Effect of temperature on the developmental time,survival of immatures and adult longevity of Aganaspis daci (Hymenoptera: Figitidae), a natural enemy of Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Longevity, developmental time and offspring survival of parasitoid wasps are decisive in their effective performance as biocontrol agents. Optimum temperature range determines parasitoid survival, development and reproduction. Thus, controlling this abiotic factor is a key to the success of pest management programs. Adult longevity, developmental time from egg to adult and survival of immatures of Aganaspis daci were assessed in the laboratory under different constant temperatures; adult longevity without hosts, but with the provision of water and honey, and developmental time and survival of immatures from host pupae, whose larvae had been exposed to parasitoids. Results showed that longevity depended on temperature decreasing in the range 15–20 °C (36 – 25 days), but was lower in the range 25–35 °C (10 – 7 days). Regarding developmental time from egg to adult and survival of immatures, our results showed that 20 and 25 °C are the most suitable temperatures. At 15 and 30 °C mortality of the immature stages was very high (>90%) or developmental time to adult was very slow (>3 months). Immatures did not survive at 35 °C. We found no significant differences in developmental time to adult or survival of immatures between 20 and 25 °C. The sex ratio of parasitoid progeny was female biased at 25 °C; the proportion of females increased at all cases with temperature. The t_o and K for total development were 8.5 °C and 500 DD, respectively. Our findings provide some guidance for future inundative or inoculative field releases of this parasitoid for the management of Ceratitis capitata in Spain.     

Effect of temperature on the life history of Dysmicoccus neobrevipes (Hemiptera: Pseudoccocidae): An invasive species of gray pineapple mealybug in South China

The gray pineapple mealybug, Dysmicoccus neobrevipes Beardsley, is an invasive pest that during recent years has caused serious damage on Sisal (Agave sisalana Perrine) crops in South China. The biology of D. neobrevipes including its development, survivorship, longevity and reproduction was investigated at six constant temperatures (17, 20, 23, 26, 29 and 32 °C) under laboratory conditions. Results indicated that the developmental periods of D. neobrevipes females (from the first instar nymph to adult) shortened from 55.4 days at 17 °C to 16.9 days at 29 °C, while the males' decreased from 54.0 days at 17 °C to 15.8 days at 32 °C. The highest survivorship of D. neobrevipes from the first instar nymph to adult was recorded at 29 °C; 88.8% for females and 89.2% for males. The average longevity of females was 95.0 days at 17 °C, but decreased to 30.0 days at 26 °C. This was still significantly longer than those of males; 5.6 days at 17 °C and 2.3 days at 32 °C. The average number of nymphs laid per female increased with increasing temperature and reached a maximum of 409.4 nymphs at 23 °C. The intrinsic rates of increase (r_m) of D. neobrevipes at the range of temperatures between 17 and 32 °C were 0.0287, 0.0613, 0.0941, 0.1131, 0.1202 and 0.0485, respectively. The lower temperature thresholds for females and males of D. neobrevipes from the 1st instar nymph to adult estimated using the linear model were 8.7 and 10.3 °C, respectively. The thermal constants for females and males were 370.4 and 312.5DD, respectively. The results indicate that temperature has significant effects on the biology of D. neobrevipes and that the optimum temperature range for its population growth is 23–29 °C.     

Synergism between potassium sorbate dips and brief exposure to high CO2 or O2 at curing temperature for the control of citrus postharvest green and blue molds

Synergistic effects and very effective control of citrus postharvest green and blue molds, caused by Penicillium digitatum and Penicillium italicum, respectively, were observed on artificially inoculated ‘Valencia’ oranges and ‘Clemenules’ and ‘Ortanique’ mandarins after a potassium sorbate (PS) treatment was followed by 2 days of storage in atmospheres of elevated CO₂ or O₂ at a curing temperature. A combined treatment consisting of 60-s dips in aqueous solutions of 3% PS heated to 62 °C was followed by 48-h exposure to air, 15 kPa CO₂ or 30 kPa O₂ at 33 °C. Control treatment was a 60-s water dip at 20 °C followed by 24-h exposure to air at 20 °C. Synergism was observed on citrus fruit either incubated at 20 °C for up to 22 days, simulating direct commercialization, or stored at 5 °C for up to 45 days, simulating commercial cold storage. This research offers potential new tools to the citrus industry for implementation of nonpolluting integrated postharvest disease management programs, especially devoted to high added value organic markets or export markets with zero residue tolerance.     

Effect of temperature on development,survival and reproduction of the mealybug,Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) on cotton

The effect of temperature on life cycle of the solenopsis mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley, on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) was assessed under laboratory conditions at ten constant temperatures (18–40 °C). The development duration of female and male nymphal instars linearly decreased with the increase in temperature from 18 to 32 °C. Cumulative developmental time of females ranged from 43.9 d (18 °C) to 15.0 d (32 °C). Survival of crawlers to adulthood was lowest (<53%) at 20 and 36 °C and highest (80%) at 32 °C. The solenopsis mealybug exhibited obligate sexual ovoviviparous reproduction and the pre-oviposition period in mated females showed a significant decreasing trend between 20 °C (23.0 d) and 30 °C (9.5 d). The oviposition period of 10.2–11.5 d at ≥25 °C was nearly half the duration than at 20 °C and the highest fecundity (245 eggs + crawlers) was observed at 30 °C. Longevity of mated females was significantly prolonged at 20 °C (46.0 d) compared to 30 °C (21.4 d). Proportion of females was highest (97.5%) at 25 °C. Males required higher degree-days (363.6) for their cumulative development compared to females (317.5). Lower temperature thresholds estimated from the linear model for cumulative female and male development were 11.7 and 10.1 °C, respectively. The estimated optimum temperature thresholds for nymphal instars (32–33.4 °C) from β type distribution function were closer to the observed maximum developmental rate compared to Lactin-2 model. The population trend index using survival, fecundity, and sex ratio of P. solenopsis with an initial population of 100 crawlers in the Morris-Watt life table model indicated a potential population increase of 170.3 and 97.6 times at 30 and 35 °C, respectively, in the next generation. The usefulness of the information on the temperature-dependent life cycle of P. solenopsis in understanding its field abundance and distribution on cotton and implications for management is discussed.     

A temperature-based phenology model for predicting development,survival and population growth potential of the mealybug,Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

The temperature-dependent population growth potential of Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley, a highly polyphagous and invasive mealybug species, was studied on sprouted potatoes under laboratory conditions at six constant temperatures (15–40 °C). Several non-linear equations were fitted to the obtained data to model temperature-dependent population growth and species life history. The established equations for each life age/stage of the species were compiled to obtain an overall temperature-dependent phenology model. The life table parameters of P. solenopsis were estimated using stochastic simulation centred on a rate summation and cohort up-dating approach. The theoretical lower development threshold temperatures estimated using linear regressions applied to mean development rates were 11.2, 8.9, 9.8 and 12.7 °C, and the thermal constants for development were 93.7, 129.8, 97.1 and 100.0 degree days (DD) for nymph 1, nymph 2, nymph 3 and male pupa stages, respectively. The developed phenology model predicted temperatures between 25 and 35 °C as the favourable range for P. solenopsis development, survival and reproduction. P. solenopsis population attained a maximum net reproductive rate (107–108 females/female/generation) and total fecundity (216.6–226.5 individuals/female/generation) at temperatures between 25 and 30 °C. Mean length of generations decreased from 75.6 days at 15 °C to 21 days at 40 °C. The maximum finite rate of increase (1.12–1.16 females/female/day) and shortest doubling time (4.3–6.1 days) were also observed at temperatures between 25 and 35 °C. The simulation of phenology model at fluctuating temperatures indicated that P. solenopsis populations might potentially increase with a finite rate of 1.06 females/female/day with an average generation time of 58.7 days and a doubling time of 12.1 days. The obtained life table parameters were reasonably similar when compared with literature data. The present model can be simulated spatially for estimating the pest risk and undertaking agro-ecoregion specific pest management strategies.     

Control of citrus postharvest penicillium molds with sodium ethylparaben

The curative antifungal activity of postharvest sodium ethylparaben (SEP) treatments against citrus green mold (GM) and blue mold (BM) was determined on different citrus species and cultivars artificially inoculated with Penicillium digitatum or Penicillium italicum and incubated at 20 °C and 90% RH for 7 d or stored at 5 °C and 90% RH for 8 weeks plus 7 d of shelf-life at 20 °C. The best concentration was selected in in vivo primary screenings with ‘Valencia’ oranges. SEP at 80 mM was tested at 20, 50 or 62 °C for 30, 60 or 150 s in small-scale trials to determine the best dip treatment conditions. Dips of 80 mM SEP at 20 °C for 60 s were selected and applied alone or in combination with 25 μL L⁻¹ of the conventional fungicide imazalil (SEP + IMZ 25). Imazalil at the very low concentrations of 25 (IMZ 25) or 50 μL L⁻¹ (IMZ 50) was also tested. Effectiveness of SEP alone at 20 °C for 60 s was significantly higher on oranges (cvs. ‘Valencia’ and ‘Lanelate’) than on mandarins (cvs. ‘Clemenules’, ‘Nadorcott’ and ‘Ortanique’), with GM and BM incidence reductions of up to 57–73% after 7 d at 20 °C. SEP was compatible with IMZ 25 and consistently improved its performance, irrespective of citrus cultivars and storage conditions. All treatments were less effective on ‘Clemenules’ mandarins. On ‘Valencia’ oranges stored for 8 weeks at 5 °C and 7 d at 20 °C, the combined treatment was significantly more effective than the single treatments (reductions of GM and BM incidence of about 96–93% and 55–39%, respectively). In additional tests, SEP, IMZ 25 and the combination applied at 20 °C for 60 s prevented GM on ‘Valencia’ oranges treated, inoculated with P. digitatum 24 h later and incubated at 20 °C for 7 d. It can be concluded from these results that SEP might be an integrating nonpollutant control alternative to be included in citrus postharvest disease control programs in the future.     

The first report on the winter breeding life history of Epuraea domina (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) in a citrus grove in Jeju,Korea

Epuraea domina Reitter (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) is a flower-visiting insect and a pest that causes corky scar on citrus fruit. This study was conducted to investigate the life cycle of E. domina in a citrus grove. E. domina showed the characteristics of cold breeders as they complete key life history events of oviposition and immature development during the winter. E. domina adults spent the summer in uncultivated habits started to lay eggs in soil near fallen citrus fruit in orchards during late autumn. Oviposition activity continued throughout the winter with a large decrease in activity when the minimum air temperature was <0 °C. Hatched larvae fed on decaying citrus and pupated in soil in the spring. The pupae emerged as new adults in mid-May to feed on the pollen and nectar of citrus flowers, probably followed by their migration to uncultivated habitats in the summer.     

Effects of postharvest treatments on recovery of Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri in infected grapefruit leaves

Studies were conducted to evaluate treatments that reduce recovery of Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc) in infected grapefruit leaves. To investigate effects of temperature (0, 10, 40, and 50 °C), disinfectant (none or Pro-San), and treatment duration (0, 2, 10, and 20 min) on survival of Xcc in vitro, a split–split plot experimental design was utilized. Recovery of Xcc in vitro in the absence of Pro-San decreased with increasing treatment duration at 50 °C but not at temperatures <50 °C. Xcc in vitro was not detected after any treatment combination involving Pro-San. Decontamination of grapefruit leaves infected with Xcc in relation to disinfectant (none or Pro-San), temperature (0, 10, 40, 45, and 50 °C), treatment duration (0, 2, 5, 10, and 20 min), and assessment time (0, 2, 7, and 14 days post treatment [dpt]) was examined using a split–split–split plot design. Reductions in Xcc recovery generally increased with increasing treatment duration and temperature, and they were greater for treatments involving Pro-San. To examine the general trend of increased Xcc recovery with increasing dpt, nonlinear mixed regression analysis was used to fit a monomolecular model to relative Xcc recovery data. Results indicated that increases in relative Xcc recovery after 14 dpt were insignificant and unsubstantial. Treatment at 45 °C for 20 min or 50 °C for ≥5 min resulted in leaf tissue damage in some instances; in two cases, tissue damage was observed on untreated leaves 14 dpt. Experiments were conducted to investigate the relationships of tissue damage with leaf age and location of tissue damage in relation to point of inoculation. Tissue damage was observed on only the youngest, most supple leaves, and its localization did not appear to be related to naturally occurring citrus canker lesions or artificial inoculation sites. Results from these studies may be useful in formulation of future regulatory policies regarding trade of citrus foliage, especially those used as condiments.     

Enhancement of biocontrol efficacy of Pichia membranaefaciens by hot water treatment in postharvest diseases of citrus fruit

Effects of hot water treatment (HWT; 53 °C for 2 min) and Pichia membranaefaciens, either alone or in combination, on controlling Penicillium italicum, Penicillium digitatum, and natural infection in citrus fruit were investigated. Results showed that the combined treatment significantly reduced disease incidence and lesion diameters of blue and green molds in artificially inoculated fruit whether the pathogens were inoculated after or before the treatment compared with the treatment of P. membranaefaciens or HWT alone. The combination of P. membranaefaciens with HWT was as effective as the fungicide treatment in natural infection trials. Application of HWT did not affect the growth of P. membranaefaciens in the wounds of citrus fruit at 20 °C or 4 °C. P. membranaefaciens combined with HWT effectively enhanced the phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, peroxidase, polyphenoloxidase, chitinase, and β-1,3-glucanase activities and stimulated the synthesis of phenolic compounds. These results suggest that the use of HWT is a useful approach to improve the efficacy of P. membranaefaciens in postharvest diseases of citrus fruit.     

Chitosan boehmite-alumina nanocomposite films and thyme oil vapour control brown rot in peaches (Prunus persica L.) during postharvest storage

Brown rot (Monilinia spp.) affects the shelf life, fruit quality and marketability of peaches (Prunus persica L.). Increasing consumer concern regarding food safety makes it necessary to search for natural environmentally friendly alternative products for postharvest disease control. In this investigation, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) punnets containing thyme oil (TO sachets) and sealed with chitosan/boehmite nanocomposite lidding films significantly reduced the incidence and severity of brown rot caused by Monilinia laxa in artificially inoculated peach fruits (cv. Kakawa) held at 25 °C for 5 days. Furthermore, PET punnets containing TO sachets and sealed with chitosan/boehmite nanocomposite lidding films significantly reduced the brown rot incidence to 10% in naturally infected fruits stored at 0.5 °C, 90% RH for 7 days and at the simulated market shelf conditions for 3 days at 15 °C, 75% RH. The chitosan/boehmite nanocomposite lidding films maintained the active components of thyme oil, thymol (56.43% RA), caryophyllen (9.47% RA) and β-linalool (37.6% RA) within the (head space volatiles) punnet. Panellists preferred fruits packed from commercial punnet containing thyme oil (sachets) and sealed with chitosan/boehmite nanocomposite lidding films due to overall appearance, taste, and natural peach flavour.     

Temperature-dependent development of Ascotis selenaria (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) and its stage emergence models with field validation

Temperature-dependent development of Ascotis selenaria (Denis et Schiffermüller) was studied in the laboratory. Time to egg eclosion decreased with increasing temperature and ranged from 17.4 d at 16 °C to 5.0 d at 30 and 32 °C. Total development times of larvae decreased from 54.7 d at 16 °C to 17.3 d at 32 °C. The development time of pupae ranged from 29.7 days at 16 °C to 10.2 days at 30 and 32 °C. Eggs, larvae and pupae did not develop successfully to the next stage at 12 and 35 °C. The estimated lower temperature thresholds were 10.4, 9.3, and 9.8 °C for eggs, larvae, and pupae, respectively. Thermal constants of egg, larvae, and pupae were 88.5, 370.4, and 188.7 DD, respectively. Stage emergence models for eggs, larvae, and pupae of A. selenaria were constructed by using the development rate model (Lactin 2 function) and development distribution model (three-parameter Weibull function), which simulate the proportion of individuals shifted from one stage to the next. Pearson's correlation coefficients between actual observations in the field and model outputs were statistically significant with 0.99, 0.68 to 0.87 and 0.96 to 0.98 for egg, larval and pupal stage emergence model, respectively. The egg stage emergence model could be used to facilitate spraying time as it successfully predicted the first instar larval population. Predictability of the pupal stage emergence model was greatly improved when the physiological age of overwintering pupae was assumed to be in various state. The stage emergence models developed here should be useful to construct an A. selenaria population model.     

Temperature-dependent fecundity of overwintered Unaspis yanonensis (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) and use of degree-days for the prediction of first crawler

The longevity and fecundity of the overwintered arrowhead scale, Unaspis yanonensis (Kuwana) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), was examined at constant temperatures. The total fecundity increased up to 24 °C and declined thereafter. Total fecundity reached a maximum of 260.9 eggs per female at 24 °C. Females demonstrated periodic oviposition activity but the pattern differed with temperature. The first cycle of fecundity was not significantly different between 16 and 28 °C. However, fecundity in the latter cycles, measured at rearing temperatures of 16, 20 and 32 °C, was lower than at 24 and 28 °C. The pre-oviposition period ranged from 49.0 d at 16 °C to 19.7 d at 32 °C, and was shortest (19.4 d) at 28 °C. The longevity was found to be greatest (87.3 d) at 16 °C and was as short as 48.9 d at 32 °C. Regression of the mean development rate vs. temperature provided a low-threshold temperature estimate of 8.7 °C for the pre-oviposition stage and a thermal constant of 358.4 degree days. The theoretical low threshold temperature and thermal constant applied to the calculation for the completion of the U. yanonensis pre-oviposition period predicted the appearance of first crawlers in the field.     

Comparison on the total phenol contents and the color of fresh and infrared dried olive leaves

The color (L*, a*, b* parameters), the total phenols content and the global chemical composition (moisture, protein, fat, carbohydrates and ash) of four fresh varieties of olive leaves (Chemlali, Chemchali, Zarrazi and Chetoui) were determined. Fresh olive leaves are characterized by a green color (greenness parameter, a*, varying from ?5.01 ± 0.26 to ?9.14 ± 1.21), an intermediate moisture content (0.85 to 1.00 g/g dry matter, i.e. 46 to 50 g/100 g fresh matter) and a variable amount of total phenols according to the olive leaf variety (from ≈2.32 to ≈1.40 g caffeic acid/100 g dry matter).Fresh leaves were submitted to blanching and/or infrared drying at 40, 50, 60 and 70 °C in order to be stabilized by reducing their moisture contents. The impact of IR drying temperature on some quality attributes (color, total phenols and moisture rate removal) was evaluated. Nevertheless, the effect of prior blanching treatment on the quality attributes of dried leaves is less significant and it depends on the olive leaf variety. The infrared drying induces a considerable moisture removal from the fresh leaves (more than 85%) and short drying durations (varying from ≈162 at 40 °C to 15 min at 70 °C). IR drying temperature showed a significant effect of on total phenols content and the color of the leaves whatever the leaf variety. In fact, total phenols content of dried olive leaves increased if compared to fresh ones. For example, total phenols of Chemlali leaves increased from 1.38 ± 0.02 (fresh leaves) to 2.13 ± 0.29 (dried at 40 °C) and to 5.14 ± 0.60 g caffeic acid/100 g dry matter (dried at 70 °C). IR drying allows preserving the greenness color of fresh leaves and enhancing their luminosity. It could be suggested for preserving olives leaves before their use in food or cosmetic applications.     

Mitigating citrus huanglongbing via effective application of antimicrobial compounds and thermotherapy

Huanglongbing (HLB) is a serious citrus disease that threatens the citrus industry worldwide. HLB is a systemic, infectious disease and the putative causal bacterium Candidatus liberibacter asiaticus (Las) resides in citrus phloem. In this study, the effects of heat treatment, chemical formulations, and application methods on bacterial titer in the citrus host, measured by quantitative PCR, were evaluated. Thermotherapy at 45 °C (Ct = 30.79 ± 6.26) was more effective against Las than thermotherapy at 40 °C (Ct = 28.72 ± 6.00) or 42 °C (Ct = 28.02 ± 6.25), and enhanced the delivery efficiency of effective chemical compounds into the citrus phloem. Ampicillin sodium (Amp) and a combination of actidione and validoxylamine A (Act + VA) were the most effective chemical formulations against Las. When Amp or Act + VA treatment was combined with thermotherapy, the area under disease progress curve standardized (AUDPCs) was significantly lower than the thermotherapy treatments alone. The Las titer of Amp and Act + VA treatment applied by bark paint were significantly reduced, compared with those of Amp or Act + VA applied by root drench. Therefore, we propose a chemo–thermotherapy strategy coupled with a bark paint application method for disease control in HLB-infected citrus plants.     

Integrated management of postharvest banana anthracnose (Colletotrichum musae) through plant extracts and hot water treatment

The aim of the present study was to determine the integrated effect of plant extracts and hot water treatment on postharvest anthracnose and banana fruit quality. Artificially inoculated banana fruit were dipped in 10% and 20% (w/v) extracts of four plant species, viz. Acacia albida, Argemone mexicana, Dovalis abyssinica and Prosopis juliflora at room temperature (20 °C), 45 °C and 50 °C. Fruit treated separately with 20% extracts of A. albida and P. juliflora at 50 °C had reduced anthracnose incidence and severity. These treatment combinations also had the highest percentage of marketable ripe banana fruits. In conclusion, applying aqueous plant extracts at 50 °C enhanced the antifungal activity of extracts without affecting the physico-chemical properties of banana.     

Cardinal temperatures for germination and early growth of two Lesquerella species

Lesquerella (Lesquerella fendleri) is a potential alternative crop that is being studied for commercial oilseed production. Understanding the minimum temperatures for germination and seedling growth is important for determining potential areas for lesquerella production. The objectives of this study were to determine the cardinal temperatures for germination and seedling growth, and to screen ecotypes for germination and growth characteristics. A temperature gradient table arrangement was used to observe seed germination over a range of temperatures, and time to germination and shoot appearance. Times to 5 mm root length and 5 mm shoot length were also measured to assess cardinal temperatures for seedling survival and growth. Two different species were examined, L. fendleri and a species we refer to as ‘L. pallida aff.’ because it differed from typical L. pallida plants in chromosome number and in oil quality. We concluded that both germination and growth of L. pallida aff. occurred fastest at 22 °C, whereas L. fendleri germinated earlier at 18 °C, but grew faster at 22 °C. L. pallida aff. also had lower germination than L. fendleri over the range studied. Non-dormant seeds of improved lines of L. fendleri had better performance at temperatures above 22 °C than did unimproved accessions. Lines of L. fendleri selected for high oil content and salt tolerance had similar temperature requirements for germination except for improved line WCL-LO3, the current line being used in production. This line had optimal temperatures 6 °C higher for germination and growth than the other improved lines. Accessions of L. fendleri collected from elevations above 2000 m performed better at warmer temperatures, whereas those collected from elevations below 2000 m tended to perform better at cooler temperatures. Dormant seeds of L. fendleri germinated more quickly at low temperatures and had lower base (<3 °C) and optimal (22 °C) temperatures than non-dormant seeds (>7 °C and 28 °C, respectively). We speculate that this partial dormancy trait allows populations of L. fendleri to exploit a wider range of temperature conditions in the wild in order to thrive in extreme environments.     

Laboratory experiments of vacuum treatment in combination with an O2 absorber for the suppression of Sitophilus granarius infestations in stored grain samples

The effectiveness of vacuum (V) treatment alone and in combination with an oxygen absorber (V + A) for suppression of grain infestation by Sitophilus granarius L. were compared under laboratory conditions. The effectiveness of the treatment methods was evaluated at different temperatures (15, 25 °C) and exposure times (7, 14, 21, 28 days). We evaluated both the effects on adults present in grain interspaces and hidden infestations within the kernels in terms of treatment time separately. Adults of S. granarius present in grain interspaces were more susceptible to both treatments than hidden infestations developing within kernels. At 25 °C, total mortality of adults in grain interspaces was achieved after 10 days of exposure whereas total suppression of hidden infestations was achieved after 3 weeks. Higher temperature and longer exposure correlated with a greater effectiveness of the tested treatments. The addition of an oxygen absorber to the vacuum treatment (V + A) showed the general tendency of improving the effectiveness of the vacuum treatment on suppression of hidden infestations; significant differences between the V + A and V treatments were prominent primarily at the lower temperature tested. Reduction of hidden infestation was achieved after 3 weeks of exposure to V + A treatment (99.8%) and after 4 weeks of V treatment (95.8%) at 15 °C.     

Growth stage,temperature, and time of year affects the control of glyphosate-resistant and glyphosate-paraquat resistant Conyza bonariensis with saflufenacil

Conyza bonariensis (L.) Cronq. is a problematic weed in crop and non-crop areas of California. This problem has been further aggravated by the discovery of herbicide-resistant biotypes. Experiments were conducted in 2012 and 2013 in fall and spring, respectively, to determine the efficacy of glyphosate, saflufenacil, and a tank-mixture of saflufenacil + glyphosate on glyphosate-susceptible (GS), glyphosate-resistant (GR), and glyphosate-paraquat-resistant (GPR) biotypes of C. bonariensis. Efficacy of the herbicides were evaluated at three growth stages (5- to 8-leaf seedling, rosette, and bolting); and three day/night temperature regimes (15/10 °C, 25/20 °C, 35/30 °C). Results differed between experiments conducted in the fall and spring. Saflufenacil-alone was more effective in the fall than in spring. All the GS, GR and GPR plants were controlled by saflufenacil-alone at the 5-to 8-leaf stage and rosette stage, but level of control declined at the bolting stage. Better control with saflufenacil-alone and glyphosate-alone was obtained at the 15/10 °C and 25/20 °C than at the 35/30 °C temperature regime. However, a tank-mixture of saflufenacil + glyphosate provided good control of the plants at 35/30 °C. Efficacy of saflufenacil-alone was inconsistent in spring and varied between the biotypes, but the control with saflufenacil + glyphosate was excellent and consistent between seasons. Glyphosate-alone provided good control of all three biotypes at the 5- to 8-leaf stage in the fall, but the control was poor in spring. Therefore, saflufenacil-alone can provide excellent control of C. bonariensis plants prior to the bolting stage in the fall; but in spring, it will be more effective when applied with glyphosate.     

Effect of climate change on Spodoptera litura Fab. on peanut: A life table approach

Investigations were conducted to understand the direct effects of rising temperature and the host-mediated effects of elevated CO₂ (eCO₂) on Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera). This study involved i. the construction of life tables of S. litura at six constant temperatures viz., 20, 25, 27, 30, 33 and 35°C ± 0.5 °C reared on peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) grown under eCO₂ (550 ppm) concentration in open top chambers ii. Estimation of threshold temperatures and thermal constants and iii. Prediction of the pest scenarios during near and distant future climate change periods. Significantly lower leaf nitrogen, higher carbon and a higher relative proportion of carbon to nitrogen (C:N) were observed in peanut foliage grown under eCO₂ over ambient CO₂ (aCO₂). The mean development time (days) of each stage, egg, larva, pupa, pre-oviposition and total life span decreased from 20 to 35 °C temperature on eCO₂ foliage. The thermal requirement of S. litura from egg to egg (within the range of 20 °C–35 °C) was 538.5 DD on eCO₂ as against 494.5 DD on aCO₂ foliage. Finite (λ) and intrinsic rates of increase (r_m), net reproductive rate (R_o), mean generation time (T) and doubling time (DT) of S. litura varied significantly with temperature and CO₂ and were found to have quadratic relationships with temperature. The present results on life table parameters estimated by the bootstrap technique showed that the ‘r_m’ values of S. litura on eCO₂ foliage were higher than those in the literature indicating a significant influence of eCO₂. The reduction of ‘T’ was noticed from a maximum of 50 days at 20 °C to minimum of 22 days at 35 °C and ‘λ’ which is the indicator of reproductive value of new eggs was highest at 35 °C and showed a negative relationship with temperature. The data on these life table parameters were plotted against temperature and two non-linear models developed for both CO₂ conditions and used for predicting the pest scenarios. Prediction of pest scenarios based on PRECIS A1B emission scenario data at eleven peanut growing locations of the country during near future (NF) and distant future (DF) climate change periods showed an increase of ‘r_m’ and ‘λ’ with varied ‘R_o’ and reduced ‘T’. The present results indicate that temperature and CO₂ are vital in influencing the growth and life table parameters of S. litura and that pest incidence is likely to be higher in the future.