Common vole (Microtus arvalis) ecology and management: implications for risk assessment of plant protection products

Common voles (Microtus arvalis) are common small mammals in some European landscapes. They can be a major rodent pest in European agriculture and they are also a representative generic focal small herbivorous mammal species used in risk assessment for plant protection products. In this paper, common vole population dynamics, habitat and food preferences, pest potential and use of the common vole as a model small wild mammal species in the risk assessment process are reviewed. Common voles are a component of agroecosystems in many parts of Europe, inhabiting agricultural areas (secondary habitats) when the carrying capacity of primary grassland habitats is exceeded. Colonisation of secondary habitats occurs during multiannual outbreaks, when population sizes can exceed 1000 individuals ha^?1. In such cases, in‐crop common vole population control management has been practised to avoid significant crop damage. The species' status as a crop pest, high fecundity, resilience to disturbance and intermittent colonisation of crop habitats are important characteristics that should be reflected in risk assessment. Based on the information provided in the scientific literature, it seems justified to modify elements of the current risk assessment scheme for plant protection products, including the use of realistic food intake rates, reduced assessment factors or the use of alternativee focal rodent species in particular European regions. Some of these adjustments are already being applied in some EU member states. Therefore, it seems reasonable consistently to apply such pragmatic and realistic approaches in risk assessments for plant protection products across the EU. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry     

European Field Voles of the Genus Pitymys McMurtrie and their Damage in Agriculture,Horticulture and Forestry1

Research has been carried out to establish the actual incidence in European agriculture and forestry of damage by voles belonging to the genus Pitymys McMurtrie. Unfortunately, the great uncertainty remaining in the taxonomy of these voles and the practical difficulty of recognizing the species responsible for specific damage do not allow us to form, as yet, a complete picture of the situation. Nevertheless, it has been shown that, in Europe, Pitymys voles which are responsible for damage to agricultural crops (irregularly and with varying intensities) can, essentially, be placed in one of the following fundamental species groups:subterruneus (de Sélys Longcharnps), savii (de Séys Longchamps) or duodecimcostutus (de Sélys Longchamps). Without doubt, greatest damage appears to be done by voles of the species group savii which, in a decidedly more southern distribution area, brings about serious damage, particularly to horti-floricultural crops in the Italian peninsula. In Italy, where the Pitymys problem is perhaps more noticeable than anywhere else, the control methods used tend to be inefficacious and do not answer the problem. We hope, therefore, besides conducting a comprehensive biological study of this species group, to carry out adequate experimentation towards developing methods for testing the latest rodenticides as to their efficacy against Pitymys and to develop an adequate application technique.     

Ecological and Toxicological Bases of Directed Control of Arvicola terrestris (L.) and Microtus arvalis (Pallas) in Agricultural Crops 1

In order to protect crops during outbreaks of Arvicola terrestris (L.) or Microtus arvalis (Pallas), it is necessary to have formulations with acute action and high rodenticidal potential; rodenticides should be applied as baits corresponding to the hygrotrophic specialization of the species. When compared with zinc phosphide, Gliftor provides reliable control of voles in any season. The outlook of bactorodencide (bacterial preparation) applications is being determined with particular reference to their ecological effects.     

Outbreak of Arvicola terrestris in rice fields in Yugoslavia1

Macedonia is the southern boundary for the distribution of Arvicola terrestris (water vole) in the Balkan peninsula. Until recently, these voles were found in the region only sporadically, showing none of the cyclic population fluctuations characteristic of microtines in the continental part of Europe. An investigation was started in 1984 when the first visible signs of damage to rice in Ko?ansko Valley, caused by numbers of voles, were noted. Since then, population numbers have increased, reaching a density of 1000 individuals per ha on one locality. The causes of such an unexpected outbreak and the methods for determining role abundance are discussed. The construction of a dam and the extension of rice cultivation have reduced the natural habitats of both vole predators and their competitors. Increased pesticide and fertilizer usage have also affected the fauna unfavourably. Efficient control was attained by means of zinc phosphide baits, specially before the rice growing season (i. e. in winter and early spring).     

Meloidogyne chitwoodi and Meloidogyne fallax in France: initial management experiences

Since 2008, the French NPPO has been controlling two outbreaks of Meloidogyne chitwoodi and Meloidogyne fallax, in Picardie (open fields) and in Bretagne (glasshouses). Intensive investigations have been undertaken to delimit these outbreaks and to help formulate the best control management strategy to adopt in these two very different situations. In open fields, eradication measures have been implemented, with bare fallow in infested fields being adopted as the main measure, despite the impact on affected growers and high financial cost. Recently, soil analyses in fields after 2 years of bare fallow showed that neither M. chitwoodi nor M. fallax was detected in 99% of cases, and measures have now been reduced: crops such as cereals are now allowed in these fields, but no tubers or root crops can be grown. Under glasshouses, eradication was not considered feasible and so a containment strategy was followed. An extensive national survey of susceptible crops has also been carried out for early detection of possible new outbreaks.     

An efficacy test of cholecalciferol plus diphacinone rodenticide baits for California voles (Microtus californicus Peale) to replace ineffective chlorophacinone baits

California voles cause damage to pastures and rangelands, orchards and nurseries, and a wide variety of field crops, including artichokes. The anticoagulant rodenticides (chlorophacinone and diphacinone) typically used for voles are becoming less effective in controlling their populations. Consequently, there is a need to identify new rodenticides that will have a high efficacy on California voles so that agricultural production losses to rodents can be substantially reduced. We tested a new formulation containing two active ingredients (cholecalciferol and diphacinone) as a control method for California voles. Both a pelleted bait and an oil-coated artichoke bract bait were very palatable and efficacious against wild-caught, captive California voles. Efficacy levels of 70%–80% were achieved in the two-choice feeding trials. Additionally, the days-to-death (5–6 days) were less than the time-to-death with anticoagulant only baits. We recommend that a field efficacy study be conducted with cholecalciferol plus diphacinone bait formulations to determine their field performance in the reduction of agricultural damage by California voles.     

Fossorial Forms of the Water Vole,Arvicola terresths (L.), in Europe1

The species Arvicola terrestris (L.) comprises 2 main life types:an aquatic form which is more common, and a form with fossorial habits which is confined to continental Europe, from the Cantabric Cordilliera to the Carpathian Mountains. However, forms inhabiting a primary wet biotope and a secondary dry one occur in a large border zone in the north of the range of the fossorial form. The fossorial type lives underground in grassland and some types of crops. Very recently, the structure and the occupation of burrows of this subterranean rodent were studied, as well as its digging behaviour and rhythm of activity. The fossorial form of A. terrestris is very easily captured, which makes it possible to estimate its density and to follow population evolution. This microtine shows cyclic population fluctuations and, during outbreaks, causes severe damage to grassland, both by its burrowing activity and by consuming plants. In orchards, it gnaws root systems of fruit trees, mainly of apples. Damage is also serious in gardens and in horticultural crops, especially to plants with fleshy roots. This vole does not eat cereals and does not invade forests. Control methods generally used are surface treatment with organochlorine insecticides (banned in most countries), poisoning (but no efficacious toxic baits are available), fumigation of burrow systems and trapping. Taxonomic research is needed for a better understanding of the status of the different life types of A. terrestris. The biological, ecological and ethological characteristics of these forms must be defined in order to develop and test adequate control methods.     

A Program for Control of Damage by the Field Vole,Microtus agrestis (L.), in Seed Orchards of Forest Trees1

For providing high-quality seed for forest nurseries, a large-scale seed cultivation program, including laying down 3,790 ha of seed orchards of pine, spruce and other forest trees, was established in Finland in the early 1960's. In particular, pine grafts are extremely vulnerable to damage by rodents, especially the field vole, Microtus agrestis (L.). An integrated rodent control program for all the existing seed orchards was established in 1969. From that time, rodent populations were surveyed every year according to a common scheme based on the Small Quadrat Method (SQM). Short-term forecasts and specific control instructions were issued shortly after the survey. Earlier, the principal method of controlling voles was surface treatment with endrin. At present, the bulk of grafts is protected by mechanical guards round the stems. Investments in guard materials, as well as labour costs of preparing and installing the guards, constituted more than 90% of all control costs from 1969 to 1976, and amounted to about 5 million Fmk. Total costs of rodent surveillance and supervision of the program were about 6% of control costs. Since the establishment of this integrated control program, the absolute numbers of grafts destroyed has considerably decreased, even though the area of seed orchards had more than doubled; thus the large investments in vole control have already been recovered.     

Plagues of Microtus arvalis in grassland areas in The Netherlands1

The Microtus arvalis outbreaks in 1974 and 1980 in the Dutch grassland area of the Alblasserwaard raised doubts about the validity of a theory of the disappearance of the vole plagues developed earlier, in which intensive use of grassland was indicated as the key factor. The meaning of intensive use is analysed and the occurrence of a ‘relative neglect’ in this area is postulated. In recent years, improvements in grassland management have been observed. Land consolidation projects, such as the one in progress in the area at the time of the outbreaks, are generally favourable, but may cause a transitory instability and so even enhance the rise of plagues. It seems that the situation has stabilized, as little damage occurred during the last 2 potential outbreak years. Chemical control is not expected to offer a solution during an outbreak.     

The control of mole,water vole and muskrat with phosphine1

The number of rodenticides for control of outdoor rodents and the number of uses of the remaining products is declining. Phosphine is valued highly because it causes no secondary poisoning and is considered to be environmentally safe. Although it has been used against mole (Talpa europaea) and water vole (Arvicola terrestris) in some countries for decades, in other countries a breakthrough is more recent. The development of a new formulation, generating phosphine rapidly, may also contribute to a wider use. In the Netherlands investigations have been undertaken on the mode of application against mole and water vole. Experiments against muskrats (Ondathra zibethicus) show promising results. The use of phosphine against this rodent could save on labour considerably, when compared to trapping.     

Plant Damage by Bank Voles (Clethrionomys glareolus [Schreber]) and Related Species in Europe1

A survey of the ecological adaptations of the bank vole, Clethrionomys glareolus (Schreber), indicates that this species is a potential pest, particularly to forest tree seeds and bark. Observations from most parts of Europe show clear cases of damage to seeds, young shoots and buds and bark of young trees above the snow level. Worst losses appear in central and eastern Europe. The bank vole may also attack a few year old seedlings (either bark or complete consumption). Widespread seedling attacks, which are economically very important in some countries, have, however, not been definitely proven for this species. In northern Europe, the bank vole may also cause damage to hay in barns. Bank vole populations show greatest fluctuations in eastern and northern Europe. The cycle length is variable. Damage (except, possibly, seed consumption) appears mainly during or just after the appearance of peak populations. Baits with zinc phosphide seem to be the most efficient control method. A number of other preparations have been tried more or less successfully. In summary, knowledge of the economic importance of the bank vole is very restricted. Specific studies are suggested for improving such an evaluation.     

Impact of the Common Vole,Microtus arvalis (Pallas) on Winter Wheat and Alfalfa Crops1)

Impact of the common vole, Microtus arvalis (Pallas), upon the winter wheat and alfalfa crops was determined. Net-bottomed coops were used for estimating the effect of vole grazing. Exposure of winter wheat to vole grazing at the stages of earing and flowering was the most harmful. Losses were up to 91% of the potential crop yield, while the proportion of the best grain size fraction (2.8 mm) dropped to a minimum level. Coefficients reflecting the influence of vole grazing on the crop were determined. The coefficient TOTAL is an index of the total impact of consumption. The impact, I_t, at time t equals the consumption, Ct, at this time multiplied by the value of TOTAL. For alfalfa, these coefficients range from 1.28 to 11.73. The results obtained in this study have made it possible to determine the effective rodent pressure on crop yield.     

From biology to management of Savi's pine vole (Microtus savii)

Savi's pine vole (Microtus savii) is a rodent species of the Cricetidae family, inhabiting southern European agroecosystems. It is considered to be the main cause of rodent‐attributed damage in Italy. To achieve an effective management, detailed knowledge of this species is needed. However, the available information about this species is fragmentary and incomplete. In this paper, the existing knowledge of Savi's pine vole taxonomy, reproduction, population dynamics, habitat and food preferences is reviewed in order to organise available information and identify priority areas of future research. Some of the changes in farming practices that have occurred in recent decades may have increased the impact of Savi's pine vole populations in crop fields. To manage this pest species effectively, an integrated strategy is recommended (involving habitat management, trapping and, when appropriate, the use of rodenticides). The apparent lack of cyclical population outbreaks and the relatively small litter size and long gestation and interpartum period of this species suggest that it could be more manageable than other vole species, while its strict herbivorous diet, stable population size in open habitats and wide distribution seem to indicate it as an ideal model species for risk assessment studies. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry     

Prognose von Wühlmaussch?den in Forstkulturen

Zusammenfassung  In den Jahren 1980–1990 wurden auf insgesamt 100 Probefl?chen Wühlmausf?nge für die Schadensprognose in Forstkulturen durchgeführt. Die gefangenen Tiere wurden im Labor eingehender untersucht und verschiedene Parameter mit der Dichteentwicklung der Schadnager verglichen. Für einen beschr?nkten Zeitraum von etwa 3 Monaten war die ?u?erlich me?bare L?nge der m?nnlichen Gonaden mit der Populationsentwicklung korreliert. Bei einer mittleren L?nge der Testes über 3,5 mm wurde eine Zunahme der Populationsdichte beobachtet (Gradation). Bei einer geringeren Gonadenl?nge war die Populations-entwicklung rückl?ufig (Retrogradation). Dieser Zusammenhang kann für eine Schadensprognose bedeutsam sein.

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Predicting damages of voles in forest cultivations

Voles like the Field VoleMicrotus agrestis, the Common VoleM. arvalis, the Bank VoleClethrionomys glareolus and the Water VoleArvicola terrestris can cause severe damages in forest cultivations by gnawing the trunks and the roots of the young trees. Damages occur during winter time when the population density of these species is high and food resources are limited. The forecast of the development of vole populations is needed to prepare countermeasures against vole damages. The increase or decrease of a vole population can be predicted, if the fertility of the caught specimens is observed. The gonadal size of the males was a suitable predictor for the trend of the development of a vole population. The change of population density of the Bank Vole in a time interval of 3 month (September–December) was highly correlated (r=0.86) with the gonadal index of males. The percentage of pregnant or lactating femals was also a good indicator, but less suitable for practical use. It is assumed, that the hormones of the hypophysis like FSH, LH and Prolactin rule the growth of the gonads, the fertility and the reproduction in a vole population. Testis size is an indicator for the activity of these fertility hormones and for the reproductive process. It can be used to predict the development of vole populations for a limited time interval.

     

Outbreaks and Damage by the Field Vole,Microtus agrestis (L.), since World War II in Europe1

The field vole, Microtus agrestis (L.), is a major pest in horticulture and forestry in all Scandinavian countries, and an important forestry pest in certain regions in central Europe. The most common type of damage is girdling trunks of cultivated trees, usually under the snow cover. In horticulture, the apple tree is the commonest subject of injury, while, in forestry, several deciduous and conifer species are attacked. In Finland and Norway, the garden industry has suffered most, while, in Sweden, the problems are predominantly in forestry. In central Europe, M. agrestis is a forestry pest only. Summation of all losses due to the field vole since World War II amounted to somewhere between 50 and 100 million US Populations of M. agrestis normally undergo cyclic fluctuations. However, comparison of the periodicity of outbreaks in different areas reveals variations, 3 to 4-year intervals dominating in the Scandinavian countries, while the interval in central Europe is generally somewhat shorter. No overall synchrony exists over the geographical range of the species. Present knowledge concerning the demography and habitat dynamics of M. agrestis is briefly reviewed. Current possibilities for preventing damage by M. agrestis are much dependent on the individual value of the potential subjects of injury. High value stands, like apple gardens or seed orchards of forest trees, can be protected by means of mechanical guards. However, current means of combating damage in forest plantations are badly limited. Surface spraying with toxaphene and poison baits is practised in central Europe, while, in the Scandinavian countries (except Denmark), no chemical means are used today. Development of new compounds to be used as surface sprays, or specific baits for M. agrestis, is urgently needed. Research on bio-control methods should also be intensified.     

Biological control of exotic pests in Italy: recent experiences and perspectives1

In Italy, successful application of classical biological control began in the 20th century, when Berlese released the predator Rodolia cardinalis in 1901 and the parasitoid Encarsia berlesei in 1906. Later, the ‘inoculative’ method was applied many times, limiting the misuse of insecticides and therefore achieving very positive effects for both the agricultural economy and environmental protection. When the establishment of new natural enemies failed, some exotic pests continued to damage important crops, sometimes disrupting any possibility of applying Integrated Pest Management (IPM). In other cases, new associations between exotic pests and native natural enemies occurred spontaneously and the importation of new species was not necessary: when no broad-spectrum plant protection products are applied, some palaearctic parasitoids, such as Diglyphus isaea, naturally control the imported American leafminers Liriomyza trifolii and L. huidobrensis and some native predators (mainly Orius spp.) often control the exotic western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis. However, the introduction of natural enemies from the area of origin of the exotic pest is often the only alternative to chemical insecticides. Since its introduction in 1979, the American Flatid, Metcalfa pruinosa, has been spreading annually into new areas of the Mediterranean, causing severe damage to many crops because none of the indigenous natural enemies are sufficiently effective. Therefore, only the introduction of exotic natural enemies, such as the parasitoid Neodryinus typhlocybae, may reduce the outbreaks.     

Verticillium diseases of vegetable crops in Brazil: Host range,microsclerotia production,molecular haplotype network,and pathogen species determination

Recent outbreaks of Verticillium wilt diseases in various vegetable crops have been reported in Brazil. This fact was our initial stimulus to carry out a nationwide survey aiming to determine their causal agent(s). Thus far, Verticillium dahliae has been reported as the predominant species based solely on morphological traits. As other Verticillium species can be associated with wilt diseases, we characterized a collection of 80 isolates, collected across 10 agricultural Brazilian regions, by combining morphological, biological, and molecular traits. A multilocus approach was employed for identification of Verticillium species with information from three genomic regions (ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and actin genes). Only 21 out of the 80 isolates were unable to produce microsclerotia in culture. The analyses of all genomic regions indicated V. dahliae as the sole species associated with vascular wilt of distinct hosts, including major solanaceous vegetables and other hosts such as strawberry, okra, and cacao. Pathogenicity tests confirmed the infection by the V. dahliae isolates and the development of typical disease symptoms on their original hosts. This is the first nationwide characterization of Verticillium isolates associated with major vegetable crops in Neotropical areas. This provides valuable information to design sound management strategies for these diseases, mainly for establishing efficient rotation systems and for the development of resistant cultivars.     

A review of research to address carrot fly (Psila rosae) control in the UK1

Carrot fly (Psila rosae) is a serious pest of umbelliferous crops such as carrot, parsnip, celery and parsley. Carrot fly has been studied in the UK for more than 60 years. Whilst some of these studies have been focused on insecticides, others have demonstrated the potential for non‐insecticidal methods of control that might contribute to an integrated pest management strategy. These include rotation and spatial separation of susceptible crops; carrot varieties with partial resistance to carrot fly; and crop management strategies to avoid oviposition or the development of severe damage. This paper outlines some of the approaches that have been taken and indicates how these are, or might be, used in practice.     

Definition and distribution of aggressive pathotypes of Synchytrium endobioticum in Ukraine1

Aggressive pathotypes of Synchytrium endobioticum have been detected in Ukraine since 1963, mainly in the mountainous western part of the country. Potato crops are regularly surveyed to detect possible outbreaks. It has been observed that the aggressive forms attack the above-ground parts of the potato plant, as well as the underground parts, and this can assist detection. Possible foci are investigated by planting a standard replicated test with a susceptible cultivar and a cultivar resistant to the common pathotype. The distribution of S. endobioticum in Ukraine is summarized. Outbreaks are particularly found in potato plots adjoining farm buildings.