Pest Of Rape Research Articles

Diversity of parasitoid wasps (Insecta, Hymenoptera) in oilseed rape fields in Serbia

Oilseed rape is an important crop grown worldwide and used for various purposes, including oil extraction and animal feed. In Europe, there are six major pest species and several other minor pests that can significantly affect oilseed rape production, requiring growers to effectively control them in order to ensure crop yield. The host-parasitoid complexes of these pests have been studied in detail and recorded mainly in western, central and northern Europe. As an abundant source of pollen and nectar, oilseed rape may also be attractive to other parasitoids that do not have direct trophic interactions with oilseed rape pest species. The aim of this study is to fill the knowledge gap regarding the wider parasitoid community in oilseed rape fields, particularly in southern Europe. During the two-year study, a total of 3135 specimens of primary and secondary parasitoids were sampled, of which 2855 were found in oilseed rape fields and 280 in semi-natural habitats. We found 153 taxa, of which 119 were found in oilseed rape fields and 87 in semi-natural habitats. We identified 31 genera (33 species) as parasitoids of oilseed rape pests, 54 genera (97 species) parasitising non-pest species and 10 genera (23 species) as possible parasitoids of oilseed rape pests. This study shows that the parasitoid community in oilseed rape fields is very diverse and that includes parasitoids of both oilseed rape pest and non-pest species.

Pollen Beetles in Oilseed Rape Fields: Spectrum and Distribution in Czech Republic during 2011–2013

Oilseed rape is frequently damaged by insect pests. Much attention is paid to the protection of oilseed rape against Brassicogethes aeneus (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae), which is one of the most significant pests of spring and winter oilseed rape. The presence of different pollen beetle species was monitored in the Czech Republic in the years 2011–2013. A minimum of 500 individuals were captured at each site. Morphometric characteristics and the morphology of male and/or female genitalia were used to determine species. B. aeneus, B. subaeneus, B. viridescens and B. coracinus were most abundant. Other species presented in oilseed rape were B. coeruleovirens, B. czwalinai, B. matronalis, B. anthracinus, Boragogethes symphyti, Cychramus luteus, Fabogethes nigrescens, Genistogethes carinulatus, Meligethes atratus, Sagitogethes maurus, and Lamiogethes atramentarius. Our main conclusion is that the reason for the presence of the pollen beetle species associated with their development into non-cruciferous plants in oilseeds is the sufficiency of pollen as food for beetles. In addition, they may occur here incidentally, as they can be transported relatively long distances by air. Accompanying species of pollen beetles probably also have a positive effect on abundance reduction in species considered to be harmful as they are hosts to parasitoids of the oilseed rape pest.

Frequency and spatial distribution of knock-down resistance (kdr) to pyrethroids in multiple oilseed rape pest species of the genus Ceutorhynchus.

The protection of European oilseed rape (OSR) from damaging insects relies on pyrethroid insecticides, but the development of resistance in key coleopteran pests such as the pollen beetle (Brassicogethes aeneus) and the cabbage stem flea beetle (Psylliodes chrysocephala) has resulted in reduced effectiveness of these insecticides. The sodium channel gene mutation L1014F knock-down resistance (kdr) is a contributing factor in resistance to pyrethroids in B. aeneus and P. chrysocephala, but little is known about the status of resistance in weevils of the genus Ceutorhynchus (Coleoptera: Curculonidae). Therefore, the present study investigated pyrethroid susceptibility and the presence of the kdr mutation in four Ceutorhynchus species. The kdr mutation in either its heterozygous or homozygous form was found in all investigated Ceutorhynchus species (C. picitarsis, C. pallidactylus, C. napi and C. obstrictus). Samples where pyrethroids in bioassays still provided control at 100% field rate or below contained kdr at frequencies of ≤12.5%, whilst bioassays using 100% field rate that did not control Ceutorhynchus populations contained homozygous resistant individuals at frequencies of greater than 55%. Field sampling demonstrated that kdr frequencies in populations of C. picitarsis and C. obstrictus collected from across France and Germany ranged from 0 to 100%. The present study demonstrated the potential of all four Ceutorhynchus species tested to develop pyrethroid resistance via the L1014F (kdr) mutation. Although kdr frequency varies among species and geographic locations, the risk of loss of pyrethroid insecticide effectiveness is high. Integration of other control tools for resistance management is therefore needed. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Harmfulness of cryptid and cabbage pod mosquito of the Steppe zone of Ukraine

Goal. To specify the species composition of phytophages and to investigate their harmfulness in winter rapeseed crops.
 Methods. The research was conducted in the Steppe zone in 2022 (Odesa region, Odesa district, Khlybodarske settlement, «Odesa State Agricultural Research Station of the Institute of Water Problems and Land Reclamation of the National Academy of Sciences»). Clarification of the species composition and the dynamics of the number of phytophages was carried out according to generally accepted methods.
 Results. During the surveys, insects belonging to 6 orders (Coleoptera, Heteroptera, Hemiptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera) were found, of which 47,3% were direct pests of winter rape, 10.8% were pests of grain crops (there were fields nearby, and research plots of grain and ear crops), and 41.9% are entomophages. At the time of research, there were an average of 46 rapeseed plants per 1 m2, with 36.7 ± 2.19 pods per plant. During visual inspections before harvesting, characteristic damage by the cabbage stem borer (Ceutorhynchus quadridens Panz.) was noted on the rape stalks — 31.0% of plants/ m2, and the plants were broken near the root neck. During the growth of the stem, the larval stages of this pest were found, which penetrated into the middle, biting the petiole of the leaf, then moved to the root neck, where they fed on the tissues of the plant for a long time, causing its fragility. It was found that damage to pods per 1 m2 was 21.9%. Of them, the seed gnat (Ceutorhynchus assimilis Payak.) — 18.0%, the cabbage pod mosquito (Dasyneura brassicae Winn.) — 3.9%. Total crop losses from the above-mentioned pests on winter rapeseed crops amounted to — 52.9%.
 Conclusions. It was established that the share of pests in the entomocomplex of rape agrocenosis was — 47.3%. Damage to winter rapeseed crops by cabbage seed borer was — 18.0%, cabbage pod mosquito — 3.9%, and cabbage stem borer — 31.0%, which in total resulted in 52.9% yield loss.

Intercropping shifts the balance between generalist arthropod predators and oilseed pests towards natural pest control

Pest management in intensive crop production currently underutilizes natural biological control, and frequently results in pesticide application. Intercropping modifies physical and ecological conditions in the field and alters the predator-prey dynamics to potentially benefit generalist arthropod predators. We investigated the assemblages of ground-dwelling arthropod predators and crop pests of spring turnip rape (Brassica rapa L. ssp. oleifera) and faba bean (Vicia faba L.) in a replicated two-year field experiment. Pitfall traps and pan traps were used to sample arthropod predators and pests. Arthropod assemblages were compared between intercropping and monocropping systems to illustrate the changes. Intercropping was associated with lower abundance of turnip rape pests compared with monoculture. The total abundance of ground-dwelling predators did not differ between cropping systems. Carabid beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) and spiders (Araneae) were the dominant generalist predator taxa. Faba bean monoculture supported the highest abundance of harvestmen (Opiliones) and the lowest abundance of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). The turnip rape monoculture had the highest abundance of spiders in the first year but not in the second. The abundance and species assemblage of carabids indicated a response to season progress but not to cropping system. The abundance of turnip rape pests reflected host crop proportions in each cropping system. Because the cropping method had no significant impact on predator abundance, intercropping potentially facilitated natural biological control resulting from a higher ratio of ground-dwelling predators to pests. Differential within-season dynamics among abundant predator taxa also implied a temporal shift in predation characteristics, and hence, vulnerability of crop production to pest injuries. To utilize natural biological control more effectively at the field scale, intercropping with no shared pests between crops, minimal chemical pest control, and heterogeneous agricultural landscapes are needed.

Toxicity of essential oils on cabbage seedpod weevil (Ceutorhynchus obstrictus) and a model parasitoid (Nasonia vitripennis)

Plant essential oils are being increasingly studied as a potential environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic insecticides. The insecticidal efficacy of essential oils on the cabbage seedpod weevil (Ceutorhynchus obstrictus), an important oilseed rape pest, has not been previously tested. We examined the impact of six essential oils on C. obstrictus via contact with dry residues on leaf and flower surfaces. We also examined the effect of these essential oils on a model non-target parasitoid wasp, Nasonia vitripennis. Exposure to dry residues of cumin (Cuminum cyminum) and cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) essential oils (applied to oilseed rape leaves) resulted in significant loss of mortality and immobility in C. obstrictus adults. Treatment with C. cyminum essential oil at 1.5% resulted in 50.71% mortality and 87.3% combined mortality and immobility in C. obstrictus. Cinnamomum verum oil, at 1.5% concentration, resulted in 88.8% mortality and immobility among C. obstrictus 24 h post-treatment. All treatments studied with essential oil dry residues at 0.3% concentration caused high mortality and immobility in N. vitripennis. The greatest mortality and immobility were observed at 0.3% concentration in F. vulgare and C. verum treatments (54 and 53% loss respectively). At 0.1% concentration, F. vulgare and T. vulgaris significantly reduced parasitoids mobility and at 1.5% concentration all essential oils resulted in 100% mortality of N. vitripennis after 3 h. Our study revealed that C. cyminum and C. verum essential oils may have potential in the management of C. obstrictus. However, their impact on non-target organisms, including parasitoids, needs to be studied more thoroughly to determine the potential of essential oil main compounds in integrated pest management.

Research on the Effectiveness of Some Fungicides and Insecticides in Combating of Some Diseases and Pests of Rape in Cristian Commune - Brașov County

In Romanian agricultural production, autumn rape is in present an indispensable component of crop rotations because helps to maintain soil fertility and contributes to sustainable production therefore. Behavior against fungal diseases and insect pests for modern rape varieties represents an essential agronomic property. Rape pest and disease control is a priority to minimize quantitative and qualitative production losses. In plant protection, fungicides and insecticides must to be used only when is necessary and at optimal times and doses. The notations were made during the vegetation period of 2020, 2021 and 2022. Both fungicides applied (125 g/l azoxistrobin + 125 g/l difenoconazol and 125g/l fluopiram + 125 g/l protioconazol) showed high efficacy against alternaria, black leg and powdery mildew, and in the variants where both fungicides were applied, the highest efficacy was 98.8% against black leg and 98.9% anti powdery-mildew. The effectiveness of the two insecticides applied (240 g/l tiacloprid and 5% lambda-cihalotrin) varied between 87.2 and 97.3 against Ceutorhynchus napi, C. assimilis, Phyllotreta atra, Ph. nemorum and Brevicoryne brassicae.

Earlier flowering of winter oilseed rape compensates for higher pest pressure in warmer climates

Abstract Global warming can increase insect pest pressure by enhancing reproductive rates. Whether this translates into yield losses depends on phenological synchronisation of pests with their host plants and natural enemies. Simultaneously, landscape composition may mitigate climate effects by shaping the resource availability for pests and their antagonists. Here, we study the combined effects of temperature and landscape composition on pest abundances, larval parasitism, crop damage and yield, while also considering crop phenology, to identify strategies for sustainable management of oilseed rape (OSR) pests under warming climates. In all, 29 winter OSR crop fields were investigated in different climates (defined by multi‐annual mean temperature, MAT) and landscape contexts in Bavaria, Germany. We measured abundances of adult pollen beetles and stem weevil larvae, pollen beetle larval parasitism, bud loss, stem damage and seed yield, and calculated the flowering date from growth stage observations. Landscape parameters (proportion of non‐crop and OSR area, change in OSR area relative to the previous year) were calculated at six spatial scales (0.6–5 km). Pollen beetle abundance increased with MAT but to different degrees depending on the landscape context, that is, increased less strongly when OSR proportions were high (1‐km scale), interannually constant (5‐km scale) or both. In contrast, stem weevil abundance and stem damage did not respond to landscape composition nor MAT. Pollen beetle larval parasitism was overall low, but occasionally exceeded 30% under both low and high MAT and with reduced OSR area (0.6‐km scale). Despite high pollen beetle abundance in warm climates, yields were high when OSR flowered early. Thereby, higher temperatures favoured early flowering. Only among late‐flowering OSR crop fields yield was higher in cooler than warmer climates. Bud loss responded analogously. Landscape composition did not substantially affect bud loss and yield. Synthesis and applications: Earlier flowering of winter OSR compensates for higher pollen beetle abundance in warmer climates, while interannual continuity of OSR area prevents high pollen beetle abundance in the first place. Thus, regional coordination of crop rotation and crop management promoting early flowering may contribute to sustainable pest management in OSR under current and future climatic conditions.

Within-field floral resources have the potential to increase parasitism rates in winter oilseed rape pests more than resources at field margins

Pollen beetles (Brassicogethes spp.) and stem flea beetles (Psylliodes chrysocephala) are among the main pests of oilseed rape crops in Europe, causing high yield losses. Increasing insecticide resistance and environmental concerns have highlighted the need for alternatives to chemical control, such as conservation biological control. Conservation biological control can be enhanced by providing resources to beneficial organisms in and around crop fields. Flower strips are a promising tool to provide nectar resources for parasitoids. In addition, the planting of such resources in field margins should be reinforced by the absence of insecticide application. However, the presence and amount of weeds within the field could mitigate the effect of flower strips and needs to be explored. We surveyed 25 oilseed rape fields in 2019 and 2020. Ten of these fields were adjacent to a sown wildflower strip. We compared an eco-friendly strategy (wildflower strip without insecticide in spring) to a conventional approach (no wildflower strip and chemical control of pests). We assessed the parasitism of stem flea beetle and pollen beetle larvae in the spring, at distances of 5 m and 30 m from the wildflower strip or the natural field margin. We performed botanical surveys in wildflower strips and natural field margins and within the field, to assess the availability of accessible nectar resources to parasitoids. Stem flea beetle parasitism rates were not affected by the strategy used, but the eco-friendly strategy had a weak positive effect on pollen beetle parasitism. Unexpectedly, the amount of accessible nectar did not differ significantly between wildflower strips in the eco-friendly strategy and natural herbaceous field margins in the conventional strategy. The amount of accessible nectar provided by weeds in the field was positively related only to pollen beetle parasitism rates. By contrast, the amount of accessible nectar for both spontaneous field margin and flower strips had no effect on the rates of parasitism of either species. Parasitism rate decreased significantly with decreasing distance to the field edge, for both species. Our results suggest that further studies are required: (i) to improve the composition of wildflower strips, so as to provide more accessible nectar resources at the start of spring and (ii) to explore more management strategy options, notably on in-field resources management such as unsown patches or intercropping.

Weather and landscape drivers of the regional level of pest occurrence in arable agriculture: A multi-pest analysis at the French national scale

Limiting crop pests while favouring environmentally friendly practices is challenging. It is required to identify the main drivers of infestation for multiple pests at different scales. In particular, large scale approaches are missing, while they could contribute to increase the predictability of pest infestation. In this study, the French national Epiphyt dataset (part of the national epidemiological monitoring service) was used to assess the relative importance of weather and landscape drivers on the between-region variability in the level of occurrence of some agricultural pests. Using a regional resolution, we analysed the proportion of occurrence of slugs, cereal aphids and oilseed rape pests over 181 small agricultural areas (‘regions’) across France in 2018. The mean proportion of occurrence per region was 0.17 for slugs, 0.25 for cereal aphids and 0.61 for oilseed rape pests. Weather variables were more explanatory than landscape ones for the proportion of occurrence of slugs and oilseed rape pests while the two types of variables had a similar level of explanation for the regional proportion of aphid occurrence. Slugs were favoured by high winter temperatures, high soil wetness index and important proportions of hedgerows in the region but negatively influenced by high winter rainfalls. Cereal aphids and oilseed rape pests were negatively influenced by the regional proportion of grassland. Additionally, the winter air humidity and the proportion of perennial crops in the region decreased the proportion of occurrence of oilseed rape pests. We detected no effect of the proportion of host crop or the proportion of organic farming in the region. This study emphasises that, in line with findings derived from more local studies, weather characteristics are an important driver of the regional level of pest occurrence in arable fields; it also highlights that the proportion of grassland at the regional scale could be a key tool to design insect-pest suppressive landscapes.

Field and Laboratory Evaluation of Pesticidal Plants for Bioactivity against Rape and Tomato Pests in Malawi

Insect pests cause serious damage through feeding in the process and may also transmit plant diseases. Although most resource-poor farmers rely on the use of synthetic insecticides for controlling insect pests, it is generally considered too expensive for them. Plant products may be a safer alternative approach and play a significant role in insect pest management and crop protection amongst resource-poor farmers. Laboratory and field evaluation of locally available pesticidal plants were evaluated. The study was conducted at Jenda and Nchenachena in Malawi with rape and tomato to assess the efficacy of some selected pesticidal plants for the control of vegetable pests. Largely, the choice of the selected pesticidal plants was based on resource-poor farmers’ knowledge in the area. The results of the tested plant extracts suggested that some plant extracts could reduce the infestation of red mites and aphids below economic threshold levels. Under laboratory experiments, all plant species caused a significant increase in mortality of Trypanosoma evansi after 24 h. However, Dolichos kilimandscarichus, Tephrosia vogelii, Azadirachta indica, and Bedotia madagascarensis had significantly at P < 0.05 greater mite mortality than the untreated. This suggests that these pesticidal plants could be an alternative to acaricidal and insecticidal pesticides against vegetable pests. These pesticidal plants caused an impressive reduction of red mites and aphids and protected tomatoes and rapes from serious damage and hence could be incorporated into integrated management for the control of vegetable pests.

Pteromalid fauna (Hymenoptera, Pteromalidae) in oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) fields in Bulgaria – species composition and perspectives for biological control

Parasitoid wasps belonging to the family Pteromalidae are widespread and abundant members of the insect communities in the temperate regions of the world. As many other chalcids do, pteromalids serve as natural enemies of the pests in various crops and play an important role in the biological control of these harmful insects. Here we present the results of a field study in Bulgaria which was focused on the diversity of family Pteromalidae in ten oilseed rape fields. All samples were collected by sweep netting on the border line or inside the crop field. A total of 93 pteromalid specimens belonging to 26 taxa were gathered. The most abundant genus was Mesopolobus – 67% of the sampled pteromalids. The most numerous species in the samples was Mesopolobus morys – a well-known key parasitoid of the cabbage seed weevil, Ceutorhynchus obstrictus, in Europe. One species – Halticoptera patellana, is recorded for the first time in Bulgarian fauna. Clearfield oilseed rape fields had relatively higher parasitoid abundance and richness than the fields treated by conventional technology. In the present work we discuss the overall species composition of Pteromalidae obtained from the studied areas and present our point of view on the perspectives for biological control of oilseed rape pests.

First record of <em>Microctonus brassicae</em> in Czechia, a potential biological control agent against a primary oilseed rape pest

After the ban on treating oilseed rape seeds with neonicotinoids in European Union, cabbage stem flea beetles (Psylliodes chrysocephala Linnaeus, 1758) again became one of its main pests. In Czechia, the impact of this pest increases every year, given with the narrowing spectrum of suitable insecticides and growing damage to oilseed rape plants in autumn. Based on this scenario, it is appropriate to look for alternative options to control oilseed rape pests. One option could be supporting beneficial organisms. One of these organisms is the hymenopteran braconid parasitoid Microctonus brassicae (Haeselbarth, 2008), which parasitizes adult cabbage stem flea beetles. Its occurrence has now been confirmed outside Great Britain in Czechia and continental Europe respectively. Five male specimens of M. brassicae emerged from 50 collected adults of cabbage stem flea beetle by sweep netting from two localities in central Bohemia. This parasitoid of adult cabbage stem flea beetles and its larval parasitoids probably play an important role in the life cycle and population dynamics of this pest. Current knowledge about the biology, taxonomic classification and identification of this parasitoid is summarized in this paper.

Attractiveness of oilseed rape cultivars to Brassicogethes aeneus and Ceutorhynchus obstrictus as a potential control strategy

The abundances of two pests, pollen beetle (Brassicogethes aeneus (Fabricius, 1775)) and cabbage seed weevil (Ceutorhynchus obstrictus (Marsham, 1802)), were measured before flowering and in the full bloom of oilseed rape cultivars with different phenologies (two yellow-flowering: DK Exssence (the earliest), DK Sensei (the latest) and one white-flowering in time between yellow-flowering cultivars), and the differences in their abundance in the selected cultivars were determined in plot experiments during 2015–2018. No significant differences in pollen beetle and cabbage seed weevil occurrence were observed between the cultivars in the pre-flowering period, but during flowering, the two yellow-flowering cultivars were more attractive than the white-flowering cultivar for both pests. In the white-flowering cultivar, 57% and 69% reductions in the pollen beetle and cabbage seed weevil populations, respectively, were found relative to the two with yellow flowers. Thus, the use of white-flowering cultivar (less attractive, later flowering) as the main crop and the yellow-flowering cultivar (more attractive, earlier flowering) at field edges, with the width of the one-track line, could serve as a strategy to manage oilseed rape pests during flowering. This control strategy which combines more and less attractive oilseed rape cultivars may contribute to a reduction in the use of pesticides and their negative impact on the environment.

EFFICIENCY OF PROTECTION OF WINTER RAPE SEEDS FROM PERMANENT ORGANISMS

This article presents the results of studying the development and formation peculiarities of the number of dominant phytophages of winter oilseed rape: cruciferous fleas (Phyllotreta undulata), rape pollinator (Athalia rosae L.), rapeseed flower beetle (Meligethes aeneus F.), seed larvae (Ceuthorrhynchus assimilis Payk.), cabbage capsicum mosquito (Dasyneura brassicae Winn.), cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae L.). Theoretical generalization of the prevalence of pests in the research area and the impact on the formation of winter rape yields. The influence of modern insecticides on the control of the number of dangerous pests of winter rape and on the yield, biometric parameters of rape plants has been studied. The best results in controlling the number of dominant phytophages in the enterprise showed the drug Nuredin ™ Super KE (chlorpyrifos 400 g / l + bifenthrin 20 g / l) at a rate of 0,75 l / ha. On the basis of the obtained data it is recommended to use the drug Plenum 50 VG (pimetrosine 500 g / kg) at a rate of 0,25 l / ha, as its use provides rapeseed yield at 24,3 c / ha and gives a good economic effect, due to higher yields, the profitability of growing crops is 62,8%, which is 26,3% more than the control option for improving the control over a number of pests. Having researched the phytosanitary condition of winter rapeseed crops, it has been found that the most common diseases of rapeseed were alternaria, phomosis, gray and white rot, and cylindrosporiosis.The results of treatment of winter rape plants with new fungicides to protect against the main common pathogens: alternaria (Alternaria brassicicola Wilts), phomosis (Phoma lingam Desm.), cylindrosporiosis (Cylindrosporium concentrium Grev) are presented. Conclusions are made on the effectiveness of the new generation of fungicides in limiting the spread of diseases. To control the spread of diseases in the agrophytocenosis of rapeseed, it is advisable to use the drug Architect SE (pyraclostrobin 100 g / l + calcium prohexadione 25 g / l + mepiquat chloride 150 g / l) at a rate of 2.0 l / ha, which significantly reduced the damage of winter rapeseed major diseases and had a therapeutic effect, while providing yield at the level of 26,1 c/ha and profitability within 63,1%, which is 26,6% higher than the control option. Therefore, the use of an integrated pest management system can significantly increase the efficiency of cultivation technology and minimize crop losses.

Report from the Agri-Food Charities Partnerships (AFCP) Forum on Management of Oilseed Rape Diseases and Pests

In his welcome and introduction, Graham Jellis, the AFCP Chairman, firstly explained that the Forum was a hybrid event, with around 25 participants in person at the University of Hertfordshire and up to 100 joining online from the UK and abroad. He expressed his gratitude to the University of Hertfordshire for hosting the Forum. Graham explained that the purpose of AFCP is to allow the various agricultural sector charities in the UK to communicate and work together, wherever possible, to benefit UK agriculture and beyond. Further details on the AFCP and its member charities can be found on: https://www.afcp.org.uk. AFCP member charities have funded much of the research on oilseed rape pests and diseases being presented at this Forum.

New insecticides against pests of rape

В статье приведены результаты испытаний новых инсектицидов Беретта, МД и Эсперо, КС против вредителей рапса. Отмечена их высокая эффективность против земляных блошек, гусениц капустной моли и жуков рапсового цветоеда, более обильное цветение рапса после обработок и повышение урожая.

Mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic analysis of Psylliodes punctifrons Baly (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae)

We sequenced and annotated mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of oilseed rape pest Psylliodes punctifrons Baly for the first time. The mitogenome is 15,611 bp, and the nucleotide composition of 37 genes is highly A + T biased (A: 34.2, C: 11.6, G: 12.1, and T:42.1). All PCGs start with ATN and stop with TAR, except COX3 and ND4 that stop with incomplete codon T—. The phylogenetic tree confirms that P. punctifrons is clustered with other Psylliodes species. This study enriches the mitogenomes of agricultural pests.

System of phytosanitary monitoring of winter oilseed rape pests in the south of Ukraine

System of phytosanitary monitoring of winter oilseed rape pests in the south of Ukraine

Efficiency of chemical protection of spring rape and mustard from rape blossom beetle

One of the most dangerous pests of cabbage crops which can damage plants in the budding and flowering phases in all areas of their cultivation is a rape blossom beetle (Meligethes aeneus Fabricius, 1775). The pest is widespread throughout Ukraine; it causes significant damage to the crops every year and reduces the seed yields. It should be noted that the rape blossom beetle is not new to our country and as a pest of rape and other crops from the cabbage family has been mentioned since 1845, and a detailed description of its morphology, biology and ecology can be found in the works of the nineteenth century. It is established that in the Eastern Forest-Steppe of Ukraine the first individuals of the rape blossom beetle appear on the flowering wild growing plants (first of all on dandelion and buttercup) when the average daily temperature exceeds 8 °C, it is the middle of the first decade of April and the beginning of the third decade of April. The mass emergence of the rape blossom beetles takes place when the daily average temperatures are at the range of 9–13 °C and the sum of the effective temperatures above 5 °C is at the range of 100–113 °C, it is the middle of the second decade of April and the end of the third decade of April. The females of the rape blossom beetle usually lay 2–3 eggs into one bud of spring rape or mustard. When protecting the crops from the rape blossom beetle the highest technical efficiency was noted when applying the binary mixture of the microbiological preparation Actophyte, 0.25 % of emulsion concentrate in the dose of 4.8 L/ha and systemic insecticide Biscaya, 24 % of oily dispersion (0.25 L/ha) and in 14 days after spraying it was 76.6 % on white mustard, 74.3 % on Chinese mustard and 76.2 % on spring rape. The highest growth increase in the yield capacity was observed in the same variant; for white mustard it was 0.431 t/ha, for Chinese mustard it was 0.265 t/ha and for spring rape the growth increase amounted to 0.277 t/ha. As a result of the researches it is established that the weight of 1000 healthy seeds is 2,6996 g, and the weight of the seeds damaged by the larvae of the rape blossom beetle is 0.4213 g, so it is reduced by 84.4 %. The filling of the damaged seeds is 6.8 times more, which indicates that they are smaller in diameter and frail. The undamaged seeds of spring rape contain 35.92 % of fat, and the damaged seeds contain only 17.48 %, which is 2.05 times less. The protein content in the undamaged seeds was 30.97 % and in the damaged ones it was 32.23 %, that is 1.04 times more. The germination rate of the undamaged seeds of spring rape under the laboratory conditions on the eighth day was 90.0 %, and the germination rate of the damaged ones amounted to 58.0 % and was lower by 32.0 %.