High Infestation Research Articles

Agroecological importance of smooth brome in managing wheat stem sawfly (Hymenoptera: Cephidae) via associated braconid parasitoids.

Wheat stem sawfly (WSS), Cephus cinctus Norton (Hymenoptera: Cephidae), is a major pest of cereal crops throughout the Northern Great Plains of North America. Native parasitoids, Bracon cephi (Gahan) and B. lissogaster Muesebeck (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), play a key role in suppressing WSS populations and limiting associated damage. Smooth brome grass (Bromus inermis Leyss.) serves as a potential trap reservoir for WSS when grown in areas surrounding wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) fields in Montana. Its unique biology allows it to support high WSS infestation while promoting significant larval mortality throughout the growing season. Late-season WSS survivors can then serve as hosts for WSS parasitoids. Our study investigated smooth brome as a host refuge for WSS parasitoids. We measured WSS larval infestation and survival rate inside smooth brome grown within WSS-inclusion cages, finding a maximum infestation of 66.5% and an end-of-year WSS survival of 5.7%. In addition, we collected stems from sites in central and north-central Montana to measure the WSS infestation and parasitoid prevalence in wheat and adjacent smooth brome. WSS infestation was high in both Big Sandy (64.5% smooth brome, 65.7% adjacent wheat) and Moccasin, MT (50.6%, 38.6%). Year-end WSS larval mortality was 43.6% greater in smooth brome compared to adjacent wheat at both field sites, but both hosted similar numbers of WSS parasitoids. This research underscores the importance of smooth brome in providing a sustainable host refuge for WSS parasitoids and highlights its significant role in supporting the economics of wheat cultivation.

Genetic, breeding and environmental parameters for yellow sugarcane aphid (Sipha flava) damage in advanced South African sugarcane breeding populations

Yellow sugarcane aphid (YSA), a native pest of temperate and subtropical regions in North America, has spread to many regions of the world including KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga sugarcane growing regions of South Africa. Cultivar differences to YSA damage have been observed in Mpumalanga where high infestation levels occur. The objectives of this study were to determine genetic, breeding, and environmental parameters for YSA damage and implications on breeding for resistance. Data for YSA damage were collected from 12 genotype populations planted in Mpumalanga. There were significant (p < 0.0001) genotype effects indicating genetic variability. Significant (p < 0.01) environment effects showed that YSA damage in February was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than in December. The significant (p < 0.01) genotype by environment interaction indicated February as the best month to screen for YSA. Higher broad sense heritability (> 0.70) suggests selecting resistant genotypes would be effective. Data collected in February produced higher broad sense heritability (> 0.80) than in December (< 0.70) suggesting February as the preferred month to score for damage. The proportion of resistant genotypes was 16.5% (range 2–34%), indicating the presence of resistant in South African advanced genotype populations. Evaluation of released cultivars showed N36, N49 and N71 are resistant while N57 and N73 are susceptible.

Weed management options in drum seeded wetland rice

High labour requirement and cost for raising nursery and transplanting of the seedlings has necessitated the shift from transplanted rice to direct-seeded rice. To reduce the requirement of large quantity of seeds, incidence of pests and diseases in broadcasting and to ensure uniform seed distribution for consistent crop growth and easier maintenance, mechanization is needed in direct-seeded rice. The major constraint experienced in wet DSR is the occurrence of high weed infestation as emerging seedlings in direct-sown fields are less competitive with concurrently emerging weeds. An experiment was conducted at M. S. Swaminathan Rice Research Station, Moncompu, Kerala Agricultural University during kharif and rabi 2021-22, with eight treatments and three replications in randomised complete block design to identify suitable cost-effective agronomic management practices to enhance the productivity of drum seeded rice and to maximise its resource-use-efficiency. The results revealed wet DSR using drumseeder as a viable crop establishment method for reducing the seed requirement, cultivation time, energy, cost of cultivation, pest and disease infestation, minimise plant stress due to transplanting and sustaining yield. There was significant variation in the yield and yield attributes in drum seeding depending on the weed management strategies adopted viz., two conoweedings, post emergent herbicide application, pre followed by post emergent herbicide application, post emergent herbicide application followed by conoweeding. Post-emergence application of Chlorimuron ethyl + Metsulfuron methyl @ 0.004 kg/ha and Penoxsulam + Cyhalofop butyl @ 0.135 kg/ha as tank mix at 18 DAS followed by conoweeding at 30 DAS was found economical in drum seeding which was on par yield with broadcasted crop yield under post emergent herbicide application.

Study of Fungal Organisms Associated with Smoked and Dried Fish Sold in Awka Markets, Anambra State

Fungal contamination of fish is considered as the major cause of spoilage and it constitutes a significant public health problem. This study was carried out to determine the fungal organisms associated with smoked and dried fish samples: Scomber scombrus (Mackerel), Sardinella longiceps (Sardine), Oreochromis niloticus (Tilapia), Clarias gariepinus (catfish), Gadus morhua (Stock fish), Ethmalosa fimbriata (Bonga fish), and Citharinus citharus (Mangala) sold in Awka markets, Anambra State, Nigeria. A total of fifty (50) (25 smoked and 25 dried) fishes were obtained from three markets in Awka and examined microbiologically for viable fungal infestation using Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) media. A total of 121 fungal organisms were isolated from 25 smoked and 25 dried fish samples and identified. The isolated fungi were Mucor spp, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium spp, Fusarium spp and Rhizopus spp. It was observed that all the fish samples harboured multiple fungal organisms. Aspergillus niger was the fungus with the highest mean fungal count of 9.00±5.568, followed by Mucor spp (8.00±1.732), while Aspergillus flavus was the lowest (3.67±1.528). In the dried fish samples, Gardus morhua (stock fish) had the highest infestation with fungi (1.08±1.083), while in smoked fish, Clarias gariepinus (catfish) had the highest infestation. The high level of fungal contamination can be attributed to poor handling of fish and the environment. Considering the danger to public health, food and safety authorities should intensify their monitoring efforts towards controlling fish contamination, and fish sellers should also be sensitized on hygienic fish handling techniques.

Understanding Farmers Problem and Training Needs on Apricot Production in Trans Himalayan Ladakh, India

A survey was conducted among 500 apricot growers in Ladakh to identify constraints faced in their production system and their grassroots training needs.Of the growers surveyed, 47.8 % of respondents were having less than 20 apricot trees. Most (53.8 %) grew apricots for drying, 31.2 % for fresh consumption, and 15 % for kernel oil. A significantly high number of respondents(44.8 %) reported 11-30 % fruit wastage, while 31.4 % reported 31-50 % fruit wastage. Lack of marketing opportunities and harvesting tools were cited as the main reasons for fruit wastage. The growers do not follow the standard growing practices, and the knowledge about insect pests and diseases is poor in the region. The most significant constraints in apricot production were lack of appropriate fruit drying technology, followed by high insect pest infestation, lack of marketing opportunities, lack of fencing around the field, insufficient water for irrigation purposes, and non-availability of nursery plants. Growers were open to a wide variety of sources of information on apricot production, with the most commonly selected response being friends/ relatives (53.2 %), followed by television (22.4 %), training and awareness camps (15.8 %), and radio (3.6%). The findings will help researchers, extension personnel, administrators, and policymakers to bring reforms to the apricot industry.

The influence of сestodes parasitizing in the small intestine of herring gull chicks on the activity of the host proteases

The activity of proteases and subclasses of proteases in small intestines of the herring gull (Larus argentatus (Pontoppidan, 1763)) chicks were determined. Changes of the protease activity in chicks infested by cestodes Tetrabothrius erostris (Loennberg, 1889) (Cestoda: Tetrabothriidae), Microsomacanthus ductilus (Linton, 1927) (Cestoda: Hymenolepididae), Wardium cirrosa (Krabbe, 1869) (Cestoda: Aploparaksidae), Arctotaenia tetrabothrioides (Loennberg, 1890) and Alcataenia larina (Krabbe, 1869) (Cestoda: Dilepididae) were studied. The activity of serine proteases decreased in the small intestine of gulls at the sites of cestode parasitism with high infestation values (M. ductilus in the proximal segment, W. cirrosa in the distal segment, A. tetrabothrioides, T. erostris and A. larina in the medial segment). The activity of cysteine proteases increased in the sites of localization of cestodes M. ductilus, W. cirrosa and A. larina. All the studied cestodes adsorbed proteases on the surface of the tegument, most of those were represented by serine proteases. Cestode homogenates of W. cirrosa, M. ductilus, A. tetrabothrioides, T. erostris and A. larina inhibited the activity of host proteases and the activity of commercial trypsin.

Status of Groundnut Production in Africa: A Review From 2012 to 2022

Food safety, and security remains a major concern in developing nations. Groundnuts rank the second globally in oil seed production after soya beans and the 11th most important crop for human intake. Limited productivity against the potential of existing crops due to biotic, abiotic, market, and policy factors causes the poor food production trends. This work uses a systematic review approach to determine the productivity of groundnut as a major food crop in Africa for the last 10 years based on the trend of declining yields of groundnut in this duration, and the role of influencing factors. The extracted data is summarized creating a feasible proposal on how the productivity, and quality of the crop could be improved to meet the food security need. Among the top 11 producers of groundnuts in Africa, West Africa accounts for 55% with regions like Nigeria, and Senegal having the highest productivity of 3.3 t, and 1.1 t respectively over the last ten years. In East Africa, Sudan has the highest production of 2.04 t over the 10 years. Despite being the second continent in the size of area under production of groundnut, Africa has the lowest average yields per hectare (1 t/ha), compared to America (3 t/ha), and Asia (1.8 t/ha). Regions that used improved varieties had higher yield than those using local varieties, and less technologies. High disease infestation shows a direct correlation with declining yields of groundnut. Therefore, the low productivity of groundnuts could be associated with social, cultural, and economic factors that create disparities in accessing improved technologies, farming, production and marketing resources. Development of improved varieties and policies in the region that support improved agronomic inputs are feasible practices for attaining cultivars that resist the yield, and quality limiting parameters.

Current status of white mango scale (Aulacaspis Tubercularis Newstead) and associated factors in Assosa district western Ethiopia

White mango scale (Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead; Hemiptera: Diaspididae) is a major insect pest of mango production threatening production and marketing of mango in Ethiopia. The present study was conducted to determine the current status of the white mango scale (WMS) and to identify the factors contributing to the damage level of the pest. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in ten selected kebeles in Assosa district, western Ethiopia, during 2021/2022 cropping season. Data on infestation level and WMS life-stage abundance were recorded from fifty randomly selected mango orchards. Data on the prevalence of WMS and factors influencing the distribution and damage levels of white mango scale infestations were analyzed using SAS and SPSS software respectively. The results of this study indicate that WMS infestation was prevalent in all assessed mango growing areas of the district. There was a significant (p < 0.05) difference between kebeles and mango orchards in infestation level and WMS life-stage population densities. Poor cultivation, crop husbandry practices, and pest management strategies have been identified as the major contributing factors for high pest infestation. The study indicates that WMS infestations are increasing in the study area; thus, there has to be strong efforts towards the implementation of safe and effective management strategies.

Efficacy of Various Insecticides against Leaf Folder Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Guenee) in Rice and the Calculation of the Benefit-cost Ratio

The present investigation was conducted at Heera Puri research field, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur during Kharif, 2023. The relative effectiveness of six insecticides viz., Flubendiamide 39.35 % SC, Chlorpyriphos 20 EC, Acephate 95 SC, Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC, Fipronil 5 SC, Cartap hydrochloride 50% SP and Control. The study revealed that the treatment Flubendiamide 39.35% SC was found most effective followed by Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC, and Fipronil 5 SC whereas the highest infestation was recorded in the control plot. The significantly higher grain yield was obtained in Flubendiamide 39.35% SC treated plots which are followed by Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC, Fipronil 5 SC, Cartap hydrochloride 50% SP, Acephate 95 SC and Chlorpyriphos 20 EC. The highest increase in yield over control was reported in the plot treated with Flubendiamide 39.35% SC followed by Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC, Fipronil 5 SC, Cartap hydrochloride 50% SP, Acephate 95 SC, and Chlorpyriphos 20 EC. The economics of various treatments based on net profit and cost of plant protection revealed that. the highest cost: benefit ratio of Chlorpyriphos 20 EC was followed by Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC, followed by Acephate 95 SC, Fipronil 5 SC and the lowest benefit-cost ratio was reported in plots treated with Cartap hydrochloride 50% SP.

Using Parasite Analysis to Investigate the Pathoecology of the Inhabitants of the City of Berezov in Western Siberia (Sixteenth–Nineteenth Centuries)

ABSTRACT The first Russian settlers developed relatively large cities and a new phenomenon called ‘urban habitat’ to the north of Western Siberia. This article presents the results of a study on soil samples taken from the cultural layer of Berezov city during excavations of the city’s kremlin, or civic centre, posad, or town settlement area, and the farmstead within the posad. The samples are dated from the XVI to the end of the XVIII century. Examination of the samples revealed 12 types of parasite eggs from both humans and animals. The city's cultural layer was found to be relatively highly contaminated with parasite eggs. The species composition of parasite eggs in samples collected from the cultural layer varied according to land use, i.e. whether public, communal, or livestock, or sanitary condition in Berezov city. An analysis of historical and archaeological data enabled the reconstruction of certain nutritional aspects of the population in Berezov city at the time. Additionally, certain cultural and abiotic factors contributing to the high parasite infestation of humans and domestic animals were identified, and similarities can be found in the research of other Russian cities of Siberia in the XVI–XIX centuries.

The Genetic Characterization of Lake Sinai Virus in Colony Losses Apiaries in Türkiye

Objective: Honeybees (Apis mellifera) have a unique role in natural pollination and maintaining biodiversity in the ecosystem. The alarming increase in unexpected colony losses, mysterious bee deaths, and the tragic extinction of entire colonies (Colony collapsed disorder- CCD) have sounded a global alarm, demanding immediate attention and collaborative action to address these critical challenges in bee breeding. Diseases, parasites, and pathogens significantly threaten colony health. Türkiye is a significant honey producer, providing an ideal environment for beekeeping due to its unique eco-geographical features. Unexpected colony losses and bee deaths are also questions of concern for beekeepers in Türkiye. Material Method: In this study investigated honey bee viruses in apiaries experiencing sudden bee death losses and CCD-like symptoms between 2021 and 2023 in Türkiye, involving genetic analysis of the LSV RdRp gene region. The honeybee and varroa samples were obtained from 52 colonies in 26 apiaries complaining of unexpected bee deaths and CCD-like symptoms between May 2021 and September 2023. Result: The results showed a high DWV, BQCV, and LSV prevalence, respectively. The sampled apiaries were infested mild-moderate- high grade with Varroa mites. Following PCR results, DWV, BQCV, LSV, IAPV, CBPV, and SBV positivity was detected at 69.2% (n=18), 50% (n=13), 38.46% (n=10), 26.9% (n=7), 19.2% (n=5) and 3.8% (n=1), respectively. High rates of multiple virus coexisting and high varroa infestation were noted in colonies with heavy losses and CCD-like complaints. The RdRp gene from two LSV samples (TrLSV-6474, TrLSV-6517) was sequenced. Turkish LSV samples (TrLSVs) showed a 72.88% homology of each other and clustered LSV4 branches in the phylogenetic tree. Turkish LSV sequences showed a closer similarity rate than reference sequences in GenBank with Asian Korean, Chinese, and Japanese LSV sequences. Conclusion: Further investigation is needed to comprehend the implications of elevated LSV populations on colony losses. The execution of genetic research with a more extensive sample size can significantly enhance the demonstration of species diversity and provide valuable insights into the influence of LSV variants on honeybee health and the management of diseases.

SINTOMATOLOGIA E MÉTODOS ALTERNATIVOS DE CONTROLE DE PRAGAS NO VIVEIRO FLORESTAL DA UFAM

Pest management in forest nurseries is crucial for ensuring the health of seedlings and the success of reforestation projects. At the forest nursery of the Federal University of Amazonas (UFAM), the pursuit of sustainable methods led to the evaluation of six alternative control techniques and one chemical treatment. The methods investigated included the insecticide FORTH (deltamethrin), mineral oil, onion extract, neem oil (Azadirachta indica), garlic extract, and garlic macerate. The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of these methods in reducing the infestation of scale insects (Dactylopius coccus) on Cenostigma tocantinum seedlings. A 7 x 3 factorial design was used, with 42 seedlings divided among treatments and infestation levels (high, medium, and low). Weekly observations and infestation analyses revealed that treatments with FORTH, mineral oil, and onion extract were the most effective, reducing infestation to low levels in 28.57% of the seedlings. In contrast, neem oil and garlic extract showed low effectiveness, with high infestation intensity persisting. This study demonstrates that alternative methods, such as plant extracts and mineral oils, can offer viable and sustainable solutions for pest control in forest nurseries, contributing to more ecological management practices.

Perception of Regarding Water Conservation Products and Identification of Problem Faced by Groundnut Farmers in Dhanera Taluka of Banaskantha District, Gujarat, India

Insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides are among the crop protection chemicals that are expected to drive the worldwide agrochemicals market, which is expected to reach USD 308.92 billion by 2025. Recent decades have seen a rise in agricultural activity in India as a result of the country's growing population and the need for more food supply. The Indian agrochemicals market was valued at around USD 6 billion in 2022. The study was conducted in Dhanera Taluka of Banas Kantha district, Gujarat, and examined five villages with 150 farmers, focusing on the groundnut crop, which has a significant need for insecticides and pesticides. The study aimed to achieve two objectives: to understand farmer perceptions regarding water conservation products, and to identify problems faced by groundnut farmers. The primary data was collected through semi-structured schedules, and secondary data was collected from different reliable sources. The majority of respondents were involved in both agriculture and livestock farming and had annual earnings between 5 and 10 lakhs. They primarily farmed during both Kharif and Rabi seasons. Key problems faced by groundnut farmers included high input costs, pest and weed infestations, labor shortages, water scarcity, and Sclerotium wilt.

Populations of Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean in São Paulo state are inefficient vectors of Brazilian begomoviruses

AbstractBegomoviruses cause losses in several crops around the world. Whiteflies of the Bemisia tabaci cryptic species MEAM1 and MED are efficient vectors of begomoviruses. MEAM1 has been the predominant species in Brazil since the mid‐1990s. MED was detected in Brazil in 2014, and since then, high insect infestations have been reported, mainly in greenhouse production of solanaceous crops. In this study, we compared the transmission efficiency of the begomoviruses tomato severe rugose virus (ToSRV) and tomato rugose mosaic virus (ToRMV) to tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and bean golden mosaic virus (BGMV) to common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) by a population of MEAM1 and four populations of MED. B. tabaci MEAM1 efficiently transmitted ToSRV and ToRMV to tomato and BGMV to common bean. B. tabaci MED populations did not transmit ToSRV and ToRMV to tomato. Only one population of B. tabaci MED transmitted BGMV with an efficiency of 3%. PCR analysis indicated that B. tabaci MED can acquire ToSRV, ToRMV and BGMV after a 24 h acquisition access period. Furthermore, some greenhouse tomato plantings from São Paulo state were surveyed for the presence of viruses and whiteflies, and B. tabaci MED were predominant, whereas begomoviruses were absent. Our results demonstrate that populations of MED from São Paulo state are inefficient vectors of begomoviruses, being able to acquire the virus but not transmit it to plants. Understanding this interaction is important and suggests that the spread of B. tabaci MED could change the epidemiological scenario of begomoviruses in areas where this insect predominates.

Diflubenzuron larvicide auto-dissemination: A modeling study

Proposing substitutes for Pyriproxyfen (PPF) in the auto-dissemination strategy is essential to ensure the continuity of the strategy in the field, especially in the case of the emergence of populations resistant to this larvicide. One possible substitute among the compounds already in use in Brazil is the larvicide Diflubenzuron (DFB). The equation that defines the proportion of oviposition sites (habitats) contaminated by the auto-dissemination strategy was modified to account for the number of visits required to reach the necessary concentration of DFB for contamination, considering scenarios with varying numbers of oviposition sites and mosquito densities. The dissemination was evaluated in oviposition sites of 2 L, 1.5 L, 1 L, 0.5 L, 0.2 L, and 0.1 L. The minimum concentration of active ingredient (a.i) of DFB required for a commercial product to contaminate at least 50% of oviposition sites was also investigated, along with the impact of other vector control methods, such as the removal/destruction of oviposition sites and the use of insecticides to kill adult ‘females, on the auto-dissemination approach. The use of pure DFB compounds enabled contamination efficiency of more than 50% in oviposition sites with a volume of less than 2 L in scenarios with fewer oviposition sites. On the other hand, with the use of the commonly used concentration of the product, similar efficacy was only achieved in oviposition sites of 0.1 L and 0.2 L in medium and high infestation scenarios. Strategies that reduce the number of available oviposition sites work synergistically with the auto-dissemination strategy, making it possible to use less concentrated products and contaminated sites of larger volume. The strategy proved to be resilient in situations of insecticide application according to the concentration of DFB used, abundance of females, and low number of oviposition sites. Increasing the number of dissemination traps on the field also contributes to better results, especially for oviposition sites of 0.5 L and 1 L. The results of the model obtained under the stipulated conditions provide further support for the potential use of DFB as a substitute for PPF in the auto-dissemination strategy.

Biological control of tephritid fruit flies Bactrocera spp. in Himachal Pradesh, India

Over the years, chemical-based insecticides have been used to enhance crop yield in the agricultural industry. However, the hazards associated with these insecticides have highlighted the need for an alternative method that is economical, eco-friendly, and safe. In this investigation, the efficacy of various biological materials, such as Neem kavach, Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo), and clay, was evaluated against fruit flies under open field conditions. The results revealed that the highest infestation was recorded in the control (71.67 %), while the lowest infestation (25.67 %) was observed in the plot treated with B. bassiana (1.5 %). This was followed by Neem kavach-treated plot (4 %) with an infestation rate of 26.67 %, and the clay-treated plot (15 g/L) with an infestation rate of 38.67 %, after the third spray. The impact of these biological agents on cucumber yield was also evaluated. The highest yield, 9.36 kg/plot, was obtained from the B. bassiana-treated plot, followed by Neem kavach-treated plots with yields of 8.94 and 7.28 kg/plot, respectively. The lowest yield of 4.58 kg/plot was recovered in the untreated plots. These findings suggest that the application of these biological agents is highly effective, as they repel egg-laying (oviposition deterrence), thereby minimizing fruit infestation and maximizing yield profit.

Super high-density olive orchard system affects the main olive crop pests

The increasing use of the super high-density (SHD) olive orchard system requires a careful assessment of its potential impact on the main olive pests. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the SHD effect on Bactrocera oleae and other harmful phytophagous species by assessing damages caused by each pest. For three years, in three different sites in Tuscany established with Italian selection or Spanish Arbequina cultivars, the SHD management system was compared to an adjacent traditional olive orchard system in which the same soil and phytosanitary management were applied. Samplings of twigs and fruits from spring to fall together with adult monitoring of B. oleae, Prays oleae, and Palpita vitrealis by pheromone traps were used to determine infestation percentages and insects’ population dynamics. Bactrocera oleae, Liothrips oleae, and Euphillura olivina were negatively affected by the SHD olive orchard system, while P. vitrealis and Otiorhynchus cribricollis were favoured by this management. Bactrocera oleae total infestation was reduced to almost 50 % in the SHD system. In contrast, Palpita vitrealis showed high infestation levels in more vigorous cultivars. Further studies are required for a complete evaluation of the impact of SHD management on olive pests.

Inventory and Analysis of Diversity of Insect on Shallot Cultivation in Saruran Hamlet, Enrekang Regency

Shallots (Allium ascalonicum L.) are a highly popular plant both as a culinary spice and herbal medicine. Due to their economic benefits, many farmers cultivate them. Saruran Hamlet, located in Anggareja District, Enrekang Regency, is one of the areas where shallots are intensively cultivated. Farmers face a significant problem with high pest infestation rates. To manage this, chemical pest control using insecticides is employed. However, insecticides are toxic and increasingly expensive. To reduce pesticide use, pest control using light traps was implemented through the "electricity to the fields" program by the local PLN. The use of light traps is suspected to have a negative impact on the balance of biotic ecosystem components, thus necessitating a study on this matter. Therefore, the aim of this study is to inventory and analyze the diversity of insect species in shallot cultivation areas in Saruran Hamlet, Enrekang Regency. This research employed a survey method by collecting insects trapped in farmers' light traps. The identification and counting of insect species were conducted in the FMIPA UNM Laboratory. Based on the collected data, the Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H’) was analyzed. The results showed that the total number of trapped insect individuals was 1,332, consisting of 27 species from 8 orders. The Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H’) was found to be 2.20, which falls into the moderate category.

Diversity of hard ticks parasitizing farm animals in the Qarabulli region, Northwestern Libya.

There are 26 species of ticks known to exist in Libya. Despite the presence of a number of investigations on ticks in Libya, there are no published studies on ticks in the Al-Qarboulli area. The aim of this study was to identify the tick species infesting farm animals in the Qarabulli region. Ticks were collected manually on a monthly basis from the examined hosts (cattle, sheep, dogs, and camels) that were selected randomly in the period between July 2021 and June 2022. A total of 717 ticks were collected on 775 hosts, eight tick species were encountered: Hyalomma excavatum (41.00%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus (23.43%), Hyalomma dromedarii (12.13%), Hyalomma marginatum (9.21%), Hyalomma anatolicum (8.51%), Rhipicephalus annulatus (5.30%), Hyalomma rufipes (0.28%), and Boophilus microplus (0.14%). The mean prevalence of all species was 22.32%. The mean intensity of all species was 0.93 ticks per host. The presence of ticks among the months of the year varied among tick species. The results showed high tick infestation in farm animals of Qarabulli, Libya, suggesting an increased risk of tick-borne diseases. This highlights the need for preventative measures and public awareness to reduce tick populations. Further studies are recommended to understand the spread of tick-borne diseases in the area.

Farmers’ Adoption, Knowledge, and Perceptions of Tick Control Measures on Dairy Farms in Subtropical Areas of Continental Ecuador

The application of tick control strategies on tropical dairy cattle strongly relies on farmers’ uptake, knowledge, and perceptions of the efficacy of control measures. This study aims to identify common and uncommon tick control practices employed by dairy farmers in subtropical areas of Ecuador and associate them with the presence of infestation and acaricide resistance. Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey and participatory meetings. Multiple correspondence analysis was used to explore the association between management variables and the level of tick infestation and resistance. It was determined that the main method of acaricide control is still chemical, mainly using spray baths. Generally, when this form of application is used, acaricides are overdosed, in contrast to the pour-on method with underdosage. Among the measures farmers adopt when chemical treatment has failed is to use overdoses of products, mix different acaricides, and use focused treatments (wipe cloth) with irritant substances. The absence of a high level of infestation was related to acaricide dips every 3–4 weeks and the use of intensive grazing. On the other hand, the high infestation was related to the use of organophosphates, wipe cloth application, and the report of tick-borne diseases (TBDs). A small group of farmers have good knowledge and seek alternatives to chemical control, experimenting with biological controls, herbal extracts, manual tick removal, and paddock control. Additionally, farmers reported the presence of TBDs (47%) and the presence of animals poisoned by acaricides (6%), which died in 75% of those cases. Farmers frequently mentioned that tick infestation induces milk drop production and weight loss and is associated with the presence of TBDs. This information is crucial to improve tick control management in Ecuador, particularly through implementing practices that mitigate resistance to acaricides and ensure long-term solutions that help maintain the efficacy of tick control treatments.