Extent Of Infestation Research Articles

RELEVANCE OF Amblyomma variegatum INFESTATION IN THE PREVALENCE OF BOVINE DERMATOPHILOSIS

Fifty (50) cattle were randomly sampled from five different herds across Zaria metropolis for ticks using standard methods, the severities of the dermatophilosis lesions were observed and the extent of infestation with Amblyomma variegatum compared. The mean±SD per herd of Amblyomma variegatum ranges from 2.2± 2.6 to 5.4 ± 3.5 in all the herds with about 20% of the cattle not having any Amblyomma variegatum on them. The distribution of those not infested ranges between 10 to 30% within the herds. The level of dermatophilosis lesion on the cattle per herd revealed that 34% of all the cattle sampled showed no lesions of dermatophilosis and those without lesion were spread within four out of the five herds, 16% (8) of the animal showed mild infestation, 36% (18) showed moderate infestation while the remaining 16% showed severe and very severe infestation. Of all the 50 cattle sampled in the five herds, 34 (68%) showed lesion of dermatophilosis with concurrent infestation with Amblyomma variegatum. The remaining fractions either showing no lesions of dermatophilosis with Amblyomma variegatum infestation or manifested lesions of dermatophilosis without Amblyomma variegatum infestation. The extent of the dermatophilosis lesion was found in most cases to correlate with the severity of Amblyomma variegatum infestation Key words: Amblyomma variegatum, Dermatophilosis, Infestation, Cattle

Satellite monitoring of a pine forest affected by mountain pine beetle

The spread of bark beetles poses a significant threat to forest ecosystems, causing substantial damage to coniferous forests. The mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus spp.) is considered to be one of the most harmful bark beetles, infesting pine trees and leading to severe consequences for forest ecosystems. This article aims to detect and analyze the dynamics of mountain pine beetle infestation in a pine forest stand, determine its affected area, and evaluate the effectiveness of sanitary and restoration measures. The study utilized satellite data from the Sentinel-2 mission and employed the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Normalized Difference Moisture Index (NDMI) to monitor the spread of mountain pine beetle infestation. The analysis was conducted for a pine forest stand in the Ostriv Forestry of the Vyshchedubechanske Forestry Enterprise in Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of using satellite data and vegetation indices for monitoring mountain pine beetle infestation. The combined application of NDVI and NDMI enabled the detection of infested areas in the early stages by capturing changes in the spectral characteristics of tree crowns and vegetation moisture content. The satellite data analysis confirmed the complete infestation of a 0.01 km2 pine forest stand by the mountain pine beetle in 2017. A link between the activation of beetle spread and climate changes, particularly rising temperatures and decreasing precipitation, was observed, leading to the weakening of pine stands. The study revealed that in 2018, sanitary felling of the infested pine stand was carried out, as evidenced by the decrease in NDVI values. In 2019, a project to restore the forest ecosystem through the establishment of a new pine plantation was initiated. Satellite observations in April 2024 demonstrated successful growth of the young pine forest, with NDVI values indicating an increase from 0.25 in April 2020 to 0.45 in April 2024, reflecting active vegetation growth and successful ecosystem restoration. The obtained results highlight the importance of using satellite data for timely detection of pest outbreaks in forest ecosystems, determining the extent of infestation, monitoring the effectiveness of sanitary measures, and assessing the recovery of forest stands after restoration efforts. The study underscores the potential of satellite remote sensing techniques in forest ecosystem monitoring and supports decision-making processes for sustainable forest management.

CHARACTERISTICS OF INSECTOFAUNA OF CATTLE FARMS

The article presents data on the determination of the entomofauna of zoophilous flies in the conditions of the cattle breeding farm. Were subjected to parasitological research cattle of various ages: dairy cows, heifers of mating age, calves. The research was carried out on pastures, in production premises and walking areas. As a result of the conducted research, it was established that the main representatives of zoophilic flies parasitizing animals in pasture conditions were: Lyperosia irritans, Haematobia stimulans, Musca autumnalis Musca vitripennis. The following types of flies in the case of animals staying in the production premises, were identified on them: Musca domestic, Fannia canicularus, Calliphora uralensis, Calliphora visina, Lucilia sericata and Muscina stabulans. It was established that the extent of infestation by zoophilous flies was 100% among all age groups of cattle. Intensity of infestation in the group of dairy cows was 270.22±4.28 specimens/animal, among heifers and heifers of mating age – 244.67±3.49 specimens/animal, and among calves – 81.67±1.14 specimens/animal. We identified a clear trend regarding the specifics of parasitic insect damage in cattle of different breeds. When staying within the same production group, the highest intensity of infestation (354.50±5.08 insects per animal) was found in black Holstein cows, and the lowest II indicator was found in Simmental cows - 159.83±1.41 insects per animal. The intensity of the infestation of cows by zoophilic flies among representatives of the Holstein breed is 28% higher than that of the Simmental breed, and also 25% higher than that of the cows of the Ukrainian black-spotted dairy breed. It was noted that with high indicators of the intensity of invasion by zoophilous flies, the animals showed the maximum degree of restlessness, when analyzing behavioral reactions and the level of well-being of cows. It manifested itself in a constant effort to be in motion. Therefore, as a result of the conducted complex of studies, the extreme relevance of insecticidal treatments of cattle of different age groups has been proven, since a wide range of zoophilic flies has been identified in the places where animals stay.

Evaluation of a Push-Pull Strategy for Spotted-Wing Drosophila Management in Highbush Blueberry.

We evaluated a novel push-pull control strategy for protecting highbush blueberry, Vaccinium corymbosum, against spotted-wing drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii. Methyl benzoate (MB) was used as the pushing agent and a previously tested SWD attractive blend of lure-scents was used as the pulling agent. MB dispensers (push) were hung in the canopy and lure-scent dispensers (pull) were hung in yellow jacket traps filled with soapy water around the blueberry bushes. Blueberries were sampled weekly, and any infestation was inspected by examining the breathing tubes of SWD eggs which protrude through the skin of infested fruit. The frequency of infestation, i.e., the proportion of berries infested with at least one egg, and the extent of infestation, i.e., the mean number of eggs in infested berries, were significantly reduced in treatments receiving MB dispensers as a pushing agent when infestation rates were very high. However, the mass trapping devices as a pulling agent did not provide comparable protection on their own and did not produce additive protection when used in combination with the MB dispensers in push-pull trials. We conclude that MB has the potential to be implemented as a spatial repellent/oviposition deterrent to reduce SWD damage in blueberry under field conditions and does not require the SWD attractant as a pulling agent to achieve crop protection.

Age and breed susceptibility of dogs to the causative agent of cystoisosporosis

Cystoisosporosis refers to a protozoan parasitic disease caused by coccidia of the genus Cystoisospora canis in dogs, especially young ones. Pathogens are localized in the small intestine of animals and lead to an imbalance of microflora, indigestion, enteritis, and diarrhea. Knowledge of the epizootological features of this invasion makes it possible to carry out complex preventive measures more effectively and maintain well-being in certain territories. The research aimed to establish the dependence of the infection of dogs with the causative agent of cystoisosporosis on their age and breed. The conducted studies established that the age-related dynamics of cystoisosoporosis in the conditions of the city of Kharkiv were characterized by a decrease in the extent of infestation with the age of the dogs. The most affected were young animals up to 6 months of age, where the extent of infestation was 32.0 %. In dogs aged 6–12 months and 1–3 years, the extent of cystoisosporous infestation decreases to 18.9 and 4.7 %, respectively. Dogs aged 3 to 6 years and older than six were the least affected by cystoisospor oocysts, where the extent of infestation is 4.7 and 2.7 %, respectively. Breed susceptibility to cystoisosprosis is characterized by the most excellent infestation of mixed-breed dogs and purebred animals, where their average infestation was at the level of 22.0 %. Cystoisosporosis was less often diagnosed in dogs of hunting, service, and decorative breeds; the extent of infestation ranged from 10.3 to 14.3 %. In terms of breeds, the highest infestation by protozoan organisms was found in labrador retrievers (extensive infestation 6.0 %), German shepherds (3.9 %), dachshunds (3.5 %), Yorkshire terriers (3.2 %) and cocker spaniels (2.8 %). The obtained data allow us to take into account the obtained results regarding the age and breed susceptibility of dogs to coccidia of the genus Cystoisospora for timely diagnosis and prevention of cystoisosporosis.

Monitoring studies of the spread of toxocarosis in dogs in the city of Poltava

Most types of helminths are widespread in many countries and severely threaten human health. One of the most dangerous zooanthropohelminthiases is toxocarosis. The causative agent of toxocarosis – the nematode Toxocara canis in the imaginal stage parasitizes in the small intestine of carnivores and the larval stage (Visceralis larva migrans) – in various organs and tissues of animals and humans. Toxocarosis has both veterinary and social significance. Toxocara canis larvae can migrate in the human body and cause various pathologies: hepatitis, encephalitis, chorioretinitis. The purpose of the research was to analyze data from the reporting documentation of the Poltava Veterinary Center regarding the prevalence of toxocarosis among the domestic dog population. According to the results of the analysis of the statistical data of the reporting documentation of the veterinary center of the Shevchenkivskyi district of the city of Poltava for 2019–2022, it was established that the average infestation of dogs by the causative agent of toxocarosis in the territory of the city of Poltava is 22.89 %, with a range from 17.51 to 28.02 %. The share of toxocarosis in the total parasitic pathology diagnosed in dogs was 27 %. The mestizos were the most affected by the causative agent of toxocarosis, where the extent of invasion was 29.26 %. A lower rate of toxocares was found in dogs of decorative (24.05 %), service (21.24 %), and hunting (18.56 %) breeds. In particular, the highest values of the extent of infestation were found in Yorkshire terriers (39.71 %). Less often, toxocarosis was diagnosed in toy terriers (extent of infestation – 19.12 %), English cocker spaniels (19.83 %), dachshunds (18.03 %), pugs (16.37 %), Jack Russell terriers (15.82 %) and pickiness (12.6 %). Seasonal dynamics of toxocarosis in dogs are characterized by the peak of invasion in the spring and autumn periods, where the infection rates of animals were at 35.0 and 30.0 %, respectively. The extent of toxocarosis infestation declined in winter – by 12.0 %. The obtained data indicate the relevance of the problem of toxocarosis as a zooanthroponous invasion in connection with the significant damage to domestic dogs by toxocares in the city of Poltava.

Infections with Dicrocoelium dendriticum, Cysticercus pisiformis, Micipsella numidica and seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in European brown hares (Lepus europeus L.) from Bulgaria

During the period 2009–2016, brown hares (Lepus europeus L.) from different regions of Bulgaria were investigated for infections with liver parasites as well as for seroprevalence of protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. Three helminth species were found in the liver: one trematode – Dicrocoelium dendriticum, one cestode – larval form of Taenia pisiformis – Cysticercus pisiformis and one nema­tode – Micipsella numidica. Dicrocoeliasis was found in all parts of the country with infected hares originating mainly from the western regions. The total prevalence of infection with D. dendriticum was 10.59%. The intensity of infection ranged from 1 to 184, 26.67 on the average. The total prevalence of infection with C. pisiformis was 16.8%. The prevalence of infection was highest among hares from the southern parts of the country, and no cysticercosis was registered in the western parts. The extent of infestation with cysticerci was different – from single cysticerci on the omentum or serosa of some organs in the abdominal cavity to innumerable ones that affected also the organs in the thoracic cavity. However, cases in which the animals were slightly affected, predominated. The total prevalence of infection with M. numidica was 5.31%, and the intensity of infection varied between 1 and 6 parasites in one animal. The nematodiasis was established mainly in hares from southern Bulgaria. The total seroprevalence of T. gondii was 6.15% and the protozoan-positive animals originated from three districts: Stara Zagora, Plovdiv, and Burgas. The current studies also showed that the prevalence of D. dendriticum infection among animals increased with age. No correlation was observed between prevalence of infection with C. pisiformis and M. numidica and host age. No correlation was found between the prevalence of the helminth infections and sex of the animals.

Parasite cenoces of the wild pig (<i>Sus scrofa</i>) on the Trans-Baikal Territory

A comprehensive veterinary study of the wild pig population on the territory of the Trans-Baikal Territory for helminthiasis and microbial transmission was carried out. The helminth fauna of wild pigs was studied and the circulation of bacterial pathogens in the population of these animals was established. The object of the research were materials obtained in the field studies on the Trans-Baikal Territory districts. The study of endoparasite infestation was conducted in 37 wild pigs aged 6 months to 3 years during 2019-2021. Infestation of wild pigs with eight different types of helminths was registered on the Trans-Baikal Territory. The maximum extent of infestation (32.4%) was recorded in Setaria labiato-papillosa. Wild pigs are infected with both imaginal helminths Setaria labiato-papillosa, Metastrongylus elongatus, Ascaris suum, Trichocephalus suis, Oesophagostomum dentatum, as well as with helminth larvae Cysticercus tenuicollis and Cysticercus cellulosae. The study of the morphology of sexually mature pathogens indicates parasitization of helminths of the genus Setaria labiato-papillosa in pigs. Out of 37 wild pigs studied, the association infestation of setariosis + ascaridosis was recorded in 12 animals, three pigs were simultaneously parasitized by ascaridosis + trichocephalus, and two animals had the association of setariosis + metastrongylosis.Organoleptic examination of carcasses of pigs affected by associative infestation showed a 2-fold or more reduction in the thickness of the backbone and side fat in comparison with helminth-free animals. In pigs infected with ascaridosis and metastrongylosis, microbial cultures of S. typhimurium and E. rhusiopathiae were isolated from paraenchymatous organs. Parasite ecosystems with different types of helminths and helminths + highly pathogenic bacteria have been recorded in the body of wild pigs.

Climate change and more disturbed land-use types will further the invasion of a non-native annual grass, Ventenata dubia

Identification of suitable habitat for invasive weeds and their projected infestation extent across different land use cover types under a changing climate is crucial for the broad management goals of prevention, detection, and rapid response. In this study, we adopted an ensemble approach of species distribution models to project potential habitat of the invasive annual grass, Ventenata dubia, within the Gallatin County and along its road corridors, in Montana, USA, under current and future climates. The model prediction of V. dubia habitat was excellent with an AUC value of > 0.90. The climate predictors with most influence on V. dubia occurrence were precipitation, potential evapo-transpiration, relative humidity, vapor pressure deficit, and solar radiation for growing season months. Under current climate, the model projected 243 and 1,371 km2 coverage of V. dubia along road corridors and the entire County, respectively. The projected coverage of V. dubia was greatest for road corridors (239% under RCP4.5 and 302% under RCP8.5) compared to that of Gallatin County (127% under RCP4.5 and 241% under RCP8.5). Among the land use cover types, the model projected greatest expansion of V. dubia across agriculture land with 425% and 484%, and grasslands with 278% and 442% under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 respectively. Our modelling approach suggests that the changing climate will facilitate spread and establishment of non-native species in disturbed habitats. We conclude that V. dubia with a short history of invasion is expanding at an alarming rate and requires greater investment in detection and monitoring to prevent further expansion.

Exploring the influence of weeds on cranberry yield and quality

AbstractThe influence of weeds on cranberry yield and quality is not well known and cannot be extrapolated from other cropping systems given the unique nature of both cranberry production and the weed species spectrum. The work presented here addresses this need with four common weed species across multiple production seasons and systems in Wisconsin, Massachusetts, and New Jersey: Carolina redroot, earth loosestrife, bristly dewberry, and polytrichum moss. The objectives were to use these representative species to quantify the impact of weed density, groundcover, and biomass on several cranberry yield components and related interactions with other cranberry pests, and to determine whether these relationships were consistent enough across seasons to be reliably used in weed management decision-making. The relationships between Carolina redroot and bristly dewberry growth measures and marketable cranberry yield were highly significant (P ≤ 0.001 in 12 of 13 regressions) and consistent across growing seasons, but not significant for similar regressions with earth loosestrife. In particular, the strong relationship between Carolina redroot and bristly dewberry visual groundcover observations and cranberry yield suggests a simple way for growers and crop scouts to reliably estimate yield loss. The relationship between polytrichum moss biomass and cranberry yield was also significant in both years, but not consistent between years. Weed competition also affected cranberry quality, in that Carolina redroot density was strongly related to the percentage of insect-damaged fruit and bristly dewberry growth reduced cranberry color development. On a practical level, this information can be used to educate growers, consultants, agrichemical registrants, and regulators about the impacts of weeds on cranberry yield and quality, and to economically prioritize management efforts based on the weed species and extent of infestation.

Mapping the purple menace: spatiotemporal distribution of purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) along roadsides in northern New York State

Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria L.) is an invasive, herbaceous plant, frequently found in wetlands, creating monoculture stands, resulting in intensive management strategies in central New York, Ontario, and Quebec. The goal of this study was to identify the extent of infestations and to investigate factors that promote the spread of purple loosestrife. We attempted to answer several questions regarding level of infestation, connection to mowing, and influence of culverts. During flowering season in July and August, 2017–2019, we mapped infestations along 150 km (93 miles) of state highway between the Adirondack Park and the St. Lawrence River using the ESRI Collector app. The results of our preliminary analysis revealed significant increase in the number of plants (P < 0.001). In addition, a linear correlation analysis demonstrated a higher loosestrife density with an increase in plant species richness and a decrease in the distance to the closest infestation and wetland (P < 0.001 each). We found no statistical evidence that mowing promotes the spread of loosestrife. As expected, there were more individual infestations in highway ditches, but larger and denser infestations in wetlands (P = 0.003 in 2019). Culverts enable purple loosestrife to spread underneath highways and should be managed to prevent spread.

ЭКОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ ОСОБЕННОСТИ ЗИМОСПЯЩИХ ЖИВОТНЫХ ЯКУТИИ

Under the influence of environmental factors, in winter-sleeping animals living in extreme winter conditions, a wide range of mechanisms of ecological and physiological adaptations is mani-fested that ensure the normal course of wintering and the survival of populations of species after its end. We carried out an analysis of our own data and literary sources on ecology and endoparasite infestation in three species of rodents – black-capped marmot, Asian long-tailed ground squirrel, Siberian (Asian) chipmunk, and in a representative of predators– brown bear. Data on the distribu-tion of the listed species of hibernating animals in the territory of Yakutia, their reproduction, nutri-tion, the extent of infestation by helminths, hibernation, time of bedding and awakening are given. Before going into hibernation, all hibernating animals reduce their diet and resort to hunger strikes. During this period, liquid and solid excrement is excreted from the body and, together with food waste, helminths leave or destrobilatethe gastrointestinal tract.

The Case History of an Insect Infestation Revealed Using X-ray Computed Tomography and Implications for Museum Collections Management Decisions

The protection of cultural heritage and property is a significant and critical task that requires collaboration and expertise in a variety of disciplines. Of the many risk factors, insect infestation is one cause of deterioration and loss. At a large, state university, disparate departments, ranging from Facilities Management to the Entomology Department and Veterinary Medicine, assisted the university museum in identifying a drywood termite infestation, determining the extent of loss and developing a plan to prevent or mitigate future infestations. Our group was able to determine the extent and severity of a drywood termite infestation in the museum storage vault through visual inspection and X-ray computed tomography (CT). This paper describes the process and heuristics of identifying and estimating the amount of active/inactive termite infestations in the art frames as well as visualizing a 3-dimensional structure to learn the extent of infestation. This interdisciplinary collaboration and effectual use of tomography enabled our group to determine the condition of several art frames through non-invasive means and develop a plan of action to identify and prevent future insect incursions within the museum.

First Reports of Macrosaccus morrisella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) Feeding on Soybean, Glycine max (Fabales: Fabaceae)

Abstract Macrosaccus morrisella (Fitch) is a tiny leaf-mining moth native to North America. In this publication, we provide first reports of this insect feeding on soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr., in Canada and the United States, describe its injury to soybean, and briefly review leaf miners associated with soybean. Further efforts related to M. morrisella should focus on its geographic extent of infestation of soybean, impacts to soybean, and ecology in the agricultural landscape.

Diagnosis Of The Type Of Pests Of Tusam (Pinus Merkusii Jung Et De Vriese)

The research was carried out in the Educational Forest Area of the Department of Forestry, Universitas Pattimura, Ambon, Maluku in January 2018 - July 2018. The study aimed to inventory the types of pests that infest the Tusam tree (Pinus merkusii Jung et De Vriese), diagnose the symptoms of pest infestations and calculate the magnitude of the outbreak and the extent of the infestation due to Tusam pest infestations. The study used a survey method on an area of 5 ha by making ten observation lanes measuring 100 m × 10 m with 10 sample trees per path. Observations were made on the roots, stems, and leaves with the system of the compass direction. The types of pests found were Tusam Leaf Snail (Mollusca sp), Brown Fire Caterpillar (Thosea sp), Brown Butterfly (Papilio sp), Pine Woolly Aphid and Termite Queen (Mactotermes gilvus hagen). The intensity of damage due to pest infestations were Brown Fire Caterpillars (38.13%), Tusam Brown Butterflies (37, 9%), Pine Woolly Aphid (30.4%) and Termite Queen (60.53%) respectively. The extent of infestation due to the outbreak of brown fire caterpillar pests by 30.38% was classified as moderate criteria, Tusam Brown Butterflies by 29.04% was classified as reasonable criteria, Pine Woolly Aphid by 42.4% was classified as average criteria, and Termite Queen by 68% was classified as severe criteria.

ПАРАЗИТОЦЕНОЗЫ СВИНЕЙ И БОРЬБА С НИМИ

ПАРАЗИТОЦЕНОЗЫ СВИНЕЙ И БОРЬБА С НИМИ Parasitocenosis of pigs and parasite control. Vodyanitskaya S.N. Evdokimov V.V. FGBOU VO "Belgorod agrarian Univer-sity named after V. Gorin" Infectious and invasive diseases cause huge economic damage to pig farming, among which a large proportion is occupied by diseases caused by protozoa and hel-minths. These infestations can lead not only to death and forced slaughter, but also to a significant slowdown in the growth and de-velopment of animals. Eimeriosis and iso-sporosis of pigs are widespread diseases characterized by lesions of the small and large intestine. The pathogens of the disease are up to 15 species of Eimeria and 3 species of isospores. The most susceptible to the disease are pigs from ten days of age to two months of age. Older pigs also get sick, but in a mild form. The most severe diseases occur when combined infestations of proto-zoa and intestinal nematodes. A total of 1,330 pigs (suckling pigs, weaning pigs, rearing pigs, gestating and suckling sows) were examined in different seasons of the year. Coproscopy of Eimeria oocysts and nematode eggs was performed using the double centrifugation method, and balantidia were detected in a native smear. The extent of infestation (EI) was deter-mined by detecting parasites in 30 fecal sam-ples, and the intensity of infestation (AI) was determined by counting them in 20 fields of view of the microscope. The species of coc-cidia was determined by the determinant of parasitic protozoa, and helminth eggs were determined by an improved method of dou-ble centrifugation. The article presents study data of mixed intestinal infestations of pigs. It was found that most often animals become infected with eimeria, isospores, balantidium and roundworms. These parasites are found in groups of pigs of different ages, both sin-gly and in combination. The season, age and their place of detention affect the extent of the invasion. The timely implementation of therapeutic and preventive measures on pig farms leads to a decrease in the manifesta-tion of associative animals’ diseases. A se-lective ovoscopic examination of pigs of all age groups once a season helps to prevent the spread of invasion on the farm.

Automated Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda, J.E. Smith) Pheromone Trap Based on Machine Learning

Maize is the main food crop that meets the nutritional needs of both humans and livestock in the sub-Saharan African region. Maize crop has in the recent past been threatened by the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda, J.E Smith) which has caused considerable maize yield losses in the region. Controlling this pest requires knowledge on the time, location and extent of infestation. In addition, the insect pest’s abundance and environmental conditions should be predicted as early as possible for integrated pest management to be effective. Consequently, a fall armyworm pheromone trap was deployed as a monitoring tool in the present study. The trap inspection is currently carried out manually every week. The purpose of this paper is to bring automation to the trap. We modify the trap and integrate Internet of Things technologies which include a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ micro-computer, Atmel 8-bit AVR microcontroller, 3G cellular modem and various sensors powered with an off-grid solar photovoltaic system to capture real-time fall armyworm moth images, environmental conditions and provide real-time indications of the pest occurrences. The environmental conditions include Geographical Positioning System coordinates, temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction. The captured images together with environmental conditions are uploaded to the cloud server where the image is classified instantly using Google’s pre-trained InceptionV3 Machine Learning model. Intended users view captured data including prediction accuracy via a web application. Once this smart technology is adopted, the labour-intensive task of monitoring will reduce while stakeholders shall be provided with a near real-time insight into the FAW situation in the field therefore enabling pro-activeness in their management of such a devastating pest.

Occurrence of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Small Mammals from Germany.

An increase in zoonotic infections in humans in recent years has led to a high level of public interest. However, the extent of infestation of free-living small mammals with pathogens and especially parasites is not well understood. This pilot study was carried out within the framework of the "Rodent-borne pathogens" network to identify zoonotic parasites in small mammals in Germany. From 2008 to 2009, 111 small mammals of 8 rodent and 5 insectivore species were collected. Feces and intestine samples from every mammal were examined microscopically for the presence of intestinal parasites by using Telemann concentration for worm eggs, Kinyoun staining for coccidia, and Heidenhain staining for other protozoa. Adult helminths were additionally stained with carmine acid for species determination. Eleven different helminth species, five coccidians, and three other protozoa species were detected. Simultaneous infection of one host by different helminths was common. Hymenolepis spp. (20.7%) were the most common zoonotic helminths in the investigated hosts. Coccidia, including Eimeria spp. (30.6%), Cryptosporidium spp. (17.1%), and Sarcocystis spp. (17.1%), were present in 40.5% of the feces samples of small mammals. Protozoa, such as Giardia spp. and amoebae, were rarely detected, most likely because of the repeated freeze-thawing of the samples during preparation. The zoonotic pathogens detected in this pilot study may be potentially transmitted to humans by drinking water, smear infection, and airborne transmission.

Altitude and coffee production systems influence extent of infestation and bean damage by the coffee berry borer

The coffee berry borer (CBB), Hypothenemus hampei Ferrari (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), is one of the major insect pests of coffee worldwide. The present study was designed to assess the level of infestation of coffee berries at different developmental stages across different altitudes and coffee management systems. The experiment was carried out at three locations in southwestern Ethiopia under two coffee management systems and four coffee berry development stages with three replications. Results of the study showed significantly highest proportion of damaged berries (37.5%), number of holes per berry (10.88) and number of adult CBB per berry (7.55) on dried leftover berries at low-altitude study sites. On the other hand, the lowest mean percent damaged berries, number of holes per berry and number of adults were recorded at mid- and high-altitude study sites. The study also showed that, CBB caused significantly highest damage in plantation coffee management system than garden coffee. Results of this study highlight proper harvesting at red ripe stage in order to minimise incidence of CBB. It is also important to design integrated management strategies to mitigate CBB damage especially in lowland plantation coffee production systems.

Quantifying site and species factors to inform the feasibility of eradication of alien plants from Southern Ocean Islands: Stellaria media on Macquarie Island

Eradication of alien plants is notoriously challenging, however eradication projects reap great biodiversity benefits, particularly on islands. To date only individual plants or small restricted populations have been successfully eradicated from the Southern Ocean Islands (SOI). The next phase in conservation for the region is tackling more widespread, abundant alien plant species. Several on-going and proposed control programs for such weeds exist in the SOI and Antarctic regions. If eradication of a widespread species is to be successful, a number of factors need to be considered. ‘Organisational’ factors such as management agency capacity, resources and the availability of effective control methods are critical to the success of an eradication. ‘Site and species’ factors such as infestation extent, number of discrete populations, dispersal processes and detectability typically show a cumulative effect on success. We assessed the site and species factors for Stellaria media, an alien species on sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island, to determine the feasibility of its eradication from the island. Organisational factors can successfully be met with adequate funding. Site and species factors which reduce the likelihood of eradication included large gross infestation areas, large plants with high reproductive output (precocity or fecundity), dense seed banks, short pre-reproductive period, extended seed longevity and vegetative reproductive capacity. We recommend a small-scale eradication trial for restricted, easily accessible populations of S. media on Macquarie Island to further evaluate the likelihood of broader eradication.