Integrated Pest Management Techniques Research Articles

Interventions promoting resilience through climate smart agricultural practices for women farmers: A systematic review.

Climate change poses a significant threat to agricultural production worldwide, with developing countries being particularly vulnerable to its negative impacts. Agriculture, which is a crucial factor in ensuring food security and livelihoods, is particularly vulnerable to changes in climate patterns, such as increased temperatures, drought, and extreme weather events. One approach to addressing these challenges is by promoting the adoption of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices among farmers. CSA combines traditional agricultural practices with innovative techniques and technologies to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change. infrastructure. By adopting CSA practices, farmers can enhance their resilience to climate variability and improve their productivity. This review examines the effectiveness of interventions promoting CSA to enhance farmers' knowledge of the benefits of CSA approaches, subsequent adoption of CSA, and disadoption of harmful agricultural practices in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We searched 39 academic and online databases, websites, and repositories and screened over 19,000 experimental and quasi-experimental publications to identify studies promoting CSA practices to women farmers. We conducted a citation tracking process on included studies and contacted experts to ensure a thorough search. The review focused on studies that included interventions promoting climate-smart agricultural approaches. Using EPPI Reviewer 4, two review authors independently screened the impact evaluation using a standardized screening tool. Information about participant characteristics, intervention characteristics, control conditions, research design, sample size, bias risk, outcomes, and results were gathered. Data collection and quantitative analysis were conducted using standard Campbell Collaboration methods. Eight impact evaluations were found (two randomized controlled trials) evaluating the effects of CSA practices on farmer's knowledge gains of the benefits of CSA practices and subsequent adoption. Knowledge dissemination approaches such as Farmer Field Schools and weather and climate information services were found to positively impact farmers' knowledge and adoption of specific CSA practices. However, the evidence supporting this claim is uncertain as a high risk of bias was assessed for five of the eight included studies. However, we found no effects on the disadoption of harmful practices such as pesticide overuse. The evidence base for studies promoting climate-smart agricultural approaches (CSA) to farmers in LMICs is small, and there is a lack of studies reporting sex-disaggregated data and studies explicitly targeting women farmers. The review suggests that knowledge dissemination techniques are significantly effective in improving CSA knowledge and adoption, including integrated pest management techniques and their benefits, adoption of climate-resilient rice seed varieties (STRVs), and use of botanical pesticides by farmers. More and better confidence studies are needed to inform policy and programming, including those that look at a wider range of interventions, including changing norms, values, and institutional arrangements.

An integrated methods to manage the corn ground beetle (Zabrus tenebrioides Goeze) in wheat field

This study presents a series of experiments on control techniques in the open field trials to monitor and manage the corn ground beetle (Zabrus tenebrioides Goeze) (Coleoptera: Carabidae). The larval stage is particularly harmful, as it feeds on cereal roots and constructs tunnels that damage the wheat crop while residing in the soil. The primary goal of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of various control measures in managing Z. tenebrioides populations and improving wheat yields. Thus, in Qalanchughan village three wheat varieties, the local (Hawler2, Hwler4) and the imported one (Wafia) were tested in the underground (prevention measures) such as organic fertilizers, biofertilizer, chemical fertilizers and chemical pesticides and aboveground (control measure) like biopesticides and conventional pesticides. Regarding the underground prevention measures the lowest population of insect was 0.48 larvae/M2 with the highest biological yield (7132.22 kg/ha) of the cereal found in combined soil and seed treatment (organic humic acid + seed mycorrhizal fungi). The lowest population was found in the local variety Hawler4 which was 0.61 larvae/M2 and the highest population was found in Wafia which was 1.04 larvae/ M2. On the other hand, the aboveground treatments also differ in their effectiveness against Z. tenebrioides thus the lowest population of the larvae in 1/M2 was found in the chemical pesticide, Alphacypermethrin 0.38 larvae/ M2 that was not significantly different from Eucalyptus globulus extract which was 0.60 larvae/ M2. Furthermore, maximum biological yield and treatment efficiency were found in Alphacypermethrin followed by eucalyptus extract which was (5581.11 kg/ha and 108.54). The biopesticides and plant extracts can be used as part of integrated pest management techniques to lower the beetle populations and encourage sustainable farming.

Pre-Harvest Losses and Strategies Adopted by Plantain Farmers in Mitigating Them in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

The study examined the pre-harvest losses and strategies adopted by plantain farmers in mitigating them in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to identify causes of pre-harvest losses and evaluate strategies adopted by plantain farmers in mitigating pre-harvest losses. Five (5) Local Government Areas (Yenagoa, Ogbia, Kolokuma-Opokuma, Sagbama, and Southern Ijaw) were purposefully selected using a multi-stage sample technique. These LGAs were selected based on the predominance of commercial plantain producers in each of the five (6) villages within each LGA. Additionally, there are eight (8) plantain farmers in each village, for a total of 240 plantain farmers. A structured questionnaire was employed to extract the necessary data from the selected farmers. The result indicates that theft, pest, flood, diseases and logging were the major causes identified affecting pre-harvest losses of plantain in the study area. Furthermore, planting of permanent crops as blockade, use of flood free zones for cultivation, use of improved varieties of sucker, practice of integrated pest management technique, better extension services and cultivating dwarfish breeds were strategies employed by plantain farmers to reduce pre-harvest losses. The recommendations made in light of the findings were for farmers to receive appropriate orientation and/or fundamental training in important farm management techniques, with a focus on plantain production pre-harvest losses. They will become more profitable as a result and become more effective.

Evaluating the Impacts of Integrated Pest Management Techniques on Cotton Crop for Cost-effectiveness as Recommended by Dr. PDKV, Akola, Maharashtra, India

Since cotton is a major crop grown for commercial purposes in the Vidarbha region, Dr. PDKV Akola conducted and recommended the current study, which has several goals, including determining the extent to which recommended technology has been adopted in cotton production, examining input utilization in cotton at varying levels of adoption of IPM technology, calculating the cost-effectiveness and profitability of cotton at varying levels of adoption of IPM technology, and analyzing the barriers to technology adoption. The districts of Akola and Buldhana in Maharashtra State's Vidarbha area served as the study's locations. Three tahasils—Akola, Akot, and Sangrampur—were chosen from these districts, and 120 farmers were chosen from these villages, namely Varvat Khanderao, Khiroda, Sangrampur, Rambhapur, Mandala, Kinkhed Purna, and Khambora. The primary data, which cover the years 2022–2023, were gathered using a straightforward random sample technique. As a result of input usage, the group with a high adoption level utilized the most human labor. All three categories had seed rates, resistant variety usage at the indicated level, and sowing times that were closer to the recommended level. Farmyard manure, at 30.68 quintals per hectare, is most commonly used in the high adopter category. This is followed by medium adopters (16.80 q/ha) and low adopters (14.05 q/ha). The results of applying fertilizer (NPK) indicate that more was applied in all three categories at the recommended level. The highest per hectare yield, 16.64 quintals, was recorded by the high adopter group, followed by 14.01 quintals for the medium adopter group, and 12.71 quintals for the low adopter group. The net returns at Costs "A1," "B2," and "C2" were in the high adopter category, with amounts of Rs. 76557.94/-, Rs. 59781.64/-, and Rs. 50163.47/-. For low, medium, and high adopters, the input-output ratios at cost "A1" were 1.95, 2.05, and 2.27, respectively, but the input-output ratios at cost "C2" were 1.36, 1.43, and 1.58 for these same adopters. High adopter farmers saved Rs. 599.58 and Rs. 854.32/-per quintal at Costs "A1" and "C2" as a result of the per unit cost decrease. IPM technology was discovered to make cotton farming profitable because it reduced the cost of plant protection measures while simultaneously increasing yield. As a result, all cotton growers need to employ IPM technology more widely.

The current pathogenicity and potential risk evaluation of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus to cause mysterious "Disease X"-An updated literature review.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a severe and potentially lethal illness. Tick bites of the Hyalomma genus are the primary source of transmission of CCHF to humans. The virus responsible for CCHF is the CCHF virus (CCHFV). It is a single-stranded negative sensed RNA virus. The virus belongs to the Orthonairoviridae genus within the Nairoviridae family. It occurs in an extensive geographical area spanning the Middle East, western China, southern Asia, southeastern Europe, and much of Africa. The current study aimed to evaluate the pathogenicity and potential risk of CCHFV to cause a public health emergency of international concern. We searched updated relevant information from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases using Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, tick-borne virus, and Nairovirus as keywords. The case fatality rate (CFR) varies by region. It can be more than 30% in some cases. Three segments in the genome of CCHFV (L, M, and S) are different in size and function. It is unknown whether the pathogenicity of CCHFV varied based on the genomic diversity. CCHFV can be transmitted through tick bites, handling of infected ticks, contact with infected humans, contaminated body fluids, and so on. A wide range of severity is associated with CCHF, ranging from a moderate fever with no apparent cause to increased vascular permeability, failure of several organs, bleeding, and shock. Hospitals with high-level isolation units should be the first choice for treating CCHF patients. Individual safety equipment is crucial in healthcare to prevent the spread of the virus. In the farm environment, using integrated pest management techniques, minimizing activity in tick-infested regions, and dressing appropriately in long sleeves and pants will help to reduce the risk of CCHFV infection via tick bites. There are no approved vaccinations or therapeutics for CCHF except supportive therapeutic approaches. Therefore, scientists recommend early ribavirin therapy for cases of high-risk exposures.

Cultural control methods improve management of leafhopper vector of X-disease

X-disease, caused by the phytoplasma ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma pruni’, is currently threatening Pacific Northwest (USA) stone fruit (Prunus) production, particularly sweet cherry (P. avium). There is no cure, and infected fruit remain unmarketable throughout the tree's life. Management efforts focus on reducing transmission through infected tree removal and frequent chemical applications to control the leafhopper vectors. The increase in chemical inputs has broken down stone fruit integrated pest management techniques and is neither economically nor environmentally sustainable. To investigate sustainable vector management, we assessed the efficacy of two long-lasting cultural management techniques, kaolin clay (Surround WP) and reflective plastic geotextile (Extenday), to deter leafhoppers from trees and prevent population growth within orchards. These methods were tested against untreated control plots in Washington State commercial stone fruit blocks in 2021 and 2022. Colladonus montanus reductus (Van Duzee) was the most abundant leafhopper vector species captured in both years. In cherry blocks, Extenday consistently reduced C. m. reductus densities by 80–90%, while kaolin clay caused a 45–50% reduction in leafhoppers, but only when they were abundant (more than 10 leafhoppers per trap). Sticky cards placed at varying heights revealed that kaolin clay caused C. m. reductus to be proportionally more abundant near the ground cover than in the tree canopy regardless of overall population density. The combination of reducing C. m. reductus density and shifting their distribution into the ground cover demonstrates both plastic geotextiles and kaolin clay provide effective post-harvest strategies for X-disease vector management.

Assessment of the Role of Crop Rotation in Integrated Pest Management for Small-Scale Farmers

This article delves into the development and execution of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies for broadacre crop rotation in Tamil Nadu, India. It delves into global and Indian acceptance levels of IPM while recognizing variations due to method effectiveness, existing reliance on pesticide treatments, and a shortage of IPM advisors. Challenges in dealing with diverse pests are also acknowledged. The article discusses the collaborative efforts of farmers, agronomists, and entomologists in establishing and implementing IPM techniques for various products. Despite the absence of specific IPM techniques, the study reveals that there was enough information for Tamil Nadu's farmers to adopt IPM strategies. The article particularly assesses the role of crop rotation in IPM for small-scale farmers, focusing on practice transition and information sharing over entomological specifics.

The Environmentally IPM Package for Controlling Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in Maize Field

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a pest control method that combines several control techniques by considering ecological, economic, and sociological consequences. Management efforts with IPM principles can be conducted by cultivating healthy plants and entomopathogen application. This study examined the IPM package's success for controlling fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in maize field. This research was conducted in a farmer's maize plantation in the West Pasaman District from August to December 2021. The study used a Randomized Block Design (RBD) which consisted of three treatments and five replications. The treatments were different cultivation techniques using IPM, Non-IPM, and control. The variables observed were the population of S. frugiperda (individual/plant), attack rate (%), attack intensity (%), cob weight (g/cob), and farming cost (IDR). The results showed that the IPM and Non-IPM maize cultivation techniques had no different effect on S. frugiperda, especially survival stage, attack rate, intensity, and yield. However, this effect was higher than the control. In addition, the economic benefits of cultivation with IPM were higher than non-IPM. Therefore, this IPM package can be recommended for controlling S. frugiperda because it is also economically profitable and environmentally friendly.

Introducing an ecologically-based pest management approach in Cambodia through adaptive learning networks

How can we reach farmers with ecologically-based Integrated Pest Management (IPM) while creating a supportive context for adoption by farmers and relevant stakeholders? We assessed a new method – Adaptive Learning Networks – from reflections of varied stakeholders, farmer diaries and survey data procured in 2016 and 2019. This method is different from current IPM approaches, in that an explicit focus of learning was on engaging other stakeholders to enable adoption by farmers. For example, access to IPM products, providing new services and creating new policies were intrinsically part of the learning process, alongside learning on-farm IPM techniques. The main consideration is to ease farmers from being locked into the practice of pesticide reliance. The method facilitated multi-stakeholder learning that led to an adaptation of the IPM tools and techniques in the case examined. The priority of this new method was socio-technical learning, wherein varied stakeholders modify interactions, incentives and arrangements relating to pest management. Comparing 2016 and 2019 data, there was a significant reduction in insecticide, herbicide, and rodenticide applications. The observed outcomes indicate the potential to enable a wider spread of IPM technologies.

A REVIEW ON INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF COTTON AND SUGARCANE PEST

Various insect pests can damage crops to different extents, reducing both their quality and quantity. Cotton and sugarcane are particularly vulnerable to sucking complex pests and borer complex pests, which cause damage in different ways. Complex pest sucking sap from delicate plant components, while borer complex pests bore into the crop. These pests have the potential to cause significant damage to the agricultural sector, leading to a considerable loss in yield and quality. The haphazard use of insecticides and pesticides to manage these pests has become a global problem, resulting in harmful effects on human health, plant systems, and the environment. To regulate pest populations, different integrated pest management techniques are followed, including physical, mechanical, cultural, and biological methods. These strategies, which are both sustainable and environmentally sound, attempt to keep pest populations below the economic threshold level. This paper gives an introduction to the invasive pest, biology, lifecycle, and integrated management of cotton and sugarcane pests.

Socio-economic factors influencing the adoption of low carbon technologies under rice production systems in China.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) production, such as farmers' livelihood and the soil quality, has been identified to be strong influenced by climate change in China. However, the benefits of low carbon technologies (LCTs) are still debatable in rice production for farmers, which have been identified to tackle agricultural challenges. The choice of potential LCTs relevant to the case study is based on a literature review of previous empirical studies. Thus, the objectives of the study were to (1) investigate the public perception and preferences of LCTs in rice production of China, and (2) analyze the influences of the factors on farmer's decision in adopting LCTs in rice production. There were 555 farmer surveys from eight representative rice production counties in HP province of southern China, both the Poisson estimators and multivariate probit (MVP) approach were applied in the study. Our results show that water-saving irrigation, integrated pest management techniques and planting green manure crops in winter season were the three major LCTs adapted by farmers in rice production. The intensity and probability of LCTs adoptions were influenced by the main factors including farmers' education level, climate change awareness, machinery ownership, technical support and subsidies. There is a significant correlation among the LCTs, and the adoption of the technologies is interdependent, depicting either complementarities or substitutabilities between the practices. This study suggests that policies enhance the integration of LCTs would be central to farmers' knowledge, environmental concerns, technical service and financial support in rice production systems in China.

Integrated Pest Management Tools for Strawberry Seed Bug Pest on Organic Strawberries in Florida

Strawberry seed bug, Neopamera bilobata (Say), is a pest of organic strawberries in Florida. The rhyparochromidae species has been collected in a range of habitats worldwide, including South and Central America and many states in the southeastern United States. Strawberry seed bugs can cause injury to ripe strawberries, decreasing growers’ profits. Integrated pest management techniques can mitigate strawberry seed bug populations in organic systems. This publication provides an overview of the strawberry seed bug and the injuries it can cause to strawberries produced in Florida. It includes monitoring and management options growers can use against strawberry seed bugs in organic strawberry production.

Abundance and diversity of predatory insects in chili plant ecosystems cultivated by IPM

Cayenne pepper is a strategic commodity. The use of chemical insecticides to control pests has a negative impact on the agroecosystem. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an environmentally solution to overcome pest problems. The objectives of this study were to determine the abundance and diversity of predatory insects. Sampling was carried out in August-October 2020 in west Lombok, Indonesia, on chili fields using the IPM technique. Observations were conducted on the generative phase of chili planting and carried out using the Yellow Pan and Pitfall Trap. The population of predatory insects in chili with IPM was 1,707 individuals representing 24 species from 8 families and 5 orders. The order Hymenoptera was the most abundant (63.27%) of the total predatory insects collected, followed by Coleoptera (30.93%), and Diptera (4.63%). The diversity index of predatory species is 1.79 in land planted with chili using IPM techniques. Chili plant using IPM techniques has more abundance and divers of predatory insect species than conventional chili land. This study provides some insight into the community of predatory insects in the generative phase of the chili ecosystem and suggests that an ecological approach is needed for pest management to maintain the balance of the agroecosystem and promote biodiversity.

Jerash Governorate Farmers Adopt Integrated Management Methods to Combat Fruit Tree Diseases

This study aimed to measure the adoption of integrated pest management techniques by fruit tree growers in Jerash Province of Jordan for diseases affecting their tree crops and to develop future visions for their development. The study was based on the collection of preliminary data via interview, using the questionnaire tool, and took a random sample of fruit tree farms from a total area of 3,822 dunums constituting 5.5% of the total area planted with fruit trees. This area is exploited by 70 growers distributed in the whole province. The results of the present study indicated that 88% of the respondents are educated and approximately 65.8% of growers have secondary and university graduates. Respondents used regularly the IPM was only 7.1%. The study showed that the most important diseases affecting fruit trees were fungal diseases, especially powdery mildew, leaves curl, and eyes of peacocks, which are considered the most dangerous diseases of trees limiting production quantities and more expensive as a result of repeated application of pesticides. The five-grade Lekert scale was used for evaluation; "always" was given five degrees and "never" represent one degree for the positive answers, while the scoring was reversible to the negative responses; "never" was given one score, and "always "was given five degrees. This scale covered twenty-four actions done by the growers to protect their trees. Alpha Kronbach Coefficient was 0.78, reflecting the internal consistency of the study scale. In the current study descriptive statistics methods such as repetitions, percentages and arithmetic averages, and standard deviation were used to analyze the data statistically. According to Leckert scale, items 5-21 gave a mathematical average of 1.96-3.5, and 35.7% of the respondents know what the concept of integrated control is? and this shows that the respondents did not use any of the methods of IPM. 35.7% of the information about IPM is obtained by the farmer from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Colleges of Agriculture, and the NNARC. This study recommends new legislation to regulate the effectiveness, impact, and duration of pesticide use, and support the use of IPM inputs to combat the development of a national guidance program to adopt the use of IPM across Jordan and to create marketing incentives for IPM produced by the IPM-adopted growers.

Arthropod Pest Management in Strawberry

Simple SummaryStrawberry is a commercially important crop which is produced and consumed globally. As there is an increase in economic significance of strawberry production, growers across the globe face challenges in protecting the crop against insect and mite pests. The damage from insect pests results in significant yield loss which adversely affects the strawberry industry. To overcome this situation, management of pests is warranted with reduced impact on the environment and beneficial organisms. Even though insecticide-driven management practices predominate in the strawberry production system, the use of non-chemical alternatives is also gaining importance. The current review is aimed at discussing the important pests of strawberry and various integrated pest management practices adopted worldwide to reduce the damage impact and improve production.The strawberry crop endures economic losses due to feeding injury from a number of phytophagous arthropod pests. A number of invasive pests have posed challenges to crop protection techniques in the strawberry cropping system recently. It is increasingly evident that sole reliance on chemical control options is not sustainable. In this review, current challenges and advances in integrated pest management of various strawberry pests are presented. Key pests discussed include thrips, mites, lygus bug, spotted wing drosophila, seed bug, weevils, aphids, whiteflies, and armyworms. Several integrated pest management techniques that include use of intercropping, resistant cultivars, irradiation with gamma rays, use of spectral sensitivity of pests, biological control agents and natural enemies, and biorational pesticides have recently been reported to be useful in managing the various strawberry pests. With the increase in world production of strawberry, several techniques will be necessary to manage the pest complex of strawberry.

Mating Disruption in Insect Pests by Sex Pheromones: A Profound Integrated Pest Management Technique

Mating disruption or ‘attract and kill’ approach provides an excellent source for suppression of major lepidopterans’ pest in agriculture field. Important success to date in pest management through mating disruption recorded to oriental fruit moth in peaches, pink boll worm, codling moth in pome fruit and pyralid moth in stored grain pest. Pheromonal formulations are efficient, non–toxic and species–specific that makes this technique different with conventional and synthetic insecticides which have adverse effects on environment and non–specific organisms as well. Large scale implementation of this technique resulted in significant reduction in pesticides use while maintaining acceptably low–crop damage level. Because of some problem like instant and mass control to pests with rich populations, these approaches should not be seen as stand–alone strategies but rather as one new and alternative plan within a suite of integrated pest management options.

Pests and Diseases in Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica L. Beauv.) Cultivated in The Greenhouse

Greenhouse ecosystem with more stable abiotic factors could affect the population and diversity of pests and diseases found on foxtail millet (Setaria italica L. Beauv.) compared to their natural ecosystems. We observed and identified pests and diseases in seven genotypes of foxtail millet namely “Toraja”, “ICERI 5”, “ICERI 6”, “Botok 4”, “Botok 10”, “Mauliru”, and “Hambapraing”; these activities are important for the formulation of appropriate integrated pest management techniques. Using plant samples that were at the end of their vegetative phase, we found white mycelia of Fusarium incarnatum (yellowish-white colonies) and F. verticilloides (violetish-pink colonies) covering the ear-tip of the seeds and developed rapidly leading to seed rotten symptoms in “Toraja”, “ICERI 5”, and “ICERI 6”. The disease severity remained constant after these integrated management techniques were put in place. However, abnormalities in leaves leading to failure of panicle emergence occurred in “Botok 4”, “Botok 10”, “Mauliru”, and “Hambapraing”. These were caused by the fungi Penicillium sp. Identical controlling techniques were applied to this incidence and the disease incidence was reduced. Corn leaf aphids (Rhophalosiphum maidis) and rice mealybugs (Brevenia rehi) were recorded as main insect pests with severe attack. The aphid, R. maidis, colonized the stems and were associated with the sooty mold (Capnodium sp.), resulting in wilting. The mealybugs, B. rehi, colonized the flag leaves resulting in leaf rotting. Insecticide and isolating the attacked plants were used as the controlling techniques. Red-mites (Tetranychus urticae) were also detected as indicated by chlorotic spots on the upper part of the leaves. Acaricide was used to reduce its population. The pests and diseases found in the seven genotypes of foxtail millet are commonly known to occur in Poaceae. In general, greenhouse ecosystem for foxtail millet facilitated planting with high population with lower diversity of pests and diseases compared to the open field planting.

Integrated Management of Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) Infesting Solanum tuberosum L. in Storage in MT Elgon Region, Kenya

The production of potato, a second major staple food crop in Kenya is being constrained by an insect pest potato tuber moth (PTM), Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). The present study investigated two Integrated Pest Management techniques which would reduce (PTM) population in potato storage, four potato cultivars and two botanical quantities were used in storage in Mt Elgon region of Western Kenya. The insecticidal efficacy of Lantana camara L. and Azandiracta indica A. Jusss (Sapindales: Meliaceae) and in storage at Kapsokwony and Chemoremo villages were investigated in the present study years. In each of the studied site the experiment was laid down in randomized block Design (RBD) in a split plot arrangement at room temperature of 27 ± 2. Four cultivars (Tigoni, Sherekea, Mayan gold and Asante) were the first factor and treatments (L. camara and A. indica leaves powder and control) as the second factor, each of which was repeated three. The room was partitioned at the center into two (3m x3m) using a PVC sheet to separate two portions for the two botanical and to prevented insect migration. We set up 4 caring bags per cultivar per botanical. We placed 2 kg PTM-free tubers per each cultivar in one caring bag hence 4 caring bags/split/ cultivar and 16 caring bags / block, therefore the total number of caring bags was (4 x 4)= 16 bags per cultivar hence (16 x 4) = 64 caring bags/ botanical. The splits had four 2kg caring bags hence (2x4) = 8 kg per split and (8x16) = 32kg/cultivar hence N =128kg. The caring bags were covered with a layer of the botanicals at a rate 100g, 150g, 200g, and untreated control respectively. Twenty (10♀ + 10♂) newly emerged moths were introduced inside the storage. We assessed for week one number of tubers infested and tunnels of PTM larvae, at week two for number of tubers infested and tunneling length. Week three number of tubers infested, tunneling length in tubers and number of second generation larva. Analysis was done by comparison of the means and there mean differences using R software. Results indicated use of 200g/ 2kg of the botanicals significantly reduced number of PTM larvae. Lantana camara was the most effective insecticide followed by Azadrachta indica compared to the controlled tubers. Thus the use of 200g of L. camara and Tigoni cultivar may be promising components of IPM strategies for reducing P. operculella population in potato fields and storage.

Temperature-Dependent Biological Control Effectiveness of Tamarixia radiata (Hymenoptera: Eulophidea) Under Laboratory Conditions.

The parasitism rate and host-feeding rate of Tamarixia radiata (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), an ectoparasitoid of Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae), were evaluated at 20, 27.5, 30, and 35°C, at 70 ± 5% RH, and 14 h of photoperiod. The biological control efficacy of T. radiata was evaluated by linking the age-stage predation rate with the two-sex life table. The net host-feeding rate (C0) by T. radiata was 32.05, 54.40, 17.25, and 1.92 nymphs per female parasitoid at 20, 27.5, 30, and 35°C, respectively. The total net nymphs killing rate (Z0) was 103.02, 223.82, 72.95, and 6.60 nymphs per female parasitoid at 20, 27.5, 30, and 35°C, respectively. Noneffective parasitism rate was observed at 35°C because of high mortality at this temperature. Our results indicated that temperature had meaningful effects on parasitism and host-feeding rate parameters in the laboratory, and may affect biological control efficiency of the parasitoid in the field. The highest host-feeding rate and total biological control efficiency of T. radiata were recorded at 27.5°C. Most importantly, we found that host-feeding activity of the parasitoid is temperature-dependent, and changed across temperature regimes: the host-feeding rate increased as the temperature increased up to 30°C, started to decrease after this temperature and declined to its minimum level at 35°C. This information is valuable for developing biological control and integrated pest management techniques for Asian citrus psyllid management.

Income, wealth and use of personal protection equipment in the Mekong Delta

Both in developing and developed countries, farmers often do not protect themselves adequately, especially when applying agrochemicals that are dangerous for their health. The issue is relevant because insufficient protection is between the causes leading to intoxication of farmers and workers who handle these products. The literature suggests that both lack of training and information and low income may explain why, especially in developing countries, protective equipment is under-used. Using data from the Mekong Delta, this study addresses the issue of whether income and household wealth may help explaining the use of incomplete protections against pesticides. The results suggest that income, more than wealth, is a reason why Vietnamese farmers operating in the Mekong Delta fail in using adequate protections. In particular, the data suggest that they may prefer to divert resources to increasing the production of their fields or to buying goods that may be used both as protection and as everyday garments. This behaviour leads to underinvestment in some important protective goods. Possible public interventions to mitigate the problem are suggested; in particular, the promotion of integrated pest management techniques could be useful.