Half Of June Research Articles

Impact of COVID-19 on the Economic Output of the US Outbreak's Epicenter.

Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) started in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. In a few months, it has become a pandemic with devastating consequences for the global economy. By the end of June, with almost 2.6 million confirmed COVID-19 cases, United States is above other countries in the rankings. Furthermore, New York with more than 416 thousand cases is the epicenter of outbreak in the US and had more cases than any other countries in the world until first half of June. In this paper, we use a two-step Vector Auto Regressive (VAR) model to forecast the effect of the virus outbreak on the economic output of the New York state. In our model, we forecast the effect of the shutdown on New York’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) working with Unemployment Insurance Claim series representing a workforce factor, as well as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) ridership data indicating the economic activity. We predict annualized quarterly growth rate of real GDP to be between -3.99 to -4.299% for the first quarter and between -19.79 to -21.67% for the second quarter of 2020.

Modelos de predicción del impacto y evolución del COVID-19 en República Dominicana

Después de su descubrimiento en China, en diciembre de 2019, el virus SARS-CoV-2 causante de la enfermedad COVID-19, comenzó a propagarse por la mayoría de los países del mundo, provocando una cantidad importante de infectados y muertos, situación que ha generado una gran presión en los sistemas de salud y gobiernos de los diferentes países, que en muchos casos no contaban con los recursos e infraestructuras para enfrentar una pandemia provocada por el virus, como fue el caso de República Dominicana. Usando los datos públicos del avance de la pandemia en la Republica Dominicana, desde el 1 de marzo hasta el 30 de abril, se modeló y pronosticó la posible evolución del COVID-19 en este país, utilizando de tres modelos matemáticos SIR, SEIR-Extendido y log-lineal. Estos modelos permitieron proyectar los diferentes escenarios de contagios y evolución de la enfermedad, además de pronosticar el pico y el descenso de la curva de casos. Según los resultados obtenidos, el país se encontraba en un proceso de crecimiento exponencial de los contagios; el pico de los contagios fue pronosticado ocurriría entre la segunda mitad del mes de mayo y la primera mitad del mes de junio, con un estimado de infectados entre 100,000 y 200,000 individuos. Los resultados obtenidos en este estudio permiten obtener una idea de cuál podría ser el impacto humano y social del COVID-19 en la República Dominicana.

Flowering, Forage Value, and Insect Pollination in Borage (Borago Officinalis L.) Cultivated in Se Poland

Abstract The three-year study on borage was conducted in Lublin, SE Poland. The aims were to investigate the flowering pattern and abundance, and the attractiveness (in terms of nectar and pollen production) for flower-visiting insects, mainly bees. Insect visitation and the effect of pollinators on fruit set and seed set were assessed as well. Flowering of borage started in the latter half of June and lasted eight weeks. The mean number of flowers · m−2 of the crop was 4570 per season. A borage flower produced on average 4.0 mg of nectar with a mean sugar concentration of 31.5%. The mean total sugar amount secreted in nectar was 1.2 mg. The pollen amount · flower−1 was 1.1 mg. A borage plant can supply insects with 1.1 g of nectar sugars and 1.1 g of pollen. The estimated nectar sugar yield and pollen yield per 1 m2 of the crop were similar, i.e. 5.2 g. Bees accounted for 73.0% of all insect visits to the borage flowers. The presence of insect pollinators increased the fruit set by 43.3% and seed set by 26.8%.

Investigation of Ixodid ticks as vectors of Babesia caballi and Theileria equi (Protozoa: Apicomplexa) in central Italy

Babesia caballi and Theileria equi are widely recognized as causative agents of equine pirolasmosis (EP), an acute, sub-acute, and chronic disease of equines, with relevant economic impact on horse trade worldwide. Although several studies on EP prevalence from central Italy have been published, data on ticks responsible for its transmission are still lacking. In this study, we identified a potential competent vector, investigating main features of its ecology together with EP infection rates. A two-year sampling of questing ticks was carried out for the first time in Italy in an area known for high EP prevalence in horse sera, detecting the association between Rhipicephalus bursa and causative agents of EP. Most of the positive pools harbored a single infection (91.1%); mixed infections were also detected (8.9%). The infection rate for T. equi slightly decreased among years; B. caballi showed a lower, but increasing, infection rate. Tick phenology, climate variables, and peaks of EP prevalence indicated late May and second half of June as periods with the highest risk of new infections, especially during warm and dry days.

Phenology of climbing large-flowered roses in the Stavropol Botanical Garden

The article summarizes the results of studying of the biology of flowering varieties of climbing large-flowered roses (Large-Flowered Climber). The varietal composition of climbing large-flowered roses used for landscaping has not been sufficiently studied in terms of the biology of varieties and their ornamental qualities in the conditions of the Stavropol Upland. In this regard the research conducted by us in 2016-2019 are very actual. Studies are relevant, given the increased demand for roses with climbing type shoots for vertical gardening among landscape industry experts and amateur gardeners. In the collection of the Stavropol Botanical Garden, there are 21 varieties of climbing large-flowered roses from leading breeders of Germany, the USA, France, England, and Holland. Representatives of this garden group are varieties with a single flowering in the first half of summer, in which flowers are formed on biennial and older lateral shoots. It also includes varieties with repeated flowering, whose flowers are formed on shoots of different orders and ages, including the current year. The beginning of flowering of large large-flowered roses falls in the first half of June, the flowering period is June – July, August – September, October. The order of flowering of climbing large-flowered roses over the years is preserved. The varieties Krasnyy Mayak, Glenn Dale, Copper Glow are the first to bloom and bloom profusely, on average 20-25 days. Regular flowering was observed in the varieties: Handel, Ramira, Blossontime, Swan Lace, Sympathia, Santana, The Generous Gardener, New Dawn, Casino, Polca, Elfe, Rosarium Uetersen, Michka, Benvenuto, Heidelberg, Golden Climber, Golden Showers, Paul’s Scarlet Climber. The duration of flowering of climbing roses prone to permanent flowering capacity is more than 130 days. Roses of the Climber group have the ability to self-pollination, 14 varieties have abundant fruit formation, 7 varieties have a single one. The ability of varieties to tie fruits from free pollination makes it possible to use them as mother plants in rose breeding. Due to the diversity of flower colors, aroma, abundant continuous flowering, this garden group of roses has become one of the most promising for vertical gardening.

Projecting demand for critical care beds during COVID-19 outbreaks in Canada.

Increasing numbers of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in Canada may create substantial demand for hospital admission and critical care. We evaluated the extent to which self-isolation of mildly ill people delays the peak of outbreaks and reduces the need for this care in each Canadian province. We developed a computational model and simulated scenarios for COVID-19 outbreaks within each province. Using estimates of COVID-19 characteristics, we projected the hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) bed requirements without self-isolation, assuming an average number of 2.5 secondary cases, and compared scenarios in which different proportions of mildly ill people practised self-isolation 24 hours after symptom onset. Without self-isolation, the peak of outbreaks would occur in the first half of June, and an average of 569 ICU bed days per 10 000 population would be needed. When 20% of cases practised self-isolation, the peak was delayed by 2-4 weeks, and ICU bed requirement was reduced by 23.5% compared with no self-isolation. Increasing self-isolation to 40% reduced ICU use by 53.6% and delayed the peak of infection by an additional 2-4 weeks. Assuming current ICU bed occupancy rates above 80% and self-isolation of 40%, demand would still exceed available (unoccupied) ICU bed capacity. At the peak of COVID-19 outbreaks, the need for ICU beds will exceed the total number of ICU beds even with self-isolation at 40%. Our results show the coming challenge for the health care system in Canada and the potential role of self-isolation in reducing demand for hospital-based and ICU care.

The Annual Reproductive Cycle of Rudd, Scardinius erythrophthalmus (Cyprinidae) from the Lower Oder River and Lake Dąbie, (NW Poland)

The rudd is a common freshwater species of the European ichthyofauna, however, this species' sexual cycle has not yet been described based on the histological analysis of its gonads. The aim of this study was to analyze the annual gonad development cycle of rudd from the watercourses of north-western Poland. Adult individuals aged 2+ to 13+, of both sexes were caught in the Oder River and Lake Dąbie. A standard paraffin technique and six-stage scales were used to assess the development of gonad maturity in both sexes. Rudd gonads developed similarly in the Oder River and Lake Dąbie. Eggs were deposited in batches from the beginning of May to the half of June. Females deposited at least two batches of eggs. In the majority of females collected from these sites, the gonads developed asynchronously throughout the year. Rudd males attained reproductive readiness in the same period as the females, but retained gametes in their gonads for a month longer than the females. Rudd avoid locations with warmer water discharged from power plants.

The Road to Nicopolis, Part 1.

In the past decades, or even during the last hundred years, many books and articles have been published on the Crusade in 1396 and on the Battle of Nicopolis. The interest is not surprising, because this was one of the iconic late medieval crusader events. Serious preparations were taken. This includes the parade as well. The theme is huge, so the study is going to deal only with Hungary and the western section of the route of the Hungarian troops. The deployment route of the marching battalions/armies is far from being as clarified as one might think. My study attempts to answer the following questions: When did the Western crusaders reach Buda, and when and on what route did they proceed south? When did the Hungarian king and his barons – and with them the Hungarian troops – join the crusaders? How many columns were involved in the advancement? The study shows that Sigismund, after receiving in Buda the Western leaders, made an important diplomatic detour to the Hungarian-Polish border. The arrival of Western leaders to Buda should be placed on the first half of June. After that the study will take into account the possible routes of the Western and Hungarian Crusaders. Another part of the crusader army was the minor army columns which advanced through Transylvania to Wallachia and were led by the faithful baron of the Hungarian king, Voivode Stibor.

Scenarios for the Spread of COVID-19 in Manaus, Northern Brazil

We use a compartmental model to project scenarios for the spread of COVID-19 in the city of Manaus, with different degrees of social distancing and isolation of infectious individuals. In a scenario without any containment measures, our projections point to more than 50,000 (simultaneously) infectious individuals before the end of April 2020. Only in a scenario with strict and extensive social distancing (lockdown), implemented and observed as of March 23rd, 2020, would this number be less than 50,000 in the first half of June. Furthermore, an increase in the number of tests or in the collective awareness among the population regarding the importance of strict distancing measures would have only had a significant impact if implemented before the end of March.

Жылтырауық жармасқының (Teratoscincus scincus Schlegel,1858) Кербұлақ жазығының құмдарындағы сан мөлшерінің ауытқуы

the article presents data on the population dynamics of the Plate-tailed Gecko (Teratoscincus scincus Schlegel, 1858) in the Sands of the Kerbulak plain (Northern part of the ili province). The article is based on the results of research conducted in 2007-2019 using one of the methods of accounting for the number of nocturnal animals — accounting using the light of a headlight (lantern). The research was conducted in semi-fixed (with open areas) and fixed bumpy Sands on permanent routes, mainly in the first half of June. The results of night accounting show that the number of Plate-tailed Gecko in various biotopes varies very widely (by 16.6 times). On semi-fixed Sands, these indicators averaged 2.8 — 20.0 per 1 ha, and 1.2 — 11.6 individuals on fixed Sands. Population fluctuations are influenced by annual and seasonal weather conditions, the use of these biotopes in all seasons as pastures by large and small cattle (sheep and goats), as well as the capture in large numbers of this Gecko as a decorative object for keeping in a terrarium. The daily activity, especially the time of its exit from the burrow, of the Plate-tailed Gecko in may-July is not subject to much change: in may, the time of exit from the burrow is 21 hours 25 minutes, in June-21 hours 15 minutes, in July-21 hours 30 minutes. Plate-tailed Gecko as one of the most important biological species in order to find out the number in the territories of its habitat, it is necessary to conduct constant Herpetological studies and to preserve the population, conduct propaganda work among the population.

Фітосанітарний моніторинг капустянки звичайної (Gryllotalpa gryllotalpa L.) в овочевих агроценозах присадибної ділянки с. Седлище Любешівського району

Harm is the primary criterion for determining the dangers of an entomological entity in an economic sense. The features of Gryllotalpa gryllotalpa L . biology and ecology are investigated , methods of accounting and level of harmfulness in agrocenoses of seedlings of vegetable crops (cucumbers, cabbage, tomatoes, eggplants) in the garden areas of the village Sedlyshche, Lyubeshiv district, which are based on the regulation of the specificity of the ontogeny, the study of motor activity, the relationship with the environment. As a result of two years of studies have clarified the life cycle of Gryllotalpa gryllotalpa , also the level of crop losses at different levels of the pest population has been determined. The course of ontogeny of mole crickets in the Lubeshiv district of Volyn region lasts 2 years (the first wintering in the larval stage of 3-year, the second - nymphs or imago): Imago emerges from the winter in spring, females lay eggs and take care of the nest. The larvae are reborn in the 1st age (May), fade to the 2nd age (June-July), from that moment on begin trophic activity and mass accumulation (August-September) and migrate to wintering. We have tried to evaluate the harmfulness of Gryllotalpa gryllotalpa L., on vegetable crops (cucumbers, cabbage, tomatoes and eggplants). The real and potential danger in the garden areas of the village Sedl yshche is the highest percentage of destroyed plants among (cucumbers 41.7% and cabbage 25.7%) during the rooting of seedling . The liquefaction dynamics show that Solanaceous crops (sweet peppers, tomatoes, eggplants) are characterized by a smaller percentage loss. The maximum pest peak occurs in the first half of June. The critical period for seedlings of cabbage, tomatoes, peppers and eggplants lasts 25-30 days, for cucumbers - up to 40 days. The peculiarities of the biology of (Gryllotalpa gryllotalpa L.), and the significant level of harmfulness, indicate that the presence of pests in the agrocenoses of seedlings of vegetable crops in previous years is a real and potential danger. Thus, the decisive factor in the preservation of the seedling crop is the use of mainly extermination measures. It is therefore necessary to further investigate this representative of bluebirds in order to minimize its adverse effects on crops.

СЕЗОННАЯ ИЗМЕНЧИВОСТЬ ГИДРОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИК НА СЕВЕРО-ВОСТОЧНОМ ШЕЛЬФЕ О. САХАЛИН

The long-term mean temperature and salinity distributions on 5 standard oceanological sections on the northeast shelf of Sakhalin were analyzed for 4 months of the navigation period (July-October) including a radical restructuring of hydrological conditions in the transition from summer to autumn. The data of soundings performed during the pollock ichthyoplankton surveys were used to study oceanological conditions in June. The low salinity water formed by the Amur River runoff are shown to appear on the northeastern shelf in the first half of June after the heavy ice breaking in the southern Sakhalin Bay. Low salinity water and ice are pushed off toward the deep sea under the influence of the southern winds typical for a warm season, and an oceanological front is formed near the 52°N. This front prevents the low-salinity water from flowing southward until the second half of September, when changes into a winter monsoon with the prevailing northerly winds take place. This promotes destruction of hydrological front and deepening of the cold intermediate water layer. The waters with the 4–6°C temperature and salinity of about 31 psu occur at the shelf edge along the northeastern Sakhalin coast. A powerful stream with the relatively warm low salinity water is being formed along the shore that reaches the southeastern part of Sakhalin and northern coasts of Hokkaido Island.

Stage of goose embryo development at oviposition depending on genotype, flock age, and period of laying

Embryo development and chick quality are influenced by parental genotype, age, nutrition, environment, and flock management. The aim of study was to determine if genotype, age of goose or eggs laid near the onset of egg production vs. eggs laid near the end of reproduction influence the stage of embryo at oviposition. Three experiments were undertaken. To compare genotypes (Experiment 1) 150 eggs were collected from 3-year-old commercial line White Koluda (WK) geese and from two breeds involved in a genetic resources conservation program, Zatorska (Za) and Bilgoraj (Bi). Age comparison (Experiment 2) was conducted with 200 eggs collected from 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-year-old WK geese. To compare laying periods (Experiment 3), 150 WK eggs were collected at the first week of March and 100 at the second half of June. Eggs were stored for 72 h at 16°C, staged using Eyal-Giladi and Kochav (EGK, Roman numerals) and Hamburger and Hamilton (HH, Arabic numerals) procedures. Experiment 1: Individual breed differences were evident with Stage X EGK embryos comprising 42.4, 33.3, and 38.7% in the eggs examined from the WK, Bi, and Za, respectively. For all breeds combined, 38.8% of the embryos were in Stage X, but in the next order in WK there was stage XI (18.2%), while in geese from the genetic reserve it was stage XIII (Bi - 33.3; Za - 29.0%). Experiment 2: In eggs of 1-, 2-, and 3-year-old WK geese, the majority of embryos (38.7, 32.4 and 42.2%, respectively) were in Stage X. In contrast, in 4-year-old geese the embryos were in Stage XI (36.1%). Experiment 3: In eggs collected in March and in June most of embryos were in Stage X (33.7% and 43.6%, respectively). In addition, more developmentally advanced stages (XI-XIII) were similar in both periods. However, embryos in Stage 2 HH were only observed in eggs collected at the end of laying season. Interestingly, earlier stages (VI-IX) were observed exclusively in the eggs collected in March.

Field Studies on the Natural Role of the Predator Chrysoperla carnea (Steph.) Attacking Aphids in a Mixed Orchard Containing Pear and Plum Trees, with Evaluating the Possibility of Using Pheromone Traps against the Peach Fruit Fly, Bactrocera zonata (Saunders).

The present study was carried out to record the population density of two aphids' species (the cotton aphid Aphis gossypii on pear trees and the mealy plum aphid Hyalopterus pruni on plum ones) and the green lacewing predator Chrysoperla carnea, which occurred in a mixed orchard containing both trees, during season 2019, in Qalubia Governorate. The obtained data showed that the occurrence of aphids' species on pear and plum trees covered the whole four months of study (March-June, 2019). Aphids' populations were the highest in their numbers, during the two months April and May 2019, on both the two trees species. The results indicated also that, the existence periods of aphids' individuals on both pear and plum trees were the same as those recorded in case of the predator C. carnea. A field experiment was performed by putting pheromone traps on plum trees (during the fruiting season from the second half of May to the first half of July, 2019). Highest total number of the peach fruit fly Bactrocera zonata males was recorded in pheromone traps during the first half of June, 2019 (when using one or two pheromone capsules on the same glued sheets, on the same plum tree). Generally, the lacewing predator C. carnea can be massed reared in the laboratory and released for controlling aphids on pear and plum trees and/or other fruit trees that are subjected to attack by the two aphids' species. Besides, the pheromone traps can be used against the peach fruit fly B. zonata on plum trees and/or fruit trees that suffer from pest attack. The uses of either C. carnea and/or pheromone traps can be applied with other available safe control methods, in the frame of Integrated Pest Management (I.P.M.) programs, for protecting man heath and the surrounding environment from pollution.

Reduction in the Numbers of Blood-Sucking Blackflies in Volgograd during the 2018 World Cup as Special Task of Complex Water Resource Management of the Cascade Reservoir System

A mass emergence of blood-sucking blackflies in the Volgograd and Astrakhan oblasts is annually observed in May to July. The blackflies are distinct in their annoying behavior. Their bite are very painful, causing discomfort to humans and animals. The matches of the 2018 World Cup in Volgograd were scheduled for the second half of June. The threat of mass flight activity of blackflies in that period could negatively affect environmental sanitation and hygiene, which would inevitably be followed by breaches of the guarantees given by the government to the International Federation of Football Associations. The development of a schedule of water releases from the Volgograd water-storage reservoir was proposed as a measures to reduce the risk of blackfly occurrence in the period of championship matches. It was based on the available information on the dependence of the blackfly number and the occurrence calendar on the parameters of spring high water in the Lower Volga River (water release volumes, their maximum levels, and the characteristics of their declines). Implementation of the project of scheduled water releases was a complicated and integrated task, since it required alignment with the operating of the upstream water-storage reservoirs with satisfaction of the demands of the users of the integrated water resource management on the Lower Volga River itself and the water storage reservoirs of the Volga–Kama River Cascade. In addition, the available water resources and the insufficient accuracy of water-inflow forecasting should be taken into consideration.

Comparison of methodologies for the extraction of snakes’ (Reptilia: Serpentes) skin secretions and preliminary results on the presence of pheromones

During this preliminary study, 26 specimens from 8 different snake species were examined. Three methodologies for extraction of skin secretions by immersion of skin in n-hexane were used: immersing the whole body of live individuals for approximately 1 min in the field (n = 13), immersing the whole body of dead specimens (found freshly killed on road) for 24 h (n = 4), and soaking a shed skin for 24 h (n = 9). immersing the whole body of live individuals for approximately 1 min in the field (n = 13), immersing the whole body of dead specimens (found freshly killed on road) for 24 h (n = 4), and soaking a shed skin for 24 h (n = 9). We did not immerse the head and tail to avoid contamination of the samples. All samples were collected during snakes’ active period (February – first half of June) and were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/qMS). Based on the prevalence in the fraction of long-chained hydrocarbons, lipids or lipids with ketones we can separate the samples in three categories. The lipid fractions were present mainly in the shed skin samples, while the long-chained hydrocarbons dominated in the live specimens. According to the literature, ketones are the main component of the snakes’ pheromone communication. We found ketones in five samples, three live and two dead specimens, from five different species (Vipera ammodytes (Linnaeus, 1758), V. berus (Linnaeus, 1758), Dolichophis caspius (Gmelin, 1789), Natrix natrix (Linnaeus, 1758), and Platyceps najadum (Eichwald, 1831)). No ketones were found in the shed skin extracts. Ketones were found only in adults, both males and females. Presence of ketones was observed only for the period from the end of May to the beginning of June. Based on the preliminary results, we can suggest that secretion extraction from live specimens in the field could prove a valuable method in studies on snake pheromones in addition to the already developed methodologies. We speculate that the pheromones are present only in the reproductive and probably post-reproductive period. However, further research with larger sample size is required.

Phenological Features of (Mamestra Brassicae L. 1758) Development in Agrocoenosis of Cabbage in the Kamin-Kashyrskyi District (Volyn Region, Ukraine)

The animal world of Ukraine is characterized by a large variety of species. Among the lepidoptera there are a lot of pests whose larvae cause significant damage to agriculture. In the paper, we investigated the seasonal and perennial dynamics of vegetable crops pests’ population of Mamestra brassicae in the agrobiocenoses of white cabbage. The basis of our study was the investigation of the relative quantity of the pest larvae, we demonstrated the damage to plants, as well as the periods of intensive emergence of the imago and the number of generations per year. In future, this will enable the development of effective ecologically sound methods for controlling the number of species of white cabbage pests in the conditions of Kamin-Kashyrskyi district of Volyn region. Kamin-Kashyrskyi area has a flat terrain and is characterized by a warm temperate continental climate with sufficient amount of moisture, the presence of impoverished sod-podzolic soils. The area is mostly plain, with large marsh massifs, which are favorable conditions for the existence of Mamestra brassicae, as this species is moisture-loving. Observation of biocenotic connections in the agrobiocenoses of white cabbage and stationary research on the development of protection, testing and implementation systems was carried out during 2017-2018 at the garden sites of Kamin-Kashirsky district during the entire vegetation period of the plants. White cabbage is damaged throughout the period of vegetation, however, the damage that appear after emergence of seedlings and planting of seedlings into the soil are dangerous due to their consequences. In the second half of summer and in autumn, the larvae of Mamestra brassicae caused significant damage to cabbage plants in the gardens of Novi Chervyshcha. Within this area, Mamestra brassicae develops two generations per year, causing tangible damage to the agrocoenosis of cabbage of different sowing dates. The contamination of cabbage by the larva of the first and second generations approximately accounts to 24%, where 2-3 larvae live on one plant. The massive emergence of the imago occurs in the middle of May the first half of June while the average daily temperature is +20°С to +22°С. The first egg laying was recorded at the end of May, which the female lays in groups, 20-80 units on the underside of the leaves, and the embryonic development lasts 6 to 8 days. Pupae hibernate in the soil, at a depth of 8-12 cm. Significant damage to white cabbage plants was caused by the larvae of the first generation in June and early July, and of the second generation in August and early September. They intensively feed at night and at dawn, and in the daytime there is a decline in mobility and nutritional activity. Second-generation larvae often bite into cabbage heads where they make holes and pollute them with their liquid excrement, which leads to a decrease in crops. The use of microbiological drugs Dimilin and Insehar are some of the most effective ways to get rid of Lepidoptera, including larvae of Mamestra brassicae, which provide protection of cabbage plants by 93-97%.

POPULATION FLUCTUATION OF SOME PIERCING-SUCKING INSECTS AND ITS RELATION TO ASSOCIATED PREDATORS AND THE PREVAILING WEATHER FACTORS IN SOYBEAN FIELDS AT KAFR EL-SHEIKH GOVERNORATE

In Egypt, aphids, Aphis spp.; leafhoppers, Empoasca spp. and whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) are the most important piercing-sucking insect pests infesting soybean plants and a good understanding of their population dynamics is essential to develop an integrated pest management strategy. Therefore, the population densities of these insects and its relation to the common associated predators and the prevailing weather factors were investigated in soybean fields at Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate for 2016 and 2017 seasons. Weekly counts of the considered insects per 15 leaves indicated that whitefly was the most abundant species followed by leafhoppers, while aphids were the least one. Whitefly and leafhoppers appeared on soybean plants all over the growing season. The maximum density of whitefly took place from mid-June to late July in the first season and from the second half of July to the first half of August in the second season. The high number of leafhoppers occurred in the period from mid-July to mid-August for the first season and during August in the second season. Aphid population appeared only in two periods with very low numbers for every season. In the first season, the first period occurred in the second half of June, while the second period took place in the first half of September. In the second season, the population appeared from late June to mid-July and from late August to mid-September. Also, three predaceous insect species: Chrysoperla carnea (Steph.); Coccinella undecimpun ctata L. and Orius spp. were observed on soybean plants. Ch . carnea was the most abundant predator, while C . undecimpunctata was the least one. The total of the predaceous insects attained the highest numbers during July in the first season and during July and August in the second one. The weather factors (temperature, relative humidity and wind speed) had insignificant effect on the cotton whitefly population in the two study seasons. As for leafhoppers, wind speed only had significant effect on the population activity in the second season. Temperature and wind speed in the first season and wind speed in the second season had highly significant effect on aphids activity in the first season. The effect of the predators on the insects was insignificant during the two seasons except effect of the predaceous insects on the leafhoppers which it was significant. The combined effect of both predators and the prevailing weather factors was more pronounced only on aphids in the first season and on leafhoppers in the second season. However, the gained results may provide valuable information for comprehensive integrated insect management of soybean.

Productividad de variedades precoces de maíz de grano amarillo para Valles Altos


 
 
 México importa anualmente diez millones de toneladas de grano de maíz amarillo; por lo que se requiere incrementar la producción. El uso de semilla mejorada es un elemento clave, para alcanzar niveles competitivos en la producción. Una opción para atender esta demanda y aminorar las dificultades por las condiciones limitantes del temporal, son las variedades de grano amarillo de ciclo corto, cuya disponibilidad en Valles Altos es escasa. En la Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México y el Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias, se han generado variedades de maíz de grano amarillo, de ciclo precoz. En los últimos años se promueven variedades de grano amarillo en ambas instituciones (Oro Ultra C, Oro Plus D y V-53 A, V-54 A, V-55 A), las dos últimas ya inscritas en el Catálogo Nacional de Variedades Vegetales (CNVV). En este trabajo se evaluaron 8 variedades en comparación con un testigo comercial, en tres experimentos, dos de ellos en el CEVAMEX, con fecha de siembra diferente. En el CEVAMEX, fecha de siembra 1, fue donde se obtuvo el mejor rendimiento (6 070 kg ha-1), similar estadísticamente al rendimiento medio de la FESC-UNAM (5 553 kg ha-1), en ambos casos en siembra de la segunda quincena de junio, pero diferentes estadísticamente a la media de CEVAMEX, fecha de siembra 2, en la primera quincena de julio (3 493 kg ha-1). Las variedades V-53 A, V-54 A, Oro Ultra 3 C y V-55 A, exhibieron en promedio los mejores rendimientos (6 157 kg -1, 6 112 kg ha-1, 5 843 kg ha-1, 5 405 kg ha-1, respectivamente), superiores estadísticamente a Amarillo Zanahoria.
 
 

Use of classifier to determine coffee harvest time by detachment force

ABSTRACT Coffee quality is an essential aspect to increase its commercial value and for the Brazilian coffee business to remain prominent in the world market. Fruit maturity stage at harvest is an important factor that affects the quality and commercial value of the product. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop a classifier using neural networks to distinguish green coffee fruits from mature coffee fruits, based on the detachment force. Fruit detachment force and the percentage value of the maturity stage were measured during a 75-day harvest window. Collections were carried out biweekly, resulting in five different moments within the harvest period. A classifier was developed using neural networks to distinguish green fruits from mature fruits in the harvest period analyzed. The results show that, in the first half of June, the supervised classified had the highest success percentage in differentiating green fruits from mature fruits, and this period was considered as ideal for a selective harvest under these experimental conditions.