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As one of the most important crops cultivated in China, rice contributes to approximately 28% of total yield. In despite of the substantial production, rice productivity is gravely affected by ongoing climate change and reduction of available water resources. Thus, assessing the responses of rice water consumption and productivity to more pronounced climate change is of great significance to water resources management in terms of relieving the resources shortage and meeting the food demand. In this study, the yield and water resources utilization during 1961–2010 in two typical rice plantation regions of China were evaluated using validated rice model ORYZA2000. Subsequently, their responses to future climate scenarios of 21 century were investigated through driving ORYZA2000 with downscaling climatic projections from GCMs under four RCPs emission scenarios. To quantify the water resources utilization in rice production from multiple perspectives, the water footprint (WF) and three water productivity indices (WPI, WPU and WPET) were integrated for assessing the regional agricultural water stress in this paper. The results revealed that the annual average linear inclining rates of WF in two stations (Kaifeng and Kunshan) were 3.86 m3/ t and 2.62 m3/ t, respectively. Moreover, compared with the green water footprint (WFg), the blue water footprint (WFb) is projected to significantly increase in future. The water productivity (WP) would decrease in two stations under four RCPs scenarios except that the WPu and WPET of Kunshan under RCP2.6 and RCP4.5 scenario in 2020s, 2050s and 2080s. Hence, this study provides insights into comprehensively understand the influences of climate change on food security and sheds lights on the regional strategy for future water resource management.

Resumo – Os estudos de flutuação populacional são muito importantes para o controle de pragas, pois fornecem informações fundamentais sobre quando e em que intensidade determinado organismo nocivo pode surgir nas lavouras, propiciando, assim, uma maior exatidão na aplicação de medidas de controle. A flutuação populacional da bicheira-da-raiz (Oryzophagus oryzae), do percevejo-do-grão (Oebalus spp.) e da lagarta-boiadeira (Nymphula spp.) em lavouras de arroz irrigado foram relacionadas à prática desse cultivo. Para essas espécies, medidas de controle podem ser planejadas e implementadas com base nos estudos de flutuação populacional. Abstract – Population fluctuation studies are very important for pest control, since they provide fundamental information on when and in what intensity a harmful organism can arise in crops, thus providing a greater accuracy in the application of control measures. The population fluctuation of the South American rice water weevil (Oryzophagus oryzae), of the rice stink bug (Oebalus spp.), and of the rice caseworm (Nymphula spp.) in irrigated rice fields were related to the crop management. For these species, control measures can be planned and implemented based on population fluctuation studies.

The jasmonic acid cascade plays a pivotal role in induced plant resistance to herbivores. There have been a number of investigations into the potential uses of derivatives of this hormone for pest management. Understanding the phenotypic plasticity of plant defense traits interactions in agricultural systems may facilitate the development of novel and improved management practices, which is desirable as management of insects in most agricultural systems is currently heavily reliant on insecticides. The rice water weevil (RWW), Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel, is a pest of rice, Oryza sativa, in the southern U.S. and globally. The effects of the jasmonic acid derivative, methyl jasmonate (MJ), on induced defenses to RWW in rice, and the potential costs of MJ-induced resistance to plant growth and fitness, were tested in a series of field and greenhouse trials. It was hypothesized that seed treatments with MJ would reduce densities of larval RWW. A second hypothesis was that MJ seed treatments would alter emergence, biomass accumulation, and yield of rice. The final hypothesis was that induction of plant resistance to the RWW would diminish as the time from seed treatment increased. In order to investigate these hypotheses, RWW densities were determined in greenhouse and field trials. Plant growth was measured in the field by assessing plant emergence, root and shoot biomass, time of heading, and yield (grain mass). Results indicated that MJ seed treatments induced resistance to RWW, although this effect decayed over time. Additionally, there were costs to plant growth and fitness; emergence and heading were delayed and biomass was reduced. Importantly, however, yields on a per-plant were not significantly reduced by MJ treatment. Overall, these results are promising and show the potential for the use of jasmonate elicitors as part of a pest management program in rice.

Pradara due to pradirna (excessive excretion) of raja (menstrual blood) ,it is called as pradara & since ,there is dirana( excessive excretion) of asrk (menstrual blood) hence, it is known as asrgdara. Menorrhagia, one of the most frequently encountered symptoms in gynecology, is defined as menstruation periods at regular cycle but with excessive flow which may last more than 7 days. Menorrhagia can cause menstrual bleeding of more than 80 mL in each cycle. Raktapradara is commonest problem encountered by gynecologist in todays practice & incidence becomes higher with degree of civilization. Blood tissue is considered as one among 7 dhatu as per Ayurveda. Blood is related with pitta dosha. Hence, bleeding disorders are usually influenced by pitta imbalance. rakta pradara covers all types of menorrhagia. The vayu after getting vitiated, increases quantity of rakta(blood), takes rakta to rajovaha siras & increases the quantity of rajah that comes out through rajovaha siras & causes raktapradara. The purpose of this study is to identify menstruation characteristics of the women & the effect of menorrhagia on womens quality of life. So many preparation have been mentioned in ayurvedic classic for the treatment of raktapradara. All these medication have certain fundamental principles Ayurvedic drug, bhumyamalaki mula choorna with tandulodak (rice water) combination was selected for the study. In this “TO STUDY THE EFFICACY OF BHUMYAMALAKI MULA CHOORNA ON RAKTPRADAR(MENORRHAGIA) ” we will be used choorna (powdered) of bhumyamalaki mula with tandulodak (rice water) orally. KEYWORDS:- Raktpradar ,vata&pitta dosh, bhumyamalaki mula

The purpose of this research is to investigate the effects of dietary taurine supplementation on blood and urine taurine concentrations of the elderly women with dementia. Subjects were 31 female elderly with dementia hospitalized in a geriatric hospital. They were divided randomly into control group and dietary taurine supplemented group. Basically, same meals were served to both groups. Scorched rice water without taurine were served to control group. Scorched rice water containing 3 g of taurine were reserved to taurine group with lunch similarly. Food ingredients containing high concentration of taurine were eliminated from the meal menu. Blood and urine samples were obtained from each subject at the beginning of study, after 2 week and 4 weeks in the morning fasting state. Taurine concentrations in serum and urine were measured as taurine-fluorescamine derivatives using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0. The average taurine concentrations in serum and urine of subjects were 89.2 ± 9.5 μM and 876.7 ± 97.1 μM at the beginning. After 4 weeks, the taurine concentrations in serum and urine of dietary taurine supplemented group were 218.0 ± 15.6 μM and 6502.6 ± 380.6 μM, which were significantly higher compared to control group. Dietary taurine supplemented group showed positive changes in the score on language and execute performance. So taurine supplementation can provide beneficial effects to the elderly and the elderly with dementia.

Due to its high nutrition, leri has a big potency to become bacterial growth media and nata. The study aims to find out the influence of coconut sugar concentration and the starter Acetobacter xylinum on the physical and chemical quality of nata de leri product. The research employs an experimental study using two factor, Factor 1 proportion that consist of four variable treatment, and each treatment was repeated three times. Proportion of washing rice (leri) 0%: water coconut 100% proportion of whasing 25% : water coconut 75% proportion washing rice 50% : water coconut 50% proportion washing rice 100% : water coconut 0%. The data analysis uses ANOVA. If it has a significant difference with a confidence interval 5% and 1%, if found influence on one of variable then continued with test of real small difference (BNT) 5%. Observations were performed with the best proportion of rice water and coconut water from physical properties with the result of nata de leri thickness test analysis at treatment (75% coconut water and 25% rice wash water) with 9.05mm thickness value. The best proportion of rice and coconut rice water from organoleptic properties with effectiveness index test was found in treatment (75% coconut water and 25% washing rice), 2,25 (somewhat like), aroma with value 2.50 (likes) , color with a value of 2.40 (like). The best proportion of rice and coconut rice water from physical and organoleptic properties with effectiveness index test was found in treatment (75% coconut water and 25% rice wash water), 2,25 (somewhat like), aroma with value 2.50 ( likes), color with a value of 2.40 (like).

This study was conducted to investigate the effects on the cognitive function of the elderly with dementia, after consumption of menus developed to prevent dementia. For the purpose of this study, we developed two menus incorporating lotus seeds and taurine which are known to be effective in preventing dementia: tea supplemented with taurine and lotus seed (TATL) and scorched glutinous rice water supplemented with taurine and lotus seed (SATL). The most optimized supplement was determined through sensory evaluation, and was served with the normal diet for 4 weeks. The subjects of this study were 46 elderly women with dementia, divided into three groups: 16 subjects in the taurine supplement group (TG), 15 subjects in the taurine and lotus seeds supplement group (TLG), and 15 subjects in the control group (CG). Cognitive function was assessed by comparing the scores of MMSE-DS (Mini-Mental State Examination-Dementia Screening) before and after dietary supplementation, with higher scores indicating better cognitive functions. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0 for Windows. The total score of MMSE-DS before supplementation SATL was not significantly different between CG (14.1 points), TG (14.2 points), and TLG (13.8 points). However, after consuming the SATL supplement, the total score of TG (16.7 points) and TLG (16.9 points) significantly increased (p < 0.01). In particular, in the case of TG, a significant increase was observed in the score for ‘Judgment and abstract thinking’ (p < 0.05). An increased tendency was also observed for scores of ‘Place orientation’ (p = 0.071) and ‘Ability to execute’ (p = 0.054), although statistically not significant. In the case of TLG, score of ‘Place orientation’ and ‘Judgment and abstract thinking’ was significantly increased (p < 0.05). These results show that dietary taurine supplementation has positive effects on the cognitive function (MMSE-DS) of elderly women with dementia. There-fore, it is necessary to include dietary taurine supplementation for the treatment and prevention of dementia. In addition, it is necessary to develop and supply a variety of menus containing taurine.

Densities of insect pests in agricultural communities may be affected by herbicides commonly used for weed management via several routes. First, herbicides may cause direct mortality to insects present both during and immediately following application. Second, herbicides may induce plant defenses that increase resistance to insect herbivores. Third, herbicides may alter the quantity and composition of weed populations, which in turn may change the structure of insect communities found subsequently in the crop. This study was designed to investigate the effects of an array of herbicides on the densities of several major pests found in rice in the southern United States. These pests included the rice water weevil, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), the rice stinkbug, Oebalus pugnax (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), and a stemborer complex comprised of three lepidopteran species (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). Insects directly exposed to herbicides experienced high mortality; while those fed leaf material that had been exposed to herbicides did not. Herbicide application did not significantly increase resistance in rice to subsequent herbivore infestation. Results provided modest support for the third hypothesis represented by positive correlations between weed densities and insect pest densities.

Current pest management practices for the rice water weevil (Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel) and the Mexican rice borer (Eoreuma loftini Dyar) in U.S. rice rely heavily on a small number of insecticides. Thus, additional products are needed to delay resistance development and replace products no longer available to farmers. Evaluation of novel and widely used insecticidal seed treatments was conducted in eight small plot field trials from 2015 to 2019 in Louisiana and Texas. Treatments evaluated included the insecticides cyantraniliprole, chlorantraniliprole, thiamethoxam, and clothianidin. Seed treated with chlorantraniliprole and seed treated with both cyantraniliprole and thiamethoxam together provided the best control of L. oryzophilus across trials. Thiamethoxam and clothianidin seed treatments did not provide satisfactory control of L. oryzophilus. Only chlorantraniliprole seed treatment controlled E. loftini. Improved yield was recorded from plots treated with chlorantraniliprole or cyantraniliprole + thiamethoxam across trials from 2017 to 2019 over fungicide only controls. Yield differences among treatments were not detected in 2015–2016 trials. Registration of cyantraniliprole seed treatment for use in U.S. rice provides a new tool for diversification of pest management practices and insecticide resistance management.

In this work, sodium alginate (SA) based “all-natural” composite bio-sponges were designed for potential application as wound care scaffold. The composite bio-sponges were developed from the aqueous amalgamation of SA and cellulose nanofibres (CNFs) in bio-extracts like Rice water (Rw) and Giloy extract (Ge). These sponges were modified by employing a simple coating strategy using vegetable oil-based bio-polyurethane (BioPU) to tailor their physicochemical and biological properties so as to match the specific requirements of a wound care scaffold. Bio-sponges with shared interpenetrating polymeric network structures were attained at optimized BioPU coating formulation. The interpenetration of BioPU chains within the sponge construct resulted in the formation of numerous micro-networks in the interconnected microporous structure of sponges (porosity ≥75%). The coated sponge showed a superior mechanical strength (compressive strength ~3.8 MPa, compressive modulus ~35 MPa) with appreciable flexibility and recoverability under repeated compressive loading-unloading cycles. A tunable degradation behaviour was achieved by varying BioPU coating concentrations owing to the different degree of polymer chain entanglement within the sponge construct. The physical entanglement of BioPU chains with core structural components of sponge improved their structural stability by suppressing their full fragmentation in water-based medium without affecting its swelling behaviour (swelling ratio > 1000%). The coated sponge surface has provided a suitable moist-adherent physical environment to support the adhesion and growth of skin cells (HaCaT cells). The MTT (3-(4,5-dimethyl thiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay and hemolytic assay revealed the non-toxic and biocompatible nature of coated sponges in vitro. Moreover, no signs of skin erythema or edema were observed during in vivo dermal irritation and corrosion test performed on the skin of Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Our initial observations revealed the credibility of these sponges as functional wound care scaffolds as well as its diverse potential as a suitable substrate for various tissue engineering applications.

The rice water weevil, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel, is the most destructive insect pest of rice in the U.S. This insect poses a global threat to rice production, having invaded rice-producing regions of Asia and Europe. Tolerance is a type of plant resistance that allows crop plants to maintain yield in spite of injury by herbivores. This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that tolerance to L. oryzophilus infestations differs between hybrid and inbred rice cultivars. Field experiments were conducted in Louisiana in 2016–2017 and in multiple locations (Texas, Mississippi, and Louisiana) in 2018. Plant tolerance was assessed by evaluating L. oryzophilus infestations and yields from insecticide-protected and unprotected plots of hybrid and inbred rice cultivars. Infestations of L. oryzophilus negatively affected rice yields, with losses across cultivars ranging from 16.4 to 48.0% in 2016 and 4.2–29.2% in 2017. In the multiple location experiment in 2018, yield losses ranged from 4.1 to 29.7, 7.7–17.2, and 4.5–12.2% in Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi, respectively. Comparisons of yields between insecticide-protected and unprotected plots indicated that hybrid cultivars exhibited higher tolerance to L. oryzophilus infestations than inbred cultivars in 2016 and 2017. Moreover, in the multiple location experiment in 2018, yield losses were lower in hybrid compared to inbred cultivars in Texas, but no differences in yield losses across cultivars were observed in Louisiana and Mississippi. Rice cultivars expressing tolerance to L. oryzophilus could be used to reduce pest damage in situations where use of insecticides is not practical, too expensive, or only partially effective.

Soil pollution with cadmium (Cd) has posed a threat to our food safety. And rice consumption is the main source of Cd intake in China. Rice intercropping with water spinach is an efficient way for crop production and phytoremediation in Cd-contaminated soil. However, few people work on the Cd remediation by a combination of the passivation and intercropping. In this study, two passivators (the Si–Ca–Mg ameliorant and the Fe-modified biochar with microbial inoculants) were used in the monoculture and intercropping systems to evaluate the potential of co-effect of passivators and cropping systems on the plant growth and Cd phytoremediation. Results showed that the highest rice biomass and rice yield were presented in the intercropping system with the passivator additions, however, relatively lower biomass was showed in water spinach due to the competition with rice. And more Cd accumulated in water spinach while lower Cd in that of different rice parts. The intercropping system with the addition of the Si–Ca–Mg ameliorant and the microbial Fe-modified biochar significantly reduced the Cd contents in brown rice by 58.86% and 63.83%, while notably enhanced the Cd accumulation of water spinach by 32.0% and 22.0%, compared with the monoculture without passivation, respectively. This probably due to the increased pH, the lowered Cd availability in soil, and the reduced TF and BCF values in rice plants with passivator applications. Collectively, this study indicated that rice-water spinach intercropping, especially with the passivator additions, may function as an effective way for Cd remediation and guarantee rice grain safety.

The rice water weevil, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel, is the most important insect pest of rice in the United States. Management of L. oryzophilus mainly depends upon the use of insecticides due to the lack of effective alternative management tactics. A 3-yr field study was conducted to determine if difference exists among rice genotypes and cultivars of inbred tropical japonica subspecies commercially grown in the southern United States [Cocodrie (PI 606331), CL171, and CL151 (PI 654463)] and the germplasm lines of indica subspecies adapted to tropical climates of Asia [WC 4644 (PI 312777), TNI (PI 495830), Rondo (PI 615022), 4612 (PI 615039), TeQing (PI 536047), and 4593 (PI 615031)] for resistance to L. oryzophilus . Experiments were established as a split-plot design with cultivars as main plots and insecticide treatment as subplots. No significant differences were observed in number of L. oryzophilus larvae recovered across cultivars and genotypes, indicating no significant variation in their preference to L. oryzophilus oviposition. Insecticide treatment had a significant impact on L. oryzophilus larval density. However, grain yield did not vary significantly between treated and untreated plots for any of the cultivars and genotypes. The amount of yield loss in response to L. oryzophilus infestation did not vary significantly across genotypes and cultivars, indicating no variation among these genotypes for resistance to L. oryzophilus.

Rice cultivation requires a significant share of irrigation water, mostly because of the practice of continuous flooding; therefore, interest for alternative water managements is increasing. The paper presents results of a 2-year experiment in Northern Italy comparing three rice water managements: Water seeding-continuous FLooding (WFL), Dry seeding-delayed FLooding (DFL) and Dry seeding-intermittent IRrigation (DIR). The main objective was to assess the effects of water regimes on the agroecosystem as a whole (from water use and yield components to nutrient dynamics, etc.). This paper is focussed on water use aspects with the aim of: (1) comparing and discussing water balance terms, water use efficiencies and water productivities; (2) analysing percolation fluxes of flooded treatments (WFL and DFL); and (3) discussing interannual variations of paddy irrigation requirements due to environmental factors. Net irrigation requirements of WFL ranged between 1500 and 3000 mm in the two seasons, while DFL and DIR determined average reductions by 20 and 60 %. On the other hand, WFL provided an average yield of 10.2 t ha−1, which decreased by 3 and 28 % in DFL and DIR, respectively. Between-years variability can be attributed to environmental factors including groundwater levels and soil responses to abiotic and biotic factors. Percolations of flooded treatments showed a strong correlation with groundwater levels, especially during the first part of the season (R 2 0.90 and 0.95, respectively). Data analysis highlighted complex subsurface water dynamics dependent on groundwater levels and influenced by soil characteristics.

In this study, the effectiveness of 15 global climate models (GCMs) for simulating weather data of Rasht synoptic station in the north of Iran was evaluated using a statistical downscaling approach. Downscaling of GCMs was performed using a stochastic weather generator model (LARS-WG5.5) and the best GCM (INCM3) was selected. The parameters such as precipitation, radiation, temperature and reference evapotranspiration were simulated using the selected GCMs for two periods of 2013–2042 and 2043–2072, and accordingly, the rice water requirement was estimated for the coming periods. Then, simulated results were compared with data in the baseline period (1981–2010). The results showed that reference evapotranspiration ( ET o ) for all the seasons will increase in the coming periods. The highest ET o increase (18.5–23.7 mm month –1 ) will occur in the spring. Also, the average rice water requirement will increase between 178 and 572 m 3 ha –1 depending on the emission scenarios and future studied periods. The incremental changes in ET o and, consequently, in rice water requirement for the coming periods will occur as a result of the significant increase in temperature. The results of this study can be used by local planners as a correct view of water demand in the future.

Pantoea agglomerans is an important bacterial symbiont of insects. Despite its frequent discovery in various insects, little is known of its strain diversity and quantitative dynamics. In this study, we investigated these aspects of the bacterium in the rice water weevil, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), a serious pest of rice in North America and East Asia. Based on the cloning and sequencing of a bacterial 16S rRNA gene, we identified three novel P. agglomerans strains from different weevil populations, with each population harboring only one strain. In female adults, gut was the dominant tissue harboring P. agglomerans. This bacterium was also present in the ovary, but its density was very low there. The bacterium was maintained at a low density across all immature stages (from egg to pupa); however, the density increased substantially as adults emerged. Its density was low in the overwintering stage, but increased stepwise after the overwintered adults were allowed to feed on host plants, i.e., when they developed from early to actively reproducing stages. The infection density returned to a low level in the adults at a late reproductive stage. In conclusion, each of the L. oryzophilus populations we investigated was probably infected by a single P. agglomerans strain, and the gut of adults is the major tissue/developmental stage to harbor this bacterium, with actively reproducing adults attaining a high level of infection.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the viability of periodontal ligament cells of avulsed teeth in three different storage media. Forty-five mature premolars extracted for orthodontic therapeutic purposes were randomly and equally divided into three groups according to the storage medium: milk (control), rice water and egg white. After placing extracted teeth for 30 min in storage media, the scrapings of the periodontal ligament (PDL) were collected in Falcon tubes containing collagenase in 2.5 mL of phosphate buffer saline and were incubated for 30 min and centrifuged for 5 min at 800 rpm. Cell viability was analyzed by Trypan blue exclusion. Rice water had a significantly higher number of viable cells compared to egg white and milk. There was no statistically significant difference between egg white and milk. Rice water may be able to maintain PDL cell viability of avulsed teeth better than egg white or milk. Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a viabilidade das células do ligamento periodontal de dentes avulsionados armazenados em três diferentes meios. Quarenta e cinco pré-molares com formação radicular completa extraídos por razões terapêuticas foram aleatoriamente distribuídos em três grupos, de acordo com o meio de armazenagem: leite (controle), água de arroz e clara de ovo). Após armazenar os dentes avulsionados por 30 min no meio, raspas do ligamento periodontal (LPD) foram coletadas em tubos Falcon contendo 2,5 mL de solução tamponada de soro fosfatado, incubadas por 30 min e a seguir centrifugadas por 5 min a 800 rpm. A viabilidade celular foi analisada pelo método de exclusão do Azul de Trypan. A água de arroz teve um número significativamente maior de células viáveis em comparação com o leite e a clara de ovo. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre o leite e a clara de ovo. A água de arroz pode ser capaz de manter a viabilidade das células do PDL de dentes avulsionados, melhor que o leite ou a clara de ovo.

The effects of irrigation model and Nitrogen (N) fertilization on rice evapotranspiration and yield were studied in an experiment of pool culture with in rain-proof shelter. Results showed that irrigation model and nitrogen fertilization had significantly influence on rice growth and photosynthetic capacity and yield and quality. Compared with the conventional irrigation, the plant height, rice water consumption, water requirement intensity and valid panicle number decreased and while water use efficiency, grain number perspike and seed setting rate in creased under control irrigation. With the in cement of N application rates, rice water consumption, water requirement intensity, effect panicle number and grain number per spikein creased, while setting-seed rate and 1000-grain weight decreased. Use the controllable irrigation technology, which had obvious effects of yield and quality on rice with the raise of N fertilizer rate. The yield reached 11489 kg/hm2 and 10126 kg/hm2 when the treatments was with 180 kg/Nhm2 and 270 kg/Nhm2, which was significantly higher than the treatment of CIN1and C2N1. The determination results showed that the palatability value of C1N2 was highest to 79.3, the cooking quality was improved. Then analyzed water and nitrogen fertilizer, yield and water use efficiency were highest at 180 kg/hm2 of N applied. We concluded that control irrigation model combined with suitable N application rate (180 kg/hm2) could benefit for rice production by reducing cost and gaining high yield.

The rice water weevil, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel, is the most widely distributed and destructive insect pest of rice, Oryza sativa L., in the United States. The objective of this study was to determine overall damage levels of rice water weevils in Florida rice fields. Fifty rice fields were sampled over 2 yr for adult foliar damage. These damage data were used as the criteria for determining when control measures are justified. Although the weevils were widespread in Florida rice fields, damage levels at which control is required occurred in only 2% of fields sampled. An increase in adult feeding damage was observed as the rice season progressed. And, there was a significant correlation of feeding damage among fields within a paddy. These data suggest that Florida rice growers may not have to sample all fields in a paddy to estimate weevil damage in the paddy.

Nardonella (gamma-proteobacteria) are a group of ancient endosymbiotic bacteria that occur only in weevils (superfamily Curculionoidea). Despite the extensive surveys of their existence and phylogeny done in a number of weevil subfamilies, little is known about their strain diversity, quantitative dynamics, and biological roles in the ontogeny of hosts. Here, based on the cloning and analyses of bacterial 16S RNA gene sequences from nine geographic populations of rice water weevil, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), we identified two distinct Nardonella lineages. One lineage was widespread, occurring in each of the L. oryzophilus populations investigated, whereas the other was much geographically limited and found in only one population. These bacteria had a low density in both larval and pupal stages of the weevil; however, they increased substantially as adults emerged. In female adults, they were harbored dominantly in ovary; guts were also infected, but the density was very low. By treating adult females with various antibiotics (rifampicin, tetracycline, and gentamycin) and observing their fecundity, egg viability, as well as the density of Nardonella and the other two bacteria ( Wolbachia and Rickettsia ) present in the ovary, we found females did not produce viable eggs despite the presence of abundant Nardonella. This suggests that Nardonella might be not playing critical roles in the reproduction of L. oryzophilus. The results are expected to extend our knowledge of the biology of Nardonella and their associations with weevils’ reproduction.

Two field experiments were conducted to study the effects of 6-year plastic film mulching on bacterial diversity, organic matter of paddy soil and water use efficiency on different soils with great environmental variabilities in Zhejiang Province, China, under non-flooding condition. The experiment started in 2001 at two sites with one rice crop annually. Three treatments included plastic film mulching with no flooding (PM), no plastic film mulching and no flooding (UM), and traditional flooding management (TF). Soil samples were collected and analyzed for bacterial diversity by DGGE and organic matter content, and water use efficiency (WUE) was calculated. The results showed that PM treatment favored the development of a more total bacterial community compared with TF management, the total number of bands was 33.3, 31.7 at tiller stage and heading stage (p < 0.05*). Hence, organic matter content was decreased by 36.7% and 51.4% under PM at two sites. PM also produced similar rice grain yield as TF at Duntou site and Dingqiao site, the average was 7924 kg?ha?1 and 7015 kg?ha?1 for PM and 8150 kg?ha?1 and 6990 kg?ha?1 for TF, respectively. Compared to TF, WUE and irrigation water use efficiency were increased significantly by 70.2% - 80.4% and 273.7% - 1300.0% for PM. It is essential to develop the water-saving agriculture.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the only cereal food crop that grows in different hydrological conditions. As staple food in the Philippines, it is cultivated in different parts of the country from irrigated to rainfed lowland, upland, cool elevated, flood-prone, and saline ecosystems. Among these ecosystems, irrigated lowland has highest production, however its productivity is threatened by increasing water scarcity. Crop water use efficiency is widely used to evaluate productivity in terms of water use. However, currently, there are limited studies in this area particularly on the relationship of agro-morphological traits to water use efficiency which can be used by breeders to improve rice water use efficiency. Hence, this study aimed to identify the relationship of agro-morphological traits to biomass production, evapotranspiration, and water use efficiency of irrigated lowland rice varieties, and to identify growth phase and variety with highest water use efficiency. Three irrigated lowland rice varieties were grown in the pots with 40cm x 30cm (row x hill) planting distance under screenhouse condition. This was laid-out in split-plot in Randomized Complete Block Design with growth phase as main plot and variety as sub-plot, replicated three times. Based on the result, broad leaf contributed in decreasing evapotranspiration and increasing biomass and water use efficiency. Broad leaves have higher boundary layer and contribute to better covering of soil surface both of which reduce evapotranspiration, and contribute to higher light interception for higher biomass production, hence high water use efficiency. Other traits such as long leaf, high spikelet fertility, heavy grain, and early maturity also contributed to reduction of evapotranspiration and improvement of water use efficiency. Hence, these traits might have the potential to improve water use efficiency of irrigated lowland rice varieties. Among growth phases, reproductive phase had highest water use efficiency due to higher rate of increase in biomass and lower rate of increase in evapotranspiration than ripening phase. NSIC Rc202H with broadest leaves and lowest cumulative evapotranspiration had highest water use efficiency than NSIC Rc222 and PSB Rc18.

The center of Jilin Province is one of the major rice-producing areas of Northeast China; however, rice production consumes large amounts of water, which is incompatible with the increasingly limited water supply. Rice yield and water consumption are the two most important considerations in the rice production process, and they may vary under different irrigation schedules. In this study, conducted in 2011 and 2012, differences in water consumption and rice yield were observed and analyzed under four different irrigation schedules—flooding irrigation (FI), shallow-wet irrigation (SWI), intermittent irrigation (II), and controlled irrigation (CI)—in a typical rice-growing area of central Jilin. The results showed that, under the four irrigation schedules, water consumption rates were (from highest to lowest) FI (1137.9 mm), SWI (984.0 mm), II (804.3 mm), and CI (678.5 mm), and rice yield rates were (from highest to lowest) SWI (9777.5 kg/ha), FI (9006.1 kg/ha), II (8936.3 kg/ha), and CI (8843.7 kg/ha), respectively. This indicated that, in central Jilin Province, the application of an advanced irrigation schedule not only saved a large amount of water for irrigation, but also that rice yields were not greatly reduced, and even increased in SWI. Therefore, we hope that in this and other similar rice cultivation areas, a universal high-yield and water-saving irrigation schedule can effectively reduce the problem of agricultural water use.

Hybrid rice and insecticide seed treatments targeting rice water weevil, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel, have altered the landscape of rice production. The effect of reduced seeding rates on seed treatment efficacy in hybrid rice has not been studied. During 2011 and 2012, an experiment was conducted at seven locations to determine the relationship between low seeding rates used in hybrid rice and efficacy of selected insecticidal seed treatments as measured by rice water weevil densities and yield. Labeled rates of thiamethoxam, chlorantraniliprole, and clothianidin were compared with higher rates of these products to determine if labeled rates provide an acceptable level of control of the rice water weevil. Study locations were divided into low, moderate, and high groups based on rice water weevil larval densities. All seed treatments and seed treatment rates reduced rice water weevil densities. However, there was no observed yield or economic benefit from the use of an insecticidal seed treatment in areas of low pressure. Differences in yield were observed among seed treatments and seed treatment rates in moderate and high pressure locations, and all seed treatments yielded better than the untreated plots, but these differences were not always economical. All seed treatments showed an economic advantage in areas of high weevil pressure, and there were no differences among seed treatment products or rates, suggesting that currently labeled seed treatment rates in hybrid rice are effective for rice water weevil management.

This is the first report of the invasive rice pest, rice water weevil (Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel) in the Balkans. Adult specimens were collected in the rice field region of Central Macedonia, Greece during July–August, 2016. Morphological identification was verified by DNA barcoding, and the first COI sequence of L. oryzophilus from Greece was deposited in the GenBank database. This semi-aquatic insect is considered one of the most important rice pests globally, and its presence in the region may result in important yield and economic losses in rice production. Considering the highly invasive nature of this species, it is possible that it has spread to neighboring rice wetlands of the Southern Balkans, and additional field investigations are essential to accurately determine its geographic distribution and to help contain its spread.

Single cell protein (SCP) is an alternative for meeting protein needs in the future. The wastes such as pineapple skin and rice water washing can be utilized to produce SCP. These two materials are abundant in Indonesia. The consumption of pineapple and rice in Indonesia is very high. The rice is the main food for Indonesian people. The aim of this study is to determine the best ratio of pineapple skin juice and rice washing water as a growing medium to produce single cell proteins. This study was performed in a completely randomized design with two factors. The first factor was the ratio of pineapple skin and rice washing water. The ratios between pineapple skin and rice washing water were 1: 1, 2: 1 and 1: 2. The second factor was fermentation times (8, 24, 32, 48, 56, 72 and 80 hours). The analysis carried out included pH, cell dry weight and protein content. The best treatment is obtained by the treatment of pineapple skin and rice washing water in ratio of 1: 2 when it is fermented for 56 hours. This media produced 0.4752 grams of cell dry weight with the protein content at about 289.08 ppm.

Water footprint (WF) can help understanding of how to grow more food with less water. The aim of this paper is to distinguish the factors influencing the paddy rice water footprint, by using path analysis of the WF, its composition and distribution over 30 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions (hereafter, provinces) in China during 1996–2015. The results show that the annual national WF was approximately 190.74 G m³, including 55.41 % green, 22.65 % blue and 21.94 % grey water respectively. WF basically remained stable over time. WF of the northeast increased from 16.70 G m³ to 39.19 G m³ during the observed period. WF for per unit paddy rice product (WFP) was 995.5 m³/t in the latest 20 years. Provinces with high WFP and blue water proportion were located in western China and the north China plain; all the low WFP values and blue water proportions were found south of the Yangtze River. The average temperature (ATE), irrigation water utilization coefficient (IWC) and fertilizer rate per sown area (FER) were the parameters closely and positively to WFP, both temporally and spatially.

Adult male and female rice water weevils from fields of rice, Oryza sativa L., in the Mexican state of Morelos were collected for taxonomic identification. Based on morphological characteristics of male and female individuals, the species of rice water weevil in the State of Morelos was Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) according to taxonomic keys. The male had a tridentate mucro in the posterior tibiae; two outward-facing bifurcated apical teeth, one moderately large apical tooth, acute, facing inward, with two distinct curved submedian setae. Females had a deeply emarginated, VII tergite with a deep indentation or notch in the middle apical part.

The South American rice water weevil Oryzophagus oryzae (Costa Lima) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a key pest of irrigated rice in Brazil. Light traps could be used as an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy since these weevils have strong phototropism. Thus, the aim of this study was to search the attractiveness of LEDs of different wavelengths to O. oryzae to define the best light-emitting diodes (LED) arrangement to build the lamp of photovoltaic light traps. LEDs of different wavelengths were tested in a dark room with a hexagonal arena with exits to light sources. Groups of 200 insects were released in the center of the arena and captured at the end of exposure time in plastic bags placed in the exits. The LEDs in the short-wave band of the light spectrum (365 and 460 nm) and white LEDs, as well as the light mix of 365 with 460 nm or white LEDs, were attractive to O. oryzae. Beyond the LEDs with ultraviolet (UV) spectrum, the LEDs above 380 nm were the most attractive and, this way, might be used to build LED lamps of photovoltaic light traps. RESUMO: Uma das pragas-chave do arroz irrigado é a bicheira-da-raiz, denominação comum atribuída às larvas do gorgulho aquático Oryzophagus oryzae (Costa Lima) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). A utilização de armadilhas luminosas poderia ser uma alternativa viável no manejo integrado, pois esse gorgulho apresenta elevado fototropismo positivo. Assim, objetivou-se determinar a atratividade de diodos emissores de luz (LEDs) de diferentes comprimentos de onda ao O. oryzae e definir o seu melhor arranjo para compor a lâmpada de armadilhas luminosas fotovoltaicas. LEDs de diferentes comprimentos de onda foram testados em sala escura, em uma arena hexagonal com saídas para as fontes de luz. Grupos de 200 indivíduos foram liberados no centro da arena e capturados em sacos plásticos nas saídas ao fim do tempo de exposição. Os LEDs da faixa do espectro luminoso de ondas curtas (365 e 460 nm) e LEDs brancos, bem como as misturas de luzes de LEDs 365 com 460 nm ou branco, foram atrativos ao O. oryzae. Entre os LEDs com espectro ultravioleta, os mais atrativos foram aqueles acima de 380 nm, devendo estes compor, prioritariamente, lâmpadas de LED para uso nas armadilhas luminosas fotovoltaicas.

Plants face numerous challenges from both aboveground and belowground stressors, and defend themselves against harmful insects and microorganisms in many ways. Because plant responses to biotic stresses are not only local but also systemic, belowground interactions can influence aboveground interactions in both natural and agricultural ecosystems. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are soilborne organisms that form symbiotic associations with many plant roots and are thought to play a central role in plant nutrition, growth, and fitness. In the present study, we focused on the influence of AMF on rice defense against pests. We inoculated rice plants with AMF in several field and greenhouse experiments to test whether the interaction of AMF with rice roots changes the resistance of rice against two chewing insects, the rice water weevil (Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel, RWW) and the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda, FAW), and against infection by sheath blight (Rhizoctonia solani, ShB). Both in field and greenhouse experiments, the performance of insects and the pathogen on rice was enhanced when plants were inoculated with AMF. In the field, inoculating rice plants with AMF resulted in higher numbers of RWW larvae on rice roots. In the greenhouse, more RWW first instars emerged from AMF-colonized rice plants than from non-colonized control plants. Weight gains of FAW larvae were higher on rice plants treated with AMF inoculum. Lesion lengths and susceptibility to ShB infection were higher in rice plants colonized by AMF. Although AMF inoculation enhanced the growth of rice plants, the nutritional analyses of root and shoot tissues indicated no major increases in the concentrations of nutrients in rice plants colonized by AMF. The large effects on rice susceptibility to pests in the absence of large effects on plant nutrition suggest that AMF colonization influences other mechanisms of susceptibility (e.g., defense signaling processes). This study represents the first study conducted in the U.S. in rice showing AMF-induced plant susceptibility to several antagonists that specialize on different plant tissues. Given the widespread occurrence of AMF, our findings will help to provide a different perspective into the causal basis of rice systemic resistance/susceptibility to insects and pathogens.

This study investigates the synergistic potential of natural bio-extracts for preparing “all-natural” composite bio-sponges of sodium alginate (SA) with the reinforcement of a natural bio-nanomaterial i.e., cellulose nanofibres (CNFs). Aqueous suspensions of SA and CNFs in various combinations of bio-extracts (Rice water (Rw) and Giloy extract (Ge)) were freeze-dried to obtain the composite bio-sponges. Composites prepared using Rw resulted in structurally more stable samples with porosity above 75% that showed a compact honeycomb-like microstructure with interlocked CNFs network structures. A significant improvement in mechanical performance (400% increment in compressive strength and 800% increment in modulus) and thermal stability (decomposition temperature reaching up to 240 °C from 200 °C) for SA based composite bio-sponges was achieved due to the synergistic effect of Rw and CNFs as compared to conventionally prepared sponges in water. Additionally, the use of Ge has resulted in developing antimicrobial surfaces with up to 98% and 90% growth inhibition efficiency for gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, respectively. Hence, CNFs and bio-extracts together played a competent role in effective tailoring of structural, thermo-mechanical and antibacterial properties of composite bio-sponges.

The resistance of commercial rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties widely grown in Louisiana was assessed against the rice water weevil, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), the major insect pest of rice in the United States, in a 5-yr field study that included conventional inbred, herbicide-tolerant, and hybrid varieties. Resistance was evaluated by comparing densities of immature rice water weevils (larvae and pupae) in root-soil core samples taken at two time points after flooding. Randomized block experiments were conducted in two different locations to enable identification of potentially resistant varieties over diverse environments. There were small but significant differences in the resistance of commercial varieties over the 5-yr field study. The variety 'Jefferson' was found to support larval densities 6-70% lower than other varieties, while 'Jupiter' often supported higher larval densities. Greenhouse experiments evaluated adult preference for oviposition and survivorship of larvae on different varieties. Females exhibited limited ovipositional preference for varieties: numbers of weevil eggs per plant differed significantly among varieties in choice tests but not in no-choice tests, while first instar densities in both choice and no-choice tests showed no significant differences among varieties. Analysis of data from both choice and no-choice tests showed that numbers of late instars and pupae differed significantly among varieties, suggesting presence of antibiosis in some cultivars. Our results suggest that none of the varieties tested possess high levels of resistance to rice water weevil infestation, although 'Jupiter' appears to be more susceptible than other varieties and 'Jefferson' appears to be somewhat more resistant.

Life history characteristics help us to determine the ability of invasive species to establish and thrive in an exotic environment. However, so far, there have been very few reports concerning geographic variation in the body size of invasive insects and the associations between body size variation and population biology. In this study, we surveyed the geographic variation in body size of an invasive agricultural pest, the rice water weevil Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), in China. Its body size variation was found to follow Bergmann’s rule, a size cline related to latitude/altitude in which weevils tended to be larger in higher latitude/altitude localities. Moreover, using adults of different body size within populations, we also characterized the relationship between body size and some population traits of this weevil, including reproduction, food consumption, cold tolerance, and agility. The results showed that, large and mid-size adults (within populations) tended to consume more rice leaves, and larger adults also laid more and longer eggs, when compared with smaller adults. However, smaller adults appeared to have higher agility. In conclusion, body size of rice water weevil varies significantly with geography, and body size variation (within populations) may affect life history traits.

The rice water weevil, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel, is an important pest of rice (Oryza sativa L.) grown in Florida. Reports on the effect of flood depth on rice water weevil populations have been inconsistent. Our objective was to determine if flood depth has any significant effect on rice water weevil populations and other arthropods in rice grown in Florida. Sampling was conducted using adult foliar damage scars, core samples for larvae, and sweep nets for arthropods above the water. Results showed that shallow flooding reduced rice water weevil populations in Florida. Sweep net data showed that flood depth had little, if any, effect on populations of damselflies (Odonata), leafhoppers (Cicadellidae), spiders (Arachnida), or stink bugs (Oebalus spp.).

The study investigates the application of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) in modeling a Liquid State Fermentation (LSF) for red pigment production by Monascus purpureus MTCC 369. A neural network model was characterized by the three fermentation parameters as neurons in the input layer and pigment yield as one neuron in the output layer. The input neurons included incubation period of 6–18 days, pH of rice water as substrate (3.0–5.0) and concentration of ammonium nitrate as nitrogen source (0.0–2.0%). The model was trained and validated to predict the red pigment yield (abs 500 nm /mg dry fungal biomass). The results showed a good fit between predicted and experimental values for the model. The maximum red pigment yield (20.44 U abs 500 nm /mg dfb) was obtained with substrate pH of 4.0 without any ammonium nitrate as N-source after 12 days of incubation. The developed ANN model can be used to predict the effects of fermentation parameters on red pigment production with a high correlation.

In the context of social responsibility and, of the directives aimed at an integral management of natural resources, the Water Footprint (WF) has been widely spread as an indicator that contributes to a safe and sustainable use of water. The purpose of this study was to determine the WF for rice production (WF R ) in two rice-growing areas in Argentina: central-east Entre Rios and Santa Fe. The calculation was made using the methodology proposed in The Water Footprint Assessment Manual , according to which the WF of a crop, in this case rice, represents the relation between the amount of water satisfying the evapotranspiration demand (CWU) and the field productivity. The WF has three components: green (WF green ), associated with rain used by the crop (CWU green ); blue (WF blue ), related to underground or surface water that fulfils the evapotranspiration demand (CWU blue ); and grey (WF grey ), related to the volume of water required to dilute the residues of pollutants generated from the crop production. To estimate the CWU blue and CWU green , a rice water balance model (RWM), specifically developed for continuous flooding irrigation, was applied. Based on daily data of precipitation, crop evapotranspiration and soil variables the model allows calculating gross irrigation depth, surface runoff due to precipitations, variation of water stored in the soil, and deep percolation. Four agricultural seasons were assessed: 2009/2010, 2010/2011, 2011/2012, and 2012/2013. In Entre Rios, WF was 987 m 3 ton −1 (44% WF green and 56% WF blue ), whereas in Santa Fe it was 846 m 3 ton −1 (36% WF green and 64% WF blue ). In accordance with related work in the region, WF grey was not considered. Although only CWU is part of the WF calculation, the other components of the water balance are necessary for rice production. The RWM model determined the consumptive use of the crop and distinguished blue water from green water, besides calculating the other parameters of the water balance. This made possible to show the inefficiencies in the system since precipitations are not fully used. The WF R , together with these components, is useful to make comparisons between different regions and it is a tool to promote water saving, provided that it is complemented with specific policies, such as the differential application of irrigation taxes or electric power rates.

The existing irrigation schedule of most rice-growing areas in Jilin Province is not in full compliance with the Water Requirements Law of the rice; these discrepancies affect the yield of rice to some extent. Thus, research on rice water regulations and selection of an appropriate water production function model (WPFM) is very important. In this study, according to the water demand characteristics of rice, we used drought treatments separately during the tillering, jointing booting, flowering, and milky stages. Evapotranspiration and yield data were obtained using a test pit experiment and production measurements in 2011 and 2012, respectively. Five commonly used WPFMs (the Jensen, Blank, Minhas, Stewart, and Singh model) were selected for this study, and the water sensitivity index of each model was calculated based on the evapotranspiration, yield, and the model equations. The Jensen model was found to be the most suitable WPFM for this region; furthermore, a mathematical relationship between the water sensitivity index and days after rice planting was established. These results have important theoretical and practical implications for guidelines regarding rice irrigation in Jilin Province.

The research has maked nata De rice water in several concentrations using bacteria Acetobacter xylinum . This study aims to determine the concentration of the right rice washing water, which meets the criteria of thickness, texture and color nata most optimum. This study uses three rice water concentration of 25%, 50% and 75%, with the addition of 10% sugar. Nata formation is based on the decomposition of sugar into a pellicle layer cellulose (nata). The cellulose layer thickness calculated using the rule and the specified quality textures and colors to use assessment of panelists. The final conclusion is that making nata of rice washing water indicates nata layer. This study showed that the addition of rice washing water at a concentration of 75% produces nata with a thickness of 2 cm with a good texture and color.

Twoexperiments were conducted at Sakha Agriculture Research Station, during the two successive summer growing seasons of 2012 and 2013 to estimate and analysis water requirements components for some Egyptian rice varieties (Oryza sativa L); namely cvs. Giza 178, Sakha 102 and Sakha 104 and to evaluate and compare the estimated rice crop evapotranspiration (ETc) values computed using Hargreaves, Penmen-Monteith and Class A pan methods used for (ETc) with the measured actual rice evapotranspiration (ETa) using micro- paddy lysimeter used for (ETa) to evaluate the best method for estimating the reference evapotranspiration which suitable with North Nile Delta conditions. Results showed that evaporation (E) is the highest component of total rice water requirements (WR) during the whole growing season stages for cv. Giza 178 with an average 39.8%, followed by cvs. Sakha 102 and Sakha 104 with an average 38.3 and 38.2%, respectively. However, Transpiration (T) is the lowest part of WR for cvs. Giza 178, Sakha 102 and Sakha 104 with an average 21.0, 20.1 and 21.4%, respectively. For percolation (P) is major for Sakha 102 and Sakha 104 varieties with an average of 41.6 and 40.4%, respectively. Meanwhile, the lowest value of P (39.2%) was lost from Giza 178. Mean values of ETa for cv. Giza 178, Sakha 102 and Sakha 104 were 6.1, 6.0 and 6.0 mm day-1,respectively. Although mean values of the estimated rice crop evapotranspiration resulted from Hargreaves, Penmen-Monteith and Class A pan methods were underestimated actual rice evapotranspiration, but Hargreaves and Penmen-Monteith methods performed best for North Delta, Egypt because of the least amount of error and least percentage deviation between ETa and ETc. Crop water productivity (CWP) were 0.85, 0.86, and 0.87 Kg m-3 for rice cvs. Giza 178, sakha 102, and Saka 104, respectively. Also results indicated that the values of crop water use efficiency (CWUE) of rice for cvs. Giza 178, Sakha 102 and Sakha 104 were 1.53, 1.55 and 1.46 Kg m-3 respectively. So, Hargreaves and Penmen-Monteith methods could be recommended for saving irrigation water with planting rice cv. Giza 178, which gave higher water productivity.

Two experiments were conducted at the Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville, MS, during 2011 and 2012 to determine the impact of water management practices on the efficacy of insecticidal seed treatments targeting rice water weevil, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel. Larval densities and yield were compared for plots treated with labeled rates of thiamethoxam, chlorantraniliprole, and clothianidin and an untreated control. In the first experiment, plots were subjected to flood initiated at 6 and 8 wk after planting. Seed treatments significantly reduced larval densities with the 8-wk flood timing, but not the 6-wk flood timing. Overall, the treated plots yielded higher than the control plots. In the second experiment, the impact of multiple flushes on the efficacy of insecticidal seed treatments was evaluated. Plots were subjected to zero, one, or two flushes with water. All seed treatments reduced larval densities compared with the untreated control. Significantly fewer larvae were observed in plots that received one or two flushes compared with plots that did not receive a flush. All seed treatments resulted in higher yields compared to the untreated control in the zero and one flush treatments. When two flushes were applied, yield from the thiamethoxam and clothianidin treated plots was not significantly different from those of the control plots, while the chlorantraniliprole treated plots yielded significantly higher than the control. These data suggest that time from planting to flood did not impact the efficacy of seed treatments, but multiple flushes reduced the efficacy of thiamethoxam and clothianidin.

The rice water weevil Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Brachycerinae) was detected in Northern Italy in 2004. As Italy is the major European rice producer, and the rice water weevil is considered to be one of the major pests of rice in the world, a multiyear study was carried out to determine the spread of the pest in Northern Italy, to evaluate its establishment potential and to improve the knowledge on its biology in this new habitat. The survey allowed the distribution of the insect in Italian rice areas to be evaluated and confirmed that L. oryzophilus behaves as a monovoltine parthenogenetic species in Northern Italy. Information about the phenology of the insect and its management are also provided. Situation actuelle du charancon aquatique du riz Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus en Italie, apres onze ans d'invasion Le charancon aquatique du riz Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus a ete detecte dans le nord de l'Italie en 2004. L'Italie est le principal producteur de riz en Europe, et ce charancon est considere comme l'un des principaux organismes nuisibles du riz dans le monde. Une etude pluriannuelle a ete realisee pour determiner sa dissemination dans le nord de l'Italie, evaluer son potentiel d'etablissement et ameliorer les connaissances sur sa biologie dans ce nouvel habitat. La prospection a permis de determiner la repartition de L. oryzophilus dans les zones de production de riz en Italie et a confirme qu'il se comporte comme une espece univoltine parthenogenetique dans le nord de l'Italie. Des informations sont egalement fournies sur la phenologie de l'insecte et sa gestion. Teкyщий cтaтyc pиcoвoгo вoдянoгo дoлгoнocикa Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus в Итaлии: oдиннaдцaтилeтняя инвaзия Pиcoвый вoдянoй дoлгoнocик Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus был выявлeн в ceвepнoй чacти Итaлии в 2004 г. B cвязи c тeм, чтo Итaлия являeтcя глaвным eвpoпeйcким пpoизвoдитeлeм pиca, a pиcoвый вoдянoй дoлгoнocик cчитaeтcя oдним из глaвныx вpeдитeлeй pиca вo вceм миpe, былo пpoвeдeнo мнoгoлeтнee иccлeдoвaниe c тeм, чтoбы oпpeдeлить pacпpocтpaнeниe этoгo вpeдитeля в Ceвepнoй Итaлии, oцeнить пoтeнциaл eгo aкклимaтизaции и yлyчшить знaниe eгo биoлoгии в нoвoм мecтe oбитaния. Oбcлeдoвaниe пoзвoлилo oпpeдeлить pacпpocтpaнeннocть этoгo нaceкoмoгo в итaльянcкиx зoнax пpoизвoдcтвa pиca и пoдтвepдилo, чтo в Ceвepнoй чacти Итaлии L.oryzophilus вeдeт ceбя кaк мoнoвoльтинный пaтoгeничecкий вид. B cтaтьe пpeдcтaвлeнa тaкжe инфopмaция пo фeнoлoгии этoгo нaceкoмoгo и yпpaвлeнию им.

The irrigated rice–wheat system of north west India is not sustainable, as currently practised, due to over-exploitation of groundwater, soil degradation, labour scarcity, high fuel and labour costs, and air pollution from stubble burning. Labour and water scarcity are driving farmers to change from puddling and manual transplanting of rice to mechanised dry seeding. The introduction of dry seeding to the rice–wheat system brings with it the potential to adopt conservation agriculture (CA), with reduced or zero tillage for all crops, and surface residue retention. This would further reduce fuel and labour costs for crop establishment, and air pollution, and also bring benefits for soil structure and nutrient cycling. However, whether conversion to CA rice–wheat systems would help solve the problem of groundwater depletion is less well-understood. In this region, evapotranspiration (ET) must be reduced to reduce groundwater depletion. We used the APSIM cropping system model to examine whether conversion from recommended farmer practice (rFP, comprising puddled transplanted rice, alternate wetting and drying rice water management, rice straw removal, tillage for wheat) to a CA rice–wheat system would reduce ET in Punjab, north west India. We also used the model to identify the optimum system management taking into account effects on total cropping system rice equivalent yield (REY), components of the water balance and water productivity. Maximum REY (mean 14.6 t ha −1 ) occurred in systems with 5 June sowing of a popular long duration rice variety, with similar yield for rFP and CA. Irrigation input with CA was much lower (by 390 mm) than with rFP, resulting in slightly higher irrigation water productivity (increased from 11.3 to 11.7 kg ha −1 mm −1 ). However, changing to CA only reduced ET of the highest yielding system by 4% (55 mm), and of other current practices (late May and early June sowing of medium and long duration varieties) by less than this. The only way to achieve a substantial reduction in ET was by growing short duration rice varieties in both the rFP and CA systems. However, with current short duration varieties, this came at the cost of both rice and system yields (system yield reduced by an average of about 1.8 t ha −1 ). This could be overcome by intensification to 3 crops per year in a CA rice–wheat–mung system (with short duration rice varieties), while still providing a substantial but smaller decrease in ET. This system also had considerable flexibility in rice sowing date, with similar system yields for sowings from 5 June to 15 July. These findings suggest that greater effort to increase the yield potential of short duration rice varieties is warranted. Field experimentation is needed to test the improved systems as suggested by the model simulations, particularly in terms of cropping system yield and ET, and alternatives to rice and wheat should also be evaluated. At the same time, spatial hydrological studies are needed to determine the sustainable level of ET from cropping systems that will allow matching of groundwater depletion and recharge.

Pesticide is used to protect the crops, but also become a cause of polluting the environment.Perform a risk assessment using physical and chemical properties, environmental fate and toxicity data inorder to determine the pesticide registration. The aquatic model estimates pesticide concentrations in waterbodies that result from pesticide applications to rice paddies and apple orchard. The used models are thePRZM, EXAMS and AGRO shell (PA5), Rice Water Quality Model (RICEWQ) and Screening ConcentrationIn GROund Water (SCI-GROW). The residual concentration of water body was estimated using meteorologicaldata, crop calendar and soil series of Korea. The chosen pesticides were butachlor, carbofuran, iprobenfos andtebuconazole. It has shown the potential that the RICEWQ is possible to predict residue level in water ofbutachlor and iprobenfos, because the maximum value in water monitoring data is lower than the peakconcentration of the model, and the minimum value is lower than the average annual concentration of themodel. But RICEWQ was insufficient to predict exposure concentrations in ground water. The estimatedexposure concentrations of carbofuran in ground water is very higher than in surface water because of its lowsoil adsorption coefficient. Although tebuconazole were not detected in the water monitoring that means verylow concentration, it is possible that the PA5 can be used to predict residue level in water.Key words rice paddies, water model, RICEWQ, SCI-GROW, PA5