Search

Drosophila suzukii, spotted wing drosophila, is recognized as an economically significant new invasive pest of stone and, especially, berry fruits. This pest has been registered on the EPPO-A2 quarantine list. Due to the limited presence of natural predators on the European continent, this pest quickly proliferates, posing a significant threat to the agricultural economy by causing substantial losses in fruit production. As D. suzukii infestations commonly occur during the ripening stage, the main obstacle with chemical control methods is the risk of high residue in fruits. To face this issue, it is crucial to explore alternative control strategies. One of the possible effective methods involves the use of plant-derived bioactive compounds. Currently, there is ongoing research to identify essential oils with potential insecticidal properties for combating this challenge. The objective of this study was to assess the insecticidal and behavioural impacts of anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) essential oils on D. suzukii adults in a multiple-choice test using blueberries treated with three concentrations of the anise essential oil. Additionally, the study monitored the emergence of adults from the treated berries. Using GC-MC chromatography, Bošković et al. the chemical composition of anise essential oil was determined, in order to understand the possible mode of action. The essential oil of anise showed high efficacy in the multiple choice test, since a lower number of laid eggs was recorded at all three application concentrations (1%, 5% and 10%) compared to the control (water and acetone). Our findings suggest that anise essential oil can serve as an alternative to chemical insecticides, which would enable the use of bioinsecticides based on this oil, in conventional, integrated, and organic crop production.

Pesticides in soils raise concerns about the biodiversity, food safety, and contamination of watercourses, contributing to unsustainable land management practices. Monitoring the residue levels in agricultural soils is essential, as this offers valuable insights into the current extent of soil contamination and potential environmental risks attributed to their application. This study aimed to address the occurrence of the currently used herbicides in soil under intensive crop production, comparing the results of monitoring at two depths (0–30 and 30–60 cm) in 2013 and 2023. The research concerned the main agricultural area in Vojvodina Province (Serbia) and evaluated the presence of 41 herbicides in 128 localities. Pesticides were found in all samples, finding even more than six different herbicides per sample. The significant concentrations of s-metolachlor, etofumesate, clomazone, diflufenican, pendimethalin, and terbuthylazine found can be attributed to application practices, as they are typically applied pre-emergence, either through direct soil treatment with or without incorporation. Moreover, the correlation between different depths, herbicide residues, and soil properties was not significant. The decrease in the herbicide residues found in 2023 compared to the residues found in 2013 can be attributed to the implementation of good agricultural practices, which promote sustainable agricultural strategies through controlled pesticide application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drosophila suzukii poses a significant threat to berry fruits with its uncontrolled spread. Essential oils (EOs) have emerged as potential bioinsecticides due to their natural origin, mode of action, and biodegradability. Although EOs show potential for use in agriculture due to ecotoxicologically favourable characteristics, additional research is required to enhance their effectiveness, stability, and application for practical implementation in pest management. The primary objective of this research was the development of a bioinsecticide formulation based on a combination of three EOs – Pelargonium graveolens, Anethum graveolens, and Pinus sylvestris followed by the assessment of formulated bioinsecticide physicochemical properties. Using a two-choice bioassay, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of formulated bioinsecticides on D. suzukii, regarding their insecticidal properties through oviposition deterrence. The developed formulation exhibited favourable physicochemical properties and demonstrated a decrease in the number of larvae in fruits. Bioinsecticides present an environmentally friendly approach to pest control. However, further research and development are imperative to fully exploit their potential for effective crop protection in the field, followed by comprehensive research to evaluate the potential side effects on natural enemies, ensuring that their implementation doesn't harm beneficial organisms and maintain ecological equilibrium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural producers face numerous challenges today. They must strive to achieve high yields to meet the food demands of the population, while also ensuring the safety of the food. Due to the development of resistance in targeted organisms and the adverse effects chemical pesticides pose to human health and the environment, it is necessary to seek eco-friendly methods for pest control. Chitin is the second most abundant biopolymer on earth, after cellulose. Its deacetylated derivative, chitosan, has some beneficial characteristics that give it the potential to become a biopesticide. Phytopathogenic fungi are a limiting factor in agricultural production, causing significant economic losses. Many researchers have confirmed the fungicidal activity of chitosan and it is progressively asserting its role in integrated pest management. It has different modes of action, such as cell membrane/cell wall disruption, interaction with the DNA of microorganisms, chelation of nutrients necessary for microorganisms, film formation and induction of host plant defense mechanism. In vitro studies have shown that chitosan treatment leads to inhibition of mycelial growth, sporulation, and spore germination of phytopathogenic fungi. It also induces morphological alterations in hyphae and spores and influences the production of fungal virulence factors. Chitosan is applied foliarly, to seed, and as a soil enhancer. Extensive research on the synergistic effects of a mixture of chitosan and conventional fungicides shows potential for reducing the usage of chemical pesticides while effectively controlling pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spotted wing drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii Matsumura (Diptera: Drosophilidae), is considered a significant invasive polyphagus pest of soft-skinned fruit, including raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, figs, blueberries and cherries. Apart from ripening fruits, D. suzukii females lay eggs in numerous wild fruits as well. In the Republic of Serbia, it was detected for the first time during October and November 2014, where it endangers the production of raspberries, one of the most important fruits for the country. Considering a high reproductive rate and short generation time, easy and fast-spreading due to global trade, and a suitable climate with the presence of host plants year-round contribute towards making this pest a serious threat to the reduction of quality and yield of growing fruit. Current control efforts rely mostly on the use of chemical insecticides. In addition to insecticides, sanitary measures and mechanical control are used to control this pest, which is an indispensable and important stage in safe fruit growing. This article provides an overview of the impact of D. suzukii on fruit production and establishes available measures and strategies for its control in the Republic of Serbia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resveratrol (3,4',5-trihydroxystilbene) is one of the most important polyphenol compounds present in the human diet. From the aspect of agricultural production, resveratrol is also an important component. Grapevine plants produce it as a secondary metabolite that is synthesized to the greatest extent in stressful conditions. These conditions include abiotic and biotic factors such as a lack or excess of water, the content of micro and macro elements in the soil, agrotechnical measures, infections caused by phytopathogenic microorganisms, the presence of chemical stressors such as heavy metals, intensive application of plant protection products (PPP), uncontrolled application of synthetic fertilizers, etc. The most important stressor is infections caused by phytopathogenic organisms, especially the fungus Botrytis cinerea, whose presence is a trigger for the synthesis of resveratrol. With the intensive resveratrol production, plants activate the induced defense system, which inhibits the growth and further progression of pathogens. Often, the concentrations of synthesized resveratrol in infected plants are not sufficient to completely suppress pathogens, but they certainly slow down and keep infections at a low level, to provide additional time for us to use adequate protection measures. In addition to the plants that produce it, its application is also possible in the form of a water solution of pure resveratrol that can be applied during the storage of agricultural products to preserve their freshness as long as possible and to reduce the use of PPP in storages. In this paper, an overview of the last references was given to gain an overall picture of how important resveratrol is and how much potential it has from the aspect of human health and plant protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]