Impact of spatio-temporal simulations of rat damage on yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.) and implications for rodent pest management

Rodents often damage crops throughout the growing season, from germination to harvest, thus making it difficult to understand the cumulative effects of rodent damage for crops such as rice that are able to partially compensate for damage. Compensation can make it difficult to understand the impact of variable rodent damage in terms of when the damage occurs, its severity and thus when, whether and how rodent pests should be controlled. The compensatory responses of rice to simulated rat damage carried out at different growth stages and at different spatial levels of severity showed that higher yield was recorded during the wet season in comparison to the dry season. However, yield loss was observed during all cropping stages for all levels of simulated damage for wet and dry season crops, with significant compensation noted at the transplanting [14 days after sowing (DAS)] and vegetative (45 DAS) stages. Only damage at the maturity (110 DAS) stage resulted in significant reductions in rice crop yield. Seasonal differences suggest water availability was an important factor that perhaps enhanced rice production. The ability of rice to compensate for early rodent damage could potentially reduce a farmer's perception of damage. However, failing to control rodents at these earlier crop growth stages could lead to increased rodent populations at the time of maturity when compensatory effects are limited.     

Assessment of leaf cover and crop soil cover in weed harrowing research using digital images

Objective assessment of crop soil cover, defined as the percentage of leaf cover that has been buried in soil because of weed harrowing, is crucial to further progress in post‐emergence weed harrowing research. Up to now, crop soil cover has been assessed by visual scores, which are biased and context‐dependent. The aim of this study was to investigate whether digital image analysis is a feasible method to estimate crop soil cover in the early growth stages of cereals. Two main questions were examined: (i) how to capture suitable digital images under field conditions with a standard high‐resolution digital camera and (ii) how to analyse the images with an automated digital image analysis procedure. The importance of light conditions, camera angle, size of recorded area, growth stage and direction of harrowing were investigated, in order to establish a standard for image capture and an automated image analysis procedure based on the excess green colour index was developed. The study shows that the automated digital image analysis procedure provided reliable estimations of leaf cover, defined as the proportion of pixels in digital images determined to be green, which were used to estimate crop soil cover. A standard for image capture is suggested and it is recommended that digital image analysis be used to estimate crop soil cover in future research. The prospects of using digital image analysis in future weed harrowing research are discussed.     

2019年我国草地贪夜蛾扩散为害规律观测

草地贪夜蛾Spodoptera frugiperda(J.E.Smith)侵入我国后呈现快速蔓延为害态势,对我国玉米安全生产造成较大威胁。本文通过全国范围的系统监测,总结了2019年我国草地贪夜蛾侵入扩散区域、为害作物种类、发生面积、发生时间、虫口密度和为害情况。监测结果显示,玉米是我国草地贪夜蛾为害最重的作物。草地贪夜蛾在长江以南地区普遍发生,发生区域由南至北逐步扩散,虫口密度由南至北逐步递减,发生时间西部早于东部,虫口密度西部大于东部。缅甸是我国2019年重要的虫源地,未来应加强对缅甸、泰国和越南等东南亚国家虫源的监测;我国热带和南亚热带存在冬繁区,应尽快摸清其区域和面积;分析了草地贪夜蛾在我国可能发生的代次,提出南方春玉米的种植对草地贪夜蛾起到诱集作用,可延缓或减轻其北迁的时间和虫量,因此,应重视我国玉米品种和种植方式的合理布局,实现对草地贪夜蛾的长期有效治理。     

The Potential Use of Herbicides in Tropical Peasant Agriculture

Abstract

The possible effects of herbicide use by peasant farmers are examined. It is considered that herbicides could be used for bush clearing but that their use should not be encouraged at present. It is concluded that herbicides can be used to control perennial weeds, to protect cereal crops from witchweed and to reduce the seasonal peak of labour demand.     

Effects of Uncinula necator on the yield and quality of grapes (Vitis vinifera) and wine

The effects of powdery mildew ( Uncinula necator ) on grape yield, juice and wine quality were quantified for cultivar Cabernet Sauvignon (CSa) in 1997 and 1999, and for Sauvignon blanc (Sa) in 1999. Analyses were carried out on batches of healthy berries to which known percentages (0–50%) of diseased berries were added, and on natural clusters that were classified into four visual classes from low (C₁) to high (C₄) disease severity. CSa diseased berries showed an average weight reduction of 12% (1997) and 20% (1999). The direct consequence of a higher percentage of smaller, diseased berries was a reduction in yield. The accompanying loss of weight in must from C₁ to C₄ clusters increased from 10 to 45%. Sugar content in diseased berries was not significantly different from disease-free berries in 1997, but was 20–21% (CSa) and 14% (Sa) higher in 1999. Severely infected batches also showed a higher total acidity than healthy ones. The total anthocyanin content of CSa was decreased by 0·91% (1997) and 0·66% (1999) per percentage mildewed berries added by weight. In Sa wines the concentration of 3-mercaptohexanol, a component of varietal aroma, was decreased by powdery mildew. Multidimensional analyses, based on all the variables studied, successfully grouped batches of CSa according to disease severity. Using directional triangular tests wine experts were able to recognize CSa wines produced from berries with ≈25% of powdery mildew; the threshold for nonexperts was 50%. CSa wines obtained from samples with more than 30% of diseased berries by weight were significantly classified as the worst according to preference order criteria, but below this value the preference was not significant. Sa wines with <50% mildewed berries could not be differentiated significantly by organoleptic tests performed by nonprofessionals.     

病虫发生表征新方法--为害指数的定义与应用

为害指数(PAI)是一种反映和评价农业病虫害严重性的新方法。它将常规调查的发生密度(为害率)、发生面积简化成为单一的概念性数值形式,并据此划定发生程度等级,适用于表述县级以上地区短期病虫为害状况和趋势。PAI定义:在某一时段中,害虫(病害)的密度指数与面积指数的乘积,而密度指数为病虫单位面积的发生密度(发病率)占防治指标(或历年密度均值)的倍数,面积指数为病虫发生面积(率)占历年发生面积(率)均值的倍数。     

Crop damage and yield loss caused by two species of rodents in irrigated fields in northern Nigeria

We investigated the damage and yield loss caused by two rodent species, Arvicanthis niloticus and Mastomys (Praomys) natalensis, in cereal crops in fields near Kano, northern Nigeria from August, 1990 to April, 1992. Using the random cluster technique, we selected 100 clusters of 30 hills in each rice and wheat field, and assessed damage fortnightly, using the Cut Tiller Count method. In premature crops, damage increased from tillering stages to the dough stages. Differences in the percentages of damage (yield loss) in mature rice (4.8% in 1990 and 12.6% in 1991) and in wheat (30.0% in 1991 and 21.7% in 1992) were statistically significant between years. Severe yield losses in wheat, compared to low and moderate levels in rice (grown for the most part during the rains), were probably a result of greater consumption of the wheat, grown entirely by irrigation during the dry season when other rodent food sources were less abundant. Results of ANOVA showed significant effects of developmental stage of the crop, year of cultivation, and their interactions on the magnitude of crop damage.     

Common vole (Microtus arvalis) ecology and management: implications for risk assessment of plant protection products

Common voles (Microtus arvalis) are common small mammals in some European landscapes. They can be a major rodent pest in European agriculture and they are also a representative generic focal small herbivorous mammal species used in risk assessment for plant protection products. In this paper, common vole population dynamics, habitat and food preferences, pest potential and use of the common vole as a model small wild mammal species in the risk assessment process are reviewed. Common voles are a component of agroecosystems in many parts of Europe, inhabiting agricultural areas (secondary habitats) when the carrying capacity of primary grassland habitats is exceeded. Colonisation of secondary habitats occurs during multiannual outbreaks, when population sizes can exceed 1000 individuals ha^?1. In such cases, in‐crop common vole population control management has been practised to avoid significant crop damage. The species' status as a crop pest, high fecundity, resilience to disturbance and intermittent colonisation of crop habitats are important characteristics that should be reflected in risk assessment. Based on the information provided in the scientific literature, it seems justified to modify elements of the current risk assessment scheme for plant protection products, including the use of realistic food intake rates, reduced assessment factors or the use of alternativee focal rodent species in particular European regions. Some of these adjustments are already being applied in some EU member states. Therefore, it seems reasonable consistently to apply such pragmatic and realistic approaches in risk assessments for plant protection products across the EU. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry     

Foraging by burrowing parrots has little impact on agricultural crops in northeastern Patagonia,Argentina

Conflicts between wildlife and agriculture have increased as cultivation has expanded into previously unexploited areas. As frequent consumers of such crops, parrots (Psittaciformes) are often persecuted, despite the lack of measured economic impacts they may cause. This situation has compromised attempts to manage potential damage and endangered parrot populations. Here, we evaluate and measure actual crop damage and characterize the foraging areas used by the burrowing parrot (Cyanoliseus patagonus) in northeastern Patagonia, Argentina. We found that damage to field crops was economically insignificant, affecting 0.1%–0.4% of the sunflower harvest, with no damage detected in other more important crops in the region. The parrots mainly consumed grain left or spilled after harvesting, and unharvested grain from cultivated pastures and road margins. This grain represents a loss attributable to harvest machines, being independent from the presence of parrots. Given the negligible damage measured here, we conclude that there is no need for management of parrots as crop pests in northeastern Patagonia. Our study provides further support to the view that parrot damage has been often exaggerated and overstated.     

Tolerance of competitive spring barley cultivars to weed harrowing

Two experiments were conducted in 14 spring barley cultivars to investigate if crop tolerance to post‐emergence weed harrowing is related to morphological traits that reflect competitiveness. The experiments were carried out in organically grown fields where low weed densities and biomass production were assumed to be without significant influence on crop growth. The experiments showed that different cultivars responded differently to post‐emergence weed harrowing in terms of yield reduction. Taller and higher yielding cultivars with high leaf area index (LAI) tended to be less tolerant to post‐emergence weed harrowing than shorter and lower yielding cultivars with low LAI. This conclusion, however, is only valid for 13 of 14 cultivars because one very tall cultivar was tolerant to harrowing. Although the tallest and highest yielding cultivars were damaged the most, they remained the highest yielding cultivars after weed harrowing. This study is the first attempt to relate competitiveness of cereal cultivars to tolerance to harrowing, and it is thought provoking that competitiveness and tolerance is found to be counterproductive.     

Reproductive success of rose‐ringed parakeets Psittacula krameri in a captive UK population

BACKGROUND: Rose‐ringed parakeets Psittacula krameri (Scop.) have recently become established in several European countries, with potential for significant negative economic and ecological impacts. However, in northern Europe the potential for reproductive output is largely unknown. In 2005 the authors established a captive outdoor colony in north‐east England and examined breeding success over 2 years. RESULTS: In 2006 (19 pairs, 15 clutches) the average first clutch size was 3.6 (±0.3) eggs. Six clutches were infertile, and overall the colony produced 1.4 (±0.5) fertile eggs per pair. Eleven pairs produced a second clutch following removal of the first; seven were infertile, and overall productivity was 0.7 (±0.4) fertile eggs per pair. Unsuccessful pairs were rearranged or replaced. In 2007, overall productivity was 2.5 (±0.4) and 1.8 (±0.4) fertile eggs per pair for the first and second attempts respectively. For pairs that remained unchanged through 2006–2007, productivity was consistent between years and breeding attempts. CONCLUSION: Where food and nest sites were not limiting, clutch sizes in north‐east England were similar to those in the native range, and consistent between first and second attempts. This has implications for the future expansion and management of the species. © Crown Copyright 2009. Reproduced with permission of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

近10年农作物主要病虫害发生危害情况的统计和分析

2006-2015年,我国农作物病虫草鼠害总体处于严重发生状态,各类病虫害年发生面积在4.603 5亿~5.075 3亿hm2次,年均挽回粮食损失9 684.68万t,占全国粮食总产的17.35%;年均实际损失粮食1 965.49万t,占全国粮食总产的3.53%。五大粮食作物中每年通过防治挽回损失的比例,水稻、小麦、玉米、大豆和马铃薯分别占55.18%、21.29%、18.97%、1.88%和2.68%,实际造成损失的比例分别占33.67%、23.31%、35.13%、2.11%和5.79%。影响全国粮食生产最为重要的10种(类)病虫害依次为稻飞虱、水稻纹枯病、稻纵卷叶螟、玉米螟、小麦蚜虫、二化螟、稻瘟病、小麦纹枯病、小麦赤霉病、小麦白粉病;某一个病虫暴发危害时最高可实际造成200万t以上的粮食损失,总损失可达2 200万t,占某类粮食总产的12%左右,对国家粮食安全影响巨大。最具暴发和流行危害特点的种类主要有稻飞虱、稻纵卷叶螟、稻瘟病、小麦条锈病、小麦赤霉病和黏虫等6种。本文运用大量翔实的历史数据统计分析了近10年来水稻、小麦、玉米三大粮食作物病虫害的危害损失和暴发危害情况。     

Investigating the selectivity of weed harrowing with new methods

In six field experiments on post‐emergence weed harrowing in spring barley, the effects of row spacing, timing, direction and orientation on crop/weed selectivity were investigated. The efficacies of increasing intensities of harrowing generated either by increasing number of passes or increasing driving speed were also tested. Selectivity was defined as the relationship between crop burial in soil immediately after treatment and weed control. To estimate crop burial, digital image analysis was used in order to make objective estimations. The study showed that narrow row spacing decreased selectivity in a late crop growth stage, whereas row spacing in the range 5.3–24 cm had no effects at an early growth stage. Harrowing across rows decreased selectivity in one out of two experiments. Whether repeated passes with the harrow were carried out in the same orientation along the rows or in alternative orientations forth and back was unimportant. There were indications that a high harrowing intensity produced by a single pass at high speed gave a lower selectivity than a similar intensity produced by several passes at a low speed. Impacts on selectivity, however, were small and only significant at high degrees of weed control. Timing had no significant impact on selectivity.     

不同覆盖条件下冬小麦作物系数试验研究

试验共设置裸地(CK)、秸秆覆盖(JF)、地膜覆盖(DF)3个处理,基于冬小麦2013—2014年实测数据及气象数据,利用Penman-Monteith公式计算杨凌地区冬小麦全生育期内参考作物蒸发蒸腾量,利用农田水量平衡方程计算冬小麦全生育期实际作物蒸发蒸腾量,由此计算冬小麦各生育阶段的作物系数。结果表明:秸秆覆盖和地膜覆盖可以减少冬小麦全生育期的作物需水量,减少量分别为13.07 mm和17.86 mm;秸秆覆盖处理对水分比较敏感;作物系数在全生育期呈双峰变化,峰值出现在分蘖~越冬期和抽穗~灌浆期,其中CK为0.82和1.16,JF为0.89和1.05,DF为0.87和1.13;冬小麦作物系数与种植后天数和大于0℃积温呈现良好的四次多项式和二次多项式关系,其中JF与DF的相关系数均在0.88以上。     

农田冬季覆盖作物对土壤有机碳含量和主作物产量的影响

从冬闲覆盖作物对土壤有机碳的固定及覆盖作物对主作物产量的影响等方面对国内外有关覆盖作物环境改良机理的最新研究结果进行了总结分析。认为,长期轮作覆盖作物可以增加土壤有机碳,提高微生物的活性,而且对主作物的产量提高有不同程度的促进作用。     

From biology to management of Savi's pine vole (Microtus savii)

Savi's pine vole (Microtus savii) is a rodent species of the Cricetidae family, inhabiting southern European agroecosystems. It is considered to be the main cause of rodent‐attributed damage in Italy. To achieve an effective management, detailed knowledge of this species is needed. However, the available information about this species is fragmentary and incomplete. In this paper, the existing knowledge of Savi's pine vole taxonomy, reproduction, population dynamics, habitat and food preferences is reviewed in order to organise available information and identify priority areas of future research. Some of the changes in farming practices that have occurred in recent decades may have increased the impact of Savi's pine vole populations in crop fields. To manage this pest species effectively, an integrated strategy is recommended (involving habitat management, trapping and, when appropriate, the use of rodenticides). The apparent lack of cyclical population outbreaks and the relatively small litter size and long gestation and interpartum period of this species suggest that it could be more manageable than other vole species, while its strict herbivorous diet, stable population size in open habitats and wide distribution seem to indicate it as an ideal model species for risk assessment studies. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry