Economic use of pesticides in the Ukraine

The total value of agricultural production in the Ukraine amounts to $30 billion, equivalent to 30% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The annual cost of pesticide inputs is estimated to be $200–225 million. Herbicides and insecticides account for approximately 50% and 30% of pesticide use, respectively. The government has introduced a National Programme for the development of agricultural production over the next five to eight years. The programme envisages an expansion in agricultural production and pesticide use and a continuation of the move towards a free‐market economy. Improvements in crop yield and quality will benefit both the individual grower and the national economy. In the transition to the free‐market economy, growers require a clear understanding of present pesticide technology and crop production systems. A major change of attitude is required by all those people involved in providing and using pesticides to ensure that they are used both economically and safely. To address this issue, a Regional Academic Programme (REAP), involving Writtle College and Bila Tserkva State Agrarian University, has been initiated. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

The use of the analogue computer in pesticide research

The basic components of a general-purpose analogue computer are described in terms of their operational functions. Their use in pesticide research has been extremely limited but such examples as exist are reviewed. Examples of the use of analogue computers are given. These include the simulation of single and consecutive first-order reactions, the sorption-desorption processes affecting the availability of pesticides in soils, diffusion and leaching in soils and the build-up of residues in soils following repeated annual applications to the soil surface.     

Designing the ideal habitat for entomopathogen use in nursery production

BACKGROUND: Greenhouse and nursery producers use entomopathogens (nematodes and fungi) to control soil pests. Although it is known that the physical and chemical properties of mineral soil significantly impact upon soil pathogens, the influence of soilless media used for plant production on entomopathogen performance is poorly understood. RESULTS: Survival and foraging distance were differently affected by sand:peat, bark and sawdust media for entomopathogenic nematodes, but not for the immobile fungus Metarhizium anisopliae. Redwood sawdust medium consistently had a negative impact upon entomopathogenic nematodes. Dividing media into individual components supported the hypothesis that redwood sawdust reduced foraging and infection abilities of S. riobrave and H. bacteriophora. Physically altering the components by adding sand significantly improved foraging and infection success for S. riobrave in media not optimum for foraging. CONCLUSION: This study is the first to highlight the importance of selecting the appropriate soilless media and pathogen species combinations to increase efficacy of biological control. H. bacteriophora was able to find hosts in a wider diversity of medium components than S. riobrave, although both nematode species performed well in peat moss and recycled plant material. These results suggest that peat moss, recycled plant material and hardwood bark are components amenable to EPN biological control programs. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Soil dissipation of the herbicide isoxaben after use in cereals

The soil dissipation of the herbicide isoxaben was studied in field trials in Belgium in winter cereals treated with green manure, cow manure or pig slurry before sowing. Wheat was sown and the soil sprayed with 125 g isoxaben ha^?1 in October. Soil samples were analysed by GLC. Isoxaben dissipated with first-order kinetics over the first 6 months with half-lives of 2.9, 4.0, 4.8 and 6.6 months in unamended plots, and plots treated with green manure, cow manure and pig slurry respectively. The organic fertilizer treatments thus increased the isoxaben soil persistence. After 6 months, the organic fertilizer effect was less pronounced, leading to isoxaben soil concen-trations in all treatments becoming similarly low. Isoxaben at 75 gha^?1 applied to winter wheat or barley in the spring gave dissipation half lives of 2.1 and 2.4 months, leading to isoxaben soil residues at the beginning of August of 15–21 p.p.b., similar to levels resulting from the autumn appli-cation. The isoxaben soil residues remaining after harvest would be too low to damage a rotational crop. The rates of isoxaben soil dissipation were greater in the spring and summer seasons than during the winter. The dissipation rates of autumn-applied isoxaben were also studied in spring-sown sugar beet and the effects on a variety of springsown rotational crops were investigated. Dissipation dans le sol de I'herbicide isoxaben en culture de céréales La dissipation dans le sol de I'herbicide isoxaben a étéétudiée dans des essais de plein champ, en Belgique, en culture de céréales d'hiver ayant eu avant le semis un engrais vert, un apport de fumier de vache ou de lisier de pore. Le blé a été semé et le sol traité avec 125 g d'isoxaben ha^?1en octobre. Les échantillons ont été analysés par GLC. L'isoxaben s'est dégradé pendant les pre-miers mois avec des demi-vies respectives de 2,9, 4,4,8 et 6,6 mois dans les parcelles sans amende-ments, les parcelles avec engrais vert, fumier et lisier. Les amendements organiques ont augmenté la persistance de l'isoxaben dans le sol. Après 6 mois, l'effet des amendements organiques a été moins prononcé, aboutissant à des concentrations d'isoxaben basses et voisines pour tous les traitements. L'isoxaben a 75 g ha^?1 appliquéà du blé d'hiver et de l'orge au prin-temps a donné des demi-vies de 2,1 et 2,4 mois, aboutissant à des résidus d'isoxaben dans le sol début août de 15–21 ppb, comparables aux taux resultant d'une application automnale. Les résidus d'isoxaben dans le sol restant après la moisson seraient trop faibles pour endommager une culture suivante. Le taux de dégradation dans le sol de l'isoxaben a été plus é1evé au prin-temps et en été qu'en hiver. Le taux de dégrada-tion de l'isoxaben appliqué en automne a étéégalement étudié sur des betteraves semées au printemps et les ef fets sur plusieurs cultures dans le cadre de la rotation ont étéétudiés. Rückstandssituation von Isoxaben im Boden nach Applikation in Getreide Die Rückstandssituation des Herbizids Isoxaben im Boden wurde in Freilandstudien in Wintergetreide nach Gründüngung, Ausbringung von Stallmist bzw. Schweinegülle untersucht. Das Herbizid wurde im Oktober im Nachsaatverfahren mit 125 g Isoxaben ha^?1 angewandt, und die Bodenproben wurden gaschromatographisch analysiert. Das Herbizid wurde über die ersten 6 Monate nach einer Kinetik 1. Ordnung mit “Halbwertszeiten” von 2,9 Monaten im Ausgangsboden, 4,0 Monaten nach der Gründung und 4,8 bzw. 6,6 Monaten in der Stallmist-bzw. Gülle- Variante abgebaut. Durch die organischen Düngungen wurde also die Persistenz des Herbizids im Boden erhöht. Nach 6 Monaten lieβ die Wirkung der Dünger nach, so daβ vergleichbar niedrige Rückstände gefunden wurden. Bei der Nachauflaufbehandlung von Winterweizen und -gerste im Frühjahr mit 75 g Isoxaben ha^?1 lagen die Werte für einen 50% igen Rückgang der Ausgangskonzentration bei 2,1 bzw. 2,4 Monaten, und es ergaben sich Anfang August vergleichbar hohe Werte von 15 bis 21 ppb wie bei den Herbstbehandlungen. Diese Rückstände würden zu keinen Schäden an Nachbaukulturen führen. Die Verlustraten waren prozentual über Winter geringer als im Frühjahr. Sie wurden auch in Zuckerrüben untersucht, desgleichen ihre Wirkung auf verschiedene im Frühjahr angebaute Nachbaukulturen.     

Evaluation of systemic fungicides for use in the glasshouse industry

The primary evaluation of ten fungicides for the control of cucumber powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca fuliginea), tomato leaf mould (Cladosporium fulvum) and tomato grey mould (Botrytis cinerea) indicated that nine of them were systemically active against one or more of the pathogens when applied as soil drenches. Benomyl, thiophanate, thiophanate-methyl, thiabendazole and Cela W52A showed activity against all three diseases, but dimethirimol, triarimol and dodemorph were more specific and mainly active against cucumber powdery mildew. An in vitro bioassay generally indicated that fungitoxicity was not translocated from sprayed to unsprayed leaves, and though toxicity to B. cinerea, following soil drenches of benomyl, thiophanate and thiophanate-methyl, was detected by bioassay in leaf sap and calyces it was not detected in fruit. Furthermore, extended evaluation of benomyl for the control of grey mould on cropping tomotoes showed that in the presence of abundant B. cinerea inoculum, benomyl soil drench treatment effectively controlled flower and leaf infection but not fruit ghost-spotting.     

Hazards to wildlife from the use of DDT in orchards

An investigation into the poisoning of birds with 1,1,1-trichloro-2, 2-di (4-chlorophenyl) ethane (DDT) on a fruit farm in South-East England is described. Pesticide levels in wild birds were sufficient to be held responsible for deaths. It is suggested that levels in samples of soil, earthworms, sludge, eggs, etc. did not indicate the source of the poisoning. Examination of caged birds following exposure to normal spraying indicated little hazard from this type of operation. Some discussion of the assessment of levels of intoxication is included.     

Factors affecting the phase-out of pesticide use in public areas in Denmark

That pesticide use in public areas in Denmark has been significantly reduced during the period 1995 to 2002 is shown when comparing three surveys carried out by the Danish Forest and Landscape Research Institute (DFLRI) with funding from the Danish Environmental Protection Agency. During that period, the total registered public use of pesticides was reduced from 28.8 tonnes active ingredients to 6.3 tonnes, corresponding to a 78% reduction. In 2002, the Danish counties and state institutions had reduced their total pesticide use by 80% and 73%, respectively, compared to 1995 figures. Similarly, the Danish municipalities reduced their use by 83% from 1995 to 2002. Surveys of municipal pesticide use carried out in 1995, 2000 and 2002 have been used as the basis for determining the factors that have influenced municipal reductions of pesticide use. The 2000 and 2002 trends can be explained partly on the basis of the figures for 1995 use. The trend for 2002 can also be partially explained by the political parties in power in the municipalities during the phase-out period. The models used account for up to 30% of the total variations, meaning that the pesticide use of individual municipalities is very much influenced by other, non-definable factors such as tradition.     

Pesticide use in ornamental production: what are the benefits?

Pest control in ornamental production is challenging owing to the diversity of crops grown, the desired aesthetic perfection, the potential economic loss due to failure and the multitude of arthropod pests encountered. Agricultural crops of less value per acre, such as row crops, can tolerate a certain level of damage from arthropod pests without compromising yields. Damage thresholds for ornamentals, however, are essentially zero. Pesticides are a viable method of protection for such a crop in lieu of alternatives. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to emphasize the importance of pesticides to the ornamental industry. Pesticides provide many benefits to ornamental producers, including: (1) consistent availability; (2) rapid kill; (3) reliable and consistent control; (4) increased crop production and quality; (5) they may be used to prevent movement of invasive pests; (6) they are less expensive (in general) than alternatives; (7) they may reduce plant pathogenic transmission; (8) they may be used in conjunction with natural enemies. Pesticide use will continue to be a significant strategy for dealing with arthropod pests so that ornamental producers can stay competitive in both national and international markets. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Some Proposed Changes in the Legislation Governing the use of Toxic Chemicals in Agriculture in Britain

Abstract

The climate, soil types, vegetation, land use and crops of The Gambia are briefly introduced. The most important weeds are commented on and a checklist of 219 species is appended. Methods of weed control in current use and which are undergoing research and development are described. They include hand cultivations, animal-drawn equipment, herbicides and fallow management. Current training of farmers and agricultural staff is mentioned.     

Survey on the use of tests mentioned in EPPO diagnostic protocols

A survey on the use of EPPO diagnostic protocols was conducted in the summer of 2008. Approximately 90 laboratories that were registered in the EPPO database on Diagnostic Expertise were asked to indicate the number of samples that they tested during the year 2007 and which recommended test, or other test, they used. The survey was organized on a selection of 58 diagnostic protocols in all disciplines of plant health diagnosis (bacteriology, mycology, entomology, nematology, virology and phytoplasmology). Forty-four laboratories from 20 EPPO countries responded. The results are presented for 12 protocols giving the number of tests used for diagnosis. From this survey it can be concluded that many of the tests for detection mentioned in EPPO diagnostic protocols are widely used in plant pest diagnostic laboratories in the EPPO Region.     

Prospects for the use of biological control agents against Anoplophora in Europe

This review summarises the literature on the biological control of Anoplophora spp. (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) and discusses its potential for use in Europe. Entomopathogenic fungi: Beauveria brongniartii Petch (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) has already been developed into a commercial product in Japan, and fungal infection results in high mortality rates. Parasitic nematodes: Steinernema feltiae Filipjev (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) and Steinernema carpocapsae Weiser have potential for use as biopesticides as an alternative to chemical treatments. Parasitoids: a parasitoid of Anoplophora chinensis Forster, Aprostocetus anoplophorae Delvare (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), was discovered in Italy in 2002 and has been shown to be capable of parasitising up to 72% of A. chinensis eggs; some native European parasitoid species (e.g. Spathius erythrocephalus) also have potential to be used as biological control agents. Predators: two woodpecker (Piciformis: Picidae) species that are native to Europe, Dendrocopos major Beicki and Picus canus Gmelin, have been shown to be effective at controlling Anoplophora glabripennis Motschulsky in Chinese forests. The removal and destruction of infested and potentially infested trees is the main eradication strategy for Anoplophora spp. in Europe, but biological control agents could be used in the future to complement other management strategies, especially in locations where eradication is no longer possible. © 2014 Crown copyright. Pest Management Science © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry     

EPIC模型中农田水分运移与利用的数学模拟

土壤侵蚀和生产力影响估算模型EPIC是目前国际上较有影响的水土资源管理评价动力学模型。介绍了EPIC模型中描述农田降水、径流、渗透、蒸散、吸收和胁迫等水分运移和利用过程的主要数学方程,可供农田水分动态管理与定量评价研究借鉴。     

基于主成分分析法的农用地集约利用评价——以内蒙古鄂尔多斯市为例

以内蒙古鄂尔多斯市为研究区域,以其所辖的七个旗一个区为研究单元,应用主成分分析法,从土地投入强度、土地利用程度、土地产出效益和土地可持续利用状况等4个方面选取了21个指标,构建了鄂尔多斯市农用地集约利用评价指标体系并对农用地集约利用程度进行了评价.评价结果表明:鄂尔多斯市农用地集约利用综合分值在33.28 ～73.28分之间,集约利用水平处于中等偏低状态,其中达拉特旗、鄂托克旗、乌审旗和鄂托克前旗4个旗农用地中度集约利用,伊金霍洛旗、杭锦旗和准格尔旗3个旗农用地低度集约利用,东胜区1个区农用地不集约利用.分析鄂尔多斯市自然条件、资源区位优势、经济社会发展及农用地实际情况,评价结果符合该市农用地利用实际水平.     

Review of non-target hazards associated with rodenticide use in the USA1

Relatively few field studies have been conducted to evaluate hazards to wildlife from rodenticide use. In the USA, field studies have been conducted on both acute and chronic compounds, including zinc phosphide, strychnine, 1080 (sodium monofluoroacetate), and the anticoagulants diphacinone and brodifacoum. Techniques employed in these studies have included carcass counts, direct counts, indirect counts, nest site monitoring, radiotelemetry, habitat and diet evaluation, necropsy, and residue analysis. Although zinc phosphide generally is not secondarily hazardous, it can pose primary hazards, especially to seed-eating and gallinaceous birds and waterfowl. Strychnine can pose primary hazards, such as to seed-eating birds; secondary poisoning may be minimal unless predators consume stomach or cheek-pouch contents of poisoned prey. 1080 can result in primary poisoning, but it especially can pose a secondary hazard to mammalian predators; the risk to raptors is minimal. Anticoagulants are toxic both primarily and secondarily; they can pose a substantial hazard to raptors. Gallinaceous birds, however, are quite resistant to them. Hazards associated with any one rodenticide may vary significantly depending upon use pattern (e.g. commensal vs field). Environmental concerns over rodenticide hazards to wildlife are increasing greatly and will affect future registrations.     

Optimizing diquat efficacy with the use of adjuvants

Optimizing diquat efficacy with the use of adjuvants may broaden the spectrum of weed control, but relevant research towards this direction is limited. Field and greenhouse experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of diquat applied alone and with six commercial adjuvants (surfactants and oil-based adjuvants) on various weed species. Diquat effect was evaluated in two field experiments on natural populations of common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album L.), prostrate knotweed (Polygonum aviculare L.) and burning nettle (Urtica urens L.) along with two greenhouse trials on rigid ryegrass (Lolium rigidum L.). In field or greenhouse experiments, all the adjuvants significantly increased the control of C. album, P. aviculare, and L. rigidum, from 48, 42 and 7%, up to 82, 74 and 67%, respectively, in terms of fresh weight reduction, but to a different extent for each adjuvant. U. urens was totally (100%) controlled in terms of visual estimation either with diquat or with diquat plus any adjuvant. The differences in the effect of diquat applied with adjuvants mainly depended on the weed species examined and they were not proportional to the surface tension reduction of the spray solution caused by the adjuvants. Overall, the surfactants and the oil-based adjuvants examined in this study considerably enhanced the effect of diquat; this can broaden the spectrum of weed control against broadleaf and grass weeds in orchards and non-crop areas. The results are discussed in relation with the classification of the adjuvants.