After fully considering and demonstrating the application scenarios and promotion conditions of health code, combine and utilize existing technologies, such as: Bluetooth or GPS positioning, digital contact tracking technology, automatic identification technology, remote technology, etc., put forward the innovative concept of "health code chip", which can not only solve such problems, improve the technical level and practical application range of health code, so that health code has become an important tool and effective means to deal with major public health emergencies. Moreover, it can provide valuable reference opinions and experience for the handling of major public health emergencies in the world.

Microbiological and molecular studies on a multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa from a liver transplant patient with urinary tract infection in Egypt.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen responsible for complicated UTIs and exhibits high antibiotic resistance, leading to increased mortality rates, especially in cases of multidrug-resistant strains. This study aimed to investigate the antibiotic susceptibility patterns and genomic characterization of XDR strains identified in end-stage liver disease patients who underwent liver transplants. In this study, a number of 30 individuals who underwent liver transplants were registered. Ninety urine and 60 wound site swab samples were collected and processed for culturing, identification, and antimicrobial sensitivity. Extensively drug-resistant strain EMARA01 was confirmed through Sanger sequencing and was then processed for whole genome sequencing to characterize the genomic pattern. Sequencing data were processed for de novo assembly using various tools and databases, including genome annotation, serotype identification, virulence factor genes, and antimicrobial resistance gene. Pangenome analysis of randomly selected 147 reference strains and EMAR01 sequenced strain was performed using the Bacterial Pan Genome Analysis (BPGA) software. Of these total examined samples, nosocomial infection due to P. aeruginosa was detected in twelve patients' samples. AST analysis showed that P. aeruginosa strains exhibit resistance to tobramycin, erythromycin, and gentamicin, followed by piperacillin and ofloxacin, and no strains exhibit resistance to meropenem and imipenem. The CARD database identified 59 AMR genes similar to the EMAR01 strain genome and mostly belong to the family involved in the resistance-nodulation-cell division (RND) antibiotic efflux pump. Five genes; nalC, nalD, MexR, MexA, and MexB, exhibit resistance to 14 classes of antibiotics, while two AMR; CpxR, and OprM, exhibit resistance to 15 classes of drugs. Pangenome analysis revealed that the pan-genome remained open, suggesting the potential for acquiring accessory and unique genes. Notably, the genes predominantly involved in amino acid transport metabolism were identified using the KEGG database. This study provides valuable insights into the antimicrobial resistance profile, genetic features, and genomic evolution of P. aeruginosa strains causing UTIs in liver transplant patients. The findings emphasize the significance of comprehending AMR mechanisms and genetic diversity in P. aeruginosa for developing effective treatment strategies and infection control measures.

Reagent-free detection of Plasmodium falciparum malaria infections in field-collected mosquitoes using mid-infrared spectroscopy and machine learning.

Field-derived metrics are critical for effective control of malaria, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where the disease kills over half a million people yearly. One key metric is entomological inoculation rate, a direct measure of transmission intensities, computed as a product of human biting rates and prevalence of Plasmodium sporozoites in mosquitoes. Unfortunately, current methods for identifying infectious mosquitoes are laborious, time-consuming, and may require expensive reagents that are not always readily available. Here, we demonstrate the first field-application of mid-infrared spectroscopy and machine learning (MIRS-ML) to swiftly and accurately detect Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites in wild-caught Anopheles funestus, a major Afro-tropical malaria vector, without requiring any laboratory reagents. We collected 7178 female An. funestus from rural Tanzanian households using CDC-light traps, then desiccated and scanned their heads and thoraces using an FT-IR spectrometer. The sporozoite infections were confirmed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), to establish references for training supervised algorithms. The XGBoost model was used to detect sporozoite-infectious specimen, accurately predicting ELISA and PCR outcomes with 92% and 93% accuracies respectively. These findings suggest that MIRS-ML can rapidly detect P. falciparum in field-collectedmosquitoes, with potential for enhancing surveillance in malaria-endemic regions. The technique is both fast, scanning 60-100 mosquitoes per hour, and cost-efficient, requiring no biochemical reactions and therefore no reagents. Given its previously proven capability in monitoring key entomological indicators like mosquito age, human blood index, and identities of vector species, we conclude that MIRS-ML could constitute a low-cost multi-functional toolkit for monitoring malaria risk and evaluating interventions.

Exploring eco-friendly solutions for Phytophthora disease management: Harnessing the anti-oomycete potential of a fermented lemon waste formulation

Phytophthora species pose significant challenges to agricultural and natural ecosystems due to their ecological plasticity and ability to cause diseases of various plant species. Effective control of Phytophthora diseases requires integrated approaches that consider specific agronomic practices, environmental factors, and the rationale use of chemicals. In response to the need for eco-friendly alternatives, this study investigated the anti-oomycete potential of a formulation derived from the fermentation of lemon wastes by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ('bioact-LM'). In vitro assays demonstrated the significant anti-oomycete efficacy of bioact-LM against multiple Phytophthora species, both through direct contact inhibition and the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In vivo assessments on orange and apple fruits further confirmed the effectiveness of bioact-LM in reducing Phytophthora rot severity. These findings suggest bioact-LM is promising as a sustainable alternative to synthetic fungicide for Phytophthora disease management, highlighting the importance of exploring eco-friendly solutions in a scenario of environmental challenges and restriction in the use of conventional chemical control methods.

Characterizing the differential susceptibility and resistance to insecticides in populations of Chrysodeixis includens and Rachiplusia nu (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Brazil.

Chrysodeixis includens (Walker) and Rachiplusia nu (Guenée) are major Plusiinae pests of soybean in the Southern Cone region of South America. In recent decades, C. includens was the main defoliator of soybean in Brazil, but from 2021 onwards, R. nu emerged as an important soybean pest in various regions of the country. Here, we characterize the differential susceptibility and resistance to insecticides in these Plusiinae pests from two soybean regions of Brazil. Except for spinetoram and chlorfenapyr (comparable lethality against both species) and a Bt-based biopesticide (more lethal for C. includens), the tested insecticides showed higher lethality against R. nu than against C. includens, but populations of the same species, even separated by long distances, presented similar resistance levels. For both species, the 90% lethal concentration (LC90) values of most insecticides were higher than the field-recommended dose. Nevertheless, the field-recommended doses of spinetoram, metaflumizone, emamectin benzoate, cyclaniliprole and chlorfenapyr showed comparable control efficacy against both species, whereas indoxacarb, chlorantraniliprole, flubendiamide, teflubenzuron and chlorfluazuron were more lethal for R. nu, and methoxyfenozide and the Bt-based insecticide were more lethal for C. includens. Thiodicarb, methomyl and lambda-cyhalothrin showed low lethality against both species. Large interspecific differences in the susceptibility to insecticides was found in major Plusiinae pests of soybean in Brazil. Furthermore, variations in susceptibility to insecticides occurred consistently among species and populations, regardless of the collection site and thus despite unequal temporal and spatial exposure to insecticides. These results demonstrate that accurate species identification is essential for effective control of Plusiinae in soybean. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Fungal Diseases in Yerba Mate: Status and Management Strategies.

Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.), with its health benefits and socioeconomic significance, plays a crucial role in Argentina and other South American countries like Brazil and Paraguay. Its cultivation in the Province of Misiones (Argentina) supports various sectors, contributes to regional development, and provides employment opportunities. However, the transition from extractive practices to monoculture, accompanied with increased demand, has led to phytosanitary challenges. Imbalanced native microbiota, disease development, and pathogen dispersion have become prevalent issues. Understanding the known pathogens associated with yerba mate plants is crucial for developing effective agricultural strategies. The primary objective of this study is to synthesise current knowledge on prevalent fungal diseases in yerba mate cultivation, as well as to provide agricultural management recommendations for effective disease control. Fungal diseases can cause significant damage to different parts of the plant, resulting in economic losses. The proximity of neighbouring plantations to yerba mate crops may contribute to the cross-contamination of pathogens, emphasizing the need for comprehensive epidemiology and accurate diagnosis. Multiple fungal genera have been reported to cause pathologies in yerba mate. Among the fungi causing foliar diseases are Ceratobasidium niltonsouzanum, Cylindrocladium spathulatum, Pseudocercospora mate, Asterina sphaerelloides, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides aff var. yerbae, and Phyllosticta sp. Caulinary diseases are caused by Alternaria sp., Phoma sp., Colletotrichum sp., and Ceratocystis fimbriata. Regarding root rot, the genera Rhizoctonia sp., Pythium sp., Fusarium sp., and Rosellinia sp. have been reported. Proper crop management practices and monitoring are essential for effective disease control. To reduce reliance on chemical compounds, the use of biocontrol agents like Trichoderma sp. has shown promise in regulating phytopathogenic fungi populations. Continued research is vital to preserve the yerba mate industry and ensure its long-term viability while minimizing environmental impact.