A Field Investigation into Delivery Systems for Agents to Control Moniliophthora roreri

This paper describes a factorial trial designed to investigate the delivery systems of fungal biological agents (Clonostachys rosea), applied as single strain or as strain mixture, in comparison with copper hydroxide as a chemical standard against Moniliophthora roreri in cocoa. Application techniques compared were motorised mistblowers fitted with rotary atomisers and hydraulic sprayers fitted with cone nozzles giving a narrow angle of spray. The third factor was the presence or absence of an emulsifiable rape-seed adjuvant oil in the tank mixture. Copper fungicide was the best agent for moniliasis control and resulted in the highest yield. Both the mycofungicides reduced sporulation of the pathogen. Net reduction of inoculum was best for the hydraulic sprayer-applied copper fungicide and the motorised mistblower-applied single-strain biocontrol agent. Overall, directional hydraulic sprays were found to be somewhat superior to the motorised mistblower technique, with its dissipated cone of spray. Addition of the adjuvant oil was the least important of the factors, but efficacy depended on the agent used, with a significant enhancement in the efficacy of copper with oil but a detrimental effect on C. rosea.     

Conservation genetics and implications for restoration of Hemigenia exilis (Lamiaceae), a serpentine endemic from Western Australia

Hemigenia exilis (Lamiaceae) is a rare plant endemic to serpentine soils of the Goldfields of Western Australia. The species was presumed extinct until 1995, when it was re-discovered on a nickel ore deposit. To delineate the origin and extent of seed collection for rehabilitation after mining, and to identify the impact of removing one population due to mining, we assessed level and partitioning of genetic variation and differentiation. Twelve populations were sampled for DNA fingerprinting using the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique. Ten primers produced 89 bands, 97% being polymorphic. Genetic diversity within populations ranged from 0.197 to 0.409, averaging 0.38 at the species level, which is high compared with most other endemic species. Heterozygosity within populations ranged from 0.355 to 0.431, averaging 0.27 over the species. AMOVA partitioned over 80% of the total variation within populations. Multidimensional scaling revealed weak but significant differentiation into a northern and southern provenance. Despite selective sampling, the genetic data provided useful information for the management of Hemigenia exilis. For restoration, seed should be collected from a range of habitats of several populations, while keeping the two provenances separate. This strategy is likely to maintain high genetic diversity and locally adapted populations.     

Emergence of H3N2 reassortant influenza A viruses in North American pigs

In late summer through early winter of 1998, there were several outbreaks of respiratory disease in the swine herds of North Carolina, Texas, Minnesota and Iowa. Four viral isolates from outbreaks in different states were analyzed, both antigenically and genetically. All of the isolates were identified as H3N2 influenza viruses with antigenic profiles similar to those of recent human H3 strains. Genotyping and phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the four swine viruses had emerged through two different pathways. The North Carolina isolate is the product of genetic reassortment between human and swine influenza viruses, while the others arose from reassortment of human, swine and avian viral genes. The hemagglutinin genes of the four isolates were all derived from the human H3N2 virus circulating in 1995. It remains to be determined if either of these recently emerged viruses will become established in the pigs in North America and whether they will become an economic burden.     

Residues of pesticide co-formulants in lettuce and parsley: Identification of decline processes using field trials in different cropping systems

BACKGROUND

Although co-formulants constitute a substantial portion of the total plant protection product (PPP) mass applied to crops, data on residue formation and the behaviour of these substances on plants are scarce. In an earlier study we demonstrated that co-formulants commonly used in PPPs can form considerable residues, i.e., in the low to medium mg/kg range, but normally decline rapidly within few days. In the field trial reported here, we aimed to identify the major decline processes of co-formulants. Residues of co-formulants were therefore monitored in parsley and lettuce grown in an open field as well as under foil tunnels equipped with either an overhead or a drip irrigation system.

RESULTS

Dissipation of three anionic surfactants was markedly faster when crops (parsley and lettuce) were exposed to natural rainfall or irrigation from above compared to drip irrigation. In contrast, the decline of three volatile organic solvents was not affected by rain or irrigation, but was dependent on the crop, with much shorter half-lives in lettuce than in parsley. Furthermore, dilution through plant growth contributed significantly to the reduction of residues over time.

CONCLUSION

In this work we substantiate earlier findings on the magnitude and dissipation of residues of anionic surfactants and solvents representing the most important co-formulant classes. The chosen experimental setup allowed differentiation between decline processes and we confirm that foliar wash-off is a major dissipation process for anionic surfactants. For volatile organic solvents, dissipation appears to depend on the properties not only of the substance but also of the plant (surface). © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.