Association of the inhibitor of virus replication with resistance mechanisms in pepper cultivars

The kinetics of accumulation of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and the S strain of pepper mild mottle virus (PMMV) in resistant and susceptible pepper cultivars was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Crude protein extracts from noninoculated leaves of the resistant cultivar significantly inhibited TMV replication in tobacco protoplasts. Inoculation with either TMV or PMMV-S caused a slight increase in its inhibitory potency. In contrast, protein extracts from either inoculated or noninoculated leaves of the susceptible cultivar did not inhibit TMV replication in tobacco protoplasts. The protein extracts from the resistant cultivar gave a positive reaction with antibodies against the tobacco inhibitor of virus replication (IVR) in western blotting. The putative role of this IVR-like protein from the resistant cultivar in resistance against TMV is discussed.     

Sex Pheromone Traps for Monitoring the Peach Twig Borer,Anarsia lineatella Zeller: Effect of Pheromone Components,Pheromone Dose,Field Aging of Dispenser,and Type of Trap on Male Captures

The effects of ratio between sex pheromone components, pheromone dose in the dispenser, aging of dispenser in the field, and trap type on trapping efficiency of males of the peach twig borer,Anarsia lineatella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), were investigated. To attract males, the optimal ratio between pheromonal components in a binary blend containing (E)-5-decenyl acetate (E5-10:Ac): (E)-5-decenol (E5-10:OH) was 72:28 or 83:17. Dosages of 7 or 0.7 mg of the binary blend containing E5-10:Ac: E5-10:OH (72:28) were equally effective in attracting males. The effect of aging of dispenser (Israeli dispensers, loaded with 7 mg pheromone) in the field on trapping efficiency was moderate. Captures in traps baited with 4-week-old septa did not differ from those in traps baited with 1-week-old septa. The fairly slow loss of attractancy exhibited by rubber septa indicates that septa may be used for at least 4–5 weeks. At high population levels, the nonsticky IPS trap was significantly more effective in capturing males than the sticky Pherocon 1C trap; at low populations, however, the Pherocon 1C trap was better.     

Suppression of powdery mildew in squash by applications of whitewash,clay and antitranspirant materials

The incidence of powdery mildew, caused bySphaerotheca fuliginea (Schlecht. Fr.) Polacci, in squash plants, was suppressed in the field to 50–60% of that in untreated control plants by weekly sprays with whitewash (Loven or Yalbin) or clay. Loven or Yalbin sprays resulted in significant reductions in disease level, more on the adaxial (59–65%) than on the abaxial (38–52%) surface of leaves, and more on young (53–59%) than on old (12–18%) leaves. The addition of 0.1% Dabak (a commercial sticker) to the whitewashes significantly increased their efficiency (22% above that of the controls), the degree of protection being associated with whitewash concentration. Squash leaves were protected from powdery mildew also by weekly sprays of the antitranspirant Vapor Gard, to a level comparable with that achieved by a whitewash plus sticker. However, the protection levels achieved with whitewashes, clays and antitranspirant were lower than with a fungicide (propiconazole). Experiments conducted under controlled conditions resulted in higher rates of escape from infection and a lower rate of hyphal and conidial development on plants and tissues following whitewash, clay and antitranspirant treatments.     

Sex Pheromone Traps for Monitoring the European Vine Moth,Lobesia botrana: Effect of Dispenser Type,Pheromone Dose,Field Aging of Dispenser,and Type of Trap on Male Captures

The effects of dispenser type, pheromone dose in the dispenser, aging of dispenser in the field, and trap type on trapping efficiency of males of the European vine moth,Lobesia botrana Den. et Schiff. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), were investigated. LB Pherocon caps and locally manufactured septa were equally effective in attracting males to traps. Within the range of 0.1 to 100 μg pheromone/dispenser, response of males increased positively with the pheromone dose. Within the first 7 days tested, pheromone loads of 1 or 10 mg/dispenser were significantly less attractive to males than 0.1 mg/dispenser. The effect of aging of the dispenser (loaded with 1 mg pheromone) in the field on trapping efficiency was significant. Captures in traps baited with 4- and 5-week-old septa were significantly lower (by 24%) than those in traps baited with 1-week-old septa. The fairly slow loss of attractancy exhibited by rubber septa indicates that septa may be kept in traps for at least 5 weeks. The release rate of the pheromone from the Israeli dispensers (1 mg loaded) was measured in a flow system. The emission of the pheromone decreased gradually as a function of age, correlating well with the lower trap catches of field-aged septa. Release rates were reduced by 56%, 70% and 84% after 4, 5 and 6 weeks, repectively. The nonsticky IPS trap was as effective in capturing the European vine moth males as the sticky Pherocon 1C trap. The possibility of using the non-sticky, nonsaturating and easy-to-handle IPS traps may lead to better and easier monitoring of the European vine moth populations.     

Laboratory transmission of the citrus stubborn disease agent by a leafhopper from theCirculifer tenellus complex from the Jordan Valley

Citrus stubborn disease (=little leaf disease) is known to affect the size of citrus trees, and to reduce the quality and quantity of the fruit. The disease agent,Spiroplasma citri, was isolated and culturedin vitro from Oroblanco, orange and grapefruit orchards throughout the year from different regions in Israel. The agent was transmitted by a leaf-hopper from theCirculifer tenellus complex collected onAtriplex halimus plants in the southern Jordan Valley. The latent period of the agent in this vector was at least 10 days following a 3-day acquisition feeding onMatthiola incana plants. It was similar to that found for a primary isolation in culture medium (LP₅₀=21 days). The limitations of visual inspection for recording disease incidence in citrus groves were determined and this method was compared with other methods for detection of the disease agent (immunoassay and cultivation in a culture medium). Plants from various botanical families were tested for their ability to serve as hosts for the Israeli biotype of the beet leaf-hopper and for the stubborn disease agentS. citri. The possible role of IsraeliC. tenellus in the disease epidemiology is discussed.     

Seedborne infection ofAscochyta rabiei in chickpea and its transmission to aerial plant parts

Ascochyta blight of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), caused byAscochyta rabiei (Pass.) Labrousse, was found to be both externally as well as internally seedborne in nature, with the external infection being predominant. The pathogen was located primarily on or in the seed coat and in very few cases penetrated into the cotyledons and rarely, to the embryo. Seedling infection resulted from both externally as well as internally seedborne inoculum. The mode of fungal transmission from seed to the foliar plant parts was strictly non-systemic in nature.     

Effects of Neem Seed Derivatives on Brown Planthopper Symbiotes

Populations of intracellular symbiotes declined significantly in brachypterous females of the brown planthopper,Nilaparvata lugens (Stål), which were stressed during nymphal development by caging them on IR20 rice plants treated with 3% neem oil, 5% neem seed kernel aqueous extract, or 10% neem cake aqueous extract. In addition, nymphs grew poorly and symbiote populations in prospective females declined, when reared on rice plants grown in soil treated with neem cake; this indicates systemic action of bioac-tive neem constituents. Addition of custard-apple oil to neem oil did not enhance the inhibitory effects. The effects of neem derivatives on the symbiotes may be either host-mediated — possibly through disturbed neuroendocrine homeostasis, or direct — leading to perturbations of host-symbiote equilibrium.     

Behavioral studies of the mobile forms ofsynclera univocalis on jujube,zizyphus mauritiana

One- or two-day-old larvae ofSynclera univocalis Wlk. (Pyralidae: Lepidoptera) were found mostly (83%) on young leaves of jujube (Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk. var.Umran) trees; in 67% of the cases the interveinal area of the tender leaves was folded. As the larvae grew older, the sides of the leaf were folded and the larvae fed within them. The leaf was turned inward by 71% of the larvae, while the rest turned the leaf outward. In 99% of the cases only one larva was found per leaf; very rarely were larvae of two different species of webbers found on the same leaf. The occurrence of the larvae was greatest at a tree height of 1.5-2 m. The distribution of the pest in the orchard was random. The percentage of adults on leaves was significantly higher than on webs, branches, the ground, or hovering. The maximum number of adults counted was at 13.00 hours.     

The effect of diflubenzuron on Eggs and larvae ofEarias Insulana (Boisd.)

Diflubenzuron was tested for its efficacy against the eggs and larvae ofEarias insulana Boisd. in laboratory experiments. The toxicity obtained on dipping the eggs was only moderate and, moreover, the results were highly inconsistent. The mortality of larvae on an artificial diet into which the wettable powder had been incorporated, was relatively high.     

Response ofSpodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) andEarias insulana (Boisd.) larvae to azadirachtin and salannin

The effect of azadirachtin and salannin, two triterpenoids isolated from seeds of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss), on the feeding response ofSpodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) andEarias insulana (Boisd.) larvae, was investigated. Styropor (foamed polystyrene) lamellae were painted on both sides with a mixture of 5% sucrose with different concentrations of either azadirachtin or salannin dissoled in methanol-water (3∶7). Azadirachtin strongly suppressed feeding inS. littoralis larvae even at 0.001%, whereas salannin showed some antifeedant activity at 0.005% and above. Larvae ofE. insulana were deterred from feeding on azadirachtin-treated lamellae even at 0.005%, whereas salannin was effective only at 0.01% and above. Azadirachtin applied on cotton leaves deterred larvae ofS. littoralis from feeding at all concentrations ranging between 0.001 and 0.02%.     

Screening insecticides against the tobacco whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) on cotton,using a leaf cage laboratory method

Over 20 insecticides were screened against the tobacco whitefly,Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae), on cotton. AsB. tabaci feeds only on live plants, a suitable laboratory test method incorporating young cotton plants was developed. Both cover sprays and systemic insecticides applied to the soil were tested. Triazophos, pyridaphenthion, azinphos-methyl, bendiocarb and flucythrinate were found to be effective and persistent. The best of the systemic insecticides was aldicarb, followed by butocarboxim.     

Effect of Cotton leaf curl virus infected plants on the biology of the whitefly,Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae): Vector–virus mutualism

Cotton leaf curl virus (CLCuV) (Geminiviridae : Begomovirus), the causative agent of leaf curl disease in cotton plants (Gossypium hirsutum), is exclusively transmitted by whitefly species Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). CLCuV transmission occurs in Sriganganagar (Rajasthan), an area endemic with cotton leaf curl disease. The relationships between plant viruses, their herbivore vectors and host plants can be beneficial, neutral, or antagonistic, depending on the species involved. To further understand these relationships, fecundity and life history parameters of an indigenous non- b (Asia II genetic group) biotype whitefly, B. tabaci, were compared on 10, 25, and 40 days post-inoculation (DPI), in CLCuV-infected and healthy cotton plants to determine the effect of virus on its vector. The development time of the immature stages of whiteflies was significantly reduced on CLCuV-infected plants. The development time of the immature stages did not change with severity of symptoms at 25 and 40 DPI (45- and 60-d-old plants). Cotton leaf curl virus infection increased percent egg viability of B. tabaci. Whiteflies deposited significantly fewer eggs on virus-infected plants than on healthy plants. Whiteflies had better egg viability on younger plants than older plants, whereas plant age did not affect the fecundity. Male and female whiteflies had shorter longevity on CLCuV-infected plants than on healthy plants.     

Pyrethroid synergism and prevention of emergence inTribolium castaneum andMusca domestica vicina by the insect growth regulator RO 13-5223

Ethyl [2-(4-phenoxyphenoxy)ethyl] carbamate (RO 13-5223) at a dietary concentration of 100 mg kg^-1 synergized the toxicity of thetrans- andcis-isomers of permethrin and cypermethrin in inhibiting the growth (measured as gain in larval weight) ofTribolium castaneum andMusca domestica vicina. With both species the synergism factor forcis-cypermethrin with 100 mg kg^-1 synergist was 1.5- to twofold for RO 13-5223 and about fourfold for piperonyl butoxide. Synergism was more pronounced with first instar than with fourth instarT. castaneum larvae. Methoprene was not a pyrethroid synergist withT. castaneum larvae, so the synergistic effect of RO 13-5223 appears to depend on its structural features and not its insect-growth-regulator activity. Joint application of RO 13-5223 and pyrethroids resulted in a dual effect on bothT. castaneum andM. domestica: increased inhibition of larval growth due to pyrethroid synergism, and progeny suppression — expressed by larval and pupal mortality — due to RO 13-5223 juvenilizing activity.     

The overwintering mode ofBemisia tabaci and its parasitoids in Israel

Wild and cultivated plants in the vicinity of Kibbutz Nahshon and a few additional locations in Israel were sampled for the presence ofBemisia tabaci Genna-dius (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae). The whiteflies, together with their parasites,Eretmocerus mundus andEncarsia lutea, were found to develop on numerous host species throughout the winter. Especially high levels were reached onLan-tana camara, Abutilon grandifolium andIpomoea batatas. During late winter and spring the population on these hosts declined. From April onwards the populations increased on potatoes and sunflowers.     

Susceptibility of the carob moth,Ectomyelois ceratoniae,toBacillus thuringiensis

A 1% concentration ofBacillus thuringiensis wettable power (containing 16,000 IU/mg), applied at a rate of 48,000 IU/cm², killed 95% of 4th-instar larvae of the carob moth,Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), after 66 h and 100% after 85 h of exposure in laboratory tests. The mortality caused by a 0.5% concentration (24,000 IU/cm²) was significantly lower and presumably inadequate for practical application against this pest.     

Effect of triflumuron on two species of nitidulid beetles,Carpophilus hemipterus andUrophorus humeralis

Egg hatch of two nitidulids,Carpophilus hemipterus L. andUrophorus humeralis F., was affected by the chitin synthesis inhibitor triflumuron (Alsystin; BAY SIR 8514)via the adult stage of the beetle. This occurred by exposure to treated diets, by a brief dip of the adults in aqueous dilutions of the toxicant, or by contact with a treated plastic netting cage. Exposure of adults ofC. hemipterus for 24 h to 0.0125%, 0.00125%, 0.00025% or 0.000125% and ofU. humeralis to 0.0125% a.i.-treated diets completely prevented hatch of eggs laid during the subsequent 48 h on an untreated diet. Although at first sterile eggs were obtained with adults of either nitidulid species transferred to an untreated diet after 24 h exposure to the 0.0125%-treated diet, egg viability gradually recovered. The speed of recovery and the course of mortality of larvae that hatched from eggs laid by treated adults, indicated thatC. hemipterus was more susceptible thanU. humeralis to triflumuron. DippingC. hemipterus adults — males or females — in 0.0125% a.i. triflumuron also resulted in complete prevention of egg hatch. Similar results were obtained by a 1-h contact of adults with treated cages. Triflumuron had no direct ovicidal activity against the two species at the concentrations used but was very effective against larvae of both species. At 0.0125% a.i., 3-5-mm-long larvae ofU. humeralis were more tolerant than newly hatched larvae and than 3-5-mm-long larvae ofC. hemipterus. Application of 0.0125% a.i. triflumuron in a date palm grove did not prevent fruit infestation by nitidulid adults but, due to prevention of egg hatch, almost no larval development was observed.     

Effect of diflubenzuron on growth and carbohydrate hydrolases ofTribolium castaneum

The potency of diflubenzuron is much greater in inhibiting growth and development of 1st instar larvae ofTribolium castaneum than of 4th instar larvae, as expressed by death at the apolytic stage and retardation of larval development. A dose-dependent decrease in the activity of trehalase, invertase and amylase was obtainedin vivo with the increase in diflubenzuron concentration. At 5 ppm dietary concentration, a reduction of 37 and 27% in invertase and trehalase activity, respectively, was obtained in 4th instar larvae fed for 3 days on treated diet. The amylase activity was affected to a lesser extent. The observed disturbances of trehalase activity might hamper the supply of glucose needed for chitin build-up and those of invertase and amylase activity might affect feeding. Diflubenzuron does not inhibit these enzymesin vitro; hence, thein vivo effect seems to result from general disturbances in carbohydrate metabolism.     

Comparative toxicity of several insecticides to eggs,larvae and adults of the Egyptian cottonworm,Spodoptera littoralis,in laboratory trials

Insecticides commonly used in cotton fields in Israel against lepidopterous pests were tested against eggs, as well as against 2nd-instar larvae and adults raised from eggs ofSpodoptera littoralis (Boisduval) collected in cotton fields in the Bet She’an Valley. Methomyl, chlorpyrifos, methidathion, monocrotophos, ethyl parathion, and methyl parathion were effective against eggs even at low doses, profenofos and phosfolan were less active, and azinphos-methyl was ineffective. The doses needed for 90% kill (LD ₉₀ ) of the 2nd-instar larvae were 8.5, 35, 280, 1300 and 3400 g a.i./1000 m ² for chlorpyrifos, methomyl, profenofos, methyl parathion and ethyl parathion, respectively; monocrotophos was inactive against 2nd-instar larvae even at relatively high doses. The LD ₉₀ of adults was reached with 16, 32, 1700 and 6100 ga.i./l000 m² of chlorpyrifos, methomyl, ethyl parathion and profenofos, respectively. Only chlorpyrifos and methomyl gave successful control of all three stages of the insect tested, at doses close to those generally used with aerial applications.     

Honeydew staining to evaluate survival of tobacco whitefly nymphs after insecticide application

A method was developed for estimating the number of surviving tobacco whitefly (TWF),Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae), nymphs after insecticide applications, based on the number of honeydew droplets ejected by TWF nymphs in 30 minutes. Honeydew droplets excreted by live TWF nymphs on a water-sensitive paper (Ciba-Geigy) stained blue and could easily be observed and counted. To estimate the number of live nymphs on an infested cotton leaf, the number of droplets ejected during 30 min was divided by a factor of 1.29.     

A Laboratory method for estimating survival of tobacco whitefly nymphs after insecticide treatment,based on honeydew excretion

A quick and easy method for estimating the number of surviving nymphs of the tobacco whitefly (TWF),Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae), after spray applications was developed in the laboratory. The method is based on the number of honeydew droplets ejected by TWF immatures during 30 minutes. Since the nymphs ofB. tabaci feed on the lower leaf surfaces, the honeydew excreted falls downward. In this study infested cotton leaves were placed with their lower side up, forcing the nymphs to eject the honeydew droplet upwards. Inverted plastic petri dish covers were placed over infested cotton leaves and after 30 minutes the droplets deposited on the inner side of each cover were counted and the average number of droplets per nymph was calculated. To estimate the number of live nymphs on an infested cotton leaf, the number of droplets ejected during 30 minutes was divided by the average number of droplets per nymph (factor of 1.23).