Integrated Pest Management Practices Research Articles

Integrated Pest Management Practices Adopted by Mango Growers at Meherpur Region in Bangladesh

A study on integrated pest management (IPM) practices adopted by the mango growers was carried out at Mujibnagar Upazila under Meherpur district of Bangladesh during August-September 2018 using structured questionnaire. Randomly selected 112 mango growers were used for the study. Results indicated that 75.9% of the respondents were highly adopted with IPM practices during mango cultivation. According to IPM Practices Use Index (IPUI), harvesting at right stage was ranked 1st and use of sex pheromone trap was ranked 10th as commonly used IPM tactic by the growers. The use of logistic regression model in this study was identified as the significant factor of IPM adoption, explore several factors, including contact with IPM club, IFMC and Farmers Field School (FFS) and annual income from mango cultivation. SAARC J. Agric., 19(1): 125-138 (2021)

Species Identification of Wireworms (Agriotes spp.; Coleoptera: Elateridae) of Agricultural Importance in Europe: A New "Horizontal Identification Table".

Simple SummaryWireworms are soil-dwelling larvae that damage multiple arable crops. The most common wireworms found in European cultivated fields belong to the genus Agriotes. Large amounts of insecticides are applied on a prophylactic basis to control them; before any treatment can be applied, however, legislation imposes an assessment of whether pest population levels exceed a damage threshold above which a significant yield reduction is expected. Thresholds vary greatly among species, thus quick and reliable larval identification is needed. This will result in the implementation of the appropriate integrated pest management practices. Furthermore, research into non-chemical strategies involves carrying out tests with live wireworms identified to species. Wireworms were observed to identify live larvae rapidly on site to assess density and compared with species-specific thresholds before sowing, and for laboratory experiments to be performed. This work led to a “synoptic key” that reliably identifies most live larvae, while traditional keys consider only single characters step by step. The key considers several discriminating morphological characters in order of stability. Identification becomes reliable when at least two main discriminating characters are found and attributed to a single species.Wireworms are yellowish soil-dwelling larvae that damage a wide range of arable crops. The most common wireworms found in European cultivated fields (except for the Caucasus) belong to the genus Agriotes (Coleoptera: Elateridae). In several European countries, environment-impacting insecticides are applied on a prophylactic basis to control them. However, before any treatment can be applied, European legislation requires that an assessment is done when pest population levels exceed a damage threshold. The threshold substantially depends on wireworm species, thus quick reliable larval identification is needed to implement the appropriate integrated pest management practices. Furthermore, research into non-chemical strategies involves carrying out tests with live and identified wireworms. Thus, thousands of wireworms were observed in a bid to identify live larvae so that larval density could be assessed and compared with species-specific thresholds before sowing, and laboratory experiments were carried out. This work led to a horizontal identification table that allows for quick and accurate identification of live larvae. This key, unlike traditional dichotomous keys, simultaneously considers a set of multiple discriminating morphological characters in order of stability. The key can be reliably used by less experienced users and, once minimum familiarity is acquired, most larvae can be identified rapidly, with high precision.

Identifying the drivers and constraints to adoption of IPM among arable farmers in the UK and Ireland.

Arable crops in temperate climatic regions such as the UK and Ireland are subject to a multitude of pests (weeds, diseases and vertebrate/invertebrate pests) that can negatively impact productivity if not properly managed. Integrated pest management (IPM) is widely promoted as a sustainable approach to pest management, yet there are few recent studies assessing adoption levels and factors influencing this in arable cropping systems in the UK and Ireland. This study used an extensive farmer survey to address both these issues. Adoption levels of various IPM practices varied across the sample depending on a range of factors relating to both farm and farmer characteristics. Positive relationships were observed between IPM adoption and farmed area, and familiarity with IPM. Choice of pest control information sources was also found to be influential on farmer familiarity with IPM, with those who were proactive in seeking information from impartial sources being more engaged and reporting higher levels of adoption. Policies that encourage farmers to greater levels of engagement with their pest management issues and more proactive information seeking, such as through advisory professionals, more experienced peers through crop walks, open days and discussion groups should be strongly encouraged.

A Novel Approach of Chitosan and Its Derivatives Bioactivity Against The Pinworm Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) مقاربة جديدة للنشاط الحيوي للشيتوزان ومشتقاته ضد الدودة الدبوسية توتا أبسلوتا

The present study was carried out to evaluate the relative insecticidal and biological activity of chitosan and its derivativesagainst the 2nd larval instar of T. absoluta compared to the unprecedented insecticide chloroanatrilprole (Coragen) using standardized method of bioassay under laboratory conditions. The larvacidal activity for the different treatments against 2nd instar larvae of T. absoluta were predestined. Also, effect of the tested agents on growth inhibition, antifeedant and life-cycle of the tested insect were determined. The results revealed that chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) was the most effective treatment against 2nd larval instar and eggs deposited per gravid female of T. absoluta. while, chitosan hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (NPs) was the highest effective treatment on growth inhibition and antifeedant. All tested agents disrupted life cycle of the tested insect under laboratory conditions. Therefore, this study suggests the possible using of chitosan and its derivativesas safe alternatives to conventional insecticide and compatible with integrated pest management practices.

Adoption of Olive Farmers to the Integrated Pest Management Techniques in the Syrian Coastal Region

Sakr, L.M., M.J. Al-Abdallah and A.N.M. Bashir. 2021. Adoption of Olive Farmers to the Integrated Pest Management Techniques in the Syrian Coastal Region. Arab Journal of Plant Protection, 39(1): 69-78. A survey was conducted to investigate adoption of integrated pest management (IPM) approaches by olive farmers, through determining their knowledge about the most important olive pests in the Syrian Coastal Area, and the relationship between growers’ personal traits and their adoption of IPM approaches. This evaluation was carried out in 42 villages in Tartus and Lattakia governorates along the Syrian coast in 2017 and 2018 growing seasons. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with a random sample of 420 olive growers by using a questionnaire designed for the purpose of this study. Collected data on frequencies, percentages, averages, standard deviations, relative importance index, in addition to correlation coefficients, were used for data analysis. Results showed that: the Spilocaea oleagina (Cast.), Bactrocera oleae (Rossi), Prays oleae (Bernard) and Euphyllura olivina (Costa) were the most prevalent pests in the researched area, whereas Margaronia unionalis (Hubner), Leveillula taurica (Lév.), and Phloeotribus scarabaeoides (Bernard) were less common. Almost 57.78 and 32.8% of farmers had medium level of IPM adoption in Tartus and Lattakia governorates, respectively. Positive significant correlation was found between adoption levels and each of degree of participation in extension activities and knowledge levels, whereas negative significant correlation was found between adoption levels and each of land property fragmentation and constraints of IPM implementation. Based on this findings it can be concluded that extension activities need to be intensified and more emphasis should be placed on training programs to improve growers’ knowledge and adoption of the concepts and applications of IPM practices. Keywords: Integrated pest management, olive growers, Syrian coast, knowledge diffusion level, adoption.

Technical Efficiency and the Adoption of Multiple Agricultural Technologies in the Mountainous Areas of Northern Vietnam

We examine the role of adopting environmentally-friendly agricultural technologies on the technical efficiency (TE) among maize farmers in the mountainous areas of Northern Vietnam. While technology adoption is non-randomly assigned to farmers, we draw on recent advances of machine learning models to identify farm adoption profiles of multiple agricultural technologies. Combining the stochastic production frontier with the inverse probability weights, we compare the TE between adopters and non-adopters. Although, farmers adopting new seed varieties achieve significantly higher TE than others, dissemination of integrated pest management practices by extension agents affect negatively farm performance. Results show that there is a positive relationship between actions to reduce the vulnerability of landscapes to soil erosion and corn productivity. We find heterogeneous effects of adopting multiple environmentally friendly technologies on TE. Farmers who are a member of cooperative and employ organic fertilizer are associated with higher odds to adopt new seed varieties. Maize cultivation in sloping land and farmers with large landholdings tend to be the key drivers in the provision of farm advisory services and the exertion of soil erosion control techniques. Sensitivity analysis suggests that the empirical findings are largely robust against the hidden hazard of unmeasured confounders.

Toxicity of Insecticides and Miticides to Natural Enemies in Australian Grains: A Review.

Simple SummaryControlling invertebrate pests in crop fields using chemicals has been the main management strategy within the Australian grains industry for decades. However, chemical use can have unintended effects on natural enemies, which can play a key role in suppressing and controlling pest outbreaks within crops. We undertook a literature review of studies that have conducted chemical toxicity testing against arthropod natural enemies relevant to the Australian grains industry to examine trends and highlight research gaps and priorities. Most toxicity trials have been conducted in the laboratory, with few at larger, and hence, industry-relevant scales. Researchers have used a variety of methods when conducting toxicity testing, making it difficult to compare within and across different species of natural enemies. Furthermore, we found many gaps in testing, leading to unknown toxicity effects for several key natural enemies, some of which are economically important predators and parasitoids. Through our review, we make several key recommendations for future areas of research that could arm farmers and their advisors with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions when it comes to controlling crop pests.Continued prophylactic chemical control to reduce pest populations in Australian grain farming systems has limited the effectiveness of biological control via natural enemies in crops within an integrated pest management (IPM) framework. While a variety of data is available to infer potential non-target effects of chemicals on arthropod natural enemies, much of it may be irrelevant or difficult to access. Here, we synthesise the literature relevant to Australian grain crops and highlight current knowledge gaps for potential future investment. A range of testing methodologies have been utilised, often deviating from standardised International Organization for Biological Control (IOBC) protocols. Consistent with findings from over 30 years ago, research has continued to occur predominantly at laboratory scales and on natural enemy families that are easily reared or commercially available. There is a paucity of data for many generalist predators, in particular for spiders, hoverflies, and rove and carabid beetles. Furthermore, very few studies have tested the effects of seed treatments on natural enemies, presenting a significant gap given the widespread global use of neonicotinoid seed treatments. There is a need to validate results obtained under laboratory conditions at industry-relevant scales and also prioritise testing on several key natural enemy species we have identified, which should assist with the adoption of IPM practices and decrease the reliance on broad-spectrum chemicals.

Performance of IPM Techniques on Pesticide use and Yield of Vegetables

Background: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an approach for plant protection that was de­signed to reduce the need of chemical control. It is a complex, knowledge-based technology that combines biological, cultural and chemical control methods to keep pests below economically acceptable level. This study was done to assess the impact of IPM technology on pesticides use and yield of vegetable crops.Methods: A total of five hundred vegetable grower farmers from Banke and Surkhet districts of Lumbini and Karnali provinces, respectively, were purposively selected as the study area. These districts are the major vegetable growing areas in Nepal. Yield function was developed in estimating the functional relationship. Pesticide input was used as independent variable to know the effect of pesticide on vegetable yield. To detect the impact of IPM-technology on vegetable yield linear regression was used in this study.Result: IPM practicing farmers were significantly younger and more educated than control farmers. Pesticides and bio-pesticides were the major inputs used for controlling pests and diseases. Based on the sign and coefficient of the IPM (practice) variable, it has been concluded that use of IPM has positive and significant effect on the net revenue from the vegetables.

Measurement level of incursion cocoa pod borer (Conopomorpha cramerella snella) at community cocoa plantations in East Aceh Regency, Aceh, Indonesia

East Aceh Regency constitutes as one of the central cocoa production areas in the Aceh Province. The main problem faced in the cultivation of cocoa plants is the high instances of attack from the Plants Gadfly Organism, especially the Cocoa Pod Borer (CPB), which can lead to a decrease in the production of cocoa. The purpose of this research is to investigate the percentage and the intensity of CPB pest attacks at community cocoa plantations. The study was conducted in the East Aceh Regency of the Aceh Province in Indonesia. Research was initiated from January until April of 2020. This research utilized a survey method; here the location was determined using a purposive sampling method. Each plantation was classified by untreated plantations, sober treated plantations, intensive treated plantations that implemented the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practice. The occurrences of CPB attacks were observed in each classification. The results showed that the levels of incursions by CPB pests was different depending on the classification level of the plantation. The findings highlighted the importance of implementing the practice of IPM to reduce instances of CPB incursion.

Technical efficiency and the adoption of multiple agricultural technologies in the mountainous areas of Northern Vietnam

We examine the role of adopting environmentally-friendly agricultural technologies on the technical efficiency (TE) among maize farmers in the mountainous areas of Northern Vietnam. While technology adoption is non-randomly assigned to farmers, we draw on recent advances of machine learning models to identify farm adoption profiles of multiple agricultural technologies. Combining the stochastic production frontier with the inverse probability weights, we compare the TE between adopters and non-adopters. Although, farmers adopting new seed varieties achieve significantly higher TE than others, dissemination of integrated pest management practices by extension agents affect negatively farm performance. Results show that there is a positive relationship between actions to reduce the vulnerability of landscapes to soil erosion and corn productivity. We find heterogeneous effects of adopting multiple environmentally friendly technologies on TE. Farmers who are a member of cooperative and employ organic fertilizer are associated with higher odds to adopt new seed varieties. Maize cultivation in sloping land and farmers with large landholdings tend to be the key drivers in the provision of farm advisory services and the exertion of soil erosion control techniques. Sensitivity analysis suggests that the empirical findings are largely robust against the hidden hazard of unmeasured confounders.

Cost Effective Strategy to Disseminate IPM Technology: A Case of Banke and Surkhet District of Nepal

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a holistic approach in reducing damage caused by pests without harming the environment. A study on cost effectiveness strategy to disseminate IPM technology was conducted in the Banke and Surkhet districts of Nepal. For assessing the spread of information, farmers were asked a series of questions during the survey to determine knowledge of IPM and degree of IPM adoption. Using descriptive statistics and differences in means, analysis was done on relationships among access to information, IPM knowledge and adoption, and word-of-mouth diffusion of IPM techniques to neighboring farmers. For the evaluation of dissemination methods efficiency and to examine the cost for using the different dissemination methods of IPM technology followed by IPM IL project in Banke and Surkhet district, the cost measurements was focused only on the dissemination methods of IPM technology with a public cost such as mass media, agricultural officers, MPC, collection centre, FFS, CBFs, cooperatives, neighboring farmers, agro-vets and field days. When the number of farmers needing to receive training for one farmer to adopt IPM practices is known, and then that value can be multiplied by the cost per farmer trained which allows in providing the cost per farmer adopting the technology by transfer method. Capacity building in IPM technology development and dissemination in the study area was I/NGOs working in that area. Market Planning Committee of Banke and Surkhet district has played a vital role in disseminating IPM technology in cost effective and efficiently.
 Int. J. Soc. Sc. Manage. Vol. 8, Issue-1: 272-276

Abundance and diversity of arthropods in transgenic Bt and non-Bt cotton fields under Indian conditions

Two-year field studies during Kharif 2015 and 2016 were conducted to assess the abundance and diversity of arthropod communities of Bt cotton carrying Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab proteins and non-Bt cotton under sprayed and unsprayed conditions. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with four treatments of BG-II and non-Bt cotton. The treatments were non- transgenic cotton with no insecticide treatment, non-transgenic cotton with insecticide treatment, transgenic cotton with no insecticide treatment and transgenic cotton with an insecticide treatment. Arthropod community categorized as target insect pests, sucking insect pests, natural enemies and non-target insects were recorded at different phases of the cotton crop. The sucking insect pests contributed the highest abundance among the total arthropods recorded during the period of study. The abundance and diversity of bollworms that were recorded from non-Bt cotton only suggested effectiveness of BG II cotton against target insect pests. The abundance, species richness and diversity indices with respect to populations of beneficial predaceous arthropods and non-target insects were similar in BG-II and its non-Bt counterpart under unsprayed conditions. On the contrary, these parameters were significantly on the lower side under sprayed regimes for both genotypes. The spray of insecticides in early season against sucking insect pests significantly reduced their abundance and diversity indices in both BGII and non-Bt cotton. As monocropping of BG-II cotton is common on large parts of India, there is a need to monitor the populations of non-target insect species with special emphasis on sucking insect pests on a continuous basis to understand the long-term impact of Bt crops on insect biodiversity for sustainable integrated pest management practices.

Potential threats to agricultural food production and farmers’ coping strategies in the marshlands of Kabare in the Democratic Republic of Congo

In the South Kivu province of the DR Congo, marshes are considered as favorable lands for various crop productions, and these improve food security and livelihood of thousands of households. We analyzed survey data collected from 148 farmers using a binary logit model and descriptive statistics in order to identify the potential threats to agricultural production, and the coping strategies used by farmers in marshlands. Results showed that 65% of respondents were female, and 76% of all farmers claimed perceiving threats to agricultural production in marshes. The perceived potential threats to agriculture included floods, pest infestation (millipede, fall armyworm), crop theft, and unsecure land-holding status as well as the decrease in soil fertility. Moreover, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has also led to the increase in prices of agricultural inputs (pesticides, seeds), and manure that has become increasingly rare and expensive due to the drastic reduction in livestock in that region weakened by several years of civil war and insecurity. In response, farmers were combining several adaptation strategies and these included drainage, mulching, manure application, and crop diversification used by farmers for, respectively, managing floods, maintaining soil fertility, and reducing crop failure. To cope with land scarcity, both female (75%) and male farmers (60%) claimed seeking for lands in highlands and renting extra plots in the same marshes or elsewhere. Despite the strategies implemented, there is still a need to strengthen farmers’ knowledge of flood and pesticide management and promote the integrated pest management practices for a sustainable use of marshlands.

Impact of Climate Change on Population dynamics of fruit fly in Mango Orchard and Control through Integrated Pest Management Practices in Agro-ecological Zone of Rahim Yar Khan Southern Punjab Pakistan

Impact of Climate Change on Population dynamics of fruit fly in Mango Orchard and Control through Integrated Pest Management Practices in Agro-ecological Zone of Rahim Yar Khan Southern Punjab Pakistan

A Gender study on resource use in onion integrated pest management

Onion is one of the most important and export oriented commercial crop and grown in Western, Northern as well as in Southern India. Tamilnadu contributes significant contribution in the onion exportable production and also doing Integrated Pest Management practices in order to increase the productivity. This study made an attempt to analyse the extent of use and availability of IPM components in onion, cost and returns in the IPM practices in the major onion growing areas of Tamilnadu. Totally 90 respondents were identified and primary information were collected from 60 IPM adopters and 30 non-adopters. From the results, it was identified that majority of the IPM adopters and non-adopters were following safety measures and also was found that high cost of inputs and time consuming are main constraints among the IPM adopters. There is no difference among genders in IPM in input use. In IPM farm households, decision on crop selection was jointly taken by both the men and women whereas in non-IPM farms, male alone taking decision. Most of them have their own seed production. Both the gender was able to identify the infestation clearly due to pest and disease in case of IPM and non-IPM farmers.

Does RNAi-Based Technology Fit within EU Sustainability Goals?

European Union (EU) and global sustainability policies emphasize the need to replace contentious pesticides with safe, efficient, and cost-effective alternatives to ensure sustainable food production. However, R&D for alternatives to contentious pesticides are lagging behind and need to be broadened. Here, we discuss how RNAi-based technology can contribute to pesticide risk reduction.

Effect of entomopathogenic fungi introduced as corn endophytes on the development, reproduction, and food preference of the invasive fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda

Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is a migratory polyphagous pest that causes major damage to economically important cultivated grasses, such as corn. Native to the neotropics in America but recently reported as an invasive pest in Africa and Asia, FAW imposes a serious threat to food security and sustainable crop productivity due to lack of effective management. In this study, the introduction of entomopathogenic fungi as endophytes was explored as an alternative more sustainable management strategy against FAW in corn. The study determined (1) the effect of isolates and inoculation methods on the ability of entomopathogenic fungi to colonize corn plants, and (2) the effect of colonized plants on S. frugiperda survival, development, reproduction, and food preference. Although all tested isolates (twelve of Beauveria bassiana and one each of Metarhizium anisopliae and Metarhizium robertsii) colonized inoculated plants, there was a highly significant interaction between isolates and inoculation methods. Highest plant colonization was obtained by Beauveria bassiana isolate (LPSc 1098) using foliar spray. Endophytic B. bassiana caused significant reductions in larval and pupal survival, length of different developmental stages, total S. frugiperda lifespan, and leaf area consumed by third instar larvae. Plant colonization also significantly reduced female longevity, fecundity, and fertility. This is the first report for the negative effects of endophytic B. bassiana on S. frugiperda growth, reproduction, and food preference. Our results highlight the promising potential of incorporating entomopathogenic fungi as endophytes in integrated pest management practices to protect corn against FAW if their efficacy is also confirmed under field conditions.

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT (IPM) AND ITS APPLICATION IN RICE – A REVIEW

Rice is the staple food crop for more than half of the world’s population though it’s cultivation is done in only 11% of the world’s cultivable land. Several pests attack rice in different ways at different stages. Increased reliance on pesticides for pest control is found to be unsustainable and cost-ineffective. So, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) has been introduced as the best alternative for pest management in rice. IPM in rice helps to minimize risks to the environment and human health. Rice IPM uses the combination of cultural, use of resistant varieties, biological, physical, and chemical practices for pest control. Farmers Field School has been the most effective way to increase IPM knowledge among rice farmers. Such training helps to facilitate the farmers to apply ecologically informed farming practices. There are several challenges regarding the implementation of rice IPM. To increase IPM implementation in rice emphasis should be given on farmers’ training and education. The role of government is also vital for the successful implementation of IPM. This review article provides an overview of various IPM practices being performed in rice fields at present.

Determinants of integrated pest management (IPM) practices dis-adoption in vegetables production in Bangladesh

The identification of factors influencing the dis-adoption of IPM can play a crucial role in the development of the agriculture sector. The present study identifies the determinants of IPM dis-adoption using a bivariate probit model. A total of 350 vegetable farmers were interviewed in order to achieve the objectives. The findings indicated that 120 farmers had initially adopted IPM. About 29% of the adopters were later dis-adopted the IPM practices. Farmers who have larger farm size, own spray machine and have perceived that IPM is slow to work have dis-adopted the practices. Societal membership and awareness about the beneficial effects of IPM negatively influenced dis-adoption. Policy implications included the use of technology-based approaches for widespread dissemination and adoption. Modification of the existing extension approach through the use of mass media and other modern communication techniques can increase initial adoption and thereby reduce dis-adoption. Farmers groups in societal organizations can play an important role in increasing knowledge, awareness and reducing the dis-adoption of IPM practices.

EVALUATION OF NOVEL NANOPARTICLES AGAINST Tetranychus urticae AND ITS PREDATORY MITE Amblyseius gossipi

The present study was carried out to evaluate the relative biological activity of six treatments. Four nanoparticles (chitosan, Hydroxyapatite, chitosan hydroxyapatite and silver hydroxyapatite), one bio-agent effective microorganisms (EMs) compared to one synthetic acricide (bifenzata) were tested against the female adults and eggs of Tetranychus urticae and its predatory mite Amblyseius gossipi using standardized method of bioassay under laboratory conditions. Effect of the tested agents on the activity of carbohydrates enzymes, total lipid and total protein content were determined. The results revealed that chitosan (NPs) showed significantly adulticidal activity against T. urticae. Furthermore, EMs was the most effective treatment on the eggs of T. urticae followed by bifenzata under laboratory conditions. Therefore, nanoparticles and EMs appeared to be highly safe and selective against Amblyseius gossipi. This study suggests the possible use of nanoparticles as safe alternatives to conventional acaricides and compatible with integrated pest management practices. They might be contribute to future applications in pest control for sustainable agriculture.