A survey of entomopathogenic nematodes of the families Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae (Nematoda: Rhabditida) in Damascus countryside of Syria

A survey of entomopathogenic nematodes was conducted in Damascus countryside from January 2011 to December 2013. Soil samples were tested for the presence of steinernematid and heterorhabditid nematodes by baiting with Galleria mellonella larvae. Of the 189 soil samples studied 17 were positive for entomopathogenic nematodes (9%), with 11 of these positive samples (65%) containing Heterorhabditis and 6 (35%) Steinernema isolates. Morphological studies were carried out to characterize eight isolates. The Heterorhabditis isolates collected in Syria were identified as Heterorhabditis zealandica (Poinar, 1990), Heterorhabditis indica (Poinar et al., 1992) and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Poinar, 1990). Heterorhabditis zealandica was isolated from 4 sites. Heterorhabditis indica and H. bacteriophora were isolated from two sites each. Entomopathogenic nematodes were mainly found in stone fruit orchards and apple orchards but also in citrus groves, vineyards, and walnut orchards.     

Comparative efficacy of indigenous heterorhabditid nematodes from north western Himalaya and Heterorhabditis indica (Poinar,Karunakar & David) against the larvae of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner)

The efficacy of three Heterorhabditis spp of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) from north western Himalaya, India was studied against the larvae of pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), under the laboratory conditions. The larvae were exposed to 10, 20, 30 and 40 infective juveniles (IJs) of each nematode species for different time periods and they were found to be susceptible to all the EPNs tested. However, the susceptibility of larvae to nematode infection varied according to the concentrations of IJs and their exposure periods. The efficacy of these indigenous entomopathogenic nematodes was also compared against commercially available entomopathogenic nematode, H. indica. Appreciably good performance was achieved by H. bacteriophora (HRJ), which showed 73.3% mortality of insect larvae in 96 h exposure time against third instar larvae, while H. indica produced 80.0% mortality. However it was noticed that with the advancement of larval stage its mortality rate reduced and vice versa with the exposure period. All tested EPNs were also found to reproduce within the host and maximum production of IJs was recorded in H. bacteriophora (26.0 ± 3.76 × 10³ IJs/larva) at the concentration of 40 IJs/larva.     

Entomopathogenic nematodes (Nematoda: Steinernematidae, heterorhabditidae) as control agents forParahypopta caestrum, a pest in the culture ofAsparagus officinalis

The entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs)Steinernema feltiae (under the trade name Entonem) andHeterorhabditis bacteriophora (under the trade name Larvanem) were evaluated as potential control agents ofParahypopta caestrum, the major pest of the asparagus crop in Greece. In laboratory experiments the two nematodes provided equal insect suppression, but significant differences were found in the time it took them to kill the larvae.S. feltiae caused high levels of mortality within 24 h and the highest level at 48 h. In contrast,H. bacteriophora required 96 h to achieve the highest level of mortality. In field experiments, the nematodes provided equal insect suppression as compared with the insecticide cadusaphos and the mixture teflubenzuron +Bacillus thuringiensis var.kurstaki. No significant differences were found in the effectiveness of the insecticides used, but there were significant differences between the control and treatments. The findings showed thatS. feltiae andH. bacteriophora could be used to control the insectP. caestrum in asparagus culture. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting Jan. 10, 2007.     

Microdroplet application for determination of comparative topical and residual efficacy of formulated permethrin to two populations of diamond back moth (plutella xylostella L.)

An on-demand, uniform droplet generator was used to apply 120 μm diameter drops of formulated permethrin either directly onto 3rd-instar Plutella xylostella, of two Ohio populations, or onto the abaxial surface of leaf discs (1-1000 drops cm^?2) to which those larvae were subsequently exposed. Incorporating a fluorescent tracer (Saturn Yellow GT-17N) in the spray mixture confirmed that ?direct hit”? larvae had received a topical dose from a single droplet. There was little difference in the LC₅₀/LD₅₀ for either population of P. xylostella when 24 and 48 h mortality assessments from direct hits were compared, but the LD₅₀ of Celeryville larvae was 6-8 times greater than that of Fremont larvae. Residual deposits of 120 μm drops containing approximately the LC₅₀, based on the topical assays, revealed that a droplet density providing a dose per cm² leaf surface of more than 1000 times the LD₅₀ was required to cause median mortality. The efficiency of utilisation, based on the topical LD₉₅ values, was 0.0006% and 0.072% for Fremont and Celeryville larvae, respectively.     

Characterization of populations of entomopathogenic nematodes isolated at diverse sites across Israel

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are known as effective biological agents against soil-dwelling stages of insect pests. In the present study new EPN populations from the Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae families were isolated at different locations in Israel. The newly isolated populations were subjected to a series of bioassays for beneficial traits, for selection of a superior isolate for biological control of insect pests. Nematode motility was measured in sand columns, with and without the susceptible insect Galleria mellonella. Infectivity was evaluated using an invasion rate assay, as well as a dose response assay in which LD₅₀ values were calculated. Nematode tolerance to environmental stresses was examined in heat and desiccation tolerance assays. The reproductive potentials of the new isolates were assessed in cadavers of G. mellonella. All Steinernematid populations were identified as Steinernema feltiae and the Heterorhabditids as Heterorhabditis sp. Large variation between the various populations was recorded in all assays. In order to identify a superior isolate, each strain was scored as 1 if its performance did not differ significantly from the highest level recorded in the particular assay; −1 if its performance did not differ significantly from the lowest level; and 0 if its performance was between the highest and lowest levels or did not differ from either. The scores for the different traits were then summed for each population and the totals were compared. The best score (+4) was obtained for a S. feltiae population isolated in northern Israel. These results will be used for the utilization of the new population as a biological control agent.     

The influence of herbicides on the viability of entomopathogenic nematodes (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae)

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are agents that can be used for the biological control of pests associated with pesticides in a tank mix. Compatibility studies need to be conducted to analyse which products are compatible with EPNs. The survival of infective juveniles (IJs) of four species of EPNs (Steinernema, Heterorhabditis) was determined after exposure to eight chemical herbicides. The effect of direct IJs exposure to herbicides for 1, 4 and 24 h was tested in a Petri dish at 15, 20 and 25 °C. The study showed that Steinernema kraussei was the most tolerant among the tested EPN species, while S. carpocapsae was the most sensitive to all tested herbicides. The lowest mortality of IJs was at 15 °C (19%). Our investigation showed, overall, the herbicides negatively affected EPN survival. The results confirmed that the compatibility is a species-specific characteristic, influenced by the temperature and time of exposure. Application of two different control ingredients (insecticide and herbicide) at the same time would reduce cost and time consumption in pest/weed control.     

河北省禾谷孢囊线虫种群密度和冬小麦产量损失的关系

为明确禾谷孢囊线虫Heterodera avenae对小麦的危害,于2011年10月—2012年6月在自然环境条件下采用定量接种方法测定了其在不同接种密度下对冬小麦产量和线虫繁殖的影响。结果表明,随着禾谷孢囊线虫接种密度的增加,小麦的株高、穗长、小穗数、分蘖数和籽粒重均呈下降趋势。小麦产量随着接种密度的增加损失率增加,在接种密度大于29个卵和2龄幼虫/g土时,小麦产量损失率均达50%以上,接种密度为465个卵和2龄幼虫/g土时损失率最大,达到77.7%;当接种密度小于116个卵和2龄幼虫/g土时,禾谷孢囊线虫的最终密度随着接种密度的增加而增加,但接种密度大于该值时,最终线虫密度则随着接种密度的增加而减少;且其繁殖系数随着接种密度的增加而降低。以小麦单株籽粒重为参数,利用Seinhorst模型拟合孢囊线虫密度与产量的关系,可知小麦对禾谷孢囊线虫的最低忍耐值为5个卵和2龄幼虫/g土,相对最低产量为0.23。     

Toxicity and protectant potential of Piper guineense (Piperaceae) and Senna siamea (Fabaceae) mixed with diatomaceous earth for the management of three major stored product beetle pests

There is a dearth of knowledge on the available sources of botanical products for smallholder farmers in Africa and their bioactivity against stored-product pests. Many locally available plants across Africa exhibit both promising insecticidal, medicinal activity and are nutrient rich yet remain underutilized. Laboratory studies on toxicity of powders of Senna siamea and Piper guineense alone or combined with diatomaceous earth (DE) to adult Sitophilus granarius, Tribolium castaneum and Acanthoscelides obtectus were conducted in stored grains. Adult mortality was observed up to 7 d while progeny production was recorded 6–10 weeks. Adult A. obtectus were most susceptible (LD₅₀ 0.0084% and 0.0696% wt/wt for S. siamea and P. guineense, respectively), followed by S. granarius. T. castaneum was most tolerant (LD₅₀ 0.6589% and 0.6829% wt/wt for S. siamea and P. guineense, respectively). Combination of plant powders and DE controlled the beetles faster compared to the plant powders alone. LT₅₀ ranged from 20 h to 101 h for T. castaneum exposed to 1.0% S. siamea and 1.0% DE, and 0.5% P. guineense and 1.0% DE, respectively. Botanicals caused significant reduction of F₁ adults compared to the control. The potential of using botanicals combined with DE to control stored-product insects is discussed.     

A mixed function oxidase factor contributing to permethrin and dichlorvos resistance in Lycoriella mali (fitch) (diptera: Sciaridae)

Several observations suggested that enhanced mixed function oxidase (MFO) activity was one of several factors contributing to permethrin and dichlorvos resistance in the mushroom pest, Lycoriella mali (Fitch) (Diptera: Sciaridae). This was investigated using the mixed function oxidase inhibitor, piperonyl butoxide (PBO), in topical application bioassays with reference and field-selected resistant strains. At the LD₅₀, strains of resistant colonies (AV1, AV2, TK1) used in this study were 41-(AV1), 34-(AV2), and 62-fold (TK1) resistant to permethrin, relative to the reference strain (ONT9). Permethrin in the reference strain was only synergized 2- (ONT9) and 4- (ONT13) at the LD₅₀. Synergist ratios for resistant strains were 12 (AV1), 34 (AV2) and 94 (TK1) at the LD₅₀. Moderate dichlorvos resistance was twice documented in the AV strain. Resistance ratios of 37 (AV4) and 52 (AV9) were observed at the LD₅₀, relative to the reference strain (ONT10). Dichlorvos was synergized only 2-fold at the LD₅₀ in the reference strain (ONT10). However, PBO abolished dichlorvos resistance in the AV9 strain. The effectiveness of PBO in these studies indicated that enhanced MFO activity was present in resistant L. mali from southeastern Pennsylvania. Resistance to DDT (54-fold at the LD₅₀) was also documented. Other factors, such as an altered target site (kdr), may also have contributed to control failures with permethrin.     

Effects of patchouli and wormwood oils on the bioassays and behaviors of Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisduval) (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Abstract

The fumigation bioassays, the oviposition inhibition and repellent bioassays of patchouli and wormwood oils to T. cinnabarinus were determined in the laboratory with the methods of fumigation and repellency. Ethovision XT6 was used to analyze the effects of two essential oils at sublethal dosages on the behaviors of T. cinnabarinus. Based on the results, compared with wormwood oil, the fumigation bioassay of patchouli oil was stronger against T. cinnabarinus. In a simultaneous fumigation experiment, the effects of patchouli oil on the inhibition of oviposition of T. cinnabarinus were significantly higher (P?<?0.01) than those of wormwood oil at the tested dosages. When T. cinnabarinus was exposed to the two essential oils at LD₁₀, LD₂₀, and LD₃₀, the spontaneous movement tracks of T. cinnabarinus changed significantly, with the highest mobility frequencies at LD₁₀. Moreover, the effects of exposure to patchouli oil on the spontaneous movement abilities of T. cinnabarinus were greater than those on movements following exposure to wormwood oil. Thus, patchouli oil is a promising candidate as a green vegetable, botanical acaricide.     

Nutritional Enhancement of Biocontrol Activity of Candida sake (CPA-1) against Penicillium expansum on Apples and Pears

Pome fruits are poor in nitrogenous compounds and the addition of nitrogen can improve colonisation of the fruits by antagonists. Twenty-two nitrogenous compounds were evaluated for their effect on Candida sake (CPA-1) growth in vitro. Ten compounds that induced greater growth were applied with the antagonist to wounded fruits to evaluate their effect on enhancing control of Penicillium expansum. Calcium chloride and 2-deoxy-D-glucose were also tested. L-serine and L-aspartic acid enhanced biocontrol by C. sake against P. expansum on apples. On apples and pears, ammonium molybdate, calcium chloride and 2-deoxy-D-glucose improved the capacity of the antagonist to control P. expansum. The addition of ammonium molybdate at 1 mM allowed C. sake to be used on apples and pears at a lower concentration without diminishing control. Similar results were observed with the addition of calcium chloride to the antagonist. 2-deoxy-D-glucose at 6 and 18 mM enhanced biocontrol on pears by over 81%, but on apples the improvement of biocontrol was observed only at 6 mM. In cold storage, the combination of ammonium molybdate and C. sake completely eliminated the incidence of blue mould on pears, and reduced its severity and incidence by more than 80% on apples.     

亚致死剂量氟啶虫胺腈对灰飞虱细胞色素P450的影响

为明确氟啶虫胺腈对灰飞虱Laodelphax striatellus细胞色素P450的影响,评估其抗药性风险,采用点滴法、酶活力分析法和实时荧光定量PCR法分别测定了氟啶虫胺腈对灰飞虱的毒性及对其细胞色素P450酶活力和P450基因表达量的影响。结果表明,氟啶虫胺腈对灰飞虱的致死中量LD_(50)随着虫龄的增加而升高,1~5龄若虫的LD_(50)为0.10~0.94 ng/头,雌、雄成虫的LD_(50)分别为1.09 ng/头和1.07 ng/头。氟啶虫胺腈对4龄若虫的亚致死剂量LD_(10)、LD_(30)和LD_(50)分别为0.17、0.41、0.76 ng/头,处理灰飞虱4龄若虫后可将其体内P450酶活力分别显著提高1.60、1.97和1.22倍;而各处理响应的P450基因的种类和数量不同,但相对表达量均受到诱导;CYP4DE1、CYP426A1、CYP303A1、CYP4C、CYP6FK1和CYP4C71v2的相对表达量表现出时间效应,表达量高峰在处理后24 h或48 h。表明不同亚致死剂量的氟啶虫胺腈在特定时间点可提高相应的细胞色素P450基因表达量,从而使酶蛋白量增加,可能导致灰飞虱体内细胞色素P450酶活力上升。     

桃蛀螟对青霉菌侵染苹果的产卵选择与行为趋向反应

为探明桃蛀螟Conogethes punctiferalis偏好于在青霉菌Penicillium侵染的苹果上产卵的特点与机理,从苹果、玉米和柑橘上分离、纯化获得15株青霉菌,通过形态学和rDNA-ITS序列分析鉴定后,以健康苹果为对照,测试不同青霉菌菌株侵染的苹果对桃蛀螟产卵选择的影响,并利用四臂嗅觉仪测试桃蛀螟对青霉菌诱导的苹果挥发物的行为趋向反应。结果表明,15株青霉菌分别属于皮落青霉P. crustosum、橘青霉P. citrinum、苏门答腊青霉P. sumatrense和指状青霉P. digitatum的不同株型;桃蛀螟对其中的12株青霉菌侵染的苹果的产卵选择率均极显著高于健康苹果,尤其对皮落青霉CO5菌株、苏门答腊青霉OR3菌株和指状青霉OR5菌株侵染的苹果的产卵选择率最高,分别达到67.73%、61.50%和68.39%;桃蛀螟对感染皮落青霉CO5菌株和指状青霉OR5菌株的苹果挥发物的选择率分别为31.37%和29.19%,均显著高于对感染橘青霉OR1菌株和苏门答腊青霉OR3菌株的苹果挥发物的选择率18.14%和21.31%,且前二者之间、后二者之间均无显著差异。表明青霉菌可通过影响寄主植物挥发物释放,从而影响桃蛀螟对寄主植物的产卵选择和行为趋向反应。     

Assessment of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pichia anomala</Emphasis> (strain K) efficacy against blue mould of apples when applied pre- or post-harvest under laboratory conditions and in orchard trials

The yeast Pichia anomala strain K was selected in Belgium from the apple surface for its antagonistic activity against post-harvest diseases of apples. The efficacy of this strain against P. expansum was evaluated in the laboratory in three scenarios designed to mimic practical conditions, with different periods of incubation between biological treatment, wounding of fruit surface, and pathogen inoculation. Higher protection levels and higher final yeast densities were obtained when the applied initial concentration was 1 × 10⁸ cfu ml⁻¹ than when it was only 1 × 10⁵ cfu ml⁻¹. The protection level correlated positively with the yeast density determined in wounds and was influenced by apple surface wetness. In orchard trials spanning two successive years, biological treatment against P. expansum, based on a powder of P. anomala strain K (1 × 10⁷ cfu ml⁻¹), β-1,3-glucans (YGT 2 g l⁻¹), and CaCl₂.2H₂0 (20 g l⁻¹), was applied to apples pre- or post-harvest under practical conditions and its effect compared with standard chemical treatments. The first year, the highest reduction (95.2%) against blue decay was obtained by means of four successive fungicide treatments and the next-highest level (87.6%) with pre-harvest high-volume spraying of the three-component mixture 12 days before harvest. The second year, the best results were obtained with post-harvest Sumico (carbendazim 25% and diethofencarb 25%) treatment and post-harvest biological treatment, both by dipping the apples, 88.3 and 56.3% respectively. A density threshold of 1 × 10⁴ cfu cm⁻² of strain K on the apple surface seemed to be required just after harvest for high protective activity, whatever the method and time of application. In the case of pre-harvest biological treatments, variations in meteorological conditions between the 2 years may have considerably affected strain K population density and its efficacies.     

Isobutyl amides--potent compounds for controlling Diatraea saccharalis

BACKGROUND: A dichloromethane‐methanol extract of the seeds of Piper tuberculatum Jacq. (Piperaceae) and two isobutyl amides, 4,5‐dihydropiperlonguminine (1) and pellitorine (2), which were isolated by chromatographic methods, were assayed for their lethality against the sugarcane borer Diatraea saccharalis F. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). RESULTS: Bioassays were carried out with fourth‐instar caterpillars through topical application of test solutions to the dorsal surface of the prothorax, and dose–response correlations were determined. Significant insect mortalities were observed 24, 48 and 72 h after treatment at concentrations of ≥ 100 µg insect^?1. The LD₅₀ and LD₉₀ values for compound 1 were 92.83 and 176.50 µg insect^?1, and for compound 2 they were 91.19 and 184.56 µg insect^?1. CONCLUSION: According to the LD₅₀ and LD₉₀ for compounds 1 and 2, it can be inferred that the values reflect an acute lethal response to both compounds, based on interaction(s) of the toxicants with a primary target or series of targets. Thus, the amides were demonstrated to have potential value in the control of the sugarcane borer. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Insecticide Penetration and Symptomology Studies on Larvae of Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi (Barber)

The internal and external levels of topically applied soil insecticides, tefluthrin, terbufos and dieldrin, to 3rd-instar larvae of the southern corn rootworm, Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi (Barber), were monitored over 48 h. Symptomology of poisoning with 10 times the dose of the larval 72-h LD₉₀ for each chemical was observed over 48 h at various time points after treatment. Terbufos penetrated more rapidly than tefluthrin or dieldrin, although internal levels of tefluthrin and dieldrin had a longer-lasting plateau than terbufos. A 72-h LD₃₀ treatment with tefluthrin resulted in faster penetration and also faster disappearance from the insect compared with the 10×72-h LD₉₀ dose over a 48-h period. Recorded symptoms of poisoning included regurgitation of gut contents, defaecation and writhing and these are suggested to play an important part in voiding of the toxicants at lower (sub-lethal) treatment levels. The sub-lethal effects of tefluthrin are discussed with respect to likely pest behavioural changes, such as anorectic response, after field treatment of a crop. © of SCI.     

Laboratory and field investigations using indigenous entomopathogenic nematodes for biological control of Plutella xylostella in Kenya

This study was undertaken to determine the potential utility of entomopathogenic nematodes for management of diamondback moth (DBM) larvae in Kenya. Five Kenyan EPN isolates, Heterorhabditis indica, Steinernema karii, Steinernema weiseri, Steinernema sp. and Heterorhabditis taysearae were tested for their ability to penetrate DBM and their speed of kill (LT₅₀). Heterorhabditis indica and S. weiseri were found to have the quickest rate of kill and S. weiseri was found to have the largest proportion of nematodes penetrating. Three of the isolates, Steinernema sp. (95), S. weiseri and H. indica, were used in a field experiment to test their ability to reduce DBM populations and damage to kale. All three nematodes caused significant reductions in populations of DBM and DBM damage, with the population reductions being similar to those caused by application of Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. kurstaki. This study shows that EPNs have great potential that should be exploited in the management of DBM in Kenya.     

Selection for abamectin resistance in colorado potato beetle (coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

There was no difference in dose response to abamectin between a laboratory strain of Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say))from North Carolina and a multiple resistant strain from Massachusetts (LD₅₀= 1.95 and 1.98 ng larva^?1, respectively). Two abamectin-resistant strains were generated by separate means. The mutagen, ethyl methanesulfonate, was used to generate an abamectin-resistant strain (LD₅₀= 29.4 ng larva^?1) from the susceptible laboratory strain. The other resistant strain (LD₅₀ = 45.3 ng larva^?1) was generated through an intense selection with abamectin of a field strain contained in cages set up in existing potato fields. Resistance ratios calculated from LD₅₀values for the two abamectin-resistant strains were 15-fold and 23-fold, respectively. Resistance ratios calculated from LD₉₇values (21-fold and 38-fold, respectively) were higher than those calculated at LD₅₀. Also, there were larvae in both resistant strains which were capable of surviving doses up to 100 ng larva^?1, while the susceptible strain had no survivors at 10 ng larva^?1. Although the logit mortality regression analysis produced statistically different lines for the two abamectin-resistant strains, the slopes of each appear to be the same. Both resistance factors were determined to be autosomal and incompletely recessive (0.26 to 0.4, respectively) via reciprocal F₁crosses to the susceptible laboratory strain.     

Effect of spray volume on the deposition, viability and infectivity of entomopathogenic nematodes in a foliar spray on vegetables

BACKGROUND: Spray volume can influence the amount of free water on the leaf surface and subsequently the ability of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) to move. In this study, an investigation was made of the effect of spray volume (548, 730 and 1095 L ha⁻¹) on the deposition, viability and infectivity of EPNs against Galleria mellonella on savoy cabbage, cauliflower and leek. RESULTS: Increasing spray volume decreased nematode deposition on 7.1 cm² leek leaf discs at a 15° angle with the spray nozzle. Although the number of living nematodes observed on leek after 240 min of exposure was not significantly different between the low-volume application (548 L ha⁻¹) and the high-volume application (1095 L ha⁻¹), a greater infectivity was obtained in the latter application. The higher number of droplets deposited on the leek discs in the high-volume application may have stimulated nematode movement. No significant effect of spray volume was observed on the relative deposition of Steinernema carpocapsae on the bottom side of cauliflower and savoy cabbage leaf discs. In spite of the low S. carpocapsae deposition on the bottom side of the savoy cabbage discs, high infectivity was obtained against G. mellonella. Using the lowest spray volume on savoy cabbage, infectivity decreased with increasing exposure time, while infectivity was not affected by exposure time when a spray volume of 730 L ha⁻¹ or more was used. CONCLUSION: Spray volume is an important application parameter, as it affects nematode infectivity. Future research should investigate the effect of spray volume in the field and its influence on the effect of adjuvants. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry