The effectiveness ofBacillus thuringiensis Berliner onBoarmia (Ascotis) Selenaria Schiff. (Lepidoptera,Geometridae) in laboratory tests and field trials

The effectiveness of a commercial preparation ofBacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Dipel) against eggs and larvae ofBoarmia (Ascotis) selenaria Schiff. of different age was examined in laboratory and in field tests. The mortality rate ofB. selenaria was proportional to the concentration ofB. thuringiensis and inversely related to the age of the treated larvae. In neonate larvae, 100% mortality was obtained even with a low concentration (0.5%). Egg hatch was not affected, but the survival rate of larvae hatched from treated eggs was very low (2.2%). No phytotoxicity of the commercial microbial preparation was observed on fruit or leaves of avocado. High doses ofB. thuringiensis persisted on avocados, probably because of specific conditions:i.e., absence of rainfall, moderate temperatures and limited penetration of sunlight. Tests carried out in large commercial orchards, using motor-guns and helicopters, yielded good results.     

Response by encapsulation of four mealybug species (homoptera: pseudococcidae) to parasitization byAnagyrus pseudococci

The frequency of encapsulation of eggs ofAnagyrus pseudococci (Girault) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) by four mealybug species:Planococcus citri (Risso),PL vovae (Nasonov),Pl. ficus (Signoret) andPseudococcus cryptus Hempel (=citriculus Green), was studied under controlled laboratory conditions. The aggregate percentage of encapsulated eggs (AE) and the percentage of efficient encapsulation (EE) (= percent parasitized mealybugs wherein encapsulation prevented the development of all parasitoid larvae) byPl. citri andPl. vovae did not differ significantly (39.0%vs 38.2% AE and 15.4%vs 17.6% EE, respectively), but was significantly higher than inPs. cryptus (16.2% AE and 5.4% EE). Encapsulation byPl. vovae was significantly higher than byPl. ficus (38.2%vs 20.1% AE and 17.6% vs 7.7% EE, respectively). Neither the host plant nor the rearing temperature significantly affected the incidence of parasitoid encapsulation. It is suggested thatA. pseudococci displays a relatively low physiological adaptation toPl. citri; thus, in a citrus grove, for example,ca 40% of the parasitoid eggs might be lost due to encapsulation. The question of a possible association between encapsulation and host—parasitoid relationships among the mealybugs studied andA. pseudococci, is discussed.     

Biological activity of the essential oil from the leaves of Piper sarmentosum Roxb. (Piperaceae) and its chemical constituents on Brontispa longissima (Gestro) (Coleoptera: Hispidae)

The results showed that the essential oil from Piper sarmentosum has strong antifeedant and toxicity effects on Brontispa longissima. The best antifeedant and contact toxicity effects were observed in the 1st-2nd instar larvae. The essential oil also displayed a notable fumigation effect on the eggs and pupae of B. longissima. It took the control-treated insects 43.34 d to complete one generation, while the insects treated with 2000 mg/L essential oil needed 73.58 d. The essential oil was analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and 41 components were identified. Myristicin (65.22%) and trans-caryophyllene (13.89%) were the major components. Myristicin exhibited strong antifeedant and contact toxicity effects on both the 3rd instar larvae and the imagoes of B. longissima, when it showed a significant fumigation effect on the eggs and pupae of B. longissima. Another P. sarmentosum essential oil and myristicin all showed a strong inhibiting effect on the growth and development of B. longissima along with the activity of AChE, CarE, GSTs and Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase in B. longissima larvae.     

The effect of diflubenzuron on Eggs of the vine Moth,Lobesia (Polychrosis) Botrana Den. & Schiff (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

The activity of diflubenzuron against eggs ofLobesia botrana Den. & Schiff. was assayed with a dipping procedure, at 22° and 27° C. The compound was much more active at 27°C (LC-50 = 0.0072%) than at 22°C (LC-50 = 0.195%).     

Temperature and mortality in the eggs of Adoxophyes orana (Lepidoptera,Tortricidae)

In September, a high mortality among eggs ofAdoxophyes orana was observed. Temperature effects were believed to be responsible. In controlled conditions, constant temperatures of 13 or 14°C proved lethal to most eggs, but mortality was about halved when temperature changes were gradual. Low temperature (5°C or less) for 6h was lethal when eggs were exposed within a few hours of oviposition. This was also due to a rapid change in temperature. Survival of eggs ofA. orana is most affected by long cool periods and is slightly affected by cold nights.     

松毛虫赤眼蜂对三种农田常用杀虫剂的敏感性

为明确常用杀虫剂对松毛虫赤眼蜂Trichogramma dendrolimi的安全性,室内评估了高效氯氰菊酯、阿维菌素和氯虫苯甲酰胺3种药剂对其成蜂的急性毒力以及田间推荐使用剂量对赤眼蜂各发育阶段的间接影响,并模拟自然情况,测定了不同残留期的3种药剂对赤眼蜂存活和寄生能力的影响.结果表明:以LC₅₀进行评估,对松毛虫赤眼蜂毒力最高的为阿维菌素,其次是高效氯氰菊酯,氯虫苯甲酰胺毒力最小;在田间推荐使用剂量下,阿维菌素、高效氯氰菊酯和氯虫苯甲酰胺的安全系数分别为0.017、0.066和69.175;在推荐使用剂量下,氯虫苯甲酰胺处理含有不同发育阶段赤眼蜂的米蛾Corcyra cephalonica卵后,平均羽化率最高为90.43%,其次是高效氯氰菊酯为56.46%,阿维菌素仅为9.84%;接触0~7 d残留期阿维菌素的玉米叶片24 h,松毛虫赤眼蜂全部死亡,无米蛾卵被寄生,但接触3~7 d残留期氯虫苯甲酰胺的玉米叶片,赤眼蜂的死亡率和寄生米蛾卵数量与清水对照无明显差异.表明在实施释放赤眼蜂的害虫综合治理方案中,应尽量避免使用阿维菌素,而氯虫苯甲酰胺对赤眼蜂风险性极低,具有很好的相容性,可以推广使用.     

Herbicide perfluidone (1,1,1-trifluoro-N-[2-methyl-4-(phenylsulfonyl)phenyl]methanesulfonamide): Its metabolism in rats and chickens

Rats and chickens were each given a single oral dose (10 or 100 mg/kg body wt) of 1,1,1-trifluoro-N-[2-methyl-4-(phenylsulfonyl)phenyl-¹⁴C(U)]methanesulfonamide ([¹⁴C]perfluidone). Depending on the size of the dose, from 8.4 to 36.2% of the [¹⁴C] was eliminated in the urine and from 36.4 to 85.4% was eliminated in the feces within 48 hr after dosing. Less than 1% of the [¹⁴C] given to laying hens as [¹⁴C]perfluidone was present in the eggs produced during the first 96 hr after dosing. The percentage of the administered [¹⁴C] that remained in these animals (body with G.I. tract and contents removed) varied from 0.34 (96 hr after dosing) to 1.68% (48 hr after dosing). ¹⁴C-labeled compunds in the urine and feces from the rats and chickens were purified by solvent extraction, column chromatography, and gas-liquid chromatography, and then identified by infrared and mass spectrometry. The parent compound was the major ¹⁴C-labeled component in the urine and feces of both animals. 1,1,1-Trifluoro-N-[2-methyl-4-(3-hydroxyphenylsulfonyl)phenyl]methanesulfonamide was present in the feces of both animals. The proposed structures of other metabolites were 1,1,1-trifluoro-N-hydroxy-N-[2-methyl-4-(phenylsulfonyl)phenyl]methanesulfonamide (rat urine) and 1,1,1-trifluoro-N-{2-methyl-4-[(methylsulfonyl)-phenylsulfonyl]phenyl}methanesulfonamide (chicken urine).     

Azetidine-2-carboxylic acid: A naturally occurring inhibitor ofSpodoptera littoralis (boisd.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Ruscus hypoglossum andUrginea maritima (Liliaceae) are highly resistant toSpodoptera littoralis. The foliage of these plants contains a proline analog, L-azetidine-2-carboxylic acid (AZA): inUrginea at a concentration of 1.7% of fresh weight and inRuscus at a concentration of 0.019%. The concentration of AZA inUrginea accounts for its lethal effects onS. littoralis larvae and for the direct effect of an acetone-soluble 80% methanol extract on adultS. littoralis, as evidenced by reduced viability of eggs deposited. The toxicity ofRuscus extracts is only partly attributable to AZA content.     

Effects of ametryn [2-(ethylamino)-4-(isopropylamino)-6-(methylthio)-s-triazine] on nitrate reductase activity and nitrite content of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The objectives of this study were to show that: (a) a herbicide, such as ametryn, which interferes with the photosynthetic electron transport system, causes nitrite to accumulate in illuminated leaves and (b) that nitrite is toxic and contributes to the herbicidal damage and death of the plant. Tests were conducted on wheat seedlings grown on 5 mM nitrate, 5 mM ammonia, and zero nitrogen. Ametryn treatment decreased in vivo and in vitro nitrate reductase activity (NRA) within a 26-hr period. In vivo NRA decreased more rapidly than in vitro NRA. Compared with control tissue, only 3% in vivo NRA remained at the end of 26 hr. The in vivo assay conducted in light confirmed the inhibition of photosynthetic electron flow by ametryn within the leaf tissue. Nitrate-grown, ametryn-treated plants accumulated nitrite and, after 10 days were the only plants that were completely desiccated and dead. Ammonia- and zero-nitrogen, ametryn-treated plants did not accumulate nitrite, were only partially chlorotic after the 10-day period, and were still living. Low levels of NO_(X) (NO₂ and/or NO) emissions were demonstrated by nitrate-grown ametryn-treated plants.     

Plant oils as oviposition deterrents against winterform females of pear psylla, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cacopsylla pyri</Emphasis> (L.) (Hemiptera: Psyllidae)

Oviposition deterrents have potential to prevent arthropod pest infestations making the crop habitat less or no favorable for pests to lay eggs and even to settle. In this study, seed oils of maize, safflower, rapeseed and castor oil plant were evaluated in the field between years of 2015 and 2016 for their oviposition deterrent activity against winterform females of pear psylla, Cacopsylla pyri (L.) (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), the most important insect pest of pears in Turkey. All the oils were used at three different concentrations, 1, 1.5 and 2 L/100 L water including 0.01% Tween-20 for a good mixture and applied at the dormant period (just before the first eggs were deposited by overwintered females). Only one application was made each year. Oviposition deterrency was evaluated by counts of eggs deposited by overwintered females of the pest on treated dormant shoots during the sampling times 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after application. The results showed that significant reductions in total numbers of eggs laid by winterform females were observed in all the oil-treated plots compared with the controls sprayed with tap water including Tween-20 (0.01%). Safflower and castor oils exhibited 100% oviposition deterrent activity at all the concentrations during the 3 weeks period in both years. Even after 4 weeks, the deterrency of these oils was higher than 70%. In the control plots, the first eggs were deposited by overwintered females within 3 days after application in both years. These findings suggest that these oils are promising oviposition deterrents against winterform females of C. pyri.     

Neem kernel as an ovipositional repellent forSpodoptera litura (F.) moths

Laboratory and nursery tests showed that a 2% neem (Melia azadirachta L.) seed kernel suspension in water was effective as a repellent and ovipositional deterrent for moths of the tobacco caterpillar,Spodoptera litura (F.). The mean number of eggs laid on treated tobacco seedlings was 37 3 as against 1715 on control seedlings. As a consequence of the moths being repelled from the treated plants, they laid more eggs on the cloth and the glass surface in glass jar experiments. Repellency was even more pronounced when the moths were released in treated and untreated nylon-netting-caged nursery beds; the mean number of eggs laid on treated seedlings was then only 749 as against 19,713 in control beds.     

N-(2,5-二氯苯基)-6-氯-2-(4,6-二甲氧基-2-嘧啶氧基)胺的合成及除草活性

以2,5-二氯苯胺、6-氯水杨醛和4,6-二甲氧基-2-甲砜基嘧啶为原料,设计并合成了2-嘧啶氧基-N-芳基苄胺类化合物N-(2,5-二氯苯基)-6-氯-2-(4,6-二甲氧基-2-嘧啶氧基)苄胺,其化学结构经核磁共振氢谱和质谱分析确证。室内生物测定结果显示,该化合物对单子叶杂草稗草、马唐、狗尾草以及双子叶杂草反枝苋、芥菜具有较好的芽后除草活性,在有效剂量75 g/hm2下其抑制率达到80% ~100%;对棉花安全,在有效剂量225 g/hm2下未产生明显药害,在棉花和棉田杂草反枝苋之间的选择性系数为24.93。初步表明该化合物在棉田具有一定开发应用价值。     

拟澳洲赤眼蜂对小菜蛾卵的适应能力

本文比较经米蛾卵繁殖的拟澳洲赤眼蜂在小菜蛾卵和米蛾卵上的产卵差别，结果为：不喂蜜糖水，拟澳洲赤眼蜂寿命短，不到一天，可在小菜蛾卵上产卵的雌蜂比 只有４５．４５％，比可在米蛾卵上产卵的雌蜂比例低得多，可产卵雌蜂的平均产卵量亦是在小菜蛾卵上的低，喂以蜜糖水，拟澳洲赤眼寿命得以延长，平均寿命达１２天以上，可在小菜蛾卵上产卵的雌蜂比例为９６．１３％，与可在米蛾卵上产卵的雌蜂比例相当，并且在两种寄主卵上可产     

胡瓜新小绥螨对B型烟粉虱的控制能力

为明确胡瓜新小绥螨Neoseiulus cucumeris Oudermans对烟粉虱Bemisia tabaci Gennadius的控害潜能,在（26±1）℃、相对湿度65%±5%、光周期16L：8D条件下,研究了各螨态胡瓜新小绥螨对不同发育阶段烟粉虱的捕食作用。结果表明,胡瓜新小绥螨幼螨期较短,不取食烟粉虱,其他不同螨态的胡瓜新小绥螨可捕食除4龄若虫和成虫以外的其他各虫态的烟粉虱,捕食功能反应符合HollingⅡ型;胡瓜新小绥螨雌成螨对烟粉虱卵的日捕食量最大（8.5粒/雌）,对烟粉虱3龄若虫的日捕食量最小（2.1头/雌）;雌成螨对烟粉虱卵具有较高的瞬间攻击率（0.038）和寻找效应（0.025）。研究表明,胡瓜新小绥螨对烟粉虱卵及低龄若虫的捕食能力较强,是烟粉虱发生初期的有效天敌。     

Effect of Basudin, Selecron and the phytoalkaloid Colchicine (pesticides) on biological and molecular parameters of Biomphalaria alexandrina snails

The results showed that survival rates of Biomphalaria alexandrina snails, reproductive potential and hatchability of eggs were evaluated post exposure to Basudin, Selecron and Colchicine. As well, DNA and RNA changes in the cells of ovotestis-digestive gland complex of treated snails were estimated. The current molluscicide Bayluscide was used as a reference compound.The pesticide Selecron proved to be more toxic to B. alexandrina snails than Basudin and Colchicine. Juvenile snails were dead post 3 weeks of exposure to the sublethal concentration LC₀ of either Selecron or Basudin, while 26.75% of snails still alive at Bayluscide treatment. In addition, exposure of adult snails to LC₀ of Selecron for 24 h/week for 4 weeks markedly reduced their reproductive rate (R₀) by 89.9%. Moreover, snails’ eggs failed to hatch post 24 h of exposure to LC₉₀ of either Selecron, Basudin or Bayluscide. Electrophoretic analysis indicated a decrease in the molecular weight of intact DNA in the ovotestis-digestive gland complex of snails treated with 250 ppm of Colchicine and LC₂₅ of Selecron, as it scored 1.2 and 76 bp, respectively, compared to 166.46 bp for control group, while the vice versa was recorded for RNA intensity. It was concluded that the tested pesticides have deleterious effects on snails’ reproductive rate, their eggs and the intensities of DNA and RNA in their ovotestis-digestive gland complex. Therefore, it is expected that reaching of such pesticides to snails’ habitats in water courses during plant pests control could minimize the population density of the snails intermediate hosts of schistosomiasis, hence probably interrupt and reduce the transmission of this parasite.     

Assessment of insecticide resistance in eggs and neonate larvae of Cydia pomonella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Spanish Cydia pomonella (L.) field populations have developed resistance to several insecticide groups. Diagnostic concentrations were established as the LC₉₀ calculated on a susceptible strain (S_Spain) for five and seven insecticides and tested on eggs and neonate larvae field populations, respectively. The three most relevant enzymatic detoxification systems (mixed-function oxidases (MFO), glutathione S-tranferases (GST) and esterases (EST)) were studied for neonate larvae.In eggs, 96% of the field populations showed a significantly lower efficacy when compared with the susceptible strain (S_Spain) and the most effective insecticides were fenoxycarb and thiacloprid. In neonate larvae, a significant loss of susceptibility to the insecticides was detected. Flufenoxuron, azinphos-methyl and phosmet showed the lowest efficacy, while lambda-cyhalothrin, alpha-cypermethrin and chlorpyrifos-ethyl showed the highest. Biochemical assays showed that the most important enzymatic system involved in insecticide detoxification was MFO, with highest enzymatic activity ratios (5.1-16.6 for neonates from nine field populations). An enhanced GST and EST activities was detected in one field population, with enzymatic activity ratios of threefold and fivefold for GST and EST, respectively, when compared with the susceptible strain. The insecticide bioassays showed that the LC₉₀ used were effective as diagnostic concentrations. Measures of MFO activity alongside bioassays with insecticide diagnostic concentrations could be used as tools for monitoring insecticide resistance in neonate larvae of C. pomonella.     

Introduction into Israel ofTrichogramma platneri Nagarkatti,an egg parasite of Lepidoptera

Trichogramma platneri Nagarkatti (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) was recently introduced into Israel to improve the control of two lepidopterous pests,Boarmia selenaria (Schiffermiiller) andCryptoblabes gnidiella (Millière). Laboratory tests showed thatT. platneri attacks the eggs of both species. A method of freezing the eggs of the host,Ephestia cautella (Walker), at -20°C and gradual defrosting, used in the large laboratory breedings of the parasites, is described briefly. In laboratory tests 68.5% of the frozenE. cautella eggs, after 2 months of storage, were parasitized, compared with 70.3% of the fresh eggs.     

The effect of BAY SIR 8514 onspodoptera littoralis (Boisduval) eggs and larvae

The chitin biosynthesis inhibitor diflubenzuron and its analog BAY SIR 8514 are equitoxic for eggs ofSpodoptera littoralis. BAY SIR 8514 residues on alfalfa fed toSpodoptera larvae were more toxic than diflubenzuron residues, whereas BAY SIR 8514 topically applied to these larvae was consistently twice as toxic as diflubenzuron, according to different criteria.     

Mating,longevity, fertility and fecundity of the cotton leaf-worm,Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The mechanisms adopted to ensure mating success, fertility and fecundity ofS. littoralis were studied. The male moths usually mate only once a night but they mate repeatedly during most of their life span, and practically all their spermatophores are equally efficient for inseminating a female. Although females are also multiple maters, one spermatophore is sufficient for a female to lay fertile eggs throughout her life with no reduction in potential fecundity. While a male may mate 5.3 times, on the average, a female may mate only 2.3 times. As a pronounced decrease in pheromone release occurs after mating, a repeat mating by a female will occur only after most neighboring competitive virgin females have been inseminated. A male may mate therefore with 5.3 different females, all of which will be thoroughly inseminated. The female moth is ready to mate just after emergence and at any time throughout her life. If mating is delayed the preoviposition period is greatly prolonged and eggs are saved to be laid later, after mating, as fertile eggs. Delay in egg laying due to delayed insemination does not result in reduced fecundity as it is compensated for by prolonged longevity. Even if mating is greatly delayed and occurs after egg laying has already begun, the potential reduction in reproduction is not very great, due to the low daily egg-laying rate and the increased longevity of unmated females. It appears unreasonable to expect any tendency toward reduction of egg production with a decrease in the ratio of adult males in a population; for this purpose the control of males must be essentially complete. Therefore, a behavioral control program by mass trapping ofS. littoralis males is unlikely to be economically feasible.