Monitoring resistance of Helicoverpa armigera to different insecticides used in cotton in Spain

Helicoverpa armigera is the key pest of cotton in Spain, resulting in many insecticide treatments against it. The resistance status of H. armigera to different insecticides currently used in cotton was evaluated in Spain in two different seasons, 1999 and 2004. Four populations were tested in total, two in each season. Toxicological bioassays were conducted in the laboratory, and performed on third instar larvae by topical application of the insecticides. LD₅₀'s were estimated by probit analysis and resistance factors (RF) were calculated at the LD₅₀ level. Four insecticides were evaluated, but only endosulfan reached a moderate resistance level (RF = 11.4), and the others (methomyl, chlorpyrifos and lambda-cyhalothrin) showed low resistance (RF between 1.9 and 6.0). Such results indicate the generally low resistance of H. armigera to most of the insecticides used against this pest in cotton in Spain. Possible explanations for this situation are discussed.     

The impact of a fungicide and an insecticide on soybean growth, yield, and profitability

A growing number of soybean producers have begun to incorporate below threshold fungicide and insecticide treatments into their management programs in attempts to increase yield. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of a fungicide and insecticide on soybean yield and growth when disease and insect pressure is minimal. Soybean was planted at three locations across Indiana, USA, in 2009 and 2010 and treated with various combinations of glyphosate, pyraclostrobin, and lambda-cyhalothrin. Yield was increased by 100 kg ha⁻¹ and 150 kg ha⁻¹ by a R4 application of pyraclostrobin alone and by lambda-cyhalothrin alone, respectively. Seed mass was increased 3% by pyraclostrobin, while seed number m⁻² was increased 5% by lambda-cyhalothrin. No other yield component was influenced by the fungicide or insecticide. Economic analysis using Simulation and Econometrics to Analyze Risk (SIMETAR) demonstrated a single, post application of glyphosate to be the most efficient treatment option across a range of risk attitudes. This study indicates that yield increases are possible using below threshold applications of fungicides and insecticides. However, growers may not benefit from such applications if input costs are higher than the economic returns of the increased yield.     

高效氯氟氰菊酯、噻虫嗪及其代谢物噻虫胺在小麦中的残留及消解动态分析

为了评价高效氯氟氰菊酯、噻虫嗪及其代谢物噻虫胺在小麦生产上的安全性,建立了气相色谱测定的高效氯氟氰菊酯及UPLC-MS/MS测定噻虫嗪和噻虫胺的残留分析方法,并对高效氯氟氰菊酯和噻虫嗪在小麦籽粒、植株和土壤中的消解动态进行了研究。结果表明,高效氯氟氰菊酯、噻虫嗪和噻虫胺在不同样品中的平均加标回收率为77.0%~105.6%,相对标准偏差为0.6%~11.1%;高效氯氟氰菊酯、噻虫嗪和噻虫胺在小麦籽粒、植株和土壤中的最低检测浓度均为0.05 mg·kg^-1,最小检出量分别为0.002 5、0.000 1、0.012 ng。高效氯氟氰菊酯在小麦植株和土壤中的半衰期分别为8.0~12.4 d和16.5~19.3 d;噻虫嗪在小麦植株和土壤中的半衰期分别为1.2~2.5 d和3.7~5.3 d;2014年和2015年,在哈尔滨、新乡和银川市三地以240 g·hm^-2 和 360 g·hm^-2 施药量分别施药2~3次,距最后一次施药14 d时,高效氯氟氰菊酯、噻虫嗪和噻虫胺在小麦籽粒中的最高残留量均小于0.05 mg·kg^-1,低于我国国家标准（GB2763-2016）。     

高效氯氟氰菊酯和阿维菌素对中华蜜蜂CarE和GSTs的影响

羧酸酯酶(Carboxylesterase,Car E)和谷胱甘肽S-转移酶(glutathione S-transferase,GSTs)是蜜蜂体内重要的生化标记酶。本研究探讨了高效氯氟氰菊酯lambda-cyhalothrin和阿维菌素abamectin亚致死剂量对中华蜜蜂Apis cerana cerana中肠Car E和谷GSTs活性的影响。结果表明,用阿维菌素和高效氯氟氰菊酯亚致死浓度LC5饲喂中华蜜蜂,明显诱导Car E活性增强;LC5浓度的阿维菌素诱导GSTs活性增强,而LC10~LC40的浓度抑制GSTs活性;高效氯氟氰菊酯LC5~LC40浓度对GSTs作用不明显;用LC10浓度的阿维菌素和高效氯氟氰菊酯处理中华蜜蜂72 h,Car E活性呈现先提高后降低的趋势,而对GSTs作用不明显。     

Effect of spray volume of two organophosphate pesticides on coverage and on mortality of California red scale Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell)

A trial under laboratory conditions was carried out to study the possibility of decreasing the delivered dose of organophosphate insecticides without affecting their efficacy against California red scale (CRS), Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell), by reducing the volume of water used whilst maintaining the concentration of pesticide. In order to establish an optimal application volume, the coverage and the efficacy against different stages of development of CRS of two commercial organophosphate pesticides (chlorpyrifos 750 g kg⁻¹ WG [Dursban^® 75 WG] and chlorpyrifos-methyl 224 g l⁻¹ EC [Reldan^® E]) at four volumes of water (1, 2, 3 and 4 ml) were compared. Results showed that in general Chlorpyrifos-methyl-based product (CMBP) provided greater coverage and impact size, but did not achieve the highest efficacy. The minimum-deposited volume (1.01 μl/cm²) produced 11% coverage with Chlorpyrifos-based product (CBP) and 22% with CMBP, reaching the highest efficacies (around 89-95%) against the youngest stages (N1 and N2 stages) with both products. To attain similar efficacy with males (prepupal and pupa stages), twice the volume (2.03 μl/cm²) of the CBP was required, producing 28% coverage. The CMBP required higher deposited volumes (3.41 μl/cm²) and higher coverage (51%). The maximum efficacy in the control of adult females (third instar and gravid female stages) was 70% with both pesticides. This level was attained with 3.41 μl/cm² of CBP (36% coverage) and 4.72 μl/cm² of CMBP (62% coverage). The research shows that greater coverage does not result in greater efficacy, so it would be possible to reduce the spray volume in field conditions. Further research will be carried out in order to check these results under real field conditions.     

毒死蜱降解菌及其降解机理研究进展

毒死蜱是目前广泛使用的有机磷杀虫剂,其残留是食品安全中的一个重要问题,应用微生物降解是消除其残留的有效方法.筛选高效毒死蜱降解菌、构建基因工程菌、提取降解酶,成为国际上解决毒死蜱残留问题的发展方向与研究热点.现已富集分离得到50余株毒死蜱高效降解菌及降解酶制剂配方.笔者重点阐述毒死蜱的微生物降解机理及途径、毒死蜱降解菌...     

2株毒死蜱降解菌的分离鉴定及其混合降解特性研究

从生产毒死蜱农药厂采集的活性污泥中分离筛选得到2株降解效率较高的毒死蜱降解菌,命名为D1、D3,根据表型特征、生理生化特性和16 S rRNA基因序列相似性分析,将其鉴定为苍白杆菌属(Ochrobactrum sp.)和副球菌属(Paracoccus sp.)细菌。2株菌以最佳配比(1∶1.25)混合施用时,与单菌相比,毒死蜱降解效率可提高12%~26%;以混合菌株为研究对象,发现其对毒死蜱最适降解温度为30℃,最适降解pH值为7.0,最适NaCl浓度为0.5%;混合菌株施入土壤后,可保持较高的定殖能力和降解效率。     

食品添加剂对叶菜类蔬菜上海青中毒死蜱的去除效果

以叶菜类蔬菜上海青为试材,应用气相色谱法(GC)测定β-环糊精、碳酸氢钠和活性碳等3种食品添加剂对上海青中毒死蜱残留的去除效果。结果表明:食品添加剂种类、处理时间、处理浓度和毒死蜱浓度对毒死蜱的去除效果均存在极显著影响,同时添加剂种类与处理时间、添加剂种类、处理浓度及添加剂种类与毒死蜱浓度也存在极显著互作效应;在处理浓度为0.5 g/L,处理时间为30 min时,β-环糊精、碳酸氢钠和活性碳等3种食品添加剂均对毒死蜱的去除效果最好;毒死蜱残留量为7.90 mg/kg时,β-环糊精的去除效果最好,达68.47%;在毒死蜱残留量为17.72、35.37 mg/kg时,活性碳的去除效果均最好,分别达78.87%和69.55%。     

Resistance of beet armyworm Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to endosulfan,organophosphorus and pyrethroid insecticides in Pakistan

Field populations of beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), from Pakistan were assessed for their resistance to the chlorinated hydrocarbon endosulfan, the organophosphates chlorpyrifos and quinalphos, and the pyrethroids cypermethrin, deltamethrin, bifenthrin and fenpropathrin. Using a leaf-dip bioassay, resistance to endosulfan was high during 1998–2000 but declined to very low, to low levels during 2001–2007, following a reduced use of the insecticide. Organophosphates and pyrethroids were consistently used over the past three decades, and the resistance had been increasing to these insecticide classes. Generally, the resistance to chlorpyrifos and pyrethroids remained low from 1998 to 2002–2003, but resistance increased to moderate to high levels from 2003–2004 to 2006–2007. For deltamethrin, resistance was very high during 2004–2007. Quinalphos resistance remained low during 1998–2006. Correlation analysis of LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values showed a positive correlation between organophosphates and pyrethroids, but no correlation between endosulfan and organophosphates or pyrethroids tested herein. These results suggest that the conventional chemistries should be replaced with new chemistries for the successful management of S. exigua.     

Mineral composition of some traditional Mexican teas

Teas of plant origin traditionally consumed by the Mountain Pima of Chihuahua, Mexico, were analyzed for mineral nutritional content. Fe, Cu, Zn, Ca, and Mg composition was determined for native teas made from shoots ofTagetes lucida, T. filifolia, Elytraria imbricata, andHolodiscus dumosus, and from root xylem ofCeanothus depressus andPhaseolus ritensis. Native uses of these teas are also described.     

Studies on natural repellents against potato tuber moth (Phthorimaea operculella Zeller) in country stores

Summary The effects of the leaves of five plant species, one from each of the generaAmbrosia, Anemone, Eupatorium, Eucalyptus andLantana, on potato tuber moth were investigated under indigenous storage conditions at the Central Potato Research Station, Shillong (1800 m above sea level). Their action was compared with that of a biological insecticide (spores ofBacillus thuringiensis), a chemical insecticide (carbaryl), and an untreated control. The data collected after six months storage on tuber damage, sprout damage and the rotting indicated that the leaves ofLantana aculeata provided most protection to the tubers, reducing damage from over 70% in the check to below 5%, and sprout damage from over 45% to below 3%. Next best wasEucalyptus globulus followed byB. thuringiensis. They may be used on tubers stored for table use or for seed as they had no adverse effect on germination or on the yield of a subsequent crop.     

Redox Status and Neuro Inflammation Indexes in Cerebellum and Motor Cortex of Wistar Rats Supplemented with Natural Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Astaxanthin: Fish Oil,Krill Oil,and Algal Biomass

Health authorities worldwide have consistently recommended the regular consumption of marine fishes and seafood to preserve memory, sustain cognitive functions, and prevent neurodegenerative processes in humans. Shrimp, crabs, lobster, and salmon are of particular interest in the human diet due to their substantial provision of omega-3 fatty acids (n-3/PUFAs) and the antioxidant carotenoid astaxanthin (ASTA). However, the optimal ratio between these nutraceuticals in natural sources is apparently the key factor for maximum protection against most neuro-motor disorders. Therefore, we aimed here to investigate the effects of a long-term supplementation with (n-3)/PUFAs-rich fish oil, ASTA-rich algal biomass, the combination of them, or krill oil (a natural combination of both nutrients) on baseline redox balance and neuro-inflammation indexes in cerebellum and motor cortex of Wistar rats. Significant changes in redox metabolism were only observed upon ASTA supplementation, which reinforce its antioxidant properties with a putative mitochondrial-centered action in rat brain. Krill oil imposed mild astrocyte activation in motor cortex of Wistar rats, although no redox or inflammatory index was concomitantly altered. In summary, there is no experimental evidence that krill oil, fish oil, oralgal biomass (minor variation), drastically change the baseline oxidative conditions or the neuro-inflammatory scenario in neuromotor-associated rat brain regions.     

In vitro antimicrobial activity of different accessions ofSolanum commersonii Dun. from Uruguay

Summary The in vitro antimicrobial activity of extracts from accessions ofSolanum commersonii Dun. collected in the south of Uruguay was investigated against five microorganisms including the pathogenRalstonia solanacearum. A total of 30 extracts corresponding to organic and aqueous extracts were studied. Interestingly, most of the positive results for growth inhibition were againstR. solanacearum. The extracts were also analyzed for the presence of glycoalkaloids and lectins. Six of the ten aqueous extracts showed lectin presence and a wide variation in the type and amounts of glycoalkaloids, was found. Results indicate that there is no clear relationship between the antimicrobial activity against the five microorganisms screened and the presence or amounts of lectins and glycoalkaloids, traditionally regarded as possible antimicrobial metabolites in theSolanum genus, which indicates the presence of as yet unidentified antimicrobial compounds.     

Potential of dry fractionation of wheat bran for the development of food ingredients,part II: Electrostatic separation of particles

Wheat bran is a composite material made of several layers, such as pericarp, testa and aleurone. It could be fractionated into purified fractions, which might either be used as food ingredients, or serve as a starting material for extraction of bioactive compounds. The aim of this work was to evaluate the potential of using electrostatic separation as a way to obtain purified fractions from wheat bran. Ultrafine-ground bran obtained either by cryogenic grinding or by grinding at ambient temperature was used as starting material. The ultrafine bran was then charged by tribo-electrification and introduced in a chamber containing two high voltage electrodes, where bran particles were separated depending on their acquired charge, allowing positively and negatively charged fractions to be collected separately. The particle size distribution, microstructure and biochemical composition of the obtained fractions were studied. The charge of the particles was influenced by their biochemical composition: particles rich in highly branched and cross-linked arabinoxylans (pericarp) were separated from particles rich in β-glucan, ferulic acid and para-coumaric acid (aleurone cell walls). The testa and the intracellular compounds from aleurone were not highly charged, neither positively nor negatively. The most positively charged fraction represented 34% of the initial bran, and contained 62% of the ferulic acid present in the initial bran. The yield of the separation process was good (5.4% loss), and could be further increased.     

Extreme resistance to infection by potato virus X in genotypes of wild tuber-bearingSolanum species

Summary Clones derived from thirty-one different accessions (nineteen of Argentine origin) belonging to eightSolanum species were screened for resistance to infection by potato virus X strain cp (PVX cp) by mechanical inoculation of plantlets that had been micropropagated in vitro. Estimates of PVX multiplication obtained by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and slot blot nucleic acid hybridization allowed the identification of resistant clones derived from five accessions belonging toS. commersonii S. oplocense, S. sparsipilum andS. tuberosum andigena. Resistant genotypes supported PVX concentrations 5 to 15 times smaller than did the susceptible control cultivar Spunta. Graft inoculation test confirmed the presence of extreme resistance similar to that conferred by the ‘immunity’ gene X¹ (also called RX_act).     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pulque</Emphasis>, An Alcoholic Drink from Rural Mexico,Contains Phytase. Its <Emphasis Type="Italic">in vitro</Emphasis> Effects on Corn Tortilla

Pulque is made by fermenting the agave sap or aguamiel of Agave atrovirens with a whole array of microorganisms present in the environment including several lactic acid bacteria and yeasts such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Ascorbic acid was determined in pulque and aguamiel, respectively. Phytase activity in lees, liquid and freeze-dried pulque was assayed by measuring the appearance of phosphate from phytate by a colorimetric method likewise phosphate from phytate present in fresh corn tortilla was measured after in vitro incubation with pulque. Iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium and selenium contents were measured in pulque and corn tortilla as well as in nixtamalized corn flour (NCF), the latter is used to make instant tortilla, since corn provides most of the energy as well as most of the phytate in the Mexican rural diet. Pulque showed phytase activity but much less ascorbic acid and iron than previously reported; additionally, phytase in pulque hydrolyzed most of phytate’s corn tortilla. Lees, which is mostly made of pulque’s microbiota, significantly accumulated iron and zinc but no selenium. NCF was fortified with iron by the manufacturers but poorly blended. There were significant differences on selenium content between tortillas samples, apparently some soils in central Mexico are selenium deficient. Moderate pulque intake appears to increase the bioavailability of iron and zinc bound by phytate in corn.     

Marine Pharmacology in 2009–2011: Marine Compounds with Antibacterial,Antidiabetic, Antifungal,Anti-Inflammatory,Antiprotozoal, Antituberculosis,and Antiviral Activities; Affecting the Immune and Nervous Systems,and other Miscellaneous Mechanisms of Action ?

The peer-reviewed marine pharmacology literature from 2009 to 2011 is presented in this review, following the format used in the 1998–2008 reviews of this series. The pharmacology of structurally-characterized compounds isolated from marine animals, algae, fungi and bacteria is discussed in a comprehensive manner. Antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, antituberculosis, and antiviral pharmacological activities were reported for 102 marine natural products. Additionally, 60 marine compounds were observed to affect the immune and nervous system as well as possess antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory effects. Finally, 68 marine metabolites were shown to interact with a variety of receptors and molecular targets, and thus will probably contribute to multiple pharmacological classes upon further mechanism of action studies. Marine pharmacology during 2009–2011 remained a global enterprise, with researchers from 35 countries, and the United States, contributing to the preclinical pharmacology of 262 marine compounds which are part of the preclinical pharmaceutical pipeline. Continued pharmacological research with marine natural products will contribute to enhance the marine pharmaceutical clinical pipeline, which in 2013 consisted of 17 marine natural products, analogs or derivatives targeting a limited number of disease categories.