Pest Control Materials Research Articles

Efficacy of Natural Plants Extract and Ethnomedicinal Dilution on Bruchid (Callosobruchus maculatus) Management in Storage Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek

Background: Storage of pulse grain is a severe on-going problem for farmers, traders and also the consumers. Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] is one of such vital protein rich pulse crops of Indian origin referred to as poor man’s meat. Bruchids (Callosobruchus maculatus) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) are the major polyphagous storage pest of mungbean which causes the substantial post-harvest qualitative and quantitative loss, especially in long time storage condition. This loss directly affects the agricultural economy and also the human health.Methods: To find a solution, we first screened a large variety of mungbean genotypes against bruchid attack and narrowed down to six most potential varieties with highest resistance to bruchids. The present study is intended to manage pest control in post-harvest storage condition using easily available natural and eco-friendly treatment materials against the much-used chemical pest control materials. We have instinctively chosen eight treatment materials that are not used before except one in any earlier but similar studies of pest control management on other grains. Apart from direct natural sources of these treatment materials, we have used two ethnomedicinal dilution and evaluated their management efficacy as well.Result: The study highlights a new promising eco-friendly approach for bruchid management either through the ‘Homeo-Bruchid Interaction’ or through the ‘Easily Available Homemade Remedies.’ Our results are based on the crude extracts. In few specific situations, we have tried to give possible molecular level interactions that provide the bruchid resistance. However, further investigation is deemed necessary to properly assess the quality components of treating seed as well as identifying particular properties that are responsible for bruchid resistance and to confirm the level of human safety based on their bioactivity before commercialization.

Ethnobotany of MandailingTribe in Batang Gadis National Park

Batang Gadis National Park (BGNP) located in Bukit Barisan Mountains, Sumatera Utara. A Mandailing tribe who lives around the BGNP, has the unique local knowledge, such as processing young stem of rattan ( Calamus manan ) into pakkat (traditional food) and use rimbang ( Solanum torvum ) to neutralize toxins. These local knowledge could be lost because it only inherited orally from generation to generation. This study was aimed to reveal ethnobotany knowledge of Mandailing Tribe. The study was conducted in November 2015 in four villages around the BGNP, Sibanggor Jae, Hutabaringin Julu, Pastap Jae, and Botung Villages. Data were collected by interviewing informants in each village as well as the field survey through two approaches, emic and etic. A total of 262 plant species is used by Mandailing Tribe for subsistence and commercial needs. The highest utilization is for food (106 species), followed by traditional medicines (81 species), firewood (29 species), building materials (35 species), and animal feed (25 species). People also used plant for household appliances, agricultural equipment, art materials, ropes and wrap, and pest control materials. Eme /rice ( Oryza sativa ) have the highest Index of Cultural Significance (ICS) values. The existence of this species is maintained for its local wisdom. Thus, involvement of local community will give great contribution to manage and conserve the BGNP area.

PREDICTING THE AMERICAN BOLLWORM, HELICOVERPA ARMIGERA (HÜBNER) FIELD GENERATIONS AS INFLUENCED BY HEAT UNIT ACCUMULATION

The present study was conducted in Beni-Suef Governorate under field conditions during the seasons of 2005 and 2006. Results indicated that the population of the American bollworm moths, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) had four peaks starting from the 3rd week of May until the 2nd week of September during the two tested seasons. The highest number of moths was recorded during the end of July and the whole August which being 120 & 154 moth/trap/35 days and 150 days after cotton planting in both seasons, respectively. The predicted peaks of generations could be detected when the accumulated thermal units recorded 558.18 DD’s. The predicted peaks for the detected four generations varied from +2 to -3 days from the observed peaks. For better prediction of the American bollworm the period between the observed and expected peaks should be positive and as short as possible when early preparation of pest control materials are of great important, consequently it could be helpful when IPM control tactics are considered.

Possibility of insect pathogenic microbe as hygiene insect pest control materials

Possibility of insect pathogenic microbe as hygiene insect pest control materials

SPRAY SPECTRA, DEPOSITION AND SEDIMENTATION CHARACTERISTICS FOR LOW PRESSURE LIQUID ATOMIZERS

The focus of this investigation was on assessing the feasibility of the evaluation new developing nozzles that will target and spray the biological pest control materials and herbicides. As well as comparing the spray characteristics for external mixing twin fluid nozzles with the low liquid atomizers motorized Backpack mistblower and ProptecTM rotary atomizer. The Stihl SR 340 Powerful knapsack Mist-blower 2.6 kW, rotary atomizer, Ledebuhr Industries, Inc. 11429 Upton Road Bath, Michigan-48808) and five developed an external mixing twin fluid (EMTF) nozzles were tested under laboratory condition to measure the spray droplet spectra, the spray deposition and sedimentation. Droplet size spectra produced by three atomizers, mistblower, rotary cage and EMTF nozzles were measured using the Malvern laser (particle size analyzer). The three atomizers were tested at flow-rate 0.5 l min -1and 1 l min -1. As well as, the motorized Backpack Mistblower and ProptecTM rotary cage atomizer were tested under four levels for rotational speed. The rotational speeds for ProptecTM Rotary cage atomizer were 3000 r.p.m, 3500 r.p.m 4600r.p.m and 5000 r.p.m; and its were 3000 r.p.m, 4000 r.p.m, 5000 r.p.m and 6000 r.p.m for Backpack Mistblower. On the other hand, the five EMTF nozzles were tested at 150 kPa air pressure. The three atomizers was operated at low various pressures, five external twin-fluid nozzles at 30 kPa , mistblower at 28 kPa and rotary atomizer at 90 kPa liquid pressures. The different atomizers were compared by using the spray spectra, spray deposition and spray sedimentation parameters. The result indicated that, the rotary cage atomizer generally gave droplet spectra with lower Dvo.1 , D vo.5 and Dvo.9 values than the Backpack motorized Mistblower and the five EMTF air-shear nozzles. The ProptecTM rotary cage atomizes gave very fine droplets spectra with higher deposition than the Backpack mistblower and the five EMTF air-shear nozzles. The spray spectra D0.1, Dv0.5 and D0.9 for EMTF nozzles at 0.5 l min -1 flow rate were 42.7 µm, 100.9 µm and 195.4 µm; and 46.7 µm, 107.0 µm and 206.1 µm for both N3 and N5 respectively. The deposition percentage for N3 (Lechler FT 5 – 608 + Lechler LU 120-015 POM) and N5 (Lechler FT 5 - 608 + Tee Jet XR8004 VK) were 57.7 % and 58.8 % at flow-rate 1.0 l min-1. The sediment percentage for N3 (Lechler FT 5 – 608 + Lechler LU 120-015 POM) and N5 (Lechler FT 5 - 608 + Tee Jet XR8004 VK) were 16.3 % and 14.6 % at flow-rate 0.5 l min-1.

Vertebrate Pest Control Research Advisory Committee (VPCRAC): California’s Approach to Supporting Vertebrate Pest Control

As a result of increasing concern over rodenticide registration, in 1990, the California Legislature passed a law to collect $0.50 per pound surcharge on all vertebrate pest control materials sold by county agricultural commissioners in the state of California. Monies collected are used to fund research required to maintain the state’s current vertebrate pesticide registrations, to improve existing rodenticides, and to find new materials and methods to solve California’s vertebrate pest problems. A Vertebrate Pest Control Research Advisory Committee was established to administer this fund and set research priorities. To date, the program has raised more than $9 million to meet its objectives. The history, operation, and accomplishments of the surcharge fund are discussed in this report. A summary of projects funded is presented.

Aerial electrostatic‐charged sprays for deposition and efficacy against sweet potato whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) on cotton

The efficacy of aerial electrostatic-charged sprays was evaluated for spray deposit characteristics and season-long control of sweet potato whitefly (SWF), Bemisia tabaci Genn. biotype B (aka B. argentifolii Bellows & Perring), in an irrigated 24 ha cotton field. Treatments included electrostatic-charged sprays at full and half active ingredient (AI) label rate, uncharged sprays and conventional sprays applied with CP nozzles at full label rate with several different insecticides. Spray droplet size was significantly smaller for electrostatic-charged sprays than for conventional sprays in top- and mid-canopy locations. The seasonal mean numbers of viable eggs and live large nymphs on cotton treated with electrostatic-charged sprays were comparable with those on cotton treated with conventional applications. Lethal concentration (LC(50)) for adults for electrostatic-charged sprays was comparable with that for conventional sprays. The amenability of electrostatic-charged sprays to a wide array of pesticides with different chemistries should be a useful tool in combating insect resistance. Results reported here suggest that the potential exists for obtaining increased efficacy against whiteflies using an electrostatic spray charging system, and that additional research will be required to improve charge-to-mass (Q/M) ratio in order to increase deposition of pest control materials to the lower surfaces of cotton leaves where the whiteflies reside.

Sagebrush as a Short-Term Arthropod Repellent

ABSTRACT The development of biological pest control materials can contribute to sustainable agriculture, especially if such materials are derived from a plant species normally considered to be a weed. A study was conducted to investigate possible repellent properties of shredded material of big sagebrush on the activity of house cricket, American cockroach, and two types of spiders. Arthropod net movement rates away from a source of shredded sagebrush plant material placed in an enclosed insectary were determined after a 24-h period. Cockroaches were the only arthropods for which the net movement rate out of the side of the insectary with the sagebrush was greater (P = 0.10) than random movement of cockroaches in the control treatment. We conclude that sagebrush may have some capacity to repel cockroaches, and that further research on its effectiveness as an insect repellant may be warranted.

A Survey of California Pest Control Advisors:

A survey of licensed pest control advisors (PCAs) in two key agricultural counties in California was undertaken to better understand current practices of PCAs and their implications on pesticide worker health and safety. PCAs advise farmers on pest control, and make legally required recommendations before restricted use pesticides can be applied on farms. A mail questionnaire was developed to ascertain current client needs, business practices, concerns, and potential impacts of the 1991 ban on parathion by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Of 388 eligible, 114 (35%) returned completed questionnaires. Of respondents' regular clients, nearly half were using or experimenting with biologic sprays, cultural practices to encourage national predation, or using spot treatments, although clients of PCAs working as a distributor or representative for a pesticide company were less likely to do so than those of independent consultants. PCAs (82%) ranked effectiveness of pest control and worker health and safety as the top concerns when selecting pest control materials, and cost last. A majority ranked as extremely important market pressure for cosmetically perfect produce and lack of non-chemical pest control methods as barriers to growers' reducing their pesticide use. In response to the parathion ban, most PCAs planned to substitute either similar Class I toxicity insecticides or less toxic organophosphates or carbamates. This survey indicates that increased penetration of integrated pest management is possible, and that reduced pesticide use may also be achieved by relaxing of cosmetic standards and increasing research into nonchemical pest control methods.

Agricultural production systems and environmental health.

By the turn of the century, American farmers and ranchers will be producing food and fiber through the application of highly sophisticated systems that involve a broad spectrum of relevant factors--from soil type, to options for fertilizer and pesticide use, to markets and other economic information. These systems will help farmers and ranchers better match land use to land capability, apply needed conservation practices, make environmentally sound production choices, and lower production costs. Most importantly, they will aid in selecting the best combinations of chemical and the biological means for producing and protecting plants and animals. The systems will also help complement currently available and new classes of chemicals with biological control mechanisms such as natural predators and naturally occurring protective phenomena such as allelopathy and other forms of resistance to insects, weeds, and disease. Additionally, they will incorporate the use of biodegradable, slow-release, or timed-release natural and synthetic pest control materials. Also, scientists will increasingly emphasize nutrition and food safety in the development of plant and animal germplasm and production and processing methods.

Cultivation of Neem (Azadirachta indica, Meliaceae) in Saudi Arabia

What is probably the world’s largest neem (Azadirachta indica) plantation is on 10 sq km in the Plains of Arafat, Saudi Arabia, where 50,000 trees have been planted recently. The project, designed to provide shade to the ca. 2 million Muslim pilgrims who camp there annually for “Haj” rites, has economic potential. Pest-control materials, soap, toothpaste, and pharmaceutical products are among items that could be produced for home consumption and export. Introduced into the country more than 40 yr ago, the tree has acclimated itself remarkably well to the local hot and arid conditions. La Culture du Neem (Azadirachta indica,Meliaceae)en Arabie Seoudite. La plus grande plantation de neem (Azadirachta indica) entourne dix kilometres carres dans les Plaines d’Arafat, Arabie Seoudite, ou 50.000 arbres ont etes plantes recemment. Le projet, cree pour fournir ombrage aux 2 millions de pelerins musulmans qui y campent annuellement pour les rites de “haj,” a potentiel economique. Les articles que l’on pourra produire pour consommation domestique et exportation incluent les materiels pour regler des pestes, le savon, le dentifrice, et les produits pharmaceutiques. Introduit au pays il y a plus que 40 ans, l’arbre s’est adapte remarquablement bien a la chaleur locale et aux conditions arides.

A Perspective on Two Centuries of Progress in Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition

AbstractIn the American colonial period soil fertility management depended on the empirical practices learned on similar soils in Western Europe, many of them known since Roman times. There were no experiment stations, colleges of agriculture, or known principles on which to build better practices. Advances in chemistry, physics and plant physiology starting very late in the 18th century catalyzed the beginnings of soil science in the late 1890's and early 1900's.The most rapid advances in discovery of principles and putting them into practice have occurred since World War II aided by new electronic instrumentation, development of statistical theory and designs for field research, and new fertilizer and pest control materials. Among the developments put to practical use have been extension of the list of essential elements, soil and plant tissue testing for better guidance of fertilizer useage, and theories on ion transport from the solid phase to the root surface, which help to explain fertilizer placement effects, “fixation,” residual availability, and fertilizer efficiency.Our present high‐yielding agriculture depended on the development of systems with the timely combination of the best cultivars; soil, water and plant management alternatives; and plant protection. Soil fertility specialists have had a leading role in the development of these systems.Although progress in development of soil fertility theory appears to have slowed, great challenges exist for making further progress using modern developments from engineering and other sciences. Among the problems are an ever‐growing need for more food and natural fiber. This need involves further intensification for higher yields and the expansion of agriculture onto kinds of soils having unprecedented soil fertility problems. The conservation of fossil fuel energy; the management of nitrogen to improve efficiency of uptake, and to minimize denitrification and ground water pollution; and finally the development of cultivars that tolerate adverse soil conditions uncorrectable economically with traditional fertilizers and amendments are also necessary developments. To apply with selectivity all of the knowledge now available from diverse sciences will require broader training of individuals and more refined field measurements of significant variables affecting plant growth during the season.

The Deposition and Retention of certain Plant Pest Control Materials in relation to their Biological Performance

The release of 1: 1: 1 trichloro-2: 2 bis- (p. -chlorophenyl)-ethane ( p - p' * DDT for civilian consumption with the cessation of hostilities and its extensive use in agriculture and horticulture has given rise to a number of problems, many of which are still a matter of speculation and await solution. The voluminous literature available on the subject, is sometimes vague and contradictory. For example, the great stability and extraordinary persistence of DDT are well known (Fleck, 1944, Fleck and Haller, 1945, Balban and Sutcliffe, 1945). Cages treated with solution of DDT in kerosene killed flies even after a period of 8 1/2 months (Lindquist, 1944), and one application of DDT was found sufficient to prevent an infestation of plums by the Japanese beetle for one full season (Fleming, 1944). Despite this accredited stability Gunther (1945) reported that deposits of DDT lost their toxicity in less than 2 1/2 months under the climatic conditions of California where the shade temperature reached 125 deg * F Whether this loss is due to volatilization of the insecticide or to some other factors like absorption by the tissues or drying up of the films and dropping off is not known with any degree of certainity. Apparent contradictions of this nature may be attributed to the suddenness with which DDT has risen to prominence and to the fact that there is as yet no satisfactory method of estimating the p / (p') * DDT content (the insecticidally important isomer) of DDT samples.