Some Aspects of Biology and Control Methods of Fruit Stalk Borer Oryctes elegans Prell （Coleoptera： Scarabaeidae）

Laboratory and field studies were conducted on some aspects of biology and control methods of fruit stalk borer Oryctes elegans Prell., the study was conducted in date palm orchards in south Baghdad during the years 2009 and 2010. The laboratory rearing result ofO. elegans indicated that the larval stage period was very long reached 6 months, the body weight of the mature larva was 7.61 gm, the length and body circumference were 7.58 and 5.23 cm respectively. The period of pupa stage was 19 day and 2.97 gm body weight, while the length and body circumference were 3.74 and 3.21 cm respectively .While the weight of adult stage was 1.67 gm and 3.14 cm, 2.71 cm for the length and circumference body respectively. Results of hand collection larvae in palm trees during the regular annual service, showed reduction in population density of adults to 1.4 adult/trap per week compared with 3.3 and 14.0 adult/trap per week in the orchards were larvae collected partially and without hand collection by using the light traps with solar energy （Magna Traps, Russell IPM） respectively. Also, the study proved the existence of an inverse relation between the moon light and adult activity, which affected on the adult number cough in light traps. These results indicated that the hand collection of larvae works during months January, February, March and April at synchronized with the larval stage on palm trees, and use Magna Traps as an effective method to control O. elegans through IPM programs in palm orchards.     

EalspF1, Essential Enzyme in Isoprenoid Biosynthesis from Eupatorium adenophorum,Reveals a Novel Role in Light Acclimation

Isoprenoids are a functionally and structurally diverse class of natural organic chemicals. The universal precursors of all isoprenoids, isopentenyl diphosphate and dimethylallyl diphosphate are synthesized through the mevalonate and 2C-methyl- D-erythritol 4-phosphate （MEP） pathways, respectively. Many isoprenoids produced through the MEP pathway play an important role in plant acclimation to different light environments. Eupatorium adenophorum, an invasive weed in China, presents a remarkable capacity to acclimate to various light environments, which constitutes its solid foundation of being a successful invasive species. Thus we aimed at gaining a deeper insight into the regulation of MEP pathway in E. adenophorum to further understand the invasive mechanism. 2C-Methyl-D-erythritol 2,4-cyclodiphosphate synthase （IspF or MCS） is an essential enzyme in the MEP pathway. In this paper, a novel IspF gene was cloned and characterized from E. adenophorum. Tissue-specific expression assays revealed a higher expression of EalspF1 in leaves than in stems and roots. The expression of EalspF1 was responsive to different light conditions. Some up-regulation of EalspF1 expression was also found after the treatments with signal compounds and after wounding stress. Interestingly, the over-expression of EalspF1 in Arabidopsis led to increase carotenoids contents, resulting in an enhanced tolerance to high light. Taken together, these results indicate that the EalspFl-derived enzyme participates in isoprenoid metabolism and among others, the expression of this gene in E. adenophorum is involved in the regulation of plastidial isoprenoids, which play an important role in acclimation to various light environments.     

Relationships Between the Distribution of Relative Canopy Light Intensity and the Peach Yield and Quality

The aim of the present experiment was to study the relationship between the distribution of relative light intensity in canopy and yield and quality of Wanmi peach. The optimum relative canopy light intensity was judged to be 36.3% for high quality peaches, when canopy volumes of Wanmi peach trees with a relative light intensity 〈 30% accounted for 7.7 and 47.9% of the total canopy volume in June and September, respectively. The canopy volume with a relative light intensity 〉 80% was 27.7 and 3.1% of the total canopy volume in June and September, respectively. Peach canopies were divided into 0.5 m × 0.5 m × 0.5 m cubes, with the relative light intensity being measured at different positions of the canopy during the growing season. Yield and fruit quality were also measured at these positions at harvest. The results showed that the relative light intensity decreased gradually from outside to inside and from top to bottom of the tree canopy. Fruit were mainly distributed in the upper and middle portions of the canopy, 1.5-3.0 m above ground. Regression results showed that single fruit weight and soluble solid content were positively related to relative light intensity.     

Effects of Rice Straw and Its Biochar Addition on Soil Labile Carbon and Soil Organic Carbon

Whether the biochar amendment could affect soil organic matter （SOM） turnover and hence soil carbon （C） stock remains poorly understood. Effects of the addition of ^13C-labelled rice straw or its pyrolysed biochar at 250 or 350℃ to a sugarcane soil （Ferrosol） on soil labile C （dissolved organic C, DOC; microbial biomass C, MBC; and mineralizable C, MC） and soil organic C （SOC） were investigated after 112 d of laboratory incubation at 25℃. Four treatments were examined as （1） the control soil without amendment （Soil）; （2） soil plus ^13C-labelled rice straw （Soil＋Straw）; （3） soil plus 250℃ biochar （Soil＋B250） and （4） soil plus 350℃biochar （Soil＋B350）. Compared to un-pyrolysed straw, biochars generally had an increased aryl C, carboxyl C, C and nitrogen concentrations, a decreased O-alkyl C and C：N ratio, but similar alkyl C and δ^13C （1 742- 1 877 %）. Among treatments, significant higher DOC, MBC and MC derived from the new C （straw or biochar） ranked as Soil＋Straw〉Soil＋B250〉Soil＋B350, whilst significant higher SOC from the new C as Soil＋B250〉Soil＋Straw≈Soil＋B350. Compared to Soil, DOC and MBC derived from the native soil were decreased under straw or biochar addition, whilst MC from the native soil was increased under straw addition but decreased under biochar addition. Meanwhile, native SOC was similar among the treatments, irrespective of the straw or biochar addition. Compared to Soil, significant higher total DOC and total MBC were under Soil＋Straw, but not under Soil＋B250 and Soil＋B350, whilst significant higher total MC and total SOC were under straw or biochar addition, except for MC under Soil＋B350. Our results demonstrated that the application of biochar to soil may be an appropriate management practice for increasing soil C storage.     

A 15N-Labeling Study of the Capture of Deep Soil Nitrate from Different Plant Systems

The objective of this study was to determine the efficiency of different plant systems in capturing deep soil nitrate （NO3-） to reduce NO3- leaching in a field plot experiment using 15N labelling. The study was conducted on a calcareous alluvial soil on the North China Plains and the plant systems evaluated included alfalfa （Medicago sativa）, American black poplar （Populus nigra） and cocksfoot （Dactylis）. ^15N-labelled N fertilizer was injected to 90 cm depth to determine the recovery of ^15N by the plants. With conventional water and nutrient management, the total recovery of ^15N-labeled NO3--N was 23.4% by alfalfa after two consecutive growth years. The recovery was significantly higher than those by American black poplar （12.3%） and cocksfoot （11.4%）. The highest proportion of soil residual ~SN from the labeled fertilizer N （%Ndff） was detected around 90 cm soil depth at the time of the 1st year harvest and at 110-130 cm soil depth at time of the 2nd year harvest. Soil %Ndff in 0-80 cm depth was significantly higher in the alfalfa treatment than those in all the other treatments. The soil %Ndff below 100 cm depth was much lower in the alfalfa than those in all the other treatments. These results indicated that ^15N leaching losses in the alfalfa treatment were significantly lower than by those in the black poplar and cocksfoot treatments, due to the higher root density located in nitrate labeling zone of soil profile. In conclusion, alfalfa may be used as a plant to capture deep soil NO3- left from previous crops to reduce NO3- leaching in high intensity crop cultivation systems of North China Plain.     

Role of Potassium Bearing Minerals in Desorption of Reserved Potassium in Some Soils of Northern Iraq

A laboratory study was conducted in order to explain successive extractions of reserved potassium by using concentrated HCI under reflux for 13 surface and sub-surface soil samples representing three chosen pedons of soil series （472 ECC Bashika, 463 EKC Rabeaa and 461 ECC Talafar） locations of Nineveh Province in Northern of Iraq. The aim is to investigate role of clay minerals on release of reserved potassium from soils. Results showed that dominated clay minerals were （smectite 〉 illite 〉 kaolinite 〉 chlorite） for both 472 ECC and 461 ECC soil series and were （illite 〉 smectite 〉 kaolinite 〉 chlorite） for 463 EKC soil series. Also results appeared that exchangeable K＋ released values were 2,483-4,575 mg/kg at 461 ECC and 463 EKC soil series, respectively; non-exchangeable phase ranged from 752-1,390 mg/kg at 461 ECC and 472 ECC soil series, respectively. Soil fertility was evaluated according to its K＋ mica release referring for high K＋ release content with range between 3,324-5,516 mg/kg at 461 ECC and 463 EKC soil series, but rate ofK~ released was very law according to parabolic diffusion me,del with range from 195-359 mg/kg at latter soil series respectively. Results reflect effect of clay minerals on potassium release as amount and rates in arid and semi-arid regions. It can be concluded the study soils have a high amount of potassium content with low rate release of it, in turn these soil need particular management.     

Effects of Elemental Sulphur and Farmyard Manure on pH and Salinity of Calcareous Sandy Loam Soil and Some Nutrient Elements in Tomato Plant

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of elemental sulphur （S） and farmyard manure on soil pH, EC and N, S, P concentrations of tomato grown in a calcareous sandy loam soil. For this purpose, a pot experiment was conducted in greenhouse conditions. Sulphur was applied at 0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 400 mg kg~ and farmyard manure at 0, 3 ton da^-1 to the soil. Three weeks after applications, tomato seedlings were planted and 8 weeks later, the plants were harvested to determine N, S, P concentrations and dry matter yield. Soil pH and EC were determined in the soil samples taken at 3 different periods. Effects of sulphur and farmyard manure applications were not significant on N, P concentrations and dry matter yield of tomato plant. S concentration of tomato plant was increased by sulphur alone. Soil pH was decreased and soil EC was increased in both 2^nd and 3^rd soil sampling period by the sulphur applications. As a result of farmyard manure application, soil pH decreased in the 2^nd soil sampling period but increased in the 3^rd soil sampling period. Also, soil EC was significantly increased in 1^st and 3^rd soil sampling period. Farmyard manure had no significant effect on S supply to tomato plant. The N：S ratio of tomato plant was decreased by sulphur alone. However, the sulphur with farmyard manure applications decreased N：S ratio in lesser extend compared to the S applications.     

Cooking Quality Parameters of Rice Cultivars Grown in Spain

The quality office is complex and made up of many components such as nutritional quality, appearance, cooking quality and eating quality. The cultivar is one of the main factors that could affect to the grain quality office. The aim of this work was to analyze and compare the cooking quality parameters of six different japonica varieties of rice grown in Spain （Senia, Gleva, Bahia, Maratelli, Guadiamar and Bomba）. This work focused on the study of the cooking quality of rice, because it is one of the most important factors related to grain quality in Spain. It was evaluated using five characteristics： amylose content, gel consistency, degree of spreading, gelatinization temperature and pasting parameters. The amylose content ranged from 11.60% to 21.46%, with the Gleva cultivar having the lowest amylose content and with Bomba having the highest. The gel consistency varied between 5.44 cm and 9.81 cm. Regarding the alkali test, the Maratelli cultivar had the highest dispersion and transparency. Maratelli had the lowest gelatinization temperature （61.67±0.08 ℃）, and Senia had the highest gelatinization temperature （67.05±0.02 ℃）. Finally, the pasting parameters showed significant differences among cultivars with different viscosities.     

Interactive Effects of Elevated CO2 and Temperature on Rice Planthopper,Nilaparvata lugens

It is predicted that the current atmospheric CO2 concentration will be doubled and global mean temperature will increase by 1.5-6＆#176;C by the end of this century. Although a number of studies have addressed the separate effects of CO2 and temperature on plant-insect interactions, few have concerned with their combined impacts. In the current study, a factorial experiment was carried out to examine the effect of a doubling CO2 concentration and a 3℃ temperature increase on a complete generation of the brown planthopper （Nilaparvata lugens） on rice （Oryza sativa）. Both elevated CO2 and temperature increased rice stem height and biomass of stem parts. Leaf chlorophyll content increased under elevated CO2, but only in ambient temperature treatment. Water content of stem parts was reduced under elevated temperature, but only when coupled with elevated CO2. Elevated CO2 alone increased biomass of root and elevated temperature alone enhanced leaf area and reduced ratio of root to stem parts. Brown planthopper （BPH） nymphal development was accelerated, and weight of and honeydew excretion by the F1 adults was reduced under elevated temperature only. Longevity of brachypterous females was affected by a signiifcant interaction between CO2 and temperature. At elevated temperature, CO2 had no effect on female longevity, but at ambient temperature, the females lived shorter under elevated CO2. Female fecundity was higher at elevated than at ambient temperature and higher at elevated CO2 than at ambient CO2. These results indicate that the combined effects of elevated temperature and CO2 may enhance the brown planthopper population size.     

Absorption of Food in African Pike Hepsetus odoe （Bloch, 1974） in Ado Ekiti Reservoir,Ekiti State,Southwestern Nigeria

The protein, carbohydrate and lipid contents of the food ingested and their absorption in the intestine ofHepsetus odoe in Ado-Ekiti Reservoir, Ekiti State, Nigeria were investigated. Samples were analysed chemically for protein, fat and carbohydrate using the official methods of analysis described by the Association of Official Analytical Chemist. The ingested food had mean total protein, mean total carbohydrate and mean total lipid of 60.2% - 8.55%, 15.4% ± 1.9% and 15.6% ±1.1% of the organic content respectively. Calculated mean total percentages absorbed were 72.4% protein, 52% carbohydrate and 51.5% lipid. The foregut had the highest percentage absorption while the hindgut had the lowest for all the nutrients. Different sizes of fish showed different dietary protein, carbohydrate and lipid contents. Absorptive capacity for these components of the food also varied with fish size.     

Mechanical Properties of Sunflower Seed and Its Kernel,Azargol Variety as a Case Study,under Compressive Loading

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of moisture content, size and loading orientation on mechanical properties such as force, deformation and energy absorbed per unit volume for fracturing Iranian sunflower seed and its kernel （Azargol as a case study） under quasi-static loading. Sunflower seeds and their kernels were quasi-statically loaded in horizontal and vertical orientations with moisture content in three levels： 3%, 7% and 14%, and size category in three levels： small, medium and large. The obtained results showed that rupture force for both sunflower seed and its kernel decreased with increasing moisture content while the absorbed energy and deformation at rupture point increased for all size categories in both horizontal and vertical loading orientations. Also, seeds in the vertical orientation developed hull cracks at a higher level of force than those loaded in the horizontal orientation. However, for the kernels it was the opposite. In addition, the average forces required to cause kernel rupture were lower （11.64-39.9 N） than those required to rupture the seed （30.06-117.46 N） in both orientations. Seeds loaded in a vertical orientation absorbed more energy （87.67 mJ） prior to rupture than those loaded in the horizontal （46.60 mJ） orientation. However, for the kernels it was the opposite.     

Some Engineering Properties of Sunflower Seed and Its Kernel

Some engineering properties of sunflower seed and its kernel, Shahroodi variety as a case study, were investigated at various moisture content levels （3-14% d.b.） for three size categories （large, medium and small）. With increase of moisture content from 3 to 14% d.b., all the main dimensions （length, width and thickness）, geometric mean diameter, porosity, true density, terminal velocity and static coefficient of friction increased while bulk density and rupture force for both sunflower seed and its kernel decreased for all size categories. The results showed that the highest value of static coefficient of friction for both seed and kernel was on the rubber surface, followed by plywood, polyethylene, galvanized iron, and finally aluminium surfaces. The seeds required less compressive force to dehull when loaded under the horizontal as compared to the vertical orientation. But for kernels, the trend was the opposite. Also, the compressive forces needed to initiate rupture of sunflower seed hulls were higher （47.1-94.72 N） than those required to rupture the kernel （8.5-13.4 N） in both orientations.     

Modelling Agronomically-Suitable Sowing Date in Relation to the Risk of Frost Damage and Heat Stress of Wheat in Southern New South Wales,Australia

Sowing time of wheat in south eastern Australia varies from autumn to early winter, depending on the seasonal ＇break＇. Wheat yields are often reduced by frost damage at flowering time and by heat-and/or water-stress during grain filling. Selecting suitable varieties for specific sowing times is a complex decision farmers make because these varietal phenology and climate risks have to be assessed together. In order to help farmers make decisions, they need tools that simulate and analyse agronomically-suitable sowing dates （ASSD） for a given variety of wheat. The hypothesis underlining this study is the integration of a wheat phenology model with historical climate data is an effective approach to modelling the ASSD of current varieties used in the wheat growing areas of Southern NSW. The parameters of the wheat phenology model were based on data from five years of field experimentation across 15 sites. Data from four sites were used to examine varietal suitability in relation to sowing time and its associated risks of frost and heat damage. The optimum ASSD for any variety at 72 locations across Southern NSW was investigated. The results showed that there were substantial spatial variations in the ASSD across the target region. ASSD for a late maturing wheat genotype （EGA Gregory） can range from early March to late April, while the earliest acceptable sowing date for an early maturing spring wheat genotype （H46） can range from early to late May. The wide range of spatial variation in the earliest and latest sowing dates, as well as the varied length of sowing opportunities, highlighted the importance of being able to apply a modelling approach which can integrate information on crop phenology with climate risk for a given location. This approach would allow better decision-making on suitable varieties and sowing dates in order to minimise the risk of frost and heat damage affecting crop yield.     

Probabilistic Model of the Brown Rat Control

We represent assessment of the rats control operator＇s actions, starting from the placement of rat control means （chemical, mechanical and others） in the object territory until the full its elimination and followed by assessment of the probability of rat population recovery. The probability of success is evaluated when using a combination of rat control means. We took into account changes in rat population occurring in different calendar periods of the year. The proposed calculation method can be used in training programs, as well as for the local forecast of releasing objects from rats and rats＇ re-settling.     

Under-Winter Sowings of Red Beetroot in Uzbekistan

The results of the three-year researches which had the purpose to establish an optimum depth of seeding at sowing and rational norm of seeding of red beetroot seeds at under-winter sowing in conditions of mid-loamy typical grey soils of the central climatic zone of Uzbekistan are stated in article. The researches were spent at statement of field experiences in quadruple frequency with the area of a registration allotment 10 M^-1. Crops were carried out in the first decade of December against mulching surfaces of ridges by humus and without mulching. Crops were carried out on ridges in width of 70 sm tape-two-lined with distance between tapes of 50 sm, between lines-20 sm and distance between plants in a line of 12-13 sm, at density of standing of 228-230 thousand plants/hectares. Experiences were spent with zoned in Uzbekistan multi-seedling grade of a red beetroot ＂Bordo 237＂. Experiences were accompanied by phenological supervision, biometric accounts, the account of field germination of seeds, density of standing of plants and definition of size and quality of a crop. Results of researches were exposed to the statistical analysis by a dispersive method. It has been revealed that at under-winter sowing of a red beetroot the effective way providing acceleration of shoots occurrence, formations of high-grade density of standing and increase of productivity of root crops is mulching the surfaces of ridges by humus. It is defined that optimum depth of seeding at sowing both at application of mulching and without it is the depth of seeding 4 sm. It is established that the most rational norm of seeding of the seeds, providing high-grade density of standing, is at cultivation with application of mulching 8 kg/ha, and at cultivation without mulching 8-10 kg/ha. Application of mulching the surfaces of ridges by humus, depths of seeding of 4 sm and norms of seeding of seeds of 8-10 kg/ha in conditions of under-winter sowing in comparison with cultivation without mulching and depth of seeding 2 sm and norms of seeding of 6 kg/ha provides an acceleration of receipt of fresh production of a red beetroot for 12-14 days and considerably raises root crops productivity. Application of agro receptions improved by us is the important reserve of acceleration of receipt of red beetroot early production and increase of its manufacture.     

Early Stage above Ground Interaction in Wheat-Jatropha Agrisilviculture System

Experiments were conducted to analyze the initial tree crop interaction between Jatropha curcas and wheat by planting the perennial component in East-West orientation with 8-2 m distance and wheat as intercrop at National Research Centre for Agroforestry （NRCAF）, Jhansi during July, 2007 to April, 2009. During planting of Jatropha the interaction to wheat was non-significant and influence of orientation is also nil. Eighteen months after plating Jatropha had attained the mean height of 124.56 cm, collar diameter of 6.37 cm, number of branches of 11.25, canopy diameter of 98.5 cm and yielded 18.5 g seeds per plant. During 18 MAP also observations revealed the non-significant influence of Jatropha on wheat. Observations also indicated the progress in wheat growth and yield attributes with the increase of distances from tree base and it follow the order of 0.5 m〈1.0 m〈2.0 m〈3.0, 4.0 m and open. Nearly, 62% and 14% yield loss in wheat grain was observed at 0.5 m and lm distance from the tree base respectively compare with open. Comparison ofwheat-Jatropha agrisilviculture system and sole wheat cropping indicated the net grain yield reduction up to 13.5% by agrisilviculture system. The comparison of wheat and straw yields between the two years clearly indicating that the system and sole cropping have not much differed while the influence of climatic factor is witnessed by the variation of yields over years. It revealed that the initial above ground interaction between Jatropha and wheat was due to the space that can be managed by the pruning of branches which is a recommended cultural practice of Jatropha.     

Microbial Solubilization of Phosphorus from Nano Rock Phosphate

Phosphorus （P） is a major growth-limiting nutrient, and unlike the case of nitrogen （N）, there is no large atmospheric source that can be made biologically available. Moreover, P governs crucial role in plant as it stimulates root development and growth, gives plant rapid and vigorous start leading to better tillering and essential for many metabolic processes for seed formation. Soil microbes play very important role in bio-weathering and biodegradation. The microorganisms produce low molecular mass organic acids, which attack the phosphate structure and transform phosphorus from non-utilizable to the utilizable for the plants form. The test of the relative efficiency of isolated strains is carried out by selecting the microorganisms that are capable of producing a halo/clear zone on a plate owing to the production of organic acids into the surrounding medium. It is a well-known fact that as the particle size of rock phosphate decreases, the microbe mediated solubilization of rock phosphate increases in soil. In the present investigation, microbial solubilization of nano rock phosphate （〈 100 nm） particles was studied. Experimental results revealed that Pseudomonas striata solubilized 11.45% of the total P after 24 h of incubation from nano rock phosphate particles while 28.95% and 21.19% of the total P was solubilized by Aspergillus niger （black pigmented） and Aspergillus niger （green pigmented）, respectively. It was also observed that Aspergillus niger has the higher ability to dissolve Udaipur rock phosphate than Pseudomonas striata.     

Analysis of Oleanolic Acid and Ursolic Acid,Potential Antifertility Agents in Moringa （Moringa oleifera） Seed

Oleanolic acid （OA） and ursolic acid （UA） are isomeric tritcrpenes that are difficult to separate chromatographically. Studies have indicated that both OA and UA have antifertility properties in several livestock species, suppressing attainment of puberty, gonad function and gamete production. Being able to determine the presence and quantity of the OA and UA in moringa and pawpaw seeds will allow for calculation of optimal inclusion levels of these acids in animal diets for antifertility-activity. The purpose of the study was thus to quantify the levels of OA and UA in Moringa and pawpaw seed powder by means of ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry （UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS）. Only OA was detected in moringa seeds at a concentration level of 0.508 p.g/g ＋ 0.032 pg/g dry weight. UA and OA could not be detected in pawpaw seeds used in this study. The presence of OA in moringa seeds suggest that the seeds can be included in tilapia diets as a potential antifertility treatment to control precocious breeding in tilapia culture in small scale farming systems in Sub-Saharan Africa. Further studies are warranted to determine the levels of OA and UA composition in moringa seeds from other parts of the Sub-Saharan Africa （other than Zambia）.     

Estimating the Fresh Vegetables Demand System in Jordan： A Linear Approximate Almost Ideal Demand System

The main objective of this research is to estimate the different types of demand elasticities for the main fresh vegetables consumed in Jordan. The estimated elasticities can be used to measure the impacts of agricultural policies and can be used to predict future consumption in the context of food security in terms of access, availability, stability, and food quality. The reported demand estimates were obtained through the estimation of a Linear Approximate Almost Ideal Demand Systems （LA/AIDS） for Jordan fresh vegetable crops demand system using the most recent cross-sectional data of household expenditure survey in 2005. A censored regression method for the system of equations was used to analyze fresh vegetables consumption patterns. This method allows for inclusion of a large number of zero consumption for some foods through two-step demand system estimation. All of the own-price demand elasticities have the correct negative signs and statistically significant. According to the expenditure elasticity, tomato, cucumber, and potato are the necessity goods. The mean budget shares indicate that consumers spend 30 percent of their allocated budget to vegetables on tomatoes and potatoes. The green bean elasticity is the highest indicating that demand for beans is highly responsive to any changes in the price. The expenditure elasticities reveal that the demand on all vegetables is expected to grow over the coming few years. High own-price elasticities of all vegetables studied suggests that any changes in the prices of these crops could bring about a significant shift in fruits and vegetable constanption patterns.     

Hydrolytic Enzyme Inhibitors and Necrotic Reactions in Potato Leaves Reduce Reproductive Success of Colorado Potato Beetle

In field and laboratory conditions the reproductive potential （survival at different stages of development） of the Colorado potato beetle has been measured, the dependence of the parameters of insects fertility on varietal features of the feed has been investigated, the food activity of the representatives of insects from four areas of the Southern Urals has been measured, the intensity and time of hypersensitivity reactions on potato leaves has been defined. In laboratory experiments, the level of activity of hydrolytic enzymes in insects and the level of activity of these enzymes inhibitors in the leaves of three potato varieties differing in their resistance to the Colorado potato beetle have been determined. The results show that the insects-representatives of different samples have different food activity in relation to different potato varieties. High mortality rates were revealed at feeding with leaves of potato of the Bashkir variety characterized by a high level of hydrolases inhibitors and relatively rapid development of necrotic reactions after the appearance of eggs laying on the leaves. We suppose that the neerogenetic barrier appearing in the form of necrosis is the major cause of the fetal mortality of insects. The level of the content of inhibitors inactivating larvae digestive enzymes affects the survival of insects at postembryonic stages. The speed of the necrosis emergence, the level of activity of digestive enzymes inhibitors in potato can be considered as criteria for the selection of breeding material for resistance to the Colorado potato beetle.