Heavy Infestation Research Articles

Nitrogen and phosphorus supply strongly reduced the control efficacy of maize against sunflower broomrape

ABSTRACT Heavy infestation by the root parasitic sunflower broomrape over wide regions constitutes a major biological constraint to sunflower production. The use of maize as a trap crop to induce sunflower broomrape germination is considered a cost-effective method for controlling sunflower broomrape. This study was designed to examine the activity of maize to induce sunflower broomrape seeds germination under varying levels of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilization. Orthogonal experiments were conducted during two cropping seasons with four maize cultivars under four levels of N and P application. A significant reduction in sunflower broomrape germination induced by maize root and rhizosphere soil extracts upon N and P application was observed in both 2014 and 2015, with P having the strongest effect on the broomrape germination inducing activity of maize root extracts. Structural equation modelling analysis revealed that N and P supplementation not only directly affected the germination-inducing capacity towards sunflower broomrape of maize root extracts but also had an indirect effect through the impact on abscisic acid contents. This study may contribute to a better understanding of the connection between soil fertility and the production and release of germination stimulants in maize and that can lead to improved control strategies.

Removal of Biomass and Nutrients by Weeds and Direct-Seeded Rice under Conservation Agriculture in Light-Textured Soils of North-Western India.

The escalating scarcity of irrigation water, transplantation of rice on light-textured soils and labour cost acted as major drivers for the transition towards direct-seeded rice (DSR) cultivation from the conventionally flooded transplanting system. Despite these advantages, DSR is a challenge in light texture soil due to heavy weed infestation and a slight decline in crop yield. The weeds compete for nutrients and have an adverse effect on the growth and yield of crops. Hence, to assess the removal of macro and micronutrients by weeds and direct-seeded rice, a field experiment was carried out on sandy loam soil for two consecutive Kharif seasons (2018 and 2019). Three treatments from rice, namely: DSR under zero tillage (DSR-ZT), DSR under conventional tillage (DSR-CT) and DSR under reduced tillage (DSR-RT) were taken as main plots with three tillage treatments in wheat, namely: Conventional tillage without rice straw (CTW-R), Zero tillage without rice straw (ZTW-R) and Zero tillage with straw as mulch using Happy Seeder (ZTW+R) as subplots, replicated thrice. Among the rice establishment methods, DSR-RT showed an edge in terms of rice grain and straw yield (6.18 and 8.14 Mg ha−1, respectively) as well as macro- and micronutrient uptake by rice. Under management practices, ZTW+R proved as an efficient strategy in terms of yield and nutrient uptake by crops. The contribution of weeds towards biomass production was maximum under the ZTW-R (9.44%) treatment followed by DSR-ZT (7.72%). The nutrient budgeting showed that macro- and micronutrient removal by weeds was minimum under reduced tillage (24.51 and 50.35%, respectively), whereas it was 21.88 and 44.87% when wheat was grown under conventional tillage without rice straw. In overall, the research study concluded that weeds on an average remove 25.65 % macronutrients (N, P, K) and 51.47% of micronutrients (Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn) in DSR under rice-wheat cropping system.

The correlation between ectoparasite infestation and total Vibrio parahaemolyticus bacteria in Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) in Super Intensive Ponds

This study aimed to determine the type, intensity, degree of ectoparasite infestation and its correlation to the total V. parahaemolyticus bacteria in super-intensive pacific white shrimp culture. In this study, sampling was carried out in 3 super-intensive pacific white shrimp pond areas spread out in East Java, namely Bangil, Tuban, and Lamongan with 50 shrimps (PL30-PL 40). The obtained data underwent regression and correlation analysis. Based on the results, there were three types of ectoparasites, namely Zoothamnium sp., Epistylis sp. and Vorticella sp. High ectoparasite intensity was found in pacific white shrimp from Lamongan and Tuban ponds, namely 76 and 55 individuals/shrimp, respectively, showing the heavy infestation. High total V. parahaemolyticus bacteria was found in Tuban (1.16 × 105 CFU/gr) and Lamongan (1.16 × 105 CFU / gr) ponds. Based on the results, the coefficient value was R = 0.807 showing positive correlation of V. parahaemolyticus with the increasing parasite intensity and low oxygen levels.

Assessment of the Effect of Different Varieties of Tomato and Hot Pepper on Nematodes Attack in Senegal

Tomato and hot pepper are very susceptible to nematodes. The Parasitic Plant Nematodes (PPN) are controlled using chemicals or resistant varieties. This study focuses on appraising the resistance levels of local and American varieties through the plant characteristics (growth, biomass) and the nematodes metrics (gall index, population). For each crop, three American varieties were tested to ascertain their resistance to the nematodes in Senegal using the following plant materials and protocol. American tomatoe varieties are as follows: Small Fry, Jet Setter, and Celebrity. The hot pepper American varieties include Charleston Bell, Carolina Cayenne, and Carolina Wonder. All of these were provided by the Entomology and Nematology Department and Cooperative Extension Service at the University of Florida. They were compared with highly susceptible Senegalese local varieties which were Roma and Orbit for tomato and Safi for hot pepper. The test was conducted in pots containing sterilized sand of dune and placed in a shelter in a completely randomized design. There were 200 second stage juveniles (J2) of Meloidogyne inoculated in each pot thirteen days after transplantation. After fifty days, plants were uprooted to collect agronomic and nematological parameters. Results for tomato showed, in general, better growth from Roma than the other American tomato varieties. Celebrity offered possibilities of reducing Meloidogyne population, while Small Fry and Jet Setter’s growth were not affected by Meloidogyne populations. Safi, which is the local hot pepper variety, displayed the poorest growth. Carolina Cayenne variety also performed better than Safi in heavy infestations. Analysis of Meloidogyne J2 final population data (in the soil and root) showed a significant difference between Small Fry and Celebrity for tomato. As for hot pepper, Carolina Cayenne performed significantly better than Carolina wonder and Safi. This opens up further research opportunities on the impact of Meloidogyne nematode genus and the agronomic parameters.

Infestation of Early- and Late-Flushing Trees by Spring Caterpillars: An Associational Effect of Neighbouring Trees

In temperate forests within Europe, early-flushing (EF) deciduous trees are often heavily infested by early spring leaf-eating Lepidoptera, while late-flushing (LF) trees are better protected in a phenological manner against such heavy infestations, as spring moth larvae begin to appear before their bud burst. The associational effects of EF trees on LF ones are only poorly known. We studied whether or not the infestation of LF trees by spring Lepidoptera can be affected by EF ones if they grow in the immediate vicinity. We compared spring assemblages of leaf-eating larvae of Lepidoptera on LF Quercus cerris L. with those on EF Q. pubescens Willd. in several microhabitats in Slovakia, Central Europe. Larvae were collected from mature and young trees. Mature trees sampled were growing: (1) in a closed-canopy forest; (2) in small groups; or (3) as a lone tree. Forest and tree groups are both constituted by oak species. Tree groups and lone trees were 20–50 m distant from forest edges. Young trees were growing (1) under mature Q. pubescens trees in a forest or (2) as a lone tree within forest gaps or near the edges. In the closed-canopy forest where LF trees (Q. cerris) were surrounded by EF ones (Q. pubescens), the caterpillars on mature LF trees were in abundance, almost as on mature EF ones. The species composition of larval assemblages on the two oak species was similar. In contrast, on small groups and on lone trees, the lepidopteran larvae were significantly less abundant on LF trees than EF ones. In the case of young trees, the abundance of larvae and their composition assemblages on both oaks were comparable in the forest. In the open habitat, LF trees were less infested by larvae than EF ones and the assemblages of moth larvae differed between the two. Our results reveal the effect (associational susceptibility) of EF trees on LF ones when growing in a close vicinity. It means that the phenological protection of LF trees may not be sufficient if they grow close to or are surrounded by EF ones.

Effects of infestations of the storage mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Acaridae) on the presence of fungal species and mycotoxin production in stored products

The storage mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) (Acari: Acaridae) is one of the most important pests of stored foods (cheese, corn, oats, wheat, soy etc.), and is found in heavy infestations. Mites can infest food that are stored under unsatisfactory sanitary conditions, which may also provide conditions for fungi growth, which indicates mite-fungus association. However, little is known about the influence of T. putrescentiae on mycotoxins production under different stored products over time. The main objective of the present study was to identify the fungal species present in oats, corn, and wheat flour associated with T. putrescentiae infestations, and evaluate mycotoxin production before and after six months storage with these infestations. Wheat, corn and oat grain samples were compared, and each crop was stored in six containers infested by T. putrescentiae. Three remaining containers were stored under the same temperature and humidity conditions without introducing the mites, which worked as control. We obtained 55 fungi isolates, and the majority were identified with 99% or 100% of identity and ≥97% of coverage with type strains of each fungal species. Mycotoxin concentrations analyzed from corn flour stored for six months decreased with and without T. putrescentiae (p < 0.05). Regarding mycotoxin concentration with T. putrescentiae, aflatoxin increased in oats (p < 0.05) while zearalenone decreased in wheat (p < 0.05). Our findings proved that T. putrescentiae could significantly induce mycotoxin production in stored products evaluated for six months.

Broomrapes (Orobanche spp.) the Challenge and Management: A review

Broomrapes (Orobanche spp.) are among the most damaging parasitic weeds to agriculture. The subsite themselves on the roots of a wide range of cultivated and wild-grown plant species of different plant families. These parasites are varied in morphology and plant hosts they attack, although they share a large number of host species. Certain Orobanche species are more specialized to plant species of specific growth forms such as fruit and forestry trees. All Orobanche species are obligatory parasites because they lack chlorophyll and thus heterotrophic completely depend on host plants for food and/or water absorbed through specialized organs called a haustoria. The present review introduces information on biology, ecology, distribution, host/parasite relationship, economic importance, and management of the most important Orobanche species widely spread in Jordan and worldwide that cause great yield loss of different economic crops and devastate yield totally under heavy infestation. Recent literature and overview information on methods of control followed in Jordan and different parts of the world are included and discussed.

Hematological, biochemical and histopathological studies on selected canine skin diseases

The skin is the largest organ of the body that has many functions. Canine dermatology remain a challenging field that requires a variety of knowledge as dermatological problems are reported to be the most common health problem in small animal practice. Blood, skin and biopsy samples were collected from 50 dogs of different breeds and sexes. The present study is designed for identification of the different etiological agents causing skin diseases in dogs, evaluation of some hematological and biochemical parameters in diseased dogs and histopathological examination of selected cases using skin biopsy. These dogs were grouped into two groups, the first one was the control group (n=10) apparently healthy dogs and the second group (n=40) diseased dogs presented with different skin ailments where 12 out of 40 dogs were suffered from demodicosis, dermatophytosis (6 cases), pyoderma (8 cases) , mixed infection (10 cases) and canine atopic dermatitis (4 cases). Evaluation of the hematological parameters revealed presence of anemia and leukocytosis with apparent neutrophilia in dogs with pyoderma and eosinophilia in the other groups. Biochemical parameters lied within the reference range in all diseased groups. Staphylococcus spp. was the most common bacterial isolate in canine pyoderma. With respect to histopathological picture, results indicated presence of large focal area of epidermal liquefactive necrosis associated with dense neutrophils infiltration. Severe dermatitis, folliculitis, perifollicular and perivascular inflammatory cells infiltration, all these changes associated with cases of pyoderma. Demodicosis cases demonstrated as heavy mite infestation in different developmental stages in the stratum conium of the epidermis and in the follicles. Laminar orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis, vacuolated epidermal prickle cells, acanthosis and vaculation of keratinocytes of the infundibula. Dermatitis characterized by moderate to marked inflammatory infiltration. Necrosis of adnexa, folliculitis and perifollicultis were also recorded in demodecosis infected dogs. Fungal dermatosis showed pronounced laminar orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis and acanthosis. Vacuolar degeneration of keratinocytes and fungal Hyphae were seen in dermatophytosis infected dog. Ulcerative dermatitis in form of focal extensive area of epidermal necrosis and ulceration associated with inflammatory cells infiltration, acanthosis and spongiosis of prickle cell layer were noticed in mixed infection infected dogs. The most common infectious skin problems during our study were pyoderma, red mange and dermatophytosis. The predominant pathogen in pyoderma affected dogs was Staphylococcus spp. Histopathological examination was very useful in our study as they provide accurate diagnosis in a short period of time and help in clear visualization of the clinical picture.

Foliar Application of Entomopathogenic Nematodes against Cereal Leaf Beetle Oulema melanopus L. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on Wheat

Cereal monocultures are very susceptible to many pests, especially to those living on leaves, which largely affects yield by decreasing its quality. The most dangerous of them is the cereal leaf beetle (Oulema melanopus L.). In cases of heavy infestation by its larvae, the surface of plants may be reduced by 50%, and sometimes even by 80%, with a main yield loss of 10–25%. The aim of the presented study was to assess the efficiency of a native isolate of Steinernema feltiae (Filipjev, 1934) and commercial preparation Larvanem (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Poinar, 1975)) in controlling the larvae of O. melanopus, and to reduce crops damage in the field. Nematodes were applied in a dosage of 2 million IJs/m2 as a suspension of 11 litres per square metre. A hand sprinkler with field lance and flat-stream nozzles was used for applications at the lowest working pressure of 3000 hPa. The effectiveness of both nematode species was moderate: 47.8% for S. feltiae isolate and 49.5% for H. bacteriophora. The biggest reduction in leaf damage was found in crops treated with the commercial preparation, where the index of leaf infection was 32%, being more than twofold smaller than that for the control.

Preliminary Study on Survey and Population Dynamic of the Terrestrial Snail Monacha obstructa (Pfeiffer) (Hygromiidae, Mollusca) at Crop Fields in Fayoum Governorate, Egypt.

&lt;b&gt;Background and Objective:&lt;/b&gt; &lt;i&gt;Monacha obstructa&lt;/i&gt; has a serious harmful impact as agricultural pest infested field crops, fruits, vegetables and ornamental plants nurseries in multiple Egyptian governorates. The objective of this research was estimating the population dynamic of the terrestrial gastropod species &lt;i&gt;Monacha obstructa&lt;/i&gt; (Pfeiffer) (Hygromiidae) on two economic crop fields and its correlation with temperature degree and relative humidity, the level of infestation on other economic crops had been estimated as well. &lt;b&gt;Materials and Methods:&lt;/b&gt; This study was conducted in three sites in Fayoum governorate, 1) Forkous village at Tamiya District, 2) Dar Ramadsite including the Experimental farm and research station of the Faculty of Agriculture, Fayoum University, Fayoum District and 3) Feedimeen village at Sannoris District. The distribution and population dynamics of &lt;i&gt;Monacha obstructa&lt;/i&gt; were assessed as one of dominant species on two field crops Egyptian clover &lt;i&gt;Trifolium alexandrinum &lt;/i&gt;L. and wheat &lt;i&gt;Triticum aestivum&lt;/i&gt; L. at Forkous village, Tamiya District and Dar Ramad site, Fayoum District, during two successive seasons 2016/2017 and 2017/2018. &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; Majority of the examined crops in the sites were found with heavy infestation of this species, while the two species &lt;i&gt;Cochlicella acuta&lt;/i&gt; (Müller) (Geomitridae) and &lt;i&gt;Massylaea vermiculata &lt;/i&gt;(Müller) (Helicidae) recorded in December, 2017 and in January, 2018, respectively, on mango trees in Feedimeen at Sannoris district for only one time. High density of &lt;i&gt;M. obstructa&lt;/i&gt; recorded on Egyptian clover more than wheat at Forkous village and Dar Ramad site for the both seasons in this study. &lt;b&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; Results concluded that &lt;i&gt;Monacha obstructa&lt;/i&gt; has a serious harmful impact as agricultural pest infested field crops, fruits, vegetables and ornamental plants nurseries in Forkous village and Dar Ramad site, respectively.

Instance segmentation of fallen trees in aerial color infrared imagery using active multi-contour evolution with fully convolutional network-based intensity priors

Over the last several years, semantic image segmentation based on deep neural networks has been greatly advanced. On the other hand, single-instance segmentation still remains a challenging problem. In this paper, we introduce a framework for segmenting instances of a common object class by multiple active contour evolution over semantic segmentation maps of images obtained through fully convolutional networks. The contour evolution is cast as an energy minimization problem, where the aggregate energy functional incorporates a data fit term, an explicit shape model, and accounts for object overlap. Efficient solution neighborhood operators are proposed, enabling optimization through metaheuristics such as simulated annealing. We instantiate the proposed framework in the context of segmenting individual fallen stems from high-resolution aerial multispectral imagery, providing problem-specific energy potentials. We validated our approach on 3 real-world scenes of varying complexity, using 730 manually labeled polygon outlines as ground truth. The test plots were situated in regions of the Bavarian Forest National Park, Germany, which sustained a heavy bark beetle infestation. Evaluations were performed on both the polygon and line segment level, showing that the multi-contour segmentation can achieve up to 0.93 precision and 0.82 recall. An improvement of up to 7 percentage points (pp) in recall and 6 in precision compared to an iterative sample consensus line segment detection baseline was achieved. Despite the simplicity of the applied shape parametrization, an explicit shape model incorporated into the energy function improved the results by up to 4 pp of recall. Finally, we show the importance of using a high-quality semantic segmentation method (e.g. U-net) as the basis for individual stem detection, as the quality of the results degraded dramatically in our baseline experiment utilizing a simpler method. Our method is a step towards increased accessibility of automatic fallen tree mapping in forests, due to higher cost efficiency of aerial imagery acquisition compared to laser scanning. The precise fallen tree maps could be further used as a basis for plant and animal habitat modeling, studies on carbon sequestration as well as soil quality in forest ecosystems.

Predators of the giant pine scale, Marchalina hellenica (Gennadius 1883; Hemiptera: Marchalinidae), out of its natural range in Turkey.

Marchalina hellenica is a sap sucking scale insect endemic to the Aegean basin and it has been introduced to several regions in Greece and Turkey to increase pine honey production. It is also considered as a pest since heavy infestation may leave the host trees vulnerable to secondary pests. An understanding of its natural predators would facilitate planning biocontrol programs. Although there are several studies reporting the predators of M. hellenica in its native range, there is no study identifying those in its introduced range. We aimed to determine predators of M. hellenica in Burdur, one of its introduced sites in Turkey. We carried out sampling through regular visits in an M. hellenica-infested locality nearby Burdur Lake. Through field and laboratory observations, we identified 19 species predating upon M. hellenica. Comparing predators reported in previous studies in its native range and those we found in the present study showed that 12 of the species that we found are new reports for the species predating upon M. hellenica. The highest number of predator individuals belonged to the monophagous Neoleucopis kartliana. Myrrha octodecimguttata, Chilocorus bipustulatus and Harmonia quadripunctata were also the most frequently observed predators.

Impact of Intercropping of Different Crops with Two Faba Bean Cultivars on Infestation with Broomrape

Background: Broomrape (Orobanche crenata Forsk.) is a major biotic stress of faba bean and affects the yield adversely. The impact of intercropping to curb the spread and progress of parasite was tested by using two faba bean cultivars under heavily soil infested conditions of broomrape. The present study was aimed to evaluate intercropping of fenugreek, flax, garlic or radish with two faba bean cultivars on broomrape incidence to increase faba bean yield, land usage and economic return in heavy soil infestation of broomrape.Methods: During winter seasons of 2017/2018 and 2018/2019, the treatments were the combinations of two faba bean cultivars (Nubaria 1 and Nubaria 2) and four intercrops (fenugreek, flax, garlic and radish), as well as sole plantings of all the tested crops under heavily infestation of broomrape were tested in field conditions. A split-plot design with three replicates was used. Faba bean cultivars were assigned in the main plots and intercropping and sole plantings of faba bean were arranged in sub plots. Result: Results showed that Nubaria 2 had two mechanisms to broomrape offensive, mainly including cell wall build-up and stamping of vascular tissues. It also had higher soil oxalic and ascorbic acid concentrations than Nubaria 1. Sole Nubaria 1 rhizosphere had higher soil formic acid whereas, fenugreek + Nubaria 2 had higher soil oxalic, ascorbic and salicylic acids concentrations in faba bean rhizosphere. Lower number of spikes per m2 and their dry weight per m2 were obtained by radish + Nubaria 2 followed by flax + Nubaria 2. Radish + Nubaria 2 recorded higher land equivalent ratio and economic return followed by flax + Nubaria 2. Growing one row of radish or flax between two rows of Nubaria 2 in ridges 60 cm width could be an integrated control strategy to increase faba bean productivity, land usage and economic return under heavily soil infested with broomrape.

Cropping Systems of Fenugreek with Faba Bean to Reduce Broomrape Infestation

Background: Broomrape (Orobanche crenata Forsk.) is a major threat to faba bean and an important danger parasite. An intercropping is a necessity to curb the spread and progress of the parasite before it leads to much more economic losses. The current study was aimed to evaluate intercropping of fenugreek with faba bean under two plant densities of both crops on broomrape incidence to increase faba bean yield, land usage and economic return in heavy soil infestation of broomrape.Methods: This study was carried out at Giza Agricultural Research Station (Lat. 30°002 303 N, Long. 31°122 433 E, 26 m a.s.l), Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt. During the winter season of 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 seasons, sixteen treatments were the combinations between two ridge widths (60 “narrow” and 120 cm “wide”) and six cropping systems (50% faba bean + 50% fenugreek, 100% faba bean + 50% fenugreek, 50% faba bean + 100% fenugreek, 100% faba bean + 100% fenugreek, 50% sole faba bean and 100% sole faba bean), as well as sole plantings of fenugreek under heavy soil infestation of broomrape. A split-plot design with three replicates was used. Ridge widths were assigned in the main plots and cropping systems were arranged in sub plots. Result: Growing faba bean plants in wide ridges had physical barriers with stamping of the vascular system against the parasite. 50% faba bean + 100% fenugreek had higher soil total phenols in faba bean rhizosphere than the others. Growing 50% faba bean + 100% fenugreek in wide ridges had lower number of spikes per m2 and spikes dry weight per m2, meanwhile, growing 100% faba bean + 100% fenugreek in wide ridges had higher seed yields of both crops per ha, land usage and economic return. Growing two rows of faba bean (100% of sole cropping) in both sides of wide ridge (120 cm width) with four rows of fenugreek (100% of sole cropping) in middle of the ridge could be an integrated control strategy to increase faba bean productivity, land usage and economic return under heavily soil infested of broomrape.

A New Strain of Virus Discovered in China Specific to the Parasitic Mite Varroa destructor Poses a Potential Threat to Honey Bees.

The ectoparasitic mite, Varroa destructor, feeds directly on honey bees and serves as a vector for transmitting viruses among them. The Varroa mite causes relatively little damage to its natural host, the Eastern honey bee (Apis cerana) but it is the most devastating pest for the Western honey bee (Apis mellifera). Using Illumina HiSeq sequencing technology, we conducted a metatranscriptome analysis of the microbial community associated with Varroa mites. This study led to the identification of a new Chinese strain of Varroa destructor virus-2 (VDV-2), which is a member of the Iflaviridae family and was previously reported to be specific to Varroa mites. A subsequent epidemiological investigation of Chinese strain of VDV-2 (VDV-2-China) showed that the virus was highly prevalent among Varroa populations and was not identified in any of the adult workers from both A. mellifera and A. cerana colonies distributed in six provinces in China, clearly indicating that VDV-2-China is predominantly a Varroa-adapted virus. While A. mellifera worker pupae exposed to less than two Varroa mites tested negative for VDV-2-China, VDV-2-China was detected in 12.5% of the A. mellifera worker pupae that were parasitized by more than 10 Varroa mites, bringing into play the possibility of a new scenario where VDV-2 could be transmitted to the honey bees during heavy Varroa infestations. Bioassay for the VDV-2-China infectivity showed that A. cerana was not a permissive host for VDV-2-China, yet A. mellifera could be a biological host that supports VDV-2-China’s replication. The different replication dynamics of the virus between the two host species reflect their variation in terms of susceptibility to the virus infection, posing a potential threat to the health of the Western honey bee. The information gained from this study contributes to the knowledge concerning genetic variabilities and evolutionary dynamics of Varroa-borne viruses, thereby enhancing our understanding of underlying molecular mechanisms governing honey bee Varroosis.

Entomological Survey for CCHF Vectors in Palghar District of Maharashtra

In view of reports of alert issued by Department of Animal Husbandry, Government of Maharashtra for Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) in Palghar district, a visit was planned from 2-5 October 2020 to assess the situation and vector surveillance of ticks was carried out in the district. There is no past history with any report of CCHF cases in the district. However, there have been reported outbreaks of dengue and malaria during 2018 &amp; 2019 as per IDSP data. The department of Animal Husbandry had initiated tick reduction activities in the bordering 19 villages with Gujarat using the chemical compounds (Deltamethrin, Cypermethrin). No confirmed cases of CCHF have been reported in District Palghar so far. During tick surveys in 4 villages and a dairy farm, heavy infestation of Boophilus Sp. (60-70%) mainly on cows and buffaloes.Hyalomma Sp. (30-40%) was observed mainly on goats which is the main vector responsible for CCHF. The infected ticks were found to be Boophilus microplus, Hyalomma anatolicum, Hy. marginatumand Rhipicephalus sanguineus species.Guidelines on proper dosage for the formulations of insecticide being used and spray techniques need to be followed up on the animals by the field staff and officials of Animal Husbandry department.

First report of the chilli thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood, 1919 (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in Turkey

The chilli thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood, 1919 (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) was reported for the first time in Adana Province, Turkey in October, 2020 on blueberries [Vaccinium myrtillus L. (Ericaceae)]. Its heavy infestation was detected on the vegetative parts of the blueberries. In this short communication, a brief summary of its diagnosis and damage as well as its economic importance in the region is provided.

A survey on the prevalence of some ectoparasite species infesting sheep and goats in Kalar district, Kurdistan region, Iraq

Tamed small ruminants such as sheep and goats are deemed important sources of people livelihood in Garmian area including Kalar district. Sustainability and prosperity of livestock resources are vigorously influenced by the heavy infestation of small ruminants with ectoparasites owing to the enormous economic loss caused by them, particularly in under-developed countries including Iraq. Hence, the present survey, carried out from March, 2019 to February, 2020 in Kalar district, intended to investigate the rampancy of external parasites among sheep and goats being reared in the aforementioned district. To meet the requirements of the survey, a total of 1700 sheep and 400 goats were arbitrarily sampled. The overall rate of ectoparasitosis in this study was 53.09%, in that, the infestation rate in goats (95%) was significantly higher than that of sheep (43.23%). Regarding sheep pediculosis, two species of lice; Linognathus (L.) africanus (35.58%), Damalinia (D.) ovis (24.11%), and two species of ticks; Hyalomma (H.) anatolicum (2.94%), Rhipicephalus (R.) turanucus (4.41%), in addition to the nasal bot fly, Oestrus ovis (12%) were identified. On the other hand, two species of lice; D. caprae (80%), L. africanus (30%), and two species of ticks; H. anatolicum (7.5%) and R. turanucus (3.75%) were detected in goats. Co-infections were significantly higher in sheep as compared to goats in this survey. Some of the aforementioned external parasites are known to transmit zoonotic diseases since sheep and goats are reared in close cohabitation with humans. For that reason, sustainable control of ectoparasitosis especially, tick infestations in domestic livestock is compulsory to prevent both economic loss and transmission of some serious diseases.

Interference of horse purslane (Trianthema portulacastrum L.) and other weeds affect yield of autumn planted maize (Zea mays L.).

To assess comparative losses of Trianthema portulacastrum (HP) relative to other weeds, the experiment was set during consecutive summer seasons 2018 and 2019 at the Research Farm MNS-University of Agriculture, Multan, Pakistan. Experiment consisted three replications which were laid out under randomized complete block design. Experiment consisted of ten treatments viz: weeds free (whole season), HP free till 20 Days after emergence (DAE), HP free till 40 DAE, HP free till 60 DAE, all weeds free 20 DAE, all weeds free 40 DAE, all weeds free 60 DAE, weedy check (all weeds), weedy check except HP and weedy check containing only HP. During 2018 in all weeds weedy check, maximum HP relative density (33.33%) was observed while in 2019, plot where weeds were controlled from growing till 20 DAE showed (80%) relative density at 30 DAE. HP maximum frequency (66.67%, 77.78%) and relative frequency (66%, 100%) was recorded at 45 DAE in plots where HP was kept controlled till 20 DAE and all weeds kept controlled till 20 DAE, respectively. Maximum number of grains per cob (738, 700.68), 1000 grain weight (306.66, 271.51 g) and grain yield (6150, 8015 kg hec-1) were recorded in plots which were kept all weed free till 60 DAE. As the competition period of weeds increased over 40 DAE, it substantially reduced yield of maize. Keeping the plots HP free till 40 DAE in the maize fields with HP as the major dominating weed, likely increase in maize grain yield is up to 30% compared to the fields where HP left un attended throughout the growing season. However, if maize field is infested with a mix of weeds with more than one dominating weeds including HP, compared to weedy situation the whole season, 30% higher grain yield can be obtained if all weeds are kept controlled till 40 DAE. Hence it can be concluded that whether the farmers face heavy HP infestation only or the mix of weeds as dominating weeds, in either case farmer should control weeds within first 40 days in maize field for better grain yield.

Molecular identification and characterization of groundnut bud necrosis virus and its associated thrips vector from Gerbera jamesonii in India

Gerbera is an important cut flower crop popular throughout the world. In summer months of 2016, gerberas grown in polyhouses of RHREC, GKVK, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India showed heavy infestation of thrips and displayed symptoms of viral infections. Infected plants displayed irregular chlorotic or necrotic spots or blotches, necrosis of veins, bronzing, crinkling and deformations of leaves; necrotic streaks on flower stalks; chlorosis or necrosis of flower petals; tip necrosis or death of young plants. The virus was identified as groundnut bud necrosis virus based on DAC-ELISA, RT-PCR and transmission studies, and it was characterized by cloning and sequencing of N gene and 3′ UTRs. Thrips associated was identified as Scirtothrips dorsalis and the virus was detected in individual thrips using DAC-ELISA. The virus could be efficiently transmitted to cowpea variety C-152 both by mechanical sap inoculation and vector transmission and to tulsi plants by vector transmission. Sequence of S-RNA segment of the virus from two independent gerbera samples was submitted under the accession numbers KX832986.1 and KX832987.1. The two isolates showed per cent identities of 97.1 and 98.5 at N gene and at 3′ UTRs, respectively, with each other and 92.9–99.1% at N gene with other GBNV isolates. Phylogenetically they clustered along with other GBNV isolates reported from different hosts and locations within the major clade of watermelon silver mottle virus serogroup. Differential response was observed in gerbera varieties with respect to incidence of GBNV disease (19.6–80.6%) and thrips (24.6–54.0 thrips/leaf) with the least incidence in the varieties Esmara and Orinaco.