Biological control in Hungary: present situation and possibilities1

Biological control has already achieved certain results in Hungary, especially against soil-borne fungi and glasshouse pests. Nevertheless, experience has shown that locally found biological agents, however effective, could not be developed into registered, ready-for-sale plant protection products because of the lack of companies willing to invest. Biological control in Hungary is therefore limited to the conservation of natural antagonistic flora and fauna and to the application of imported biopesticides and bioagents, which are subject in Hungary to a registration procedure similar to that for chemical plant protection products. Current work includes the development of an anti-nematode product from a local strain of Arthrobotrys oligospora, application techniques for a local mirid Dicyphus hyalinipennis against insect pests, studies with native and imported strains of the nematodes Steinernema and Heterorhabditis against soil-borne insect pests, and introduction techniques for the chrysomelid Zygogramma sutularis against the weed Ambrosia elatior.     

Review: Date palm arthropod pests and their management in Israel

This review summarizes the current knowledge on the distribution, natural history, economic importance and management of 16 major species of date palm pests in Israel. Another 15, rarely occurring, pest species are also identified. Research on the date palm pests in Israel was initiated against a background of severe outbreaks of scale insects in the late 1950s. These outbreaks were caused mainly by unrestrained use of organophosphates. This situation led to the gradual development of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program, which was implemented first against scale insects and later against fruit pests. The IMP approach resulted in successful control of the scale insects, up to the present, whereas agrotechnical and crop management procedures, including covering the fruit bunches with plastic nets and early harvesting of several date cultivars, were successfully applied to achieve efficient control of the fruit moths. In addition, the use of chemical compounds in date plantations was drastically reduced and restricted to heavy foci of pest infestation. In time, microbial control, mainly application ofBacillus thuringiensis products against the lesser date moth, and the use of pheromone traps for monitoring and controlling red palm weevil, enabled further reductions in the use of synthetic insecticides. The overall change in pest management also significantly improved the preservation of natural enemies of the pests in the plantations. Whereas in the 1950s the major problems were caused by the parlatoria date scale and the green scale, in the early 2000s the key pests in date plantations in Israel are the lesser date moth and sap beetles in most of the date-growing areas, and spider mites which are restricted to the Arava Valley. Future management of the first two of these pests should rely on an improved monitoring system and integration of pheromone application for reduction of the population and damage. Efforst should be made to prevent the red palm weevil, which currently is a potential pest, from becoming an actual key pest in date plantations.     

氯虫苯甲酰胺种子处理对花生地上及地下害虫的防治效果

为明确氯虫苯甲酰胺种子处理对花生地下害虫及地上刺吸式口器害虫的防治效果,筛选出合适的田间用药剂量,通过室内盆栽接虫试验和田间试验研究氯虫苯甲酰胺对花生地下害虫沟金针虫Pleonomus canaliculatus（Faldermann）、铜绿丽金龟Anomala corpulenta Motschulsky以及地上害虫花生蚜Aphis craccivora Koch的综合防治效果。结果表明,盆栽药剂拌种处理后15 d,氯虫苯甲酰胺有效成分用量为2.40、3.20 g/kg种子处理对沟金针虫的防治效果为77.42%和82.58%,对铜绿丽金龟的防治效果为77.12%和85.62%;田间拌种处理收获时,2.40、3.20 g/kg种子剂量的氯虫苯甲酰胺对花生田沟金针虫的防治效果为68.12%和76.33%,对铜绿丽金龟的防治效果为71.38%和80.71%;3.20 g/kg种子剂量处理对花生蚜的防治效果最高,为36.39%;该药剂拌种处理后对花生种子无不良影响,对出苗和生长有一定的促进作用,2.40、3.20 g/kg种子剂量处理后增产率为16.16%和18.44%。表明氯虫苯甲酰胺种子处理对花生地下害虫沟金针虫和铜绿丽金龟具有很高的防治效果和持效性,同时对花生蚜也有一定的兼治效果,有明显的防虫增产作用,可推广应用于防治花生田地下害虫。     

Rational use of deltamethrin on potato against Leptinotarsa decemlineata and other significant pests1

In trials of deltamethrin against Leptinotarsa decemlineata on potato crops in several European and Mediterranean countries, high levels of efficacy were obtained. Recommendations are accordingly presented for rational use of this insecticide to control L. decemlineata, and also several other important insect pests of potato, taking due account of results on the safety of deltamethrin for the user, consumer and environment.     

A Review on Options for Management of Cowpea Pests: Experiences From Uganda

More than 100 field pests of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) can be found in most of the crop production agroecologies in Africa, but four of these – aphids (Aphis craccivora Koch), flower thrips (Megalurothrips sjostedti Trybom), the legume pod borer (Maruca vitrata Fab. Syn. Maruca testulalis Geyer) and pod sucking bugs – are commonly encountered and are of economic importance in Uganda. The diverse cowpea pest complex dictates that a single control strategy is unlikely to produce satisfactory control.Earlier field studies done in eastern and northern parts of Uganda demonstrated that close spacing (30 × 20cm) effectively reduces aphid infestation (early season pest) but seems to promote thrips, legume pod borers and pod bugs infestation. The other option for management of early season pests and nematodes is seed dressing, especially with carbofuran (Furadan 5G). Late season pests are more effectively controlled by the use of foliar sprays, the type of pesticide depending on the pest profile. Intercropping also offers remedial control, but the crop combination must consider the pest profile, cowpea/sorghum intercrop being effective against aphids and thrips, and cowpea/greengram against legume pod borers and pod sucking bugs. Selected combinations of agronomic, chemical and cultural control measures (Integrated Pest Management), especially when combined with early planting, offer better management options than the use of sole treatments. The success of these packages is highly dependent on the degree and level of farmer involvement and to what extent they are tailored to meet his/her production goals.     

Increased toxicity of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry3Aa against Crioceris quatuordecimpunctata,Phaedon brassicae and Colaphellus bowringi by a Tenebrio molitor cadherin fragment

BACKGROUND: Biopesticides containing Cry insecticidal proteins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are effective against many lepidopteran pests, but there is a lack of Bt‐based pesticides for efficient control of important coleopteran pests. Based on the reported increase in Bt toxin oligomerization by a polypeptide from the Cry3Aa receptor cadherin in Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), it was hypothesized that this cadherin peptide, rTmCad1p, would enhance Cry3Aa toxicity towards coleopteran larvae. To test this hypothesis, the relative toxicity of Cry3Aa, with or without rTmCad1p, against damaging chrysomelid vegetable pests of China was evaluated. RESULTS: Cry3Aa toxicity was evaluated in the spotted asparagus beetle (Crioceris quatuordecimpunctata), cabbage leaf beetle (Colaphellus bowringi) and daikon leaf beetle (Phaedon brassicae). To assess the effect of rTmCad1p on Cry3Aa toxicity, neonate larvae were fed Cry3Aa toxin alone or in combination with increasing amounts of rTmCad1p. The data demonstrated that Cry3Aa toxicity was significantly increased in all three vegetable pests, resulting in as much as a 15.3‐fold increase in larval mortality. CONCLUSION: The application of rTmCad1p to enhance Cry3Aa insecticidal activity has potential for use in increasing range and activity levels against coleopteran pests displaying low susceptibility to Bt‐based biopesticides. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Entomopathogenic nematodes and the protected crops industry

Entomopathogenic rhabditid nematodes of the generaSteinernema and Heterorhabditis are ideal biological control agents for use against insect pests living in soils, composts or other cryptic habitats. The protected crops industry provides particularly favourable conditions for the survival, dispersal and recycling of rhabditids. The parasites are an effective and economic alternative to chemicals for the control of black vine weevil in ornamental pot plants. Their ability to infest a wide range of insects has also enabled them to be used successfully against several fly pests of mushrooms. In mushroom culture they not only control sciarid flies but also stimulate significant increases in crop yield.     

Soil application of neonicotinoid insecticides for control of insect pests in wine grape vineyards

BACKGROUND: Soil application of systemic neonicotinoid insecticides can provide opportunities for long‐term control of insect pests in vineyards, with minimal risk of pesticide drift or worker exposure. This study compared the effectiveness of neonicotinoid insecticides applied via irrigation injection on key early‐season and mid‐season insect pests of vineyards in the eastern United States. RESULTS: On vines trained to grow on drip irrigation, early‐season application of imidacloprid, clothianidin, thiamethoxam and dinotefuran provided high levels of control against the potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae. Protection of vines against Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica, and grape berry moth, Paralobesia viteana, was also observed after mid‐season applications. Efficacy was poor in commercial vineyards when treatments were applied to the soil before irrigation or rain, indicating that vines must be grown with an irrigation system for efficient uptake of the insecticide. CONCLUSIONS: In drip‐irrigated vineyards, soil‐applied neonicotinoids can be used to provide long residual control of either early‐season or mid‐ to late‐season foliage pests of vineyards. This approach can reduce the dependence on foliar‐applied insecticides, with associated benefits for non‐target exposure to workers and natural enemies. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Breeding Plant Varieties Resistant to Pests1)

In The Netherlands at present the research on resistance against pests is aimed at red spider mite in cucumber, glasshouse whitefly in tomato, carrot fly, aphids in lettuce. In addition projects are planned with a view to breeding resistance against Myzus persicae Sulz. in paprika, and aphids in barley. Tolerance can hardly be considered as a type of resistance, since it does not control the parasite population. Non-preference has some advantages, but does not reduce the size of the insect population and causes pests to migrate to other plants and possibly to the neighbours. Antibiosis is the more desirable type of resistance. To prevent it from being broken, antibiosis ought to be based on polygenes. Another method of prevention is to breed multiline varieties. When creating new varieties that possess certain valuable qualities in combination with a resistance based on polygenes, the breeder has to test yearly thousands of plants. Rapid methods for mass-testing for resistance are therefore urgently needed. Breeders have found high-yielding varieties, which help to feed the world population. However, the desired resistance against pests must frequently come from low-yielding varieties. To combine the indispensable high yields with resistance against pests is a time-consuming work. The process will be shortened as better screening methods become available.     

Efficacy of chemical plant protection products on potato in Ukraine1

The principal potato pests controlled with plant protection products in Ukraine are Leptinotarsa decemlineata and Phytophthora infestons. Results are presented of trials of insecticides and fungicides against these pests. As a result, Sumi-alfa 5% EC (a.s. esfenvalerate), Karate water-soluble granules (a.s. lambda-cyhalothrin) and Betabytroid 2.5% EC (a.s. beta-cyfluthrin) were recommended for full-scale testing against Colorado beetle in Ukraine. Sul'fokarbation and EKhR 19517 were recommended for full-scale testing against potato blight.     

对半翅目害虫具有活性的Bt杀虫蛋白研究进展

半翅目害虫寄主范围广、危害时间长, 给我国农林业生产带来了严重的经济损失。应用有效的绿色防控手段替代化学杀虫剂防治半翅目害虫, 对于保障粮食安全生产、保护动物及人类生命健康、维护生态平衡具有重要意义。苏云金芽胞杆菌Bacillus thuringiensis产生的杀虫蛋白对多种害虫展现出高效特异的杀虫活性, 对非靶标生物安全, 为全球农业、林业和卫生害虫的绿色防控做出了突出贡献。本文综述了我国农林业中重要的半翅目害虫种类、危害特点及主要防治手段, 重点归纳了Bt杀虫蛋白对半翅目害虫的杀虫活性研究进展以及挖掘具有半翅目杀虫活性的Bt杀虫蛋白基础, 并针对Bt杀虫蛋白在半翅目害虫绿色防控方面的应用提出了建议。     

Field trial measuring the compatibility of methoxyfenozide and flonicamid with Orius laevigatus Fieber (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) and Amblyseius swirskii (Athias-Henriot) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) in a commercial pepper greenhouse

BACKGROUND: Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) are among the most serious pests of sweet peppers in greenhouses. Chemical control is difficult because of their high reproductive rates and insecticide resistance, and seasonal inoculative releases of Orius laevigatus (Fieber) and Amblyseius swirskii (Athias‐Henriot) are commonly used to reduce their populations. As chemical treatments are often needed in the crop against other pests, the side effects of methoxyfenozide (an insect growth regulator against lepidopteran pests) and flonicamid (a selective feeding inhibitor against sucking insects) were studied in both beneficial organisms in a commercial greenhouse. RESULTS: Orius laevigatus and A. swirskii were released at commercial rates (4–5 and 100 m^?2), and a strong establishment and a very homogeneous distribution were reached. One pesticide treatment with the maximum field recommended concentration of methoxyfenozide and flonicamid (96 and 100 mg AI L^?1) was done when they were well established, and their population levels were not affected either immediately or up to 30 days after treatment. CONCLUSION: The results are indicative of no impact of methoxyfenozide and flonicamid on the two natural enemies in the field, and both can be considered as potential alternatives to be included in IPM programmes in sweet pepper. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

The potential use of allicin as a biopesticide for the control of the house fly,Musca domestica L.

The house fly, Musca domestica L., is a widespread pest of intensively reared livestock, where its presence negatively affects growth and productivity through the irritation their activity causes. Furthermore, adult flies mechanically vector a wide range of animal and human pathogens and, as such, pose a health risk to both livestock and people. The development of resistance in M. domestica populations to most of the insecticides used against them, coupled with diminishing product availability in many regions, means that new fly control methods and materials are constantly required. In the present study, a formulation of allicin, a compound derived from garlic cloves, was evaluated against the eggs, larvae and adults of Musca domestica L.. An in-diet LD₅₀ of 134 ppm against larvae was achieved, whilst marked ovicidal activity was also recorded. Adults were similarly affected when exposed directly and indirectly to surface residues of the compound. The results indicate that allicin exhibits potential to be used against filth flies through incorporation into their developmental substrates and, potentially, for the control of other economically important dipteran pests.     

赤眼蜂防治荻芦茎螟研究

棘禾草螟(Chilo hyrax)和芦禾草螟(C.lutellus Mostchuleky)等茎螟是洞庭湖区为害荻(Miscanthus sacchariflorus)和芦苇(Phragmites communis)的大害虫。从1984年起利用赤跟蜂防治这类害虫,取得了良好的效果。试验表明,松毛虫赤眼蜂(Trichogramma dendrolimi)尤其适于苇田生态环境。初次放蜂的苇田,于棘禾草螟第一代始盛卵期、盛卵期和盛卵末期3次放蜂效果最好。亩放蜂量5—6万头,盛卵期放蜂量应占全部放蜂量的三分之二。放蜂点距离以10米为宜。连续放蜂2—3年后,亩释放量可缩减至3—4万头。     

Phytosanitary Measures Against Larger Grain Borer, Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae), in International Trade

The establishment of P. truncatus in Africa has highlighted the inherent weakness of phytosanitary measures against exotic pests. Consideration is given to the need for phytosanitary measures and how patterns of international trade affect phytosanitary control. To prevent the spread of pests such as P. truncatus, large grain shipments can be subject to stringent pest control procedures. However, a significant proportion of grain movement in Africa, both within countries and across borders, occurs informally by both illicit, commercial movement of multiple truckloads of grain and legally by individuals carrying headloads via bush paths or small parcels on public transport. Attempts to locate and inspect the small lots would be impractical. Some recommendations are given on how the spread of P. truncatus in large-scale international trade can be slowed but otherwise it is accepted that in the long-term the prevention of further spread of P. truncatus in Africa is wholly unrealistic.     

萜烯同系物DMNT和TMTT的研究进展

近年来,学者对植物挥发性物质在功能和合成代谢方面的关注度越来越高。许多植物在被害虫侵袭后能够产生一些挥发性化学物质,而这些化学物质可以趋避害虫或吸引害虫天敌以达到间接防治害虫的目的。其中,(E)-4,8-二甲基-1,3,7-壬三烯((E)-3,8-dimethyl-1,4,7-nonatriene,DMNT)和(E,E)-4,8,12-三甲基-1,3,7,11-十三碳四烯((E,E)-4,8,12-trimethyltrideca-1,3,7,11-tetraene,TMTT)在高等植物中广泛存在。这2种物质能够在植物受植食性昆虫侵害后诱导产生,并起到吸引相应的害虫天敌前来从而达到控制害虫的作用。同时,它们还具有吸引授粉昆虫、诱导邻近植物防御反应和趋避害虫等功能。本文主要从这2种物质的发现、生态学功能、生物合成、研究展望与应用前景等方面进行探讨,综述近年来植物中DMNT和TMTT的研究进展。     

The development of integrated pest management for the control of mushroom sciarid flies,Lycoriella ingenua (Dufour) and Bradysia ocellaris (Comstock), in cultivated mushrooms

Mushrooms are susceptible to a range of diseases and pests that can cause serious crop loss. Effective pest and pathogen control is a very important factor for the maintenance of efficient production of cultivated mushrooms. Integrated pest management in mushrooms is reliant upon four main principals/elements: sanitation, exclusion, monitoring and pest control. Bradysia ocellaris (Comstock) and Lycoriella ingenua (Dufour) (Diptera: Sciaridae) are major pests of cultivated mushrooms, Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Imbach. These pests cause losses in yield through larval damage of the compost, mycelium and sporophores, and affect the structural features of the compost itself. Adult flies of these species also act as vectors for the introduction of mites and fungal diseases in cultivated mushrooms. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Integrated crop management, the basis for environment friendly crop protection of potatoes

Relatively large amounts of pesticides are needed to control diseases and pests in modern, intensive potato production. Integrated crop management offers a way of reducing the need for pesticides. It aims to reduce costs and improve the quality of the product and of the production methods, while maintaining soil fertility and the quality of the environment. The components of integrated crop management are described. Prevention of diseases and pests has high priority. If diseases or pests are present, non-chemical control methods are preferred and chemical control is based on economic criteria and the monitoring of the soil and crops. The contribution of integrated crop management to the control of two important fungal diseases, late blight (Phytophthora infestans), and stem canker (Rhizoctonia solani) and of one pest, potato cyst nematode (Globodera spp..) is described. The prospects for further development of integrated crop protection are discussed.     

A new gene from Xenorhabdus bovienii and its encoded protease inhibitor protein against Acyrthosiphon pisum

BACKGROUND: Aphids are insect pests with significant importance worldwide for agricultural and horticultural crops. The chemical pesticides used to control aphids could result in pesticide residues in agricultural and horticultural products as well as in negative effects on the environment. Therefore, alternative control methods are urgently needed. This study identified a new gene from strain BJFS526 of the symbiotic bacterium Xenorhabdus bovienii and expressed the protease inhibitor protein encoded by the gene. The effects of the protein on the pea aphids, Acyrthosiphon pisum, were also investigated. RESULTS: The gene PIN1 encoding the protease inhibitor protein against aphids was successfully cloned from BJFS526. The study demonstrated that the protein had adverse effects on pea aphid survival, and that the activity of aphid aminopeptidase was significantly inhibited by the protein. CONCLUSION: The results from this study suggest that this gene and the protease inhibitor protein encoded may offer an alternative method to control aphids in the future. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Some new pests of glasshouse crops in Bulgaria and their control by an IPM programme1

Growing of vegetables and ornamentals in the open or as protected crops all the year round is a factor responsible for changes in the biology and ecology of some insects and mites, which can be summarized as follows: (1) the life cycle closes and development occurs all the year round; (2) pests adapt and new strains and populations appear (anholocyclic forms of Aphis naslurtii on capsicum; (3) northwards movement of distribution limits (Peridroma saucia, Chrysodeixis chalcites, Aculops lycopersici, Polyphagotarsonemus latus, Empoasca decipiens); (4)indifferent organisms become pests (Udea ferrugalis). From this point of view, the idea of a new pest must be given a wider interpretation. Details are given on P. latus, E. decipiens, U. ferrugalis and C. chalcites and their control. The following treatments are suitable for IPM programmes: seedling treatment with the systemic insecticide oxamyl, spraying with Thiozol 80 (a.i. 80% wettable sulphur) and Morestan (a.i. 25% quinomethionate) against P. latus; use of light traps and electric killers against Lepidoptera and spraying with Lepidocide (Bacillus thuringzensis) against caterpillars.