Implementation Of Integrated Pest Management Research Articles

Side effects of semi-synthetic insecticide spinetoram on the whitefly parasitoid Encarsia formosa.

Insecticide risk assessment for biological control agents is essential for implementing integrated pest management (IPM) programs. Spinetoram is a naturally derived insecticide used to control a variety of agricultural sap-sucking insect pests, and Encarsia formosa Gahan (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) plays a key role in the biocontrol of greenhouse whiteflies. Despite its presumed safe ecotoxicological profile, the side effects of spinetoram on E. formosa are partially unknown, especially at sublethal doses. In the laboratory, we estimated the lethal concentrations (LC) of spinetoram on E. formosa by topical exposure of pupae and 48 h residual contact exposure of emerged adults. Afterwards, we assessed the impact of spinetoram LCs on the life history traits (juvenile development, adult longevity, parasitism, adult emergence) and population growth parameter (the instantaneous rate of increase, ri) of the parasitoid. Probit analysis allowed the estimation of LC10 = 0.10 mg/L, LC50 = 0.56 mg/L, and LC90 = 3.28 mg/L. Spinetoram at LC10 had no impact on the observed parameters of E. formosa. Conversely, spinetoram at LC50 and LC90 significantly reduced adult longevity by 19.2% and 40.6%, total parasitism by 33.4% and 38.7%, and total adult emergence by 29.6% and 39.1%, respectively. Also, the ri of E. formosa was significantly affected by spinetoram LC50 and LC90 with a reduction of 8.17 and 29.83%, respectively. Our results suggested that spinetoram significantly threatens the effectiveness of E. formosa when applied at the field recommended rate. However, further validation of spinetoram under greenhouse conditions is required for a comprehensive risk assessment for E. formosa in IPM programs. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Evaluating sampling techniques for quantifying Asiatic garden beetle (Maladera formosae) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) infestations in commercial mint.

The Asiatic garden beetle, Maladera formosae Brenske (AGB), has become a significant pest of commercial mint fields in northern Indiana. Larval feeding on mint roots can cause stunted growth and plant death when densities are high. Sampling approaches that provide reliable estimates of larval densities in mint have not been established, leaving farmers without the knowledge necessary to implement integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. To address this knowledge gap, we evaluated strategies for estimating AGB larval densities and plant performance in commercial mint systems. We used 2 sampling methods to collect larval density and plant performance data from 3 mint fields and conducted simulations to optimize sampling intensity (accuracy and precision) and sampling scheme (random vs. systematic) using these data. Additionally, we examined the sensitivity and efficiency of each sampling method. Compared to the cup-cutter method, the quadrat method provided the most accurate and precise estimates of larval density and plant performance, with ≤ 7 samples required per 0.2 ha. Quadrat excavation was also more sensitive, increasing the probability of detecting AGB larvae within a 32 m2 plot by 76.7%, and requiring significantly less time to survey an equivalent volume of soil for AGB larvae. When the quadrat method was employed, random sampling schemes provided below-ground biomass estimates that were significantly closer to the true mean of the sampling area. The results of this research will facilitate the development of IPM decision-making tools for farmers and support future research for AGB and other soil insect pests affecting mint production.

SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF BROWN SPIDER MITE (Oligonychus punicae Hirst) DAMAGE IN AVOCADO USING SPATIAL ANALYSIS BY DISTANCE INDICES (SADIE)

Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) is a perennial crop that belongs to the Lauraceae family. This crop is affected by various pests, the most important of which is the spider mite Oligonychus punicae Hirst (Acari: Tetranychidae), also known as the brown avocado spider. The damage begins with reddish spots that spread throughout the leaf, eventually tanning the foliage and staining the fruit, resulting in its rejection in the market. As a result, understanding its spatial distribution is critical for growers to plan and implement integrated pest management programs effectively, reducing their economic and environmental impacts. This study used spatial analysis by distance indices (SADIE) to determine the spatial distribution of damage to the Hass avocado crop caused by brown spider mite populations in Coatepec Harinas and Donato Guerra, two municipalities in the State of Mexico, Mexico. Spatial behavior allows for the development of preventive or corrective control measures for the use of precision farming techniques. Spatial distribution maps were created using the geostatistical technique of ordinary Krigeing, and the mean and variance of damage caused by the brown spider mite in avocado were examined. The findings revealed a clustered spatial distribution with several aggregation centers that shift over time and correlate with the plots’ terrain and climate. No homogeneous pattern was found in any plot, indicating the need to continue this type of research to better understand concentration conditions and implement specific actions in the field.

Integrated Pest Management: Success Stories and Key Takeaways

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) has revolutionized pest control in various agricultural settings, including orchards. By blending cultural, biological, and chemical methods, IPM aims to minimize pest damage while reducing environmental and health impacts. One of the most successful strategies within IPM is mating disruption, which uses synthetic pheromones to confuse male insects and prevent them from finding mates. This technique has been particularly effective against pests like the codling moth in apple and pear orchards, significantly reducing insecticide use by up to 90% in some regions.The implementation of IPM in orchards has numerous long-term advantages. Lower manufacturing costs, less environmental contamination, and increased worker safety have all resulted from reduced pesticide use. Furthermore, a healthier ecological balance has been promoted by the rise in natural predators and parasitoids brought about by the decrease in chemical treatments. Many growers have reported greater fruit quality due to more targeted pest control and healthier trees, despite worries that reduced use of pesticides would harm fruit quality. Important pests have also been suppressed regionally as a result of IPM's efficacy, such as the codling moth in the Pacific Northwest, whose populations have dropped to the point where little intervention is needed. Economic assessments highlight IPM's financial sustainability by demonstrating considerable long-term cost savings. According to one study, IPM adopters in apple orchards in Nova Scotia had 25% reduced pest management expenses over a ten-year period than those using conventional approaches. These results demonstrate how integrated pest management (IPM) has the ability to provide long-term, efficient pest control that is advantageous to growers, the environment, and consumers alike. IPM's widespread use attests to its effectiveness and sustainability. Integrative pest management (IPM) ensures the long-term health and production of agricultural systems by combining various pest control techniques into a balanced solution that satisfies both ecological and financial requirements.

An Assessment of Integrated Pest Management Awareness in Heritage Institutions

ABSTRACT Integrated pest management (IPM) is implemented in many heritage institutions as a method for reducing pests that pose a threat to cultural heritage, with a growing body of literature discussing attempts to increase the awareness of IPM amongst heritage institutions. Much of this literature focuses on case studies documenting attempts to increase awareness within individual institutions from the perspective of collections care management staff, while the perspectives of the remaining staff in this process have been overlooked. This study investigates, for the first time, IPM awareness of staff from a range of heritage institutions, exploring views from employees who are not directly responsible for or involved in IPM implementation and its day-to-day operation. A survey was used to evaluate participants’ perceptions relating to the components of awareness, defined in this study as ‘knowledge’ and ‘perception’. This was complemented by interviews with collections care professionals that supported the assessment of the successes and challenges related to training staff. Our findings – based on the responses from 52 survey participants – suggest that over a quarter of heritage staff could be unsure of how IPM relates to them, and, even more, may not perceive IPM as part of their responsibility, indicating that further efforts should be dedicated to increasing IPM awareness. These findings have been further supported by statements from eight distinct collections care professionals, who significantly stressed the importance of IPM awareness and demonstrated a clear wish for its expansion, with time and resources being cited as limiting factors.

Empowering Communities with Integrated Pest Management for Sustainable Agriculture

Background: The aim of this community development initiative, centered around community engagement, is to address the pressing issue of declining agricultural productivity due to pest infestations in the Asahan Regency, a developing area. Through educational and training programs, the initiative seeks to advocate for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices and safe pesticide usage among farmers, while also addressing the environmental impacts of chemical pesticide use. Contribution: The primary focus is to gauge the impact of these initiatives in fostering sustainable and environmentally responsible agricultural practices in Asahan Regency, ultimately enhancing the overall well-being of the farming community. Method: A total of 50 farmers actively participated in these programs, all of whom derived substantial benefits that directly contributed to the improvement of their livelihoods. Results: The implementation of IPM with a community development approach has the potential to significantly enhance paddy rice productivity while promoting sustainable agriculture Conclusion: By involving the local community, improving pest control methods, reducing environmental impact, and fostering knowledge sharing, this approach can lead to positive outcomes for both farmers and the environment

IPM IN SOYBEANS: HOW TO REDUCE CROP DAMAGE AND INCREASE PROFIT FOR THE FARMER

The objective of the present work was to implement integrated pest management (IPM) in the soybean crop, comparing it with the management carried out by the farmer during two consecutive seasons. The monitoring of adult lepidopterans was also evaluated using Delta-type traps baited with the sexual pheromones of Spodoptera frugiperda (Bio Spodotera®), Helicoverpa armigera (Bio Helicoverpa®) and Chrysodeixis includens (Bio Pseudoplusia®). Incidence of caterpillars and stinkbugs in soybeans was weekly determined, both in the IPM area and in the farmer, area using the beat cloth method. Insecticide applications in the IPM area were carried out when pest population densities reached the control level, while in the area managed by the farmer, sprayings were carried out at his discretion. Based on the results obtained, we found that adoption of IPM enabled better control of the pests in soybeans, especially for stink bugs, and the number of insecticide applications in soybeans could be reduced, which provides economic and environmental benefits for the farmer. In addition, we found that the sexual pheromones of the three evaluated pest species are effective in capturing their moths.

Management of Rust in Wheat Using IPM Principles and Alternative Products

Overall, there is a major wish that European farmers implement integrated pest management (IPM), particularly to reduce dependence on pesticides. In the European Rustwatch project, partners conducted nineteen trials across nine different countries during 2020 and 2021 to investigate different IPM strategies, focusing on controlling rust diseases in winter wheat. The trials included the use of varieties with contrasting levels of resistance, variety mixtures, reduced fungicide rates, thresholds, and Decision Support Systems (DSSs), and testing alternative products to fungicides. Sixteen trials developed yellow rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici) infections, and six trials developed brown rust (Puccinia triticina) infections. Resistant varieties proved highly effective in keeping down yellow rust infection, and variety mixtures also effectively reduced infection levels and stabilized yields. Rust was fully controlled using 25% of standard fungicide rates, even under high disease pressure. Using DSSs provided sufficient control of rust diseases and resulted in competitive net economic returns due to fewer fungicide applications. The alternative products tested included two biological control agents and four alternative chemistries, which all gave inferior and insufficient control against rust compared with chemical fungicides. The trial work demonstrated that there are good and reliable options for including IPM into disease control in wheat.

Varroa destructor economic injury levels and pathogens associated with colony losses in Western Canada

IntroductionThe honey bee parasitic mite, Varroa destructor, is considered the main factor associated with winter colony losses. To control this mite, beekeepers must implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. An effective IPM strategy is based on timely monitoring of mite levels to treat the colonies when the mites reach an economic threshold and before they grow to damaging levels (economic injury level). Additionally, concerns have been raised about the possible interaction between V. destructor and other stressors; stressors acting additively or synergistically may lead to high colony mortality.MethodologyVarroa destructor levels were recorded in colonies from five regions of British Columbia, Canada: Lower Mainland, Kootenay, Okanagan, Cariboo, and Peace. Mite levels were analyzed for associations with colony strength and mortality, as well as with other pathogens that were identified using total RNA sequencing.ResultsThe Kootenay and Lower Mainland regions had the highest V. destructor levels in the fall (3.38±0.65 and 2.51±0.57, respectively) followed by the Okanagan (1.54±0.36), Cariboo (1.31±0.39), and Peace (0.66±0.25) regions. The Peace region had a significantly lower proportion of dead colonies than the other regions. Varroa destructor levels in the fall significantly predicted odds of colony mortality in the spring. Colonies with ≥ 1% mite infestation in the fall (August) had a significantly higher mortality rate (p=0.005) compared to colonies with <1% mite levels. Therefore, treatment is recommended above that threshold. Also, deformed wing virus-B levels were 8.4 times higher than those of deformed wing virus-A variant in all the regions and were highest in the Kootenay region, which also had the highest rate of colony losses. Lastly, Malpighamoeba mellificae and Nosema (Vairimorpha) apis transcripts were identified along with other pathogens that deserve further investigation, including Apis mellifera filamentous virus, Apis rhabdovirus, Lake Sinai virus, Varroa tymo-like, and Apis mellifera solinvivirus 1.DiscussionThe dynamic nature of host-pathogen interactions requires frequent pathogen surveillance to determine the prevalence and levels of parasitic mites and associated infectious diseases, and their impact on honey bee health, not only in the regions of this study, but globally. Nevertheless, more studies are needed to determine the nature of the type of interaction between the identified pathogens and V. destructor. Also, more research is needed to evaluate their potential impact on colony survival, to provide accurate mite and disease control recommendations to beekeepers.

Control failure of deltamethrin in Colombian populations of Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae)

Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) is a major pest in stored cereals in Colombia, which causes significant lossesin production. Chemical control is the main tool used in the country, and despite the common use ofinsecticides such as deltamethrin, resistance has been observed in some Colombian populations but isa worldwide problem. The objective of this work was to evaluate the efficacy of deltamethrin and thecombination of deltamethrin and piperonyl butoxide in Colombian populations of R. dominica. Failureto control and survival tests showed that the recommended doses on product labels were insufficient toprotect the grain from this pest. Failure control demonstrated that mortality did not exceed 80 percent inthe populations studied. Differences in susceptibility were observed between populations, with El Espinaland Neiva highlighted as less susceptible and Pore as the most sensitive to the action of insecticides.The combination of deltamethrin and piperonyl butoxide reduced insect survival but did not effectivelycontrol it (0–20%). These results suggest that R. dominica may be developing resistance to insecticides,as has been found in other countries. This underscores the importance of conducting toxicological studies and the need to investigate molecules with diverse modes of action, contributing to the strengthening ofchemical management strategies. To achieve effective control, it is necessary to implement IntegratedPest Management (IPM) with a focus on alternative methods to chemical control.

Attitudes of clients of Dutch pest controllers towards integrated pest management (IPM) and preventive measures in relation to rodent nuisance.

Rodent management with lethal methods (e.g., rodenticides) comes with downsides for rodent welfare, the environment and non-target species. To reduce chemical use and prevent rodent nuisance, pest controllers in the Netherlands must work according to the principles of integrated pest management (IPM). A condition for the success of IPM is that there is sufficient engagement of all parties involved, including clients of pest controllers. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the attitudes of clients regarding rodent control, IPM and the application of preventive measures. Insight into their attitudes may contribute to a better implementation of IPM and with that to a more sustainable rodent management based on more effective prevention. An online survey among 248 clients of Dutch pest controllers from both the agricultural and other sectors was carried out. Respondents from the agricultural sector had a relatively negative attitude towards IPM, the new IPM regulations in the Netherlands and had little confidence in prevention. In other sectors, respondents were more positive about IPM and had more confidence in prevention. The respondents from the latter subgroup had a similar attitude compared to Dutch pest controllers who participated in a previous survey. The findings of the study provide information for the further development and practical implementation of IPM and preventive measures and with that a more sustainable and animal friendly rodent management. They can also be helpful for a better communication and cooperation between pest controllers and their clients. © 2024 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Evaluation of farmers friendly IPM modules for the management of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith) in maize in the hot semiarid region of India

Invasive alien species (IAS) pose a severe threat to global agriculture, with their impact projected to escalate due to climate change and expanding international trade. The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), a native of the Americas, has rapidly spread across various continents, causing significant damage to several food crops, especially maize. Integrated pest management (IPM) programs are vital for sustainable FAW control, combining multiple strategies for sustainable results. Over three consecutive years, 2019–20, 2020–21 and 2021–22, the field demonstrations were conducted in semiarid regions of India, testing a four-component IPM approach viz., pheromone traps, microbial, botanicals and ETL based applications of insecticides against farmers' practices (sole insecticide application). IPM implementation led to substantial reductions in FAW infestation. Furthermore, egg mass and larvae infestations were significantly lower in IPM-adopted villages compared to conventional practices. Pheromone-based monitoring demonstrated a consistent reduction in adult moth populations. The lowest technology gap (10.42), extension gap (8.33) and technology index (12.25) was recorded during 2020–21. The adoption of IPM led to increased maize yields (17.49, 12.62 and 24.87% over control), higher net returns (919, 906.20 and 992.93 USD), and favourable benefit–cost ratios (2.74, 2.39 and 2.33) compared to conventional practices respectively during 2019–20, 2020–21 and 2021–22. The economic viability of IPM strategies was evident across three consecutive years, confirming their potential for sustainable FAW management in the semiarid region of India. These strategies hold promise for adoption in other parts of the world sharing similar climatic conditions.

IPM Essentials: Combining Biology, Ecology, and Agriculture for Sustainable Pest Control

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) represents a paradigm shift in pest control, moving away from heavy reliance on chemical pesticides to a more sustainable, environmentally friendly approach. This article explores IPM, an ecosystem based strategy that integrates biological, ecological, and agricultural sciences to achieve longterm pest control in agriculture. IPM emphasizes understanding pest life cycles and their interaction with the environment, utilizing a combination of techniques including biological control, cultural practices, mechanical and physical barriers, and targeted chemical interventions. Regular monitoring and informed decision making form the crux of this approach, focusing on economically viable and environmentally responsible pest control methods. The article highlights various success stories, the challenges faced in implementing IPM, and future directions including the incorporation of precision agriculture technologies and genetic advancements. Overall, IPM emerges as a crucial element in sustainable agriculture, promising to maintain ecological balance while ensuring effective pest management and provides an in depth examination of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), a multifaceted approach to sustainable pest control that synergizes biology, ecology, and agricultural science. IPM represents a paradigm shift from traditional, chemically intensive pest control methods to a more holistic, environmentally conscious framework. The core of IPM lies in understanding the life cycles and ecological interactions of pests, employing a diverse array of strategies including biological control through natural predators, cultural practices like crop rotation, mechanical and physical barriers, and judicious use of chemical pesticides. The article underscores the importance of regular monitoring and decision making based on established thresholds to maintain an effective, economically viable, and ecologically responsible pest management system. Case studies highlighting the successful implementation of IPM in various agricultural settings are discussed, alongside the challenges and prospects of IPM, particularly in the context of climate change and technological advancements. The article concludes that IPM is not only essential for sustainable pest control but also pivotal in ensuring long term agricultural productivity and environmental health.

Grower perceptions and adoption of IPM and non-Bt refuge in field corn: a survey in North and South Carolina

Abstract Production of field corn in the southeastern United States is often impacted by a number of insect pests. However, surveys to assess stakeholder perception of the relative importance of insect pests and adopted management decisions for these pests have not been extensively reported in the region. A survey was conducted in North and South Carolina to address deficiencies in our knowledge about how corn producers perceive insect pests, implement management and insect resistance strategies, and understand and implement integrated pest management (IPM). The survey indicated that stink bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), were the most commonly managed insect pests in field corn. For transgenic corn expressing insecticidal toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) (Berliner), the rate of resistance management (i.e., planting of non-Bt corn refuge) implemented (59%) by growers was higher than previously reported. The majority of grower respondents identified ear development as the most critical corn growth stage for managing stink bugs (52%), with the most commonly reported management strategy being applications of insecticide at the economic threshold. Growers also reported understanding the concepts of IPM and implementing it in field corn. Assessing the adoption of preventative approaches, such as Bt corn and insecticide seed treatments, and strategies to manage insect resistance, in the case of Bt corn in particular, is critical for tailoring research and Extension efforts to protect the durability of these management tactics.

Soybean aphid management and perception of insecticide resistance by farmers

Abstract In the Midwest United States, soybean aphids can cause significant economic losses in soybean production. The repeated use of insecticides within the same family has led to the development of insecticide resistance in soybean aphids. Implementing integrated pest management (IPM) and insecticide-resistance management (IRM) strategies can help farmers reduce the frequency of insecticide applications and delay the evolution of soybean aphid resistance while reducing production costs, maintaining yields, and protecting the environment. Farmers play a crucial role in implementing such practices; therefore, to understand farmers’ practices for management of soybean aphids and their perceptions of insecticide resistance, a survey of soybean farmers in Minnesota and North Dakota was conducted in 2021. Overall, the reported decision-making sources were similar for both farmers who changed and those who did not change their aphid management due to insecticide resistance; these were crop consultants and agricultural retailers. The threshold used by farmers in both groups to determine whether to use a foliar insecticide was lower than the research-based threshold for soybean aphids, and farmers were aware that this could contribute to insecticide resistance. In addition, farmers who changed soybean aphid management were more concerned than farmers who did not change about insecticide resistance and were implementing good practices such as scouting, using labeled application rates, and rotating insecticide modes of action. The results of this research can inform the refinement of IPM and IRM programs as well as extension education efforts.

Implementing IPM in crop management simultaneously improves the health of managed bees and enhances the diversity of wild pollinator communities

Impacts of insecticide use on the health of wild and managed pollinators have been difficult to accurately quantify in the field. Existing designs tend to focus on single crops, even though highly mobile bees routinely forage across crop boundaries. We created fields of pollinator-dependent watermelon surrounded by corn, regionally important crops in the Midwestern US. These fields were paired at multiple sites in 2017–2020 with the only difference being pest management regimes: a standard set of conventional management (CM) practices vs. an integrated pest management (IPM) system that uses scouting and pest thresholds to determine if/when insecticides are used. Between these two systems we compared the performance (e.g., growth, survival) of managed pollinators—honey bees (Apis mellifera), bumble bees (Bombus impatiens)—along with the abundance and diversity of wild pollinators. Compared to CM fields, IPM led to higher growth and lower mortality of managed bees, while also increasing the abundance (+ 147%) and richness (+ 128%) of wild pollinator species, and lower concentrations of neonicotinoids in the hive material of both managed bees. By replicating realistic changes to pest management, this experiment provides one of the first demonstrations whereby tangible improvements to pollinator health and crop visitation result from IPM implementation in agriculture.

Using Internet of Things (IoT), Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS), and Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) to Enhance Monitoring and Detection of Grain Pests in Storage and Handling Operators

To reduce the use of insecticides, silo operators are reconsidering their practices and implementing integrated pest management (IPM) to manage insect infestations. IPM requires the early detection of insects to react before infestation spread or to isolate infested lots. Depending on their position in the storage and handling chain, operators will favor monitoring or rapid detection tools. To simplify monitoring in storage, an internet-connected trap has been designed. It includes a camera located above a tank that allows for the captured insects to be counted. A total of 89 traps were installed in elevators for a proof-of-concept phase. Compared to sample monitoring, the traps detected an average of three additional insect species in an infested batch. To improve the detection of insects in wheat, methods for detecting and quantifying live adult insects (Sitophilus oryzae, Rhyzoperta dominica, and Tribolium confusum) using NIRS and HSI have been developed. The used instruments, a near-infrared spectrometer and a hyperspectral camera, allow for an in-flow analysis, which reduces sampling errors. The cross-validation errors of the NIRS models ranged from 2.44 insects/kg to 2.56 insects/kg, and the prediction error of the HSI ones ranged from 0.70 insect/kg to 2.07 insect/kg, depending on the insect species.

Keanekaragaman dan Komposisi Serangga pada Tanaman Jagung di Tojo Una-Una, Sulawesi Tengah, Indonesia

Various insects (Arthropoda: Insecta) have an important role in the agricultural sector, including corn crops. Understanding the diversity of species and composition of insects in the plantation area is a necessary first step in implementing integrated pest management (IPM). This study aims to analyze the diversity of species and composition of insects found in corn plantation in the Malotong Village, Tojo Una-Una Regency, Central Sulawesi. Sampling was carried out in October and November 2022 using insect nets in four plots. A total of 21 species (16 families and four orders) were found in this study, with the order Hemiptera having the highest number of families and genus (7 families and 8 genera). The Shannon diversity index (H′) showed moderate criteria, with the highest found in plot 1 (H′=1,60), while the highest Evenness index values were found in plots 3 (0,77) and 4 (0,74). The highest similarity indexes were found in plots 2 and 3 (0,53), as a result of their shared vegetation patterns. The composition of insects consists of herbivores, predators, and pollinators, with the highest percentage being herbivores (68.5%), then predators (25%), and the lowest being pollinators (6.5%).
 
 Keywords: Abundance, Central Sulawesi, corn, IPM, Tojo Una-Una

Prevalence of Varroa destructor in Honeybee (Apis mellifera) Farms and Varroosis Control Practices in Southern Italy.

The majority of honeybee farms in industrialized countries currently base their Varroa destructor control programs on the use of acaricides in conjunction with other management practices. However, the outcomes of these practices are often misunderstood and have only been studied to a limited extent. Better yields are guaranteed by having hives with low infection levels in the spring. Therefore, it is crucial to understand which beekeeping practices can result in increased control effectiveness. This study aimed to analyze the potential effects of environmental factors and beekeeping practices on the dynamics of V. destructor population. Experimental evidence was obtained by interpolating percentage infestation data from diagnoses conducted on several apiaries in the Calabria region (Southern Italy) with data acquired from a questionnaire on pest control strategies. Data on climatic temperature during the different study periods were also taken into account. The study was conducted over two years and involved 84 Apis mellifera farms. For each apiary, the diagnosis of infestation was made on a minimum of 10 hives. In total, 840 samples of adult honeybees were analyzed in the field to determine the level of infestation. In 2020, 54.7% of the inspected apiaries tested positive for V. destructor, and in 2021, 50% tested positive, according to a study of the field test findings (taking into account a threshold of 3% in July). A significant effect of the number of treatments on parasite prevalence was found. The results showed a significant reduction in the infestation rate in apiaries that received more than two treatments each year. Furthermore, it was shown that management practices, such as drone brood removal and frequent queen replacement, have a statistically significant impact on the infestation rate. The analysis of the questionnaires revealed some critical issues. In particular, only 50% of the interviewed beekeepers diagnosed infestation on samples of adult bees, and only 69% practiced drug rotation. In conclusion, it is only possible to maintain the infestation rate at an acceptable threshold by implementing integrated pest management (IPM) programs and using good beekeeping practices (GBPs).

Golden apple snail management (Pomacea canaliculata Lamarck) using integrated pest management (IPM) and non-integrated pest management (non-IPM) on paddy cultivation

The golden apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata Lamarck) is one of the main pests of rice (Oryza sativa Linnaeus) that can be controlled by integrated pest management (IPM). This research aimed to compare the population and the attack rate of golden apple snails and rice production using IPM and non-IPM. This research was conducted from April to August 2021 in Nagari Koto Tuo Sijunjung Regency, West Sumatera. It used an experimental design that compares IPM and non-IPM treatments and analyzed with a t-test. The control techniques in the IPM were making trenches and maintaining the water level very low, using filters on water inlets and outlets, using ripe Artocarpus heterophyllus Lamark skin as bait, using botanical pesticides from Nothopanax scutellarium Merr leaves, and planting 21-day-old seedlings. The parameters observed were the attacked clumps (%), attacked tillers (%), golden apple snail population (individuals/m2), and rice production (kg/m2). The result showed that the percentage of rice clumps attacked in the IPM treatment was 11.33%, while the non-IPM treatment was 54.66%. The percentage of rice tillers attacked in the IPM treatment was 11.28%, while the non-IPM treatment was 32.51%. The population of golden apple snails in the IPM treatment was 0.19 individuals/m2, while in the non-IPM treatment was 2.04 individuals/m2. The production of rice plants under IPM treatment was 2,69 kg/m2, while the non-IPM treatment was 0,71 kg/m2. The implementation of IPM by combining various techniques effectively controlled golden apple snail attacks on clumps and tillers, and increased rice production compared to non-IPM.