Decision support system for economic analysis of grasshopper treatment operations in the African Sahel

A decision support system for benefit/cost analysis of chemical treatment of the Senegalese grasshopper, Oedaleus senegalensis (Krauss) (OSE), was created to assist in the training, analysis, and management of grasshopper treatment programmes. The system, known as GHLSIM, has linked simulation models, databases, and a user interface. Millet and sorghum phenology and yields are estimated by an FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization, United Nations) soil water deficit model. Outputs from the PRIFAS (Programme de Recherches Interdisciplinaire Français sur les Acridiens du Sahel) OSE biomodel, including daily grasshopper life stages and favourability for development, are converted to density estimates using survey data, oviposition rates, and natural and insecticide-caused mortality. Crop loss is estimated through crop injury units — a function of grasshopper stage densities, consumption rates, crop preference, crop stage susceptibility, and non-crop vegetation greenness. Second-year benefits of treatment are estimated from end-of-season egg-pod densities. The model was calibrated using published economic thresholds for four crop stages. Yield increases from a late-season grasshopper aerial treatment campaign, 22 September — 19 October 1987, at 13 sites in eastern Chad were estimated at 33%±20% (s.e.). Benefit/cost ratios were 2.6±0.5 for the first season, and 3.8±0.7 with second-year effects added. The analysis indicated that optimal timing was 5–10 days earlier than the actual treatments. Crop yield reports from treated and non-treated areas, a crop loss assessment conducted in Batha, Chad in October 1987 and a break-even analysis provide further evidence that the campaign was successful and cost-effective at most sites, as indicated by model results.     

"十一五"期间提高大洼县农民收入的对策与途径

总结了农业发展单纯依靠农产品价格提高,农业结构不合理,农产品加工业落后,剩余劳动力较多等制约大洼县农民增收的主要因素,提出了加大农业结构调整力度,大力实施节水、节肥农业,做大做强企业,推进农民外出务工等增收的对策与途径,为大洼县“十一五”期间实现农民人均纯收入达6500元打下坚实基础。     

Environmental impact of the locust control agents fenitrothion, fenitrothion–esfenvalerate and triflumuron on terrestrial arthropods in Madagascar

The field toxicity of three chemical locust control agents to terrestrial non-target arthropods was investigated in small- and large-scale field trails in the recession area of the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria capito (Sauss.) (Orthoptera: Acrididae), in Southwestern Madagascar. The insecticides were applied as full cover sprays on 16 ha (1994) and 400 ha (1995) plots, respectively. The relative abundance of more than 40 arthropod taxa (combined 1994 and 1995 trials) was monitored during 4 weeks before and at least 12 weeks after treatment. The organophosphate fenitrothion (F, 1994) caused significant medium to long-term population declines of >75% in several epigeal non-target insect taxa (springtails, ants, Zophosis madagascariensis Deyrolle (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)) and was classified as a high risk product. Non-target grasshoppers were reduced by about 50–60%. Springtail relative abundance returned to pre-spray levels in the following season. Significant effects of the organophosphate–pyrethroid combination fenitrothion–esfenvalerate (FE, 1995) were usually <75% (medium risk). However, springtails responded as sensitive to this product as to fenitrothion, and there were no indications of recovery over the 12 week post-treatment observation period. The insect growth regulator (IGR) triflumuron (TFM, 1994 and 1995) posed a low risk to ground-dwelling insects except for orthopterans (crickets and grasshoppers) and caterpillars which were significantly reduced for several weeks (moderate risk). Vegetation dwelling and flying insects were moderately affected by FE. Non-target butterfly densities increased towards the end of the trial which appeared to be related to a significant reduction in hymenopteran predators and parasitoids. TFM had a marked effect on butterflies (>60%), but was harmless to the other insects. Spiders responded less sensitively to pesticide stress than insects, but orb web spiders were significantly reduced by fenitrothion-esfenvalerate. The breakdown of organic matter was not affected by any of the insecticides. The results suggest the following relative field toxicity ranking: TFM相似文献   

Early blight in South Africa: Knowledge, attitudes and control practices of potato growers

Summary A survey of control practices and grower perceptions of early blight in South Africa was conducted from May 2001 — July 2002 using an informally structured questionnaire. Questionnaires were collected from the 10 largest of the 14 potato production regions in South Africa. The predominant control method for early blight was the use of fungicides with mancozeb or chlorothalonil as active ingredient. Most respondents commence spraying at flowering and spray at 7–10 day intervals thereafter. BP1, Up-to-date and Mondial were the most commonly planted cultivars. The majority of farmers indicated that they would be willing to use an early blight decision support system if an accurate and cost-effective one was available, and that they believe more research is necessary on early blight in South Africa. Estimated economic losses ranged from 1–60%, with the average being approximately 20%. This is the first such survey to be conducted in South Africa.     

冬季亚麻杂草种类危害及防除研究

本文调查研究了州内亚麻种植地区的田块杂草种类、分布和发生规律。查清杂草共有101种，隶属25科，发生危害重的有7科26种，占25．74％；双子叶杂草77种，占76．23％，单子叶杂草22种，占21．78％，蕨类杂草2种，占1．98％。一年生杂草42种，占42．58％，越年或一年生杂草29种，占28．7l％，多年生杂草30种，占29．7l％。杂草随亚麻的播种而生长，至枞形期达最高峰，88—1231株／m^2。防治上在亚麻枞形期（株高5—10cm）、杂草2—3叶期选择50％敌草隆＋5％精喹禾灵或50％敌草隆＋56％二甲四氯钠盐，兑水喷雾，防除效果达90％以上。     

我国甜菜病虫草害种类分布及化学防治历程

我国甜菜三北产区,苗期发生的主要害虫有5种,其中以象虫为害最重,东北产区的优势种为蒙古土象,华北、西北产区的优势种为甜菜象;生长中期发生的主要害虫有8种;生长后期发生的主要害虫有7种,其中以甘蓝夜蛾、甜菜夜蛾为害最重。各甜菜主产区普遍发生的病害种类有:立枯病、根腐病、丛根病、褐斑病;普遍发生的甜菜草害种类有:稗草、柳叶刺蓼、反枝苋。在今后一段时期内,甜菜病虫草害的防治应以化学防治为主,生物防治为辅;化学防治应以高效低毒农药为主导;应加强种衣剂的研制、开发、应用,提倡混合施药。     

大豆地下害虫生物生态控制

针对大豆一般地下害虫为害特点、主要种类生活习性,采取相应的生物生态控制策略进行归纳总结,充分利用自然资源———植物源农药、昆虫病原微生物、天敌进行生物防治,利用生态措施对大豆地下害虫进行控制,为大豆生产实践提供参考。     

化学用药及田埂作物对稻田蜘蛛的影响初探

为探明化学防治和田间作物布局对稻田蜘蛛的影响,对协调防控田、农户自防田和观测圃同期的田间蜘蛛数量进行调查与比较,并分析了田埂作物对稻田蜘蛛数量的影响。结果表明,相比农户自防区,协调防控田的蜘蛛得到有效保护;合理增加作物多样性可明显提高稻田蜘蛛数量。     

Latent infection of Botrytis cinerea in rose flowers and combined chemical and physiological control of the disease

A high percentage of rose flowers collected during winter from greenhouses around Israel developed grey mould disease when incubated in the laboratory in favourable conditions. Symptomless flowers of various cultivars were incubated in a humidity chamber after surface disinfection. More than 50% of the symptomless flowers yielded the pathogen Botrytis cinerea Pers., thus showing the presence of latent infection which probably occurred 3–8 days earlier in the commercial greenhouses. Initially, the symptoms which occurred on affected petals were mainly restricted lesions. However, when flowers were incubated under favourable conditions, necrosis developed and spread. Chemical control of grey mould was tested on cut rose flowers. Partial control of the disease was correlated with reduction in necrosis and a relative increase in restricted lesions (<2 mm in diameter). Of the 18 fungicides which were tested, the following were the most efficient during incubation at 20°C: metomeclan, dichlofluanid, myclozolin, N-phenylcarbamate plus carbendazim (NPC + MBC), polyoxin D, prochloraz and iprodione. When incubated at 10°C, the most effective fungicides against grey mould of rose flowers were NPC + MBC, polyoxin D, chlorothalonil, the detergent Tween 20, and the inhibitor of ethylene activity, silver thiosulphate (STS). Diphenylamine was more effective at 4°C than at 10° or 20°C. STS in combination with each of the fungicides chlorothalonil, polyoxin B, myclozolin or merpan was additively more effective than STS or each of the respective fungicides alone.     

Effectiveness and chemical pest control of Bt-cotton in the Yangtze River Valley, China

The paper determines what might be the factors beneath the limited or reduced effectiveness being observed in China. The analysis is based on the data collected for several years from many locations in the Yangtze River Valley Varietal Experiment Network. All varieties declared to be Bt-cotton were confirmed to have the Bt-gene, the expression of which was assessed in three ways: through the analysis of Bt-protein production and through indoor and outdoor bioassays. Gene expression varied substantially between varieties and between years for the few varieties which were tested in two subsequent years. The Bt-cotton varieties being sown cannot control bollworms totally and this led to spray chemicals regardless of the real infestation level. Farmers are hence paying high prices for varieties which are not totally resistant to bollworms and pest control costs are not reduced to the extent that they might expect, lowering the profitability of cotton production.     

Current control methods for diamondback moth and other brassica insect pests and the prospects for improved management with lepidopteran-resistant Bt vegetable brassicas in Asia and Africa

The diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (L.), remains a major pest of brassica crops worldwide. DBM has been estimated globally to cost US$ 1 billion in direct losses and control costs. Chemical control of this pest remains difficult due to the rapid development of resistance to insecticides and to their effect on natural enemies. These problems are especially severe in South Asia and Africa where lack of knowledge, limited access to newer and safer insecticides, and a favourable climate result in DBM remaining a serious year-round pest which substantially increases the cost and uncertainty of crop production. Despite these problems, application of synthetic insecticides remains overwhelmingly the most common control strategy. Biologically-based efforts to control DBM in Africa and Asia have focused strongly on parasitoid introductions. However, despite the identification and deployment of promising parasitoids in many regions, these efforts have had limited impact, often because farmers continue early-season spraying of broad-spectrum insecticides that are lethal to parasitoids and thus exacerbate DBM outbreaks. A significant driver for this pattern of insecticide use is the presence of aphids and other pests whose appearance initiates inappropriate spraying. Despite often extensive training of producers in farmer field schools, many growers seem loath to discard calendar or prophylactic spraying of insecticides. The introduction of an IPM technology that could replace the use of broad-spectrum insecticides for DBM and other key Lepidoptera is crucial if the benefits of parasitoid introduction are to be fully realised. The deployment of DBM-resistant brassicas expressing proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis could help to break this cycle of insecticide misuse and crop loss, but their deployment should be part of an integrated pest management (IPM) package, which recognises the constraints of farmers while addressing the requirement to control other Lepidoptera, aphids and other secondary pests.     

Propagation and release of natural enemies for control of cotton insect and mite pests in the United States

The state of the art for controlling four primary pests or pest complexes by augmentative releases of predators and parasitoids in the United States is reviewed. The pests are (1) the bollworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) and tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (F.), (2)_the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis (Boheman), (3) the pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) and (4) plant bugs, specifically Lygus spp. Rearing of the predators and parasitoids and identification and the use of behaviour-modifying chemicals are described and discussed.     

The Use of Saline Water in Agriculture in the Near East and North Africa Region: Present and Future

SUMMARY

Salinity is a major problem that negatively impacts agricultural activities in many regions in the world, and especially the Near East and North Africa region. Generally, salinity problems increase with increasing salt concentration in irrigation water. Crop growth reduction due to salinity is generally related to the osmotic potential of the root-zone soil solution. This will lead to certain phenological changes and substantial reduction in productivity. Salinity also affects the soil physical properties. Sewage treated wastewater is an alternative water source for irrigation. Using such wastewater will provide a new water resource to expand agricultural activities as well as reduce the environmental pollution. Each country in the region has a unique system of rules and regulations to protect the quality of water resources. Important aspects that should be taken into account when using wastewater for irrigation are discussed, including some information on the different irrigation systems used in the region, and the factors leading to success of using saline water for economic crop production. Information on the use of saline water or marginal saline soils for wheat production and improvement of irrigation systems, including old land irrigation systems, under Egyptian conditions is also presented. The regional experiences and the future prospects of using saline water for crop production that vary greatly among countries in the Near East and North Africa region are summarized. This article also presents information on special cultivation methods, such as protected agriculture and soilless culture that can help in alleviating the salinity effects. Finally, the article includes some examples on the inherited knowledge for saline agriculture that conveys the grower's experience in the Near East and North Africa region where several living examples for unique and sustainable cultivation system are still in operation. One of the most impressive cultivation techniques for bio-saline crop management in Egypt is the Edkawy production system.     

Rice striped stem borer, Chilo suppressalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), overwintering in super rice and its control using cultivation techniques

Super rice has the potential to deliver very high yields but is also susceptible to attack by the striped rice stem borer, Chilo suppressalis. In this study, surveys and field trials were performed to examine this problem and efficient ways were found to lower the borer’s population density. It was found that larger super rice plants provided more refuges for borers to evade insecticide contact and had a longer growth period allowing borers to complete their larval development in an intact environment. The current cultivation regime was shown to favour outbreaks of borers. Super rice is harvested leaving tall field stubbles until the following growing season, thus providing food and cover in which borers may successfully overwinter. We found that borer larvae were distributed to a greater height in the plants of super rice than in common rice, making control through agricultural operations more feasible. Burning fields after harvest, which killed 84.5% of borers, seemed the best remedy, though this practice is forbidden in China for ecological reasons. Leaving short stubbles followed by appropriate treatment of the rice straw killed 74.0% of the borer population. In addition, spring irrigation after the pre-pupation dispersal movements of borers killed more than half of the overwintering population. Pre-winter rotary tillage had little effect on borer numbers but enhanced the population reduction effect of irrigation the following spring. Based on the results obtained, efficient control of borers on super rice can be achieved by harvesting leaving short stubbles, followed by rotary tillage and spring irrigation. This regime can reduce the borer population by more than 98%, minimising chemical use and maximising use of a reduced agricultural workforce.     

上虞绿色防控试点茶园虫害发生情况调研

在浙江上虞地区天香茶园设置吸入式太阳能杀虫灯和黄色诱虫板开展茶园绿色防控工作,并以当地无特殊管理措施的金家茶园作为自然条件下茶树虫害发生模式参照,调查2018年6月-2020年8月期间两处茶园的茶小绿叶蝉、螨类、茶尺蠖、蓟马、蚜虫的发生情况.调查结果显示,天香茶园和金家茶园茶小绿叶蝉、螨类、蓟马和蚜虫的虫口高峰期均出现...     

Investigation of Thrips tabaci Lind. as a cotton pest and the development of strategies for its control in Punjab

Thrips tabaci Lind. migrates from the lower to the upper portion of the cotton plant as the season progresses and plants increase in size. The population level of thrips on seedlings should be determined by visual observations of leaf damage instead of scouting. The crop should be sprayed before the damage level is such that seedling leaflets have a cup-like appearance. Combined attack by thrips (14.6 per leaf) and jassid (4.6 per leaf) caused a 37.6% loss in the yield of seed cotton. Granule application at the seedling stage and foliar sprays at later stages is suggested as a control strategy. Thrips and jassids appear to be mutually exclusive but the exact mechanism is not known.     

A review of the biology and control of selected weed species in the genus Oxalis: O. stricta L., O. latifolia H.B.K. and O. pes-caprae L.

This review considers the distribution, weed problems, biology and control of Oxalis stricta, O. latifolia and O. pes-caprae. The rhizomatous O. stricta is a persistent seed-producing weed which invades horticultural crops in North America. Chemical control is generally most effective in situations where soil-applied residual herbicides can be used; in turfgrass however, foliage-applied herbicides provide suppression only. O. latifolia is widely distributed in a range of annual and perennial crops growing in temperate and tropical locations. This pernicious perennial weed reproduces exclusively by asexual structures, underground bulbs, stolons and tubers. The complexities of the perennating system have rendered ineffective a wide range of herbicide families as a means of restricting the spread of O. latifolia. Similarly, cultural methods of control have not been successful. O. pes-caprae also grows and perennates from bulbs. This weed is essentially a problem in cereal crops in Southern Australia and Mediterranean fruit orchards. Cultural and chemical control difficulties and inadequacies are similar to those in O. latifolia. Future research strategies involving weed physiology, herbicide action and cultural control including biological control are discussed in relation to obtaining improved control methods for the selected Oxalis species.     

Efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes (Nematoda: Rhabditida) and insecticide mixtures to control Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in corn crops

The main insect pest in Brazilian corn is fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) can be used to control this pest, and can be applied together with various insecticides. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the efficacy of mixtures of EPNs and insecticides to control S. frugiperda in corn crops. In laboratory bioassays three species of EPNs were tested (Heterorhabditis indica, Steinernema carpocapsae and Steinernema glaseri) together with 18 registered insecticides to control S. frugiperda in corn. Efficacy of association between insecticides and EPNs on S. frugiperda larvae was evaluated against the insect's third instar, 2 and 4 days after applications in laboratory. Experiments in the field were performed in two consecutive years, with located application of H. indica and S. carpocapsae (250 IJs/cm²) mixed with chlorpyrifos (0.3 L/ha) and lufenuron (0.15 L/ha) on the corn husk. In laboratory, after two days exposure the interaction between chlorpyrifos and H. indica was synergistic, while interaction with cypermethrin, spinosad, methoxyfenozide and deltamethrin + triazofos was additive, as was interaction between lufenuron, chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin with S. carpocapsae. In contrast, the interaction between chlorpyrifos (Vexter™ and Lorsban™) and lufenuron with S. glaseri was synergistic. In the field, the best treatment was the mixture of H. indica with lufenuron (0.15 L/ha), with 62.5% and 57.5% larval mortality in the two evaluation years in the field, respectively.     

Dangerous Relations in the Arctic Marine Food Web: Interactions between Toxin Producing Pseudo-nitzschia Diatoms and Calanus Copepodites

Diatoms of the genus Pseudo-nitzschia produce domoic acid (DA), a toxin that is vectored in the marine food web, thus causing serious problems for marine organisms and humans. In spite of this, knowledge of interactions between grazing zooplankton and diatoms is restricted. In this study, we examined the interactions between Calanus copepodites and toxin producing Pseudo-nitzschia. The copepodites were fed with different concentrations of toxic P. seriata and a strain of P. obtusa that previously was tested to be non-toxic. The ingestion rates did not differ among the diets (P. seriata, P. obtusa, a mixture of both species), and they accumulated 6%–16% of ingested DA (up to 420 µg per dry weight copepodite). When P. seriata was exposed to the copepodites, either through physical contact with the grazers or separated by a membrane, the toxicity of P. seriata increased (up to 3300%) suggesting the response to be chemically mediated. The induced response was also triggered when copepodites grazed on another diatom, supporting the hypothesis that the cues originate from the copepodite. Neither pH nor nutrient concentrations explained the induced DA production. Unexpectedly, P. obtusa also produced DA when exposed to grazing copepodites, thus representing the second reported toxic polar diatom.     

Responses of the alien leaf miners Liriomyza trifolii and Liriomyza huidobrensis (Diptera: Agromyzidae) to some pesticides scheduled for their control in the UK

Baseline responses to a range of pesticides scheduled for the statutory eradication of outbreaks of Liriomyza trifolii, a leaf miner alien to the UK, were established using a topical application bioassay against a susceptible laboratory population. Using the same technique the responses of outbreak populations of L. trifolii, and also the related species L. huidobrensis, have been investigated. Field populations of L. trifolii showed resistance to the pyrethroids tested but no evidence of resistance to organophosphates was found. There was some evidence of resistance to gamma-HCH. L. huidobrensis showed a response to pyrethroids similar to that of resistant L. trifolii, and levels of tolerance to organophosphates approximately eight times that of susceptible L. trifolii. The response to gamma-HCH was similar to that of susceptible L. trifolii.