Insect Research Articles

Distribuição espacial de Aphis craccivora Koch 1854 (Hemiptera: Aphididae) na cultura do feijão-caupi (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.)

Determinar o tipo de distribuição espacial de uma praga agrícola é uma das principais ferramentas para estabelecer uma metodologia de amostragem, portanto o objetivo desse trabalho foi estudar a distribuição espacial de Aphis craccivora em feijão-caupi. Os estudos foram desenvolvidos no período de cultivo de feijão-caupi “da seca” na fazenda experimental da Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul (UEMS), em Aquidauana-MS. A área experimental 300 m2, foi formada por 40 parcelas de quatro linhas com 5 metros de comprimento, espaçadas a 0,50 metros entre si, considerando-se como área útil as duas linhas centrais. As amostragens foram realizadas semanalmente a partir do aparecimento do primeiro pulgão. Foi determinada a variância media e os índices de agregassão. A distribuição de Poisson, distribuição binomial negativa e distribuição binomial positiva foram utilizadas para descrever a distribuição teórica de frequência para as amostras da população: As variâncias das amostragens foram sempre superior à média, o que indica ajuste à distribuição binomial negativa, com a disposição do inseto tendendo à agregação, o que normalmente ocorre no campo para os índices de Razão Variância-Média (I), Índice de Morisita (Iδ) e Expoente k da Distribuição Binomial Negativa (k), foi obtido para a distribuição da comunidade de pulgões pretos no feijão caupi, a distribuição no formato agregado. Para os testes de distribuição de freqüência o que mais se enquadra para as amostragens foi o da distribuição Binomial Negativa, indicando população de pulgão preto se comporta de forma agregada na cultura do feijão caupi.

Perception of residents and workers toward the environmental health effects of the dumpsite in Solous Igando, Lagos, Nigeria

Dumpsites are an ideal breeding ground for disease vectors such as rats and mosquitoes, which may channel severe health issues to the nearby residents and dumpsite workers. The present study aimed to assess the effects of waste disposal at a dumpsite on the surrounding human settlements and health of the workers. In this descriptive study, data were collected from the households within the 0-3-kilometer radius to the dumpsite, as well as the dumpsite workers using structured questionnaires. In total, 150 respondents from the human settlements around the dumpsite participated in the study, including 61 dumpsite workers. Test of independence indicated a significant correlation between the perception of the dumpsite workers and community dwellers toward the dumpsite as a source of health-deteriorating agents (χ2 [1; n=211]=14.00; P=0.001). Dumpsite odor, insect and rodent infestation, and burning activities could predict the ill health status of the dumpsite workers with the final predictive model (ill health status=0.439 + [0.645*odor of dumpsite] + [0.106*insect and rodent infestation] + [-0.151*burning activities on dumpsite]; F[3,57]=21.70; P<0.05). According to the results, the human settlements in the vicinity of the dumpsite were discontented with the landfill and its adverse health effects (e.g., malaria, typhoid, skin infection). However, the dumpsite workers disagreed with the viewpoint regarding disease contraction from the dumpsite, stating that they were not dissatisfied with working on the dumpsite.

Analysis of edible insect recognition level and selection attributes of products using edible insects according to adult’s health concern levels

Analysis of edible insect recognition level and selection attributes of products using edible insects according to adult’s health concern levels

Dietary management of hypercholesterolemia in a bachelor group of zoo-housed Slender-tailed meerkats (Suricata suricatta)

Slender tailed meerkats (Suricata suricatta) are commonly exhibited in zoos across the world. They are primarily insectivores with their wild diet being low in saturated fat and cholesterol. It has been recognised for many years that they are prone to hypercholesteremia and this can lead to meningeal cholesterol granulomas. Cholesterol blood levels have been established in a free-living meerkat population to allow for comparison to captive populations. This article reports the results of blood cholesterol levels in 11 captive male meerkats fed a whole prey diet. It was shown that on this diet all meerkats had hypercholesteremia due to high fat diet being fed. A new diet was introduced, eight months later the same meerkats had their cholesterol levels measured and they all showed a significant reduction. This shows the importance of regular health monitoring and diet review based on clinical findings in captive populations.

Kombinasi Ekstrak Cymbopogon nardus L. dan Nicotiana tabacum Sebagai Insektisida Nabati Helopeltis antonii Sign.

Helopeltis antonii Sign. merupakan salah satu jenis serangga yang kerap menyerang tanaman kakao di Indonesia. Oleh karena itu perlu dicari alternatif insektisida yang lebih ecofriendly sehingga meminimalisir dampak buruk yang mungkin ditimbulkan akibat penggunaan jangka panjang. Insektisida nabati menjadi salah satu alternatif yang mungkin dapat digunakan. Cymbopogon nardus L. memiliki senyawa aktif sitronela sedangkan Nicotiana tabacum memiliki senyawa aktif nikotin yang keduanya berpotensi sebagai insektisida nabati dan bersifat biodegradable. Penelitian ini terdiri dari 5 perlakuan yaitu kontrol (P0), kombinasi C. nardus dan N. tabacum (80 ml dan 20 ml (P1); 60 ml dan 40 ml (P2); 50 ml dan 50 ml (P3); 40 ml dan 60 ml (P4); serta 20 ml dan 80 ml(P5)). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan adanya pengaruh pemberian ekstrak C. nardus dan N. tabacum terhadap mortalitas H. antonii.P0 tingkat mortalitas 3,33%; P1 sebesar 26,70%; P2 sebesar 26,70%; P3 sebesar 67%, P4 sebesar 80%, dan P5 sebesar 93,30%. Hasil analisis ragam dengan ANOVA menunjukkan adanya pengaruh perlakuan dan hasil uji lanjut BNT menunjukkan pengaruh perlakuan terbaik adalah pada P5.Oleh karena itu dapat disimpulkan kombinasi ekstrak C. nardus dan N. tabacum efektif sebagai insektisida nabati untuk H. antonii.

Şimşir ormanlarında bazı toprak ve iklim özelliklerinin Cylindrocladium pseudonaviculatum’in epidemi oluşturması üzerine etkilerin araştırılması: Taşlıca ve Tütüncüler örnekleri

Artvin Orman Bölge Müdürlüğü Şimşir (Buxus sempervirens) ormanlarında Cylindrocladium pseudonaviculatum’in epidemi yapmasının ve şimşir ağaçlarının kurumasına toprak yapısının ve iklim özelliklerinin etkilerinin incelenmesi amacı ile bu çalışma yapılmıştır. B. sempervirens Artvin’de yaklaşık 15 bin hektarlık bir alanda yayılış göstermektedir. Bu alanlarda şimşir fungal hastalıkları (Cylindrocladium pseudonaviculatum) ve Şimşir güvesi (Cydalima perspectalis) kurumalara neden olmuştur. Gerek mantar gerekse böcek zararının görülmesinin kuraklıktan ve topraktaki bazı elementlerin azalmasından kaynaklanabileceği düşüncesiyle, şimşir kurumalarının yoğun olduğu ormanlık alanlarda ve sağlıklı yetiştiği alanlardaki sıcaklık ve yağış değerleri ile bazı toprak özellikleri incelenmiştir. Şimşir ağaçlarının kuruma gösterdiği ve sağlıklı yetiştiği sahalardan alınan toprak özellikleri ile sıcaklık ve yağış değerlerinin farklılık gösterip göstermediği bağımsız iki örneklem T-Testi ile test edilmiştir. Çalışma sonucunda alanlar arasındaki farklılıkların toprak özellikleri bakımından önemsizken, sıcaklık ve yağış değerleri bakımından anlamlı düzeyde farklı (p

Monitoring Reports about Nine High Risk Insect Pests of South Korea in 2019

Monitoring Reports about Nine High Risk Insect Pests of South Korea in 2019

Controle de pragas e tratamento de grãos armazenados para uso em rações para animais

Os grãos utilizados nas rações estão passíveis de alterações químicas e físicas, que acarretam mudanças em seus valores nutricionais, podem prejudicar a saúde e o desempenho animal, bem como favorecer o aparecimento de substâncias tóxicas, como as micotoxinas. Desse modo, faz-se de importância a qualidade sanitária dos grãos, que por sua vez, relaciona-se com as condições produtivas e de armazenamento (temperatura e umidade). Na armazenagem deve-se manter a qualidade dos grãos durante longos períodos, e a adoção de práticas de combate a insetos e prevenção de fungos e bactérias consiste numa estratégia necessária. Objetivou-se descrever os principais métodos utilizados no controle de pragas e tratamento de grãos armazenados para uso em rações para animais. A metodologia adotada foi a pesquisa bibliográfica, sendo as informações obtidas em fontes documentais. Dentre as alternativas para minimizar as perdas ocorridas no armazenamento de grãos, têm-se o manejo integrado de pragas e as boas práticas de armazenamento de grãos e/ou produtos. Em situações de infestação dos grãos armazenados por pragas, os métodos químicos, físicos e biológicos constituem ferramentas de controle de pragas e de tratamento dos grãos. A escolha do método será pautada na disponibilidade da alternativa, na complexidade de aplicação da técnica, na economia, na produção de rações com qualidade, bem como no menor impacto ambiental.

Effects of Eco–Friendly Flower Thinning Formulations on a Pollination Insect, Apis mellifera

Effects of Eco–Friendly Flower Thinning Formulations on a Pollination Insect, Apis mellifera

Cycle populations dynamics of harmful insects

We studied the reproduction cycles of 39 pest insect species and revealed that they, being cyclical and polycyclic in nature, are not strictly periodic and occur at different intervals. Moreover, we registered the outbreaks in their numbers in the periods with minimum and maximum of solar activity. The frequencies of the mass reproductions during the years of benchmarks were 2.5–3.0 times higher than the frequencies during the other years for the period of 1854–1985. We asserted that the synchronism of 70 species mass reproductions took place in Ukraine during some period with the years of sharp changes in the solar activity. The global synchronization of insect mass reproductions cannot be only explained by the weather factors since they are unlikely even within the same region. We suggested that the population cycles are self-oscillations of the biological systems synchronised by the solar activity, which can create the double effect: the “cyclic background” in the Earth changes and a part of the fractures of the long-term course distorting this “cyclic background”. The over helming majority of insect mass reproductions began in dry periods, and the droughts are synchronous with the dynamics of the solar activity. We believed that the cyclic character and recurrence are the universal properties of the development and functioning of any natural systems in space and time. This conclusion could be the conceptual basis for regularities in long-term recurrence of mass insect reproduction. Our idea of cyclic population dynamics reflects its descriptive, explanatory, prognostic and synthesizing functions and combines the previously proposed climatic and trophic theories. We developed the method and algorithms for a long-term forecast of insect mass reproductions on cyclic character of the population dynamics. According to the modern concepts of nonlinear dynamics (synergetics), the mass reproductions of insects are definitely programmed in present and future.

Pesticidas em aves insetívoras: uma análise quantitativa sobre o panorama de contaminação

Os principais agrotóxicos utilizados são os inseticidas, os herbicidas e os fungicidas. A partir desses substratos, a fauna silvestre fica exposta a esses poluentes. No entanto as aves apresentam maiores graus de sensibilidade, quando comparado a outros vertebrados a exposição de diversos compostos utilizados na agricultura. Sendo assim, por meio de uma abordagem cienciométrica, o objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar e caracterizar o desenvolvimento do conhecimento científico mundial sobre a contaminação de aves insetívoras por agrotóxicos. Na busca realizada com o enfoque em publicações que investigaram pesticidas em aves insetívoras foram identificados um total de 155 artigos no período de 2014 a 2108. Após o processo de seleção minucioso dos artigos, obtivemos apenas 6 artigos que realizaram estudos de contaminação em aves insetívoras através de algum tipo de pesticida. Estes trabalhos estudaram 52 espécies de aves onde 23 dessas espécies apresentaram tendência populacional classificada como diminuindo. Os resultados demostraram que estas aves tiveram ao menos um órgão/tecido/estrutura (bolo estomacal, plasma sanguíneo, tecido muscular, itens alimentares) contaminado por um dos 29 tipos de compostos químicos encontrados nos artigos analisados. Embora tenha-se constatado a existência de uma lacuna teórica mundial em relação a pesquisas ecotoxicológicas, demonstrando o impacto dos agrotóxicos no meio ambiente, os estudos com aves insetívoras demonstraram ser ótimos mecanismos de monitoramento ambiental frente às mudanças que ocorrem nos ecossistemas, decorrentes da crescente produção agrícola mundial e podem proporcionar informações relevantes para a tomada de decisões e estabelecimento de políticas públicas no Brasil e no mundo.

DETEKSI KRISTAL PROTEIN PADA ISOLAT BACILLUS SP. DENGAN PEWARNAAN COOMASSIE BRILLIANT BLUE

Bacillus is one of the genera of bacteria that has the potential to be developed in the field of biotechnology. Bacillus is able to produce protein crystals during the stationary phase in its life cycle. This protein crystal is a protoxin that is active will be pathogenic in insects. In this study, protein crystal staining was carried out using coomassie brilliant blue dye on the isolate of Bacillus sp. with isolate code B1, B2, and B3. Before being stained, the three isolates were bred on Nutrient Broth (NB) medium at pH 5, pH 7, and pH 9, then incubated for 72 hours. Based on research results, the three isolates were detected to produce protein crystals. Crystal protein of Bacillus sp. on media with a pH of 5 and pH 7 located at the end of the spore, while the protein crystal of Bacillus sp. isolate on media with a pH of 9 located on the outside of the spores.

Towards a development of novel bioinsecticides for organic control of Planococcus ficus in vineyards

The mealybug species, Planococcus ficus Signoret (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is a pest that mainly affects grapevine plantations (Vitis vinifera L.), causing huge economic losses in the world. The numerous problems caused by the use of synthetic pesticides on the environment and human health have motivated the development and implementation of natural pesticides. The objective of this work was to develop effective and efficient contact bioinsecticide formulations for the control of P. ficus in vineyards. Anti-mealybug formulations were developed using (R)-(+)-pulegone as an active principle, TWEEN® 20 and soy lecithin powder as surfactants, and limonene and diatomaceous earth (DE) as insect waxy layer reducers. The insecticidal properties of formulations against vine mealybugs and their grapevine leaf phytotoxicity were evaluated in laboratory conditions. Pulegone+DE+Lecithin and Pulegone+Limonene+DE+Lecithin formulations showed the highest mortality rates of P. ficus (more than 70 % mortality) at 24 h and 48 h of treatment. This high mortality is probably due to an interaction between pulegone, DE and soy lecithin that allows more molecular mobility and increases the efficiency of the active substance, making it enter and act on the insect. In conclusion, the Pulegone+DE+Lecithin and Pulegone+Limonene+DE+Lecithin formulations can be an efficient tool for the organic control of P. ficus in vineyards.

Diversity and Spatial Distribution of Predacious Dolichopodidae (Insecta: Diptera) on Organic Vegetable Fields and Adjacent Habitats in Brazil

Adults of the fly family Dolichopodidae (Diptera) are general predators on small soft-bodied invertebrates, and often are abundant in agroecosystems. However, information about their diversity and spatial distribution in agricultural landscapes are scarce. Using structured sampling, we identified the species of Dolichopodidae associated with organic vegetable crops, fallow, agroforestry, and native vegetation in the Federal District of Brazil, and evaluate their richness and abundance. We collected 70 species Dolichopodidae distributed in 17 genera and 9 subfamilies. Of these, some 80% of the specimens belong to the following 5 taxa: Chrysotus spectabilis (Loew), Thrypticus violaceous Van Duzee, Condylostylus depressus (Aldrich), Condylostylus “caudatus group” females, and Condylostylus erectus Becker (all Diptera: Dolichopodidae). Habitats with vegetable crops harbored a higher abundance and number of species (diversity α), with a gradual reduction towards more forested environments of native vegetation. This is an inverse gradient with the general patterns of community studies with other taxa. We also verified the importance of less disturbed habitats over time in the agricultural landscape, such as agroforestry and native vegetation, as complementary habitats for the maintenance and conservation of dolichopodid species in particular, a scenario to be tested for other insect groups. Resumo Os adultos da familia das moscas Dolichopodidae (Diptera) sao predadores generalistas de pequenos invertebrados de corpo mole, sendo geralmente abundantes em agroecossistemas. No entanto, informacoes sobre sua diversidade e distribuicao espacial em paisagens agricolas sao escassas. A partir de amostragens locais, identificamos as especies de Dolichopodidae associadas a hortalicas orgânicas, pousio, agrossilvicultura e vegetacao nativa no Distrito Federal, Brasil, e avaliamos sua riqueza e abundância. Foram coletadas 70 especies de Dolichopodidae distribuidas em 17 generos e 9 subfamilias. Destes, cerca de 80% dos especimes pertencem aos seguintes 5 taxons: Chrysotus spectabilis (Loew), Thrypticus violaceous Van Duzee, Condylostylus depressus (Aldrich), Condylostylus “grupo caudatus” e Condylostylus erectus Becker (todos dipteros: Dolichopodidae). Habitats com hortalicas abrigavam a maior abundância e numero de especies (diversidade α), com uma reducao gradual em direcao a ambientes mais florestados de vegetacao nativa. Este e um gradiente inverso com os padroes gerais de estudos comunitarios com outros taxons. Tambem verificamos a importância de habitats menos perturbados ao longo do tempo na paisagem agricola, como agrofloresta e vegetacao nativa, como habitats complementares para a manutencao e conservacao de especies de diclopodideos em particular. Este e um cenario a ser testado para outros grupos de insetos. Key Words: biological control; Neotropical region; Cerrado; habitat management; species richness; organic agro-ecosystems View this article in BioOne

A Modelling Approach to Describe the Anthonomus eugenii (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Life Cycle in Plant Protection: A Priori and a Posteriori Analysis

Anthonomus eugenii Cano (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is one of the most severe pests for sweet and hot varieties of pepper (Capsicum spp.; Solanaceae). The species is distributed widely, principally in Central America, but in 2013 it was detected for the first time in the Lazio region of Italy. Modelling plays a key role in reducing chemical treatments used on Capsicum spp., but reliable predictions of pest populations require adjusted tools, as well as intense knowledge of the insect’s biology and its typical environment. The main goal of this work is to describe the life cycle of A. eugenii with a physiologically based model, which links the population dynamics with the environmental parameters. More specifically, this analysis focuses on the different response of the age-structured model in relation to the development rate function in input. Two methodologies to determine the best representative development rate function suitable for simulations are proposed; the first is “a priori analysis,” whereas the second is the “a posteriori analysis.” Simulations were compared with semi-field data, collected in a controlled experimental greenhouse where A. eugenii developed in varying temperature conditions. Results showed that the model used is adequate to describe A. eugenii population dynamics and highlighted how the a posteriori analysis can be essential to (i) analyze the simulation outputs, and (ii) determine the best representing development rate function, if the a priori analysis does not provide this information sufficiently clearly. Resumen Anthonomus eugenii Cano (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) es una de las plagas mas severas para las variedades de chile dulce y chile picante (Capsicum spp.; Solanaceae). La especie es distribuida ampliamente, principalmente en America Central, pero en el 2013 se detecto por primera vez en la region italiana de Lazio. El modelado juega un papel clave en la reduccion de los tratamientos quimicos utilizados en Capsicum spp., pero las predicciones confiables de las poblaciones de plagas requieren herramientas ajustadas, asi como un conocimiento intenso de la biologia del insecto y su ambiente tipico. El objetivo principal de este trabajo es describir el ciclo de vida de A. eugenii con un modelo basado fisiologicamente, que vincula la dinamica de la poblacion con los parametros ambientales. Mas especificamente, este analisis se enfoque sobre la respuesta diferente del modelo estructurado por edad en relacion con la funcion de tasa de desarrollo en insumo. Se proponen dos metodologias para determinar la mejor funcion de tasa de desarrollo representativa para usar en simulaciones; el primero es “analisis a priori,” mientras que el segundo es el “analisis a posteriori.” Se compararon las simulaciones con datos de semi-campo, recolectados en un invernadero experimental controlado donde A. eugenii se desarrollo en diferentes condiciones de temperatura. Los resultados mostraron que el modelo utilizado es adecuado para describir la dinamica de la poblacion de A. eugenii y resaltaron como el analisis a posteriori puede ser fundamental para (i) analizar los resultados de la simulacion y (ii) determinar la mejor funcion que representa la tasa de desarrollo, si el analisis a priori no proporciona esta informacion con suficiente claridad. Key Words: pepper weevil; Von Foerster’s equation; integrated pest management; alien species; development rate function; physiologically based models Supplementary material for this article in Florida Entomologist 103(2) (June 2020) is online at http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/entomologist/browse View this article in BioOne

Population Development of Bean Weevils (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) in Landrace Varieties of Cowpeas and Common Beans

Bean weevils (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) are responsible for large quantity losses of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.; Fabaceae) and common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.; Fabaceae). The magnitude of damage is related to the grains’ varietal susceptibility. The objective of this study was to determine the population development rates of Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in 4 landrace varieties of cowpea (var. ‘UFAC-B01,’ ‘UFAC-MV01,’ ‘UFAC-MG01,’ and ‘UFAC-Q01’), as well as the population development rates of Zabrotes subfasciatus (Boheman) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in 4 landrace varieties of common bean (var. ‘UFAC-G01,’ ‘UFAC-M01,’ ‘UFAC-P01,’ and ‘UFAC-R01’). We determined the population development rates of the weevils in each variety. The weight of 100 grains (g) and the percentage of grain weight loss were measured, and correlations between these variables were analyzed. The statistical design was completely randomized, with 4 replications. Varieties UFAC-Q01 (cowpea) and UFAC-R01 (common bean) showed lower insect population development rates than other varieties. Although variations were found in the weight of 100 grains and grain weight loss, no significant correlations with bean weevil population development were observed. The cowpea and common bean landrace varieties from the southwestern Amazon region are important sources of resistance to bean weevils. The UFAC-Q01 cowpea variety and the UFAC-R01 common bean variety showed lower susceptibility to C. maculatus and Z. subfasciatus, respectively. Resumo Os bruquideos (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) sao responsaveis por elevadas perdas na qualidade do caupi (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.; Fabaceae) e feijao comum (Phaseolus vulgaris L.; Fabaceae), sendo que a magnitude dos danos esta relacionados a susceptibilidade varietal dos graos. O objetivo desta investigacao foi determinar as taxas de desenvolvimento populacional de Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) em quarto variedades crioulas de caupi (var. ‘UFAC-B01,’ ‘UFAC-MV01,’ ‘UFAC-MG01,’ e ‘UFAC-Q01’), bem como a a taxa de desenvolvimento populacional de Zabrotes subfasciatus (Boheman) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) em quarto variedades crioulas de feijao comum (vbean weevilsar. ‘UFAC-G01,’ ‘UFAC-M01,’ ‘UFAC-P01,’ e ‘UFAC-R01’). Foram realizados bioensaios para determinar as taxas de desenvolvimento populacional dos bruquideos em cada variedade, e avaliou-se a massa de 100 graos (g), perda de massa (%) e foram realizadas analises de correlacao entre estes fatores. O delineamento estatistico foi inteiramente casualizado com quatro repeticoes. As variedades UFAC-Q01 e UFAC-R01 de caupi e feijao comum, respectivamente, apresentaram menores taxas de desenvolvimento populacional, comparando-se com as demais variedades. Embora tenha havido variacao da massa de 100 graos, perda de massa, nao foram constadas correlacoes significativamente com o desenvolvimento populacional dos bruquideos. As variedades landraces de caupi e feijao comum, oriundos da Amazonia Sul-Ocideltal, constituem importantes fontes de resistencia para bruquideos, sendo que as variedades UFAC-Q01 e UFAC-R01 de caupi e feijao comum apresentaram menor susceptibilidade ao ataque de C. maculatus e Z. subfasciatus. Key Words: Vigna unguiculata; Phaseolus vulgaris; varietal susceptibility; storage; bruchids View this article in BioOne

NATURAL DISASTERS AND NATURAL DISASTER PERCEPTION IN THE STATE OF ASSYRIA

Tarih boyunca her coğrafyada insanoğlu çeşitli doğal afetler ile karşı karşıya gelmiştir. Felaketler, doğal kaynaklı olduğu gibi insan ihmalinin sonucunda da gerçekleşebilir. Beklenmedik zamanda ve aniden meydana gelen, önlem alınmadığı zaman can ve mal kaybına neden olan afetler toplumlar için çok üzücü olmuştur. Bu çalışmamızda Asur Devleti’nde meydana gelen doğal afetler ile Asur halkındaki afet algısını ortaya koymaya çalıştık. İncelemiş olduğumuz belgelerden; depremler, sel baskınları, kuraklık, kıtlık, salgın hastalıklar, haşere istilaları ve yangınlar konusunda bilgiye ulaştık. Asur tarihi boyunca farklı şiddetlerde depremler olduğu anlaşılmaktadır. Mevsimlere göre sel baskınlarının gerçekleştiği zamanlar ya da kurak dönemler yaşanmıştır. Kuraklık, haşere istilası ve nüfusun artması gibi durumlarda kıtlık ortaya çıkmıştır. Elimizdeki mevcut bilgilerden anlaşıldığına göre, özellikle Asur ordusunun başına gelen en büyük felaket salgın hastalıklardır. Asur Devleti’nde insan ihmalinin bir sonucu olan yangınlar da meydana gelmiştir. Asurlular başlarına gelen felaketleri tanrının ikazı olarak telakki etmişler ve doğal afetleri tanrıların oluşturduğunu düşünmüşlerdir. Olayların dini yönü ağır bastığı için bilimsel tekniklerle önlem almak yerine kötülüğe karşı dinsel ayinlere yönelmişlerdir. Bu sebeple krallar kötü alametleri ortadan kaldırmak için ritüeller düzenlemişlerdir. Ayrıca tanrıların kendileriyle ilgili kararlar verdiğine inanan Asurlular, insanlara verilmek istenen mesajları öğrenmek için göksel kehanetlere başvurmuşlardır. Gökyüzünde olumsuz gördükleri kehanetleri, yeryüzünde olacak kötü olayların işareti şeklinde yorumlamışlar ve kehanetlere göre tedbir almışlardır.

Status of pests and diseases of sorghum and their management practices by Fadama III participating farmers in Abuja, Nigeria

A diagnostic survey was carried out at the end of 2018 and early 2019 to assess the status of sorghum pests, diseases and their management strategies by the “Fadama” III participating farmers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria. Data were collected from the 28 production clusters in 10 Fadama Development Areas in the six Area Councils. Instruments used were semi-structured interview, farm visits and the diagnosis of collected specimens from infested and diseased sorghum. The results indicated that up to 97.95% of the farmers had one form of formal education. On sorghum farms, corn rootworms (Diabrotica virgifera), Striga spp. weed and straying cattle were the major pests encountered. The incidence of Striga weed was 20.97%, while that of anthracnose disease was 76.84% though often left uncontrolled. Indigenous knowledge used for managing sorghum pests included field spraying with goat faeces slurry and placement of neem and Blumea leaves in corn granaries. Sorghum seeds were locally dressed with berry bark exudate, neem extract + pepper pre-planting. Due to the high severity of anthracnose on sorghum in the FCT, Abuja, there is need to embrace integrated disease management practices against this endemic disease. Routine monitoring of sorghum pests and disease prevalence, incidence and severity at different growth stages and implementation of sorghum pests management plan emanating from this study across Fadama Development Areas in Guinea Savannah agro-ecological zone is expected to enable the attainment of sustainable sorghum productivity. Key words: Abuja-Nigeria, Fadama, incidence, insects, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), sorghum, weeds.

Analisis Ketercapaian Persyaratan Kesehatan Lingkungan Industri di PT X

Kesehatan lingkungan dan industri memiliki keterkaitan yang akan berdampak pada kesehatan pekerja, produktivitas kerja maupun hal-hal lain yang mendukung efektivitas dan efisiensi bagi industri, adapun beberapa komponen seperti media tanah, air, pangan, sarana, bangunan, serta vektor dan binatang pembawa penyakit merupakan aspek dan persyaratan kesehatan lingkungan industri. Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis ketercapaian persyaratan kesehatan lingkungan industri di PT X, mengacu pada Peraturan Menteri Kesehatan Nomor 70 tahun 2016. Penelitian ini dilakukan pada Januari hingga Februari 2020, menggunakan desain deskriptif kualitatif. Peneliti menggali informasi melalui wawancara kepada 10 orang informan dan melengkapi dengan observasi. Informan yang dipilih adalah karyawan di unit K3LH, karyawan di unit pemeliharaan, karyawan di bagian catering, manager unit K3LH, manager unit pengadaan infrastruktur dan manager bagian catering. Teknik analisis menggunakan analisis kualitatif pada hasil penilaian menurut instrumen yang digunakan. Penelitian ini menemukan bahwa upaya persyaratan kesehatan lingkungan di PT X telah mencapai 89% dari total keseluruhan instrumen yang dianalisis. Hal ini terjadi dikarenakan masih terdapat beberapa komponen yang belum memenuhi persyaratan, seperti IPAL, sarana penghematan air, sarana laktasi, sarana merokok, fasilitas untuk difabel, dan bangunan yang rapat serangga. Rekomendasi yang diberikan adalah dengan memperbaiki dan menambah beberapa sarana terkait persyaratan kesehatan lingkungan yang belum tersedia untuk kemudian dilakukan penilaian kembali secara berkala.

COVID-19 in Cats — Reverse Zoonosis

Zoonoses are infections whose etiologic agents are transmitted from animal reservoirs to human hosts, either directly or via insect vectors. The number