Predominant Pest Research Articles

Evaluation of Lysinibacillus formulations against banana pseudostem weevil (BPW) Odoiporus longicollis [Olivier.]

ABSTRACT Odoiporus longicollis [Olivier], commonly known as banana pseudostem weevil or BPW has been a predominant pest of bananas, resulting in devastating losses in banana cultivation across India. The current research explores the use and effectiveness of the microbial biopesticide – Lysinibacillus sphaericus against banana pseudostem weevils in field and laboratory conditions. The LC50 value of L.sphaericus was found to be 9.92% of 1 OD (optical density at 600 nm) culture after 24 h of treatment against grubs at in-vitro conditions. L.sphaericus cultures were formulated as liquid, solid, and capsule formulations, and analysed parameters such as viability, shelf life, and pest control efficiency against banana pseudostem weevils. The capsule-based formulation (8 ± 2 × 102a CFU/ml) was most effective against the grubs with a storage period of 120 days to six months under room temperature in air-free containers. The efficacy of a capsule-based formulation at in vivo conditions in the pseudostem revealed that the gelatine coat of the capsule disintegrated within 24hrs after application, leading to the easy release of active ingredients to the pseudostem. The field evaluation observed that in L.sphaericus-based capsule formulations treated plants, there was more than an 80% reduction in the infestation of grubs over control treatments. The current paper describes the application of L.sphaericus against the weevil, its unique formulation as a capsule increasing bacterial shelf life, and ease of application. The development of an easily applicable and effective capsule with a better shelf life of 6 months would increase the marketing possibilities of this biopesticide formulation against Odoiporus longicollis.

Chromosome-level genome assembly of Odontothrips loti Haliday (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

As the predominant pest of alfalfa, Odontothrips loti Haliday causes great damages over the major alfalfa-growing regions of China. The characteristics of strong mobility and fecundity make them develop rapidly in the field and hard to be controlled. There is a shortage of bioinformation and limited genomic resources available of O. loti for us to develop novel pest management strategies. In this study, we constructed a chromosome-level reference genome assembly of O. loti with a genome size of 346.59 Mb and scaffold N50 length of 18.52 Mb, anchored onto 16 chromosomes and contained 20128 genes, of which 93.59% were functionally annotated. The results of 99.20% complete insecta_odb10 genes in BUSCO analysis, 91.11% short reads mapped to the ref-genome, and the consistent tendency among the thrips in the distribution of gene length reflects the quality of genome. Our study provided the first report of genome for the genus Odontothrips, which offers a genomic resource for further investigations on evolution and molecular biology of O. loti, contributing to pest management.

HS-SPEM-GC-MS Analyses of Volatiles and Transcriptome Analysis of Camellia tetracocca in Response to Feeding by Empoasca onukii Matsuda

The tea leafhopper (Empoasca (Matsumurasca) onukii Matsuda, 1952) is the predominant pest infesting tea and causes significant losses in yield. Plants have evolved multiple defense responses to protect themselves from insect herbivores. Camellia tetracocca, a kind of ancient tea with local popularity, is unique to southwest China. This ancient tea is often attacked by the tea leafhopper. However, there are no relevant reports on changes in volatile components and defense signaling pathways after Camellia tetracocca has been attacked by E. onukii. To reveal changes in the responses of the volatile components of C. tetracocca to E. onukii, the headspace sampling technique and GC-MS were adopted to determine and analyze the volatiles. Furthermore, to unveil the defense mechanisms of C. tetracocca in response to E. onukii, transcriptome analysis was applied to damaged tea leaves and healthy leaves. The GC-MS analysis showed significant increases in the linalool and (E)-2-hexenal contents. The transcriptome analysis revealed a set of core pest-responsive genes (3074 upregulated and 5098 downregulated). Most of the enriched pest-responsive genes are mainly involved in plant hormone signal transduction photosynthesis, terpenoid backbone biosynthesis, alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, and the NF-κB signaling pathway. A conjoint analysis of the transcriptome and metabolome indicated that N2-acetylornithine, D-malic acid, theogallin, fucosyllactose, 5-caffeoylquinic acid, fumarprotocetraric acid, and arabinogalactose have a significant correlation with LOC114279735, LOC114317534, LOC114282078, LOC114317768, and LOC114263181. This study lays a foundation for further research on the breeding and cultivation of insect-resistant germplasm resources for C. tetracocca and on the promotion and development of the plant.

Smart insect monitoring based on YOLOV5 case study: Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata and Peach fruit fly Bactrocera zonata

The agricultural sector in Egypt is adversely affected by factors such as inadequate soil fertility and environmental hazards such as pestilence and diseases. The implementation of early pest prediction techniques has the potential to enhance agricultural yield. Bactrocera zonata and Ceratitis capitata, known as peach fruit fly and Mediterranean fruit fly, respectively, are the predominant pests that cause significant damage to fruits on a global scale. The present study proposes a deep learning-based approach for the detection and quantification of pests. The proposed approach entails the retrieval of data pertaining to the adhesive trap condition, followed by its examination and presentation through a mobile application. The YOLOV5 model has been implemented for the purpose of pest classification, localization, and quantification. In order to address the issue of a restricted dataset, a hybrid technique of transfer learning and data augmentation (copy and paste) was employed. The proposed approach offers an intelligent real time pest detection, thereby facilitating the prediction of treatment options. An application for smartphones has been developed to aid farmers and agricultural professionals in the management and treatment of pests. The proposed approach has the potential to aid farmers in identifying the existence of pests, thereby diminishing the duration and resources needed for farm inspection. As per the results of the conducted experiments, the proposed approach demonstrates a noteworthy increase in performance. The weighted average accuracy reaches 84%, while precision (P), mean average precision (mAP), and F1-score show enhancements of up to 15%, 18%, and 7% respectively.

Population dynamics of Steneotarsonemus concavuscutum, a neglected mite pest in coconut fruits (Cocos nucifera).

The meristematic region of Cocos nucifera fruits can be colonized by various species of mites, including Steneotarsonemus concavuscutum, Steneotarsonemus furcatus, and Aceria guerreronis. The consequence of this colonization is the development of necrotic lesions on the fruit, and sometimes its abortion. Losses are commonly attributed to A. guerreronis alone, owing to the similarities in the injuries caused and its predominance in coconut plantations. However, S. concavuscutum may be the predominant pest species in some crops. Despite the possible impact of S. concavuscutum, little is known about its bioecological aspects, such as the influence of biotic and abiotic factors on its population dynamics. Our objective was to document macroclimatic abiotic factors (temperature, relative humidity, and precipitation) and biotic factors (interspecific competition and predation) interfere in the population dynamics of S. concavuscutum. We evaluated the diversity and abundance of mites in the perianth of coconut fruit naturally infested by S. concavuscutum for 1 year. The species found in the fruits of bunch 6 of the plant, which is the fruit age at which the mites commonly reach the highest abundance, were counted every 2 weeks. We found mites from nine families and S. concavuscutum was the predominant species, representing about 92% of the individuals collected. Predators represented approximately 2% of the total collection, with Neoseiulus baraki as the predominant species. Steneotarsonemus concavuscutum population density ranged from 60 to 397 mites/fruit. The highest population densities of S. concavuscutum were observed in the hottest and driest periods of the year. The population densities of S. concavuscutum were negatively associated with the presence of N. baraki, suggesting that this predator may have a role in the biological control of this pest.

Occurrence and Identities of Insect Pests of Vegetables in Ikorodu, Lagos, Nigeria

This survey was aimed at determining the occurrence as well as identifying the insect pests of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum), amaranths (Amaranthus spp.), lettuce (Lactuca sativa), green onions (Allium cepa), and cabbage (Brassica oleracae) grown in Ikorodu, Lagos, Nigeria, towards effective control and management. After giving informed consent, structured questionnaires were used to collect demographic data from the participants, including age, education level, and pest control strategy. Two vegetable farms were then selected, of which one was in the metropolis (labeled A) and the second was on the outskirts (labeled B). After visual counting of pests on the vegetables, they were captured with swoop nets, aspirators, and forceps, and then identified in the laboratory using hand lenses and identification keys. The results show that the vegetable farmers were middle-aged men with at least a secondary school education, and chemical application was the most widely used pest control measure in the area. Farm A had 127 pests, with Solanum lycopersicum accounting for 57 (44.88%), followed by Amaranthus spp. (23, representing 18.11%), Brassica oleracae (19, representing 14.97%), Lactuca sativa (18, representing 14.17%), and Allium cepa (10, representing 7.87%). Farm B had 101 pests, of which Solanum lycopersicum accounted for 44 (43.56%), followed by Amaranthus spp. with 22 (21.78%), Lactuca sativa and Brassica oleracae each had 13 (12.87%), and Allium cepa had 9 (8.92%). Aphids were the most predominant pests with 69 members, followed by hornworms with 32, thrips and pumpkin bees each had 27, cutworms had 26, and white flies had 24, respectively. Overall, the results showed that there is a heavy pest infestation of vegetables in Ikorodu. Farmers need to be educated on pest control and management.

Growing Pleurotus ostreatus (ex. Fr) Kummer Using Gamma Radiation in Southern Ghana and its Associated Pests

Pests have been implicated in causing severe damage to food crops including mushrooms, thereby increasing the incidence of postharvest loss. This study investigated the various pests involved in the cultivation of gamma radiation aided cultivated Pleurotus ostreatus. Pests were isolated and identified by the procedure described by the Entomological Society of Canada. Cultivation of Pleurotus ostreatus was achieved by pre-treating composted sawdust substrates and spawn preparation with a gamma radiation dose of 15 kGy from a Cobalt 60 source (SLL 515, Hungary) at a dose rate of 1.7 kGyh-1 in air. A total of five pests were recorded while cropping, namely; Drosophila melanogaster (Fruit fly), Blatta germanica (cockroach), Archachatina marginata (giant snail), and Doratogonus meridionalis (millipede) and Cryptophlebia leucotreta (False codling moth). The predominant pest was Drosophila melanogaster (Fruit fly) (97%). Results recorded over four flush periods were 378g, 0.63, and 63% for Total yield, biological yield, Biological Efficiency (%), respectively. The average stipe length and pileus diameter were recorded and showed no statistical differences (p>0.05) observed in the different weeks. Other growth parameters (mushroom size, total number of primordia, total number of fruitbodies etc.) recorded showed some significant differences (p<0.05). Pests identified contributed to yield reduction and product quality.

A new soft red winter wheat cultivar ‘GA 08535‐15LE29’ adapted to Georgia and the U.S. southeast region

AbstractSoft red winter wheat (SRWW) (Triticum aestivum L.) production in the southeastern United States is affected by biotic and abiotic stresses that can result in yield losses and reduced acreage. Developing new cultivars with high yield, good resistance to predominant pests, and acceptable quality to maximize value in regional markets is needed. The University of Georgia (UGA) SRWW breeding program, in collaboration with institutions in the region including the Southern UNiversities GRAINS (SUNGRAINS) programs, is responding to these challenges by developing and releasing superior cultivars adapted to the region. ‘GA 08535‐15LE29’ (Reg. no. CV‐1191, PI 693269) SRWW cultivar was developed and released by the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and licensed to Uni South Genetics seed company in 2018 as USG 3640. GA 08535‐15LE29 is well adapted to Georgia and the U.S. southeast region with high yield and good resistance to leaf (Puccinia triticina Erikss.) and stripe (P. striiformis Westend.) rusts, Fusarium head blight (caused by Fusarium graminearum Schwabe), powdery mildew (Erisyphe graminis), and Soil‐borne wheat mosaic virus (SBWMV) diseases. GA 08535‐15LE29 showed moderate field resistance to Hessian fly [Mayetiola destructor (Say)]. GA 08535‐15LE29 has Sbm1 and Yr17/Lr37/Sr38 for resistance to SBWMV and rust diseases and has good grain volume weight and acceptable milling and baking qualities.

Aeneolamia Fennah, 1949 (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) attacks pastures in Roraima, with first report in Brazil

Spittlebugs (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) are the predominant pasture pests in Brazil, mainly the Amazonia region. Despite frequent reports of attacks by these spittlebugs in Roraima, information on this insect group is scarce. Therefore, we conducted surveys and a population dynamic study in pastures in Roraima from May 2015 to July 2019. We identified the spittlebugs Aeneolamia flavilatera (Urich, 1914) and Aeneolamia reducta montana (Lallemand, 1944). This is the first report of A. reducta montana in Brazil, and the first report of A. flavilatera attacking pastures. We discuss the possible impacts of these pests on Brazilian agriculture and livestock.

Deciphering Resistance to Root-Knot Nematodes in Prunus for Rootstock Breeding: Sources, Genetics and Characterization of the Ma Locus

Root-knot nematode (RKN) species are predominant pests of crops, attacking stone fruit crops Prunus spp. under Mediterranean climate conditions worldwide. Natural resistance for rootstock breeding is a control method that is gaining interest as an alternative to the highly toxic nematicides. This review first reports an outline of the root-knot nematodes parasitizing stone fruit crops and the Prunus species and rootstocks. It then describes the main sources of resistance detected among the Prunus germplasm and focuses on the major resistance genes identified and their characteristics (spectrum, durability, histological mechanism, effect of temperature, interaction with other pests and diseases, etc.). In peach, besides the RMia reference gene, the new genes PkMi and Mf, also located on chromosome 2, need to be characterized regarding their spectrum and relationship. The two other Prunus reference genes, Ma from plum (complete spectrum) and RMja from almond (more restricted spectrum), are orthologs that belong to a TIR-NB-LRR (TNL) cluster on chromosome 7. The review finally summarizes the positional cloning of the Ma gene and the characterization of its unique TNL structure, encompassing a five-times repeated post-LRR domain. Deciphering how this structure is functionally involved in Ma’s remarkable biological properties is a real challenge for the future.

Field-Evolved Sulfoxaflor Resistance of Three Wheat Aphid Species in China

Sulfoxaflor belongs to a new class of insecticides which are effective against many sap-feeding pests. Sitobion miscanthi, Rhopalosiphum padi, and Metopolophium dirhodum are the predominant pests coexisting on wheat plants. It is unknown whether these aphid species have developed resistance to sulfoxaflor. Here, the susceptibilities of three wheat aphid species from different regions of China to sulfoxaflor were evaluated. The results showed that two S. miscanthi, one R. padi, and two M. dirhodum field populations were highly resistant to sulfoxaflor. Additionally, 13 S. miscanthi, 9 R. padi, and 4 M. dirhodum field populations were moderately resistant to sulfoxaflor. Analysis of differences in toxicity showed that the susceptibility levels of R. padi in 9 of 20 regions, M. dirhodum in 5 of 9 regions, and M. dirhodum in 3 of 9 regions to sulfoxaflor were greater than those of S. miscanthi, S. miscanthi, and R. padi in the same regions, respectively. Thus, each wheat aphid species has field populations that are highly sulfoxaflor resistant. The R. padi and M. dirhodum populations were more susceptible to sulfoxaflor than those of S. miscanthi. These findings provide new insights into insecticide resistance development and rational sulfoxaflor use.

New subdivision of cotton production area of Côte d’Ivoire based on the infestation of main arthropod pests

Variations in populations of arthropod pests, under the influence of climate change, compromise the effectiveness of the cotton phytosanitary protection strategy in Côte d'Ivoire. This study aims to establish a new classification of cotton production areas, on the basis of predominant pests. A monitoring was therefore carried out from 2016 to 2019 in 400 farmers' fields. In these fields, surveys were conducted weekly, from the 30th to the 122nd day after emergence. Data analysis, through Principal Component Analysis, identified four groups of localities. The first group includes the northeastern localities (4°W to 5°W: 8°N to 10.5°N) such as Kong, Ouangolodougou, Sordi, Tiékpè, Kaouara. This area is characterized by high infestations of most pests (jassid, white flies, exocarpic lepidoptera, endocarpic lepidoptera, phyllophagous lepidoptera and mites). The second group is intermediate between northeast and central (5.5°W to 6.2°W: 8.3°N to 10.5°N). This area is characterized by infestations of jassid, white flies and exocarpic lepidoptera (H. armigera and D. watersi). It remains less infested by endocarpic lepidoptera (T. leucotreta and P. gossypiella). The third area is located in the South (4.5°W to 8.5°W: 6°N to 8.5°N). It is essentially infested by endocarpic lepidoptera T. leucotreta and P. gossypiella. Jassid and whitefly infestations are less important in this part, compared to the northern part. The fourth and last area extends from the center to the west (6°W to 8°W: 8°N to 10.5°N). Pest infestations are lower in this area compared to other areas.

Genetic structure and population demographics of Hypnoidus bicolor (Coleoptera: Elateridae) in the Canadian Prairies.

Following banning of the pesticide lindane in most counties, wireworms (i.e., the soil-living larval stages of click beetles) have become major pests of a variety of economically important field crops. Hypnoidus bicolor is a common pest species in the Canadian Prairies. However, little is known about its life history, which impedes the development of effective integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. Population genetic approaches have the potential to assist in the development of IPM. We sequenced a 622-bp fragment of the COX1 gene from 326 H. bicolor wireworm and click beetles collected from 13 localities on the Canadian Prairies. Two genetically distinct (>4.66% sequence divergence) clades were identified, suggesting that they may be part of a species complex. Clade A predominated and increased in prevalence the further east samples were collected, whereas the opposite was true for clade B. Clade B appears to be comprised of two mitochondrial DNA groups, however, one group was represented by only one haplotype. Both clades were characterized by uneven gene flow among populations with low levels of regional genetic structuring. Clade A appeared to have undergone population and range expansions, which may coincide with the advent of intensive agriculture practices in the prairies. Knowledge of species composition and population structure is important for the development of effective IPM strategies but is often lacking for wireworms. Our study fills these knowledge gaps for a predominant pest species in the prairies, H. bicolor, by providing robust evidence for cryptic forms and characterizing its dispersal patterns and population dynamics. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

The host status of glyphosate-tolerant soybean genotypes to Meloidogyne incognita and Pratylenchus infection

The host status of South African adapted, genetically modified (GM) glyphosate-tolerant soybean genotypes to root-knot (field and glasshouse) and lesion (field) nematodes were assessed. Analyses of root and soil samples of 29 genotypes (collected from seven production areas during the 2014/15 season) enabled the identification of nine plant-parasitic nematode genera and 10 species. Predominant endoparasitic genera in root samples were Meloidogyne (Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica) and Pratylenchus (Pratylenchus brachyurus, P. zeae and P. teres). Rotylenchulus parvus was the predominant semi-endoparasite in soil, followed by Scutellonema brachyurus and Helicotylenchus sp. Only ‘PAN 1583 R’ and ‘PAN 1521 R’ maintained less than 10% of the Meloidogyne spp. densities present in roots of the most susceptible genotype, while all genotypes were susceptible to the Pratylenchus spp. The host status of 36 soybean genotypes to M. incognita infection, evaluated in two follow-up glasshouse experiments terminated 56 days after inoculation of ca. 1000 M. incognita eggs and second-stage juveniles (J2) per seedling, varied substantially for final population density (Pf), reproduction factor (Rf) and relative percentage susceptibility (%S). Only ‘PRF-GCI7’ and the resistant reference ‘LS 5995’ had Rfs < 1 for both experiments, despite higher minimum and maximum temperatures recorded for the second experiment. Continuous evaluation of soybean genotypes for their host status to predominant nematode pests and their use to reduce densities of such species in producer’s fields are crucial to enable sustainable crop production, and contribute towards food provision and security.

Soft red winter wheat ‘GA 051207‐14E53’: Adapted cultivar to Georgia and the U.S. Southeast region

AbstractSoft red winter wheat (SRWW) (Triticum aestivum L.) is a major crop in Georgia and the U.S. Southeast (SE) region. Hence, new cultivars with high yield potential, high resistance levels to predominant pests, and adequate quality parameters are required to capture and maximize regional market values. Therefore, the University of Georgia SRWW breeding program in collaboration with the SUNGRAINS breeding programs, aims to develop and release SRWW cultivars adapted to Georgia and the SE wheat region with high yield, quality, and pest resistance. ‘GA 051207‐14E53’ SRWW (Reg. no. CV‐1168, PI 689518) was developed and released by the University of Georgia and licensed to AGSouth Genetics Company in 2017 under the name AGS 3040. GA 051207‐14E53 is well adapted to Georgia and the SE region. It has high yield and high resistance to leaf rust, stripe rust, and Soil‐borne wheat mosaic virus. It has medium resistance to powdery mildew and to biotypes C and O of Hessian fly and is resistant to biotypes B and L. GA 051207‐14E53 has good Fusarium head blight resistance. GA 051207‐14E53 possesses H9, Sbm1, and the 2NS:2AS alien introgression from Aegilops ventricosa Tausch, having the Yr17/Lr37/Sr38 genes that protect it against these pests. Grain volume weight and milling and baking qualities of GA 051207‐14E53 are good and meet the SRWW grade standards.

Field evolved resistance to pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, organophosphates and macrolides in Rhopalosiphum padi (Linnaeus) and Sitobion avenae (Fabricius) from China

Rhopalosiphum padi (Linnaeus) and Sitobion avenae (Fabricius) are the predominant pests coexisting on wheat plants. In this study, the susceptibilities of 29 R. padi and 30 S. avenae populations from 15 provinces in China to pyrethroids (beta-cypermethrin and bifenthrin), neonicotinoids (imidacloprid and thiamethoxam), organophosphates (omethoate and chlorpyrifos) and macrolides (avermectin) were determined during 2018–2019. The median lethal insecticide concentrations (LC50) indicated that R. padi was more sensitive than S. avenae to most of the insecticides. Monitor results showed that most wheat aphid populations were moderately resistant to pyrethroids. Two R. padi populations were highly resistant to beta-cypermethrin with 127.3-fold and 442.8-fold resistance ratio (RR), and two were highly resistant to bifenthrin (RR of 293.9 and 320.6, respectively). One S. avenae population was highly resistant to beta-cypermethrin (RR of 136.8) and one was highly resistant to bifenthrin (RR of 313.4). All populations of two wheat aphids exhibited low to moderate resistance to neonicotinoids (RR < 100). But over half populations were sensitive or exhibited low resistance to organophosphates and macrolides. The pair-wise correlation coefficients for the insecticide LC50 revealed a positive correlation between beta-cypermethrin and bifenthrin resistance, as well as between the resistance to bifenthrin and omethoate for the two-aphid species. Similarly, significant correlations were detected between the resistance to beta-cypermethrin and avermectin for R. padi. These results may be relevant for developing effective insecticide management strategies that prevent or delay the development of resistance among wheat aphids.

Stored-grain losses and management practices among smallholder cereal farmers in Northern Ethiopia

Storage pests are a major concern to smallholder farmers in Africa south of the Sahara since their livelihoods heavily depend on subsistence agriculture. These farmers depend mainly on traditional grain storage materials and pest management methods, both of which are generally ineffective against pests. Here we provide insights into stored-grain losses suffered by highland and lowland farmers in northern Ethiopia using a survey conducted during the 2016/2017 cropping season. A total of 109 household heads were interviewed and about half were visited for observation of grain storage materials. Irrespective of agroecology, the predominant stored-grain pests were weevils, rats, and termites. Both highland and lowland farmers stored grains in woven polythene sacks and dung made barrels indoors, and in barns outdoors. Some lowland farmers stored grains in underground pits outdoors. While highland farmers suffered an 8.03% average annual grain loss to the storage pests, the lowland farmers suffered a 12.18% average annual grain loss, which was significant (p = 0.007). The multiple linear regression analysis indicated significantly higher stored-grain losses in (i) lowland than highland farmers, (ii) households with heads holding village administrative positions than households with heads not holding any village administrative position, (iii) households storing grains for an additional month than households that did not and (iv) households storing grains in other indoor storage materials than households storing grains in woven polythene bags with plastic liners inside (p < 0.05). Households with one more family member working on the farm and household heads who had attended training on pest management suffered significantly lower losses (p < 0.05). Innovative storage methods and environmentally benign management options are recommended.

No-tillage and Vegetable Barrier as a Strategy for Pest Management in the Production of Lettuce

The experiments were conducted in randomized blocks, arranged in subdivide parcels scheme, the main factor is the presence and absence of the surrounding sorghum band and in the sub parcels of the soil cover (spontaneous vegetation, millet, goosegrass and sorghum) and the conventional (without cover), with four repetitions. The evaluated variables were biomass production of cover crops, composition rate, weed elimination, pest population variants, natural enemies and lettuce production. The millet showed lower rate of decomposition and longer half-life. The sorghum indicated higher litterfall and greater efficiency in weed elimination during the cycles. The predominant pests in the area were whitefly and thripes, regardless of the management used. The presence of the sorghum-surrounding band provided an increase of the natural enemies, mainly in the lettuce second cycle. As well as the increase of lettuce production when grown with millet and grass goosegras in the first cycle and sorghum in the second cycle. The conservation practices evaluated in this research can be indicated as a phytosanitary management strategy in the lettuce crop.

Influence of climatic factors on the potential distribution of pest Heortia vitessoides Moore in China

Heortia vitessoides Moore is one of the predominant pests of Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Spreng, which is extremely harmful to this plant, and is also an important quarantine pest around the world. To understand the influence of climate factors on the distribution of this pest, maximum entropy modeling (MaxEnt) was used to predict the potential suitable distribution area under certain climatic conditions. The results showed that H. vitessoides was mainly located in the tropical and southern subtropical climate areas of China under current climatic conditions, with a total suitable distribution area of 107.48 × 104 km2. The highly suitable areas were concentrated in the Pearl River Basin and the south of Lancang River Basin with area of 46.19 × 104 km2. In the future, the suitable area showed a tendency to expand to the north. The total suitable distribution area of this species would reach 136.21 × 104-151.62 × 104 km2, which was 26.62%–40.65% higher than that of the current. The climatic factors of precipitation of warmest quarter, precipitation of wettest quarter, min temperature of coldest month, and mean temperature of warmest quarter were the dominant variables affecting the distribution of H. vitessoides. It can be seen that the suitable area of this pest is relatively large and tends to expand, which poses a threat to the growth of A. sinensis. It is suggested that the relevant afforestation and phytosanitary departments should attach great importance and take necessary measures to control the spread of this pest.

What are the predominant pests and diseases afflicting gardens in the UK?

Gardening is a major pursuit in the UK, providing health and wellbeing benefits to individual gardeners, while providing important habitats for wildlife and supporting ecosystem services such as pollination. However, garden plants are afflicted by an array of pests and diseases, but until now, their importance has not been quantified, but only inferred from other sources. Here, we describe the results of a nationwide survey in the UK, designed to assess which pests and diseases gardeners consider the most important, and whether these vary across regions of the country. We found that slugs and snails and various aphids are considered the most important pests, while late blight and rose black spot are the most important diseases. Most importantly, we concluded that inferences drawn from rankings of pest and disease incidence based on enquiry data should not be taken as a proxy for importance. Many pests and diseases varied in their importance across the country and in most cases there was good agreement between regional values and current national distribution maps, suggesting that the survey produced reliable data, without regional bias.