Evaluation of cinnamamide as an avian repellent: Determination of a dose—response curve

The dose-response curve was quantified for the avian repellency of cinnamamide, a derivative of the plant secondary compound cinnamic acid, using a three-day, ‘short-term no-choice’ test. This test was designed to resemble more closely the availability of alternative food in the birds' natural environment than in previous no-choice studies. Cinnamamide reduced food consumption by feral pigeons (Columba livia Gmelin) at concentrations as low as 6.17 μmole g^?1 food (0.09% w/w) and this reduction increased with concentration. An R₅₀ index, the concentration at which food consumption was reduced by 50% was interpolated from the dose-response curve as 18.4 (±0.38) μmole g^?1 food 10.26% w/w). This index can now be matched with those of related compounds in future structure-activity studies. The birds' response to cinnamamide changed over the three-day trial with respect to concentration. Repellency declined at concentrations < R₅₀ and increased at concentrations > R₅₀. This suggests that pigeons become habituated to cinnamamide at low concentrations but at high concentrations they may develop a conditioned aversion. This study provides quantitative confirmation of previous laboratory and field demonstrations of cinnamamide's effectiveness as a non-lethal chemical repellent suitable for reducing avian pest damage.     

Seed dressings to control slug damage in oilseed rape

Slugs are major pests of oilseed rape that are poorly controlled by conventional bait pellets. A series of laboratory experiments investigated the potential of seed-dressings to control slug damage in this crop. Four compounds: metaldehyde, methiocarb, cinnamamide and 3,5-dimethoxycinnamic acid (DMCA) were tested at a range of doses for phytotoxicity and ability to reduce damage by Deroceras reticulatum (Müller). Metaldehyde and methiocarb were not phytotoxic at any doses, whereas all doses of cinnamamide and DMCA were. All compounds reduced slug damage, but metaldehyde and methiocarb consistently performed better than cinnamamide and DMCA. Metaldehyde and methiocarb seed-dressings were compared with baited pellets containing the same active ingredients at recommended field doses. The seed-dressings protected plants from damage by D reticulatum and Arion subfuscus (Draparnaud) as well as, or better than, baited pellets. We therefore recommend that metaldehyde and methiocarb should be field-tested as seed dressings to control slugs in oilseed rape.     

Improving the persistence of a formulation of the avian repellent cinnamamide, for the protection of autumn-sown oilseed rape

In a previous pilot field trial on autumn-sown oilseed rape (Brassica napus L), a suspension concentrate formulation of the avian repellent cinnamamide, using Acronal 4D (50 g litre(-1)) as the sticker, was shown to reduce damage by woodpigeons (Columba palumbus L). However, the persistence of cinnamamide on rape leaves was poor. This paper describes the development of a weather-resistant formulation by the inclusion of a more effective sticker. In vitro studies were used to investigate wash-off of cinnamamide, which was identified as being the major mechanism of loss in the field. Rainfastness of cinnamamide was assessed by washing deposits on glass slides and rape leaves using a 'rain-washing machine'. A number of stickers were evaluated and the effect of sticker concentration, ageing of deposits, freezing and intermittent washing on rain-fastness was investigated. None of the candidate stickers showed increased rainfastness compared to Acronal 4D. However, two of the stickers, Crovol T40 G and Emoleo L1, when combined with Acronal 4D in small amounts, did reduce wash-off compared with Acronal 4D alone. Freezing led to an increase in wash-off of cinnamamide, but inclusion of Emoleo L1 with Acronal 4D reduced this effect. Increasing the concentration of the sticker was also shown to improve the rainfastness; doubling the concentration of Acronal from 50 to 100 g litre(-1) halved the wash-off of cinnamamide.     

Palatability of bird repellents to Rattus norvegicus

The palatability to captive, mostly laboratory-bred, Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) of cereal-based baits containing 0.02 g kg-1 brodifacoum, with and without bird-repellent additives, was compared in a no-choice experimental design. Methyl anthranilate (25 g kg-1), dimethyl anthranilate (25 g kg-1) and cinnamamide (2.5 g kg-1) reduced bait consumption by the rats, but all except one rat ate enough bait to receive a lethal dose. Cinnamamide (1 g kg-1), ortho-aminoacetophenone (0.1 g kg-1) and tannic acid (20 g kg-1) did not reduce bait consumption and all rats died after eating baits. The concentration of cinnamamide palatable to rats has only a low and short-lived repellency to birds, so it does not warrant further investigation. However, ortho-aminoacetophenone and tannic acid should now be field-tested for palatability to all three rat species in New Zealand and for repellency to native New Zealand birds.     

Effect of Margosan-O on the development of the leafhopperasymmetrasca decedens

The effect of Margosan-O, a formulation of a natural insecticide obtained from the neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) tree, on the development of the leafhopperAsymmetrasca decedens (Paoli), was investigated by testing insect performance (i) on cotyledons ofGossypium hirsutum cotton seedlings treated with different concentrations; (ii) on cotton seedlings stood with their petioles in different aqueous dilutions of Margosan-O and recording mortality until the adult stage; and (iii) determining the repellent effect on adults by recording their location on treatedvs untreated cotyledons in choice and no-choice situations. In foliar and in systemic treatments with 2% Margosan-O, practically none of the leafhoppers reached the adult stage. As the concentrations were lowered there was a gradual rise in the percentage of adults emerging; on untreated cotyledons 60-80% of the adults emerged. Feeding was zero or very low at high Margosan-O concentrations. Adult leafhoppers settled in significantly higher numbers on untreated than on treated cotyledons in both choice and no-choice experiments.     

The effects of repeated applications of the molluscicide metaldehyde and the biocontrol nematode Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita on molluscs, earthworms, nematodes, acarids and collembolans: a two-year study in north-west Spain

Over two years, six consecutive field experiments were done in which the chemical molluscicide metaldehyde and the nematode biocontrol agent Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita (Schneider) were applied at the standard field rates to replicated mini-plots successively planted with lettuce, Brussels sprouts, leaf beet and cabbage, to compare the effectiveness of different treatments in reducing slug damage to the crops. Soil samples from each plot were taken prior to the start of the experiments, and then monthly, to assess the populations of slugs, snails, earthworms, nematodes, acarids and collembolans. The experiments were done on the same site and each plot received the same treatment in the six experiments. The six treatments were: (1) untreated controls, (2) metaldehyde pellets, (3 and 4) nematodes applied to the planted area 3 days prior to planting without or with previous application of cow manure slurry, (5) nematodes applied to the area surrounding the planted area 3 days prior to planting, and (6) nematodes applied to the planted area once (only in the first of the six consecutive experiments). Only the metaldehyde treatment and the nematodes applied to the planted area at the beginning of each experiment without previous application of manure significantly reduced slug damage to the plants, and only metaldehyde reduced the number of slugs contaminating the harvested plants. The numbers of slugs, snails and earthworms in soil samples were compared among the six treatments tested: with respect to the untreated controls, the numbers of Deroceras reticulatum (Müller) were significantly affected only in the metaldehyde plots, and the numbers of Arion ater L only in the plots treated with nematodes applied to the planted area 3 days prior to planting without previous application of manure; numbers of snails (Ponentina ponentina (Morelet) and Oxychilus helveticus (Blum)) were not affected by the treatment. The total numbers of all earthworm species and of Lumbricus spp were unaffected by the treatment, but Dendrobaena spp increased significantly in the plots treated with manure. The numbers of nematodes, acarids and collembolans in soil samples were compared between the untreated controls and the treatments with nematodes applied 3 days prior to planting to the planted area or to the surrounding area, without previous application of manure: the treatment had a significant effect on the number of nematodes in soil samples, but acarids and collembolans were unaffected.     

化肥基施对水稻田福寿螺的影响

在水稻田中,碳酸氢铵、碳酸氢铵+尿素、尿素和复合肥作基肥能杀伤田间福寿螺成螺和幼螺,成螺死亡率显著高于幼螺;单用碳酸氢铵成、幼螺死亡的高峰时段出现在施肥后1～7 d,而施复合肥、尿素、碳酸氢铵+尿素死亡的高峰时段则在施肥后1～2 d或7～14 d;碳酸氢铵用量越多,成、幼螺死亡率越高,并使当代的产卵量减少,但不影响下一代的产卵能力;成、幼螺死亡率与碳酸氢铵用量的回归关系式分别为：成螺死亡率Y1=0.652X+18.18,幼螺死亡率Y2=0.014 9X2—0.516 7X+5.442。     

Carbaryl induced alterations in the reproduction and metabolism of freshwater snail Lymnaea acuminata

When the freshwater snail Lymnaea acuminata was exposed to sub-lethal doses (2.0, 5.0, and 8.0 mg/L) of carbaryl, fecundity was significantly reduced and even stopped at higher sub-lethal doses and altered metabolic activity in the body tissue of the snail was observed. The change from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism results in lesser energy production in the body tissues of the snails, causing paralysis and finally death. This reduced fecundity and altered metabolism suggests that it would be better to avoid the use of carbaryl pesticides in the water bodies or fields adjoining the water bodies particularly in the rainy season.     

Euparyphium albuferensis and Echinostoma friedi (Trematoda: Echinostomatidae): experimental cercarial transmission success in sympatric snail communities

Euparyphium albuferensis and Echinostoma friedi cercarial infectivity to four species of sympatric snails was examined under single- or multiple-choice laboratory conditions to show the level of parasite-snail host compatibility. Radix peregra, Lymnaeafuscus, Physella acuta and Gyraulus chinensis act as second intermediate hosts of both parasite species although different cercarial transmission success (CTS) was observed. In single-host experiments, R. peregra and P. acuta showed a high degree of compatibility with E. albuferensis, while only P. acuta in the case of E. friedi. In two-choice snail communities, a snail with high CTS increased the values of another with low compatibility, in both parasite species. In multiple-choice snail communities, high CTS of some hosts decreased, while low CTS of other hosts increased. The degree of parasite-host compatibility of each snail species could be determined by the presence of other snails in the community.     

Effect of kaolin particle film treatment on winterform oviposition of the pear psylla<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cacopsylla pyri</Emphasis>

Laboratory and field experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of kaolin particle film on winterform oviposition of the pear psyllacacopsyllapyri (L.) (Hemiptera: Psyllidae). Kaolin particle film (kpf) treatment significantly reduced winterform oviposition rates in both choice and no-choice tests in the laboratory. In choice tests, overwintered females laid 11 times more eggs on water-treated dormant shoots than on shoots treated with particle film, within 21 days after treatment. In no-choice tests, kpf treatment also significantly reduced egg numbers compared with water-treated controls. The results of field trials carried out in southwestern Turkey (Antalya) during the late winter — early spring of 2004 and 2005 showed very good efficacy of kpf treatment in comparison with water-treated control. Kpf treatment (just before egg laying, during the dormant-postdormant period) delayed egg-laying activity in overwintered females for up to 3 weeks from the beginning of the experiment and continued to suppress oviposition significantly in comparison with watertreated control up to 4 weeks. Our overall results suggest that kpf treatment may be useful in pear psylla management programs by decreasing winterform oviposition, particularly in conjunction with other control tactics.     

Topical and residual toxicity of six pesticides to <Emphasis Type="BoldItalic">Orius majusculus</Emphasis>

The toxicity of six pesticides (four insecticides and two fungicides) to Orius majusculus (Reuter) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) adults and nymphs was determined using different exposure methods. Mortality upon topical exposure to abamectin, endosulfan and spinosad at recommended field doses ranged from 56% to 100% after 24 h. However, in leaf residue tests, toxicity to both life stages decreased significantly, ranging from 0% to 33% mortality. Benomyl and copper salts + mancozeb (fungicides) were much less toxic to O. majusculus, with less than 15% mortality of either adults or nymphs in topical and residue bioassays. In persistent toxicity tests, insects were exposed to the same three insecticides for 4 days; mortality varied from 38% to 100%. Egg hatching was not significantly affected when abamectin, endosulfan and spinosad were topically applied. Number of eggs laid per female in choice and no-choice tests did not differ significantly from the control. The insecticides did not show considerable repellent effect in the choice tests. Topical, residue and systemic uptake methods were also compared to determine the differences in the toxicity levels of imidacloprid, a systemic insecticide. However, 100% mortality occurred with all methods.     

Biochemical and histochemical studies on the digestive gland of Eobania vermiculata snails treated with carbamate pesticides

In this study the land snail (Eobania vermiculata), one of the most abundant gastropod of Egyptian farms, was investigated to determine the lethal toxic action of methomyl and methiocarb and to identify the biochemical and histochemical changes as a function of sublethal dose or concentration on the digestive gland of this snail under laboratory conditions, using topical application and baiting techniques. The results showed that methomyl exhibited greater efficacy than did methiocarb against the snails in both techniques. However, higher mortality rates were obtained in the topical application technique than in the poison bait experiments. Biochemical and histochemical examinations revealed that treatment of the snails with methomyl and methiocarb either by topical application or toxic baits caused significant decrease in carbohydrate, lipid and protein contents. This decrease was also more obvious after topical application than after baiting technique, and methomyl was found to be more toxic than methiocarb.     

Survival and food choice of the grey field slug (Deroceras reticulatum) on three different seed types under laboratory conditions

In Ireland, the grey field slug (Deroceras reticulatum) is the predominant slug pest species in arable crops. It can cause enormous damage, but the knowledge about its feeding biology is limited.Adult species were reared under laboratory conditions, and the survival, feeding activity, and weight change of slugs when feed on maize, peas, or wheat seeds were investigated. An especially high mortality was experienced in the wheat treatment. It was hypothesised that the high mortality was due to a Fusarium species, however, a Fusarium infection of the wheat seeds was not confirmed. The weight change of the slugs was very variable due to a high egg production of some slugs.A second experiment examined the food choice and feeding activity of D. reticulatum when offered a choice of the three seed types. Most of the slugs preferred to feed on a mixture of seeds, but the highest feeding activity was recorded on the pea seeds.     

Use of some plant extracts to control Biomphalaria alexandrina snails with emphasis on some biological effects

The present work was carried out to evaluate, the molluscicidal activity of cold water, boiled water, methanol, ethanol, acetone and chloroform extracts of some plant species against Biomphalaria alexandrina snails. Preliminary screening tests on 10 plant species showed that the highest molluscicidal potency was recorded for Euphorbia splendens, Atriplex stylosa and Guayacum officinalis. Exposure of B. alexandrina snails to plant’s methanol extracts led to a significant reduction in their survival and growth rates. In addition, newly hatched snails were susceptible to plant’s methanol extracts than elder ones. LC₂₅ of methanol extract from these plants caused a considerable reduction in the infectivity of Schistosoma mansoni miracidia to the snails. It caused a reduction in number of cercariae per snail during the patent period and in the period of cercarial shedding. The results, also, revealed that the glucose concentration in treated snails was increased in haemolymph, while soft tissue glycogen decreased. The activities of glycogen phosphorylase, succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), glucose-6-phosphatase and acetylcholinesterase (AchE) in homogenate of snail’s tissues were reduced (P < 0.001) in response to treatment with plants methanol extract, while glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) activity increased (P < 0.001). It was concluded that the application of LC₂₅ of methanol extracts of E. splendens, A. stylosa and G. officinalis may be helpful in snail control as it interferes with the snails’ biology and physiology.     

Presence–absence sampling for Tetranychus urticae and its predator Neoseiulus californicus (Acari: Tetranychidae; Phytoseiidae) on strawberries

The use of snails as biocontrol agents against other snails and against aquatic weeds is reviewed, evaluating their success and their impacts on non-target organisms. The predatory snail Euglandina rosea (and other species), although widely used against Achatina fulica (the giant African land snail) on Pacific and Indian Ocean islands, has not been shown to control A. fulica but has seriously impacted endemic island species. The facultative predator Rumina decollata , used in California against Helix aspersa (brown garden snail), is widely considered to be environmentally benign. However, evidence of its effectiveness is weak and it will also consume native snails. Ampullariid and thiarid freshwater snails have been used as competitors (and incidental predators) of snail vectors of human schistosomes, the parasites causing schistosomiasis (bilharzia). Successful control has been reported but impacts on native biotas have been essentially ignored. Ampullariids have been used in attempts to control aquatic weeds, sometimes successfully, but again with little consideration of impacts on native biota. Most snails have generalist feeding habits. Thus they are inappropriate biocontrol agents because of their potential nontarget effects. Rarely has adequate pre-release testing of snails been undertaken and post-release monitoring of non-target impacts has always been incidental. The use of non-native snails for biocontrol purposes is poorly regulated; many introductions are unofficial and sometimes illegal. Use of snails as biocontrol agents, if implemented, must be based on adequate pre-release testing, post-release monitoring and genuine concern for preservation of native biodiversity.     

长期秸秆覆盖条件下施氮对冬小麦生长的影响

通过9年定位试验,研究了秸秆覆盖(不覆盖和秸秆覆盖4 500 kg·hm~(-2))和施氮量(0、75、150、225、300 kg·hm~(-2))对冬小麦群体动态、产量三要素和籽粒产量的影响。结果表明,秸秆覆盖显著降低冬小麦越冬期分蘖数和春季总茎数,越冬期分蘖数最多降低24%,春季总茎数最大降幅为40.7%;秸秆覆盖导致单位面积穗数减少,平均降幅5.6%,但穗粒数有增加趋势,对千粒重无显著影响;与无覆盖相比,秸秆覆盖的冬小麦籽粒产量略有降低。无论秸秆覆盖与否,小麦越冬期分蘖数、春季总茎数以及单位面积穗数均与施氮量呈抛物线的关系,穗粒数随施氮量的增加而增加,千粒重则随施氮量增加而降低;施用氮肥使小麦籽粒产量最高增幅接近70%;在供试条件下,秸秆覆盖无增产效应。相比秸秆覆盖,同样小麦产量水平下,常规栽培需氮肥较少。     

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.     

Shell and operculum formation by immature roman snails Helix pomatia L. when treated with pp′-DDT

Roman snails (Helix pomatia) have been treated with pp′-DDT from 2 wk of age until hibernation. Taking snail size into account, relatively low doses of DDT significantly reduced shell and operculum weight whereas higher doses of DDT did not cause this response. After reemergence from hibernation, the incidence of operculum eating was significantly higher among snails hibernating late in the season, and as exposure to DDT increased so operculum eating became more prevalent.Shell thinning in snails due to pesticide is likely to have occurred in some heavily treated agricultural localities if the response of other species to DDT is similar to that of Helix pomatia.     

40种植物甲醇提取物的杀螺活性研究

对40种药用或有毒植物甲醇提取物的室内杀螺活性测定结果表明:木荷、黄姜、博落回等3种植物提取物在浓度为100mg/L时,浸杀福寿螺幼螺48h,死亡率为100%;50mg/L时,浸杀72h,死亡率为98.28%以上。其中木荷、博落回对福寿螺有良好的抑制上爬作用,具有进一步研究价值。     

草麻黄提取物对小菜蛾幼虫的拒食活性研究

用浸渍圆形叶碟法测定了草麻黄(Ephedra sinica Stapf.)不同溶剂提取的不同浓度提取液对小菜蛾幼虫的拒食活性。研究结果表明,除石油醚提取液拒食活性较弱外,甲醇、乙醇、丙酮和氯仿提取液对小菜蛾3龄幼虫拒食活性均较强;在选择性拒食试验和非选择性拒食试验中,拒食活性都是随提取液浓度的升高而增大。在高浓度处理下(干重500 g/L),选择性拒食试验中氯仿提取液的活性最强,24 h拒食率为95.48%;在非选择性拒食试验中乙醇提取液的活性最强,24 h拒食率为97.32%。