Control of a new turf pest, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dorcadion pseudopreissi</Emphasis> (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), with the entomopathogenic nematode <Emphasis Type="Italic">Heterorhabditis bacteriophora</Emphasis>

The use of biological control in turf has increased to avoid possible negative effects on humans. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) belonging to the families Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae have control potential against many economically important insect pests. In the present study, the efficacy of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora against a new pest on turf, Dorcadion pseudopreissi, was examined in the field. Cages (1 × 1 × 1 m) with female and male D. pseudopreissi were placed on two kinds of turf: Lolium perenne and Festuca arundinacea. After beetles had deposited eggs into the moist soil surface, the cages were removed and H. bacteriophora was applied at 0.5 million infective juveniles/m² to half the plots. Application of H. bacteriophora caused a statistically significant reduction in numbers of beetle larvae in L. perenne plots and a non-significant reduction in F. arundinacea plots. The area damaged by D. pseudopreissi was significantly reduced by nematode application in both turf species. The number of nematodes declined after application, but small numbers could still be detected after 6 months.     

Generational growth rate estimates of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Diabrotica virgifera virgifera</Emphasis> populations (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Modelling population dynamics of the maize pest Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte (western corn rootworm; Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) requires knowledge on the growth rate (=net reproductive rate) of the species. We investigated the generational (=annual) growth rate of D. v. virgifera in isolated maize fields in southern Hungary and eastern Croatia over several years. The population densities of D. v. virgifera were assessed by absolute counts of emerging adults in 90 gauze cages per study field. Emergence ranged from 1.3 to 30.7 adults per m² in continuous maize field sections, and from 0.3 to 5.1 adults per m² in adjacent first-year maize sections. The annual growth rates of D. v. virgifera ranged from 0.5 to 13, and averaged in close to 4. These experimentally assessed growth rates could complement growth estimates in population dynamic models, particularly those for forecasting the population growth to economic thresholds or for estimating population build-ups after new introductions of this alien species in Europe. As an example, the determined growth rate was used to estimate that the first documented successful introduction of this species into Europe occurred between 1979 and 1984, which is 8–13 years before the detection of this species and its larval damage in maize fields near Belgrade, Serbia, in 1992.     

Field evaluation of an attract and kill strategy against western corn rootworm larvae

The larvae of the invasive maize pest Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (Coleoptera; Chrysomelidae, western corn rootworm) hatch in the soil in spring and search for maize roots following CO₂ gradients. CO₂ is one cue that might be used as an attractant towards soil insecticides, a mechanism already shown in laboratory experiments. This study compared the efficacy of several combinations of in or between-row applications of different rates of CO₂-emitting capsules and/or soil insecticides (here tefluthrin) aimed at preventing root damage by the pest larvae under field conditions. CO₂ emission of the capsules in the soil lasted up to 28 days with a peak after 21 days coinciding with the first larval hatch. The pest density in the soil was not high enough to cause root damage above the economic threshold. Furthermore all tefluthrin applications, regardless of whether at full, half or quarter rates effectively prevented root damage; thus CO₂ did not significantly further increase this efficacy. In-row applications of tefluthrin with or without CO₂-emitting capsules prevented root damage to a much larger extent (59–77 % on the node injury scale) than the between-row applications of tefluthrin with or without capsules (17–31 %). In conclusion, further research on belowground orientation and movement of D. v. virgifera larvae, as well as tests with combinations of CO₂-emitting capsules and lower rates of soil insecticide are needed to potentially develop attract and kill strategies as a management option against this maize pest.     

Controlling the sugar beet beetle <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cassida vittata</Emphasis> with entomopathogenic nematodes

Sugar beet, Beta vulgaris L. is a strategic crop of sugar industry in Egypt. It is threatened by several insect pests among most important of them is the beet beetle Cassida vittata. This work deals with the biological control of this insect using four Egyptian and imported entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs). The nematodes included Steinernema carpocapsae S2, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora S1, S. feltiae and H. bacteriophora (1-3). Daily mortality of larvae, pupae and adults of C. vittata were recorded after treatment with serial concentrations (from 500 to 4,000 infective juveniles/ml) of each of four studied EPNs. Development of nematodes in insect bodies was followed up. S. carpocapsae S2 was chosen for the application against different stages of the pest in a sugar beet field. In the field, single application of S. carpocapsae S2 killed 65% of the larvae, 92% of the pupae and 57.3% of the adults of C. vittata within a week. This work is the first report on using the EPNs to control sugar beet beetle.     

Crop damage by nematodes in improved-fallow fields in western Kenya

The rotation of leguminous shrubs and crops is being tested on farms and recommended as a means of improving soil fertility and increasing crop yield in eastern and southern Africa, including western Kenya. However, this improved fallow practice may also increase the nematode population in the soil. An experiment was conducted to monitor the effects of plant-parasitic nematodes on crops after improved fallow. Soil was collected from a maize (Zea mays L.)/bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) field, a natural fallow, a Crotalaria (Crotalaria grahamiana Wight & Arn.) fallow, a Tephrosia (Tephrosia vogelii Hook. f.) fallow and a Crotalaria — Tephrosia mixed fallow and used to fill plastic pots placed in a shade. Three successive crop cycles of 2 months were tested in these pots using maize and beans, the most important staple foods in western Kenya. In the first cycle, beans grew poorly on the Tephrosia and Crotalaria — Tephrosia soil due to the high incidence of root knot nematodes, Meloidogyne spp., while maize did not suffer any loss. Although the populations of root knot nematodes reduced drastically in the second and third cycles, both maize and beans experienced heavy losses on the soil under improved fallow probably due to the spiral nematodes, Scutellonema spp., which became dominant in the nematode communities. Despite the use of fertilisers (N, P, K), both crops became highly sensitive to spiral nematodes in the third cycle because of the degradation of the soil physical properties. The study showed that the benefits of improved fallows in terms of crop production may be limited by the high number of plant-parasitic nematodes they help develop in the process.This revised version was published online in November 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Potential of Nepalese entomopathogenic nematodes as biocontrol agents against <Emphasis Type="Italic">Holotrichia longipennis</Emphasis> Blanch. (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

Holotrichia longipennis Blanch. (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) is a serious pest of commercial crops in Siduwa, Dhankuta, Nepal. Seven indigenous isolates of entomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernema lamjungense LMT5, S. lamjungense SS4, S. everestense DKP4, S. abbasi CS1, S. sp. KL1, Heterorhabditis indica CK2 and H. indica CK6) were used in a series of bioassays against the insect. All isolates showed an increased dispersal in response to H. longipennis. Nematodes were more attracted towards third instar larvae than to second instars. Differences in penetration and multiplication in the insect were observed amongst the seven isolates. Steinernema lamjungense LMT5, S. everestense DKP4 and S. abbasi CS1 caused greater mortality than other isolates to different developmental stages. Pupae and second instar larvae were more susceptible than third instar larvae. Significant differences were observed in LT₅₀ values of the isolates against different stages of H. longipennis. Three isolates (S. lamjungense LMT5, S. everestense DKP4 and S. abbasi CS1) along with a commonly used insecticide (chlorpyrifos) were tested against this insect in pot and field experiments. In pot experiments using maize and cabbage as a host crop, S. lamjungense LMT5 and S. everestense DKP4 performed better than S. abbasi CS1 and yielded a mortality comparable with chlorpyrifos. Similar results were observed in field experiments 3 weeks after nematode application. These experiments overall suggest S. lamjungense LMT5 to be a promising biocontrol agent against H. longipennis followed by S. everestense DKP4 and S. abbasi CS1.     

Potential of the entomopathogenic nematodes Steinernema feltiae , S. weiseri and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora for the biological control of the sugar beet weevil Bothynoderes punctiventris (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

The sugar beet weevil, Bothynoderes punctiventris Germ. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is one of the most damaging pests of sugar beets in Turkey and has been traditionally controlled by application of large amounts of insecticides. The current study used laboratory microcosms to evaluate the possibility of using entomopathogenic nematodes as an alternative control method. The nematodes Steinernema feltiae (strain TUR-S3), Steinernema weiseri (BEY) and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (TUR-H2) had previously been isolated from Turkey. Nematode-induced mortality generally increased as soil temperature increased from 15 to 25°C but decreased when larvae were located deeper in soil. Heterorhabditis bacteriophora caused the highest larval mortality at 25°C at all depths (5–20 cm). Steinernema feltiae and S. weiseri were more effective than H. bacteriophora at 15°C at all depths. Increasing the application rate of infective nematode dauer juveniles (DJs) affected the number of DJs that penetrated each insect larva and the number of DJs produced per insect. The highest production of DJs per larva occurred at application rates of 50 DJs/larva for S. feltiae and S. weiseri and 100 DJs/larva for H. bacteriophora. Reproduction decreased again at higher application rates. Heterorhabditis bacteriophora had the highest reproductive capability. The results indicate that S. feltiae and S. weiseri might be more effective against this pest early in the growing season when soil temperature is low and that H. bacteriophora might be more effective later in the season when temperature increases.     

Geographical distribution of the Armillaria species in The Netherlands in relation to soil type and hosts

The geographical distribution of the annulate Armillaria species was studied in The Netherlands during the period 1983–1992. Armillaria gallica (incl. A. cepistipes), A. mellea and A. ostoyae appear to be widespread, the first two species being rather common on broad-leaved hosts growing on clay and loess soils, and the third species common on both broad-leaved and coniferous hosts on acid sandy soils. The distribution of the Armillaria species encountered was primarily determined by soil type. From a silvicultural point of view, A. ostoyae is the most important species, being pathogenic and occurring most frequently on sandy soils, the soil type predominantly used for forestry in The Netherlands.     

Effect of the nematodeHeterorhabditis bacteriophora and the bacteriumBacillus thuringiensis as integrated biocontrol agents of the black cutworm

The entomopathogenic nematodeHeterorhabditis bacteriophora Pionar (HP 88) and the bacteriumBacillus thuringiensis Berliner var.kurstaki were tested in the laboratory against the black cutworm, a widely distributed polyphagous insect pest of vegetables and field crops. The experiment was conducted under 15.7 °C (14 to 19 °C) to simulate the average winter temperature in Egypt. The two biocontrol agents influencedAgrotis ipsilon differently whereH. bacteriophora had a more promising control levels than that ofB. thuringiensis. Generally, nematode concentration of ca 500 infective juveniles/insect vial was highly effective (100% mortality) within nine days post nematode infection. The highest concentration of the bacteriumB. thuringiensis var.kurstaki (2,000 Intern. Units/mg) gave significant larval control after 12 days of bacterial infection. Combined effect of both the nematodes and the bacteria did not result in significantly greater control than that achieved by the nematodes used alone. The present results indicated that nematodes could be used successfully against the black cutworm,Agrotis ipsilon larvae during the winter which is the active season of this insect pest in Egypt.     

Schädliche Nematoden an Mais in Baden-Württemberg I. Die Umfallkrankheit beim Mais durchDitylenchus dipsaci-Befall

Zusammenfassung In Baden-Württemberg treten Sch?den an Mais durch das Stengel?lchen(Ditylenchus dipsaci), Wiesen?lchenPratylenchus spp.) und das Getreidezysten?lchen(Heterodera avenae) auf. Es wird über das Stengel?lchen berichtet. Der Mais lagert bei einer H?he von 20 bis 40 cm (Umfallkrankheit; in Frankreich: verse précoce). Vergleiche gesunder und kranker Pflanzen haben ergeben: geringer Befall der Pflanzen mitD. dipsaci = schwacher oder kein Schaden; starker Befall der Pflanzen mitD. dipsaci = schwerer Schaden. Schon eine verh?ltnism? ?ig schwache Bodenversenchung kann bei nassem und kaltem Wetter nach der Saat des Maises schwere Sch?den verursachen. Andererseits bleiben trotz starker Bodenverseuchung Sch?den aus, wenn das Wetter nach der Saat trocken und warm ist. Je ungeeigneter das Klima eines Gebietes für den Mais ist, um so h?ufiger sind die Sch?den. Die Bodenart hat keinen Einflu?. Die Populationen, die die Umfallkrankheit beim Mais verursachen, k?nnen keiner bestimmten.D. dipsaci-Rasse zugeordnet werden. Die Krankheit ist keine Folge eines zu h?ufigen Maisanbaues. Sie kann auch schon beim erstmaligen Anbau von Mais auf einem Acker auftreten. Der Sch?dling vermehrt sich in den anderen Kulturen der Fruchtfolge. Gute Wirte sind:Beta-Rüben, Leguminosen, Hafer, Roggen, Weizen. Ein schlechter Wirt ist die Gerste. Aus den Ergebnissen zahlreicher Bodenuntersuchungen ist keine Beziehung zwischen den Vorfrüchten der letzten 3 bis 6 Jahre und der Verseuchung des Bodens mitD. dipsaci abzuleiten. Es bestehen Unterschiede in der Anf?lligkeit verschiedener Maissorten.

---

Summary Injurios nematodes in maize in Baden-Württemberg I. The lay of maize by Ditylenchus dipsaci In Baden-Württemberg there are damages in maize by the stem nematode(Ditylenchus dipsaci), lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus spp.) and the cereal cyst nematode(Heterodera avenae). In this paperD. dipsaci is discussed. Maize at the hight of 20 to 40 cm lays byD. dipsaci (Umfallkrankheit; in France: verse précoce). Comparisons of healthy plants with infested ones have shown: a weak population ofD. dipsaci in the plants = weak or no damages; a strong population ofD. dipsaci in the plants = heavy damages. A relatively low population ofD. dipsaci in the soil can cause heavy damages if the weather is cold and moist after the sowing of the maize. On the other hand, even high populations in the soil cause no harms, if the weather is warm and dry after sowing. The less favourable the climate of a province for the cultivation of maize is, the more frequent are losses. The kind of soil has no influence on the disease. The population, causing the lay of maize, cannot be classified to a certain race ofD. dipsaci. The disease is not the result of a frequent culture of maize on a field. It can occur at the first culture of maize on a field. The pest develops in other crops during the rotation. Good hosts are beets, legumes, oats, rye, wheat. A bad host is barley. The results of many soil extractions did not show any relation between the crops cultivated during the last 3 to 6 years and the population inD. dipsaci, in the soil. There are differences in the susceptibility of different maize-varieties.

     

潮棕壤不同利用方式下植物线虫垂直分布研究(英文)

2003 年11 月,在中国科学院沈阳生态实验站潮棕壤经过不同利用方式后对水稻田、玉米地、撂荒地和林地开展了植物线虫垂直分布(0–15 cm 各土层)特征研究。研究结果表明:不同土地利用方式下的某些优势属线虫随着土壤深度增加而呈下降趋势。螺旋属(Helicotylenchus)线虫是4 种土地利用方式中最优势的属。水田丝尾属(Filenchus)、平滑属(Psilenchus)和垫刃属(Tylenchus)线虫主要分布在上层(0–20 cm),而撂荒地、林地中的针属(Paratylenchus)线虫及玉米地中的短体属(Pratylenchus)线虫能够分布在更深的土层(0–80 cm)。本研究揭示,植物线虫优势属数量与土壤化学特性指标存在显著相关关系。不同利用方式螺旋属线虫数量与土壤C/N 比、全碳、全氮、全磷、碱解氮及Olsen-P含量呈显著正相关;水田丝尾属和平滑属线虫、玉米地短体属线虫、撂荒地针属线虫与土壤pH 程显著负相关,与土壤全碳、全氮及碱解氮呈显著正相关。为了更正确地评价植物线虫种群数量,有必要根据植物线虫优势属的垂直分布特征来确定取样深度。图1 表1 参21。     

Interactions amongst trees and crops in <Emphasis Type="Italic">taungya</Emphasis> systems of western Kenya

Lack of empirical data on the effects of the taungya system on establishment and early growth of softwood plantations have partly contributed to controversial decisions regarding the continued suitability of the system for plantation establishment in Kenya. This study examined effectiveness of taungya systems of forest plantation establishment using Cupressus lusitanica and Pinus patula trees with Zea mays (maize) as a test intercrop on two contrasting site types (deep and shallow soils) in Mt. Elgon forest, western Kenya . Four treatments were evaluated in each site: trees with or without weed control, trees intercropped with maize, and sole maize. Results showed that tree survival, growth and nutrient uptake, and maize growth and yield were higher in the deep soil site than the shallow site. The t aungya system improved tree survival and growth, effects being greater in the deep than the shallow soil site. Both Cupressus lusitanica and Pinus patula trees had the same effects on maize growth and yield, reducing maize growth by 41–48% in the deep soil sites, and by 16–26% in the shallow site. Vector nutrient analysis and vector competition analysis of the treatment effects on growth and nutrient uptake of the trees and the maize crop suggested competition for N on the deep soils, but competition for K and P on the shallow soils. The study has demonstrated the applicability of graphical vector competition analysis in diagnosing tree–crop interactions in agroforestry.     

New parasitoids of<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Saperda populnea</Emphasis> (L.) (Col. Cerambycidae) in Bulgaria

The parasitoid complex of Saperda populnea (L.) (Col., Cerambycidae) was studied during the period 2002–2003 at different sites in Bulgaria. Galls containing cerambycid larvae were collected on branches of aspen (Populus tremula L.), goat willow (Salix caprea L.) and hybrid poplars and were studied under laboratory conditions. As a result, four new species for the parasitoid complex of S. populnea in Bulgaria were recorded: Dolichomitus tuberculatus (Geoffroy), Xylophrurus lancifer (Gravenhorst), Gelis ornatulus (Thomson) (Hym., Ichneumonidae) and Dendrocerus serricornis (Boheman) (Hym., Megaspilidae). D. serricornis and G. ornatulus are new species for Bulgarian fauna. D. tuberculatus and X. lancifer were found as primary parasitoids, and G. ornatulus and D. serricornis as hyperparasitoids. The primary parasitoids developed solitarily in the host larvae. D. serricornis was reared gregariously from a puparium of Billaea irrorata (Meig.) (Dipt., Tachinidae). The host of G. ornatulus was not identified, but the hyperparasitid could be connected with Iphiaulax impostor (Scop.) (Hym., Braconidae). The mortality of S. populnea caused by the parasitoids was 2.0–6.3%.     

Impact of mechanized harvesting on compaction of sandy and clayey forest soils: results of a meta-analysis

Context

Nowadays, harvest operations are predominantly performed fully mechanized using heavy tractors or forestry machines. The resulting soil compaction may negatively affect the soil ecosystem.

Aims

We wanted to draw general conclusions concerning the impact of mechanized harvesting on forest soil bulk density and the influencing factors.

Method

Therefore, we combined the data of several studies using a meta-analysis approach.

Results

The impact decreased from the surface towards deeper soil layers. At 0?C10?cm depth, the impact on clayey soils was highest although not significantly different from the impact on sandy soils. Higher initial bulk densities, i.e., on already compacted forest soils, generally led to smaller extra increases of bulk density after machine traffic. For sandy soils, the impact was also significantly smaller when machines were lighter. No significant relationship was observed between the compaction degree and traffic intensity.

Conclusions

We observed clear compaction on both clayey and sandy soils, especially in case of low initial soil compaction degrees and heavy machines. The compacted initial state of many forest soils, the long recovery period, and the generally high impact of the first passes that is frequently mentioned in literature all count in favour of designated skid trails and an adjustment of the machine type to the job.     

Soil organic carbon and aggregation under poplar based agroforestry system in relation to tree age and soil type

The poplar based agroforestry system improves aggregation of soil through huge amounts of organic matter in the form of leaf biomass. The extent of improvement may be affected by the age of the poplar trees and the soil type. The surface and subsurface soil samples from agroforestry and adjoining non-agroforestry sites with different years of poplar plantation (1, 3 and 6 years) and varying soil textures (loamy sand and sandy clay) were analyzed for soil organic carbon, its sequestration and aggregate size distribution. The average soil organic carbon increased from 0.36 in sole crop to 0.66% in agroforestry soils. The increase was higher in loamy sand than sandy clay. The soil organic carbon increased with increase in tree age. The soils under agroforestry had 2.9–4.8 Mg ha⁻¹ higher soil organic carbon than in sole crop. The poplar trees could sequester higher soil organic carbon in 0–30 cm profile during the first year of their plantation (6.07 Mg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹) than the subsequent years (1.95–2.63 Mg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹). The sandy clay could sequester higher carbon (2.85 Mg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹) than in loamy sand (2.32 Mg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹). The mean weight diameter (MWD) of soil aggregates increased by 3.2, 7.3 and 13.3 times in soils with 1, 3 and 6 years plantation, respectively from that in sole crop. The increase in MWD with agroforestry was higher in loamy sand than sandy clay soil. The water stable aggregates (WSA >0.25 mm) increased by 14.4, 32.6 and 56.9 times in soils with 1, 3 and 6 years plantation, respectively, from that in sole crop. The WSA >0.25 mm were 6.02 times higher in loamy sand and 2.2 times in sandy clay than in sole crop soils.     

Distribution and persistence ofSteinernema spp. andHeterorhabditis spp. (Nematodes) under different field conditions

The vertical and horizontal distribution, as well as the persistence ofSteinernema glaseri, S. carpocapsae (1192, I 100 and Mexican strains),Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, H. heliothidis andHeterorhabditis sp. were studied in three different soil types under field conditions. The presence of infective juveniles in soil samples taken at various depths was assessed usingGalleria mellonella larvae as baits for the nematodes. Results show that all tested nematodes had a similar pattern of vertical distribution. On the other hand,Heterorhabditis spp. were significantly more persistent thanSteinernema spp. in all soil types. As for the horizontal dispersal, none of the nematodes were ever found outside the treated plots, indicating that most of the juveniles remained near the point of application.     

Interference competition and predation between invasive and native herbivores in maize

Interspecific interactions (e.g., competition, predation) are core determinants of insect population evolution, geographical distribution, trophic dynamics and ecosystem functioning. Following its recent invasion of eastern Asia, the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) co-inhabits maize fields with native lepidopteran herbivores, such as the common cutworm, Spodoptera litura. Here, drawing upon laboratory and field studies, we demonstrate how late-instar S. frugiperda larvae directly prey upon S. litura immature stages and competitively displace them from the maize whorl. Individual maize plants did not mediate the above interactions, with herbivore-damaged leaves not affecting the development rate of either species. In the field, ecological niches of S. frugiperda and S. litura overlapped, with species-specific occupancy rates of whorl-stage leaves (vegetative phase) and ears or tassels (reproductive phase) exceeding 70% and 90%, respectively. Field cage trials showed that S. frugiperda larvae either preyed upon or repelled S. litura larvae from maize plants, routinely resulting in more than 90% mortality of the latter. Field visits and cage studies in Yunnan (SW China) also revealed how—within an approx. 1-year time period—S. frugiperda has become a dominant species in local maize fields and co-infestation of both herbivores on the same plant is rare. Overall, our work shows how the invasive S. frugiperda exhibits a clear competitive advantage over native lepidopterans and could replace certain species within local agroecosystems. This study not only unveils the mechanistic causes of rapid ecological shifts within S. frugiperda-invaded cropping systems, but may also guide subsequent monitoring and management interventions.

     

Über die mögliche Verwendung des räuberischen FadenwurmsDiplogaster sp. (Nematodes,Diplogasteroidea) zur Bekämpfung einiger wurzelparasitischer Fadenwürmer (Nematodes)

Zusammenfassung Es wurden Labortests zur Klärung der Frage durchgeführt, wieweit der räuberische NematodeDiplogaster sp. in der Lage ist, die Dichte der Larven der zwei wurzelparasitären NematodenMeloidogyne javanica undTylenchulus semipenetrans zu reduzieren. Eine weitere Versuchsserie verwendete mit sterilem Boden gefüllte Blumentöpfe.Die Ergebnisse zeigen, daß der Raub-Nematode beide parasitischen Nematodenarten,M. javanica an Tomaten- undT. semipenetrans an Orangen-Wurzeln stark reduzierte. Dabei erwies sich die Wirkung unabhängig von der Beuteart aber abhängig von der Beutedichte.

---

Studies on the potential use of the predator, Diplogaster sp. (Nematodes, Diplogasteroidea) on certain root-parasitic Nematodes

A laboratory test was conducted in glass petri dishes to assess the efficacy ofDiplogaster sp. on the predation of the second stage larvae ofMeloidogyne javanica andTylenchulus semipenetrans nematodes at 25°C and 65% R. H. in the incubator. In addition, an applied experiment in pots was carried out to explore the role of the predator on the two parasitic nematode genera. Diplogaster sp. exteriminated large numbers of prey ofM. javanica andT. semipenetrans larvae 7 days after the beginning of the experiment. The rate of predation on parasitic nematodes in laboratory test was independent on the prey species but dependent on the prey density. The parasitic nematodes,M. javanica andT. semipenetrans, populations in the roots of tomato and sour orange, respectively, were significantly reduced by the addition of the predatory nematode,Diplogaster sp., in the pot experiment.

---

---

Mit 3 Tabellen     

Biomass production of tree fallows and their residual effect on maize in Zimbabwe

The rotation of maize (Zea mays) with fast-growing, N₂-fixing trees (improved fallows) can increase soil fertility and crop yields on N-deficient soils. There is little predictive understanding on the magnitude and duration of residual effects of improved fallows on maize yield. Our objectives were to determine the effect of fallow species and duration on biomass production and to relate biomass produced during the fallow to residual effects on maize. The study was conducted on an N-deficient, sandy loam (Alfisol) under unimodal rainfall conditions in Zimbabwe. Three fallow species — Acacia angustissima, pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan), and Sesbania sesban — of one-, two-, and three-year duration were followed by three seasons of maize. Pigeonpea and acacia produced more fallow biomass than sesbania. The regrowth of acacia during post-fallow maize cropping provided an annual input of biomass to maize. Grain yields for the first unfertilized maize crop after the fallows were higher following sesbania (mean = 4.2 Mg ha^–1) than acacia (mean = 2.6 Mg ha^–1). The increased yield of the first maize crop following sesbania was directly related to leaf biomass of sesbania at the end of the fallow. Nitrogen fertilizer did not increase yield of the first maize crop following one- and two-year sesbania fallows, but it increased yield following acacia fallows. Nitrogen fertilizer supplementation was not required for the first maize crop after sesbania, which produced high-quality biomass. For acacia, which produced low-quality biomass and regrew after cutting, N fertilizer increased yield of the first post-fallow maize crop, but it had little benefit on yield of the third post-fallow maize crop.This revised version was published online in November 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Spring aphid-parasitoid (Hom., Aphididae,Hym., Braconidae) associations and interactions in a Mediterranean arable crop ecosystem,including <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bt</Emphasis> maize

Conspecific and heterospecific associations of aphid parasitoids (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Aphidiinae) were used to determine the interactions between crops forming the main arable crop ecosystem (wheat, alfalfa, isogenic and [Bt Bacillus thuringiensis] transgenic maize) in an irrigated area in Catalonia, Spain. Species composition and instars of parasitized aphids (mummies) were used to detect the parasitoid population movements between the crops and proved interactions (alternation) between the crops, including transgenic maize. Parasitoid interactions were species-dependent, appearing in the movements between alfalfa-wheat-maize in the individual species. Aphidius ervi Hal., A. rhopalosiphi DeSt.-Perez, A. uzbekistanicus Luzh., Lysiphlebus testaceipes (Cress.) and Praon volucre (Hal.) were classified as key-stone species in the target agroecosystems in the area. No differences were found in aphid-parasitoid associations on Bt transgenic maize and isogenic maize for aphid species composition and associated parasitoid guild.