Evaluation of the use of insects for biological control of Lantana camara L. (Verbenaceae) in Zambia

Abstract

The present status of the imported and naturally occurring insects pests of Lantana camara L. a noxious exotic weed in Zambia, was determined by survey. Of the seven insect species imported in 1969–74, only Teleonemia scrupulosa Stål has become established in Zambia and occurs today all over the country. Two other neotropical lantana insects, namely Ophiomyia lantanae (Froggat) and Lantanophaga pusillidactyla Walk, have spread naturally into Zambia. In addition, 17 indigenous insect species were recorded as infesting lantana during the survey. The actual injuriousness of the insect complex to lantana was in all cases negligible, and it was concluded that insects will probably not contribute significantly to lantana control in Zambia.     

Insect Enemies of Aquatic Weeds

Abstract

The Agricultural Research Service of the USDA has been actively engaged in research on the biological control of aquatic weeds since 1959. Research emphasis until 1967 was on alligatorweed, Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb. As a result of this research, three species of insects from Argentina were released in the southeastern United States. Alligatorweed control with these natural enemies has been variable; but indications are that control will be substantial over most of the range of the weed.

One species of weevil, Neochetina eichhorniae Warner, has been released against water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms, in the USA as a result of research in Argentina. A second closely related species, N. bruchi Hustache, is presently undergoing final clearance procedures. Several other arthropods are being studied in Argentina as possible biological control agents of water hyacinth.

A USA sponsored programme in Yugoslavia under the direction of Dr M Leki? resulted in the discovery of two insect species that show potential as control agents for eurasian watermilfoil, Myriophyllum spicatum L. Further testing for host specificity of these insects will be carried out in the USA in quarantine in Florida.

A USA sponsored Pakistan programme under Dr M. A. Ghani is investigating insects and other phytophagous organisms attacking Hydrilla verticillata Royle. The results are encouraging. PANS 20: 444–450, 1974.     

Solid substrate for production of Alternaria alternata conidia: a potential mycoherbicide for the control of Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth)

Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth), a major aquatic weed in India, is one of the targets in a biological weed control research programme in India. A fungal pathogen, Alternaria alternata, is being evaluated as a biological control agent for this weed. The feasibility of solid substrate for the mass production of A. alternata has been examined. Conidia production and virulence of A. alternata were affected by temperature, light and incubation period. The highest number of conidia were produced on rice seed followed by wheat, sorghum, maize seeds and cornmeal at 20°C when exposed to near‐ultraviolet than on the other substrates, while the least conidia were observed on these substrates under light conditions. At 20°C, large numbers of virulent conidia were produced on rice seeds after 4 weeks of incubation under constant dark conditions. Henceforth, the use of rice seeds as a solid substrate for production of A. alternata could be a feasible method to produce conidia in a village co‐operative scenario in India.     

First report of Encarsia cubensis Gahan (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) an exotic parasitoid on the Neotropical Whitefly Aleurotrachelus atratus Hempel (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in India

The Neotropical palm infesting whitefly, Aleurotrachelus atratus Hempel (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is a highly invasive pest that was reported during 2019 on coconut in India. In a short span of time, it spread rapidly across states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh on coconut, oil palm and many other ornamental palm plants. During the recent survey, the immature stages of A. atratus were found parasitized by an aphelinid parasitoid, Encarsia cubensis Gahan (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae). These parasitoids were identified by their morphological characteristics and also characterized by DNA barcoding of adult parasitoids using partial (658 bp) mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 (CO1) gene (GenBank accession number ON881119). This is the first report on occurrence of Encarsia cubensis as primary parasitoids on A. atratus in India and its natural parasitism ranged from (46–68%) on coconut across the different locations in Karnataka. It is believed that the parasitoid likely entered India along with A. atratus in India and constitutes a potential biological agent against A. atratus. It is expected that the E. cubensis population will become fully established, increase, spread and exert a significant impact on A. atratus population in India. Therefore, efforts may be made by growers and other stakeholders to increase the rate of natural parasitism through inundative, conservation and classical biological control approaches to reduce the pest population, crop damage and yield loss.

     

Integrated control of water hyacinth in Africa1

Water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes was first recorded in Africa (Egypt and South Africa) in the late 1800s. Since this time it has invaded streams, rivers, natural lakes and impoundments throughout the continent. Large mats of water hyacinth severely degrade aquatic ecosystems and limit all aspects of water resource utilization, threatening food security and economic development in a number of countries. The severity of these infestations is invariably exacerbated by eutrophication. Control options include manual removal, mechanical control, application of herbicides and biological control. Biological control offers a long‐term solution and excellent results have been achieved in a number of tropical large freshwater bodies, most notably Lake Victoria. However, in the more temperate regions of the continent and where extensive eutrophication exists, biological control is integrated with other control options. The successful control of water hyacinth relies on establishing an acceptable threshold population level for the weed, adopting a management philosophy that includes a top‐down approach within the infested catchment, intelligent use of herbicide, mechanical and biological control and a commitment to the reduction in nitrate and phosphate inputs into the aquatic ecosystem.     

Weed Control in Berseem using Stale Seed-bed,EPTC, and MCPB

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted in 1973 and 1974 at Udaipur, India to evaluate the selective weed control efficacy of stale seed-bed prepared with paraquat (1 kg/ha) or by cultivation, pre-planting incorporation of EPTC (1.5 kg/ha), and post-emergent application of MCPB (0.5 kg/ha). Two crop protectants, NA and activated carbon, were also field tested as seed treatments against injury by EPTC. It was found that stale seed-bed prepared by desiccation of weed seedlings with paraquat a day before planting berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) and pre-planting incorporation of EPTC were both effective in significantly reducing weed growth and boosting yields of berseem. Berseem seeds coated with activated carbon before planting provided appreciable protection to the crop against EPTC, but NA stunted berseem growth. A combination of stale seed-bed and EPTC caused maximum reduction in weed growth. Post-emergent MCPB, though efficient in controlling weeds, was highly phytotoxic to the crop. Chenopodium spp. and Phalaris minor were lower in net energy content than berseem.     

Insect Pests and Mites

Abstract

Weeds are major components of agro-ecosystems and they affect the biology of pests and beneficial insects in several ways; provision of flowers, presence of neutral insects, modification of crop microclimate, production of chemical stimulus, alteration of colonisation background, etc. The more relevant beneficial crop–weed–insect interactions are discussed. The role of weeds in regulating pest populations is illustrated by studies on bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cropping systems, in which chemical interactions between Empoasca kraemeri Ross &; Moore and two grass weeds were identified. It is proposed to continue and develop this kind of research in order to incorporate weeds into pest control strategies.     

The effects of combining modified sowing methods with herbicide mixtures on weed interference in wheat crops

In India, wheat is prone to being heavily infested with weeds, which cause considerable yield losses. Agronomic practices, including sowing method, influence weed interference in wheat growth. A herbicide mixture is usually more effective than a single herbicide for controlling a broad-spectrum of weeds. It may prevent weed species shift and delay resistance development in weeds. This study attempted to develop an integrated approach, combining a modified sowing method with applying a herbicide mixture for efficient weed management in wheat. We found that flat bed missing-row sowing resulted in significant reductions in: (i) the three-year mean population densities of grassy, broad-leaved and total weeds at 40 days after sowing (d.a.s), (ii) total weed population density and biomass (dry weight) at 60 d.a.s., compared to a mainly, furrow-irrigated raised bed system. Applying a tank-mix of fenoxaprop-p-ethyl at 0.08 kg/ha and isoproturon at 0.4 kg/ha applied 30 d.a.s. resulted in significant reductions in total weed population density and biomass, leading to a significant improvement in wheat growth and yield compared to either a weedy check or a regime of fenoxaprop-p-ethyl applied at 0.10 kg/ha. However, a combination of the flat bed missing-row sowing and tank-mix application of fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 0.08 kg/ha and isoproturon 0.4 kg/ha 30 d.a.s. resulted in higher wheat yield through better management of weeds compared with other sowing/ weed control combinations.     

Pathogenicity of fungi and bacteria from the Sudan to water hyacinth

Studies were made in the Sudan for microorganisms pathogenic to water hyacinth (Etchhornia crassipes Solms) for biological control purposes. Many fungi and bacteria were isolated from plant parts showing disease symptoms. Pathogenicity tests revealed that only five out of the twenty-five fungal and bacterial isolates were damaging to the weed plant. These included Acremonium zonatum, Drechslera specifera and Fusarium equiseti. Phoma sorghina and a bacterium Bacillus sp. are reported for the first time as potential pathogens of water hyacinth. Pathogenic isolates were also found to produce toxic metabolites in liquid cultures.     

A World-Wide Organization to Promote the Development of Biological Control

Abstract

Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of metribuzin in tea fields. These were a field trial in plots infested with a wide range of weeds, a pot experiment using Paspalum conjugatum and a microplot experiment with 100 Ageratum conyzoides plants/plot. Metribuzin at 0.70, 1.05, 1.40 and 2.10 kg a.i./ha was applied in 450 l water/ha. All rates were satisfactory after 1 week but residual activity increased with application rate; metribuzin at 2.10 kg a.i./ha was significantly superior after 6 weeks. Control after 8 weeks was reduced due to the presence of resistant species. Against Paspalum conjugatum metribuzin at 1.40 kg/ha gave good control for 8 weeks but 2.10 kg/ha was necessary for 12 weeks control. All rates compared favourably with dalapon (4.48 kg a.i./ha). Against Ageratum conyzoides metribuzin at all rates gave good control for up to 12 weeks and significantly better than 2, 4-D at 1.12 kg a.i./ha. Most other grass and broadleaved weeds were satisfactorily controlled at 1.40 kg a.i./ha. Metribuzin with its marked post-emergent effect and prolonged soil residual activity from 6-12 weeks after application, depending on weed species, may become an important tool in pre-monsoon weed control programmes in tea fields. It did not induce any phytotoxic symptoms on mature tea.     

Parthenium hysterophorus in Nepal: a review of its weed status and possibilities for management

The rapid expansion of the alien invasive Parthenium hysterophorus is a new agricultural and environmental problem for Nepal. Although the weed was first recorded in 1967, the most significant expansion has occurred in the last 20 years. The weed is thought to have entered Nepal from India and currently is found in the Tarai, Siwalik and hill regions of Nepal. A CLIMEX modelling projection has shown these regions to be climatically suitable for the growth of P. hysterophorus, both under the present and a future projected increased temperature. From the initially invaded roadside vegetation, the weed has now spread into cropping land and forests. Vehicle movement and transportation of agriculture products are the main means by which its seed is spreading. The weed has reduced plant species richness and changed species composition in grasslands, while fodder collectors have developed contact dermatitis from the plant. To date, no sustainable management strategy has been developed for this weed. However, the fortuitous arrival of the biological control agents Zygogramma bicolorata and Puccinia abrupta var. partheniicola has had some impact upon the weed's growth and abundance. A CLIMEX modelling projection identifies many suitable locations for Z. bicolorata outside of its present range and within areas where the weed is likely to spread, both under the present and under a future projected climate of increased temperature. Mapping of the currently invaded areas, management through community involvement and further releases of new and redistribution of current biological control agents are required to manage P. hysterophorus in Nepal.     

Control of Avena fatua and Fagopyrum tataricum with tank mixtures of linuron or linuron + MCPA and sequential applications of linuron, and post-emergence A. fatua herbicides

Linuron (0.21 and 0.28 kg/ha) and linuron + MCPA (0.21+0.56 kg/ha) in a tank mixture with field rates of barban, difenzoquat and flamprop-methyl reduced the phytotoxicity of these herbicides to Avena fatua. When linuron was applied immediately following or 6 days after the A. fatua herbicides no reduction in phytotoxicity to A. fatua occurred, suggesting that the antagonism may be occurring as a result of physical or chemical incompatability when the herbicides are mixed together. The possibility of obtaining broad-spectrum weed control with one trip over the field by applying linuron and one of these wild oat herbicides separately but at the same time using a double-boom, double-tank system deserves evaluation. When linuron was applied in a tank mixture (0.21 and 0.28 kg/ha), immediately after, or 6 days after diclofop-methyl (0.70 kg/ha), there was no reduction of A. fatua control, and wheat tolerance to the tank mixture was good. This tank mixture offers potential for control under field conditions of A. fatua and some broad-leaved weeds in one spray operation. Linuron + MCPA (0.21+0.56 kg/ha) in a tank mixture severely reduced A. fatua control with diclofop-methyl. No loss of phytotoxicity to Fagopyrum tataricum occurred when the A. fatua herbicides tested were tank mixed with linuron or linuron + MCPA. Lutte contre Avena fatua et Fagopyrum tataricum avec des mélanges extemporanés de linuron ou de linuron + MCPA et des applications successives de linuron et d'herbicides de postlevée actifs contre A. fatua     

Efficiency of Different Herbicides for Weed Control in Peas

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted for two years during 1977–78 and 1978–79 to evaluate the efficiency of methabenzthiazuron, terbutryn and metoxuron in controlling weeds in peas (Pisum sativum) at the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India. Pre-emergence application of methabenzthiazuron at 1.05 and 1.40 kg a.i./ha gave efficient weed control and gave comparable yields to two hand hoeings. Post-emergence application of methabenzthiazuron proved inferior. Terbutryn pre-emergence showed promise but as a post-emergence application it was ineffective. Metoxuron both pre- and post-emergence showed phytotoxic effects on the crop.     

Seventh British Insecticide and Fungicide Conference,Brighton, November 1973

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the wet seasons of 1980 and 1981 to find out the relative influence of weed control and applied nitrogen on performance of transplanted rice and nutrients uptake by rice and weeds. Propanil and thiobencarb, each at 2.0 kg a.i/ha, were found comparable to two hand weedings in increasing grain yield of rice and minimizing dry matter of weeds. The mean grain yield was increased by 28.06% while dry matter of weeds reduced by 84.04% over unweeded control. Application of nitrogen from 0 to 75 kg N/ha increased grain yield to the tune of 1631 kg/ha. Remarkable increase in grain yield was noticed when weed control treatments were associated with application of nitrogen. Higher uptake of N, P and K by crop and lower removal of same nutrients by weeds were observed in herbicides and hand weedings than unweeded control. N, P and K in the order of 11.49, 1.71 and 12.40 kg/ha respectively could be saved through weed control in transplanted rice.     

New Mealybug Species Vectoring Grapevine Leafroll-Associated Viruses-1 and -3 (GLRaV-1 and -3)

Many grape viruses, such as filamentous Grapevine leafroll-associated viruses in the Closteroviridae family, are spread primarily through infected propagating material. However, there is increasing evidence that leafroll disease are spread in the field by insect vectors, namely mealybugs and other scale insects. This study was carried out in the northern wine-growing regions of France where Grapevine leafroll-associated virus-1 and -3 (GLRaV-1 and -3) are the most widespread grape Ampelovirus species. The vineyards were inspected for presence of mealybug and scale insects and grapes infected by GLRaV-1 and -3. Mealybugs, Heliococcus bohemicus, Phenacoccus aceris (Pseudococcidae) and the soft scale insect Parthenolecanium corni (Coccidae), were capable of a transmission efficiency of 14%, 23% and 29% respectively. GLRaV-1 and -3 infections that resulted from virus transmission were confirmed with DAS-ELISA using polyclonal antibodies. This is the first report of GLRaV-1 and -3 transmission by mealybug and coccid species in France, and the first report of the ability of H. bohemicus and Phenacoccus aceris to transmit these viruses to grapevines. The relevance of these findings with regards to maintenance of virus-free grapevine stocks and to control leafroll spread in commercial vineyards is discussed.     

Recent Advances in the Use of Plant Pathogens as Biocontrol Agents of Weeds

Abstract

Among various organisms attacking skeleton weed, Chondrilla juncea, in Europe, a rust fungus, Puccinia chondrillina, and two powdery mildews, Erysiphe cichoracearum and Leveillula taurica f. sp. chondrillae were found to be the most damaging. P. chondrillina was shown to be specific to Chondrilla and has recently been introduced into Australia where skeleton weed is important in wheat cultivation. It has already spread throughout the weed infestations and is beginning to reduce plant populations. Encouraged by the result of the Chondrilla rust, the possible use of Puccinia xanthii for the control of Xanthium strumarium and X. spinosum has also been studied. Current research on the possible use of phytopathogens in the biological control of some other weeds is reviewed.     

Plant biology and other issues that relate to the management of water hyacinth: a global perspective with focus on Europe1

Water hyacinth reproduces vegetatively and sexually and seeds are numerous and long‐lived. Rates of vegetative growth are high (weight and numbers can double in less than 1 week in optimal conditions) and governed by temperature and available nutrients. The period from germination to setting seed can be less than 12 weeks. Dispersal of propagules is by flow, man and machines. Biomass of living material is high 90 to > 800 tonnes/ha and comprises around 95% water, and the weed often grows in inaccessible areas. Consequently, social, economic and environmental impacts of water hyacinth are often large and management of the problem becomes very important. However, management of water hyacinth is difficult, and utilization of this weed should not be mistaken as a control measure. Containment and eradication from a catchment may only be accomplished if the invasion is very young, small, isolated and accessible, and if the short‐term resource commitment is high. Most infestations are non‐eradicable because once noticed reaction time is too long. However, in Europe, as the weed invades new areas on the edges of its ecological range, eradication of new infestations could (should) be attempted as this is the most cost effective way to deal with the weed. In addition, pathway shut‐down and awareness campaigns should seek to reduce further new introductions, which, for spread to new regions, are mostly anthropogenic. For established populations the removal of accessible floating biomass can be accomplished using herbicides (if permitted) and by mechanical means. Both are expensive because re‐growth ensures repeated action is necessary. Biological control is a useful tool in warmer climates, less so in cooler climates. It may be more useful in cooler areas if integrated with other management techniques. Additional biological control agents are being studied to improve and broaden the value of biological control. The lack of policies to permit the use of biological control for weeds in Europe limits the ability to manage this weed.     

The role of weeds in supporting biological diversity within crop fields*

Summary Weeds are major constraints on crop production, yet as part of the primary producers within farming systems, they may be important components of the agroecosystem. Using published literature, the role of weeds in arable systems for other above‐ground trophic levels are examined. In the UK, there is evidence that weed flora have changed over the past century, with some species declining in abundance, whereas others have increased. There is also some evidence for a decline in the size of arable weed seedbanks. Some of these changes reflect improved agricultural efficiency, changes to more winter‐sown crops in arable rotations and the use of more broad‐spectrum herbicide combinations. Interrogation of a database of records of phytophagous insects associated with plant species in the UK reveals that many arable weed species support a high diversity of insect species. Reductions in abundances of host plants may affect associated insects and other taxa. A number of insect groups and farmland birds have shown marked population declines over the past 30 years. Correlational studies indicate that many of these declines are associated with changes in agricultural practices. Certainly reductions in food availability in winter and for nestling birds in spring are implicated in the declines of several bird species, notably the grey partridge, Perdix perdix. Thus weeds have a role within agroecosystems in supporting biodiversity more generally. An understanding of weed competitivity and the importance of weeds for insects and birds may allow the identification of the most important weed species. This may form the first step in balancing the needs for weed control with the requirements for biodiversity and more sustainable production methods.     

Weed control in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) with polyethylene film mulching

Studies conducted during the winters of 1997 - 98 and 1998 - 99 (December - March) at the Regional Research Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Vridhachalam, India, revealed the usefulness of polyethylene film mulching in arresting weed growth and maximizing pod yield in groundnut. Among the various treatments, two (1) crop grown under polyethylene film mulching and (2) pre-planting incorporation of fluchloralin in the flat-bed system of sowing registered the lowest weed numbers at harvest (106.7 and 113.7/plot of 27 m 2 in 1997 - 98 and 1998 - 99 respectively), the lowest weed dry-matter production (51.2 and 54.5 g/plot of 27 m 2 ), maximum weed control efficiency (62.1 and 57.4%) and weed control index (83.0 and 81.1%), the highest number of matured pods/plant (17.6 and 18.0), 100 kernel weight (48.6 and 48.7 g), percentage shelling (72.6 and 72.8) and a dry pod yield of 2451 and 2468 kg ha -1 when compared with non-mulched plots. The net return and benefit:cost ratio was also highest with the same treatment in both the study periods.     

Problems caused by Sorghum halepense in Australia

Abstract

Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers. (Johnson grass) is an important weed in many countries. In Australia it invades crop lands, provides a harbour for diseases and insect pests of sorghum and maize, contaminates sorghum grown for seed and constitutes a safety hazard along roadsides.