Studies of the effects of essential oils isolated from 14 species of Labiatae on the carmine spider mite,Tetranychus cinnabarinus

Essential oils from 14 species of Labiatae were steam-distilled and analyzed. Bean leaf discs freshly sprayed with different concentrations of the acetonic solutions of the oils caused mortality and induced repellency in adult females of the carmine spider mite,Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisd.), and egg-laying was reduced. Seven-day-old residues still had some activity. On the basis of EC-50s, the most effective oils were:Lavandula angustifolia xL. latifolia (0.09%);L. angustifolia (0.1%);Melissa officinalis (0.12%);Mentha piperata (1.3%);Salvia fruticosa (1.4%);Ocimum basilicum (1.4%); andRosmarinus officinalis (2.2%).     

effects of neem(Azadirachta indica) seed kernel extracts from different solvents on the predacious mitePhytoseiulus persimilis and the phytophagous miteTetranychus cinnabarinus

The effects of neem seed kernel extracts from different solvents on the predacious mitePhytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot and the phytophagous miteTetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisd.) were compared. All extracts were much more toxic to the latter pest than to the former. Using the respective LC₅₀ for the two species, the toxicity index (LC₅₀ Phytoseiulus/LC₅₀ Tetranychus) was found to be 3 for the methanol, 4 for the ethanol, 23 for the acetone, and 58 for the pentane extract. The order of toxicity of the extracts (pentane > acetone > ethanol > methanol) was valid only forT. cinnabarinus. The EC₅₀s for reduction of fecundity were rather close for the two species.     

Toxicity of neem (Azadirachta Indica) seed kernel extracts prepared with different solvents,on the spider chiracanthium mildei

The toxicity of neem seed kernel extracts prepared with different solvents against the predatory spider,Chiracanthium mildei L. Koch, was investigated. The order of toxicity of the 4% extracts was pentane < acetone < ethanol << methanol = water (nontoxic). All extracts were nontoxic at 2.5%.     

Effect of avermectin B1 on the development and fecundity of the california red scale,Aonidiella auranth,and on two of its natural enemies:Chilocorus bipustulatus andAphytis holoxanthus

Various immature stages of male and female California red scale,Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell) (Homoptera: Diaspididae), were treated with avermectin B₁ (MK-936) at concentrations ranging from 10 to 100 ppm. Treatments at 10 ppm completely arrested crawler development and 20 and 100 ppm caused 100% mortality of 48-h and 7-day-old male and female 1st instar nymphs, respectively. The development of the 2nd instar was slightly affected by MK-936 at up to 40 ppm. Sublethal doses of the chemical applied to immature stages caused no dramatic reduction in the fecundity of the subsequent, mature females. MK-936 applied to male prepupal and pupal stages and mated females did not prevent male emergence, nor did it affect the ability of males to copulate and inseminate female scales, or the female fecundity. The development and adult emergence of treatedAphytis holoxanthus DeBach (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) larvae and pupae parasitizingChrysomphalus aonidum L. scales were not influenced by a 9 ppm MK-936 treatment; leaves sprayed with this concentration had residual toxicity onA. holoxanthus adults for only 24 h post-treatment. Feeding byChilocorus bipustulatus L. (Coleoptera: Coc-cinellidae) on 0.9 ppm MK-936-treated Florida red scales resulted in 100% mortality of 2nd instars and induced sterility in the females.     

The potential of middle eastern flora as a source of new safe bio-acaricides to control<Emphasis Type="Italic">Tetranychus cinnabarinus</Emphasis>, the carmine spider mite

Twenty-nine plant extracts of local species were evaluated for their potential as a source of bioactive ingredients with significant acaricidal activity that could lead to the development of new and safe bio-acaricides. The crude extracts (70% ethanol) of these plants were tested for their acaricidal activity against the carmine spider miteTetranychus cinnabarinus in a bioassay under controlled conditions. Mortality, repellency, and the number of eggs laid were measured. Extracts fromEucalyptus camaldulensis andInula viscosa caused more than 25% mortality. Sixteen plant extracts showed significant repellency compared with the control. The six best extracts, resulting in more than 75% repellency, were fromAllium sativum, Capparis spinosa, Cupressus sempervirens, Lupinus pilosus, Rhus coriaria andTamarix aphylla. Extracts from 16 plants were found to cause a significant reduction in the number of eggs laid compared with the control. The greatest reduction was achieved by extracts fromC. spinosa, Cyperus rotundus, E. camaldulensis, L. pilosus, Punica granatum, R. coriaria andT. aphylla. A relatively negative fit was found between the mean number of repelled mites and the number of eggs laid (r=−0.65), which might indicate that most repelled mites were unable to lay eggs before leaving the leaf discs of the bioassay. Our results show that several plant extracts have good potential for acaricidal activity and are worth further investigation. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting Dec. 16, 2003.     

A novel approach to spider mite control based on expression of sarcotoxin IA peptidevia a virus-vector system in plants

Control of the spider miteTetranychus cinnabarinus Boisduval is problematic, and there is a pressing need for efficient, non-hazardous and inexpensive strategies for limiting the damage it causes. The gene for the anti-bacterial peptide sarcotoxin IA of the flesh flySarcophaga peregrina was cloned into the nonpathogenic potyvirus-based vector system ZYMV-AGII (Zucchini yellow mosaic virus-AGII). Expression of this peptidevia the AGII vector was detected in infected squash leaves and was not deleterious to the host plant. Leaf discs of squash infected with the recombinant virus AGII-sarcotoxin IA were tested for spider mite control under laboratory conditions. Spider mite egg production on plants expressing the sarcotoxin IA gene was decreased by a factor of two or three compared with that on AGII-infected plants or healthy leaf discs, respectively. In contrast to its effect on oviposition, sarcotoxin IA expressing squash did not significantly affect the mortality and the ability to repel spider mites. Crude extract from squash leaves infected with AGII-sarcotoxin IA was also found to cause a significant decrease of mite fecundity compared with extracts from AGII-treated or healthy plants and also caused a rise in mite mortality. Our results demonstrate that sarcotoxin IA affects mite fecundity and, to a lesser degree, mortality, and shows potential for controlling spider mites in the field.     

Removal of duvatrienediols from the surface of tobacco leaves increases their susceptibility to blue mold

Dipping leaf strips of greenhouse or field-grown tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L., cv. Ky-14) plants into acetone for 1 s, prior to inoculation with sporangia of Peronospora tabacina Adam, increased their susceptibility to blue mold. Disease severity and sporangial production on leaf discs from acetone-treated leaves were markedly increased compared to those on discs from untreated leaves. Treatment with acetone also decreased variation in susceptibility of leaves from plants of various ages. Disease severity on discs obtained from attached leaves which were dipped in acetone for 1 s was three times greater up to 15 days after dipping than on discs from leaves that were not dipped. TLC and GLC analyses of the acetone extracts indicated that 95% or more of the major cuticular diterpenoids, α- and β-4,8,13-duvatriene-1,3-diols (DVT), were removed from the surface by dipping for 1 s. These compounds had not reappeared on the leaf surface 15 days after leaves were dipped in acetone for 1 s. Aqueous suspensions of the acetone-soluble constituents as well as authentic DVT, inhibited sporangial germination of P. tabacina (ED₁₀₀ = 25 ppm) and the antifungal activity was accounted for by DVT. When DVT was removed from a leaf surface and added back to the same leaf strip, the resistance of the leaf tissue was restored. As tobacco plants aged, their susceptibility to blue mold decreased and the quantity of DVT on the leaf surface increased. The data support a role for DVT in the resistance of tobacco against blue mold.     

Biological and biochemical responses of Biomphalaria alexandrina to some extracts of the plants Solanum siniacum and Artemisia judaica L.

The molluscicidal activity of cold water, boiled water, methanol, ethanol, acetone and chloroform extracts of Solanum siniacum and Artemisia judaica L. plants against Biomphalaria alexandrina snails was carried out. The tests revealed plant’s ethanol extract was more toxic to the snails than the other tested extracts. Therefore, it was tested against snails’ fecundity (M_x), reproduction rate (R₀) and their infection with Schistosoma mansoni miracidia. In addition, biochemical parameters and the activities of some enzymes in tissues of snails treated with the two tested plants were determined. As well, glucose concentration in snails’ hemolymph was evaluated. Exposure of B. alexandrina snails to plant’s ethanol extract led to a significant reduction in their survival and snails’ fecundity, reproduction rate. In addition, it caused a considerable reduction in the infectivity of S. mansoni miracidia to the snails. Also, it caused a reduction in number of cercariae per snail during the patent period and in the period of cercarial shedding. The results revealed that the glucose concentration in hemolymph and Lactate level in soft tissues of treated snails were increased (P < 0.001) while glycogen, total protein, the lipid content and the pyruvate level in snail’s tissues decreased (P < 0.001). The activities of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), pyruvatekinase (PK) and cytochrome oxidase (CY) enzymes in homogenate of snail’s tissues were reduced (P < 0.001) in response to treatment with the two tested plants while protease (PR) activity increased (P < 0.001). It is concluded that the application of LC₂₅ of ethanol extract of S. siniacum and A. judaica L. may be helpful in snail control as it interferes with the snails’ biology and physiology.     

Efficacy of Artocarpus altilis (Parkinson) Fosberg extracts on contact mortality,repellency, oviposition deterrency and fumigant toxicity of Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera:Bruchidae)

Callosobruchus maculatus (F.), a major pest of grain legumes, causes considerable losses worldwide. C. maculatus management relies on synthetic insecticides with their adverse environmental and health concerns. The current study investigated the use of Artocarpus altilis (breadfruit) extracts on contact and fumigant toxicity, repellency and oviposition deterrency of C. maculatus as a management strategy. Fumigant mortality (LC₅₀) of the dry inflorescence extract of A. altilis was 126.65 µL L^?1 air at 53.4 h. Fruit extract gave 73.3% repellency at 1000 ppm after 24 h. Percent repellency was dose and time dependent. Green inflorescence extract of A. altilis reduced egg laying with 50% oviposition occurring after 37.78 h at 1000 ppm. We conclude that extracts of leaf, fruit, green and dried inflorescence of A. altilis displayed contact mortality, repellency, deterred oviposition and had fumigant activity toward C. maculatus.     

Impacts of atmospheric CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> concentrations and soil water on the population dynamics,fecundity and development of the bird cherry-oat aphid<Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhopalosiphum padi</Emphasis>

The impacts of elevated CO₂ and soil water on the population dynamics, adult fecundity and nymphal period of the bird cherry-oat aphidRhopalsiphum padi (Linnaeus) were evaluated in three experiments: (i)Combined effects of CO ₂ and soil water on aphid populations. Spring wheat was grown in pots at three CO₂ concentrations (350, 550 and 700 ppm) and three soil water levels (40%, 60% and 80% of field water capacity, FWC) in field open-top chambers (OTC) and infested with the bird cherry-oat aphid. Aphid population dynamics were recorded throughout the growing season; at the same time, adult fecundity and duration of the nymphal period were recorded. Chemical composition of spring wheat leaves was also analyzed. (ii)Indirect effects of CO ₂ concentrations and soil water on aphid adult fecundity and nymphal period. The experiment was conducted with the leaf discs method in the laboratory. Aphids were reared on leaf discs excised from the treated wheat in OTC with different CO₂ and soil water levels. (iii)Direct effects of CO ₂ concentrations on aphid adult fecundity and nymphal period. Aphids were reared on leaf discs excised from the wheat grown under natural conditions. The experiment was conducted with the leaf disc method in OTC with the three CO₂ concentrations. It was found that the direct effect of CO₂ concentration on aphid population parameters was minor. CO₂ and soil water affected aphid population indirectly through their effects on wheat characteristics. The aphid population under 550 ppm CO₂ was far larger than the one under 350 ppm CO₂, whereas the population under 700 ppm CO₂ was slightly higher than that under 550 ppm CO₂. The largest aphid population was obtained with the 60% soil water treatment, regardless of CO₂ treatment. The effects of CO₂ concentration on aphid population were, however, not significantly correlated with soil water level. Adult fecundity increased with CO₂ concentration, the highest fecundity being achieved under 60% FWC treatments. The nymphal period was not affected by CO₂ concentration. The shortest period occurred under 60% FWC. Atmospheric CO₂ and soil water had significant effects on the chemical composition of the wheat leaves. Aphid population size was positively correlated with leaf water content, concentrations of soluble proteins, soluble carbohydrates and starch, and negatively correlated with DIMBOA and tannins concentrations. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting Oct. 20, 2003.     

Insecticidal toxicity of thirteen commercial plant essential oils against <Emphasis Type="Italic">Spodoptera exigua</Emphasis> (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

We evaluated the chemical composition of thirteen commercially available plant essential oils and their insecticidal activity against the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to characterize the chemical components of the essential oils. A total of 113 compounds were identified, with terpenes (>80%) and aromatic compounds as primary constituents. The toxicity of each pure essential oil was tested separately on third instar larvae and adult beet armyworms by topical application of 0.5 μl oil/ insect. All plant essential oils were found to be harmful to S. exigua, with third instar larvae showing significantly more susceptibility than adults. Essential oils of Cinnamomum zeylanicum and Juniperus virginiana showed the highest toxicity (mortality above 90%) to larvae, while C. zeylanicum and Pogostemon cablin oils were the most harmful compounds (95% mortality) to adults. Cymbopogon winterianus oil caused delayed mortality (similar to the effects of insect growth regulators) as well as malformations in pupae. C. winterianus, Ocimum basilicum and Rosmarinus officinalis oils significantly reduced fecundity, whereas no significant effects were observed on fertility.     

Seasonal and biological interactions between the parasitoid, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aenasius arizonensis</Emphasis> (Girault) and its host, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phenacoccus solenopsis</Emphasis> Tinsley on cotton

Aenasius arizonensis (Girault) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) is an important solitary endoparasitoid of mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). Studies on seasonal and biological interactions between host and parasitoid are important to optimize the mass production and field release of high-quality females. We investigated the influence of different crop seasons viz., pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon and host stages viz., three nymphal instars (1st, 2nd and 3rd) and adult stage of P. solenopsis on the development, longevity, fecundity and sex ratio of its parasitoid, A. arizonensis. A. arizonensis female parasitized all life stages of its host except the 1st instar nymphs. Only males emerged from parasitized 2nd instar nymphs, while the sex ratio in the later host instars was strongly female-biased. The adult host stage was most suitable for A. arizonensis in terms of shorter development time, while the 3rd instar nymphal stage was most suitable with respect to higher fecundity, proportion of adults emerged and more females in the progeny. Among different seasons, post-monsoon season (September–October) with temperature (25 to 29 °C) and relative humidity (68 to 73%) was most suitable for the overall fitness of the parasitoid. The findings of this study have implications in designing mass rearing of this parasitoid and devising an effective biological control strategy for P. solenopsis on cotton.     

五种昆虫生长调节剂对韭菜迟眼蕈蚊的致毒作用

为明确昆虫生长调节剂对韭菜迟眼蕈蚊幼虫的毒力差异、作用特点和田间控制效果,采用药液定量滴加法比较了5种昆虫生长调节剂对其不同龄期幼虫的毒力、LC50对4龄幼虫生长发育和繁殖的影响,以及药剂致毒的温度效应和盆栽防效。结果表明:5种昆虫生长调节剂对韭菜迟眼蕈蚊2龄和4龄幼虫的毒力均以虱螨脲最高,LC50分别为0.173 mg/L和0.295 mg/L,氟铃脲和氟啶脲次之,均高于对照药剂辛硫磷;而吡丙醚和灭蝇胺低于辛硫磷。5种昆虫生长调节剂以LC50处理4龄幼虫后,虱螨脲、氟铃脲和氟啶脲对其存活幼虫后续发育历期、成虫羽化率和繁殖力的影响较大,尤其是单雌产卵量较清水对照分别降低72.6%、57.8%和58.1%;灭蝇胺也可使成虫产卵量降低;吡丙醚可引起卵孵化率下降。该类药剂对其幼虫的毒力基本不受环境温度的影响;虱螨脲、氟铃脲和氟啶脲7.5、15 g a.i./667 m2处理对当代4龄幼虫的防效较低,但对下一代幼虫的防效可达93%以上;虱螨脲、氟铃脲和灭蝇胺与新烟碱类的噻虫胺混用,可显著提高药剂的速效性,且持续控制作用好。     

Side effects of botanical insecticides on predatory mite Amblyseius andersoni (Chant)

The effects of the botanical insecticides Biopiren plus, Piresan plus and Neemazal T/S on the predatory mite Amblyseius andersoni (Chant) were tested under laboratory, semi-field, and field conditions. The tests carried out in the laboratory allowed detection of the direct toxicity on eggs and females as well as the effects on fecundity, whereas semi-field trials assessed their residual toxicity. In laboratory and semi-field tests, pyrethrins, particularly Piresan plus, proved to have the highest toxicity with E value, concerning both female mortality and fecundity, of 100% and 45%, respectively. The same product tested in the field only caused a significant reduction in the phytoseiid population shortly after the treatment. The relevant escape rate registered in semi-field tests could explain the lack of phytoseiid eradication in the field after treatment with pyrethrins.     

Side effects of botanical insecticides on predatory mite Amblyseius andersoni (Chant)

The effects of the botanical insecticides Biopiren plus, Piresan plus and Neemazal T/S on the predatory mite Amblyseius andersoni (Chant) were tested under laboratory, semi-field, and field conditions. The tests carried out in the laboratory allowed detection of the direct toxicity on eggs and females as well as the effects on fecundity, whereas semi-field trials assessed their residual toxicity. In laboratory and semi-field tests, pyrethrins, particularly Piresan plus, proved to have the highest toxicity with E value, concerning both female mortality and fecundity, of 100% and 45%, respectively. The same product tested in the field only caused a significant reduction in the phytoseiid population shortly after the treatment. The relevant escape rate registered in semi-field tests could explain the lack of phytoseiid eradication in the field after treatment with pyrethrins.     

黑杨萎蔫枝叶对棉铃虫生殖行为的影响

研究了黑杨(Populus nigra)萎蔫枝叶及其气味对棉铃虫成虫的隐藏部位、产卵部位、交配率及产卵量等的影响，并对黑杨萎蔫枝把在田间诱集到的棉铃虫雌蛾进行了解剖观察。结果表明，在田间，黑杨萎蔫枝把诱集到的棉铃虫93．3％已经交配。在气候箱中，放置黑杨萎蔫枝叶的环境中配对饲养的棉铃虫，经过1个暗期和2个暗期后，其交配率与对照环境中的均无显著差异。在光期开始时，有51．5％的成虫隐藏在饲养笼内所设置的黑杨叶子圆片下，对照纱布圆片下仅有16．7％。叶子圆片所在区域的日平均落卵量显著大于对照区。黑杨萎蔫枝叶及其气味对棉铃虫的产卵前期、产卵持续期、成虫寿命和产下50％的卵所用的时间无显著影响，但饲养笼内有黑杨枝把或黑杨叶片气味存在时，棉铃虫的产卵量比模拟枝把和对照显著提高。     

Diclofop-methyl antagonism by broadleaf weed herbicides: the importance of leaf expansion rate

Avena saliva cv. Amuri and A. fatua were sprayed with diclofop methyl (1.0 kg a.i. ha^?1) alone and in combination with 2,4-D (1.1 kg a.i. ha^?1), bentazone (1.0 kg a.i. ha^?1), chlorsulfuron (15 g a.i. ha^?1) or dicamba (0.3 kg a.i. ha^?1). Effects of the herbicides on leaf extension rate during the first 8 to 10 days after spraying and subsequent growth (dry weight) after 57–75 days were determined by comparison with unsprayed plants. Diclofop-methyl applied alone did not cause a decrease in leaf extension rate of A. saliva or A. fatua until at least 4 days after spraying. All broadleaf weed herbicides in combination with diclofop-methyl caused a decrease in leaf extension rate of both species within 2 days of spraying. Ten days after spraying, leaf extension rates for plants sprayed with a broadleaf weed herbicide plus diclofopmethyl (all combinations) were lower than for unsprayed plants but greater than for plants sprayed with diclofop-methyl alone. With the exception of A. fatua sprayed with bentazone, long-term growth of plants sprayed with a broadleaf weed herbicide plus diclofop-methyl (all combinations) was lower than for unsprayed plants but greater than for plants sprayed with diclofop-methyl alone. Bentazone applied with diclofop-methyl caused a substantial decrease in leaf extension rate of A. fatua within 24 h of spraying but at harvest, dry weight of plants from this treatment was similar to or less than that for plants sprayed with diclofop-methyl alone. Application of diclofop-methyl with bentazone at a rate of 0.3 kg a.i. ha^?1 also caused a reduction in leaf extension rate of A. fatua within one day of spraying. At this rate of bentazone, dry weight of plants at harvest was intermediate to that of unsprayed plants and those sprayed with diclofop-methyl alone. It is proposed that decreased leaf expansion rate during the first few days afte spraying is the cause of broadleaf weed herbicide antagonism of diclofop-methyl.     

芳香植物气味及提取液对茶尺蠖行为的影响

为了明确芳香植物对茶尺蠖Ectropisobliqua的驱避、拒食作用和获得应用于茶园茶尺蠖"推-拉"策略的植物材料,利用"Y"型嗅觉仪室内测定其成虫对芳香植物气味的趋性反应,并采用叶碟法测定芳香植物提取液对其幼虫的拒食作用及营养干扰效果。丁香罗勒、迷迭香、柠檬桉和芸香植株挥发物及甲醇提取液对茶尺蠖雌、雄成虫有显著的驱避效果。猫薄荷、迷迭香和鼠尾草的2 00 mg/mL甲醇提取液对茶尺蠖3龄幼虫表现出显著拒食活性,24 h后的选择性拒食率分别为93.85%、86.00%和77.32%,非选择性拒食率分别为85.77%、87.00%和88.05%。其中,迷迭香处理的幼虫生长率最低,仅为0.12 mg/天,对幼虫的相对取食量、食物利用率和食物转化率等营养指标有影响。研究表明,10种芳香植物中迷迭香具有显著的行为调控功能,是构建茶尺蠖"推-拉"策略的理想材料。     

Insecticidal action of phytohemagglutinin (PHA) against the grain aphid, Sitobion avenae

The effects of phytohemagglutinin (PHA) on development, fecundity, and mortality of the grain aphid, Sitobion avenae (Fabricius), were determined. Also determined were the effects of PHA on the activity of gut enzymes involved in sugar and phosphorus metabolism (α- and β-glucosidase and alkaline and acid phosphatase) and on the feeding behavior of adult apterae.When added to a liquid diet, PHA increased the pre-reproductive period, decreased fecundity, and increased mortality of S. avenae. PHA also increased the developmental time and reduced the intrinsic rate of natural increase. The aphids fed on sucrose-agarose gels with higher concentrations of PHA lectin exhibited no phloem-feeding behavior. The number of the gel penetrations was reduced and duration of the pathways was increased by higher concentrations of PHA. In addition, activities of α-glucosidase and alkaline phosphatase in homogenates of adult aphids were reduced. The results indicate that PHA has potential in a biotechnological approach to insect management.