Integrated Pest Management Programs Research Articles

Integrated approaches for Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) management: insights from laboratory studies with entomopathogenic nematodes and insecticides.

In agricultural pest management, especially in combatting the invasive red imported fire ant (RIFA, Solenopsis invicta), significant challenges emerge as a consequence of the constraints of solely depending on chemical insecticides or entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs). The utilization of chemical insecticides carries environmental and ecological hazards, whereas EPNs, when applied independently, might not offer the immediate effectiveness necessary for adequate RIFA suppression. Acknowledging these hurdles, our study investigates a synergistic method that integrates EPNs with chemical insecticides, aiming to fulfill the urgent demand for more efficient and environmentally friendly pest control solutions. Our evaluation focused on the interaction between the highly pathogenic Steinernema riobrave 7-12 EPN strain and prevalent insecticides, specifically beta-cypermethrin and a mixture of bifenthrin and clothianidin, applied at highly diluted recommended concentrations. The findings revealed a notable increase in RIFA mortality rates when EPNs and these insecticides were used together, outperforming the results achieved with each method individually. Remarkably, this enhanced efficacy was especially evident at lower concentrations of the bifenthrin-clothianidin mixture, indicating a valuable approach to minimizing reliance on chemical insecticides in agriculture. Furthermore, the high survival rates of EPNs alongside the tested insecticides indicate their compatibility and potential for sustained use in integrated pest management programs. Our research underscores the effectiveness of merging EPNs with chemical insecticides as a powerful and sustainable strategy for RIFA management. This combined approach not only meets the immediate challenges of pest control in agricultural settings, but also supports wider environmental objectives by reducing the dependency on chemical insecticides. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Biochemical features of tomato under the influence of gibberellin and its impact on life table and physiology of Tuta absoluta (Merick) (Gelechiidae, Lepidoptera) reared on tomato

The Tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta is an important agricultural pest and exerts a considerable influence on tomato production across the world. In the present research tomato plants were sprayed with a gibberellin solution at a concentration of 50 µM. The gibberellin treatment resulted in a prolonged duration of T. absoluta preadult stage (33.67 days) compared to control group (27.38 days). The fecundity rate in treated females (82.33 eggs/female) was lowered compared to the controls (96.92 eggs/female). The intrinsic rate of increase (r) (0.080 day−1) was also reduced in treatments compared with the control (0.110 day−1). The finite rate of increase (λ) in treatment (1.084 day−1) decreased compared to the controls (1.116 day−1). The antioxidant system enzymes of T. absoluta, including catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were increased in treated insects. The gibberellin also increased the activity of detoxifying enzymes including Glutathione s-transferase with two substrates (DCNB and CDNB) and cytochrome P450 compared to the control group. While general esterase did not show significant differences in treatment and control. The secondary metabolites in treated plants including total sugar, total phenol content, anthocyanin, flavonoid and tannin showed an increasing trend. The results clearly show the negative impact of gibberellin on life table and physiology of the tomato leaf miner and can be considered favorable in integrated pest management programs of this pest.

LIFE HISTORY PARAMETERS OF MELON FRUIT FLY, BACTROCERA CUCURBITAE (COQUILLETT) (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE) ON FOUR ECONOMICALLY IMPORTANT VEGETABLES

The majority of plant species that are used for consumption and medicinal purposes belongs to Cucurbitaceae. These vegetables are attacked by several insect pests including Tephritid flies. Keeping in view,  four economically important cucurbit vegetables such as sponge gourd; Luffa aegyptiaca, bitter gourd; Momordica charantia, musk melon; Cucumis melo, and bottle gourd; Lagenaria siceraria were selected to investigate the life-history parameters of Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coq.) (Diptera: Tephritidae) under laboratory conditions. For this purpose, B. cucurbitae was reared in the laboratory on each host vegetable and egg hatchability %, egg incubation period, larval survival (%), duration (days), length and width of larvae, pupal parameters, male-female ratio, and age-specific fecundity were recorded. The results showedno statistical difference in hatchability percentages, larval duration, and pupal survival (%) in all tested vegetables. However, greater length and width of larvae were recorded when the B. cucurbitae larvae were provided with bottle gourd. Moreover, maximum pupal recovery was recorded in bottle and sponge gourd among all the tested vegetables. Maximum females were also recorded in bottle gourd. Adult longevity and fecundity were significantly affected by the host. Maximum female longevity (52 days) was recorded when B. cucurbitae were provided with bottle gourd and minimum (41 days) on sponge gourd. Similarly, maximum fecundity (823 eggs) was also recorded when maggots were fed on bottle gourd and the lowest (611 eggs) on a sponge gourd. In conclusion, Bottle gourd is the most preferable and nutritious host among all the tested vegetables and needs effective management strategies for B. cucurbitae. The output of the present studies would be helpful for the development of an effective integrated pest management (IPM) program for B. cucurbitae in a variety of vegetables.

Efficacy of entomopathogenic fungi for the management of Trogoderma granarium Everts on wheat grains

AbstractFour species of Trichoderma genius (T. harzianum, T. citrinoviride, T. viride and T. asperellum) and Metarhizium anisopliae were assessed for their effects on larval mortality and progeny production of Trogoderma granarium Everts (Coleoptera: Dermestidae). The fungal strains were tested at 2.0 × 106, 2.0 × 107, 2.0 × 108 and 2.0 × 109 spores/kg. The larval mortality of T. granarium was recorded after 7, 14 and 21 days of treatment. The emerged adults (F1) from treated larvae were counted after 30 days of treatment, while F2 and grain weight loss were examined after 80 days of treatment. In general, increasing of spore concentration of all fungal strains enhanced the larval mortality. After 21 of treatment, all fungal strains induced notable larval mortality particularly at the highest concentration (2.0 × 109 spores/kg) except T. viride (19.4%). The highest larval mortality was observed in treatments with M. anisopliae (82.1%) and T. citrinoviride (69.0%) at 2.0 × 109 spores/kg, respectively. Furthermore, all spore concentrations of tested fungi decreased the emerged adults (F1 and F2) with M. anisopliae, T. citrinoviride and T. harzianum being the most potent, particularly at 2.0 × 109 spores/kg. After 80 days, M. anisopliae and T. citrinoviride at 2.0 × 109 spores/kg induced the highest protection of wheat grains against larvae of T. granarium with weight loss of 0.7 and 1.3%, respectively. The outcomes of the present study indicate that the two fungi, M. anisopliae and T. citrinoviride are highly effective seed protectants against T. granarium and could be applied in the integrated pest management programs (IPM) of khapra beetle as effective biological control agents.

Higher levels of virulence to multiple resistance genes were detected in Hessian fly (Mayetiola destructor) populations from Texas

AbstractHessian fly is an important pest of wheat worldwide and is of particular importance in Texas and the southeastern United States. Texas is the highest wheat‐producing state that is severely impacted by this insect. The most effective control in these areas is an integrated pest management program, including resistant varieties of wheat. Hessian fly populations are genetically diverse and can rapidly become virulent to specific resistance genes once they are widely deployed in a region. Knowing the current virulence status of regional fly populations is important for wheat breeders and producers. In this study, a virulence analysis was conducted on populations sampled in the northeastern and central Texas regions. This analysis showed that resistance genes H12, H13, H20, H22, H25, H26, H28, H29, H32, H33, H34, and Hdic are still highly effective in these regions. However, it is also evident that Texas fly populations have become more virulent to existing genes in the past 10 years, with very high levels of virulence to resistance genes H3, H5, vH6, H7/H8, H9, H10, H14, H15, H23, H24, H31, and H35/H36.

An Eretmocerus Species, Parasitoid of Aleurocanthus spiniferus, Was Found in Europe: The Secret Savior of Threatened Plants

This study focuses on the first detection in Europe of a parasitoid Eretmocerus sp. gr. serius (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) on the Orange Spiny Whitefly, Aleurocanthus spiniferus (Quaintance) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). Through extensive field surveys, this study investigates the occurrence of the aphelinid in several regions across central and southern Italy. Different sites were monitored to investigate the Eretmocerus sp. gr. serius parasitization rate on A. spiniferus, shedding light on its potential as a biological control agent against the invasive whitefly pest. The research results offer a hopeful prospect for progressing sustainable and eco-friendly methods in handling A. spiniferus infestations in citrus crops, highlighting the importance of natural enemies in integrated pest management programs. The research emphasizes the importance of the recently discovered parasitoid for European agriculture, paving the way for inventive approaches in pest control and cultivation practices.

Bottom-up population regulation of Orthotomicus erosus on irrigated and fertilized Pinus eldarica: A comprehensive field study

The Mediterranean pine engraver, Orthotomicus erosus (Wollaston), is a destructive pest that has caused a significant threat to planted pine forests worldwide through feeding on phloem, disrupting sap flow and transmitting phytopathogens. This study investigated the bottom-up effects of different irrigation and fertilization treatments on the mean numbers of O. erosus immature stages (egg, larva and pupa) and adults in the pine forest of western Tehran, Iran. A total of 72 Pinus eldarica Medw. trees were selected in Chitgar Forest Park. The experiment was arranged as a split plot in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The irrigation treatments included non-irrigation, low-irrigation (30 liters of water per month) and high-irrigation (30 liters of water per two weeks) were assigned to main plots. Moreover, fertilizers of nitrogen 100 kg/ha, superphosphate 100 kg/ha and potassium sulfate 65 kg/ha were applied in subplots. Then, the total number of O. erosus life stages was counted under the bark samples (two 10 × 10 cm bark samples) separated from the pine trees. Results showed that irrigation and fertilization significantly affected the mean number of O. erosus from egg to adult stages. Irrigation had a more pronounced effect on the pest population than fertilization. The highest number of different life stages occurred in non-irrigated pines regardless of fertilization. Moreover, fertilizer effects were influenced by irrigation, where high irrigation negatively affected superphosphate + potassium sulfate fertilized pines and significantly increased the mean numbers of different O. erosus life stages compared to low-irrigation treatment. The lowest mean number of egg (11.95 ± 0.17), larva (8.62 ± 0.21), pupa (10.38 ± 0.13) and adult (9.04 ± 0.23) per bark samples occurred in superphosphate + potassium sulfate at low-irrigation plots. Interestingly, nitrogen fertilization increased pest density compared to unfertilized trees. Furthermore, despite the low mean number of different O. erosus life stages in superphosphate + potassium sulfate treatments, the nitrogen combination increased the pest density in both low and high-irrigation plots. These findings highlighted the importance of considering the interaction between irrigation and fertilizer types in the integrated pest management program for O. erosus.

In Vitro Exploration of Entomopathogenic Nematodes as Potential Biocontrol Agents of Brinjal Borer Leucinodes Orbonalis Guenée (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Leucinodes orbonalis is a potential pest of eggplant, commonly known as fruit and shoot borer. Owing to its devastating nature, chemical pesticides are frequently applied and insecticide pressure is significantly higher in developing nations. Keeping the current situation in mind the most effective and practical strategy for managing insect pests found in humid and subtropical environments is the bio-control. Entomopathogenic nematodes, has been utilized against many pests for their effective management. Keeping in view the biocidal potential of entomopathogenic nematodes, the current study was planned to explore the biocidal potential of Steinernema and Heterorhabditis, two significant genera of entomopathogenic nematodes against L. orbonalis. White trap extraction technique was used to isolate nematodes from several insect larvae. Four discrete concentrations of entomopathogenic nematodes viz. 60, 90, 120, and 150 infective juveniles per larvae were applied on larval stages. The virulence trial was followed by completely randomized block design. Multiple comparisons showed that among both the tested nematodes H. bacteriophora induced significant 81.33% mortality corresponding to 150 IJs/larva after 72 h of exposure as compared to S. glaseri. In the view of current research, entomopathogenic nematodes are recommended to be used in integrated pest management program for the management of insect pests.

Chemical variability and insect repellent effects of lemon catnip essential oil and related phytochemicals against Cimex lectularius L

Plants are sources of natural products that reflect the ecological interactions that shaped their secondary metabolism. Among those, phytochemicals with insect repellent activity have shown potential to be part of integrated pest management programs. In this study, we performed an initial screening of the repellent activities of five commercially available essential oils, as well as the essential oil of lemon catnip (Nepeta cataria var. citriodora Dumoulin ex Lej.) and related natural products against the common bed bug (Cimex lectularius L.). Additionally, we studied the effects of two different growing locations (Upper Deerfield and Pittstown, state of New Jersey, United States) on the chemical composition of three lemon catnip lines (commercial lemon catnips Richters and Jelitto, and lemon-scented catnip line CN5). The chemical composition of the essential oils was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and the repellent activity was assessed by the petri dish method. Cinnamon bark, clove buds, citronella and geranium essential oils were as effective as N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET), the gold standard of insect repellents, against bed bugs after one hour of exposure in vitro. The essential oil of lemon catnip and its major compounds citronellol and geraniol were also as repellent as DEET using the same test. Citral shows promising short-term repellency but is inferior to geraniol and citronellol for extended duration of repellency. As for the chemical variability of lemon catnip lines in different growing locations, CN5 line was not significantly affected by the different locations, while both commercial lines Richters and Jelitto had significantly higher proportions of geraniol when grown in Upper Deerfield. Richters lemon catnip produced more nepetalactone in its essential oil when cultivated in Pittstown. This study is the first report of the activity of lemon catnip essential oil as an insect repellent and emphasized the importance of ecological conditions for the production of natural products for pest control applications.

Tolerance of an entomophagous fungus (Lecanicillium muscarium, Beijing-P strain) against pesticides

The tolerance of the entomophagous fungus Lecanicillium muscarium to eight pesticides using a poisoned medium method in the laboratory was evaluated. The purpose was to identify compatible combinations between biopesticides based on pathogenic fungi and conventional pesticides. Pyridalyl slightly inhibited the germination of L. muscarium spores and very slightly inhibited hyphal growth at low concentrations. The maximum inhibition rate of pyridalyl was <30%. Difenoconazole very slightly inhibited the germination of L. muscarium of conidia, and thiamethoxam and dimethomorph both very slightly inhibited hyphal growth. In most treatments, the maximum inhibition rates of difenoconazole, dimethomorph, or thiamethoxam were <20%. Phoxim at a low concentration slightly inhibited both L. muscarium conidial germination and hyphal growth (maximum inhibition rate, <25%). The minimum inhibition rate of most chlorothalonil, triadimefon, or tetraconazole treatments exceeded 60%. At low concentrations, pyridalyl and phoxim showed weak inhibitory effects, and therefore, may be compatible with L. muscarium. These data will support recommendations for the use of pesticides in integrated pest management programmes that involve L. muscarium as the biocontrol agent.

The first extensive analysis of species composition and abundance of stink bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) on soybean crops in Brazil.

Soybean is the third-greatest global commodity crop with respect to grain production, Brazil is the largest soybean producer in the world. We performed the first extensive survey including all the five main soybean cultivation regions in Brazil over three seasons (2018/2019, 2019/2020, and 2020/2021). A total of 2386 localities were sampled, corresponding to 145 municipalities in 11 states. Sampling was carried out between the R1 and R8 soybean growth stages, using a beating sheet. Fifteen species were recorded, with five species accounting for more than 99% of the sampled insects. The Neotropical brown stink bug, Euschistus heros (F.), was the most abundant species (82.4% of the adults and 84.1% of the nymphs overall), with differences in the mean abundance between soybean macroregions. The melacanthus green belly stink bug, Diceraeus melacanthus Dallas was the second most abundant species overall, followed by the brown winged stink bug, Edessa meditabunda (F.), the furcatus green belly stink bug, Diceraeus furcatus (F.) and the red-banded green stink bug, Piezodorus guildinii (Westwood). The relative abundance of each species differed between soybean macroregions. The mean abundance of nymphs and adults of Euschistus heros at different soybean reproductive stages showed an increase from early reproductive stages to the beginning of the late reproductive stages (R5 or R6). This large-scale assessment of stink bugs provides a basis for outlining integrated pest management programs and drives the development of monitoring and control strategies, as well as future studies investigating population dynamics over time and space in soybean fields. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Foliar- and Seed-Applied Insecticides for Management of Melanaphis sorghi (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in Alabama

Abstract Following the emergence of Melanaphis sorghi (Theobald) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) as a new pest of sorghum in the United States, research was conducted to identify tools and techniques successful at reducing populations and preventing economic losses in grain sorghum, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of seed- and foliar-applied insecticide treatments for management of M. sorghi. Small plot experiments were replicated at two locations to evaluate residual activity of neonicotinoid seed treatments and foliar insecticides. Natural enemy presence was recorded in each of these trials to determine which predator and parasitoid species were using M. sorghi as prey. All seed treatments suppressed M. sorghi populations below a treatment threshold of 75 aphids per plant for 30% of plants for &amp;gt;6 weeks after planting. Foliar insecticides including flupyradifurone, sulfoxaflor, and thiamethoxam provided 3–4 weeks of population suppression, irrespective of M. sorghi pressure. Fifteen natural enemy species were identified in this study, and community structure varied temporally and geographically. In general, natural enemy species richness was correlated with aphid abundance. We identified the most efficacious insecticides available for management of M. sorghi and determined that they should be compatible with biological control and integrated pest management programs.

Efficacy of pesticides against Nesidiocoris tenuis Reuter (Hemiptera: Miridae), an emerging threat in the cultivation of tomato in Northwest Europe

As non-chemical methods are not always effective to manage pests, the search for chemical solutions that efficiently combat pest species, while safeguarding the environment and beneficial organisms, is essential for advancing effective Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs. Here, we investigated the efficacy of commercially available pesticides in managing Nesidiocoris tenuis, an emerging threat in the cultivation of tomato in Northwest Europe, while preserving the biocontrol agent Macrolophus pygmaeus. Fourteen pesticides were assessed for their residual toxicity on adults and nymphs in laboratory experiments, after which the most promising candidate was evaluated in cages and semi-commercial greenhouse conditions. Among the pesticides tested, chlorantraniliprole, hexythiazox, tebufenozide and azadirachtin had minimal impact on both insect species, with less than 37.5% corrected mortality. Pirimicarb, sulfoxaflor, acetamiprid, flupyradifurone, thiacloprid, tebufenpyrad, spinosad, indoxacarb, and a mixture of pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide were harmful to N. tenuis, but also affected M. pygmaeus (up to 100% mortality). Emamectin benzoate was moderately effective to N. tenuis adults (87%) and nymphs (80%), but had limited effects on M. pygmaeus. Application of emamectin benzoate at the maximum recommended concentration resulted in a significantly higher mortality of N. tenuis adults (85%) compared to M. pygmaeus (53%) in cage experiments, while it significantly reduced N. tenuis nymphs and the number of necrotic rings in a greenhouse experiment. Emamectin benzoate emerges as a promising candidate for inclusion in IPM programs. However, further research is necessary to determine its compatibility with other management strategies for controlling N. tenuis and other tomato pests.

The Perpetual Vector Mosquito Threat and Its Eco-Friendly Nemeses.

Mosquitoes are the most notorious arthropod vectors of viral and parasitic diseases for which approximately half the world's population, ~4,000,000,000, is at risk. Integrated pest management programs (IPMPs) have achieved some success in mitigating the regional transmission and persistence of these diseases. However, as many vector-borne diseases remain pervasive, it is obvious that IPMP successes have not been absolute in eradicating the threat imposed by mosquitoes. Moreover, the expanding mosquito geographic ranges caused by factors related to climate change and globalization (travel, trade, and migration), and the evolution of resistance to synthetic pesticides, present ongoing challenges to reducing or eliminating the local and global burden of these diseases, especially in economically and medically disadvantaged societies. Abatement strategies include the control of vector populations with synthetic pesticides and eco-friendly technologies. These "green" technologies include SIT, IIT, RIDL, CRISPR/Cas9 gene drive, and biological control that specifically targets the aquatic larval stages of mosquitoes. Regarding the latter, the most effective continues to be the widespread use of Lysinibacillus sphaericus (Ls) and Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Bti). Here, we present a review of the health issues elicited by vector mosquitoes, control strategies, and lastly, focus on the biology of Ls and Bti, with an emphasis on the latter, to which no resistance has been observed in the field.

Nanofertilizers and plant metabolites: Investigating their influence on trophic interactions in the cucumber-melon aphid-green lacewing

The role of fertilizers in increasing nutritional content and making host plants more attractive to herbivores has been repeatedly proved. This study investigated the effect of applying three levels of nano-chelated fertilizer (vegetables and summer crops specific fertilizer) (2, 3, and 4 kg/ha) on the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), peroxidase (POD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), catalase (CAT), ascorbic acid (ASA), flavonoid, and phenolic compounds in cucumber plant (Cucumis sativus L.). Additionally, the research surveyed the influence of fertilization and cucumber metabolite compounds on the life history of Aphis gossypii (Glover) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) in a tri-trophic context. Host plant content analysis showed that biotic stress resulting from the aphid infestation in cucumber plants increased the POD, PPO, CAT activity, and MDA contents. However, it decreased PAL activity, flavonoid, and phenol contents in the control treatment and 2, 3, and 4 kg/ha of nano-chelated fertilizer levels. Moreover, plant fertilization increased the herbivore population growth rates and decreased the predator population growth rates by affecting the nutritional contents and quality of the host plant. Accordingly, the aphid's intrinsic rate of increase (r) was ranged from 0.319 to 0.365 day−1. While finite rate of increase (λ) was estimated as 1.376 to 1.441 day−1 on control to 2 kg/ha nano-chelated fertilizer treatment. In addition, the intrinsic rate of increase of C. carnea was 0.116 to 0.131 and the finite rate of increase was 1.123 to 1.139 day−1 on 2 kg/ha nano-chelated fertilizer and control treatments, respectively. The maximum and minimum net reproductive rate (R0) values of the aphid were recorded on 3 kg/ha nano-chelated fertilizer and control treatments as 46.34 and 37.18 offsprings, respectively, whilst these values ranged from 145.51 on 2 kg/ha to 196.93 offsprings on 4 kg/ha regimes for the green lacewing. Notably, the utilization of 2, 3, and 4 kg/ha of nano-chelated fertilizer promotes cucumber defensive metabolites compounds such as PAL, POD, CAT, flavonoid, and ASA and induces the plant's resistance to melon aphids directly. It can be concluded that the utilization of nano-chelated fertilizer potentially can enhance cucumber plant resistance to A. gossypii by improving the antioxidant metabolite compounds, and be an effective part of integrated pest management programs.

EVOCA™, the first biofungicide developed by Biotalys’ AGROBODY Foundry™ platform

AbstractBiotalys’ first protein-based biofungicide, EVOCA™, is developed to help fruit and vegetable growers who are looking to protect their produce from fungal diseases such as Botrytis and powdery mildew. Developed with the AGROBODY Foundry™ platform, and thanks to a new and unique mode of action (new FRAC code: Group 51 under F10), this innovative product provides a new rotation partner in integrated pest management programs that both protect against resistance and reduce dependency on chemical pesticides and environmental impact.

The effects of cyflumetofen on life history traits and population parameters of Amblyseius swirskii&lt;/p &gt;

Even as new chemical substances show promise as selectivity for controlling pests due to their high effectiveness in inhibiting pests, their side effects on non-target organisms must nevertheless be evaluated before they can be included in integrated pest management systems. We examined both lethal and sublethal (LC10 and LC30) effects of cyflumetofen on the predatory potential of the Amblyseius swirskii Athias Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae) which        is among the most dominant mite predators in tropical agricultural agroecosystems. The experiments were performed under laboratory conditions at 25 ± 2°C, 65 ± 5% relative humidity (RH), and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L: D) hours. Results were analyzed based on age-stage, two-sex life table analysis. The data showed that sublethal concentrations of the pesticides suppress fecundity, total life span (both female and male individuals), and the intrinsic and finite rate of increase significantly. The result show, the fecundity in the LC10, LC30, and control was 14.97, 11.87, and 17.28, eggs/female for LC10 and LC30, respectively, showing significant differences. The values of the intrinsic rate of increase (r) on the above-mentioned concentrations were 0.1333, 0.1166, and 0.1430 day-1, respectively. Consequently, according to the data, it seems that the selected acaricide is not suitable to use with A. swiriskii in integrated pest management programs due to their unfavorable effects on the population parameters of this predatory mite.

Demographic analysis of the biological parameters of Spodoptera frugiperda after sublethal exposure to insecticides

Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith) is one of the most destructive pests, causing serious yield losses of corn on all continents except Europe. Low-lethal concentrations of insecticides may affect not only the survival rate but also the demographic parameters of a pest. To understand the effect of low-lethal concentrations of insecticides on S. frugiperda, the developmental parameters after low-lethal concentrations treatment by three different modes of action pesticides tetrachloroamide, spinetoram, and lufenuron were analyzed. For F0 generation, the pupal length and weight of FAW after insecticide treatment were significantly longer and heavier than that of control. For the F1 generation, the adult longevity and egg hatching rate after spinetoram and lufenuron treated was significantly shorter and lower than that of the control. While no significant effect was observed for the intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ), and mean generation time (T) of S. frugiperda, the net reproductive rate (R0) significant decreased after the spinetoram and lufenuron treatment. Results showed tetrachloroamide, spinetoram, and lufenuron negatively affect larval survival rate, but spinetoram and lufenuron caused early maturity, and all three insecticide treatments increased egg reproduction. The results of this study suggest that low-lethal concentration exposure to insecticides negatively impacts the life table parameters of S. frugiperda, and those three insecticides from different modes of action cannot cause FAW resurgence and can be recommended as insecticides to control FAW. Those results will be helpful for researchers working on S. frugiperda management using chemical pesticides in an integrated pest management program.

Insecticidal activity of crude olive pomace oils from Kabylia (Algeria) against the infestation of Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) and Sitophilus oryzae (L.) in stored wheat grains

The insecticidal effect of four crude olive pomace oils extracted from pomace collected from four localities of Kabylia, refined olive pomace oil and extra virgin olive oil were assessed under laboratory conditions for the control of adults of Rhyzopertha dominica (Fabricius, 1792) (Coleoptera: Bostrychidae)) and Sitophilus oryzae (Linnaeus, 1763) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). The doses used ranged from 0.1 to 0.4 ml/25 g of durum and soft wheat seeds. In addition, the quality indices and the fatty acid composition of these oils were evaluated. The results show that the legal quality indices were well within the legal limits for crude olive-pomace oil (COP), refined pomace oil (ROP) and extra-virgin olive oil (EVO) categories. The effectiveness of these vegetable oils is highly dependent on the insect species, the dose rate, the exposure time and the type of oil tested The main fatty acids from all samples tested, were oleic (61.89–79.25%), palmitic (8.34–15.71%) and linoleic (8.17–16.52%) acids. For both species and substrates tested, mortality is dose and time of exposure dependent. The highest dose (0.4 ml/25 g) causes ≥ 63.75% mortality, after 24 h of exposure. Comparison of LD50 (ml/25 g) indicates that olive oil was generally more toxic than crude and refined pomace oils, for both insects and substrates, values varies from 0.005 to 0.189. The most sensitive insect was S. oryzae for most vegetable oils tested. Likewise, oils significantly reduced the F1 offspring of both insects and seed weight losses. No progeny were observed in the two pests at the highest dose, and therefore no weight loss was recorded. The results also revealed that the six oils affect the germination capacity of durum and soft wheat seeds when the dosage is increased. The results collected remain encouraging for the recommendation of natural substances as part of integrated pest management programmes against insect pests of stored grains.  

Economic Injury Levels and Economic Thresholds for Leucoptera coffeella as a Function of Insecticide Application Technology in Organic and Conventional Coffee (Coffea arabica), Farms.

Leucoptera coffeella (Lepidoptera: Lyonetiidae) is one of the main pests in coffee crops. The economic injury level (EIL) is the lowest density of the pest at which economic damages match the costs of control measures. The economic threshold (ET) is the density of the pest at which control measures must be taken so that this population does not reach the EIL. These are the main indices used for pest control decision-making. Control of L. coffeella is carried out by manual, tractor, airplane or drone applications. This work aimed to determine EILs and ETs for L. coffeella as a function of insecticide application technology in conventional and organic Coffea arabica crops. Data were collected over five years in commercial C. arabica crops on seven 100 ha central pivots. The cost of control in organic crops was 16.98% higher than conventional. The decreasing order of control cost was manual > drone > airplane > tractor application. Coffee plants were tolerant to low densities (up to 15% mined leaves) of the pest that caused losses of up to 6.56%. At high pest densities (54.20% mined leaves), losses were high (85.62%). In organic and conventional crops and with the use of different insecticide application technologies, EIL and ET were similar. The EIL and ET were 14% and 11% of mined leaves, respectively. Therefore, these indices can be incorporated in integrated pest management programs in C. arabica crops. The indices determined as a function of insecticide application technology in organic and conventional coffee are important as they serve producers with different technological levels. Additionally, EILs and ETs can contribute to more sustainable production, as control methods will only be employed when the pest density reaches these indices.