Modelling the correlation between plant phenology and weed emergence for improving weed control

The efficiency of weed control practices could be improved if their timing is linked to weed emergence dynamics. A study was conducted in a pre‐alpine valley in northern Italy to evaluate whether the phenological phases of some perennial plants could serve as reliable indicators of time of weed emergence and thus be an alternative to bioclimatic models for supporting management decisions. Weed emergence was observed from 2003 to 2004 in five sites at different altitudes. The emergence dynamics of the main weeds were modelled with a Gompertz model. The phenology of 10 common shrubs and a tree was monitored by visual assessment. The flowering and fruit‐ripening phases of the most useful shrubs were modelled with a lognormal model. Correlation analysis between the two functions was used to study the correspondence between plant phenology and weed emergence. Flowering and fruit‐ripening phases of the shrubs were well described by the lognormal model. The correlation analysis between the lognormal model and Gompertz model showed correspondences between the phenological phases and emergence dynamics of the main weeds. The proposed method can be used to examine shrub phenology–weed emergence correlations and consequently for supporting weed management, under certain conditions.     

Phenological dynamics of the invasive plant Acacia longifolia in Portugal

Phenological shifts may play an important role in the success of invasive species. In the coastal regions of continental Portugal, Acacia longifolia is one of the most widespread invasive plants, but there are significant gaps in our understanding and interpretation of its phenology. This study is the first to investigate the phenological variation of A. longifolia and its association with climate in populations representing a temperature and precipitation gradient in mainland Portugal. The results highlighted significant variations in the vegetative (leaf initiation) and reproductive phenophases (bud formation, flowering and fruiting) among populations. Overall, leafing was observed throughout the year, bud formation occurred between summer and spring, anthesis between late winter and the beginning of spring, and fruiting started in late winter. Most of the reproductive phenophases varied across elevation or latitudinal gradients, with populations that were subjected to more stressful climatic conditions advancing their flowering and fruiting phenophases. The occurrence of each phenophase was strongly associated with the climatic conditions in the previous 5–12 months, suggesting that plants receive their phenological cues well in advance of their phenological response. Among climatic factors, temperature and irradiance were the most significant predictors of the phenological cycle of A. longifolia, but precipitation also exerted a greater influence on budding and flowering of the species. The phenological response of A. longifolia in a variety of sites represents an important step towards understanding how its phenology may react to the projected climate change in the Mediterranean region.     

气候变暖对高寒地区植物生长与物候影响分析

研究高寒地区植被在气候变化下的反应与适应等过程成为众多科学家所关注的问题。植物生长与物候是对气候变化敏感且易观测的指标,为更好得了解高寒地区植被生态系统对全球气候变化的响应机制,文中基于已有的研究并结合自己的实验分析了气候变暖对高寒地区植物生长与物候的影响。分析指出:1)温度升高对高寒植被有正效应,而温度持续升高,则对植被产生负效应,但增温效应都未达到显著水平,说明短期增温对该植被影响不显著;2)较高海拔地区(4500m)的植物高度有增加趋势,而较低海拔地区(3400m)的植物可能出现矮化;3)在高寒生态系统,温度升高能够加快植物物候进程,延长生长季,但物候的改变也会给其带来生存风险。     

The impact of phenology,exposure and instar susceptibility on insecticide effects on a chrysomelid beetle population

Direct topical impact of an insecticide spray on a population of a non-target leaf-eating beetle, Gastrophysa polygoni, was studied, and the relative importance of phenology, instar susceptibility and instar specific exposure was evaluated. Two insecticides, cypermethrin and dimethoate, were investigated. In the laboratory, topical toxicity to eggs, second-instar larvae and adults was recorded in dose-response experiments. The spatial distribution of larvae and eggs were measured in the field. Deposition of insecticide onto eggs, second-instar larvae and adult specimens was measured at different positions within the crop canopy by use of a dye tracer technique. A temperature-driven population model was constructed to simulate population development of all life stages in the field. The model was based on laboratory measures of growth and development at various temperatures. Mortality due to direct insecticide exposure was calculated as a function of population demography, spatial distribution of individuals, spatial deposition of the insecticide, and stage-specific susceptibility. Cypermethrin had the greatest impact, reducing population size by 19–32%. The life stages most sensitive to cypermethrin were the larval instars. As the population developed from eggs to larvae and imagines, the impact of one spraying first increased and then decreased according to the proportion of larvae in the population. Dimethoate had less effect on the population, i.e. 1·9–7·6% reduction. Dimethoate was most toxic to the egg stage, and consequently the effect on the population decreased as the proportion of eggs decreased due to hatching. The direct effect of insecticide spraying was significantly affected by all three factors investigated, i.e. phenology, life stage susceptibility and stage-specific exposure. The latter factor is composed of both spray flux at various spatial positions in the canopy and the ability of different life stages to retain spray droplets. © 1998 SCI     

Roles of bootstrap resampling,measure of central tendency,and method for calculating thermal units when developing phenology models for pest management

The successful development of phenology models from field studies depends on many factors, some of which are entirely under the control of pest managers. For example, one such factor is the choice of method for calculating thermal units. In this study, we have demonstrated that four methods for calculating thermal units provided for acceptable predictions of one phenological event of one insect species, while another method for calculating thermal units did not. The measure of central tendency (mean or median) that is used to estimate lower developmental temperatures and required thermal summations is another factor that pest managers can control when developing phenology models from field studies. Here, we show that predictions that were made when using phenology models based on median lower developmental temperatures and median required thermal summations were superior to predictions that were made when using phenology models based on mean lower developmental temperatures and mean required thermal summations. The use of bootstrap vs. non-bootstrap estimates of lower developmental temperatures and required thermal summations is yet another factor that pest managers can control when developing phenology models from field studies. In this study, we found that calculating and using bootstrap estimates of lower developmental temperatures and required thermal summations in phenology models did not improve the predictions of one phenological event for one insect species. The implications of these and other findings are discussed.     

Effects of climate change on phenology and primary productivity in the desert steppe of Inner Mongolia

 Variations in temperature and precipitation affect local ecosystems. Considerable spatial and temporal heterogeneity exists in arid ecosystems such as desert steppes. We analyzed the spatiotemporal dynamics of climate and vegetation phenology in the desert steppe of Inner Mongolia, China, using meteorological data from 11 stations (1961–2010) and phenology data from 6 ecological stations (2004–2012). We also estimated the gross primary production for the period of 1982–2009 and found that the annual mean temperature increased at a rate of 0.47ºC/decade during 1961–2010, with the last 10 years being consistently warmer than the 50-year mean. The most significant warming occurred in winters. Annual precipitation slightly decreased during the 50-year period, with summer precipitation experiencing the highest drop in the last 10 years, and spring precipitation, a rise. Spatially, annual precipitation increased significantly in the northeast and eastern central area of the region next to the typical steppe. From 2004 to 2012, vegetation green-up and senescence date advanced in the area, shortening the growing season. Consequently, the primary productivity of the desert steppe decreased along precipitation gradient from southeast to northwest. Temporally, productivity increased during the period of 1982–1999 and significantly decreased after 2000. Overall, the last decade witnessed the most dramatic climatic changes that were likely to negatively affect the desert steppe ecosystem. The decreased primary productivity, in particular, decreases ecosystem resilience and impairs the livelihood of local farmers and herdsmen.     

Effects of the invasive shrub,Lantana camara,on soil properties in the Eastern Cape,South Africa

Lantana camara L. is an invasive alien shrub of worldwide significance due to its impacts on biodiversity. It can alter the soil properties of invaded ecosystems and, as a result, affect management outcomes. However, knowledge on the impacts of L. camara on soil properties is scanty, especially in South Africa, despite the pervasive presence of the plant in the country. In this comparative study, the soils underneath L. camara were assessed in order to determine if they had different properties (soil physico‐chemical properties, penetration resistance, infiltration, hydraulic conductivity and water repellency) in comparison to the soils in adjacent natural sites in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Soil samples were collected from the top soil beneath the canopy of both L. camara‐invaded and adjacent natural sites in five different locations over three summer months. The soils that were collected from underneath L. camara had a significantly higher total C, total P, gravimetric soil moisture (in November and December) and were repellent, compared to the soils in the adjacent natural sites. Soil penetration resistance was significantly higher in the natural sites than in the L. camara‐invaded sites. The soil hydraulic conductivity, soil infiltration rate, soil pH, exchangeable cations and total N showed no significant difference between the invaded and the natural sites. It appears that the soils underneath L. camara have a high total C and total P, soil moisture and are repellent, thus influencing nutrient cycling, potentially making the soil properties underneath it ideal for its own growth. This could contribute to the success of L. camara as an invasive species.     

Towards an improved understanding of the dynamics of vineyard-infesting Scaphoideus titanus leafhopper populations for better timing of management activities

BACKGROUND: This paper deals with supervised management of Scaphoideus titanus (Homoptera Cicadellidae) and describes a phenology model designed for improving the understanding of the within‐vineyard dynamics and the timing of insect growth regulator (IGR) applications. RESULTS: The model consists of five components dealing with (a) the beginning of the post‐dormancy development of overwintering eggs, (b) the egg hatching patterns, (c) the duration of first‐instar nymphs, (d) the development and survival of subsequent instars and (e) the stochastic development of cohorts and their passage into the adult stage. Laboratory data permitted the parameterisation of temperature‐dependent development and survival functions. Field data consisting mainly of beating tray catches allowed model parameterisation and validation. The model satisfactorily predicts the dynamics of age structures, the beginning as well as the pattern of egg hatching, the occurrence of the third instar and the emergence of adults. CONCLUSION: The phenology model is useful for timing IGR applications and for setting up monitoring activities in supervised S. titanus control. The model is an entry point into an adaptive management system, in that real‐time weather and monitoring data are continuously integrated into the model for improving its explanatory and predictive capabilities. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Crawler phenology and generation development of the Florida wax scale,ceroplastes floridensis,on citrus planted in two soil types

Appearance of Florida wax scale (FWS) crawlers in citrus groves planted in sandy soil preceded that in groves planted in loam. The duration of crawler presence was longer on citrus in loam than in sandy soil. Mean age, as expressed by weighted developmental stage, yielded a linear regression with time. FWS develops two generations per year, which on sandy soil appear earlier and develop faster to the preovipositional stage than on loam. The size of ovipositing females was in direct correlation with the duration of development.     

河南漯河灯下地老虎种群监测及动态分析

为了解漯河地区地老虎类成虫的种群动态,2006年-2021年,在河南省漯河利用虫情测报灯对其成虫种群进行了持续监测。结果表明,16年诱集的地老虎类害虫共计4种44 899头,主要包括小地老虎Agrotis ipsilon(Hüfnagel)、大地老虎A.tokionis Butler、黄地老虎A.segetum(Denis et Schiffermüller)和八字地老虎Xestia c-nigrum(Linnaeus),不同种类间年诱虫量差异较大。混合种群发生盛期在5月下旬至8月上旬。小地老虎在河南漯河1年可见4代成虫,以第1代诱虫量最大;诱虫高峰主要集中在5月下旬至7月上旬(1代)和7月上旬至8月上旬(2代);近16年间小地老虎在各年均为优势种,但其虫量和诱虫的比例在近几年呈明显下降的趋势。黄地老虎年度诱虫量在近几年上升趋势明显,诱虫高峰主要集中在6月中旬至7月上旬。大地老虎成虫盛发期在10月上旬至10月下旬,八字地老虎所占比例有所上升,但全年无明显的诱虫高峰;而且这两个种类的诱虫数量较少。     

Impact of Foliar Diseases on Photosynthesis, Protein Content and Seed Yield of Alfalfa and Efficacy of Fungicide Application

Foliar pathogens attack alfalfa wherever the crop is grown, but their impact, especially on seed production, is poorly understood. In greenhouse trials, leaf spot injury caused by inoculation with various pathogens reduced the crude protein content of infected alfalfa leaves by 22% compared with a healthy control. There was a negative relationship between disease injury and the photosynthetic efficiency of alfalfa plants, as determined by measuring chlorophyll fluorescence in leaves from inoculated vs. non-inoculated seedlings. In field trials at two sites in Alberta from 2001 to 2003, inoculation with Phoma medicaginis increased disease incidence in four of six trials, Phoma sclerotioides increased incidence in four of five trials, and Leptosphaerulina trifolii and Stemphylium botryosum increased incidence in two of six trials. There was a trend for inoculation treatments to reduce seed yield, despite high levels of background infection by indigenous pathogens. The fungicides benomyl and propiconazole inhibited radial growth of Phoma spp. in vitro and reduced disease incidence in inoculated greenhouse experiments. In field trials, applications of benomyl and propiconazole reduced disease incidence, but did not always increase seed yield.     

广西旱地作物主要金龟子种类及其发生动态初步调查

2011-2013年, 通过挖土调查和太阳能诱虫灯系统调查了广西各地旱地作物金龟子的种类及其种群动态。统计结果表明, 全区共采集到金龟子4个科56种, 发生盛期为4月底至7月上旬; 各地发生种类和时期不同, 主要优势种为深绿异丽金龟、红脚异丽金龟、异丽金龟和桐黑异丽金龟, 发生盛期分别为5月下旬至7月中旬、6月中旬至8月上旬、5月中旬至6月中旬、5月中旬至6月下旬。     

Eradication of feral goats enhances expansion of the invasive shrub Leucaena leucocephala on Nakoudo‐jima,an oceanic island

Many introduced species can co‐exist within the same ecosystem and sometimes interact with each other. Under such situations, eradication of one species may cause unexpected negative effects. Nakoudo‐jima in the Ogasawara (Bonin) Islands is an oceanic island that had feral goats that were introduced in the 1880s, but eradicated in 1999. Following their eradication, the alien invasive shrub Leucaena leucocephala (Fabaceae) was predicted to increase drastically. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the eradication of feral goats enhanced the expansion of L. leucocephala using four time‐series aerial photographs and validation work based on current field surveys of Nakoudo‐jima. Our results showed that following feral goat elimination, bare ground areas decreased and forest cover increased. This was particularly true of areas dominated by L. leucocephala. Thus, feral goats appear to have limited the expansion of L. leucocephala on Nakoudo‐jima. Grassland cover also increased following feral goat elimination, but this may have occurred prior to L. leucocephala expansion. These results suggest that L. leucocephala‐dominated forest might invade grassland areas and that grasslands may have mediated the expansion of L. leucocephala after feral goat elimination. Future management of L. leucocephala should target the species in the high‐risk expansion zones adjacent to grasslands.     

Damage and control of the invasive African black beetle Heteronychus arator F. (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in Southern highlands of Tanzania

The invasive, polyphagous Heteronychus arator F. is a serious pest of maize and pasture in Africa, South America and Oceania. The pest is less researched in Africa. A study was conducted in Njombe Region, Tanzania, in 2013/2014, to evaluate the effects of an insecticide, intercropping and strip tillage on populations of H. arator. Treatments were laid in a Complete Randomised Block Design. Results showed that H. arator significantly affected above-ground biomass, cob length and grain yield. Least damage was recorded in the insecticide-treated plots. Results suggest integration of strip tillage, intercropping and insecticides is effective in managing H. arator.     

新疆吉木萨尔县林场大、中型土壤动物群落组成及季节动态研究

为探讨山地生态系统不同生境对大、中型土壤动物群落结构特征的影响,分别于2009年4月、7月及9月对天山北麓中段吉木萨尔县林场山地生态系统的5种不同生境,即云杉林、山前草甸、山地草原、山地农田及山间河滩中的大、中型土壤动物群落进行了采样研究。共捕获大、中型土壤动物个体14727只,分别隶属于6门16纲39目(40类)。其中弹尾目和真螨目为优势类群,二者分别占总数的38.61%,25.54%。鞘翅目、寄螨目、膜翅目、蜘蛛目、鞘翅目幼虫、双翅目幼虫、颤蚓目、鳞翅目幼虫等8类为常见类群,共占总数的26.38%,优势类群和常见类群共占总数是的90.53%,这二类组成了该区大、中型土壤动物的基本成分。其余的30类为稀有类群,占总数的9.47%。研究还发现,山地不同生境大、中型土壤动物类群和个体数之间、不同季节之间、不同土层之间以及群落多样性之间均存在显著差异(P>0.05)。通过该区不同生境大、中型土壤动物群落的聚类和排序结果,将5种不同山地生境分为云杉林-山地草原生境类型和山前草甸-山地耕地-山间河滩生境类型两大类型。     

Morphological and physiological responses of the invasive weed Isatis tinctoria to contrasting light, soil-nitrogen and water

We evaluated the morphological and physiological responses to contrasting above- and below-ground resources for the invasive weed, Isatis tinctoria L. (dyer's woad). Plants were grown under low and high levels of light [shade (50% of ambient) and full sun], soil water (50 and 100 mL day⁻¹), and soil nitrogen (N) (0 and 20 mg N kg⁻¹ soil) in 8 L pots in 63 day glasshouse experiments conducted during winter and spring. Soil-N enrichment did not increase any of the growth variables (shoot and root dry mass, shoot:root ratio, leaf area, and specific leaf area) or physiological variables (stomatal conductance and ¹³C discrimination) in either experiment. The absence of plasticity in response to changes in soil-N supply suggests that I. tinctoria may survive and persist in nutrient-poor conditions by having low-N requirements, low-N productivity, or both. In contrast, plants compensated for shaded conditions by altering leaf area, specific leaf area, and shoot:root ratio to improve light capture. We discuss the potential mechanisms whereby response to these variable resources may be associated with a series of adaptations that favour the ability to tolerate and colonize harsh, nutrient-poor conditions, as well as invade shaded and undisturbed sites.     

Spread dynamics and agricultural impact of Sorghum halepense,an emerging invasive species in Central Europe

Sorghum halepense is a serious weed and reservoir for pathogens of crops worldwide that has recently spread in Austria. On the basis of an exhaustive distribution data set (302 records), we analysed the spread dynamics and agricultural impact. The first record of S. halepense was recorded in 1871, but the species remained rare until 1970. After a moderate increase in records until 1990, it has recently expanded strongly (>70% of all records have been collected since 1990), in particular, in the lowlands of eastern and southern Austria. Invasion into fields was first documented in the 1970s, but again, since 1990, S. halepense has spread strongly and fields now account for 32% of all records. In southern Austria, we found that S. halepense invasion already puts approximately 41% of grain maize fields and 40% of oil‐pumpkin fields at risk of yield losses. In cooler regions within Austria, S. halepense is still rarely recorded in fields. Sorghum halepense serves as a reservoir for the maize dwarf mosaic virus, as it was found in 38% of 21 samples collected in southern Austria. Invasion of S. halepense in fields was most likely assisted by frequent secondary dispersal and intensive maize and oil‐pumpkin cultivation. Given the fast and on‐going spread in fields, which is likely to continue under climate warming, our results provide evidence that S. halepense will cause serious impacts for agriculture in Austria and probably in other countries of Central Europe.