Number Of Pests Research Articles

Potential suitability areas of Sitobion miscanthi in China based on the MaxEnt model: Implications for management

Wheat is a crucial grain crop in China, but its yield has been severely reduced by a number of pests. Identifying the pest's distribution range is vital for its effective control. Therefore, based on distribution data and environmental variables, the MaxEnt model was used herein to predict the suitability areas for habitation by Sitobion miscanthi in China now and in the future (2021–2040, 2041–2060, 2061–2080, and 2081–2100). The results showed that terrain roughness was the most important environmental variable in determining the distribution of S. miscanthi. Furthermore, the current suitability areas reached an area of 1.91 × 106 km2, mainly distributed in southern, eastern, and northeastern China, such as Hebei, Shandong, and Anhui provinces. Under future environmental conditions, the suitability areas for its habitation are expected to primarily expand in the northwest, especially in Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia, and move northwest. Moreover, the high suitability areas for habitation by this pest showed a trend of continuous increase, indicating a high probability of outbreaks. The findings on the suitability areas for S. miscanthi to inhabit at present and in the future, as determined here, are conducive to the implementation of management and control measures to enhance wheat yield and ensure food security in China.

Enhancing toxicity of pyrethroids by oxidase and esterase inhibitors in Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) larvae

Although pyrethroids are increasingly being used to control a number of agricultural insect pests, especially the cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.), pyrethroid resistance is a major obstacle limiting effective control. With the aim of maintaining the effectiveness of pyrethroids in managing pests, a study was undertaken to evaluated the effectiveness of oxidase and esterase inhibitors for synergizing pyrethroids in S. littoralis larvae. Compared with the insecticide-susceptible strain (L-SS) of S. littoralis, the resistance ratio (RR) in the field population (F-RS) was 271.43–fold to cypermethrin. The use of profenofos as an esterase inhibitor significantly increased larval susceptibility to cypermethrin in the F-RS strain, with a synergy ratio (SR) of up to 192.57–fold. Significant inhibition of esterase by profenofos in the F-RS strain was found in vivo. Also, piperonyl butoxide (PB) as an oxidase inhibitor had slight effect of cypermethrin toxicity, so its addition is not a solution for pyrethroid resistance. Thus, modifying the toxicity of cypermethrin by mixing it with organophosphorus compounds (OPs) increased its toxicity and decreased the population of S. littoralis, which is a successful strategy for managing pyrethroid resistance.

Development of a sterile insect technique as a control strategy for the Asian citrus psyllid: establishing the effect of sterilizing X-rays on fecundity, fertility, and survival.

The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), is a major pest of citrus due to its role as the vector of the bacterium that causes huanglongbing. In commercial citrus, ACP control currently relies on the application of insecticides, which may not be sustainable long-term, nor practical in urban areas. The sterile insect technique (SIT) is an alternative strategy in which large numbers of pests are reared, sterilized using radiation, and then released into the field to compete with wild individuals for matings, suppressing population growth. As a fundamental step toward the development of SIT for ACP, this study sought to identify the optimum radiation dose required to sterilize ACP without affecting their survival and mating capacity. Virgin adult ACP of both sexes were subjected to doses of X-ray irradiation ranging from 40 to 480 Gy, then paired with a nonirradiated mate and allowed to produce offspring. Fecundity was estimated as the number of eggs laid, and fertility as the proportion of those eggs that hatched. Females were more radio-sensitive than males, exhibiting a major drop in fecundity at even the lowest dose and 100% sterility at 80 Gy. In contrast, a fivefold higher dose (400 Gy) did not achieve complete sterility in males, with around 5% offspring survival. However, F1 progeny of males exposed to 320 Gy or higher were subsequently found to be 100% sterile. This confirmation of inherited sterility suggests that balancing the sterilizing effects of radiation against its mortality-inducing effects may warrant further evaluation.

Predicting the changing insect threat in the UK heritage environment

Environmental changes affecting museums and historic properties will probably result in increased numbers of insect pests or new species. Databases such as WhatsEatingYourCollection (WEYC) and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility have been used along with academic publications to predict such changes in the research presented here. The species mix in the WEYC database seems consistent across major London historic properties. Overall, common silverfish (Lepisma saccharinum) are often reported, although in future there may be an increase in other species such as Ctenolepisma longicaudatum and Ctenolepisma calvum given their increased frequency. Dermestidae (carpet and furniture beetles) may benefit from wood with increasing moisture content, and although not especially abundant, Attagenus smirnovi (brown carpet beetle) and Reesa vespulae (skin beetle) may increase as they have done on the European continent. Tineola bisselliella, a damaging moth, has invoked increasing concern over the last two decades and Cryptophagus spp. (fungus beetles) could mobilise fungal spores under a future climate more favourable to germination. Lyctus brunneus (powderpost beetle) may find future conditions favourable and attack sapwoods used in repairs. Furthermore, Reticulitermes flavipes (subterranean termite) is potentially an accidental import to the UK and may become more common given current temperatures are suitable for survival in well-drained loamy soils, and future climates would allow a presence in the north of England. Warmer conditions can lead to the presence of new species or a migration of species across the British Isles and their spread can also be encouraged through the loan of objects or on packing materials. Factors other than climate, such as changing indoor habitats, new food sources and novel uses of heritage venues can also encourage expanding insect populations. This article summarises these predicted changes in species distribution and outlines their potential threat to heritage.

A Review of Host Plant Preferences of Pentatomid Pests from West Bengal

Pentatomid bugs are a group of insects which feed on host plants. They are known to be piercing-sucking type pests of crops in India. In this study we have mainly tried to record Pentatomid pests from West Bengal along with their distribution throughout the state and their interactions with host plant species. The plant family Poaceae is infested by the highest number of Pentatomid pests. There are eleven plant families which are infested by pentatomid species. Among the reported pests of pentatomids viz., Dolycoris indicus Stal and Nezara viridula (Linnaeus) feed on plant species belonging to seven families followed by Bagrada hilaris (Burmeister) which consumes plant species of six families. Pentatomid bugs like Dolycoris baccarum, Eysarcoris ventralis Westwood, Menida versicolor (Gmelin) and Stenozygum speciosum (Dallas) are reported to attack plants from two families.

Efektivitas Ekstrak Daun Kemangi (Ocimum basilicum L.) terhadap Jumlah Hama Serangga yang Menyerang Tanaman Kacang Hijau (Phaseolus radiatus L.)

Pests are a type of plant damage that can have fatal consequences for farmers, therefore pests need to be eradicated so that farmers' yields can increase, especially in green bean plants. Basil is one of the biodiversity that has the potential to be developed as a traditional medicine. This plant is a plant that has many benefits as medicine, vegetable pesticide, essential oil producer, vegetable and refreshing drink. This research aims to determine the effectiveness of basil leaf extract (Ocimu basilicum L.) on the number of insect pests that attack green bean plants (Phaseolus radiatus L.). The parameters observed were the number of insect pests before and after treatment. The object of this research was green bean plants, the number of treatments in this research was 4 treatments (0% basil leaf extract, 10% basil leaf extract, 20% basil leaf extract, and 30% basil leaf extract) and 6 replications. Research data is descriptive data. From the research data, it was found that there was a decrease in the number of insect pests before and after treatment in the K3 treatment, the number of insect pests before treatment was 12 and after treatment there were 11 insect pests. In treatment K1-K2 there was no decrease in the number of insect pests before or after treatment. In treatment K1, the number of insect pests before treatment was 9 and after treatment there were 14 insect pests. In the K2 treatment, the number of insect pests before treatment was 12 and after treatment there were 19 insect pests. The results of the study concluded that administering basil leaf extract (Ocimum basilicum L.) had no significant effect on the number of insect pests attacking green bean plants.

Evolution of hotspots and research trends in agricultural mulch film research: a bibliometric review

Agricultural mulch film (AMF) can increase the soil temperature, reduce the evaporation of water and soil erosion, control the number of weeds and pests, and improve the yield and quality of crops. However, the environmental pollution caused by AMF residues is becoming serious and has attracted increasing amounts of research. Research on AMF is a complex subject with diverse content and rich perspectives. Currently, there have been few systematic reviews of the use of AMF. To comprehensively and deeply understand the current status, hotspots, and trends of research on AMF, this paper conducted a bibliometric analysis of AMF literature from 1960 to 2022. Results are as follows: the overall publication volume in the field of AMF has increased 1960 to 2022. The top three countries contributing to publication volume include China, United States (US) and India, which are also the main collaborating nations. Notably, cooperation between China and US is the most frequent, and a cluster constituted by European nations serve as a primary collaborator for other countries. Owing to the introduction and development of the concept of degradable plastics, the field entered a period of rapid growth after 1970 and has primarily focused on continuous development in the areas of horticulture and environmental science. Current research on AMF primarily aims to: 1) develop applications that are aimed at enhancing the yield and quality of crops, and 2) improve the materials used to produce AMF to reduce its environmental impact. The persistent hotspots of research in AMF revolve around modifying the soil microclimate, promoting crop growth and development, and increasing crop yields. Frontier AMF research includes: exploring crop quality enhancement mechanisms, developing low-cost biodegradable film technologies and their natural degradation effects, and investigating AMF’s impact on soil nitrous oxide emissions and associated mechanisms.

Fruit pests of plum plantations of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine and efficiency of protection

Goal. To determine the technical effectiveness of pesticides of different origin against fruit-damaging pests of plum in the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine.
 Methods. Field, field-laboratory. The species composition of plum fruit pests was studied during systematic surveys in plum plantations of the L.P. Symyrenko Experimental Station of Pomology of the Institute of Horticulture of NAAS during 2021—2023. Accounting was carried out according to generally accepted methods. The research scheme included 8 variants. Yield and marketability were recorded during harvesting. The technical efficiency of Mospilan, RP (acetamiprid, 200 g/kg), Proclaim, 5 SG, v.g. (emamectin benzoate, 50 g/ kg) and Bitoxibacillin-BTU®r (bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis var. Thuringiensis, 1 ml of the drug contains 3 billion cells and 0.5% — 0.7% exotoxin) was determined at different consumption rates.
 Results. In the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine, the species composition of plum fruit pests is represented by black plum trach (Hoplocampa minuta Christ.), plum moth (Grapholitha funebrana Tr.) and thick-skinned weevil (Eurytoma schreineri Schr.). The most numerous and harmful species in 2021—2022 was the black plum borer, and in 2023 — the plum moth.
 Conclusions. Mospilan RP, Proclaim, 5 SG, v.g. and Bitoxibacillin-BTU® in plum plantations provided a decrease in the number of fruit-damaging pests, which made it possible to obtain higher-grade products. The technical efficiency was: for plum trach — 78.5—88.5%, plum moth — 81.0—85.0, and the weevil — 73.0—79.0%. During the years of research, all preparations showed the lowest effectiveness against plum borer.

Observation of key phenological stages of hemlock woolly adelgid (Hemiptera: Adelgidae): using citizen science as a tool to inform research and management.

Increasing efficiency of data gathering at the landscape scale on the growing number of pests and pathogens threatening forests worldwide has potential to improve management outcomes. Citizen science is expanding, with growing support and utility in environmental and conservation fields. We present a case study showing how citizen science observations can be used to inform research and management of a devastating forest pest. Hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae Annand (Hemiptera: Adelgidae), was introduced to eastern North America, leading to decline and mortality of eastern [Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carrière] (Pinales: Pinaceae)and Carolina hemlock (Tsuga caroliniana Engelmann)trees. Management activities, most notably biological control, rely on observations of A. tsugae phenology to inform the timing of releases and monitoring surveys of their highly synchronized specialist predators. In this article, we outline a citizen science program and report phenological observations on A. tsugae. Additionally, we report data comparing A. tsugae estivation break in Virginia (VA) and New York (NY) State, revealing that estivation break is synchronized between NY and VA. This observation is supported by 6 years of citizen scientist observations, showing similar patterns throughout NY, with egg laying shown to be much more variable than estivation break.

Assessment of Bioefficacy of Chilli Pepper Capsicum frutescens (L.) and its Intercropping on the Performance and Insect Pests Management of Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea L.)

A study was conducted at the Yaba College of Technology Instructional and Research Farm in 2022 and 2023 wet and dry seasons to determine the bio-efficacy of chilli pepper, (Capsicum frutescens (L.)) and its intercropping on the growth, yield and insect pest management of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.)). The experiment was laid out in a 3×4 factorial experiment in Randomized Complete Block Design with 3 treatments (chilli pepper extract at 200l/ha, 250l/ha, and local control) at 3 replications in alternate intercropping, strip cropping, border cropping, and sole cropping arrangement. The chilli pepper aqueous extract at 200 l/ha and 250 l/ha sprayed on the Bambara groundnut plants were sprayed as scheduled from 10 am to 12 noon with the view of protecting it with aqueous extract of chilli pepper on 12 plots of 60 ridges. Data were collected on growth parameters of Bambara groundnut at 2, 4, and 6 weeks after planting, pest population, assessment of thrips and legume pod borer, assessment of both nymph and adult of legume pod borer and pod sucking bugs, pod density, pod damage, grain yield, yield loss and assessment of phytotoxicity signs using Analysis of Variance. Results showed that 250 l/ha aqueous extract treated plots reduced the number of insect pests including thrips (4.67±1.09), legume pod borer (1.76±0.35), legume pod borer nymph (1.08±0.10) adults of pod borers (1.18±0.11) and pod sucking bugs adult (3.33±1.09) in intercropping situation, followed by 200 l/ha respectively as compared to untreated plots (2.69±0.12). There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the treated plots (9.08±0.62) and untreated plots (12.44±0.71) in terms of pod damage as well as increased grain yields (343.73±4.71) when compared to the untreated control (322.12±43). However, 250 l/ha causes higher phytotoxicity damage than 200 l/ha although it controlled pest population better than 200 l/ha. Alternate cropping proved to be superior to other cropping system with respect to grain yield (36.78±12.99), reduction in pest infestation (6.33±1.23) and reduction in yield loss (299.58±9.41) when compared to sole cropping of Bambara groundnut with respect to grain yield (100.24±12.99), reduction in pest infestation (15.33±1.23) and reduction in yield loss (395.27±9.41). The bio-pesticidal effect of chilli pepper on Bambara groundnut insects may be due to the presence of active ingredients present in chilli pepper including glycosides, tannin, terpenoides, flavonoids, saponin, reducing sugar, steroids, and resins. This result indicates the potential of using plant extract with insecticidal attributes for the protection of Bambara groundnut in low input agriculture practiced by limited resource farmers in developing countries.

Monitoring of the species composition and number of insects and mites on the apple trees in the Right Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine

Goal. To monitor the species composition and abundance of insects and mites on apple trees in the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine.
 Methods. Field, laboratory, microscopic, mathematical, statistical and calculation methods. The research was carried out according to generally accepted methods in entomology and plant protection, starting in early spring (late April — early May before harvest).
 Results. Monitoring of the number of insect pests and mites on apple trees in three types of plantations was carried out: a young orchard on stunted rootstocks with an intensive protection system; an old orchard on tall rootstocks with a protection system; an old orchard without treatments (long-term control).
 Conclusions. Monitoring of species composition and dynamics of pests number makes it possible to study and substantiate the patterns in the structure of insect and mite populations, to predict their harmfulness and to improve the protection system of apple trees or its individual components.

Monitoring of phytophages in spring wheat agrocenoses in view of applying different agrotechnological methods in the conditions of the North-East of Kazakhstan

The article discusses issues related to the impact of agrotechnical practices (sowing time and preceding crop) on the number and species diversity of pests in spring wheat varieties of foreign and Kazakhstan breeding in the conditions of the North-East of Kazakhstan. In order to increase plant resistance to pests and identify the impact of various preceding crops the research in 2022 was conducted in agricultural organizations located in the regions of North-Eastern Kazakhstan. The spring and summer of the vegetation period of 2022 were characterized by high temperatures and a lack of moisture in the soil, impact of which is seen in the form of turgor decrease in plant organisms and their resistance to various damages. In the course of early sowing of Triso wheat, the plants were more affected at the initial stage of development by the lack of moisture in the soil and high temperatures, which identified in the form growth retardation and increased plant susceptibility to pest damage. The sowing of other varieties was carried out at the optimal time recommended by the scientific institutions of the region ― in the period of May 15‒24. This allowed the culture to develop normally and avoid the most vulnerable phases during the maximum level of summer precipitation, which is typical for North-Eastern Kazakhstan in the third decade of June. The practical significance of the work is in the possibility of effective implementation of protective measures and optimization of the agricultural technology used in accordance with the soil and climatic conditions of crop cultivation and species diversity of phytophages.

ВЛИЯНИЕ АГРОТЕХНОЛОГИЙ НА ФИТОСАНИТАРНОЕ СОСТОЯНИЕ ПОСЕВОВ И ПРОДУКТИВНОСТЬ СЕЛЬСКОХОЗЯЙСТВЕННЫХ КУЛЬТУР

The purpose of research is to establish the most effective technologies for cultivating crops in forage crop rotation based on their phytosanitary condition and productivity. The objects of research were crops of forage crops in crop rotation (annual and perennial grasses, grain crops, corn), cultivated using five technologies that differ in the intensity of nutrition backgrounds and the use of pesticides (extensive – control, intensive, high-intensity, organic, biologized). Research was conducted in 2018–2021 in a joint field experiment of the Yaroslavl Scientific Research Institute of livestock breeding and forage production – a branch of the Federal State Budget Scientific Institution “Federal Williams Research Center of Forage Production and Agroecology” and the Yaroslavl State Agrarian University to study phytosanitary indicators (the number and weight of weeds, potential contamination of the soil with their reproductive organs, the spread of diseases and the number of insect pests) and the productivity of cultivated crops using generally accepted methods. The research results made it possible to recommend perennial grasses for up to 3 years of use in fodder crop rotations in order to improve the phytosanitary condition of crops and corn in order to obtain high fodder productivity of the crop rotation (over 5 800 fodder units per 1 ha). For the cultivation of crops in this crop rotation, the use of organic technology using only organic fertilizers (cereal straw, manure at a rate of 60 t/ha for corn, green manure) is quite justified, since it helped reduce the abundance of weeds by 13.3–15.4 %, minimized the prevalence of diseases of grass and corn, reduced the number of insect pests by 9.7 % while obtaining an average increase in productivity of 26.8 % compared to the control and the absence of a significant reduction in comparison with intensive technologies while increasing the quality indicators of the crop and economic efficiency (profitability level – 132.9 %, return on additional costs – 4.86).

Spatial variation in cocoa insect pest populations and its implication for pest management

ABSTRACT Currently, mirids, stink bugs and coreid bugs are the most important insect pests of cocoa in Ghana. The populations of these insect pests are known to be influenced by the availability of food and breeding sites, as well as the macro and micro climates in cocoa farms. The study investigated variations in the population dynamics of these pests and their damage trends within a square mile (259 hectares). Pest numbers and damage were assessed monthly on 100 trees per plot from 2015 to 2020, each plot measuring one acre (0.4 hectare). Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in pest numbers and damage symptoms of the different pest species for the various months of assessment. Populations of each pest species (mirids, stink bugs and the coreid bugs) and their associated damage in the various cocoa plots were significantly different (p < 0.05). The study showed that relying on the pest activity in one cocoa plantation to determine pest management activities in a nearby cocoa plot may not always lead to accurate and effective pest control. The need for pest surveillance and monitoring at the farm level as a basis to design effective Integrated Pest Management in cocoa production is discussed.

Resistance risk assessment, cross-resistance potential and realized heritability of resistance to methomyl in Musca domestica Linnaeus.

The use of insecticides in agricultural settings often exerts negative effects on nontarget species. Methomyl, a broad-spectrum carbamate insecticide, is recommended to manage a number of insect pests of the cotton crop. Recently, Musca domestica, which is a nontarget insect species in cotton fields, has shown resistance to methomyl in Pakistan. The present study tried to assess resistance-risk assessment, rapidity of resistance development to methomyl, cross-resistance potential to other insecticides, resistance heritability and to forecast the projected rate of resistance development under field conditions. For this purpose, a field strain of M. domestica with 186 fold resistance to methomyl was re-selected in the laboratory for eight consecutive generations. Consequently, LD50 values increased rapidly (126.64 ng/fly to 3112.79 ng/fly) compared to those before selection experiments. Similarly, RR values increased from 186 to 3113 fold as a result of the selection process. However, resistance to methomyl did not remain stable when the selected strain (Meth-SEL) reared for the next five generations in a pesticide free environment. The Meth-SEL strain also developed cross-resistance to permethrin. The realized heritability (h2) value for the Meth-SEL strain was 0.39 with 27% average mortality of M. domestica. Assuming the standard deviation (σp) value 0.27 and the h2 value 0.39 for eight generations of continuous exposure to methomyl, then five, seven, eight, ten and twelve generations at 90, 80, 70, 60 and 50% selection intensity, respectively, would be required for a tenfold increase in the LD50 value of methomyl. In conclusion, the Meth-SEL strain of M. domestica exhibited a high risk of resistance development to methomyl under continuous selection pressure. Resistance increased rapidly during selection experiments that reflect the probability of resistance development under field conditions if M. domestica receive exposures to methomyl during its applications for the management of target pest species.

Monitoring of the content and migration of heavy metals in the soils–melliferous plants–bees–beekeeping products system in biocenoses of the combat areas

Aim. To determine the specificities of perennial dynamics in the number of the main corn insect pests in different natural and climatic zones of Ukraine under climate change. Methods. The field, laboratory, mathematical methods were used. The materials of the phytosanitary entomological monitoring of the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Con- sumer Protection (2005–2021) in the basic 161 enterprises in Ukraine’s regions using methodologically standardized annual registrations of the main harmful organisms of agrocenoses (Borzykh еt al, 2018). Six groups of the main corn insect pests were investigated: corn borers (Ostrinia nubilalis Hübner), wireworms (Elateridae) and false wireworms (Te- nebrionidae), cutworms (Noctuida), southern dusty surface beetle (Tanymecus dilaticollis Gyllenhal), cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera Hübner), and cereal aphids (Schizaphis graminum) Rondani. The database of the Hydrometeoro- logical Center of Ukraine was used to analyze climate parameters (2005–2021). The statistical analysis of the data was conducted using MS Excel and the linear correlation-regression analysis according to Pearson, Student’s criterion was used to evaluate the reliability (probability) of the correlation coefficients. Results. The results of correlational analysis of the state of populations of the main corn insect pests demonstrated that climate change has not considerably affected the number of corn borers as well as wireworms and false wireworms in all the natural and climatic zones of Ukraine yet. A reliable moderate reverse correlation (r = –0.309) was found between the number of cutworms and the sum of effective temperatures (SET) only for the Forest-Steppe conditions – under the increase in the SET, the number of these insects was smaller. The number of the southern dusty surface beetle was in direct, reliable, moderate correlation (r = 0.335) with the SET in the Steppe, for instance, the pest responded to the increase in the SET with the rise in its number. The number of cotton bollworms in Polissia was in reliable moderate correlation (r = –0.489) with the SET. The number of cereal aphids was in a reliable moderate direct correlation (r = 0.529) with the SET in Polissia: at the increase in the SET, the number of these pests was increasing. Conclusions. Conclusions: Climate changes do not considerably affect the state of the populations of the main corn insect pests in all the natural and climatic zones of Ukraine yet: we found the correlations between the number of insect pests and the SET which did not exceed such values as weak, moderate, and conspicuous. Significant changes in the state of insect pest populations should be expected if the sum of effective temperatures during the vegetation period will considerably affect the performance and feeding qualities of the cultivated plants.

Population dynamics of corn insect pests in Ukraine under climate change

Aim. To determine the specificities of perennial dynamics in the number of the main corn insect pests in different natural and climatic zones of Ukraine under climate change. Methods. The field, laboratory, mathematical methods were used. The materials of the phytosanitary entomological monitoring of the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Con- sumer Protection (2005–2021) in the basic 161 enterprises in Ukraine’s regions using methodologically standardized annual registrations of the main harmful organisms of agrocenoses (Borzykh еt al, 2018). Six groups of the main corn insect pests were investigated: corn borers (Ostrinia nubilalis Hübner), wireworms (Elateridae) and false wireworms (Te- nebrionidae), cutworms (Noctuida), southern dusty surface beetle (Tanymecus dilaticollis Gyllenhal), cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera Hübner), and cereal aphids (Schizaphis graminum) Rondani. The database of the Hydrometeoro- logical Center of Ukraine was used to analyze climate parameters (2005–2021). The statistical analysis of the data was conducted using MS Excel and the linear correlation-regression analysis according to Pearson, Student’s criterion was used to evaluate the reliability (probability) of the correlation coefficients. Results. The results of correlational analysis of the state of populations of the main corn insect pests demonstrated that climate change has not considerably affected the number of corn borers as well as wireworms and false wireworms in all the natural and climatic zones of Ukraine yet. A reliable moderate reverse correlation (r = –0.309) was found between the number of cutworms and the sum of effective temperatures (SET) only for the Forest-Steppe conditions – under the increase in the SET, the number of these insects was smaller. The number of the southern dusty surface beetle was in direct, reliable, moderate correlation (r = 0.335) with the SET in the Steppe, for instance, the pest responded to the increase in the SET with the rise in its number. The number of cotton bollworms in Polissia was in reliable moderate correlation (r = –0.489) with the SET. The number of cereal aphids was in a reliable moderate direct correlation (r = 0.529) with the SET in Polissia: at the increase in the SET, the number of these pests was increasing. Conclusions. Conclusions: Climate changes do not considerably affect the state of the populations of the main corn insect pests in all the natural and climatic zones of Ukraine yet: we found the correlations between the number of insect pests and the SET which did not exceed such values as weak, moderate, and conspicuous. Significant changes in the state of insect pest populations should be expected if the sum of effective temperatures during the vegetation period will considerably affect the performance and feeding qualities of the cultivated plants.

Resistance to both aphids and nematodes in tobacco plants expressing a Bacillus thuringiensis crystal protein.

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and its crystal toxin or δ-endotoxins (Cry) offer great potential for the efficient control of crop pests. A vast number of pests can potentially infect the same host plant, either simultaneously or sequentially. However, no effective Bt-Cry protein has been reported to control both aphids and plant parasitic nematodes due to its highly specific activity. Our study indicated that the Cry5Ba2 protein was toxic to the green peach aphid Myzus persicae, which had a median lethal concentration (LC50) of 9.7 ng μL-1 and fiducial limits of 3.1-34.6 ng μL-1. Immunohistochemical localization of Cry5Ba2 revealed that it could bind to the apical tip of microvilli in midgut regions. Moreover, transgenic tobacco plants expressing Cry5Ba2 exhibited significant resistance to Myzus persicae, as evidenced by reduced insect survival and impaired fecundity, and also intoxicated the Meloidogyne incognita as indicated by a decrease in galls and progeny reproduction. In sum, we identified a new aphicidal Bt toxin resource that could simultaneously control both aboveground and belowground pests, thus extending the application range of Bt-based strategy for crop protection. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Incorporation of climate change into a multiple stressor risk assessment for the Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) population in the Yakima River, Washington, USA.

One outcome of the 2022 Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Pellston Workshop on incorporating climate change predictions into ecological risk assessments was the key question of how to integrate ecological risk assessments that focus on contaminants with the environmental alterations from climate projections. This article summarizes the results of integrating selected direct and indirect effects of climate change into an existing Bayesian network previously used for ecological risk assessment. The existing Bayesian Network Relative Risk Model integrated the effects of two organophosphate pesticides (malathion and diazinon), water temperature, and dissolved oxygen levels on the Chinook salmon population in the Yakima River Basin (YRB), Washington, USA. The endpoint was defined as the entity, Yakima River metapopulation, and the attribute was defined as no decline to a subpopulation or the overall metapopulation. In this manner, we addressed the management objective of no net loss of Chinook salmon, an iconic and protected species. Climate change-induced changes in water quality parameters (temperature and dissolved oxygen levels) used models based on projected climatic conditions in the 2050s and 2080s by the use of a probabilistic model. Pesticide concentrations in the original model were modified assuming different scenarios of pest control strategies in the future, because climate change may alter pest numbers and species. Our results predict that future direct and indirect changes to the YRB will result in a greater probability that the salmon population will continue to fail to meet the management objective of no net loss. As indicated by the sensitivity analysis, the key driver in salmon population risk was found to be current and future changes in temperature and dissolved oxygen, with pesticide concentrations being not as important. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:419-432. © 2023 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

Determinación de la actividad antimicótica de los aceites esenciales de eucalipto, molle y romero sobre (Fusarium sp; Pythium sp; Rhizoctonia sp), agentes causales del mal de almacigo en condiciones de laboratorio

Introduction: The proliferation of a large number of fungi, diseases, and pests, due to the imbalance of soil mycostasis, is due to the irrational use of pesticides, fungicides, and the use of inefficient agronomic practices, such as monoculture, traditional sowing, and deforestation. Factors that have caused serious problems in environmental balance and human health. One of the possible alternatives to regulate this imbalance is the application of extracts of plant origin to control fungi, pests, and diseases in crops. Objectives: “The objective of this research was to determine the antifungal activity and the inhibition capacity of the extraction process of the essential oils of Eucalyptus, molle and rosemary, on fungi (Fusarium sp. Pythium sp. Rhizoctonia sp. and Sclerotium sp.), causal agents of almacigo disease Damping off. Applying the Methodology: isolation, analysis of variance, Completely Randomized Design (DCA),” separation of means and 5% Tukey test, Determination of effective dose 50, Inhibition capacity, Linear regression analysis; obtaining the following. Results: “The fungi under study are slow growing, no pathogen was able to populate the surface of the Petri dish from 24 to 120 hours, the radial growth rate being presented in the following order: Pythium sp. with 32mm, Rhizoctonia sp. with 30.82 mm, Fusarium sp. with 23.42mm and finally Sclerotium sp with 19 mm. The best treatments were the distillates of Eucalyptus, Molle and Rosemary and the wastewater fraction of Rosemary, which managed to inhibit 91.46%; 93.48% and 94.26% on Fusarium Sp., Phytium Sp., Rhizoctonia sp. and Sclerotium sp. respectively. Conclusions: “The use of essential oils is efficient for pest control, so making a comparison with the Benomyl fungicide by determining the effective dose of 50%, it is advisable to use extracts and distillates to avoid causing health problems. and environmental effects. General study area: Phytopathology. Specific study area: Antifungal Activity.