Fumigant toxicity of volatile natural products from Korean spices and medicinal plants towards the rice weevil,Sitophilus oryzae (L)

The fumigant toxicity of various volatile constituents of essential oils extracted from sixteen Korean spices and medicinal plants towards the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae L (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), was determined. The most potent toxicity was found in the essential oil from Mentha arvensis L var piperascens (LC₅₀ = 45.5 µl litre^?1 air). GC–MS analysis of essential oil from M arvensis showed it to be rich in menthol (63.2%), menthone (13.1%) and limonene (1.5%), followed in abundance by β‐pinene (0.7%), α‐pinene (0.6%) and linalool (0.2%). Treatment of S oryzae with each of these terpenes showed menthone to be most active (LC₅₀ = 12.7 µl litre^?1 air) followed by linalool (LC₅₀ = 39.2 µl litre^?1 air) and α‐pinene (LC₅₀ = 54.9 µl litre^?1 air). Studies on inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity of S oryzae showed menthone to have a nine‐fold lower inhibitory effect than menthol, despite menthone being 8.1‐fold more toxic than menthol to the rice weevil. Different modes of toxicity of these monoterpenes towards S oryzae are discussed. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry     

Synergistic and antagonistic interactions of terpenes against Meloidogyne incognita and the nematicidal activity of essential oils from seven plants indigenous to Greece

BACKGROUND: Biorational means for phytonematode control were studied within the context of an increasingly ecofriendly pest management global approach. The nematicidal activity and the chemical composition of essential oils (EOs) isolated from seven plants grown in Greece and ten selected compounds extracted from them against second‐stage juveniles (J2) of Meloidogyne incognita (Kof. & White) Chitwood were evaluated using juvenile paralysis experiments. Additionally, synergistic and antagonistic interactions between nematicidal terpenes were studied using an effect addition model, with the comparison made at one concentration level. RESULTS: The 96 h EC₅₀ values of Foeniculum vulgare Mill., Pimpinella anisum L., Eucalyptus meliodora A Cunn ex Schauer and Pistacia terebinthus L. were 231, 269, 807 and 1116 µg mL^?1, respectively, in an immersion bioassay. Benzaldehyde (9 µg mL^?1) was the most toxic compound, followed by γ‐eudesmol (50 µg mL^?1) and estragole (180 µg mL^?1), based on 96 h EC₅₀ values. The most potent terpene pairs between which synergistic actions were found, in decreasing order, were: trans‐anethole/geraniol, trans‐anethole/eugenol, carvacrol/eugenol and geraniol/carvacrol. CONCLUSION: This is the first report on the activity of F. vulgare, P. anisum, E. meliodora and P. terebinthus, and additionally on synergistic/antagonistic nematicidal terpene interactions, against M. incognita, providing alternative methods for nematode control. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Composition of essential oil of Chinese Chenopodium ambrosioides and insecticidal activity against maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais

BACKGROUND: In a screening programme for new agrochemicals from Chinese medicinal herbs, Chenopodium ambrosioides L. was found to possess strong fumigant activity against the maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais (Motsch.). Essential oil of C. ambrosioides was obtained by hydrodistillation, and the constituents were determined by GC‐MS analysis. The active compounds were isolated and identified by bioassay‐directed fractionation. RESULTS: Five active compounds [(Z)‐ascaridole, 2‐carene, ρ‐cymene, isoascaridole and α‐terpinene] were isolated and identified from the essential oil from Chinese C. ambrosioides. The LC₅₀ values (fumigation) of the crude essential oils and the active compound (Z)‐ascaridole against S. zeamais adults were 3.08 and 0.84 mg L^?1 air respectively. The LD₅₀ values (contact toxicity) of the crude essential oil and (Z)‐ascaridole against S. zeamais adults were 2.12 and 0.86 µg g^?1 body weight respectively. CONCLUSION: The findings suggested that the essential oil of Chenopodium ambrosioides and its main active constituent, (Z)‐ascaridole, may be explored as a natural potential fumigant. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Insecticidal activities of leaf and twig essential oils from Clausena excavata against Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus larvae

BACKGROUND: The current study investigates, for the first time, the mosquito larvicidal activities of leaf and twig essential oils from Clausena excavata Burm. f. and their individual constituents against Aedes aegypti L. and Aedes albopictus Skuse larvae. The yields of essential oils obtained from hydrodistillation were compared, and their constituents were determined by GC‐MS analyses. RESULTS: The LC₅₀ values of leaf and twig essential oils against fourth‐instar larvae of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus were 37.1–40.1 µg mL^?1 and 41.1–41.2 µg mL^?1 respectively. This study demonstrated that C. excavata leaf and twig essential oils possess mosquito larvicidal activity, inhibiting the growth of mosquito larvae for both species at a low concentration. In addition, results of larvicidal assays showed that the effective constituents in leaf and twig essential oils were limonene, γ‐terpinene, terpinolene, β‐myrcene, 3‐carene and p‐cymene. The LC₅₀ values of these constituents against both mosquito larvae were below 50 µg mL^?1. Among these effective constituents, limonene had the best mosquito larvicidal activity, with LC₅₀ of 19.4 µg mL^?1 and 15.0 µg mL^?1 against Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus larvae respectively. CONCLUSION: The findings suggested that the essential oils from Clausena excavata leaf and twig and their effective constituents may be explored as a potential natural larvicide. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Fumigant toxicity of lemon eucalyptus oil constituents to acaricide-susceptible and acaricide-resistant Tetranychus urticae

BACKGROUND: This study was aimed at assessing the fumigant toxicity of 14 essential oil constituents from lemon eucalyptus, Eucalyptus citriodora Hook, and another ten known compounds to females of acaricide‐susceptible, chlorfenapyr‐resistant, fenpropathrin‐resistant, pyridaben‐resistant and abamectin‐resistant strains of Tetranychus urticae Koch. RESULTS: Menthol (LC₅₀, 12.9 µg cm^?3) was the most toxic compound, followed by citronellyl acetate (16.8 µg cm^?3), against the susceptible females. High toxicity was also produced by β‐citronellol, citral, geranyl acetate and eugenol (LC₅₀, 21.7–24.6 µg cm^?3). The fumigant toxicity of these compounds was almost identical against females from either of the susceptible and resistant strains, indicating that the compounds and acaricides do not share a common mode of action or elicit cross‐resistance. CONCLUSION: Global efforts to reduce the level of highly toxic synthetic acaricides in the agricultural environment justify further studies on materials derived from lemon eucalyptus oil, particularly menthol and citronellyl acetate, as potential acaricides for the control of acaricide‐resistant T. urticae as fumigants with contact action. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Acaricidal activities of the active component of Lycopus lucidus oil and its derivatives against house dust and stored food mites (Arachnida: Acari)

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have focused on materials derived from plant extracts as mite control products against house dust and stored food mites because repeated use of synthetic acaricides had led to resistance and unwanted activities on non‐target organisms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acaricidal activity of materials derived from Lycopus lucidus against Dermatophagoides farinae, D. pteronyssinus and Tyrophagus putrescentiae. RESULTS: The LD₅₀ values of L. lucidus oil were 2.19, 2.25 and 8.45 µg cm^?2 against D. farinae, D. pteronyssinus and T. putrescentiae. The acaricidal constituent of L. lucidus was isolated by chromatographic techniques and identified as 1‐octen‐3‐ol. In a fumigant method against D. farinae, the acaricidal activity of 1‐octen‐3‐ol (0.25 µg cm^?2) was more toxic than N,N‐diethyl‐m‐toluamide (DEET) (36.84 µg cm^?2), followed by 3,7‐dimethyl‐1‐octen‐3‐ol (0.29 µg cm^?2), 1‐octen‐3‐yl butyrate (2.32 µg cm^?2), 1‐octen‐3‐yl acetate (2.42 µg cm^?2), 3,7‐dimethyl‐1‐octene (9.34 µg cm^?2) and benzyl benzoate (10.02 µg cm^?2). In a filter paper bioassay against D. farinae, 1‐octen‐3‐ol (0.63 µg cm^?2) was more effective than DEET (20.64 µg cm^?2), followed by 3,7‐dimethyl‐1‐octen‐3‐ol (1.09 µg cm^?2). CONCLUSION: 1‐Octen‐3‐ol and 3,7‐dimethyl‐1‐octen‐3‐ol could be useful as natural agents for the management of three mite species. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Composition and biological activity of essential oils from Labiatae against Nezara viridula (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) soybean pest

BACKGROUND: Plant essential oils have been recognised as an important natural source of insecticide. This study analysed the chemical constituents and bioactivity of essential oils that were isolated via hydrodistillation from Origanum vulgare L. (oregano) and Thymus vulgaris L. (thyme) against eggs, second instar and adults of Nezara viridula (L.). RESULTS: The major component of oregano was p‐cymene, and, for thyme, thymol. The ovicidal activity was tested by topical application; the essential oil from thyme was more effective. The fumigant activity was evaluated in an enclosed chamber; the LC₅₀ values for oregano were 26.8 and 285.6 µg mL^?1 for nymphs and adults respectively; for thyme they were 8.9 µg mL^?1 for nymphs and 219.2 µg mL^?1 for adults. To evaluate contact activity, a glass vial bioassay was used; the LC₅₀ values for oregano were 1.7 and 169.2 µg cm^?2 for nymphs and adults respectively; for thyme they were 3.5 and 48.8 µg cm^?2 respectively. The LT₅₀ analyses for contact and fumigant bioassays indicated that thyme was more toxic for nymphs and adults than oregano. Both oils produced repellency on nymphs and adults. CONCLUSION: These results showed that the essential oils from O. vulgare and T. vulgaris could be applicable to the management of N. viridula. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Species-specific insecticide resistance to imidacloprid and fipronil in the rice planthoppers Nilaparvata lugens and Sogatella furcifera in East and South-east Asia

BACKGROUND: In 2003 the development of insecticide resistance against neonicotinoids in the brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) (Homoptera: Delphacidae), was first observed in Thailand and has since been found in other Asian countries such as Vietnam, China and Japan. However, the LD₅₀ values of BPH and the whitebacked planthopper (WBPH), Sogatella furcifera (Horváth), against both neonicotinoid and phenylpyrazole insecticides have been poorly reported in many Asian countries. RESULTS: The topical LD₅₀ values for imidacloprid in the BPH populations collected from East Asia (Japan, China, Taiwan) and Vietnam in 2006 were 4.3–24.2 µg g^?1 and were significantly higher than those collected from the Philippines (0.18–0.35 µg g^?1). The BPH populations indicated a positive cross‐resistance between imidacloprid and thiamethoxam. Almost all the WBPH populations from Japan, Taiwan, China, Vietnam and the Philippines had extremely large LD₅₀ values (19.7–239 µg g^?1 or more) for fipronil, except for several populations from the Philippines and China. CONCLUSION: Species‐specific changes in insecticide susceptibility were found in Asian rice planthoppers (i.e. BPH for imidacloprid and WBPH for fipronil). Insecticide resistance in BPH against imidacloprid occurred in East Asia and Indochina, but not in the Philippines. In contrast, insecticide resistance in WBPH against fipronil occurred widely in East and South‐east Asia. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Acaricidal activity of triketone analogues derived from Leptospermum scoparium oil against house‐dust and stored‐food mites

BACKGROUND: Various attempts to control the populations of house‐dust and stored‐food mites have been implemented using synthetic chemicals. Although effective, the repeated use of these chemicals has led to resistance owing to the mite's high reproductive potential and short life cycle. Therefore, this study aimed to develop natural acaricides using oils derived from Leptospermum scoparium JR & G Forst., which may affect the overall biological activity of a mite without adverse effects. Results were compared with those from using benzyl benzoate and N,N‐diethyl‐3‐methylbenzamide (DEET). RESULTS: The LD₅₀ values of L. scoparium oil were 0.54, 0.67 and 1.12 µg cm^?2 against Dermatophagoides farinae (Hughes), D. pteronyssinus (Troussart) and Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) respectively. The active constituent isolated from L. scoparium was identified as leptospermone (6‐isovaleryl‐2,2,4,4‐tetramethyl‐1,3,5‐cyclohexanetrione) by spectroscopic analysis. Based on the LD₅₀ values of leptospermone and its derivatives, the most toxic compound against D. farinae was leptospermone (0.07 µg cm^?2), followed by 2,2,4,4,6,6‐hexamethyl‐1,3,5‐cyclohexanetrione (1.21 µg cm^?2), benzyl benzoate (10.03 µg cm^?2) and DEET (37.12 µg cm^?2). Furthermore, similar results were observed when the leptospermone and its derivatives were tested against D. pteronyssinus and T. putrescentiae. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that L. scoparium oil‐derived materials, particularly leptospermone and 2,2,4,4,6,6‐hexamethyl‐1,3,5‐cyclohexanetrione, have potential for development as new agents for the control of three species of mite. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

The mode of action of RH‐1965: a new phenylpyrimidinone bleaching herbicide

RH‐1965 is a new bleaching herbicide which causes newly developing leaf tissue to emerge devoid of photosynthetic pigments. Mode‐of‐action studies revealed that RH‐1965 inhibited the accumulation of both total chlorophyll and β‐carotene. Concomitantly, it induced the accumulation of the β‐carotene precursors, phytoene, phytofluene and, in particular, ξ‐carotene. Inhibition of chlorophyll accumulation by RH‐1965 is attributed to the photo‐oxidative destruction of chlorophyll in the absence of β‐carotene because RH‐1965 blocked chlorophyll accumulation to a greater extent under high light (50–330 µE m⁻² s⁻¹) than under low light (0.8 µE m⁻² s⁻¹) conditions. Radish (Raphanus sativus L) and barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus‐galli (L) Beauv) were very senstive to RH‐1965. Under high light (330 µE m⁻² s⁻¹), the I₅₀ values for inhibition of chlorophyll accumulation were 0.10 and 0.15 µM , respectively. Wheat (Triticum aestivus L), on the other hand, was much less sensitive to RH‐1965 (I₅₀ = 1.4 µM ). It is concluded that the mode of action of RH‐1965 involves the inhibition of ξ‐carotene desaturation. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

Contact and fumigant toxicity of Armoracia rusticana essential oil, allyl isothiocyanate and related compounds to Dermatophagoides farinae

BACKGROUND: The toxicity to adult Dermatophagoides farinae of allyl isothiocyanate identified in horseradish, Armoracia rusticana, oil and another 27 organic isothiocyanates was evaluated using contact + fumigant and vapour‐phase mortality bioassays. Results were compared with those of two conventional acaricides, benzyl benzoate and dibutyl phthalate. RESULTS: Horseradish oil (24 h LC₅₀, 1.54 µg cm^?2) and allyl isothiocyanate (2.52 µg cm^?2) were highly toxic. Benzyl isothiocyanate (LC₅₀, 0.62 µg cm^?2) was the most toxic compound, followed by 4‐chlorophenyl, 3‐bromophenyl, 3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl, cyclohexyl, 2‐chlorophenyl, 4‐bromophenyl and 2‐bromophenyl isothiocyanates (0.93–1.41 µg cm^?2). All were more effective than either benzyl benzoate (LC₅₀, 4.58 µg cm^?2) or dibutyl phthalate (24.49 µg cm^?2). The structure‐activity relationship indicates that types of functional group and chemical structure appear to play a role in determining the isothiocyanate toxicities to adult D. farinae. In the vapour‐phase mortality bioassay, these isothiocyanates were consistently more toxic in closed versus open containers, indicating that their mode of delivery was, in part, a result of vapour action. CONCLUSION: In the light of global efforts to reduce the level of highly toxic synthetic acaricides in indoor environments, the horseradish oil‐derived compounds and the isothiocyanates described herein merit further study as potential acaricides for the control of house dust mite populations as fumigants with contact action. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Isobutyl amides--potent compounds for controlling Diatraea saccharalis

BACKGROUND: A dichloromethane‐methanol extract of the seeds of Piper tuberculatum Jacq. (Piperaceae) and two isobutyl amides, 4,5‐dihydropiperlonguminine (1) and pellitorine (2), which were isolated by chromatographic methods, were assayed for their lethality against the sugarcane borer Diatraea saccharalis F. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). RESULTS: Bioassays were carried out with fourth‐instar caterpillars through topical application of test solutions to the dorsal surface of the prothorax, and dose–response correlations were determined. Significant insect mortalities were observed 24, 48 and 72 h after treatment at concentrations of ≥ 100 µg insect^?1. The LD₅₀ and LD₉₀ values for compound 1 were 92.83 and 176.50 µg insect^?1, and for compound 2 they were 91.19 and 184.56 µg insect^?1. CONCLUSION: According to the LD₅₀ and LD₉₀ for compounds 1 and 2, it can be inferred that the values reflect an acute lethal response to both compounds, based on interaction(s) of the toxicants with a primary target or series of targets. Thus, the amides were demonstrated to have potential value in the control of the sugarcane borer. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of patchouli and wormwood oils on the bioassays and behaviors of Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisduval) (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Abstract

The fumigation bioassays, the oviposition inhibition and repellent bioassays of patchouli and wormwood oils to T. cinnabarinus were determined in the laboratory with the methods of fumigation and repellency. Ethovision XT6 was used to analyze the effects of two essential oils at sublethal dosages on the behaviors of T. cinnabarinus. Based on the results, compared with wormwood oil, the fumigation bioassay of patchouli oil was stronger against T. cinnabarinus. In a simultaneous fumigation experiment, the effects of patchouli oil on the inhibition of oviposition of T. cinnabarinus were significantly higher (P?<?0.01) than those of wormwood oil at the tested dosages. When T. cinnabarinus was exposed to the two essential oils at LD₁₀, LD₂₀, and LD₃₀, the spontaneous movement tracks of T. cinnabarinus changed significantly, with the highest mobility frequencies at LD₁₀. Moreover, the effects of exposure to patchouli oil on the spontaneous movement abilities of T. cinnabarinus were greater than those on movements following exposure to wormwood oil. Thus, patchouli oil is a promising candidate as a green vegetable, botanical acaricide.     

Acaricidal activities of Santolina africana and Hertia cheirifolia essential oils against the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae)

BACKGROUND: Many plant essential oils show a broad spectrum of activity against pests. This study investigated the effects of two essential oils on Tetranychus urticae, one of the most serious pests in the world. RESULTS: The chemical composition of the two oils was characterised by GC‐MS. The most abundant component in the Santolina africana (Jord. & Fourr) oil was terpinen‐4‐ol (54.96%), while thymol (61%) was prevalent in the Hertia cheirifolia (L.) oil. Mortality and fecundity were measured upon treatment with oil concentrations ranging from 0.07 to 6.75 mg L^?1 with a Potter spray tower. Mite mortality increased with oil concentration, with LC₅₀ values of 2.35 mg L^?1 for S. africana and 3.43 mg L^?1 for H. cheirifolia respectively. For both oils, a reduction in fecundity was observed at concentrations of 0.07, 0.09 and 0.29 mg L^?1. Artificial blends of constituents of oils were also prepared and tested with individual constituents missing from the mixture. The results showed that the presence of all constituents was necessary to equal the toxicity of the two natural oils. CONCLUSION: S. africana and H. cheirifolia oils can provide valuable acaricide activity with significantly lower LC₅₀ values. Thus, these oils cause important mortality and reduce the number of eggs laid by females. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Bioactivity of essential oils from leaves and bark of Laurelia sempervirens and Drimys winteri against Acyrthosiphon pisum

BACKGROUND: The pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris), is a cosmopolitan pest that attacks a wide range of legume crops and vectors important plant virus diseases. In this project, essential oils from the leaf (L) and bark (B) of Laurelia sempervirens (Ruiz & Pavón) Tul. (L) and Drimys winteri JR Forster & G Forster (D) were extracted, and their deterrent and insecticidal activities were tested under laboratory conditions. RESULTS: By use of GC‐MS, safrole was found as the main constituent in LL and LB oils, while the main constituents were more diverse in DL and DB oils. In the deterrent bioassays with A. pisum under choice conditions, the four oils were active, with LL being the most active, followed by LB, DB and DL. The respective deterrence indices were 1.0, 0.89, 0.87 and 0.46 when aphids were exposed for 24 h to 4 µL mL^?1. Although there was no aphid mortality when oils were sprayed on faba bean leaves before aphid infestation, there was 58 and 42% mortality when settled aphids were directly sprayed with 4.0 µL mL^?1 of LL and LB respectively; DB and DL oils caused ≤18% mortality. In a third series, the essential oils of LL and LB caused 100% mortality when applied at a dose of 64 µL L^?1 air by fumigation to faba bean plants infested with A. pisum; at the same dose, DB and DL oils caused 68 and 63% mortality respectively. When fumigation was limited to 2 h, the respective LC₅₀ values for LL and LB oils were 10.6–14.3 µL L^?1 air and 9.8–13.2 µL L^?1 air. CONCLUSION: Because of their high deterrent and insecticidal activities, the essential oils from leaf and bark of L. sempervirens may be explored as potential natural aphicides. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Toxicological and biochemical response to azinphos-methyl in Cydia pomonella L. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) among orchards from the Argentinian Patagonia

BACKGROUND: Azinphos‐methyl is the main insecticide used to control codling moth on apple and pears in Northern Patagonia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxicological and biochemical response of diapausing larvae of codling moth in orchards subjected to different insecticide selection pressure. RESULTS: Dose–mortality assays with azinphos‐methyl in diapausing larvae of Cydia pomonella L. showed significant differences between the LD₉₅ from a population collected in one untreated orchard (2.52 µg moth^?1) compared with that in a laboratory‐susceptible population (0.33 µg moth^?1). Toxicity to azinphos‐methyl in field populations of diapausing larvae collected during 2003–2005 was evaluated by topical application of a discriminating dose (2.5 µg moth^?1) that was obtained from larvae collected in the untreated orchard (field reference strain). Significantly lower mortality (37.71–84.21%) was observed in three out of eight field populations compared with that in the field reference strain. Most of the field populations showed higher esterase activity than that determined in both the laboratory susceptible and the field reference strains. Moreover, there was a high association between esterase activity and mortality (R² = 0.64) among the field populations. On the other hand, a poor correlation was observed between glutathione S‐transferase activity and mortality (R² = 0.33) among larvae collected from different orchards. CONCLUSIONS: All the field populations evaluated exhibited some degree of azinphos‐methyl tolerance in relation to the laboratory susceptible strain. Biochemical results demonstrated that esterases are at least one of the principal mechanisms involved in tolerance to this insecticide. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

β-Tubulins in Gibberella zeae: their characterization and contribution to carbendazim resistance

BACKGROUND: Fusarium head blight caused by Gibberella zeae is an important disease of wheat and barley because it reduces grain yield and quality and results in the contamination of grain with mycotoxins. Recent studies have shown that carbendazim resistance in field strains of G. zeae is not caused by mutation of the β‐tubulin gene (β₁tub), which is the case with other filamentous fungi, but that fungicide resistance is greatly increased by deletion of β₁tub. The aim of the present study was to clarify the function of β₁tub and its role in carbendazim resistance in G. zeae by artificial gene operation. RESULTS: Deletion of β₁tub reduced vegetative growth and pathogenicity but increased asexual reproduction in G. zeae. All the mutants were more resistant to carbendazim than parent strains. A three‐dimensional model of β₁tub was constructed, and the possible carbendazim binding site was analysed. CONCLUSION: β₁tub is not an essential gene in G. zeae, but it affects the sensitivity of the fungus to carbendazim. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Evaluation of alternative rice planthopper control by the combined action of oil-formulated Metarhizium anisopliae and low-rate buprofezin

BACKGROUND: High resistance of brown planthopper (BPH) Nilaparvata lugens Stål to common insecticides is a challenge for control of the pest. An alternative control strategy based on the combined application of fungal and chemical agents has been evaluated. RESULTS: Three gradient spore concentrations of oil‐formulated Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin (Ma456) were sprayed onto third‐instar nymphs in five bioassays comprising the low buprofezin rates of 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 µg mL^?1 respectively. Fungal LC₅₀ after 1 week at 25 °C and 14:10 h light:dark photoperiod decreased from 386 conidia mm^?2 in the buprofezin‐free bioassay to 40 at the highest chemical rate. Buprofezin (LC₅₀: 1647, 486 and 233 µg mL^?1 on days 2 to 4) had no significant effect on the fungal outgrowths of mycosis‐killed cadavers at the low application rates. The fungal infection was found to cause 81% reduction in reproductive potential of BPH adults. In two 40 day field trials, significant planthopper (mainly BPH) control (54–60%) was achieved by biweekly sprays of two fungal candidates (Ma456 and Ma576) at 1.5 × 10¹³ conidia ha^?1 and elevated to 80–83% by incorporating 30.8 g buprofezin ha^?1 into the fungal sprays. CONCLUSION: The combined application of the fungal and chemical agents is a promising alternative strategy for BPH control. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Resistance to pyraclostrobin, boscalid and multiple resistance to Pristine® (pyraclostrobin + boscalid) fungicide in Alternaria alternata causing alternaria late blight of pistachios in California

Pristine® (pyraclostrobin + boscalid) is a fungicide registered for the control of alternaria late blight in pistachio. A total of 95 isolates of Alternaria alternata collected from orchards with and without a prior history of Pristine® sprays were tested for their sensitivity towards pyraclostrobin, boscalid and Pristine® in conidial germination assays. The EC₅₀ values for 35 isolates from orchards without Pristine® sprays ranged from 0·09 to 3·14 µg mL^?1 and < 0·01 to 2·04 µg mL^?1 for boscalid and Pristine®, respectively. For pyraclostrobin, 27 isolates had EC₅₀ < 0·01 µg mL^?1 and six had low resistance (mean EC₅₀ value = 4·71 µg mL^?1). Only one isolate was resistant to all three fungicides tested, with EC₅₀ > 100 µg mL^?1. Among 59 isolates from the orchard with a history of Pristine® sprays, 56 were resistant to pyraclostrobin; only two were sensitive (EC₅₀ < 0·01 µg mL^?1) and one was weakly resistant (EC₅₀ = 10 µg mL^?1). For the majority of these isolates EC₅₀ values ranged from 0·06 to 4·22 µg mL^?1 for boscalid and from 0·22 to 7·74 µg mL^?1 for Pristine®. However, seven isolates resistant to pyraclostrobin were also highly resistant to boscalid and Pristine® and remained pathogenic on pistachio treated with Pristine®. Whereas strobilurin resistance is a common occurrence in Alternaria of pistachio, this is the first report of resistance to boscalid in field isolates of phytopathogenic fungi. No cross resistance between pyraclostrobin and boscalid was detected, suggesting that Pristine® resistance appears as a case of multiple resistance.     

Synthesis and structure–activity relationships of carbohydrazides and 1,3,4‐oxadiazole derivatives bearing an imidazolidine moiety against the yellow fever and dengue vector,Aedes aegypti

BACKGROUND

1,3,4‐Oxadiazole and imidazolidine rings are important heterocyclic compounds exhibiting a variety of biological activities. In this study, novel compounds with oxadiazole and imidazolidine rings were synthesized from 3‐(methylsulfonyl)‐2‐oxoimidazolidine‐1‐carbonyl chloride and screened for insecticidal activities. The proposed structures of the 17 synthesized compounds were confirmed using elemental analysis, infrared (IR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H‐NMR), and mass spectroscopy.

RESULTS

None of the compounds showed larvicidal activity at the tested concentrations against first‐instar Aedes aegypti larvae. However, nine compounds exhibited promising adulticidal activity, with mortality rates of ≥80% at 5 µg per mosquito. Further dose–response bioassays were undertaken to determine median lethal dose (LD₅₀) values. Compounds 1 , 2b , 2c , 2d , 2 g , 3b , 3c , 3 g, and 3 h were effective, with typical LD₅₀ values of about 5 ? 10 µg per mosquito against female Ae. aegypti. Compounds 2c (bearing a nitro group on the aromatic ring; LD₅₀ = 2.80 ± 0.54 µg per mosquito) and 3 h ( double halogen groups at 2,4 position on the phenyl ring; LD₅₀ = 2.80 ± 0.54 µg per mosquito) were the most promising compounds.

CONCLUSION

Preliminary mode of action studies failed to show consistent evidence of either neurotoxic or mitochondria‐directed effects. Further chemical synthesis within this series may lead to the development of new effective insecticides. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry