Integrated Management Programs Research Articles

SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF ANTHRACNOSE IN AVOCADO (Persea americana Mill.) IN DONATO GUERRA, MEXICO

Anthracnose is a fungal disease caused by Colletotrichum spp. that affects the avocado (Persea americana Mill.) crop and causes significant economic losses in the farming sector. To focus control measures, it is important to understand the spatial distribution and the dynamics followed by the disease under field conditions. The use of methods derived from spatial statistics facilitates this task. The aim of this study was to determine the spatial behavior of anthracnose in Persea americana Mill. cv. Hass in Donato Guerra, a municipality in the State of Mexico, Mexico, using a geostatistical and spatial analysis by distance indices. Four hundred trees were selected and georeferenced in the municipal area. In order to measure the incidence, 48 fruits were selected from every tree. Using these data, the experimental semivariogram was estimated, and adjustments were made to models that explain the spatial arrangement. Maps were created using ordinary kriging, and the infection area was estimated. The maps generated show the presence of aggregation centers and a spatial distribution mostly fitting Gaussian and exponential models, with ranges fluctuating between 12 and 56 m, indicating spatial association between data. Likewise, the greatest percentage of infected areas was 98 %, while the lowest was 45 %. Geostatistics enables a precise understanding of the distribution patterns of diseases such as anthracnose in avocado-growing areas of the State of Mexico, which facilitates the implementation of integrated management programs with greater effectiveness.

Regional Disparities in Atrial Fibrillation Management: An IMPACT-AF Substudy

BackgroundIn rural regions, atrial fibrillation (AF) management is performed predominately by local primary care professionals (PCPs). Prior work has suggested that a disparity in outcomes in AF occurs for those patients living in a rural, vs urban, location. MethodsThis post hoc analysis of the cluster randomized trial Integrated Management Program Advancing Community Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation (IMPACT-AF) compared a clinical decision support system to standard of care. Patients were classified as living in a rural (population < 10,000) or urban location. The outcomes were as follows: AF-related emergency department (ED) visits, unplanned cardiovascular (CV) hospitalizations, AF-related referrals and guideline adherence for AF treatment. ResultsA total of 1133 patients were enrolled from 2016 to 2018; 54.1% (n = 613) were classified as living in a rural location. No differences were present in age (mean, 72 ± 9.63 vs 72.5 ± 10.42 years) or Congestive Heart Failure, Hypertension, Age, Diabetes, Stroke/Transient Ischemic Attack (CHADS2) score (mean, 2.1 ± 1.36 vs 2.16 ± 1.34). Referral rates to general internists were higher in the rural population (13.4% vs 3.9%, P < 0.001), whereas the rate of cardiology referrals was higher in the urban population (10% vs 15%, P = 0.0098). At 12 months, no difference in the composite outcome of AF-related ED visits and CV hospitalizations was seen. Fewer recurrent AF-related ED visits and CV hospitalizations occurred in the urban group (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 0.65 [95% confidence interval (0.44, 0.95), P = 0.0262). The incidence of guideline adherence was similar between the rural (IRR, 3.7 ± 1.2) and urban (IRR, 3.6 ± 1.2; P = 0.11) groups. ConclusionsAF patients living in rural locations had higher rates of recurrent AF-related ED visits and unplanned CV hospitalizations. Further research to optimize AF-related outcomes is needed to ensure equitable delivery of care to all Canadians, irrespective of geography. Clinical Trial RegistrationNCT01927367.

Sweet basil cultivars resistant to downy mildew evaluated under open field conditions

Sweet basil is the most widely grown herb in the U.S. Downy mildew is the most common disease. Management is necessary because there is no tolerance for disease symptoms on leaves marketed for fresh consumption. Host resistance is a preferred management practice. Research was initiated to evaluate cultivars bred to be resistant to downy mildew when they started to become commercialized. Five replicated experiments were conducted between 2018 and 2022 with field-grown basil exposed to naturally-occurring wind-dispersed sporangiospores of Peronospora belbahrii. Eleonora, which is one of the first resistant cultivars commercialized, exhibited limited suppression in this study (26 and 34% control based on AUDPC for incidence of leaves with symptoms compared to a susceptible cultivar). Amazel, the related cultivar Pesto Besto, and Prospera plus related cultivars from Genesis Seeds provided excellent to complete suppression (usually 100%). They have resistance gene Pb1. The four Rutgers DMR cultivars (Devotion, Obsession, Passion, and Thunderstruck) provided good to excellent control with some yearly variation (46–99% control). The recommended management program for downy mildew in field-grown sweet basil in an integrated management program with fungicides applied to resistant cultivar(s), plus weekly checking the crop for symptoms as well as staying current on knowledge about changes in the pathogen, commercialization of new resistant cultivars, and registration of new fungicides.

Impacts of a Commercially Available Horticultural Oil Biopesticide (EF-400) on the Tomato-Phytophthora infestans Pathosystem.

Biopesticide fungicides are naturally derived compounds that offer protection from plant diseases through various modes of action, including antimicrobial activity and upregulation of defense responses in host plants. These plant protectants provide a sustainable and safe alternative to conventional pesticides in integrated disease management programs and are especially salient in the management of high-risk and economically important diseases such as late blight of tomato and potato, for which host resistance options are limited. In this study, a commercially available biopesticide, EF400 comprised of clove (8.2%), rosemary (8.1%), and peppermint oils (6.7%) (Anjon AG, Corcoran, CA), was investigated for its effects on the Phytophthora infestans-tomato pathosystem. Specifically, we evaluated the impact of EF400 on P. infestans growth in culture, disease symptoms in planta, and activation of host defenses through monitoring transcript accumulation of defense-related genes. The application timing and use rate of EF400 were further investigated for managing tomato late blight. EF400 delayed the onset of tomato late blight symptoms, although not as effectively as the copper hydroxide fungicide Champ WG (Nufarm Americas Inc., Alsip, IL). Pathogen mycelial growth and sporangial quantity on late blight-susceptible tomato leaves were significantly reduced with EF400. The biopesticide also had an enhancing or suppressing effect on the transcript accumulation of three defense-related genes: Pin2, PR1a, and PR1b. Our work in exploring a commercially available horticultural oil biopesticide meaningfully contributed to the essential knowledge base for optimizing recommendations for the management of tomato late blight.

Restoration of Alouatta guariba populations: building a binational management strategy for the conservation of the endangered brown howler monkey of the Atlantic Forest

The brown howler monkey (Alouatta guariba) is endemic to the Atlantic Forest of eastern Brazil and northeastern Argentina, threatened by extinction due to habitat loss and fragmentation, and hunting. Its reduced and isolated populations dramatically decreased and suffered local extinctions after recent yellow fever outbreaks, recommending the species risk uplist from Vulnerable to Endangered. In Brazil, the species occurs along eight states in sparse populations, including some large protected areas, and is being uplisted to Endangered. Following the National Action Plan for Conservation of the Atlantic Forest Primates and the Maned-sloth, and applying the Guidelines for Reintroductions and other Conservation Translocations (IUCN/CTSG), the Ex Situ Guidelines (IUCN/CPSG) and the One Plan Approach (IUCN/CPSG), a workshop was held on August 2021 to evaluate the need, requisites and roles of an integrated Population Management Program for A. guariba. Such program was developed in June 2022 defining the objectives of (i) restore in situ populations from ex situ populations, prioritizing populations in higher risk to prevent local extinctions, and (ii) establish an ex situ insurance population. This in situ – ex situ integrated management program was approved by ICMBio in February 2023, with actions recommended for all states along the species distribution. In Argentina, the species is Critically Endangered, with a remaining population of 20-50 individuals. Following the National Plan for Primate Conservation in Argentina, in a process similar to that in Brazil, two workshops were held in 2022/2023 to evaluate and define management actions for the long-term recovery of A. guariba. The priorities indicated were (i) reintroduction in ten potential areas in Misiones – due to a lower risk when compared to reinforcement of remaining populations, and (ii) establishing an ex situ management program in Argentina – still non-existent. The progressive collaboration between the initiatives of both countries is promoting the exchange of experiences and the integration of strategies. Here we summarize the planning and management carried out in Brazil and Argentina, highlighting the need for integrated measures. We debate on the progress and challenges, proposing next steps for developing and implementing a binational population management program for the conservation of the brown howler monkey.

Severity of Termites (Microcerotermes diversus Silvestri) Infestation on Date Palms

Objective: This study was aimed to evaluate intensity of infestation and annual distribution of termite community in palm orchards in southern governorates of Iraq (Basra and Maysan) to develop appropriate integrated management programs to control termite (Microcerotermis diversus Selvestry) in palm groves. Methods: A field survey was conducted for a whole year(October 2022- September 2023) to evaluate termite community, also relationship between intensity of termite infestation with some palm varieties was studied, and a correlation was made with some important contents for termite vitality in tissues of the frond bases such as Proteins, carbohydrates, phenols, and lignin were estimated to determine which varieties are more tolerant to termite infestation and the most sensitive. Results: Survey showed that palm varieties Khadrawi and Shakkar most susceptible to invasion, with rates of 52.19 and 48.4 termites/frond base, respectively. As for the Barhi and Al-Maktoum cultivars, they had lowest percentage of termite infestation, with 0 and 10.0 termites/frond base, respectively. Conclusions: Termite (Microcerotermis diversus Selvestry) prefers to invade some palm varieties that have a suitable content of carbohydrates and proteins (Khadrawi and Shakkar), especially in the moderate and cold months of the year. Termite community decrease in hot months of the year; therefore we recommend carrying out integrated termite management operations at the beginning of October and November in palm groves in arid and semi-arid areas similar to the areas of southern Iraq.

Behavior of 33 coffee (Coffea sp.) accessions of the Catimor type in San Ramón, Chanchamayo, Perú

Coffee has been cultivated in Peru for over 100 years, and since then, various commercial varieties have been introduced, mostly informally, although this approach has been changing in recent years, benefiting national coffee farming. Within this context, documenting the presence of Catimors is necessary, as it is an important group of varieties with presence in all coffee-producing areas. This study aimed to understand the characteristics of 33 Catimor-type coffee accessions in San Ramón, Chanchamayo, Peru. The study was conducted during the 2018-2019 coffee growing season. The location was at the Coffee Germplasm Bank of the National Agrarian University La Molina (BGC-UNALM), located on the "La Génova" estate, in San Ramón, Chanchamayo, Peru, at an altitude of 965 meters above sea level, 11°05.70' LS and 75°20.969' LO. Thirty-three accessions were analyzed with 5 replications each, evaluating the incidence of rust (%), infestation level of coffee berry borer (%), number of harvests, weight of one hundred ripe fruits (g), weight of pulp of one hundred ripe fruits (g), weight of one hundred seeds (g), cherry coffee yield (quintal [qq] ha-1), dry parchment coffee yield (qq ha-1), and the ratio of dry parchment coffee to cherry coffee. Considering that the finalweight in kg of each field harvest was obtained and then transformed into quintals (1 qq equals 46 kg). The results showed that Catimors are a group of varieties whose main characteristic is resistance to coffee rust. In this trial, 11 out of the 33 evaluated accessions had zero incidence, meaning they showed no symptoms of the disease during the study period. They also showed a high yield of dry parchment coffee; in this case, the most outstanding accessions were UNACAF-70 and UNACAF-114, with 54.582 qq ha-1and 42.88 qq ha-1; respectively. It was concluded that Catimors can be used in integrated management programs for coffee rust in Peru due to their resistance to coffee rust and high yield.

혈액투석 환자의 신체상, 증상 경험이 삶의 질에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of hemodialysis patients' body image and symptom experience on their quality of life. The data was targeted at patients who were diagnosed with end-stage renal failure at a tertiary general hospital located in J province and receiving regular hemodialysis treatment. The data collection period was from July 20, 2023 to August 11, 2023, and 160 structured questionnaires were distributed, of which 153 were used in the final analysis. Data were analyzed using t-test, One-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients and multiple regression analysis with the SPSS 28.0 program. Through multiple regression analysis, the factors influencing quality of life were body image (β=.46, p&lt;.001), having an average monthly household income (over 3 million won)(β=.22, p=.002), and symptom experience (β=-.20, p=.001). The combined explanatory power for quality of life was determined to be 47%. It is necessary to accurately assess and intervene, develop educational programs and integrated management programs that reduce symptom experience and improve body image, and establish work standard guidelines.

Morphometric, climatic and land use characterisation of the Itapicuru River Basin, Carolina – MA

Human development in the environment is altering landscapes, arousing scientific interest in natural resource management, especially in river basins, which are crucial for environmental planning and protection. This study focused on the Itapicuru river basin, in south-west Maranhão, with the aim of analysing its morphometric characteristics, climate and land use. GIS QGIS 3.10.13 was used to determine twelve morphometric parameters based on digital elevation models (scale 1:30,000 from Earth Explorer, SRTM project). Land use was characterised using data from MAPBIOMAS. The drainage area of the basin was 1,201.58 km², with a perimeter of 243 km. Annual rainfall ranged from 1302.58 mm to 1390.31 mm, and the average temperature fluctuated between 26.78 ºC and 27.12 ºC. These data provide an initial basis for managing water resources in the Itapicuru River basin, Maranhão, and for planning integrated management programmes. They are valuable tools for diagnosing and preserving the natural resources of this region, which is constantly changing due to human activity.

HerzMobil Tirol – A telemedical, integrated disease management program for patients with heart failure

Heart failure (HF) is a global health problem with an increasing an increasing incidence and prevalence and thus a major impact on healthcare systems. The 1-year mortality is 23.6% in patients with acute HF. Hospitalization for acute HF is associated with higher mortality and recurrent hospitalization. The majority of readmissions occurs early after hospital discharge: about 25% of patients are readmitted within the first month with a 50% proportion of HF-related causes of readmissions.&#x0D; Therefore, in 2012 the Austrian province of Tyrol launched the HerzMobil Tirol (HMT) program, which is a multidisciplinary post-discharge disease management program for HF patients. It is supported by a telemedical monitoring system and embedded in a network of specialized nurses, resident physicians, and secondary/tertiary referral centers. After initial project phases, HMT reached its adolescence in 2017 and was adopted as regular service. This ensures reimbursement of the program by the social security system. &#x0D; HMT is based on: (1) patient education to improve patient empowerment, (2) nurse-led care for early detection of imminent decompensation, (3) patient-held mobile phone for daily data acquisition and transmission of blood pressure, heart rate, body weight, well-being and drug intake, including nurse and physician-controlled telemonitoring, (4) continuous optimization of guideline-based HF therapy for long-term stabilization, and (5) network communication to assure comprehensive HF management across venues;&#x0D; Patients enter HMT at the end of hospitalization for acute HF. Patient education is delivered by specialized HF nurses. On discharge, each patient is assigned to a resident network physician near his/her home. Network physicians supervise the management of the patient and optimize individualized guideline-directed medical therapy. Discharge information including a detailed treatment plan from the hospital is communicated to the HMT network. Within HMT, patients are supervised for 3 months. Telemedically transmitted patient data are reviewed daily by HF nurses and weekly by network physicians. Out-of-limit data are automatically signaled so that interventions, for example, adjustment of diuretics, can follow immediately. Face-to-face visits of the patient with the network physician are scheduled 1, 4, and 12 weeks after discharge. HF nurses monitor patients’ compliance with medication, maintain telephone contact with patients if necessary and adjust HF medication according to the network physicians’ instructions. Additionally, a home visit by the HF nurse is scheduled immediately after discharge to complete disease- and equipment-related education and to ensure that prescribed medication is available. At the end of the managed care program, structured transfer of patients to regular care is organized. Regular HF network meetings of physicians and nurses are scheduled every 3 months.&#x0D; A recently publication demonstrated the effectiveness of the program as indicated by a significant reduction of HF readmission and all-cause mortality within 6 months for patients in the HMT program compared to usual-care patients. &#x0D; HerzMobil was adopted in other provinces of Austria following the Tyrolean model. It is continuously further developed. In a next step, the coronary heart disease will be included in the HMT model. An extension of the program with physical activity aspects is planned.

Integrated care program for patients with dementia and behavioural disorders in the home setting.

Introduction: Behavioural symptoms involve suffering and functional worsening of people with dementia, overburden their caregivers and increase emergency department visits, hospitalizations and early institutionalizations.&#x0D; Objectives And Who It Is For: To evaluate the results of an interdisciplinary intervention to improve the control of behavioural symptoms in elderly people with dementia receiving chronic care at home.&#x0D; Who We Involved And Engaged With: Representatives of general practitioners, home care specialists, geriatricians, psychiatrists, healthcare managers, and patients and families voice through claims and suggestions. The first pilot was adapted considering patients’ needs and acceptance.&#x0D; Materials And Methods (What We Did): before-after quasi-experimental study with own individual as control. Inclusion criteria: admission to the Home Medicine section between 06/01/2021 and 09/30/2022, age older than 64 years; and major cognitive impairment with behavioural disorders of complex management for the attending physician; or need for adequacy of psychotropic drugs during the transition of care for having suffered an acute confusional syndrome during hospitalisation. Exclusion criteria: history of psychosis or life expectancy of less than six months.&#x0D; Intervention: Provision of care by a health care team coordinated by a geriatrician via telemedicine, the home follow-up physician and a health and social care counsellor (comprehensive gerontological assessment). The geriatrician agreed on tailored interventions together with the patient's relatives or caregivers.&#x0D; The main outcome variable was changes in the score of the behavioural disorders subscale of the NPIq questionnaire administered by the geriatrician. The consumption of psychotropic drugs, standardised by defined daily doses (DDD) according to WHO, was also analysed.&#x0D; Results: 81 persons were included (72% women), mean age 89.5 years. Seventy percent lived in a private home and the remainder in care homes. At baseline, they had the following mean (SD) symptom intensity scores of: delirium 1.1 (2.7), hallucinations 1.3 (2.6), agitation-aggression 2.6 (4.3), depression 0.9 (2.9), anxiety 1.1 (3.0), euphoria-denial 0.1 (1.0), apathy 0.6 (2.3), disinhibition 0.3 (1.7), irritability 1.0 (2.7), motor disturbances 0.9 (2.7), nocturnal behaviours 2.2 (3.8), appetite-ingestion 0.3 (1.6), total intensity 12.5 (13.7). At baseline, 42.0% were taking benzodiazepines, mean DDD 19.9/100 patients. &#x0D; After the intervention there was an average decrease of -7.6 points in the total NPIq scale (95%CI -10.0 to -5.1; p&lt;0.001) and 50% of those taking benzodiazepines had discontinuation or dose decrease. without significant changes in other psychotropic drugs (only an increase in donepezil and memantine).&#x0D; Learnings: The integrated management program of elderly with dementia and behavioural disorders improved behavioural symptoms with decreased doses of BZD after the intervention.&#x0D; Next Steps: For scientific purposes, to perform a randomised controlled clinical trial. For local managerial purposes, to scale up the initiative to all eligible persons.

Potential control of Vespula germanica and Polistes dominula (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) using entomopathogens

ABSTRACT The first recordings in South Africa of the invasive social wasps, Vespula germanica and Polistes dominula (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) were in 1974 and again in 2008. These wasps are known to represent a significant threat to the biodiversity of ecosystems and socio-economic activities in countries they invade. Here, the susceptibility of V. germanica and P. dominula larvae to indigenous species of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), namely Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, H. noenieputensis and Steinernema yirgalemense, and entomopathogenic fungus (EPF) Beauveria bassiana was tested both in laboratory bioassays and in situ wasp nests application in the Western Cape province. The bioassay results indicate that both P. dominula and V. germanica larvae are susceptible to all biocontrol agents used. All larvae of both wasp species were dead and infected after exposure to 200 IJ/insect within four days after inoculation. Similar results were obtained seven days after inoculation with B. bassiana. To test in-field pathogenicity against P. dominula, wasp nests were treated with B. bassiana, H. bacteriophora, a mixture of the EPF and EPN species and a control of distilled water. The number of larvae and pupae infected 168 h after application were determined. In both cases, the mixture of EPF/EPN performed best, with a mean percentage of 31.39% ± 4.75% larvae infected, and only 3.42% ± 0.68% of pupae infected. The results obtained suggest that higher concentrations of selected biologicals can be used as inundative biological control agents within an integrated management programme for the control of P. dominula and V. germanica in South Africa.

Plant extracts in the control of the aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae L.) in the cultivation of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. Capitata), in Peru

The introduction of vegetables as an alternative crop in the Peruvian high jungle also implies the search for environmentally friendly pest control methods and the care of biodiversity, here we evaluate the biocidal effect of aqueous extracts of neem (Azadirachta indica), barbasco (Lonchocarpus nicou L.) and molle (Schinus molle L.) for the control of the flea (Brevicoryne brassicae L.) in cabbage (Brassica oleracea var capitata) during the 2020 agricultural campaign, in a Randomized Complete Block design (DBCA ) with 3 treatments, plus absolute control and 4 replicates. The extracts were prepared from the combination of leaves, stems, bark, fruits, and roots of the plants at a rate of 1kg and applied at a dose of 6 ml per liter of water. The barbasco was the most efficient in reducing the number of aphids per plant and the most toxic to cause 75.34% mortality in 45 days of treatment, followed by molle with 61.43% and with pellet weight of up to 1725g It is concluded that plant extracts decreased aphid populations and are suitable for use in Integrated Management programs.

Natural incidence of stem borer damage in U.S. rice varieties

Lepidopteran stem borers (Crambidae) are economically important pests of rice in Louisiana and Texas, and diversified management tactics are needed. Rice varieties differ in susceptibility to stem borers, but resistance has not been studied in modern varieties. Analysis of stem borer injury levels (densities of unfilled panicles or “whiteheads”) was conducted on data from 37 separate field experiments in Acadia and Calcasieu Parishes, LA from 2016 to 2021. In all years, stem borer infestations were predominantly comprised of the Mexican rice borer, Eoreuma loftini (Dyar). Whitehead density was least in 2016 (0.1 whiteheads m−2) and greatest in 2019 (4.0). Across all years, whitehead density was strongly affected by rice genotype. Whitehead densities for 16 common commercial varieties are reported herein. Stem borer infestations were greatest in PVL01 having approximately 7-fold greater whitehead density than the least infested varieties, CL152, Jefferson, and Jazzman. Mean whitehead densities were approximately two-fold higher in inbred varieties than in hybrid varieties. In addition, medium grain varieties showed higher whitehead densities than long grain varieties. Whitehead densities did not differ between imidazolinone-resistant “Clearfield” varieties and conventional varieties. Results suggest varietal resistance can be incorporated into integrated management programs of rice stem borers to reduce reliance on chemical controls.

Screening of Rice Genotypes for Resistance Against Bacterial Blight Disease

A study was undertaken at V. C. Farm, Mandya, Karnataka, India during 2020 to screen the genotypes against BLB under natural field conditions. Host Plant resistance is an important component of an integrated management program for this disease. Among the 102 rice genotypes screened under natural epiphytotic condition at Zonal Agricultural Station, V. C. Farm, Mandya, none of them were found immune against bacterial leaf blight. So, in the study, plants were assessed by measuring disease severity (% of leaf diseased) and area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC). The pathogenicity of Xoo was tested on IRRI rice cultivars, inoculation was conducted at the maximum tillering stage, and the lesion length was measured after 14 days of inoculation. An attempt was made to phenotypically characterize a set of 102 Genotypes from IRRI for BLB resistance by artificially inoculaton using clipping method. Out of the 102 genotypes and two checks tested, it was observed that five entries viz., IRGC 125853, IRGC 126264, IRGC 132357, IRGC 122088 IRGC 125658 and Improved Samba Mahsuri were highly resistant with score of 1. Only one entry (IRGC 125754) was resistant with score of 3, 33 lines being moderately resistant with score of 5 and 43 lines were susceptible with score of 7. 20 lines and also the susceptible check Jyothi-PTB 39, had the highest susceptibility with a phenotypic score of 9.

Commercial Hard Squash Cultivars Exhibit Differences in Susceptibility to Phytophthora Crown Rot

Crown rot and fruit rot, caused by the oomycete Phytophthora capsici, limit the yield and quality of hard squash grown for processing. In a 2-year field study, we compared four Butternut types ( Cucurbita moschata), two Delicious varietal Hubbard types ( Cucurbita maxima), and six Kabocha types ( C. maxima) for crown rot resistance and fruit characteristics relevant to processing including mesocarp soluble solids, percentage of dry matter, and average fruit weight in 2019 and 2020. To evaluate crown rot, plants were inoculated in replicated field trials. The C. moschata cultivars Dickinson, Buckskin, New England Cheddar, and Ultra Butternut had significantly less plant death in both years (&lt;15%) than other cultivars. Significantly fewer Thunder plants died in 2020 (59.6%) compared with the Kabocha cultivars Sweet Mama (&gt;94.2%), Delica (≥92.3%), and Sunshine (≥90.4%) and had a lower relative area under the disease progress curve value (≤22.4) in both years. In noninoculated field trials, mature fruits were assessed for fruit characteristics. Of the resistant C. moschata cultivars, only Ultra Butternut exhibited similar °Brix to NK 580 in both years and had comparable or greater dry matter and fruit weight. Kabocha cultivars with moderate crown rot susceptibility (i.e., Thunder) exhibited higher °Brix and dry matter and smaller fruit weight compared with NK 580 each year. Integrated management programs can be advanced by selecting cultivars with crown rot resistance. Further evaluation of desirable yield and quality characteristics of the resistant cultivars could accelerate acceptance of these cultivars by growers and processors.

Use of Biological and Chemical Compounds for the Integrated Management of Apricot Powdery Mildew in Egypt

This study aims to evaluate an integrated management program for powdery mildew caused by Sphaerotheca pannosa in apricot trees Prunus armeniaca, where four fungicides Copper, Carbendazim, Praiz and Topas) and three biocides ( Bio Z , Bio Arc and Activator Yeasts ) were evaluated in the first season 2020 in Ismailia and Beheira governorates in the regions of South Tahrir and Nubariya. All compounds significantly reduced the percentage of disease severity on leaves and flowers compared to the control, and the activator yeasts was among the best treatments, as it recorded in the last spraying a percentage of disease severity on leaves and flower 28.5% and 27.6% respectively compared with control 52.7 %and 56.2%, followed by the biocides Bio Z and Bio Arc.In the second season 2021, the compounds were evaluated during the flowering period, which led to their precipitation and the occurrence of plant toxicity for flowers at their highest rates with copper. As for the biocides compounds, they were completely safe.From here, an integrated control program was designed for two seasons 2022 and 2023 that combines fungicides and biocides. It is applied early before flowering. It gave excellent results, reduced the rate of fungicide use, and was safer and cost-saving.

Electrophysiological and Behavioral Responses of Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) Females to Aldehyde Volatiles from Dried Fruits.

Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyraloidea) is a notorious pest of stored grain globally. The dried fruits (Ziziphus jujuba, Malus pumila, and Fragaria ananassa) can strongly attract P. interpunctella. However, specific volatile compounds responsible for such effects have not been identified. Volatiles were analyzed by using headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS) techniques. Five aldehyde compounds were selected for electroantennogram (EAG), single sensillum recording (SSR), and behavioral response assays. The three chemicals that elicited the strongest EAG responses to mated females at 100 μg/μL include hexanal (1.13 mV), heptanal (0.92 mV), and octanal (0.73 mV). In SSR experiments, the basiconic sensilla of the antennae responded to these aldehyde compounds. The results of behavioral responses showed that all aldehydes exhibited dose-dependent responses, with hexanal having the highest attractant rate of 74.56%. These compounds have the potential to be used for monitoring P. interpunctella and its integrated management program.

In vitro and in vivo efficacy of Larrea divaricata extract for the management of Phytophthora palmivora in olive trees

Phytophthora palmivora is a ubiquitous pathogen responsible for “dry branch” disease, causing significant economic losses in olive trees. Synthetic chemical fungicides are currently used for the control of P. palmivora. The general concern about the negative consequences of using synthetic products prioritizes the search for eco-friendly alternatives. In this context, plant extracts have emerged as an interesting and promising alternative for crop protection. This work studies the inhibitory activity of Larrea divaricata extract on P. palmivora mycelial growth, sporangium and zoospore production. The extract showed fungicidal activity against P. palmivora mycelial growth at concentrations over 150 mg mL-1. Specifically, the extract at 50 mg mL-1 completely suppressed the production of P. palmivora sporangia and zoospores. The alkaloid piperine in L. divaricata extract showed antimicrobial activity against P. palmivora mycelial growth. Extract effectiveness was also evaluated on olive trees in a greenhouse, showing 63% of disease reduction. These results support the use of L. divaricata extract as another environmentally friendly tool to be included in an integrated disease management program for dry branch disease caused by P. palmivora. Highlights: L. divaricata extract showed an effective antimicrobial activity against P. palmivora. Piperine was identified in the divaricata extract by HPLC/MWD. The alkaloid piperine in divaricata extract showed antimicrobial activity on the mycelial growth of P. palmivora. L. divaricata extract could be included in an integrated management programme for dry branch disease caused by P. palmivora.

EVALUACIÓN DE LA EFICIENCIA DE COLORES DE TRAMPAS PEGAJOSAS EN EL TIEMPO DE MUESTREO PARA LA CAPTURA DE Aeneolamia spp. (HEMIPTERA: CERCOPIDAE) Y ARTROPODOS PRESENTES EN CAÑA DE AZÚCAR EN PANAMÁ

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background.&lt;/strong&gt; One of the main pests of sugarcane are spittlebugs &lt;em&gt;Aeneolamia&lt;/em&gt; spp. The use of sticky trap yellow and green colored has been proposed as an alternate monitoring method without definitively determining which color is the most effective. &lt;strong&gt;Objective. &lt;/strong&gt;Evaluate the capture efficiency of colored glue plastic traps on spittlebugs during the sampling period and the general capture of arthropods in sugarcane in Panama. &lt;strong&gt;Methodology.&lt;/strong&gt; The efficiency of sticky traps of yellow, green, blue, white and red colors on spittlebugs populations over time and the general capture of arthropods present in sugarcane in Panama were evaluated. For the observation of spittlebugs in time in ten localities, five traps of the colors mentioned above were established, which were reviewed weekly for four weeks. For the general capture of arthropods, work was carried out in five different locations with an equal number of traps and weeks of observation. &lt;strong&gt;Results.&lt;/strong&gt; In the case of catches in traps associated with the capture time, 2675 individuals of &lt;em&gt;Aeneolamia&lt;/em&gt; spp. were captured, where 99% corresponded to &lt;em&gt;Aneolamia lepidior&lt;/em&gt; (Fowler) and 1% to &lt;em&gt;Aneolamia reducta &lt;/em&gt;(Lallemand). The highest captures were given in yellow traps (52%), followed by green traps (43%), without presenting differences between them but rather an effect of observation time in the capture, which increased from the first week to the fourth. With respect to the general capture of arthropods, 2331 species were found mainly in yellow traps (46.6%) and green traps (41.2%), where 88.4% corresponded to phytophagous insects and less than 10% to predators and parasitoids, with no differences between yellow and green traps in the capture of beneficial insects. &lt;strong&gt;Implications. &lt;/strong&gt;This research implies the importance of integrating alternatives such as sticky plastic traps within the integrated management of the spittlebug in sugar cane. &lt;strong&gt;Conclusions.&lt;/strong&gt; The yellow and green sticky plastic traps turned out to be equally efficient for the capture of spittlebugs species at sampling time, representing an alternative within integrated management programs of the spittlebugs in sugar cane.&lt;/p&gt;