Use Of Chemical Insecticides Research Articles

INFLUENCE OF HOST PLANTS ON THE AGE-SPECIFICLIFE HISTORY TRAITS OF PARASITOID TRICHOGRAMMA CHILONIS (ISHII) A BIO-CONTROL AGENT OF THE LEPIDOPTERAN PEST HELICOVERPA ARMIGERA (LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE) EGG DENSITIES

The pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is considered to be the most important pest in several crops such as chick pea (Cicer arietinum L.), Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.) and Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum L.) in North-East Uttar Pradesh, India. Extensive and indiscriminate use of chemical insecticides against pest caused severe effect on both soil health and environment, therefore effective bio-control agent (BCA), is generally perceived as providing both long-lasting insect pest control and negligible damage to the environment and non-target organisms. The aim of the present study is to control the pest population of H. armigera at Gorakhpur district by using effective bio-control agent. The age-specific life-table statistics of the parasitoid were observed at five different host densities (10, 25, 50, 100 and 200 eggs/female/day). It was found that the values of age-specific survival rate (lx) of T. chilonis increased progressively when more and more host eggs exposed to the female parasitoid throughout their life-span. It was highest at 200 host-density for all the host plants. The age-specific net fecundity rate (mx) was found to be host densities dependent. It appears that at low host density egg laying tendency of the female compel her to lay eggs in a previously parasitised egg. The longevity of the female were significantly (P < 0.001) correlated with host density. The data obtained from the present study will used in the development of management strategies for the control of H. armigera on host crops.

The Known and Unknowns of Aphid Biotypes, and Their Role in Mediating Host Plant Defenses

Insect species are subjected to disparate selection pressure due to various biotic and abiotic stresses. Management practices including the heavy use of chemical insecticides and introduction of insect-resistant plant cultivars have been found to accelerate these processes. Clearly, natural selection coupled with human intervention have led to insect adaptations that alter phenotypes and genetic structure over time, producing distinct individuals with specialized traits, within the populations, commonly defined as biotypes. Biotypes are commonly found to have better fitness in the new environment and, in the case of aphids, the most commonly studied system for biotypes, have the ability to successfully infest previously resistant host plants and new species of host plants. Although a large number of studies have explored biotypes, the concept for defining biotypes varies among scientists, as we lack a consistency in estimating biotype behavior and their variation within and between biotypes. The concept of biotypes is even more complicated in aphid species (Aphidoidea), as they undergo parthenogenetic reproduction, making it difficult to understand the source of variation or quantify gene flow. In this review, we aim to illuminate the concept of biotype and how it has been used in the study of aphids. We intend to further elaborate and document the existence of aphid biotypes using sugarcane aphid (Melanaphis sacchari) as a model to understand their differences, level of variation, evolution, and significance in pest management.

EFEKTIVITAS EKSTRAK ETANOL DAUN SIRIH MERAH (Piper crocatum Ruiz & Pav.) SEBAGAI REPELEN TERHADAP NYAMUK Aedes aegypti

Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is a disease caused by the dengue virus and transmitted through the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. One effective option to prevent the transmission of the disease is by avoiding the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito by using a repellent-type insecticide. The use of chemical insecticides widely circulated in the market often has negative effects, such as irritation to the skin. Red betel leaf contains several active compounds that may act as contact poisons and are effective as repellents. The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of ethanol extract of red betel leaf against Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. This study was an true experimental post-test only with a control group design, consisting of 4 concentrations of ethanolic extract of red betel leaf (12.5%, 25%, 50%, 100%), DEET 15% K(+), and aquades K(-) with four replications. Serial concentrations ethanol extract of red betel leaf K(+), and K(-) were applied to the back skin of mice exposed to mosquitoes for 5 minutes for every minute. The concentration of 100% at every minute had no significant difference with the positive control (p>0.05). The conclusions from this research were red betel leaf ethanol extract with concentrations of 12.5%, 25%, 50%, and 100% was effective as a mosquito repellent Aedes aegypti, and red betel leaf ethanol extract with a concentration of 100% was equivalent to 15% DEET

Recent Events Of Invasive And Migratory Pests And Lessons Learnt

In the increasing globalisation era, movement of goods and planting materials between countries being carried out at ease, are potential factors of introduction of invasive alien insects, diseases, and weeds in India. Infested fruits carried by international travellers, cargo / sea shipments of wood logs, food trade, and accidental introduction through air travels were the potential ways of entry of invasive alien insects into any country. The entry of alien invasive pest causes huge economic damage by way of direct crop loss. In addition, the panic situation to save the crops results in indiscriminate use of chemical insecticides that is harmful to applicator, farmer and consumer. Frequent application of insecticides leads to reduction in natural enemies and pollinators there by having an adverse impact on the ecosystem. The present paper critically reviewes the existing plant quarantine regulations in India, recent invasive and migratory insect pest problems and way forwards to safeguard Indian Agriculture.

Phytochemical Test and Effectiveness of Alang-alang Stolon Extract (Imperata cylindrica L.) Against Mortality of Dengue Fever Mosquito Larvae (Aedes Sp.)

Aedes sp. is a species of mosquito that acts as a vector for transmitting dengue. The use of chemical insecticides to control Aedes sp. result in negative impacts on the environment. One vector control of dengue fever is using plant-derived insecticides, namely stolon Alang-Alang extract Imperata cylindrica L. which is known to be more effective against dengue fever mosquitoes Aedes sp. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of stolon alang-alang extract against the mortality of dengue mosquito larvae in Aedes sp. The method in this study is to analyze mortality data using Microsoft Excel 2016 probit analysis using seven treatments and three replications with a concentration of 0.2%, 0.25%, 0.3%, 0.35%, 0.4%, 0.45%, and 0.5%. Larvae were tested at each concentration of as many as ten tails. The effectiveness of stolon alang-alang extract on larval mortality was observed every 12-72 hours. The data were analyzed by calculating the LC50 value using probit analysis. The results showed that alang-alang stolon extract effectively killed the mosquito larvae of Aedes sp. ranging from 0.25-0.5% concentration. The highest mortality rate was obtained at a concentration of 0.3-0.5%, capable of killing 100% of the mosquito larvae of Aedes sp. A concentration of 0.3-0.35% can cause 100% mortality of larvae at 60 hours after application (JSA), a concentration of 0.4% can cause 100% mortality in 48 (JSA) and a concentration of 0.45-0.5% causes 100% mortality of larvae in 36 (JSA). Probit analysis showed the LC50 result was 0.2116% (2115.5 ppm) with a toxic category (500-5000 ppm).

Biology and ecology of insect pests in macadamia: a review of the current status of IPM strategies in Australia

Abstract Macadamia spp. are native to Australia and have significant commercial value worldwide for their edible nuts. Integrated pest management (IPM) can be challenging in Australia because macadamia is a native plant cultivated commercially in its native range alongside its native insect pests and their natural enemies. Attaining viable commercial yields of macadamia in Australia has historically relied heavily upon the use of chemical insecticides, including organophosphates, and a shift away from reliance on these practices has not yet happened. Amblypelta spp. have historically been the pests of greatest concern to the Australian macadamia industry and that has not changed, but the make-up of the other major and minor pests has changed over time. More recently, the more southern-growing regions have experienced increases in Cercotingis decoris, Proteatingis howardi, and Kuschelorhynchus macadamiae, and there are currently no long-term viable control options for these species. The Australian macadamia pests, Cryptophlebia ombrodelta and Acanthococcus ironsidei, not necessarily of major concern in Australia, have spread to macadamias in other countries and have become significant pests as they do not have the corresponding native natural enemies. There are critical gaps in the identification of macadamia pest species and their natural enemies, as well as an understanding of their biology and ecology, distribution, host preferences, and movement. The identified knowledge gaps need to be addressed to support IPM in macadamia, both in Australia and internationally.

Potential of Entomopathogenic Nematode HbSD as a Candidate Biocontrol Agent against Spodoptera frugiperda.

Spodoptera frugiperda is a highly destructive and polyphagous pest that causes severe damage to various crops, especially maize. The wide use of chemical insecticides to control S. frugiperda results in resistance against commonly used chemicals and resistant mutations will expand in populations accompanied by a spread to vulnerable areas. Consequently, more effective and friendly strategies must be explored to minimize losses caused by S. frugiperda. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) are good candidates for the biological control of different species of insect pests, including S. frugiperda. In the current study, the infective capabilities of the EPN species HbSD, belonging to Hetrerorhabditis bacteriophora, were evaluated against S. frugiperda under laboratory, greenhouse and field conditions. In laboratory assays, HbSD was highly virulent against 3rd/5th instar larvae, which was related to HbSD concentration and exposure durations. In greenhouse assays, spraying aqueous HbSD also showed good performance in killing larvae on maize leaves. However, the virulence of HbSD decreased in field trials where many adverse factors affecting survival and efficacy were encountered by HbSD. Overall, our study provides an alternative EPN for the biological control of S. frugiperda with the potential to be developed as a sustainable option for efficient pest management.

Impact of Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae on the Metabolic Interactions between Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) and Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV)

In natural systems, plant–endophyte interactions are important for reducing abiotic and biotic stresses in plants by producing a variety of metabolites that protect plants from pathogens and herbivores. Biocontrol strategies are increasingly being used as a viable alternative to chemical pesticides. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are one of them, and they have been touted as a successful method for biological pest control in plants. Because EPF strains are sensitive to environmental conditions when sprayed, the recently discovered endophytic behavior of several EPF strains has improved their management. Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) is one of the most common and serious plant viruses worldwide, infecting over 1200 plant species and being spread by more than 80 aphid species. CMV control is directed towards the use of chemical insecticides to eradicate its insect vectors. Endophytic EPF is currently being studied to control plant virus infection, and antagonistic effects have been reported. Metabolomics is an emerging research field for plant metabolite profiling and is employed to study plant–endophyte interactions. In the present research, metabolomics approaches were conducted to gain information into mechanisms involved in defense against CMV in endophytes Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae (EPF)-treated diseased cucumber plants. In addition, CMV-induced metabolic changes in cucumber plants were investigated. Our analysis indicated large differences in cucumber metabolites due to endophytes application. In total, six hundred and thirty-one metabolites were differentially expressed in endophyte-treated CMV diseased cucumber plants. Regulation of different kinds of amino acids, organic acids, and phenylpropanoids metabolites could provide insight about plant defense mechanism against CMV pathogen. Important metabolites were found to be regulated in diseased cucumber plants due to fungal endophytes treatment that could possibly confer tolerance to CMV disease.

Oligonucleotide Insecticides for Green Agriculture: Regulatory Role of Contact DNA in Plant-Insect Interactions.

Insects vastly outnumber us in terms of species and total biomass, and are among the most efficient and voracious consumers of plants on the planet. As a result, to preserve crops, one of the primary tasks in agriculture has always been the need to control and reduce the number of insect pests. The current use of chemical insecticides leads to the accumulation of xenobiotics in ecosystems and a decreased number of species in those ecosystems, including insects. Sustainable development of human society is impossible without useful insects, so the control of insect pests must be effective and selective at the same time. In this article, we show for the first time a natural way to regulate the number of insect pests based on the use of extracellular double-stranded DNA secreted by the plant Pittosporum tobira. Using a principle similar to one found in nature, we show that the topical application of artificially synthesized short antisense oligonucleotide insecticides (olinscides, DNA insecticides) is an effective and selective way to control the insect Coccus hesperidum. Using contact oligonucleotide insecticide Coccus-11 at a concentration of 100 ng/μL on C. hesperidum larvae resulted in a mortality of 95.59 ± 1.63% within 12 days. Green oligonucleotide insecticides, created by nature and later discovered by humans, demonstrate a new method to control insect pests that is beneficial and safe for macromolecular insect pest management.

Abundance and diversity of predatory insects in chili plant ecosystems cultivated by IPM

Cayenne pepper is a strategic commodity. The use of chemical insecticides to control pests has a negative impact on the agroecosystem. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an environmentally solution to overcome pest problems. The objectives of this study were to determine the abundance and diversity of predatory insects. Sampling was carried out in August-October 2020 in west Lombok, Indonesia, on chili fields using the IPM technique. Observations were conducted on the generative phase of chili planting and carried out using the Yellow Pan and Pitfall Trap. The population of predatory insects in chili with IPM was 1,707 individuals representing 24 species from 8 families and 5 orders. The order Hymenoptera was the most abundant (63.27%) of the total predatory insects collected, followed by Coleoptera (30.93%), and Diptera (4.63%). The diversity index of predatory species is 1.79 in land planted with chili using IPM techniques. Chili plant using IPM techniques has more abundance and divers of predatory insect species than conventional chili land. This study provides some insight into the community of predatory insects in the generative phase of the chili ecosystem and suggests that an ecological approach is needed for pest management to maintain the balance of the agroecosystem and promote biodiversity.

Efektivitas Ekstrak Tumbuhan Rawa sebagai Biopestisida Plutella xylostella dalam Skala Laboratorium

Cabbage caterpillars can attack all stages of plant growth in the vegetative and generative phases. In the concept of integrated pest control, the use of chemical insecticides is the last alternative, so an environmentally friendly control technology is needed. Swampland has the potential of plants that can be extracted as active ingredients for pest control. The results of the literature study showed that there were several types of potential wetland plants that contained the active ingredient of hydrocarbon derivative compounds which were effective in controlling Plutella, but of the 13 types of plants, a study was conducted on their effectiveness in controlling Pluttela xylostella larvae is very necessary. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of various types of wetland plants as effective botanical insecticides in controlling Pluttela xylostella on a laboratory scale. The results showed that there were 13 types of swamp plants that could be effective botanical insecticides in controlling Pluttela xylostella. The mortality of Pluttela xylostella larvae at 48 hours of observation was high in the treatment of plant extracts of Piper sarmentosum, Tithonia diversifolia, and Ziziphus spina-christi with a percentage of 68%. Therefore, it is necessary to conserve these wild plants so that these plants do not become extinct.

Алматы облысы жүгері егістіктеріндегі зиянкестер

On the territory of Kazakhstan, including in the Almaty region, where the research was conducted, plant agricultural pests were most widespread in corn fields in the Maloshuisk, Zhidelinsky and Pidzhimsky rural districts of the Panfilov district. Of these, there is 1 species in the Pyralidae family, 3 species in the Elateridae family, and 1 species in the Tenebrionidae family. Currently, the development of integrated methods of pest control in agriculture is aimed at finding environmentally safe ways to control their numbers. This is due to the fact that the use of chemical insecticides is accompanied by significant environmental pollution, so this problem is relevant in agricultural lands, gardens and nature conservation areas. To combat the number of pests, environmentally friendly products are used, which means timely treatment with biological preparations. Measures to combat corn pests: plowing the land; destruction of weeds in the fields and the collection of plant residues and mowing of weeds in peripheral areas; optimal-fast cleaning of pest-infested corn. On the basis of agrotechnical control measures, it is necessary to destroy large weeds and deeply plow the acreage. As a result of these events, you can get environmentally friendly products. In Kazakhstan, biological control of herbivorous lepidoptera is carried out only at the Kazakh Research Institute for Plant Protection and Quarantine.

Impact of covert infections with an RNA virus on the susceptibility of Spodoptera exigua to natural enemies

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs are alternatives to classical pest control through the application of chemical insecticides. IPM goal is to maintain pest populations below economically injurious levels minimizing the use of chemical insecticides. In recent years, research on insect viromes has led to the discovery of many novel viral pathogens in insect pests, some of them producing covert infections that do not cause evident symptoms. However, the impact that these viruses have on the action of natural enemies employed in IPM programs is still unknown. Spodoptera exigua iflavirus 1 (SeIV1) is an RNA virus commonly found in field populations of Spodoptera exigua. In this work, we have analysed the possible impact of those viral infections on the activity of different natural enemies used for the control of this pest. Specifically, we have studied the effects of SeIV1 on susceptibility to entomopathogenic nematodes, fungi, bacteria, and parasitoids. Infections with SeIV1 showed to be compatible with the nematode Steinernema carpocapsae as the infection did not affect the susceptibility or production of new juveniles. Moreover, they are also compatible with the fungus Metarhizium brunneum as the mortality of S. exigua larvae was not affected by the viral infection. Interestingly, infections with SeIV1 increase the susceptibility to Bacillus thuringiensis formulation and increase the mortality caused by the parasitism of Hyposoter didymator. In summary, our results show that the four natural enemies tested are not negatively affected by SeIV1 and their action remains similar or enhanced by the covert infections with this iflavirus.

Cyclosporin A as a Potential Insecticide to Control the Asian Corn Borer Ostrinia furnacalis Guenée (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae).

Simple SummaryWhile chemical insecticides are conventionally effective for pest control, they also cause severe problems, such as insect resistance and environmental pollution. Alternative insecticides with distinct mechanisms are needed. Cyclosporin A (CsA), a polypeptide produced by fungi, is widely used as an immunosuppressant in organ transplantation. This study used Ostrinia furnacalis, a major pest of maize in Asia, as a model to investigate the insecticidal activity of CsA. CsA had marked insecticide activity against O. furnacalis larvae. Furthermore, sublethal doses of CsA caused negative effects on larval, pupal and adult development. CsA treatments suppressed reproduction, significantly decreasing the mating rate, ovary size, and numbers and hatchability of eggs. CsA showed excellent combined toxicities when mixed with five common insecticides, respectively. Importantly, CsA acts by suppressing calcineurin, which represents a novel insecticidal target. Thus, CsA has potential as a new insecticide for sustainable pest management.The long-term use of chemical insecticides has caused serious problems of insect resistance and environmental pollution; new insecticides are needed to solve this problem. Cyclosporin A (CsA) is a polypeptide produced by many fungi, which is used to prevent or treat immune rejection during organ transplantation. However, little is known about the utility of CsA as an insecticide. Therefore, this study evaluated the insecticidal activity of CsA using Ostrinia furnacalis as a model. The results demonstrated that CsA was toxic to O. furnacalis with LC50 values of 113.02 μg/g and 198.70 μg/g for newly hatched neonates and newly molted third-instar larvae, respectively. Furthermore, CsA treatment had sublethal effects on the development of O. furnacalis, and significantly reduced the fecundity of adults; this suggests that CsA has great potential to suppress O. furnacalis populations. Further analysis revealed that CsA suppressed calcineurin activity in larvae. CsA had independent or synergistic toxic effects on O. furnacalis when combined with β-cypermethrin, indoxacarb, emamectin benzoate, azadirachtin, and the Bacillus thuringiensis toxin Cry1Ac, which suggests that CsA can help prevent or manage resistance. Our study provides detailed information on the potential of CsA as an insecticide for controlling lepidopterans.

Larvicidal Potential of Essential Oils Extracted from Syzygium aromaticum Against Aedes albopictus In Malaysia: A Preliminary Study

Introduction: The use of chemical insecticides has raised concerns regarding its consequences on human health and as well as its detrimental environmental impacts. Essential oils obtained from botanical origins can be used as natural alternatives to circumvent these concerns. As such, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the larvicidal efficacy of essential oil extracted from Syzygium aromaticum against Aedes albopictus. Methods: Larvae sampled were reared and maintained under insectary conditions following standard protocols. The essential oil from Syzygium aromaticum was extracted by hydrodistillation and tested against Aedes albopictus larvae for its susceptibility and lethality at 24 and 48 hours. The LC50 and LC90 lethal concentration values were determined using Probit regression analysis. Results: Syzygium aromaticum essential oil revealed larvicidal actions against Aedes albopictus species which was concentration-dependent, causing 100% larval mortality at 300 ppm. LC50 and LC90 were observed at 239.5 ppm and 275.3 ppm following 24-hour exposure, and 235.5 ppm and 277.8 ppm after 48 hours respectively. Conclusion: The findings from this study highlight the conceivable use of essential oils extracted from Syzygium aromaticum as potential sources for the development of a larvicidal agent. The findings could be used to catalyse further efforts to develop alternative strategies to control Aedes albopictus.

Antifeedant and larvicidal activity of bioactive compounds isolated from entomopathogenic fungi Penicillium sp. for the control of agricultural and medically important insect pest (Spodoptera litura and Culex quinquefasciatus)

The use of chemical insecticides in agriculture has posed several challenges to environment and ecosystem health. Pesticides of biological origin are considered to be suitable for sustainable environment. In the present study bioactive compounds from Penicillium sp. was isolated and tested for insecticidal activity on Spodoptera litura and Culex quinquefasciatus larvae. Ethyl acetate extract of Penicillium sp. were characterized using GC–MS and FT-IR analysis. GC–MS analysis showed 20 different bioactive compounds namely, Propanoic acid, ethyl ester, Acetic Acid, Propyl Ester, Isopentyl Acetate, Acetic Acid, 2-Methylpropyl Ester, Behenic alcohol, 1-Hexadecene, 1-Octadecene, 1-Hexacosanol, n-Hexadecanoic acid, 1-Tetradecanol, 1-Dodecene, Tetrydamine, and Octadecanoic acid. The presence of functional groups such as, chloroalkanes, sulfonates, phosphines, amines, carboxylic acid, alkanes, and isocyanates was identified by using FTIR. Ethyl acetate extract of Penicillium sp., were tested for larvicidal activity on Spodoptera litura and Culex quinquefasciatus larvae showed significant larval mortality after 48 h of exposure with LC50: 72.205 mg/ml: LC90: 282.783 mg/ml and LC50: 94.701 mg/ml: LC90:475.049 mg/ml respectively. High antifeedant activity was observed in 300 μg/ml at 48 h of crude extract exposure. The present study concludes that Penicillium sp., secondary metabolites are effective for control of Spodoptera litura and Culex quinquefasciatus larvae.

The Need for Integrated Pest Management (ipm)

Much attention has been given to the use of chemical insecticides since the development of DDT which proved important for controlling mosquitoes and many other insect pests until Rachel Carson in her book "Silent Spring" pointed out its adverse impact on birds. More recently greater concern has been expressed about other chemical insecticides having a detrimental impact on the natural enemies of pests, bees and moving into rivers and other areas. The EU has now promoted Integrated Pest Management as an alternative system to reduce the use of chemical pesticides. IPM is not a new idea. In the USA, IPM was first mentioned around 1959 when in California, it was proposed that insecticides should only be applied if the number of pests exceeded an economic threshold, thus encouraging scouting to assess the number of pests in a crop. Earlier, in Central and Southern Africa when it was decided to grow cotton, seed of a variety "Cokers Wild" was imported from USA but suffered severe damage caused by jassids. Luckily in South Africa seed had also been obtained from India and soon a variety with hairs on leaves was introduced that survived jassid damage, although bollworms still restricted the yields. Then in 1938, it was decided that there had to be a closed season of two months in which no cotton plants should be present. This action was to reduce bollworms entering a crop as soon as fields were sown with cotton when the rain season began in November. Bollworms, Diparopsis castanea, the red bollworm and Helicoverpa armigera, the 'American bollworm' still caused damage, so when trials began with endrin and then DDT in 1958, it was pointed out that it was important to gain more conjunction with other forms of control. While studies using insecticides continued there were other investigations to determine the possible use of traps with pheromone to reduce bollworm damage. The immediate work was to collaborate with extension staff to train farmers how to scout for bollworm eggs and spray the insecticide recommended for the bollworms detected in the crop.

Application of the local entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria Bassiana Vuill against larvae Oryctes rhinoceros L. in immature oil palm plants in Sei Siasam, Rokan Hulu Regency, Riau Province, Indonesia

The decline in oil palm production can be caused by pest attacks. The main pest that attacks oil palm is the horn beetle. Control is usually done by using chemical pesticides. The use of chemical pesticides can cause resistance, resurgence, destruction of natural enemies, and environmental pollution. The use of chemical insecticides can be minimized by using environmentally friendly and sustainable control alternatives, namely by using the local entomopathogenic fungus B. bassiana. This study aimed to obtain the best dose of local B. bassiana Vuill in controlling O. rhinoceros larvae in immature oil palm plantations in Sei Siasam, Rokan Hulu Regency, Riau Province. The study was carried out in Sei Siasam, Rokan Hulu Regency and the Plant Pest Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Riau. Completely Randomized Design with five treatments doses of local entomopathogenic fungus B. bassiana 30 g/hole, 35 g/hole, 40 g/hole, 45 g/hole, 50 g/hole and four replications, in order to get 20 experimental units. The results showed that the application of local Riau B. bassiana at a dose of 40 g/hole was the best dose capable of causing death of 72.5%. Early death 77 hours after application and Lethal time 50 180.75 hours after application.

Peningkatan Keberdayaan dan Pendapatan Kelompok Tani Dompon Melalui Penanaman Padi Organik Premium dan Penangkaran Tyto Alba

Purworejo Village is one of 17 villages in Suruh Subdistrict, Semarang Regency, located between Salatiga City and Boyolali Regency, with an area of ​​169.52 ha consisting of 101.14 ha of paddy fields, 9.70 ha of dry land and 58.68 ha of non-agricultural land. Agricultural problems faced include: land ownership area of ​​about 0.32 ha/family; the use of chemical/inorganic fertilizers is very high so that agricultural land becomes increasingly “sick”; high use of chemical insecticides; the threat of rat pests; farmers' knowledge is still very limited; and the involvement of farmers in farmer group activities is still very limited. On the other hand, the knowledge of farmer group administrators is also still lacking; and the type of rice produced is of medium quality so that the price is relatively cheap in the market. Due to low productivity, most of the rice yields are still used to meet family needs. Farmers have not been able and do not dare to grow organic rice with premium quality which actually has a higher price in the market. Solutions to agricultural problems are implemented through the Community Partnership Program by Increasing Empowerment and Income of Dompon Farmer Groups through Premium Organic Rice Planting and Owl Breeding (Tyto Alba). Through this PKM activity, there has been a change in the behavior of farmers in the Dompon farmer group to start planting organic crops and breeding owls so that rat pests can be avoided. Members of the Dompon Farmer Group can: 1) learn and apply environmentally friendly integrated agricultural technologies; 2) productivity and production of paddy fields increased; 3) produce premium quality organic rice products; and 4) eradicating rats in a more environmentally friendly way using owls (Tyto alba), which are natural enemies of rats.

Nanoemulsion of Myrtus communis essential oil and evaluation of its larvicidal activity against Anopheles stephensi

Excessive use of chemical insecticides has caused environmental pollution and vector resistance. Herbal essential oils with larvicidal properties are good alternatives to synthetic insecticides.mIn this study, larvicide properties of Myrtus communis essential oil and its nanoemulsion against Anopheles stephensi were investigated. Components of Myrtus communis essential oil were identified by GC–MS. Nanoemulsion of essential oil was made with Tween 80, Span 20, and water. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) determined particle size and morphology of nanoemulsions. The larvicide activity compared with bulk essential oil. A total of 107 M. communis essential oil compounds were discovered. The morphology of a selected nanoemulsion was spherical. LC 50 and LC 90 of M. communis essential oil were calculated as 26.1 and 46.2 µg/ml, respectively. The larvicide activity of nanoemulsion increased by 40% compared to the bulk essential oil. The nanoemulsion's larvicide activity (100%) lasted up to 3 days, while the essential oil had larvicide properties only for up to 24 h. Myrtus communis essential oil was found to be an effective larvicide and classified as an active larvicide. The residual efficacy of the nanoformulation of M. communis significantly increased compared with the bulk essential oil.