PP 1/301 (1) Ceratitis capitata – bait application

Specific scope

This Standard describes the conduct of trials for the efficacy evaluation of bait insecticides against Ceratitis capitata on citrus and top fruits. For foliar spray application see EPPO Standard PP 1/302. Together they replace EPPO Standard PP 1/106 Ceratitis capitata.

Specific approval and amendment

First approved in 2017–09.

Special remarks

This Standard should be used for the evaluation of insecticides applied with baits to citrus or other fruit crops, usually covering a small part of the foliage. Trials can only be carried out under natural infestations on large surface field plots.     

Cholecalciferol-induced bait shyness in possums (Trichosurus vulpecula)

Cholecalciferol (vitamin D₃) is used in a variety of bait formulations to control populations of the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), an introduced pest that seriously damages and threatens primary production and native biota in New Zealand. In cage trials, possums readily ate sublethal baits containing either an estimated LD₁₅ or LD₄₀ dose of cholecalciferol, leading to a depression of appetite that lasted for 7-15 days. When lethal quantities of baits were presented 21-30 days after the initial LD₁₅ or LD₄₀ baits, 40 and 88% of possums survived, respectively, compared with a 21% survival rate among naive possums, and bait consumption was also reduced among survivors of the initial baits. Subsequent switching of the bait base to a gel was partially successful in overcoming bait shyness, killing 40% of one group (formed by pooling the original groups), while switching both the bait type (to gel) and the toxicant (to 1080) resulted in a 63% mortality rate in a second group. By comparison, 95 and 100% of naive groups were killed by cholecalciferol and 1080 gel respectively. Practical measures are identified for both avoiding and overcoming bait shyness based on the use of alternative bait types and toxicants.     

密褐褶孔菌Gloeophyllum trabeum对几种杀虫剂跟踪反应及对水坝白蚁诱杀效果的影响

测定了毒死蜱、氰戊菊酯、阿维菌素和氟虫腈等 4种杀虫剂与不同饵料混合后对家白蚁 Coptotermes formosanus和黄肢散白蚁 Reticulitermes flaviceps的口服毒性。在此基础上比较了各种饵料及由它们配成的毒饵对黄肢散白蚁的引诱力。结果表明 ,白蚁对甘蔗粉的喜好程度远超过对淀粉和松木粉。而受密褐褶孔菌 Gloeop hyllum trabeum侵染的甘蔗粉对白蚁的引诱力又远超过未受侵染的甘蔗粉。 4种杀虫剂中除氰戊菊酯外 ,另 3种与受侵染甘蔗粉制成的毒饵均能够在不损失杀白蚁活性的同时保留其对白蚁的引诱力。其中毒死蜱毒饵在为期30 d的水坝白蚁诱杀防治中取得最高 (6 6 .7% )的防治效果。     

Combined use of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein dsRNA and Gram-negative bacteria for pest management of Coptotermes formosanus

BACKGROUND

RNA interference (RNAi) technology is an environmentally friendly strategy for controlling insect pests. Lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) recognizes lipopolysaccharides, which are a major outer membrane constituent of Gram-negative bacteria. We propose that the LBP gene is a potential target for termite management; however, to date, no studies have examined this gene in termites.

RESULTS

In this study, we cloned the LBP gene of Coptotermes formosanus (Cf) and found that the mortality rate of termite workers significantly increased, and the repellence of these workers to Gram-negative bacteria was suppressed after knockdown of CfLBP using double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) injection and feeding. Moreover, the mortality rate of termite workers fed with CfLBP dsRNA and three Gram-negative bacteria (provided separately) was over 50%, which was much higher than that of termites treated with either CfLBP dsRNA or Gram-negative bacteria. Finally, we found that CfLBP impacts the IMD pathway to regulate the immune response of C. formosanus to Gram-negative bacteria.

CONCLUSION

CfLBP plays a important role in the immune defense of termites against Gram-negative bacteria. It can be used as an immunosuppressant for RNAi-based termite management and is an ideal target for termite control based on the combined use of RNAi and pathogenic bacteria. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.     

Bait aggregation to reduce cost and toxin use in aerial 1080 baiting of small mammal pests in New Zealand

BACKGROUND: The metabolic toxin sodium fluoroacetate (‘compound 1080’) is widely used for controlling introduced mammalian pests in New Zealand. For large-scale operations, 1080 is distributed aerially in bait to kill brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula Kerr) and ship rats (Rattus rattus L.). While usually successful in reducing pest populations by > 80%, widespread distribution of toxic bait is relatively expensive and raises concerns from some members of the public. Here, trials with spatial aggregation of baits in forested habitats were conducted to determine whether this can reduce toxin usage while maintaining operational efficacy. RESULTS: When 1080 baits were aggregated into clusters (by hand sowing) or into strips (by precision aerial deployment), indices of possum relative abundance were reduced by 92–100%, compared with 73–100% reductions using conventional aerial broadcasting, while all methods reduced relative abundance indices of rats by 88% or greater. Radio tracking indicated a kill rate of > 90% against possums, regardless of bait distribution method. CONCLUSIONS: Simply by modifying bait distribution patterns, spatial aggregation can be used to maintain the high encounter rate of pests with 1080 bait that is necessary for operational efficacy, while reducing current toxin usage by up to 80%. Aggregated bait delivery could have relevance for other mammalian pest control scenarios internationally. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

几种毒饵对红火蚁的室内诱杀药效试验

阿维菌素、吡丙醚、氟虫腈、吡虫啉、毒死蜱和氟磺酰胺等6种毒饵在室内对红火蚁进行诱杀实验结果表明：氟磺酰胺和吡丙醚的药效均属于慢性,较适于作为红火蚁防控根除的诱杀毒饵药剂;阿维菌素和吡虫啉的药效介于急、慢性之间;而氟虫腈、毒死蜱属于急性毒杀药剂,不适于作为红火蚁诱杀毒饵.其中0.5%氟磺酰胺饵剂作为广西红火蚁发生区的面上防治药剂已取得显著控制效果.     

Neophobia in wild rats is elicited by using bait stations but not bait trays

Brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) are among the most common vertebrates often becoming a major pest in urban environments. Managing rat populations is difficult, given the complex behaviours these murids can display. To help improve local control, we studied the response of wild rats to bait stations comparing baits placed on three different kinds of surfaces (on the ground, on trays and in bait stations) near burrows. We show that rats neither avoided nor preferred any tray type in particular – the latency to pick up the food pellet from the ground did not differ from the latency to pick it up from trays. However, the latency to pick the food pellet was significantly higher when food was placed in bait stations. We conclude that for effective administration of toxic baits, common bait stations are not the most effective method and should be used only in cases when placing baits directly on the ground or on a tray poses a threat to other animals and humans.     

Efficacy of Beauveria bassiana against the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), in Taiwan

BACKGROUND: Combining biological control and chemical control could be used for controlling red imported fire ant (RIFA), Solenopsis invicta, more effectively. Beauveria bassiana F256, a local strain from Taiwan, was evaluated for its efficacy in the control of S. invicta under both laboratory and field conditions. RESULTS: The efficacies of different doses of B. bassiana (Bb) using direct application and bait formulation methods were compared. The number of RIFA workers killed by the direct application of Bb or by bait were significantly higher than those of the control, with different rates of efficacy under laboratory conditions. Under field conditions, the direct application of Bb into RIFA mounds was more efficient in inactivating the mounds than the bait application. CONCLUSION: It was shown that B. bassiana is able to control S. invicta under both laboratory and field conditions and can be used as a biocontrol agent against RIFA in Taiwan. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Suitability of Ten Plant Baits for the Rapid Detection of Pathogenic Pythium Species in Hydroponic Crops

Ten types of plant baits were tested in the laboratory to assess their capacity to detect pathogenic Pythium species. These were orange tree leaves, tomato leaves, pepper leaves, geranium leaves, Bermuda grass leaves, pine needles, immature carnation petals, hemp-seed cotyledons, pepper and cucumber fruits. The Pythium spp. tested were P. aphanidermatum, P. irregulare and Pythium group F from hydroponic market garden crops in the Poniente region of Almería (south-east Spain). The test consisted of observing the velocity at which five baits were colonized and the day of colonization of the first bait. Results indicated that the slowest baits to be infected were immature carnation petals and pine needles. These two, together with Bermuda grass leaves, were also the baits infected in lowest number, such that practically no further infection was produced in the baits after the fifth day of contact with the inoculated water. The other plant baits tested were equally suitable for detection of Pythium spp. over the first two days, although only orange leaves and hemp-seed cotyledons were infected on the first day.     

Biomanagement of Fusarium wilt of tomato by the soil application of certain phosphatesolubilizing microorganisms

Abstract

We tested whether a new automated bait dispenser, the Scentinel®, could be programmed to deliver non-toxic bait selectively only to animals of specified dimensions (>400 g body weight and <110 mm body diameter, the size of a ferret or a mink). We tested whether wild ferrets would discriminate between two types of bait (egg/oil and homogenised brain tissue). We set 24 Scentinels in 12 randomised pairs for 11 weeks on a 2400-ha area of pastoral farmland in New Zealand. Of 1559 visits by small animals, 198 were by ferrets (c. 28 individuals). The Scentinels correctly delivered 895 baits to visitors weighing >400 g, and no baits to 543 visitors of <400 g. The mean body weight of live ferrets recorded by Scentinels was not significantly different from that of 34 carcasses collected from the same area by professional trappers. Of the 145 baits dispensed to ferrets, egg/oil bait was significantly more often eaten. We conclude that the Scentinel can reliably deliver bait to specified sizes of animals and deny it to others. It can also facilitate extensive bait preference tests on unrestrained wild pests.     

Nutrients affecting food choice by the pest subterranean termite Coptotermes gestroi (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

Coptotermes gestroi is a subterranean termite from Asia, introduced accidentally to Brazil, where it is responsible for substantial damage in urban areas. The foraging range of this species frequently overlap with that of Heterotermes tenuis, a native termite also considered to be a severe pest. The greatest challenge in controlling these termites is to develop baits suitable for both species. A critical issue is to select compounds that act as common phagostimulants. We examined whether the feeding preferences of C. gestroi for some nutrients were similar to those already reported for H. tenuis. A double choice design was used. Consumption was evaluated by change in the dry mass of paper discs after termite feeding. C. gestroi fed preferentially on discs treated with a solution of sucrose + yeast. However, insects did not choose urea at 0.015 g/ml, one of the preferred solutions for H. tenuis. These results indicate that the two termites have different feeding preferences, and we suggest future use of sucrose + yeast in baits for management of C. gestroi.     

Attraction of Chrysoperla carnea complex and Chrysopa spp. lacewings (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) to aphid sex pheromone components and a synthetic blend of floral compounds in Hungary

BACKGROUND: The deployment of synthetic attractants for the manipulation of lacewing populations as aphid predators is currently used in integrated pest management. This study investigates a synthetic bait comprising floral compounds previously found to attract the Chrysoperla carnea complex, and, for the first time, the aphid sex pheromone components (1R,4aS,7S,7aR)‐nepetalactol and (4aS,7S,7aR)‐nepetalactone, in field experiments in Hungary, for their ability to manipulate lacewing populations. RESULTS: The synthetic floral bait attracted both sexes of the Chrysoperla carnea complex, and Chrysopa formosa Brauer showed minimal attraction. The aphid sex pheromone compounds alone attracted males of C. formosa and C. pallens (Rambur). When the two baits were combined, Chrysopa catches were similar to those with aphid sex pheromone baits alone, but carnea complex catches decreased significantly (by 85–88%). CONCLUSION: As the floral bait alone attracted both sexes of the carnea complex, it showed potential to manipulate the location of larval density via altering the site of oviposition. Aphid sex pheromone compounds alone attracted predatory males of Chrysopa spp. and can potentially be used to enhance biological control of aphids. For the carnea complex, however, a combination of both baits is not advantageous because of the decrease in adults attracted. Assumptions of intraguild avoidance underlying this phenomenon are discussed. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

The influence of bait presentation on bait uptake by mice (Mus domesticus) in infested urban domestic dwellings

Several researchers have established a link between the presence of house mouse (Mus domesticus) infestations and detrimental effects on human health. Controlling mouse infestations therefore requires methods that are quick, safe and effective. A tamper-resistant bait station with a wax block which is manufactured to fit within it so that it cannot be shaken out is considered the safest way to present the bait. However, some authors have expressed concern about the efficacy of this method. Research to examine the effects of bait stations on the feeding of mice infesting domestic dwellings was undertaken in the city of Manchester, UK. Working in conjunction with Manchester City Council, suitable sites were found. A balanced Latin Square experimental design was employed to overcome any operational biases that could have occurred. Non-toxic baits were presented in one of four ways: whole wheat in a cardboard box; whole wheat in a open tray; whole wheat in a tamper-resistant box; and a non-toxic wax block in a tamper-resistant box. Baits were placed in four different locations within dwellings and during the feeding trial; the bait stations were rotated, so that each bait type was presented in each location. The bait take from 12 dwellings within 3 housing blocks was recorded. Three-quarters of the bait consumed during the trial was taken from the cardboard box. No bait was taken from the tamper-resistant box containing the wax block.

Risk assessments should drive the approach adopted in presenting rodenticide. Dwellings where vulnerable adults/children/pets are present may represent a risk of accidental poisoning may require a regime with tamper-resistant bait boxes containing wax blocks, to prevent baits being accessed. However, a balance between the safest and the most effective presentation of bait is needed and in areas where there is unlikely to be any access to baits (e.g. behind kitchen kickboards), use of alternatives must remain to ensure the shift resolution of infestations. Where bait can be placed safely and there are no children or pets present, cardboard boxes provide an effective means of ensuring that bait is consumed by the mice infesting domestic dwellings.     

Laboratory Evaluation of Zinc Phosphide as a Rodenticide against Bandicota bengalensis

Abstract

The toxicity and efficacy of the acute rodenticide zinc phosphide (Zn₃P₂) was evaluated in the laboratory against the lesser bandicoot rat (Bandicota bengalensis), from Rangoon, Burma. The acute LD50 and LD95 doses of orally-administered zinc phosphide for B. bengalensis were found to be 25.0 mg/kg and 113.0 mg/kg of body weight respectively. When caged bandicoots were given a choice between plain and poison baits, the optimum rodenticidal concentrations in the bait was found to be 2.5%. Symptoms of poisoning appear from 32 minutes to 3 hours after feeding starts, giving individual animals time to consume from 10 to over 27 LD50 doses of 25% zinc phosphide before feeding stops. Death occurred in a minimum of 4 to 5 hours following either oral dosing or free choice feeding. There appears to be aversion to the poison at higher concentrations in food baits. The relative merits of zinc phosphide and pyriminyl as rodenticides against the lesser bandicoot in Rangoon will have to be determined in a series of comparative field trials.     

Combined use of a synthetic trail pheromone and insecticidal bait provides effective control of an invasive ant

BACKGROUND: Except for sex pheromones, use of pheromones in pest management has been largely unexplored. A high concentration of trail pheromone disrupts ant trail following and foraging, and thus synthetic trail pheromone can be a novel control agent for pest ants. In this study, a year‐long treatment of small areas (100 m² plots of urban house gardens) with synthetic trail pheromone, insecticidal bait or both was conducted to develop a novel control method of the invasive Argentine ant Linepithema humile (Mayr). RESULTS: The ant population could be maintained lower than or similar to the initial level only by combined treatment with synthetic trail pheromone and insecticidal bait. Actually, the ant population was nearly always lowest in combination treatment plots. Throughout the study period, the ant population in plots treated with either one of synthetic trail pheromone or insecticidal bait remained similar to no‐treatment plots. CONCLUSIONS: Combination treatment may be a more effective and environmentally friendly method for controlling invasive ants than conventional methods. Extermination of ants by insecticidal bait and inhibition of re‐infestation by pheromone may be the mechanism of the combination effect. This is the first study to show a significant effect of synthetic trail pheromone on ant population. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

A new fire ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) bait base carrier for moist conditions

BACKGROUND: A new water‐resistant fire ant bait (T‐bait; cypermethrin 0.128%) consisting of dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) as a carrier was developed and evaluated against a standard commercial bait (Advion^®; indoxacarb 0.045%) under both laboratory and field conditions. RESULTS: When applying the normal T‐bait or Advion^® in the laboratory, 100% of Solenopsis invicta Buren worker ants were killed within 4 days. However, when the T‐bait and Advion^® were wetted, 70.6 and 39.7% of the ants were killed respectively. Under field conditions, dry T‐bait and dry Advion^® had almost the same efficacy against ant colonies. However, when T‐bait and Advion^® came in contact with water, the former's ability to kill S. invicta colonies in the field was only marginally reduced, while Advion^® lost virtually all of its activity. In addition, DDGS was also shown to be compatible with a number of other insecticides, such as d‐allethrin, permethrin and pyrethrin. CONCLUSION: Based on its properties of remaining attractive to the fire ants when wetted, combined with its ant‐killing abilities both in the laboratory and in the field, T‐bait is an efficient fire ant bait, especially under moist conditions. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Purification and characterisation of proteins secreted by the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae with insecticidal activity against adults of the Mediterranean fruit fly,Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae)

BACKGROUND: The control of the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly) Ceratitis capitata (Wied) is usually performed with protein bait sprays incorporating chemical insecticides that may have adverse effects on humans, non‐target organisms and the environment. In recent years, scientists have sought more environmentally friendly insecticides for medfly control, such as plant‐ and microorganism‐derived compounds. Among these compounds, entomopathogenic fungi are an unexplored source of natural insecticides. RESULTS: The crude soluble protein extract (CSPE) of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae (Mestch.) (strain EAMa 01/58‐Su) shows chronic insecticidal activity when administered per os. Mortality in flies exhibits a dose response. The CSPE produces an antifeedant effect in adult flies, a result probably due to a progressive deterioration of the fly midgut after ingestion of the extract. Protease and temperature treatments show that insecticidal activity against C. capitata is due to proteinaceous compounds that are highly thermostable. Four monomeric proteins from this crude extract have been purified by liquid chromatography and gel electroelution. Although all four monomers seem to be involved in the insecticidal activity of the CSPE, the 15 kDa and the 11 kDa proteins appear to be mainly responsible for the observed insecticidal effect. CONCLUSIONS: Four new fungal proteins with insecticidal activity have been purified and identified. These proteins might be combined with insect baits for C. capitata biocontrol. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

PP 1/302 (1) Ceratitis capitata – foliar application

Specific scope

This Standard describes the conduct of trials for the efficacy evaluation of foliar insecticides against Ceratitis capitata on citrus and top fruits. For bait spray application see EPPO Standard PP 1/301. Together they replace EPPO Standard PP 1/106 Ceratitis capitata.

Specific approval and amendment

First approved in 2017‐09.     

红火蚁监测盒研制和在集装箱检疫中的应用研究

为了筛选出一种适用于红火蚁检疫和监测的饵剂,设计出红火蚁检疫监测盒,本文在室内试验盒和集装箱内开展诱捕试验。结果表明:以鱼粉、鱼蛋白胨、蜂蜜、花生油按比例组合制成胶状剂型的饵料在1.8m内对红火蚁有较好诱集效果。集装箱试验表明,在虫口密度≥7头/m3时,距虫源释放点3.3m6、.6m、10m处均有诱集效果,集装箱两侧监测盒效果明显优于其他位置,且在6h后诱集虫口数达到一个高峰,可作为口岸检疫应用的推荐时间。带废纸集装箱试验表明,当虫口密度为9头/m3,距虫源释放点约6.0m的监测盒6h的检出率约达71%。因此,推荐在集装箱、汽车或其他运输工具上两侧放置2～4个监测盒,4～6h后检查效果可作为红火蚁检疫及其监测新方法。     

Carbon dioxide as a potential fumigant for termite control

Formosan subterranean termites, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, were exposed to ? 95% or 50% carbon dioxide atmospheres for intervals of 24-120 h at 26(±3)°C. A 24-h exposure to ? 95% carbon dioxide caused significant termite mortality, but 60 h were required for complete mortality. Exposure to 50% carbon dioxide for 60 h resulted in approximately 70% termite mortality, while complete mortality was recorded after 120 h. When termites were sealed in wooden blocks (90 × 90 × 152 mm), 72-96 h exposure to ? 95% carbon dioxide was necessary for complete control. A limited study with Cryptotermes brevis (Walker) suggested that this drywood termite is also susceptible to carbon dioxide fumigation, although slightly longer exposures may be required than with C. formosanus. Carbon dioxide-modified atmospheres are a viable alternative to conventional fumigants for vault fumigation of termite-infested materials, and may also be applicable to larger-scale fumigations to control structural pests.