Pest survey of softwood boxes,with special emphasis on pinewood nematode,Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Nematoda: Parasitaphelenchidae)

Wood packaging material (WPM) is an important pathway for the spread of non‐native plant pests. To reduce the likelihood of plant pest movement with WPM, the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15: “Regulation of Wood Packaging Material in International Trade” (ISPM 15) was developed in the framework of the International Plant Protection Convention. To be compliant with this Standard, WPM shipped internationally must be either heat‐treated or fumigated, regardless of any specific characteristics of the WPM. The objective of this survey was to determine if Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Nematoda: Parasitaphelenchidae) or insects, especially Monochamus spp. (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), were present in a specific subset of softwood boxes. While not compliant with ISPM 15, these boxes had been treated with wood preservatives, stored indoors for over five years, and, in addition to meeting various quality standards, almost all had a moisture content below 20 percent. United States Department of Agriculture staff inspected a sample of 630 softwood boxes, focusing on those showing signs of possible pest infestation. Based on a binomial distribution with an efficacy of detection equal to 0.95, a sample size of 630 provides a 95 percent confidence of detecting pests if >0.5 % of boxes are infested. No B. xylophilus or insect pests were found in the boxes, though other nematode genera (Aphelenchoides, Aphelenchus, and Filenchus), which feed on decomposing fungi in wood and do not damage trees, were found in 21 boxes. This study demonstrates that not all types of WPM present a high phytosanitary risk. It may be worthwhile to consider an amendment to ISPM 15 to differentiate between various risk categories of WPM in order to minimize costs and environmental impacts associated with treatments currently prescribed in ISPM 15.     

The potential efficiency of irrigation management and propargyl bromide in controlling three soil pests: Tylenchulus semipenetrans, Fusarium oxysporum and Echinochloa crus-galli

Propargyl bromide (3-bromopropyne, 3BP) is a potential alternative for methyl bromide. Little information is available about its efficiency in controlling pests. The purpose of this paper is to estimate the 3BP dose required for killing three pests and to compare the efficiency of water management approaches to that of fumigation. The pests, Fusarium oxysporum Schlecht (fungus), Echinochloa crus-galli (L) Beauv (grass) and Tylenchulus semipenetrans Cobb (nematode) were exposed to different 3BP concentrations in a sandy loam at 30 degrees C in a closed system. The lethal dose for killing 90% of the population (LD90) was calculated from the total applied mass, and varied from 0.3 microg g(-1) soil for the nematode, 3 microg g(-1) for the grass, and 9 microg g(-1) for the fungus. The concentration-time index for killing 90% of the population (CT90) was 11 microg g(-1) h for the nematode, 112 microg g(-1) h for the grass and 345 microg g(-1) h for the fungus. 3BP seems as efficient as other fumigant alternatives in controlling these pests. Using an open system, it was shown that the volume of soil in which the pests were controlled varied for different irrigation managements. Even 96 h after fumigation (with a concentration 10 times higher than would potentially be applied in the field), more than 20% of the soil volume had not reached the fungus and grass CT90 of the non-irrigated soil. The soil underneath the furrow and the bed reached CT90 only slowly in all irrigated treatments even though techniques for increasing efficiency were used (tarping, surface sealing with water and high application rate).     

木质包装热处理国际标准对松材线虫有效性的试验研究

使用温度为65～85℃、相对湿度50%～90%的热空气,对不同规格和含水率的携带松材线虫(Bursaphelenchus xylophilus)的马尾松(Pinus massoniana)木板进行热处理验证试验,结果显示,当木材中心温度达到56℃并持续30min以上,10cm×10cm×10cm木块、5cm厚度木板以及高含水率10cm厚度木板中线虫死亡几率值达到9的要求,验证了国际植物检疫措施标准第15号所推荐的热处理技术指标对杀灭松材线虫的有效性.试验中也发现10cm厚度含水率低于30%木板的线虫死亡率达不到几率值9的要求,其原因可能是中心温度或持续时间没有达到该标准要求.     

Assessing risks of pine wood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus transfer between wood packaging by simulating assembled pallets in service

The risks of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (pine wood nematode) transfer in relation to wood material were assessed. Combinations of infested and non‐infested adjacent boards, long‐blocks and blocks of Pinus pinaster, simulating assembled pallets, were assessed. For the recipient wood, pieces with natural moisture content (MC), heat‐treatment (56°C for 30 min in the core) and kiln‐drying to <20% MC were tested, along with in‐service boards from pallets. Donor and recipient wood materials were kept in direct contact at 25°C or 10°C, with nine replicates per treatment. Bursaphelenchus xylophilus was found to transfer rapidly at 25°C when the wood had an MC above fibre‐saturation point (>30%). Nematode reproduction was rapid and sustained, gradually declining to zero at 40 weeks. Bursaphelenchus xylophilus did not transfer to kiln‐dried or to in‐service wood with an MC below fibre‐saturation point, or to wood at 10°C. The key factors determining nematode transfer were the ambient temperature, the nematode load of the donor wood and the MC of the recipient wood, with a ‘barrier’ of 20% MC below which it becomes unsuitable for nematode transfer. This finding indicates that there is a limited risk of spread of B. xylophilus in treated and untreated solid wood packaging materials.     

Dose response of weeds to methyl iodide and methyl bromide

Labonuory bioassay and field experiments were conducted to characterize the dose response of weeds to methyl iodide and methyl bromide as soil fumigants. The patterns in potency of both fumigants and in sensitivity of diffcretit weed species to the fumigants were distinguished with the use of logistic dose-response models. Similar to its response to methyl hromide fumigation. Amaranthus retrofleus L. was the most sensitive to methyl iodide fumigation. Cyperus rotundtis L. was the least sensitive to methyl iodide fumigation, whereas Portuloca oleracea L. was the least sensitive to methyl hromide. Lolium multiflorum Lam. Abutilon theophrasti Medik. Chenopodium album L. P. ateracea . Brassica kaber (D.C.) L.C. Wheeler and Cyperus escuden-tus L. were similar in sensitivity to methyl iodide. Methyl iodide was as potent as methyl bromide for A. retroflexus but more potent than methyl bromide for L. multiflorum , A. theophrasti. C. album. P. oleracea. B. kaber, C. esculentus and C. rotundus. The dose response for weeds in the field was similar to that obtained in laboratory bioassays. Under fieid conditions. 280 kg ha^-1 methyl iodide killed all species tested except Solanum nigrum L Methyl iodide appears to be a suitable replacement for meihyl bromide because it can be used in situations simitar to methyl bromide fumigation, has superior efficacy against a broad spectrum of pests and has a low potential for degrading the earth's ozone lavers.     

PM 8/4 (1) Castanea

Specific scope

The purpose of the EPPO Standard on Castanea is to recommend to EPPO Member Governments the phytosanitary measures which they should use or require for Castanea plants and plant products moving in international trade to prevent the introduction and spread of quarantine pests. Some of these recommendations are addressed to all EPPO Member Governments, others are addressed only to countries considered to face a certain level of risk from the introduction and spread of the regulated pests concerned. All these recommendations were derived from:

• EPPO Standards PM 1/2 (EPPO A1 and A2 Lists) and the former EPPO Standards PM 2 (pest‐specific phytosanitary measures), or
• Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) carried out or reviewed by EPPO, or
• the Working Party on Phytosanitary Regulations.

For wood packaging material, recommendations are based on ISPM 15 Regulation of wood packaging material in international trade.

Specific approval and amendment

First approved in 2010‐09 as PM 8/3 Quercus and Castanea. Revised and approved as a separate Standard PM 8/4 in 2017‐09     

PM 8/6 (1) Betula

Specific scope

The purpose of the EPPO Standard on Betula is to recommend to EPPO Member Governments the phytosanitary measures which they should use or require for Betula plants and plant products moving in international trade to prevent the introduction and spread of quarantine pests. Some of these recommendations are addressed to all EPPO Member Governments, others are addressed only to countries considered to face a certain level of risk from the introduction and spread of the regulated pests concerned. All these recommendations were derived from:

• EPPO Standards PM 1/2 (EPPO A1 and A2 Lists) and the former EPPO Standards PM 2 (pest‐specific phytosanitary measures), or
• Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) carried out or reviewed by EPPO, or
• the Working Party on Phytosanitary Regulations.

For wood packaging material, recommendations are based on ISPM 15 Regulation of wood packaging material in international trade.

Specific approval and amendment

First approved in 2017‐09.     

PM 8/7 (1) Populus

Specific scope

The purpose of the EPPO Standard on Populus is to recommend to EPPO Member Governments the phytosanitary measures which they should use or require for Populus plants and plant products moving in international trade to prevent the introduction and spread of quarantine pests. Some of these recommendations are addressed to all EPPO Member Governments, others are addressed only to countries considered to face a certain level of risk from the introduction and spread of the regulated pests concerned. All these recommendations were derived from:

• EPPO Standards PM 1/2 (EPPO A1 and A2 Lists) and the former EPPO Standards PM 2 (pest‐specific phytosanitary measures), or
• Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) carried out or reviewed by EPPO, or
• the Working Party on Phytosanitary Regulations.

For wood packaging material, recommendations are based on ISPM 15 Regulation of wood packaging material in international trade.

Specific approval and amendment

First approved in 2017‐09.     

PM 8/8 (1) Salix

Specific scope

The purpose of the EPPO Standard on Salix is to recommend to EPPO Member Governments the phytosanitary measures which they should use or require for Salix plants and plant products moving in international trade to prevent the introduction and spread of quarantine pests. Some of these recommendations are addressed to all EPPO Member Governments, others are addressed only to countries considered to face a certain level of risk from the introduction and spread of the regulated pests concerned. All these recommendations were derived from:

• EPPO Standards PM 1/2 (EPPO A1 and A2 Lists) and the former EPPO Standards PM 2 (pest‐specific phytosanitary measures), or
• Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) carried out or reviewed by EPPO, or
• the Working Party on Phytosanitary Regulations.

For wood packaging material, recommendations are based on ISPM 15 Regulation of wood packaging material in international trade.

Specific approval and amendment

First approved in September 2017‐09.     

Control of Rosollinia necatrix by Deep Placement and Hot Treatment with Methyl Bromide1

Rosellinia necatrix , the cause of white root rot in fruit trees, was efficiently controlled in an infested avocado orchard soil, by applying methyl bromide by deep injection (up to 90 cm) of cold gas and by surface application of hot gas, at a dosage (for heavy soil) of 1500 kg/ha and 1000 kg/ha, respectively. Efficiency of control was evaluated: 1) by testing pieces of naturally diseased avocado roots buried in the soil before treatment at different depths up to 100 cm; 2) by planting avocado and almonds in the treated field and in soil samples; 3) by burying avocado leaves in the soil samples. All the evaluaton tests showed that both treatments of methyl bromide were effective in controlling R. necatrix completely up to the depth of 100 cm, immediately and 9 months after treatment.     

Nematode response to methyl bromide and 1,3‐dichloropropene soil fumigation at different temperatures

Several heat‐based methods, such as soil solarization, are being developed as alternative practices for managing soil‐borne pests and pathogens. The effectiveness of these practices is often inconsistent or marginal, thus commanding the need for their integration with other methods. The main objective of this study was to determine synergistic interaction between soil fumigants and temperature. Soil infested with citrus nematode Tylenchulus semipenetrans was exposed to methyl bromide or 1,3‐dichloropropene at various temperatures. Fumigant degradation was concurrently measured and concentration‐time index (ct) was calculated and correlated to the recovered nematode population. In untreated soil, nematode survival was not affected by temperatures of 20–30 °C, but was strongly reduced at ≥ 40 °C. In fumigated soil, nematode suppression was much greater at 30 °C than at 20 °C, and the ct required for nematode elimination at 30 °C was < 50% of that needed at 20 °C for both fumigants. These results suggest that these fumigants became more active with increasing temperature in the sub‐lethal temperature range. It also implies that, when integrated with a heat‐based practice, reduced rates of fumigants may provide adequate pest control, thus minimizing the environmental input of chemical fumigants. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

PM 8/5 (1) Quercus

Specific scope

The purpose of the EPPO Standard on Quercus is to recommend to EPPO Member Governments the phytosanitary measures which they should use or require for Quercus plants and plant products moving in international trade to prevent the introduction and spread of quarantine pests. Some of these recommendations are addressed to all EPPO Member Governments, others are addressed only to countries considered to face a certain level of risk from the introduction and spread of the regulated pests concerned. All these recommendations were derived from:

• EPPO Standards PM 1/2 (EPPO A1 and A2 lists) and the former EPPO Standards PM 2 (pest‐specific phytosanitary measures), or
• Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) carried out or reviewed by EPPO, or
• the Working Party on Phytosanitary Regulations.

For wood packaging material, recommendations are based on ISPM 15 Regulation of wood packaging material in international trade.

Specific approval and amendment

First approved in 2010‐09 as PM 8/3 Quercus and Castanea. Revised and approved as a separate Standard PM 8/5 in 2017‐09     

溴甲烷、环氧乙烷真空熏蒸杀虫灭菌技术研究

真空情况下,利用溴甲烷、环氧乙烷杀虫、灭菌是一种安全、快速、有效的技术措施。为了使此技术广泛应用到农林种子、苗木、卫生防疫以及文史资料诸方面杀虫灭菌,试制成功一台容积工立方米的PCV-1000程序控制真空熏蒸机,并进一步进行溴甲烷、环氧乙烷杀虫灭菌效果及其熏蒸后残余毒气处理方法的研究。溴甲烷75—90克/立方米处理2小时,环氧乙烷90—120克/立方米处理3小时,可杀死各种形式的包装内的谷斑皮蠹和花斑皮蠹幼虫,赤拟谷盗和锈扁谷盗成虫以及玉米象和绿豆象各虫态等害虫。环氧乙烷灭菌能力较强,对动物炭疽菌、4001芽孢杆菌500克/立方米处理5小时或300克/立方米处理12小时,灭菌效果100%。溴甲烷和环氧乙烷混合使用对棉花枯萎病菌效果良好,对棉籽发芽率影响不大。熏蒸后残余毒气处理,用5%氢氧化钠酒精液吸收溴甲烷,破坏率可达96%以上。环氧乙烷用自来水淋洗法,水合分解率可达98%以上。     

Evaluation of the combination of 1,3-dichloropropene and dazomet as an efficient alternative to methyl bromide for cucumber production in China

BACKGROUND: The combination of 1,3‐dichloropropene (1,3‐D) and dazomet (DZ) offers a potential alternative to methyl bromide (MB) for soil disinfection. MB is scheduled to be withdrawn from routine use by 2015 in developing countries. Combination treatments of 1,3‐D + DZ were evaluated in a laboratory study and in two commercial cucumber fields. RESULTS: Laboratory studies found that nearly all of the tested combinations of 1,3‐D and DZ displayed positive synergistic activity on root‐knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.), two major soilborne fungi (Fusarium spp. and Phytophthora spp.) and the seeds of two major weed species (Digitaria sanguinalis and Abutilon theophrasti). Field trials revealed that the combination of 1,3‐D and DZ (at 10 + 25 g m^?2) successfully suppressed Meloidogyne spp. root galling, sharply reduced Fusarium spp. and Phytophthora spp. and maintained high cucumber yields. The combination treatment of 1,3‐D + DZ was more effective than 1,3‐D or DZ alone and provided results similar to methyl bromide with respect to pest control, plant mortality, plant height, yield and income. All of the treatments were significantly better than the non‐treated control. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the tested combination of 1,3‐D and DZ offers an efficient alternative to methyl bromide for cucumber production. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Fusarium wilt of watermelon in Cyprus and its management with soil solarization combined with fumigation or ammonium fertilizers

Fusarium wilt is a limiting factor to watermelon production in Cyprus. In previous studies, soil solarization applied in 1-m-wide strips provided only partial disease control. In order to improve the effectiveness of solarization, three field experiments were carried out in heavily infested soils, using various solarization techniques, alone or in combination with methyl bromide fumigation or soil amendments with ammonium-based fertilizers. Increasing the width of the solarization strip from 1 to 2 m had no significant influence on its effectiveness. Solarization with a double rather than single polyethylene sheet, in either 1- or 2-m-wide strips, improved slightly the level of wilt control but had no significant effect on yield. Combined solarization–methyl bromide treatments, however, improved significantly the level of wilt control and increased marketable yield by up to 100% over that obtained with either method alone. The low rate of methyl bromide (50gm⁻²) was as effective as the normal rate used by growers (100 g m⁻). Soil amendment with ammonium-based fertilizers improved even more the effectiveness of solarization and increased yield by up to 200% over that obtained with solarization alone. Best results were obtained with ammonium sulphate or monoammonium phosphate at a rate equivalent to 180 kg N ha⁻¹.     

Evaluation of chemical and integrated strategies as alternatives to methyl bromide for the control of root-knot nematodes in Greece

Current environmental awareness has led to a greater demand for alternative nematode control strategies. Three field experiments were established to compare management tactics on cucumber in commercial greenhouses naturally infested with root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp). Cucumber rootstocks which have shown resistance to soil-borne diseases were tested to reveal any resistance/tolerance to root-knot nematodes, and integration of these rootstocks with nematicides was investigated. Metham-sodium and 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) provided good control of nematode populations when their application was followed by the application of a non-fumigant nematicide such as cadusafos or oxamyl. Neither fumigant could provide season-long control of nematode populations, and a further application of cadusafos was required for satisfactory control. The efficacy of metham-sodium was significantly increased when injected into soil in comparison with its application through the drip irrigation system. The use of rootstocks resistant to soil-borne fungal pathogens used together with chemical means of nematode control provided promising results for their further use in integrated strategies as alternatives to methyl bromide. However, the latter was the superior treatment for the control of root-knot nematodes in soil infested with residues of galled roots. Dazomet, metham-sodium nor the non-fumigant nematicides oxamyl and fenamiphos could reduce nematode population as efficiently as methyl bromide. None of the chemicals tested except methyl bromide could enter galled roots and kill surviving nematodes.     

Replacing methyl bromide in annual strawberry production with glucosinolate-containing green manure crops

The use of biocidal green manure crops is an agronomic technique for amending soil with fresh organic matter containing volatile compounds active in controlling some soil-borne pests and diseases. Two new selections of the Brassicaceae family were cultivated, incorporated before planting strawberries and tested as an alternative to fumigation with methyl bromide. Two biocidal green manure crops (Brassica juncea L sel ISCI20, Eruca sativa Mill cv Nemat) containing glucosinolate-myrosinase systems, a conventional green manure (barley), untreated soil and a fumigated control were evaluated during two seasons. The effect of these soil management systems on subsequent strawberry performance was evaluated by monitoring yield and plant growth parameters. In both years, biocidal plant green manure treatments led to a fruit yield lower than with methyl bromide, but higher than with conventional green manure or untreated soil. These results confirm the good prospects for biocidal green manures, not only as an environmentally friendly alternative to methyl bromide in conventional agriculture, but also in organic agriculture as an alternative to conventional green manure crops.     

Ethyl formate plus methyl isothiocyanate--a potential liquid fumigant for stored grains

BACKGROUND: Methyl bromide is being phased out for use on stored commodities, as it is listed as an ozone‐depleting substance, and phosphine is the fumigant widely used on grains. However, phosphine resistance occurs worldwide, and phosphine fumigation requires a long exposure period and temperatures of > 15 °C. There is an urgent requirement for the development of a fumigant that kills insects quickly and for phosphine resistance management. This paper reports on a new fumigant formulation of 95% ethyl formate plus 5% methyl isothiocyanate as an alternative fumigant for stored grains. RESULTS: The formulation is stable for at least 4 months of storage at 45 °C. A laboratory bioassay with the formulation showed that it controlled all stages of Sitophilus oryzae (L.), Sitophilus granarius (L.), Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), Trogoderma variabile Ballion and Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius) in infested wheat, barley, oats and peas at 80 mg L^?1 for 5 days, and in canola at both 40 mg L^?1 for 5 days and 80 mg L^?1 for 2 days at 25 ± 2 °C. After an 8–14 day holding period, residues of ethyl formate and methyl isothiocyanate in wheat, barley, peas and canola were below the experimental permit levels of 1.0 and 0.1 mg kg^?1. However, fumigated oats needed an 18 day holding period. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that the ethyl formate plus methyl isothiocyanate formulation has potential as a fumigant for the control of stored‐grain insect pests in various commodities. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Subsurface drip application of alternative fumigants to methyl bromide for controlling nematodes in replanted grapevines

BACKGROUND: Many California grape growers use preplant fumigation to ensure uniform and healthy grapevine establishment in replant situations. A field study was conducted to evaluate the performance of subsurface drip‐applied chemical alternatives to methyl bromide on plant‐parasitic nematodes, plant vigor and fruit yield during the 6 year period following replanting. RESULTS: Subsurface drip fumigation with 1,3‐dichloropropene plus chloropicrin and with iodomethane plus chloropicrin had generally similar nematicide activity as methyl bromide in three grape types, while sodium azide was less effective. The combination of 1,3‐dichloropropene plus chloropicrin enhanced vine vigor similarly to methyl bromide. However, all plots treated with alternative fumigants produced less fruit yield than methyl bromide over the 4 years of evaluation. CONCLUSION: Subsurface drip fumigation with alternative chemicals to methyl bromide generally provided adequate management of plant‐parasitic nematodes during the vine establishment period. However, further research is required to increase the performance of alternative chemicals against other components of the replant problem, as grape yield in vines grown in the alternative treatments was lower than in methyl bromide. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of surface treatments and application shanks on nematode, pathogen and weed control with 1,3-dichloropropene

BACKGROUND: Preplant fumigation with methyl bromide (MeBr) has been used for control of soilborne pests in high‐value annual, perennial and nursery crops, but is being phased out. In 2007 and 2008, research trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of surface treatments and two application shanks on pest control with 1,3‐dicloropropene (1,3‐D) in perennial crop nurseries. RESULTS: All 1,3‐D treatments controlled nematodes similarly to MeBr. Application of 1,3‐D with virtually impermeable film (VIF) reduced Fusarium oxysporum compared with unfumigated plots, but was not as effective as MeBr. Applications of 1,3‐D with VIF or 1,3‐D followed by metam sodium reduced Pythium spp., but 1,3‐D followed by intermittent water seals was comparable with the untreated plots. When sealed with high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) film or VIF, 1,3‐D generally was as effective as MeBr for reducing weed density and total weed biomass, but weed control was reduced by intermittent water seals and in unsealed plots subsequently re‐treated with additional 1,3‐D or metam sodium. CONCLUSION: Applications of 1,3‐D sealed with HDPE or VIF film or with intermittent water seals can control nematodes similarly to MeBr. However, additional management practices may be needed for effective pathogen and weed control if plastic film is not used. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry