Integrated Pest Management System Research Articles

An Updated Integrated Pest Management System: A Footprint for Modern-Day Sustainable Agricultural Practices

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) stands out as a multifaceted approach, offering efficient, socially acceptable, and environmentally friendly pest management solutions in agriculture. It not only maximizes farmers' financial returns but also fosters environmental and human health benefits, contributing significantly to sustainable food production. However, challenges persist due to farmers' insufficient engagement in IPM technology development and a lack of understanding of its ecological principles. To address these challenges, the traditional ecological perspective of pest management has evolved into a more comprehensive IPM model. This modern approach integrates recent advancements in agricultural technology, leveraging contemporary communication tools, and responding to shifting consumer trends towards sustainably produced food systems. Additionally, heightened awareness of global trade and travel impacts necessitates a reconfiguration of IPM strategies. The enhanced IPM model encompasses four key components: identifying pest management alternatives, synthesizing knowledge and resources to develop effective management strategies, facilitating timely decision-making through information management, and fostering the dissemination of crucial information through outreach efforts. Moreover, the new model recognizes the interplay of human, environmental, social, and economic factors in food production. It places emphasis on the business aspect, involving producers, customers, and sellers, while also addressing sustainability considerations such as economic viability, environmental safety, and social acceptability. By integrating these elements, the revamped IPM approach holds the promise of doubling farmers' income, ensuring food security for all, and promoting overall health and well-being. It represents a holistic solution to pest management challenges, aligning with the broader goals of sustainable agriculture and enhancing the quality of food production for generations to come.

The effects of cyflumetofen on life history traits and population parameters of Amblyseius swirskii</p >

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.

Toxicity evaluation of essential oil of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) bud against Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy, toxicity, and effectiveness of clove bud oils against Sitophilus zeamais in the stored maize variety Manakamana-4. The toxicity evaluation of the oil on maize weevils were conducted in completely randomized design (CRD) with eight treatments including seven different oil concentrations (10%, 5%, 2.5%, 1.25%, 0.625%, 0.3125% and 0.15625%) and control replicated four times at laboratory conditions in National Entomology Research Center, Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal during 2020/2021. The results exhibited higher toxicity of clove oil to weevils after 72 h of oil exposure. Higher concentrations and longer exposure periods resulted in an increased mortality rate. Lower concentrations required a longer time for 50% of the weevil population to kill, whereas higher concentrations required a shorter time. Moreover, the essential oil was effective in causing the mortality of the weevil population at all three time intervals of 6, 10, and 16 days with varying mortality rate as lower concentrations required extended exposure time. In the same way, repellency assays of clove oil by applying four different concentrations (10%, 5%, 2.5% and 1.25%) on Whatman filter paper showed significant pest repellant activity. Repellent action was also highly dependent upon oil concentration and exposure time showing highest repellent activity (98.75%) at 10% concentration at 24 h interval. Additionally, it indicated higher the concentrations of clove oil higher the seed germination and fewer the weevil progeny emergence, and vice-versa. Since clove oil is considered to have low mammalian toxicity and a minimum risk pesticide, it can be incorporated into integrated pest management system in storage against maize weevils.

Natural pesticides for pest control in agricultural crops: an alternative and eco-friendly method

Biological pesticides are pesticides derived from natural materials such as bacteria, plants, and minerals that are applied to crops to kill pests. Biopesticides are targeted, inexpensive, eco-friendly, sustainable, leave no trace, and are not associated with the production of greenhouse gases. It contributes significantly to the agricultural bio-economy's sustainability. The advantages to the ecosystem provided by many significant biological resources justify the incorporation of biopesticides in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs. Through advancements in research and development, the use of biopesticides has significantly reduced environmental contamination. The development of biopesticides promotes agricultural modernization and will surely result in a gradual phase-out of chemical pesticides. Although synthetic pesticides have positive effects on crop yield and productivity, they also have some negative impacts on soil biodiversity, animals, aquatic life, and humans. In general, synthetic pesticides make the soil brittle, decrease soil respiration, and reduce the activity of some soil microorganisms, such as earthworms. Pesticide buildup in bodies of water can spread from aquatic life to animals including people, as their biomagnification can cause fatal diseases like cancer, kidney disease, rashes on the skin, diabetes, etc. Biopesticides, on the other hand, have surfaced and have proven to be quite beneficial in the management of pests and are safe for the environment and hence have emerged as very useful in the control of pests with a lot of merits.  The present review provides a broad perspective on the different kinds of pesticides. We analyzed suitable and environmentally friendly ways to improve the acceptance and industrial application of microbial herbicides, phytopesticides, and nano biopesticides for plant nutrition, crop protection/yield, animal/human health promotion, as well as their potential integration into the integrated pest management system.

Climate‐Smart IPM: Key to U.S. Ag Resilience

AbstractFarmers, ranchers, and foresters are facing increasing challenges related to changing climate and weather, manifested in rising average temperatures, more frequent extreme rainfall events, extended drought, and heat waves. These changes are also impacting pest abundance and distribution, creating new pest problems and straining current pest management options and decision‐making. Key factors for U.S. agriculture and producer resilience in tackling new environmental and pest challenges lie in the ability of producers to apply effective, economical integrated pest management (IPM) approaches and in support for research and development of new and renewed IPM tactics and systems to meet 21st century needs. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Integrated Pest Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.

The application of allelopathy in integrated pest management systems to control temperate European crop pests: a systematic map

BackgroundPesticides perform vital roles within agriculture but growing concern for their impact on the environment and non-target organisms has created a market for biopesticides with fewer ecological impacts. One source of biopesticides is allelochemicals, here defined as compounds released by an organism that have an inhibitory or stimulatory effect on neighbouring organisms. The focus of this study is allelopathic plants and their inhibitory effects on invertebrate herbivorous agricultural pests of temperate Europe. A systematic map is required to describe the current state of research and collate evidence.MethodsTwo academic databases were searched for relevant studies in temperate climates. The results were imported into EPPI-Reviewer, duplicates removed, studies screened and data extracted into a searchable database following the inclusion criteria and coding tool set out in the protocol. Screening consistency was checked at each stage using 5% of the studies. Critical appraisal was not conducted. Each unique combination of key variables (pest, plant, allelochemical, application method, intervention form) was treated as a separate datapoint or experiment. The data was then analysed and cross-tabulated to produce descriptive statistics and heatmaps.ResultsThis systematic map produced a database which included 243 studies containing 717 experiments from 5550 initial results. Research was unevenly distributed among all key variables with a distinct bias towards extracted allelochemical experiments under laboratory conditions. Allyl isothiocyanate was the most studied allelochemical and of the 99 identified chemical groups, flavonoids and glucosinolates were the most frequent. A wide range of pest and plant species were identified. Brassicas were the most studied plant family and Lepidoptera the most studied pest order. Physical living plants, as opposed to plant extracts or isolated allelochemicals, were predominantly studied in terms of resistance. Allelopathy application methods were not specified in the abstract of 22% of experiments and only 10% of experiments were conducted under field conditions.ConclusionAllelopathy has been studied in the context of temperate invertebrate pest control in some breadth but little depth and key pest species have not been targeted. The map highlighted significant gaps in the evidence base and a distinct lack of field studies or studies comparing application methods. It contains insufficient evidence to guide policy or management decisions, but provides a research tool and indicates areas for future studies including highlighting topics for secondary research. Critical appraisal is needed to determine allelopathic affect and future search strings should detail all application methods.Protocol registrationThe a-priori protocol was peer-reviewed and published through PROCEED (Kiely C, Randall N. Collaboration for Environmental Evidence: PROCEED. How have allelopathic plants been used within integrated pest management systems to control European crop pests in arable and field vegetable systems in temperate climates?: A Systematic Map Protocol. 2022. https://www.proceedevidence.info/protocol/view-result?id=14. Accessed 5 Jan 2023.).

Pheromone and Host Plant Odor Detection in Eastern Spruce Budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana Clemens (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae).

Spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana Clemens, is an ecologically significant defoliator of spruce and balsam fir in North America. Optimization of semiochemical-mediated control is needed to improve the existing integrated pest management systems such as mating disruption and population estimation. This study used single sensillum recordings (SSR) to identify the responses of olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) in the antennal sensilla of adult male and female C. fumiferana to host plant volatiles, and female sex pheromones. There have been few SSR studies done on spruce budworm, and to our knowledge, the present study represents the first attempt to examine the responses of ORNs from antennal sensilla in response to a range of host and conspecific stimuli. A total of 86 sensilla were characterized and sorted into 15 possible sensillum categories based on odor responses. We observed that specialist sensilla responding to few ligands were more abundant in both male and female than sensilla exhibiting more generalized odorant responses. (E/Z)-11-tetradecenal elicited responses from ORNs from any sensilla which were sensitive to pheromones in both males and females. Female C. fumiferana ORNs were able to detect and physiologically respond to female-produced sex pheromones with the same degree of sensitivity as their male counterparts. Together, these data improve our knowledge of mechanisms by which adult budworms respond to pheromone and host plant volatiles and provide insights that may be complementary to existing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies based on the chemical ecology of spruce budworm.

Bioprotective potential of maize apoplastic fluid bacterium (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (Glomus intraradices) against Spodoptera frugiperda infestation in maize

Spodoptera frugiperda is an invasive polyphagous pest of cereal crops and responsible for less maize production in the past. Development of bioprotective agents to reduce the impact of this biotic stress is essential. The present investigation was done to evaluate whether co-inoculation of maize with two endophytes such as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Glomus intraradices could alter the level of antioxidants and defense enzymes in maize and affect the feeding behavior of S. frugiperda on maize. The results indicated higher activity of antioxidants (catalases - 106.26%, peroxidases - 62.71%, superoxide dismutase −17.39% and ascorbate oxidase - 160.00%) and defensive enzymes (polyphenol oxidases - 205.86%, phenylalanine ammonia lyases - 126.00% and lipoxygenases - 33.33%) in leaves of B.amyloliquefaciens and G.intraradices treated maize after fed with S. frugiperda (96 h) over control. The total phenolics and dry biomass content were also higher in B. amyloliquefaciens and G. intraradices inoculated plants after S. frugiperda infestation (96 h). Leaf feeding bioassay indicated reduction in relative consumptive rate (18.25%), relative growth rate (19.76%) and increased feeding deterrence index (15.50%) of S. frugiperda when fed on B. amyloliquefaciens and G. intraradices inoculated maize for 24 h Inoculation of maize with B. amyloliquefaciens and G. intraradices significantly altered the defense parameters of maize which are directly linked with reduced feeding and growth rate of S. frugiperda. Therefore, these endophytes can be used to reduce the usage of chemical insecticides or be a part in integrated pest management systems for sustainable agriculture production.

β-caryophyllene as an attractant for the cacao mirid bug, Helopeltis bakeri Poppius (Hemiptera: Miridae), and chemodiversity of its host plant volatiles

The cacao mirid bug, Helopeltis bakeri, is a major insect pest of cacao in the Philippines. It feeds on pods causing puncture wounds that become necrotic lesions and may lead eventually to pod abortion. There is currently no semiochemical-based system developed for the monitoring and control of H. bakeri. Here, we report a kairomone identified from host plants of H. bakeri as a potential attractant. Volatile components were extracted using solid-phase microextraction (100-µm polydimethylsiloxane) and analyzed by gas chromatography - mass spectrometry. Chemodiversity analysis considering compound richness, evenness, and disparity showed similar phytochemical diversity among the six host plants, suggesting that chemodiversity is a factor in the host selection behavior of H. bakeri. Comparison of volatiles revealed that β-caryophyllene was present in all host plants. Using a wind tunnel, an impregnated lure containing 90 µg β-caryophyllene showed the highest attraction to adult H. bakeri. The results show the potential of β-caryophyllene as attractant that can be used in the development of kairomone-based trapping systems for H. bakeri as part of a holistic integrated pest management system for cacao.

Evaluation of the manhole physical pest management system UNFO-PLS for mosquito control in southern Switzerland

The expanding distribution of the Aedes albopictus mosquito (also known as the Asian tiger mosquito) throughout Europe is a health and safety threat due to its potential to spread tropical and sub-tropical arboviruses to temperate climate regions. Therefore, it is becoming increasingly important to broaden the use of all tools within integrated pest management systems to control this threat. Since this mosquito species in Europe breeds mainly in manhole drains, managing them is therefore essential. The UNFO-Pest Lock System (UNFO-PLS) mechanical control device fits in siphoned manholes and prevents mosquitoes from entering the manhole and breeding in the water below. We tested and quantified the efficacy of these UNFO-PLS devices against standard control manholes (no mechanical devices attached) in Balerna, Switzerland (Canton Ticino). Weekly counts of five developmental stages (larval stages L1-L4 and the pupal stage) were conducted at 12 experimental and 12 standard control manholes during the mosquito breeding and activity periods of 2020 and 2021. For each developmental stage, we compared the counts of mosquitoes in manholes fitted with and without the UNFO-PLS devices using generalised mixed-effect models. Results show that these devices reduced the presence of mosquitoes at all developmental stages between 92.6-97.2%. The use of the UNFO-PLS mechanical control device, or similar devices, should be considered for use in integrated mosquito pest management plans, especially in places that might present challenges for maintaining adequate larvicide applications, such as around schools and secondary homes.

Identification of chemical cues of Camellia sinensis (Ericales: Theaceae) and alternate host plants for preference by tea mosquito bug Helopeltis theivora (Hemiptera: Miridae)

The tea mosquito bug (TMB), Helopeltis theivora (Hemiptera: Miridae) is a polyphagous pest causing serious economic loss in tea plantations of north east India. The push-pull companion cropping system can be used as a component of integrated pest management system to control the pest. We examined the host plant choice of H. theivora for Duranta erecta (Lamiales: Verbenaceae), Senna tora (Fabale: Fabaceae), Lawsonia inermis (Myrtales: Lythraceae), Psidium guajava (Myrtales: Myrtaceae) and Melastoma malabathricum (Myrtales: Melastomataceae) including the primary host, Camellia sinensis (Ericales: Theaceae) using two-choice olfactometric bioassay. The growth index and relative growth index of H. theivora were calculated for different host plants. H. theivora preferred the odor released from the mechanically damaged leaves of C. sinensis and P. guajava. The further study on biochemical constituents of all the host plants reflected the role of soluble sugar, total flavonoids and terpenoids as cues for host preference by H. theivora which indicate a scope for electroantennographic assessment in future. The information generated for P. guajava preference can be utilized in trap cropping or trap formulating approaches for management of H. theivora.

Biopesticides as a promising alternative to synthetic pesticides: A case for microbial pesticides, phytopesticides, and nanobiopesticides.

Over the years, synthetic pesticides like herbicides, algicides, miticides, bactericides, fumigants, termiticides, repellents, insecticides, molluscicides, nematicides, and pheromones have been used to improve crop yield. When pesticides are used, the over-application and excess discharge into water bodies during rainfall often lead to death of fish and other aquatic life. Even when the fishes still live, their consumption by humans may lead to the biomagnification of chemicals in the body system and can cause deadly diseases, such as cancer, kidney diseases, diabetes, liver dysfunction, eczema, neurological destruction, cardiovascular diseases, and so on. Equally, synthetic pesticides harm the soil texture, soil microbes, animals, and plants. The dangers associated with the use of synthetic pesticides have necessitated the need for alternative use of organic pesticides (biopesticides), which are cheaper, environment friendly, and sustainable. Biopesticides can be sourced from microbes (e.g., metabolites), plants (e.g., from their exudates, essential oil, and extracts from bark, root, and leaves), and nanoparticles of biological origin (e.g., silver and gold nanoparticles). Unlike synthetic pesticides, microbial pesticides are specific in action, can be easily sourced without the need for expensive chemicals, and are environmentally sustainable without residual effects. Phytopesticides have myriad of phytochemical compounds that make them exhibit various mechanisms of action, likewise, they are not associated with the release of greenhouse gases and are of lesser risks to human health compared to the available synthetic pesticides. Nanobiopesticides have higher pesticidal activity, targeted or controlled release with top-notch biocompatibility and biodegradability. In this review, we examined the different types of pesticides, the merits, and demerits of synthetic pesticides and biopesticides, but more importantly, we x-rayed appropriate and sustainable approaches to improve the acceptability and commercial usage of microbial pesticides, phytopesticides, and nanobiopesticides for plant nutrition, crop protection/yield, animal/human health promotion, and their possible incorporation into the integrated pest management system.

AN OUTBREAK OF Yponomeuta padella (LINNAEUS, 1758) ON Prunus cornuta (HIMALAYAN BIRD CHERRY) IN KULLU DISTRICT, HIMACHAL PRADESH, INDIA

Invasive insect pests are one of the greatest and fastest-growing threats to natural resources like agricultural biodiversity, animal sector and social progresses are profusely hampered through insect infestation. Through this present study, it was first recorded that Yponomeuta padella attack Prunus cornuta (Himalayan Bird Cherry) leaves in high altitudinal transition zone forests of North Western Himalaya in India. The first damage was observed duringthe month of July, 2022 and randomly collected egg masses form the infested leaves of Prunus cornuta. This species identified through its morphological and genital characteristics. A complete biology of ermine moth, morphology and genital characteristics were studied to update the taxonomic details of the species. More than 90% infestation in leaves was recorded in some trees in the study area. As an alternative, an integrated pest management system needs to be developed for better insect's sustainable management.

Group-Living Spider Cyrtophora citricola as a Potential Novel Biological Control Agent of the Tomato Pest Tuta absoluta.

Group-living spiders may be uniquely suited for controlling flying insect pests, as their high tolerance for conspecifics and low levels of cannibalism result in large, predator dense capture webs. In laboratory settings, we tested the ability of the facultatively communal spider, Cyrtophora citricola, to control the tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta; a major pest of tomato crops worldwide. We tested whether prey capture success was affected by spider body size, and whether prey capture differed among T. absoluta, flightless fruit flies (Drosophila hydei), and larger black soldier flies (Hermetia illucens). We found that larger spiders generally caught more prey, and that prey capture success was similar for T. absoluta and easily caught fruit flies, while black soldier flies were rarely caught. We further investigated the seasonal variations in web sizes in southern Spain, and found that pest control would be most effective in the tomato planting and growing season. Finally, we show that C. citricola in Spain have >50% infection rates of an egg predatory wasp, Philolema palanichamyi, which may need controlling to maintain pest control efficacy. These results suggest that using C. citricola as a biological control agent in an integrated pest management system could potentially facilitate a reduction of pesticide reliance in the future.

Size and shape variation of Hypsipyla grandella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in two hosts: A morphometric approach

The mahogany shoot borer (Hypsipyla grandella) attacks different Meliaceae species and impedes its plantation. Its biology is poorly known, but some results show a preference for Cedrela odorata L. over Swietenia macrophylla King, which could generate intraspecific variations. We studied the effect of these hosts on H. grandella right-forewing size and shape variation, using a geometric morphometry approach. We collected larvae in plantations of each host, rose them in seedlings of the same original host and set 13 landmarks on 63 right-forewings. Sexual-shape dimorphism was present and the right-forewings of individuals collected in C. odorata were larger. Removing the allometric effect and comparing magnitude and direction in the plastic responses of the sexual-shape dimorphism, we only found differences in the direction. Differences in the right-forewing shape within sexes were present when comparing hosts and removing the allometric effects. Only the right-forewing of males differs between hosts in terms of shape. The differences found could influence the species' flying system. Individuals with the larger right-forewings could be more frequent in C. odorata plated areas, with an increased ability for long-distance flights, which is undesired in integrated pest management systems.

The effect of natural and biological pesticides on the degradation of synthetic pesticides

Chemical plant protection methods have been used for decades. For some time now, society has paid attention to the hazards to human health resulting from the excessive use of chemical protection products. The presence of plant protection agent residues in crops causes changes in the natural environment, including biodiversity loss and the appearance of organisms harmful to plants, resistant to plant protection agents. To protect the health of humans, animals, and the environment, the principles of integrated plant protection have been introduced, giving priority to biological plant protection methods, for example, the use of biological active substances containing microorganisms (bacteria, yeasts, fungi) and natural substances. Microorganisms, as well as other natural substances, can accelerate the degradation of chemical plant protection products present in the environment and agricultural products. This review paper focuses on the effect of natural and biological pesticides on the degradation of synthetic pesticides. The most important and most perspective in integrated pest management (IPM) systems are Bacillus spp. and Trichoderma spp. because their effectiveness in pesticide degradation and the large number of commercial preparations containing these microorganisms available on the market. The application of biological pesticides recommended in IPM systems could significantly improve the quality of the soil, environment, and human health.

Effect of host plant species and temperature on the development and survival of the plant bug Closterotomus trivialis (Costa) (Hemiptera: Miridae)

Nymphal development, mortality and adult longevity of the plant bug Closterotomus trivialis were studied on two of its major crops (Olea europaea L. cv. 'Koroneiki' and Citrus sinensis L. cv. 'Washington Navel') and four non-crop host plants (Mercurialis annua L., Urtica urens L., Parietaria diffusa M. et K. and Sinapis alba L.) under laboratory conditions (15, 20, 24 and 27 °C ± 0.5%; 60 ± 5% RH; 16L:8D h photoperiod). Results demonstrated that C. trivialis can successfully complete its development on all tested host plants and temperatures, except for U. urens at 15 and 20 οC. Mortality rates were generally higher on U. urens, P. diffusa and olive than on S. alba, M. annua and sweet orange. Both temperature and host plant significantly affected the nymphal development of C. trivialis. Specifically, host plant affected the development of nymphs at lower and higher temperatures (15, 20, 27 °C) but not at the optimum (24 °C) for its development temperature. Adults of C. trivialis lived longer on sweet orange, M. annua and S. alba in most tested temperatures compared to U. urens, P. diffusa and olives. Overall, these results suggest a better suitability of M. annua, S. alba and sweet orange compared to U. urens, P. diffusa and olive which were proven to be less suitable host plants, covering partially the nutritional needs of C. trivialis. The estimated lower temperature developmental threshold based on the linear model for C. trivialis was found to be lowest on M. annua (3.30 °C) and highest on P. diffusa (10.7 °C). Τhe assessment of the nymphal development in various host plants and temperatures is particularly important for understanding the biology of C. trivialis and provides useful information to optimize its management strategy under integrated pest management system.

The effect of integrated pest management on Scirpophaga innotata population and natural enemies on rice field in South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract. Rahmawasiah, Abadi AL, Mudjiono G, Rizali A. 2022. The effect of integrated pest management on Scirpophaga innotata population and natural enemies on rice field in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 4510-4516. White rice stem borer, Scirpophaga innotata, is an important pest on rice plants that needs attention because the population is quite large in Luwu Raya. This pest attacks rice plants at all growth stages and can result in yield losses in rice production. Synthetic insecticides are a common control technique used by farmers to control these pests. The continuous use of pesticides will certainly have a negative impact. Therefore, pursuing effective control strategies and maintaining environmental sustainability is necessary. This study aimed to determine the white rice stem borer population and its natural enemies on rainfed land, and permanent irrigated lands managed conventionally and integrated pest management. The research was carried out using insect sampling techniques and calculating the white rice stem borer population and natural enemies in rice cultivation. In rainfed and irrigated rice fields, rice cultivation was carried out using conventional methods and integrated pest management (in the form of planting refugia and regulating the use of synthetic pesticides). The sampling was carried out on plants from the vegetative phase to the generative phase. The type of insect taken was the white rice stem borer in the form of collecting groups of eggs and larvae. Imago was observed visually and using a farmcop. In addition, the collection of natural enemy insects on the plantation was also carried out. The results showed that the application of the integrated pest management system caused no significant effect on the decline of the white rice stem borer population in both rainfed and permanently irrigated lands in Luwu Raya. The white rice stem borer population was more commonly found in rainfed land than permanently irrigated land. The parasitoids found were Telenomus rowani, Tetrastichus schoenobii and Trichogramma japonicum. The population of Telenomus rowani was more numerous than other types of parasitoids. On average, the parasitoid population was more in the land managed by integrated pest management (IPM) application than the conventionally managed land. The predators found on the land were Oxyopes javanus, Agriocnemis femina, Conocephalus longipennis, Menochilus sexmaculata, Ophionea nigrofasciata, Micraspis lineata, and Paederus fuscipes. Predator populations were more on land managed with the application of IPM than on land managed conventionally.

Analysis of Physicochemical Properties, Available Nutrients of Soil and their Correlation with Incidence of Telya Disease of Pomegranate at Northern Nasik, Maharashtra

Maharashtra government reported 10,000 crore production loss of Pomegranate every year, due to the incidence of Telya disease. The present study was aimed to analyse the physical, chemical properties, and available micro-macronutrients in the soil of pomegranate orchards infected with Telya disease. Estimation of incidence and severity of disease was done on fifty selected orchards from different villages that were MangiTungi, Daswel, Dasane, Mulher, and Sompur. Results revealed that minimum incidence (58.66%) and severity (59.89%) were recorded in Sompur village whereas maximum incidence (74.40%) and severity (68.70%) were recorded in Daswel and MangiTungi village respectively. The pH (7.5-7.9) and free lime concentration 7.4-9.4%) were exceptionally very high for all test and control samples. Deficiency of essential macronutrients N (<150-250 Kg/ha) and K (<125-200 Kg/ha) was recorded in all test samples along with additional deficiency of Zn micronutrient (<1.0-2.0 ppm). In the case of mock orchards, all the parameters were in accordance with reference values.Statistical analysis of data declared that there was a significant difference among parameters of tested groups (P>0.05) while for control fields there were no significant differences (P<0.05). Further, a positive correlation between macro-micronutrients (Na, Ca, N, P, K, Mn) and incidence of disease was recorded which concludes that an imbalance in nutrients promotes growth of pathogens and increases susceptibility of plants to pathogenic attack. Further, balancing nutrients through fertilisers or foliar spray could be an effective strategy for an integrated pest management system.

Gel Carriers for Plant Extracts and Synthetic Pesticides in Rodent and Arthropod Pest Control: An Overview.

Insecticides and rodenticides form the basis of integrated pest management systems worldwide. As pest resistance continues to increase and entire groups of chemical active ingredients are restricted or banned, manufacturers are looking for new options for more effective formulations and safer application methods for the remaining pesticide ingredients. In addition to new technological adaptations of mainstream formulations in the form of sprays, fumigants, and dusts, the use of gel formulations is becoming increasingly explored and employed. This article summarizes information on the current and potential use of gel (including hydrogel) and paste formulations against harmful arthropods or rodents in specific branches of pest management in the agricultural, food, stored product, structural wood, urban, medical, and public health areas. Due to the worldwide high interest in natural substances, part of the review was devoted to the use of gels for the formulation of pesticide substances of botanical origin, such as essential or edible oils. Gels as emerging formulation of so called “smart insecticides” based on molecular iRNA disruptors are discussed.