Dynamics ofRhizoctonia solani (black scurf) in successive potato crops

The position of plants withRhizoctonia solani sclerotia (black scurf) on progeny tubers was mapped for an experimental field at Haren where potatoes were grown continuously and in rotation with other crops for five successive years, and for another field at Borgercompagnie with a 12 frequency of potatoes during three potato crops. Initially, the distribution of plants with black scurf on both fields was rather dense and homogeneous. In the following years the distribution became heterogeneous and patchy. The local decline ofR. solani AG 3 (the common potato pathogen) in Haren was apparently caused by an unknown factor selectively suppressingR. solani AG 3, while simultaneouslyR. solani AG 5 increased in mass. This AG 5 type proved to be an inferior competitor of AG 3 on the potato plant in a laboratory experiment. The specificR. solani antagonistVerticillium biguttatum did not play a role. A similar factor could have reduced the formation of black scurf in the experimental field at Borgercompagnie, whereV. biguttatum was also too infrequent to account for the decline.R. solani AG 5 was not present here and could not indicate the presence of a selective factor against AG 3.     

Influence of abiotic factors,inoculum source,and cultivar susceptibility on the potato tuber blemish diseases black dot (Colletotrichum coccodes) and silver scurf (Helminthosporium solani)

Black dot and silver scurf are potato blemish diseases whose economic impact has increased in recent years. Because their symptomatology on tubers is visually similar, disease assessment does not usually differentiate between the two pathogens, which share the same ecological niche. The epidemiology of black dot has been extensively studied, especially in the UK, but the factors that influence silver scurf have been less investigated. In this study, the influence of cultivar, source of inoculum, and environmental conditions on both diseases was studied in field trials over a three-year period (2016–2018) in Switzerland. Planting minitubers did not prevent either disease in daughter tubers, indicating the contribution of soil as an inoculum reservoir. An arbitrary threshold of Colletotrichum coccodes soil inoculum could be set to discriminate between low and high disease risk. For the first time, Helminthosporium solani DNA was detected in stolons, and infections appeared earlier in stolons than in tubers. H. solani stolon and tuber infections usually appeared later in the season than those of C. coccodes. Black dot severity correlated positively with precipitation, while silver scurf severity correlated positively with temperature. Table potato cultivars commonly grown in Switzerland exhibited significant differences in susceptibility to both diseases, and cultivars with low susceptibility to both silver scurf and black dot were identified. These results gave new insights into understanding the factors driving the epidemiology of potato blemish diseases and may contribute to building a risk assessment scheme to manage both diseases simultaneously.     

Fate of [14C]Mancozeb in Egg Plants (Solanum melongena L.) during Summer under Sub-tropical Conditions

The fungicide mancozeb belongs to ethylenebis(dithiocarbamate) group of fungicides which is used to control brown and black rust, leaf spot, leaf blight, downy mildew etc. on a variety of plants including egg plants, tomato, potato and others. [¹⁴C]mancozeb, when applied to the foliage of egg plants (Solanum melongena L.) during summer months, dissipated very rapidly with a half-life of only 10·6 days. Ethylenethiourea (ETU), ethyleneurea (EU), ethylenethiuram disulfide (ETD), ethylenethiuram monosulfide (ETM) were the metabolites of [¹⁴C]mancozeb detected in all the plant parts at different times after the treatment. The amount of ETU in fruits after fourteen days of treatment was only 206 μg kg^?1 which is below the maximum permissible level and ultimately came down to 4·6 μg kg^?1 after 42 days. EU was found to be the predominant metabolite, suggesting the breakdown of unstable ETU to relatively stable EU under subtropical conditions.     

Effect of the fungicide imazalil on hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450 and cytochrome P-450 dependent activities in the Bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus)

Bobwhite quails were treated with imazalil for 8 weeks. The fungicide was given admixed in the food at 0, 100, 300, 500 and 1000 mg kg^?1. Even at the highest dose tested, imazalil did not affect the liver weight or the hepatic microsomal protein content. In treated quails, no significant induction of cytochrome P-450 or NADPH-cytochrome c-reductase activity was observed. Furthermore, imazalil did not induce or inhibit 7-ethoxyresorufin or 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase in quail microsomes. Only a slight but significant increase by 35% and 49% in aniline hydroxylase activity was measured for the 500- and 1000-mg kg^?1 dose levels, respectively. After a drug-free period of one week, aniline hydroxylase activity returned to control values, indicating that the effect was fully reversible. It is concluded that imazalil does not induce or inhibit drug-metabolizing enzymes in the quail, even at doses which exceed by far the maximum levels currently used to dress seed under field conditions (100 mg kg^?1).     

Development of resistance to thiabendazole in Helminthosporium solani (silver scurf) as a result of potato seed tuber treatment

Applying thiabendazole to potato seed tubers affected with silver scurf caused by Helminthosporium solani sensitive to thiabendazole decreased the severity of disease on progeny tubers at harvest, but about 50% of the isolates from these were resistant to the fungicide. The disease was not decreased when samples of the progeny tubers were treated with thiabendazole and planted in the following year, and the incidence of resistant isolates increased. Resistant isolates continued to be present when tubers were planted in the next 2 years without fungicide treatment. Treatment with a mixture of thiabendazole and imazalil also decreased the disease and fewer isolates were resistant than when treated with thiabendazole alone, although the proportion increased after treatment with the mixture in the following year. When seed tubers were infected with thiabendazole-resistant H. solani , silver scurf on progeny tubers was not affected by thiabendazole applied to the seed tubers but was decreased by the mixture of thiabendazole and imazalil. Imazalil was equally effective against H. solani sensitive or resistant to thiabendazole.
Some isolates of H. solani had grey aerial mycelium and of 516 of these isolates obtained in 4 years 29% were resistant to the fungicide. Other isolates produced small, black colonies and their frequency increased with thiabendazole treatment of seed tubers. Of 244 of these isolates, 62% were resistant.     

Genetic variability and pathogenicity of Rhizoctonia solani associated with black scurf of potato in New Zealand

Isolates (a total of 129) of Rhizoctonia solani were collected from black scurf on potato tubers from different potato‐growing regions in New Zealand. Sequence analysis of the nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (rDNA–ITS) regions from these isolates identified three anastomosis groups (AGs), AG‐3PT, AG‐2‐1 and AG‐5. Isolates classified as AG‐3PT were widely distributed, whereas AG‐2‐1 and AG‐5 were confined to distinct locations. Sequence heterogeneity was identified in the ITS regions of 100 AG‐3PT and AG‐2‐1 isolates. Variation in the sequence and length of the rDNA–IGS1 region was also observed for selected isolates of AG‐3PT and AG‐2‐1. Phylogenetic studies found all AG‐2‐1 isolates belong to AG‐2Nt, a subset of AG‐2‐1 previously associated with solanaceous crops in other countries. AG‐2‐1 isolates were consistently more aggressive than those of AG‐3PT. Delayed emergence, severe infection on stolons, formation of aerial tubers and considerable yield losses were associated with AG‐2‐1, but they caused negligible black scurf. In contrast, AG‐3PT caused black scurf on progeny tubers but variable effects on stem emergence and stolons. Furthermore, AG‐2‐1 isolates caused severe tuber malformation, but isolates of other AGs did not. This is the first report on the AG composition, genetic variability and pathogenicity of R. solani isolates associated with black scurf of New Zealand potatoes.     

Disposition kinetics of cypermethrin and fenvalerate in black bengal lactating goats

Disposition kinetics of cypermethrin and fenvalerate were investigated in lactating black Bengal goats following single dose intravenous administration at 57 and 45 mg kg^?1 respectively. The maximum and minimum blood concentrations of cypermethrin were 18.49 (±3.17) and 0.06 (±0.002) μg ml^?1, while the corresponding values for fenvalerate were 14.58 (±2.37) and 0.04 (±0.005) μg ml^?1 respectively. Both cypermethrin and fenvalerate remained present in blood for 36 h. The mean t1/2β) and Vd_area values were 5.56 (±0.28) h and 10.38 (±2.20) litre kg^?1 for cypermethrin and 5.66 (±0.35) h and 11.31 (±2.20) litre kg^?1 respectively for fenvalerate. Both cypermethrin and fenvalerate persisted in goat milk for 36 h. The t1/2β) and AUC values of fenvalerate were 7.37 (±1.84) h and 122.38 (±11.65) μg h ml^?1 whilst the corresponding values for cypermethrin were 6.66 (±1.54) h and 99.48 (±7.81) μg h ml^?1 in milk respectively.     

Grain protectants for the control of malathion-resistant insects in stored sorghum

Duplicate experiments were carried out on bulk sorghum stored in South Queensland and in Central Queensland. Bioassays of treated grain, conducted during 6 months' storage, established that fenitrothion (12 mg kg^?1)+ bioresmethrin (1 mg kg^?1), and pirimiphos-methyl (4 mg kg^?1)+ carbaryl (8 mg kg^?1), controlled typical malathionresistant strains of Sitophilus oryzae (L.), Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), and Ephestia cautella (Walker). Chlorpyrifos-methyl (10 mg kg^?1)+ pyrethrins (1.5 mg kg^?1)+ piperonyl butoxide (12 mg kg^?1), and fenitrothion (12 mg kg^?1)+ (1R)-phenothrin (1 mg kg^?1), also controlled the strains of S. oryzae, T. castaneum and E. cautella, but were only partly effective against R. dominica. Methacrifos (15 mg kg^?1) controlled all the tested species except E. cautella. Chemical assays established that the residues and rates of breakdown of these grain protectants on sorghum conformed to the general pattern for other cereal grains; residues from the above treatments were below the individual Maximum Residue Limits recommended by the Codex Alimentarius Commission.     

Repellent action of permethrin,cypermethrin and resmethrin against black flies (Simulium spp.) attacking cattle

Permethrin, cypermethrin, and resmethrin were tested under field conditions as repellents to protect cattle from black flies (Simulium spp.). The chemicals were applied topically to the entire body surface of steers. Ethanolic solutions of technical permethrin, at doses of 1, 2, 4 and 6 mg a. i. kg^?1 of body weight, effectively repelled black flies by preventing at least 70% of the flies present from taking a blood meal for up to 8 days, and for at least 11 days at a dose of 12 mg a. i. kg^?1. Aqueous mixtures of a 20% permethrin emulsifiable concentrate (e. c.), at doses of 1, 2 and 6 mg a. i. kg^?1, effectivelyrepelled black flies for 2, 10 and 11 days, respectively. Aready-to-use 5% permethrin dust, at doses of 1, 2, and 4 mg a. i. kg^?1, effectively repelled black flies for 4, 5 and 8 days, respectively. Ethanolic solutions of technical cypermethrin, at doses of 1 and 2 mg a. i. kg^?1, repelled black flies for 3 and 4 days, respectively. Aqueous mixtures of a 40% cypermethrin e. c., at doses of 2 and 4 mg a. i. kg^?1, repelled black flies for at least 5 days. Ethanolic solutions of technical resmethrin, at doses of 2 and 6 mg a. i. kg^?1, repelled black flies for 1 and 2 days, respectively.     

Prevalence of fungal and fungus‐like diseases on potato seed tubers imported from Europe to Jordan

A total of 109 samples of potato seed tubers imported to Jordan from France, Netherlands and Denmark during the 2007/2008 growing seasons were surveyed for 10 different diseases caused by fungi and fungus‐like organisms to determine the prevalence of different tuberborne diseases and to evaluate the efficacy of the current visual examination procedures in detecting different potato diseases. The results demonstrated that most potato seed tuber lots imported to Jordan were infected with one or more of the following potato pests: Colletotrichum coccodes (black dot) (66.0%), Rhizoctonia solani (black scurf) (42.4%), Helminthosporium solani (silver scurf) (92.6%), and Spongospora subterranea (powdery scab) (13.8%). Just over a quarter (25.7%) of all lots examined in this study were found to exceed the acceptance limits for one or more potato diseases according to the Jordanian standards. This study suggests that the current visual examination procedure is not adequate to detect all tuberborne diseases of potato and to estimate their incidence and severity precisely.     

Emergence of silver scurf (Helminthosporium solani) as an economically important disease of potato

During the 1990s, silver scurf (causal agent Helminthosporium solani ) emerged as an economically important disease of table stock and processing potatoes ( Solanum tuberosum ). The pathogen attacks the periderm of the potato tuber causing blemishes. The disease cycle of silver scurf has both field and storage phases. Primary infection occurs in the field and high relative humidity favours the spread and increase of silver scurf in potato stores. Control of the disease by chemical and cultural practices remains difficult. Increase in disease has been attributed to H. solani isolates resistant to the postharvest fungicide thiabendazole (TBZ). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based detection methods for H. solani and TBZ-resistant isolates are rapid and more specific than traditional identification. This review discusses the biology of the pathogen, epidemiology of the disease, detection of the pathogen and integrated control measures for the management of silver scurf in both field and potato tuber stores.     

Determination of residues of 1-(2-cyano-2- methoxyiminoacetyl)-3-ethylurea (DPX-3217) by gas-liquid chromatography

Residues of the fungicide 1-(2-cyano-2-methoxyiminoacetyl)-3-ethylurea (DPX-3217) in grapes, potatoes, tomatoes and wine were determined by initial extraction with ethyl acetate, clean-up by liquid-liquid partitioning and adsorption chromatography, and final determination by gas-liquid chromatography with a nitrogen-selective detector. The sensitivity of the method was 0.04 mg kg^?1 based on 50-g samples. Recoveries of the compound added to untreated substrates averaged approximately 92% in the range of 0.04-5.0 mg kg^?1.     

Chlorpyrifos-methyl plus bioresmethrin; Methacrifos; Pirimiphos-methyl plus bioresmethrin; and synergised bioresmethrin as grain protectants for wheat

Field trials with various pesticide combinations were carried out on bulk wheat in commercial silos in Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia. Laboratory bioassays on samples of treated grain at intervals over 8 months using malathion-susceptible and malathion-resistant strains established the following orders of efficacy: against Sitophilus oryzae (L.), chlorpyrifos-methyl 10 mg kg^?1 + bioresmethrin 1 mg kg^?1 = methacrifos 15 mg kg^?1 in aerated storage > pirimiphos-methyl 4 or 6 mg kg^?1 + bioresmethrin 1 mg kg^?1 = bioresmethrin 4 mg kg^?1 + piperonyl butoxide 16 mg kg^?1; against Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), bioresmethrin 4 mg kg^?1 + piperonyl butoxide 16 mg kg^?1 > methacrifos 15 mg kg^?1 > chlorpyrifos-methyl 10 mg kg^?1 + bioresmethrin 1 mg kg^?1 = pirimiphos-methyl 4 or 6 mg kg^?1 + bioresmethrin 1 mg kg^?1. All treatments completely prevented production of progeny in Sitophilus granarius (L.), Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), T. confusum Jackquelin du Val and Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.). The biological efficacy of methacrifos was greater and the rate of degradation lower in aerated than in non-aerated storage. Residue levels of all compounds were determined chemically and were below proposed international residue levels to be considered by the Codex Alimentarius Commission.     

Effect of crop rotation on the incidence of soil-borne fungal diseases of potato

Effects of crop rotation on the incidence of soil-borne pathogens and on the performance of potato were investigated in five field experiments. Rotations differed in cropping frequency of potato and in crop sequence.Incidence of stem canker caused byRhizoctonia solani was strongly influenced by the cropping frequency of potato and not by crops with which the potato was alternated in the rotation. Cropping frequency of potato also affected the occurrence of black scurf, but less pronounced than for stem canker. The antagonistVerticillium bigutatum slightly reducedR. solani (black scurf) in plots on sandy soil continuously cropped with potato. Incidence of stem canker was also strongly affected by granular nematicides applied to the soil, nitrogen level and the cultivar grown.     

Assessment of the grain protectants chlorpyrifos-methyl plus bioresmethrin,fenitrothion plus (1R)-phenothrin,methacrifos and pirimiphos-methyl plus carbaryl under practical conditions in Australia

Methacrifos (22.5 g t^?1) and the three protectant combinations chlorpyrifos-methyl (10 g t^?1) plus bioresmethrin (1 g t^?1), fenitrothion (12 g t^?1) plus (1R)-phenothrin (2 g t^?1) and pirimiphos-methyl (4 g t^?1) plus carbaryl (8 g t^?1) were each applied to grain that was stored in at least 15 silos. Grain temperature and levels of protectant were regularly monitored, and samples from 12 storages using each treatment were taken for laboratory assays against Rhyzopertha dominica and Tribolium castaneum. Grain condition did not deteriorate during storage. Grain remained free of insects in 60 of the 63 storages treated; partial failure in the other 3 storages was attributed to low or irregular levels of protectant. The mean and range of residue values of all protectants were recorded as a function of time and the mean observed values corresponded to predicted values. In laboratory bioassay, the order of effectiveness against T. castaneum was methacrifos > chlorpyrifos-methyl plus bioresmethrin > fenitrothion plus (1R)-phenothrin = pirimiphos-methyl plus carbaryl. The order of effectiveness against R. dominica was carbaryl plus pirimiphos-methyl = (1R)-phenothrin plus fenitrothion > methacrifos > bioresmethrin plus chlorpyrifos-methyl.     

High-pressure liquid chromatographic determination of sec-butylamine residues in potatoes

Fluorescamine, 4-phenylspiro[furan-2(3H), 1′(3′H)-isobenzofuran]-3,3′-dione, derivatives of primary aliphatic amines were separated by high-pressure liquid chromatography using a reverse-phase system with fluorescence detection. This technique was applied to the determination of residues of the fungicide sec-butylamine in potato tubers; the limit of detection was 0.36 pmol, equivalent to a residue of 0.1 mg kg^?1 in potato samples. A second amine, phenethylamine, was identified in extracts from artificially rotted potato flesh but this did not interfere with the analysis of sec-butylamine residues.     

A laboratory evaluation of the effectiveness of diflubenzuron against Dermestes maculatus De Geer and other storage insect pests

The chitin synthesis inhibitor diflubenzuron, applied as a wettable powder spray to woven polypropylene at 100–500 mg m^?2, was effective against Dermestes maculatus De Geer for at least 12 weeks. D. maculatus was unable to develop on ox hide dipped in a suspension of diflubenzuron (125 mg litre^?1), or on fishmeal dusted at 1–10 mg of active ingredient kg^?1. Diflubenzuron prevented the development of infestations of Callosobruchus maculatus (L.) on peas and of Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say) on beans dusted at 1–5 mg kg^?1. The compound was also very effective against early instar larvae of Trogoderma granarium Everts on wheat. The persistence and activity of diflubenzuron at low dosage rates against D. maculatus appear to justify larger scale trials.     

Acaricides and their residues in Spanish commercial beeswax

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this work was to determine residues of acaricides in recycled Spanish beeswax. RESULTS: Chlorfenvinphos, fluvalinate, amitraz, bromopropylate, acrinathrin, flumethrin, coumaphos, chlorpyrifos, chlordimeform, endosulfan and malathion residues were determined by GC‐µECD/NPD/MS detection. Owing to the extreme instability of amitraz, this analyte was transformed into the stable end‐metabolite 2,4‐dimethylaniline, later derivatised with heptafluorobutyric anhydride and determined by GC‐µECD/MS. Recoveries from spiked samples ranged from 86 to 108%, while quantification limits varied from 0.10 to 0.30 mg kg^?1 using GC‐µECD/NPD, and from 12 to 85 µg kg^?1 by GC‐MSD. Of a total of 197 samples analysed, only eight samples (4%) were free of residues of chlorfenvinphos (0.019–10.6 mg kg^?1), fluvalinate was present in 93.6% of samples analysed (0.027 –88.7 mg kg^?1), while coumaphos was confirmed in only five of the 134 samples analysed at concentrations of less than 195 µg kg^?1. The remaining acaricides were identified with different levels of incidence at concentrations from 12 to 231 µg kg^?1. CONCLUSIONS: Residues of acaricides were found in an extensive number of beeswax samples. The contamination with chlorfenvinphos and tau‐fluvalinate was very relevant, particularly as chlorfenvinphos is not legally authorised for use in beekeeping. The possible impacts of the main acaricides detected on larval and adult honey bees are discussed. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Disposition kinetics,cytotoxicity and residues of fenvalerate in tissues following oral administration to goats

Disposition kinetics in goats of fenvalerate [(RS)-α-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl (RS)-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-methylbutyrate] were studied after oral administration at 5 mg kg^?1. The insecticide persisted in blood for up to 48 h. The V_d(area), t_1/2(β), and t_1/2(Ka), of fenvalerate were 12.14 (±0.39) litre kg^?1, 12.25 (±0.25) h and 0.63 (±0.11)h, while the AUC and Cl_B values were respectively 7.35 (±0.39) μg h ml^?1 and 0.68 (±0.04) litre kg^?1 h^?1. The residues in tissues reached a peak four days after insecticide administration and then started to decline. Maximum residue was found in the adrenal gland, followed by liver, kidney and intestine. Both GOT and GPT activities in kidney tissue, but only GPT activities in liver tissue had decreased significantly 4, 8 and 22 days post-administration. The fenvalerate did not produce any significant effects on serum acetylcholinesterase, cholesterol or protein levels in goats. Histopathological examination showed fatty changes in the periphery of lobule, congestion in sinusoid, haemolysis in central vein, necrosis and periportal fibrosis around the central vein of liver, and necrosis in kidney of fenvalerate-treated goats.     

Grass weed control with herbicide-treated crop seeds

Fluazifop-butyl applied in lung oil at rates of 4.4 to 0.5 g a.i. kg^?1 soybean seeds was evaluated in the glasshouse for control of Eleuisine indica. Soybean seeds pretreated with herbicide at 4.4 to 2.1 g a.i. kg^?1 gave 100% control of E. indica at the highest sowing rate of four seeds per pot and 90 to 80% control when sowed at one seed per pot. Soybeans were not injured by the seed treatment. Cotton seeds pre-treated with fluazifop at 2.2 g a.i. kg^?1 seeds and sown 4 cm apart in a row across a 20 ± 20cm tray of soil containing seeds of Echinochloa crus-galli produced a weed-free band 12 cm wide centred on the row of cotton, without injury to cotton. CGA-82725 (2-propynyl 2-(4-((3, 5-dichloro-2-pyridinyl)oxy)phenoxy) propanoate) at 2–3 g a.i. kg^?1 seeds was as effective as 4–4 g fluazifop-butyl in controlling E. indica. but growth of soybean was retarded. Sethoxydim gave less control than fluazifop butyl at comparable rates and did not injure soybeans.