Entomological Methods Research Articles

Hydroxy Fatty Acids as Novel Markers for Authenticity Identification of the Honey Entomological Origin Based on the GC-MS Method.

The authenticity of honey is generally a worldwide concern, and there is a pressing need to establish a suitable entomological method to identify the authenticity of Apis cerana cerana (A. cerana) and Apis mellifera ligustica (A. mellifera) honey. Hydroxy fatty acids as bee-derived components are known to widely exist in honey and other biosamples. Herein, we present an identification strategy for hydroxy fatty acids based on the relative quantification with reference to royal jelly and targeted quantification combined with multivariate statistical analysis to identify the honey entomological origin. Multivariate statistical analysis was used to further determine differential hydroxy fatty acids between A. cerana honey and A. mellifera honey. Results showed that 8-hydroxyoctanoic acid (96.20-253.34 versus 0-32.46 mg kg-1) and 3,10-dihydroxydecanoic acid (1.96-6.56 versus 0-0.35 mg kg-1) could be used as markers for accurate identification of the honey entomological origin, while the three fraud honey samples were recognized using this method. This study provides the novel marker hydroxy fatty acids to identify A. cerana honey and A. mellifera honey from the perspective of bee-derived component differences.

The effectiveness of treaters against sucking pests in winter wheat agrocenosis

Goal. The assesment of the technological and economic efficiency of the insecticidal treaters of different chemical groups against autumn pests entomocomplex.
 Methods. Standard entomological methods were used to determine the number of insect pests in winter wheat agrocenosis. The leafhoppers and Schizaphis graminum count was carried out during autumn period (phase ВВСН 21—30) on the 7th, 14th day after germination. The leafhoppers were counted by using the method of accounting plots, and the Schizaphis graminum were counted by using the method of plant tests.
 Results. The phytophagous insects control by means of plant protection products is an effective method, but the result depends on the choice of the insecticides among a wide range of preparations. The results of the effects of treating on the dynamics of leafhoppers and Schizaphis graminum count in winter wheat agrocenosis have been presented. Entomological monitoring of the wheat field in the minds of the first-last-last field established that the biggest threat to winter wheat crops was cicadas and grasshoppers. The results of studying of modern insecticidal disinfactants against sucking pest density in a phase of ВВСН 21—30 have been presented.
 Conclusions. It has been established that the preparations Gaucho Plus 466 FS, TH, 0.5 l/t, Comando Grand, TH, 0.3 l/t and Cruizer 350 FS, 0.4 l/t were the most effective for the control of sucking phytophages of seedlings. The toxicity of winter wheat plants with insecticides under treatment contributed to higher qualitative and quantitative indicators of wheat yield as compared with a control variant. Under modern technologies of control, the growth and development intensity of sucking pests on winter wheat depends on climatic factors as well as on special protective measures on pests control on the first stages of crop organogenesis. The phytophageous insects spread and the harm under autumn control depend on timely monitoring when using the models of forecasting the number of sucking pests of the seedlings.

Technology of protection of winter wheat from harmful biota in the Northern Forest-Steppe of Ukraine

Winter wheat protection technology is aimed at preventing the mass spread of harmful biota and the possibility of its rapid restriction. Therewith, the main choice of pesticides and their timely use is precisely at the period when harmful organisms are in a sensitive stage to protective products, and plants are in the phase of forming and laying productivity elements. The purpose of the study is to examine the effectiveness of the proposed compositions of chemical preparations against harmful biota in improving the technology of winter wheat protection. When monitoring harmful organisms, generally accepted methods in phytopathology (Strakhov and Geschele scales), entomology (butterfly net, accounting site methods), and herbology (quantitative-weight) were used. The results of the study obtained during a production experiment to examine the effectiveness of product mixtures for a comprehensive system of protection of winter wheat crops are presented. Changes in the species and quantitative composition of winter wheat weed Synusia depending on the protection technology are established. The total number of weeds in the areas where the protection system was used decreased by 61.2 pcs./m2 compared to the control option. Changes in the number of pests are presented (a decrease in the Hessian fly by 26 specimens/100 w.s. (wheat stem), Swedish fly – 31 specimens/100 w.s., grass aphids – 20 specimens per stem, Haplothrips tritici – 34 specimens/100 w.s., bread carabus – 6 beetles/m2 ) when spraying winter wheat in the phases of exit into the tube and milk ripeness with insecticides Aktara 25 WG, 0.10 kg/ha + Karate seon 050 CS, 0.2 L/ha. The technical effectiveness of insecticides against pests was 73.8-89.5%, depending on the insect. It is proved that reliable protection against dominant diseases in the farm is achieved by using a combination of fungicides Alto Super 330 EC, 0.5 L/ha and Topsin M, WP, 1.0 kg/ha in the phase of entering the tube and Amistar extra 280 SC, 0.5 L/ha + Rex Duo, SC, 0.4 L/ha in the earing phase–beginning of flowering. The technical effectiveness of double spraying with recommended anti-disease products ranged from 77.1% to 86.8%. The proposed technology for protecting winter wheat from harmful organisms is effective, has passed production testing, and can be implemented in farms of all forms of ownership

К фауне и экологии мух-журчалок (Diptera, Syrphidae) хребта Тарбагатай (Восточный Казахстан)

The results of studies conducted in 2021 in some areas of the southern macroslope of the Tarbagatai Ridge, which are part of the Tarbagatai State National Natural Park, are presented. The purpose of the work is to identify the species composition of hoverflies in the national park and study their ecological characteristics. The studies were carried out according to generally accepted methods in entomology. The work was carried out on 2 sites located in the mid-mountain altitudinal landscape zone and 1 — in the small hills (the southern spur of the main ridge). 37 species of hoverflies belonging to 20 genera of 10 tribes of 3 subfamilies were identified. The local hoverfly fauna is heterogeneous both within one belt (middle mountains) and between belts (middle mountains/small hills). The similarity of faunas in the first case is 21.4%, in the second — 10.8%. Hoverflies were found on flowers of plants of 7 families: Brassicaceae, Rosaceae, Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Rubiaceae, Scrophulariaceae, and Lamiaceae. The largest number of fly species was found on the family Apiaceae – 73.1%. In addition to flowering plants, a significant number of fly species (39.3%) were noted in other habitats, such as non-flowering plants and vegetative parts of flowering plants, on the ground, at a watering place, etc. The distribution and ratio of syrphid species depending on the food specialization of the larval phase were traced. Entomophagous dominate in all areas, represented mainly by species of the tribe Syrphini. The novelty of this work is due to the fact that hoverflies have not been studied in the Tarbagatai Ridge so far. The research results are significantly different from the data obtained by the author earlier in the Northern Tien Shan and the Dzungarian Alatau. Thus, it points out the great peculiarity of the ecological features of the local fauna of the syrphidflies of the region.

STUDIES CONCERNING THE HARMFUL ENTOMOFAUNA IN SOME VEGETABLE CROPS IN SOUTHERN OLTENIA

The harmful entomofauna has always been of scientific interest, so many researchers are studying how to attack, control and prevent it.This paper aims to provide a scientific contribution on the harmful entomofauna of some vegetable crops in southern Oltenia.Research was carried out in Bratovoești stationary where three methods of entomofauna collection were used, namely: Barber soil trap, entomological net trapping method and the spawning method.A total of 48 species totalling 626 specimens belonging to 14 families were identified.

Dating death

The estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI), particularly the late time since death, is a crucial issue when dealing with human remains. Its establishment is an important task for forensic scientists since it has important legal implications such as identifying a victim or prosecuting an offender. However, dating death is a very complex and challenging task due to the amount of intrinsic and extrinsic factors, that may influence the rate and nature of body decomposition. Many methods have been used to estimate PMI, from classical decomposition methods to entomological and botanical methods or more recently physics and biochemical methods.
 This paper reviews current forensic dating methods, focusing especially on forensic anthropological techniques. Nevertheless, the existing literature is insufficient, denoting a lack of effective methods to achieve an accurate and reliable PMI estimation and further investigation is required. A holistic approach, where every element must be considered, is the key to achieving a reliable estimation of PMI. Interdisciplinarity is thus mandatory, allied with the capacity of forensic anthropologists to denote all the details.

Integrated survey of helminthic neglected tropical diseases and comparison of two mosquito sampling methods for lymphatic filariasis molecular xenomonitoring in the River Galana area, Kilifi County, coastal Kenya.

A lymphatic filariasis (LF) endemic focus along the River Galana/ Sabaki in Kilifi County, coastal Kenya, provided a platform to conduct an integrated survey for three helminthic neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), namely soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH), schistosomiasis (SCH) and LF. Additionally, the study compared the performance of two mosquito trapping methods for LF molecular xenomonitoring (MX). Cross-sectional surveys measuring STH, SCH and LF prevalence were conducted in four villages. Mosquitoes were trapped using the CDC light trap (CDC-LT) and the Ifakara A tent trap (Ifakara-TT) methods and stored in pools which were tested for Wuchereria bancrofti DNA using the real-time polymerase chain reaction assay. A total of 907 people (436 adults; 471 children) participated in the parasitological testing. Among the STH infections, Trichuris trichiura and hookworms were most prevalent among the children and adult populations, respectively. The schistosome worm eggs detected belonged to the species Schistosoma haematobium and the prevalence of the infection was generally higher among the children compared with the adult population. The prevalence of LF infection among the adult population ranged from 1.8% to 7.6% across all 4 villages (P < 0.05). A total of 3,652 mosquitoes, including Anopheles, Culex, Mansonia, and Aedes species were collected. One mosquito pool consisting of Anopheles mosquitoes tested positive for filarial DNA out of 1,055 pools that were tested. The CDC-LT caught significantly more mosquitoes compared with the Ifakara-TT (P < 0.001). This study demonstrated that integrated epidemiological surveys using standard parasitological and entomological methods can provide useful information on co-endemic parasitic diseases which could help direct interventions and surveillance activities.

Applicability of the Mexican ovitrap system for Aedes vector surveillance in Colombia

ABSTRACT Ovitraps can detect Aedes vectors at an early stage and can serve as an alarm indicator for outbreak prediction. This study aimed to summarize the available literature about the ovitrap system and to determine its feasibility, required resources and costs when installing and maintaining this vector surveillance system in the municipality of Los Patios, Colombia. A scoping review to assess the role of ovitraps as a tool for Aedes vector surveillance was conducted. The subsequent fieldwork consisted of mapping the municipality, manufacturing, and installing 40 ovitraps in 10 blocks, revising them weekly for 4 weeks by two half-time employed vector control technicians, and carrying out a cost analysis. A total of 38 studies were included in this review showing that ovitraps had a better performance than other entomological surveillance methods and a positive correlation with other entomological and disease variables. From the field results over 4 weeks, a high proportion of positive ovitraps (80%, 90%, 75%, 97.5%) and positive blocks (100%) as well as a good acceptance by house owners (76.9%), were identified. Operational indicators such as average installation time of the ovitraps (10h15 m), weekly reading and reinstallation (on average 7h27 m) and the cost of the intervention (COL$1,142,304.47/US$297) were calculated. Literature shows that ovitraps are sensitive to detect the presence of Aedes mosquitoes, providing data efficiently and timely for outbreak prediction. The field testing showed it is an affordable and feasible method in the context of a Colombian municipality and similar endemic areas.

Human IgG responses to Aedes mosquito salivary peptide Nterm-34kDa and its comparison to Anopheles salivary antigen (gSG6-P1) IgG responses measured among individuals living in Lower Moshi, Tanzania.

BackgroundThe level of human exposure to arbovirus vectors, the Aedes mosquitoes, is mainly assessed by entomological methods which are labour intensive, difficult to sustain at a large scale and are affected if transmission and exposure levels are low. Alternatively, serological biomarkers which detect levels of human exposure to mosquito bites may complement the existing epidemiologic tools as they seem cost-effective, simple, rapid, and sensitive. This study explored human IgG responses to an Aedes mosquito salivary gland peptide Nterm-34kDa in Lower Moshi, a highland area with evidence of circulating arboviruses and compared the Aedes IgG responses to Anopheles mosquitoes’ salivary antigen (GSG6-P1) IgG responses.MethodsThree cross-sectional surveys were conducted in 2019: during the first dry season in March, at the end of the rainy season in June and during the second dry season in September in five villages located in Lower Moshi. Blood samples were collected from enrolled participants above six months of age (age span: 7 months to 94 years) and analysed for the presence of anti-Nterm-34kDa IgG antibodies. Possible associations between Nterm-34kDa seroprevalence and participants’ characteristics were determined. Levels of IgG responses and seroprevalence were correlated and compared to the already measured IgG responses and seroprevalence of Anopheles mosquitoes’ salivary antigen, GSG6-P1.ResultsDuring the first dry season, Nterm-34kDa seroprevalence was 34.1% and significantly increased at the end of the rainy season to 45.3% (Chi square (χ2) = 6.42 p = 0.011). During the second dry season, the seroprevalence significantly declined to 26.5% (χ2 = 15.12 p<0.001). During the rainy season, seroprevalence was significantly higher among residents of Oria village (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.86; 95% CI = 1.0–7.8; p = 0.041) compared to Newland. Moreover, during the rainy season, the risk of exposure was significantly lower among individuals aged between 16 and 30 years (AOR = 0.25; 95% CI = 0.1 = 0.9; p = 0.036) compared to individuals aged between 0 and 5 years. There was weak to moderate negative correlation between N-term 34kDa IgG and gSG6-P1 antigens. N-term 34kDa seroprevalence were higher compared to gSG6-P1 seroprevalence.ConclusionThe findings of this study support that IgG antibody responses towards the Aedes mosquito salivary peptide Nterm-34kDa are detectable among individuals living in lower Moshi and vary with season and geographical area. More individuals are exposed to Aedes mosquito bites than Anopheles mosquito and those exposed to Aedes bites are not necessarily exposed to Anopheles mosquitoes.

Diversity and Spatial Distribution of Leaf Litter Curculionidae (Coleoptera: Curculionoidea) in Two Ecuadorian Tropical Forests

Litter weevil communities were investigated in two different types of montane forest in Ecuador: foothill evergreen forest, present in the Otongachi Integral Reserve between 800 and 1000 m, and tropical montane cloud forest (TMCF), present in the Otonga Integral Reserve between 1600 and 2300 m. Sampling was conducted along elevation gradients, applying the entomological sifting method to 19 sampling transects (11 in Otonga and 8 in Otongachi). The taxa collected were identified as morphospecies, since the majority of them are still undescribed. A total of 510 specimens were sampled, belonging to 100 different morphospecies, 85 of which were found in Otonga and 15 in Otongachi. No species in common between the two areas were found, despite the fact that the distance is extremely small (approximately 12 km). The Otonga area, regardless of primary or secondary forest habitats, had higher mean species richness. In both areas, the majority of species were found in a small number of stations and were sampled in a small number of specimens. A dominant and ubiquitous species was present only in Otongachi. The analysis of the community composition was carried out according to different categories of environmental variables (Otonga vs. Otongachi, forest type, elevation, litter and canopy coverage characteristics). Two well-differentiated coenoses were found, influenced firstly by the differences between the two reserves, secondarily by the elevation gradient and, to a lesser extent, by the forest type and other environmental variables. Some morphospecies characteristic of a specific type of biocoenosis could be identified. The study highlighted how most litter weevil species are strictly associated with a peculiar microhabitat and have a very narrow elevation and spatial range; the weevil communities can be strongly affected by heavy human impact. The results confirm that the tropical forests, in particular the TMCFs, host great biodiversity and that the majority of species are strictly associated with a single site; therefore, particular protection for these habitats should be granted. However, the non-significant variation between primary and secondary TMCFs indicates that, when correct management is carried out, a limited disturbance can be tolerated with only a limited loss of biodiversity.

Human IgG responses to the Aedes albopictus 34k2 salivary protein: analyses in Réunion Island and Bolivia confirm its suitability as marker of host exposure to the tiger mosquito

BackgroundThe rapid worldwide spreading of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus is expanding the risk of arboviral diseases transmission, pointing out the urgent need to improve monitoring and control of mosquito vector populations. Assessment of human-vector contact, currently estimated by classical entomological methods, is crucial to guide planning and implementation of control measures and evaluate transmission risk. Antibody responses to mosquito genus-specific salivary proteins are emerging as a convenient complementary tool for assessing host exposure to vectors. We previously showed that IgG responses to the Ae. albopictus 34k2 salivary protein (al34k2) allow detection of seasonal and geographic variation of human exposure to the tiger mosquito in two temperate areas of Northeast Italy. The main aim of this study was to confirm and extend these promising findings to tropical areas with ongoing arboviral transmission.MethodsIgG responses to al34k2 and to the Ae. aegypti orthologous protein ae34k2 were measured by ELISA in cohorts of subjects only exposed to Ae. albopictus (Réunion Island), only exposed to Ae. aegypti (Bolivia) or unexposed to both these vectors (North of France).Results and conclusionAnti-al34k2 IgG levels were significantly higher in sera of individuals from Réunion Island than in unexposed controls, indicating that al34k2 may be a convenient and reliable proxy for whole saliva or salivary gland extracts as an indicator of human exposure to Ae. albopictus. Bolivian subjects, exposed to bites of Ae. aegypti, carried in their sera IgG recognizing the Ae. albopictus al34k2 protein, suggesting that this salivary antigen can also detect, even though with low sensitivity, human exposure to Ae. aegypti. On the contrary, due to the high background observed in unexposed controls, the recombinant ae34k2 appeared not suitable for the evaluation of human exposure to Aedes mosquitoes. Overall, this study confirmed the suitability of anti-al34k2 IgG responses as a specific biomarker of human exposure to Ae. albopictus and, to a certain extent, to Ae. aegypti. Immunoassays based on al34k2 are expected to be especially effective in areas where Ae. albopictus is the main arboviral vector but may also be useful in areas where Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti coexist.Graphical

Иірсу шатқалындағы омыртқасыздардың биоалуантүрлілігі

In clause results, annual research insects living on territory of Sayram-Ygams national park are stated. The most common invertebrates are described. When collecting the material, standard entomological methods were used - collection with an entomological net, at night on an artificial light source, manual collection. As a result of research, about 70 specimens of Lepidoptera and 40 specimens of Coleoptera were collected. Rare Lepidoptera species: Hemaris fucifirmis (Linnaeus, 1758), Hemaris tityus (Linnaeus, 1758), Papilio alexanor voldemar Kreuzberg, 1989, Parnassius apollonius (Eversmann, 1847). Common species from the Coleoptera order are: Lytta flavovittata Ballion, 1878, Cetonia aurata (Linnaeus, 1760), Copris lunaris (Linnaeus, 1758).

Pearleaf Blister Mite (Eriophyes pyri Pgst.): Biological Features and Measures to Limit its Harmfulness in Pear Plantations of Ukraine

Goal. To clarify the biological features of pearleaf blister mite (Eriophyes pyri Pgst.) and investigate the effectiveness of such preparations as: Sivanto Prime 200 SL, PK (flupyradifurone, 200 g/l), Danadim stable, KE (dimethoate, 400 g/l), Oberon Rapid 240 SC, KS (spiromesifen, 228.6 g/l + abamectin, 11.4 g/l), Fufanon 570, KE (malathion, 570 g/l) and Aktofit, KE (aversectin C, 0.2%), reduce the number and harmfulness of this phytophagan, its impact on the productivity of pears in industrial plantations.&#x0D; Methods. To determine the colonization of pear plantations by mites in horticultural farms of Ukraine, route surveys were carried out in the industrial pear plantations of Yablunivska variety. The planting scheme was 0.8 × 3.5 m. The planting year was 2014. The crown shape was thinned (improved) and story. The rootstock was a quince tree A. Stages of plant development at the time of treatment were «bursting buds (green cone)» (BBCH 10), «white buds» (BBCH 55), «end of flowering» (BBCH 69) and «fruit development» BBCH 75). The technical effectiveness of pesticides at different application rates was determined. The accounts were performed according to generally accepted methods in horticulture, plant protection and entomology.&#x0D; Results. Female pear leaf blister mite overwinter under the upper scales of the buds. In spring, at an average daily temperature above 10°C, they begin to feed with the juice of young leaves, covering them with galls, and lay eggs («bud bursting (green cone)» — «white bud») stages. The development of the first generation ends at the end of «flowering». Females of the second generation appear in late June, the third generation — in the first half of July. After rebirth, they leave galls and populate the buds for wintering (mid-late June to late Julyearly August). During the growing season the phytophagan develops in three generations. The use of Danadim stable, KE, Fufanon 570, KE, Sivanto Prime 200 SL, PK, Oberon Rapid 240 SC and Aktofit, KE provided a reduction in the number of this species by 75.3—93.9%, allowed to increase the effectiveness of basic biometric and biochemical indices of plantations, to obtain high-quality products with a yield of 1.1—1.5 times higher comparing with the control.&#x0D; Conclusions. During the growing season, the pear gall mite develops in three generations. Taking into account the peculiarities of the biology of pears and mites in the spring, the peculiarities of the mechanism of action of drugs against this species and other phytophages (leafeating, stem, sucking, including against the brown-marble bug) are most advisable to apply: in the phase of «bud break (green cone)» — Danadim stable, EC (2.0 l/ ha); in the «white bud» phase — Fufanon 570, EC (2.0 l/ha); after the «end of flowering» — Danadim stable, EC (2.0 l/ha). In summer (against the second and third generations of the pest), Sivanto Prime 200 SL, RK (0.75—1.0 l/ha), Oberon Rapid 240 SC, KS (0.6—0.8 l/ha), Aktofit, EC (6.0 l/ha) taking into account the duration of their action.

Geographical and seasonal variability in the development of aphids (Homoptera, Aphidinea)

The purpose of the research is to study geographical and seasonal variability of aphids from the Ferghana Range.Materials and methods. The research materials were long-term collections, observations and experiments conducted in various zones of the Ferghana Range (Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan) in 2006–2020. The studies used entomological, aphidological and statistical methods. The V. Barov’s psi-square and Student and Fisher’s Z methods were used to compare the samples. Mathematical analysis was performed based on 16 morphometric characteristics from the samples of adult aphids (n = 10).Results and discussion. The morphological features of aphids during divergence are a key factor in their range forage and adaptation to it. Other environmental factors have undoubtedly a direct effect on aphids through forage plants in some cases. The study of morphometric parameters of the samples taken in Mayli-Say and Khanabad showed that the variability of the aphid’s hindleg was zero, and the samples from Mayli-Say differed significantly from the samples from Khanabad (P &gt; 0.01). The study results confirm that the samples from both regions are mainly subject to geographical variability influenced by climatic and other factors, and the confidence level differs in morphometric parameters.

Phenology and Population of Strawberry Mites and Effectiveness of Using Strawberry Protection in the Conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine

Growing strawberries is a promising and profitable field of agriculture. However, there are a number of limiting factors that determine the productivity of the crop, in particular pests-phytophages. The study aims to determine the features of the phenological phases of strawberry mite (Tarsonemus fragariae) and to examine the effect of protection on the population of phytophagous mites, the impact on physiological and biochemical processes in strawberry plants Murano and Vivara. The study is based on generally accepted methods in entomology and ecology. The degree of damage to strawberry plants was determined on a five-point scale, which on average for 2016-2020 was estimated at 0-1 point. A phenological map of strawberry mite development was created, the dependence of phytophage phenophases on weather conditions was established. In the Murano strawberry plantations, the average population of strawberry mite eggs in 2016-2020 was in the range of 105.3-165.0 pcs/100 leaves, larvae – 37.0-61.3 pcs/100 leaves, imago – 20.8-96.3 pcs/100 leaves. In the Vivara strawberry plantations, the population of mite eggs was in the range of 90.8-180.0 pcs/100 leaves, larvae – 37.0–57.0 pcs/100 leaves, imago – 17.3- 95.3 pcs/100 leaves. The effectiveness of the chemical plant protection systems under study (Masai® (0.4 kg/ha) + Biskaiia® (0.8 L/ha); Apollo® (0.5 l/ha) + Tsezar™ (0.2 L/ha) + Mavrik™ (0.6 l/ha)) against phytophage mites was almost at the same level. The exception was a direct ovicidal effect of the Masai and a mixture of Apollo + Tsezar; on the 3rd day after their introduction, the larvae in the eggs were unviable and the eggshells were mummified. The application of strawberry protection systems ensured berry yields of 33.4 t/ha in the Murano variety and 25.4-25.6 t/ha in the Vivara variety and a yield increase of 16.6-16.7 t/ha and 12.4-12.5 t/ha, respectively. The positive effect of plant protection systems against pests on the indicators of physiological and biochemical processes in the leaves of strawberries of both varieties was established. An increase in the content of chlorophyll by 33-58%, phenolic compounds – by 7-15%, sugars – by 6-10%, vitamin C – by 2-6% compared to the control was recorded in strawberry leaves. Given the high environmental safety requirements for berry growing technologies, the search for alternative biological products in the control of Tarsonemus fragariae is promising

Ways to reduce the impact of livestock facilities on the environment

The results of the study of the impact of livestock facilities on the state of the environment are presented. To ensure environmental safety, pollutant emissions are regulated by implementing environmental protection policies. Therefore, there is a need to develop scientifically sound approaches to improve methods of regulating emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere from low-capacity livestock facilities, which determines the relevance of this work. The analysis of the existing researches taking into account the European system of inventory of EMEP («CORINAIR») is carried out. A number of measures have been identified to reduce emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere from livestock facilities. It is established that for the last 16 years there is a tendency to reduce the number of farm animals, in particular: cattle by 41.4% and pigs by 21.4%. The exception is poultry, which increased by 28.5% during this period. At the same time, as a result of economic activity of livestock facilities such pollutants as ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, methane, alcohols (methanol, ethanol, etc.), phenols, esters, carbonyl compounds (aldehydes and ketones), carbon acids, sulfides and disulfides, mercaptans, amines, carbon dioxide. The efficiency of introduction of entomological method of utilization of organic waste of animal husbandry which allows receiving simultaneously protein of animal origin and organic fertilizers with the improved physical and mechanical properties is established. Pig manure after processing by larvae of flies becomes a valuable organic fertilizer that has a nematodicidal effect. It is especially valuable for indoor use. Application of biohumus to the soil at the rate of 400 g/m2 reduces the number of nematodes and delays its emergence. Thus, obtaining humus is essentially a solution to the problem of using the ecological mechanism of soil fertility restoration. This addresses the issue of humus biotechnology, which is an alternative to soil chemicalization and creates the conditions for biologization and greening of agriculture. Also, one of the ways to reduce the negative impact on the environment is to dispose of waste in agriculture by producing biogas. This allows you to get a fuel mixture of gases with a heat of combustion of about 20–25 MJ/m3 and methane content in the range of 60–75%, as well as reduce the load of polluting gases on the environment.

Algae, polyporales fungi and insects – xylophages of the Smolny Island natual reserve (Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, Russia)

Smolny Island is a specially protected natural area of regional importance aimed to preserve a unique natural ecosystem of typical floodplain landscapes of the latitudinal section of the Ob River. The purpose of this research is to obtain primary data on the species composition and state of algological, polyporale communities and insects-xylophages of the Smolny Island natural reserve. The standard algological, mycological and entomological research methods were used. The original studies results for several components of the ecosystem are presented for the first time. The composition, structure, occurrence of freshwater algae, forest, polyporale communities and forest insects pests were investigated. The freshwater algocenoses of the island have a typical regional composition, in summer there is a tendency to cenosis characteristic of the region's swamps (diatom-euglena viridis type) in autumn there's diatom, with low occurrence of species. An increased saprobity of the studied waters was detected. In total, 12 insects xylophages species of the Agaricomycetes class were found in forest communities (coniferous, floodplain, small-leaved cenosis), with the richest species community in the test plot of small-leaved forest and the least variety in the coniferous one. No great risk for the development of a mass insects-xylophages area in the test plots was revealed, but the constant monitoring of the forest stock of the Smolny Island natural reserve is necessary to prevent the development of invasions and preserve the biodiversity of the island. The research results can be recommended as special diagnostic methods for tracking the diversity and condition of island communities.

A fauna de abelhas (Hymenoptera, Apoidea) em áreas de Cerrado e de transição Cerrado-Floresta Amazônica no estado do Tocantins, Região Norte do Brasil

Abstract: Two sites located in Tocantins State, Brazil, were selected for the bee’s community survey. One of them was mostly covered by Cerrado vegetation and the other one is located in the Cerrado-Amazon Rainforest ecotone. Five expeditions were performed in each site throughout a 12-month period, between 2019 and 2020. The total of 771 bee specimens were collected and distributed into four families. Apidae presented the greatest species abundance and richness, it was followed by Halictidae, Megachilidae and Andrenidae, respectively. Trigona pallens (Fabricius) (Apidae) was the species presenting the greatest abundance in both sites, it totaled 118 specimens, which corresponded to 26.9% of the total abundance of individuals belonging to tribe Meliponini. In general, the community presented several species with few individuals and few species with many individuals. Bee collections were performed by using three different methodologies, among them one finds sampling based on the entomological net method, which allowed collecting the largest number of both individuals and species in comparison to the other used methods. Based on the frequency and abundance classes, only few species were classified as very frequent (VF) and very abundant (VA) in both sites based on the frequency and abundance classes. Most species were constant (W) in both regions, and there was a small number of dominant species (D); moreover, more than 70% of the sampled species were considered accidental (Z). According to the present study, either Cerrado or Cerrado-Amazon Rainforest studied sites presented higher species richness than other sites in these biomes sampled in Brazil.

Water Quality Assessment with Biotic Index Based on Abundance and Diversity of Aquatic Insects in a Hilly Stream, Bangladesh

Study of stream insect fauna provide valuable insights into aspects of the stream channel ecosystem. The present study was conducted to investigate the aquatic stream living insect community, abundance and diversity in a hilly stream, Balukhali chora of Chittagong University campus to determine the water quality. The insects were collected with bottom dredge net from the edge and benthic regions of the Riffle zone and the Pool zone of the stream from January 2018 to December 2018. Insects were sampled using standard entomological method and determined their tolerance value. A total of 2535 insects were recorded, belonging to six insect orders, 30 families and 45 genera. The abundance ratio was higher in all the months in the Pool zone excepting the months of April, May, June and October. The orders Ephemeroptera, Odonata and Diptera were abundant in the Pool zone, while Hemiptera, Coleoptera and Lepidoptera were abundant in the Riffle zone. On the basis of Biotic Index, the most dominating orders Odonata and Hemiptera indicated good water quality, though the dipteran genus Chironomus spp. indicated poor quality in some of the months. The stream insect community structure of the two zones indicated that the overall water quality of the stream water was very good. Both manmade and natural interruption occurred in the stream channel due to human settlement, agricultural runoff and natural disasters. The study was conducted to know the abundance and diversity of aquatic insect community which indicated the water quality of the stream.

Tuberculosis Pathology of Fraxinus Excelsior L. in Ukraine: Symptomatology, Etiology, Pathogenesis

Given the forestry, the ecological and economic value of forests with the participation of Fraxinus excelsior and taking into account the intensive deterioration of their phytosanitary status in modern conditions, a comprehensive study of symptoms, causes, and pathogenesis of ash tuberculosis with further development of effective protection measures, including using biological products based on Bacillus sp. and other myco- and microorganisms, is a particularly relevant area of research. The aim of the research is to identify negative abiotic and biotic factors in the pathology of F. excelsior. In the process of research general scientific and special research methods were used (microbiological, mycological, phytopathological, entomological, and silvicultural-ecological methods). It is emphasized that the pathology of the common ash is a multifaceted phenomenon with interrelated processes of infectious and non-infectious nature, which in recent years has led to epiphytic dieback and now has a tendency to increase. It has been established that tuberculosis of F. excelsior is the most common and harmful disease within the study region and causes more economic than environmental damage. Bacteria of the genera Pseudomonas sp., Erwinia sp., and Xanthomonas sp., as well as micromycetes, which mainly take the place of the concomitant mycobiota. There are five stages (phases) of the development of tuberculosis pathology, which differ significantly in symptoms. The species composition of harmful insects has been identified. It is shown that hydrothermal stress is a catalyst for the epiphytic dieback of common ash. Direct dependence of the spread of tuberculosis on the share of ash in the stands of different age groups was revealed. In the study area, tuberculosis reaches epiphytotics on F. excelsior, especially at a young age. The expediency of distinguishing the causes and pathological processes associated with ash tuberculosis is indicated, so as not to confuse the disease-catalyzing factors and the factors that lead to the complete degradation of ash stands