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Fall armyworm has emerged as a major pest of maize in Pakistan. Multiple fall armyworm management options exist, but their consequences for non-target arthropods in Pakistan have been underreported. Keeping in view this gap, current experiments, using the randomized complete block design, compared the effectiveness of synthetic pesticides and biorational options (including dried plant powders and sand mixtures, and eucalyptus based biopesticides) on fall armyworm control, as well as their effects on non-target fauna. The results showed that fall armyworm damage was lowest in synthetic pesticide treatment, followed equally by eucalyptus-based biopesticide, sand mixtures of neem, red pepper, ash and turmeric, while the highest damage was recorded where no management was done. For the occurrence of the non-target arthropods during live observations, ants and whiteflies were significantly higher as compared to other groups. Overall, live observations showed higher arthropod abundance in biorational treatments as compared to synthetic insecticide treatment. The pitfall trapping differences showed significant differences in the insect orders captured. Moreover, the maize yield at the end of the trial was higher in synthetic pesticide treatments (field recommended doses) as compared to the plots managed using biorational approaches. Among biorational options, the yield of sand and mango wood ash mix showed a higher yield. The current evidence is useful for integrating biorational options into fall armyworm management, especially for smallholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frankliniella occidentalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) are insect pests of global economic importance due to the damage they cause to the agricultural sector. Its control is framed in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs, with chemical control being the most used conventional tool for the control of said arthropods. One of the factors why its control is unsuccessful in the crops where it is present is the high selection pressure to which they are subjected due to the irrational use of chemically synthesized insecticides, which causes loss of sensitivity or resistance to many insecticide molecules. Accordingly, the present investigation evaluates the effectiveness of the biorational insecticide Spinosad, 48 % concentrated suspension in combination with two surfactant adjuvants, one from the organosilicon group and the other from the group of ethoxylated alcohols. The bioassay was executed under a completely randomized design (DCA) with seven treatments that included an absolute control and dosages of Spinosad with and without adjuvants, each with 5 repetitions in experimental units of 10 adults of thrips F. occidentalis. The application of the treatments was carried out by two modes of entry: treated surface (ingestion) and direct contact (topical), where mortality variables were evaluated three and seven days after application, additionally an analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out, to determine significant statistical differences (p>0,05) between the treatments, Tukey's multiple comparison test was used (p>0,05), concluding that the effectiveness of Spinosad treatments together with adjuvants increases compared to the control and Spinosad without adjuvants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Arthropods are a large and diverse group of animals, some of which are pests, while others transmit human and livestock diseases as they bite them to feed on blood. Chemical-based vector and pest control for decades has made many arthropods resistant to the chemicals used. So, there is a need to investigate other control agents, such as the biological, arthropod-killing fungus Metarhizium anisopliae, for the ability to infect and kill human and livestock disease-transmitting arthropods. In this study, we tested if the fungus M. anisopliae infects and kills mosquitoes, tsetse flies, and ticks. This was performed by finding out how long mosquitoes lived after being infected with fungus spores, as well as the amount of fungus spores suitable to lead to their death. The same optimal concentration of fungus that killed mosquitoes also successfully killed tsetse flies and ticks. We recommend that the fungus be formulated in a suitable concentration of 109 spores/mL and its ability to kill mosquitoes, tsetse flies, and ticks be confirmed in the field. This would lead to the development of a fungal formulation that can be sprayed on livestock such as cattle, for the exposure of multiple blood-feeding and disease-transmitting arthropods at the same time, to impact their survival. Arthropod vectors are responsible for a multitude of human and animal diseases affecting poor communities in sub-Saharan Africa. Their control still relies on chemical agents, despite growing evidence of insecticide resistance and environmental health concerns. Biorational agents, such as the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae, might be an alternative for vector control. Recently, the M. anisopliae isolate ICIPE 7 has been developed into a commercial product in Kenya for control of ticks on cattle. We were interested in assessing the potential of controlling not only ticks but also disease-transmitting mosquitoes and tsetse flies using cattle as blood hosts, with the aim of developing a product for integrated vector management. Laboratory bioassays were carried out with M. anisopliae, isolate ICIPE 7 and isolate ICIPE 30, to compare efficacy against laboratory-reared Anopheles arabiensis. ICIPE 7 was further tested against wild Glossina fuscipes and Rhipicephalus spp. Dose–response tests were implemented, period of mosquito exposure was evaluated for effects on time to death, and the number of spores attached to exposed vectors was assessed. Exposure to 109 spores/mL of ICIPE 7 for 10 min resulted in a similar mortality of An. arabiensis as exposure to ICIPE 30, albeit at a slower rate (12 vs. 8 days). The same ICIPE 7 concentration also resulted in mortalities of tsetse flies (LT50: 16 days), tick nymphs (LT50: 11 days), and adult ticks (LT50: 20 days). Mosquito mortality was dose-dependent, with decreasing LT50 of 8 days at a concentration of 106 spores/mL to 6 days at 1010 spores/mL. Exposure period did not modulate the outcome, 1 min of exposure still resulted in mortality, and spore attachment to vectors was dose-dependent. The laboratory bioassays confirmed that ICIPE 7 has the potential to infect and cause mortality to the three exposed arthropods, though at slower rate, thus requiring further validation under field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transgenic Bt cotton is effective to a high degree of, with respect to target lepidoptran bollworms, however sucking pests especially whitefly posed a serious issues in absence of bollworm in genetically modified (GM) crops. Therefore, to understand the efficacy of various biorational compounds against whitefly under non-weedy as well as weedy field conditions, studies on whitefly carried out during kharif 2018, to know the changes in number of whitefly adults as well as nymphs. Transgenic hybrid cotton variety RCH 650 was sown with a spacing of 100x45 cm and replicated four times in both non-weedy and weedy habitat. Although, standard check Dimethoate 30 EC proved it's efficacy after first and second spray in cotton crop against whitefly. Not with standing, after the application of biorational first time as spray in 29th Standard Meteoroloical Week (SMW), Nimbecidine 300 ppm was admitted as most effective in non-weedy (66.76 and 60.65% mean mortality in whitefly adult and nymph, respectively) as well as in weedy habitat that caused 56.77 and 55.54% mean mortality in adult and nymph, respectively over a period of seven days after application. Entomopathogenic fungi Verticillium lecanii found better to control whitefly adults (42.06 and 40.63%), while Metarhizium anisopliae (42.39 and 36.01%) found more effective for nymphal mortality in non-weedy as well as in weedy habitat. One and same pattern of efficacy of biorational was reconstructed against whitefly again after second application of biorational in all the treatment selected to test against whitefly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curcuma longa, known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, has been a staple in traditional medicine for centuries. In the pursuit of natural alternatives to synthetic preservatives, the extracts of C. longa have garnered attention for their efficacy in extending shelf life and preventing the spoilage of diverse agricultural products. This study aims to assess the antifungal and antioomycete activities and plant protection capabilities of a hydroethanolic C. longa extract as a natural product against crop pathogens. The phytochemical profile of the C. longa extract was elucidated through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The extract exhibited a richness in bisabolene sesquiterpenoids, notably (+)-β-turmerone, α-turmerone, (+)-(S)-ar-turmerone, and included minor phytoconstituents, such as α-atlantone, γ-curcumene, zingiberene, isoelemicin, and gibberellin A3. Radial growth inhibition assays demonstrated the C. longa extract's effectiveness against various phytopathogenic fungi, including Botrytis cinerea, Colletotrichum acutatum, and Diplodia corticola, as well as the oomycetes Phytophthora cactorum and Phytophthora cinnamomi. In ex situ tests, the C. longa extract demonstrated remarkable protection capabilities for Malus domestica excised stems against P. cinnamomi-induced necrosis. Furthermore, the C. longa extract exhibited non-toxicity towards lettuce seed germination and did not impact early lettuce seedling growth, indicating its safety for crop protection. These findings contribute to expanding the potential applications of C. longa as an antimicrobial agent, particularly for safeguarding economically significant trees against the destructive oomycete P. cinnamomi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helichrysum stoechas is a singular halophyte that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and allelopathic properties. In the work presented herein, we have characterized its inflorescences hydromethanolic extract and assessed its antifungal activity for the pre- and postharvest management of tomato crop diseases. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry characterization of the extract showed that 4-ethenyl-1,3-benzenediol, 2,3-dihydro-benzofuran, quinic acid, 3,5-dihydroxy-6,7,8-trimethoxy-2-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one, 1,6-anhydro-β-D-glucopyranose, catechol, scopoletin, and maltol were the main constituents. The co-occurrence of pyranones, benzenediols, and quinic acids as phytoconstituents of H. stoechas extract resulted in promising in vitro minimum inhibitory concentrations of 500, 375, 500, 187.5, 187.5, and 375 μg·mL−1 against mycelia of Alternaria alternata, Colletotrichum coccodes, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, and Verticillium dahliae, respectively. Further, to assess the potential of H. stoechas inflorescence extract for postharvest tomato crop protection, ex situ tests were conducted against C. coccodes, obtaining high protection at a dose of 750 μg·mL−1. Taking into consideration that the demonstrated activity is among the highest reported to date for plant extracts and comparable to that of the synthetic fungicides tested as positive controls, H. stoechas inflorescence extract may be put forward as a promising biorational and may deserve further testing in field-scale studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curcuma longa, known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, has been a staple in traditional medicine for centuries. In the pursuit of natural alternatives to synthetic preservatives, the extracts of C. longa have garnered attention for their efficacy in extending shelf life and preventing the spoilage of diverse agricultural products. This study aims to assess the antifungal and antioomycete activities and plant protection capabilities of a hydroethanolic C. longa extract as a natural product against crop pathogens. The phytochemical profile of the C. longa extract was elucidated through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The extract exhibited a richness in bisabolene sesquiterpenoids, notably (+)-β-turmerone, α-turmerone, (+)-(S)-ar-turmerone, and included minor phytoconstituents, such as α-atlantone, γ-curcumene, zingiberene, isoelemicin, and gibberellin A3. Radial growth inhibition assays demonstrated the C. longa extract’s effectiveness against various phytopathogenic fungi, including Botrytis cinerea, Colletotrichum acutatum, and Diplodia corticola, as well as the oomycetes Phytophthora cactorum and Phytophthora cinnamomi. In ex situ tests, the C. longa extract demonstrated remarkable protection capabilities for Malus domestica excised stems against P. cinnamomi-induced necrosis. Furthermore, the C. longa extract exhibited non-toxicity towards lettuce seed germination and did not impact early lettuce seedling growth, indicating its safety for crop protection. These findings contribute to expanding the potential applications of C. longa as an antimicrobial agent, particularly for safeguarding economically significant trees against the destructive oomycete P. cinnamomi.

There is a need to identify combination treatments with high efficacy against Phytophthora capsici, a serious pathogen of chile pepper (Capsicum sp.) and other vegetable crops in New Mexico and worldwide. A greenhouse study was conducted to determine the effects of seed, plant, and soil treatment with selected commercial formulations of Bacillus and Streptomyces, and chemical fungicides (mefenoxam) on infection of chile pepper by P. capsici. The area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) was evaluated under seed treatment used in conjunction with soil treatment, and plant treatment used in conjunction with soil treatment. There was no significant interaction (P > 0.05) between seed treatment and soil treatment, and between plant treatment and soil treatment. Soil treatment with mefenoxam reduced AUDPC over 50% compared to control (untreated). Percent plant stand and percent plant survival were greater in soil treated with mefenoxam, Streptomyces lydicus, and S. griseoviridis than in untreated soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Repellent usage against rodents is almost not provided anymore. Permission to use many rodent repellent substances under European Union (EU) plant protection regulations has not been renewed in recent years. Some approval for chemical substances have not been renewed due to their toxicological properties, and for some biorational approvals have also not been renewed due to lack of financial support together with other concerns. Some other rodent repellent substances possessing accurate properties in a secondary way have also been withdrawn. Thus, the use of almost ten active substances is now illegal. The lack of support and the resultant orphan use may be explained by the relatively small market and possible business together with the expectations of modern substance application requirements. As a result, the opportunity to consider new biorational substances as candidates is therefore open. Plant based food substances are preferred candidates for plant protection considering their favourable toxicological characteristics. Capsicum oleoresin, a mixture obtained from two spice species (Capsicum annuum and C. frutescens), is one of them with appropriate repellent properties. An application under EU Plant Protection Product regulation has recently been submitted and may become a new repellent for biological control agent against seed predators.

Methionine is a naturally occurring amino acid that has demonstrated toxic properties for control of larval mosquitoes in laboratory experiments. Methionine offers many desirable qualities for an effective, biorational pesticide, including its minimal effects on non-target species. Because previous studies regarding this amino acid's toxicity were laboratory based, the next step is to establish if methionine is likely to have similar effects in natural water bodies before attempting costly field trials. Therefore, the goal of this study was to test the effectiveness of DL-methionine applied to various water sources. Concentration response experiments conducted in glass jars used larval Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) as a model organism. Well, deionized, and pond water were evaluated in the study. In general, increased mortality of Ae. aegypti larvae occurred with increasing concentrations of DL-methionine at 48 h. However, larval DL-methionine LC50 values were not different between water sources. This study has shown that DL-methionine can be added to various water sources as a possible biorational larvicide when applied to natural water sources such as ponds or water-holding containers that often are preferred larval developmental sites for a variety of mosquito disease vectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eggplant shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis, is a major pest in eggplant production in South and South-East Asia. Farmers frequently spray insecticides to control it. Integrated pest management (IPM) based on mass trapping or pheromone trapping and sanitation (removal of infested shoots and fruits) has been suggested but poorly adopted. This study tested, together with farmers, combinations of IPM components that fit their farming practices, increase income, and preserve natural enemy populations. A 2-year participatory study was negotiated with these farmers, comparing (i) an untreated control, (ii) farmers’ conventional weekly spraying, with pheromone trapping either (iii) alone, or combined with (iv) trap-based biorational spraying, or (v) bi-weekly conventional insecticide spraying. Farmers rejected testing sanitation as too labor-intensive. In both years, pheromone trapping alone or combined with biorational spraying reduced fruit infestation, increased yield and income, and preserved natural enemies, showing technical efficacy at costs comparable with farmers’ practice. Replacing biorational spraying by conventional insecticides did not provide any control beyond pheromone trapping alone but reduced natural enemies. In contrast, farmers’ practice neither reduced infestation nor increased yield but reduced populations of natural enemies. Aphid and jassid populations were reduced only by biorational and conventional spraying. As farmers were reluctant to use only pheromone trapping, the addition of biorational spraying might be suitable. Discussion with farmers allowed us to understand how practical applicability of the tested IPM depends on farmers’ knowledge levels on insect biology, farmers’ desire to still use some spraying, and labor constraints to sanitation. Although technically and economically viable, the tested IPM may prove difficult to scale out, as farmers had difficulty understanding the lifecycle of Leucinodes orbonalis and the pheromone trapping mechanisms. This study is the first to disentangle the technical efficacy of pheromone-trapping-based IPM from its practical applicability for the targeted smallholder eggplant growers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The citrus cottony scale, Pulvinaria aurantii Cockerell, is the most important pest of citrus orchards in northern Iran in recent years. Owing to the harmful impacts of chemical insecticides, the use of biorational pesticides seems a safe and convenient way to control this pest. The present investigation was set up to study contact toxicity of various biorational and chemical compounds on the first, second instar nymph and overwintering adult of the citrus cottony scale, P. aurantii, and its predator, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant under field conditions. The results indicated that the highest percentage of mortality of first instar nymph of the citrus cottony scale was observed in the Dayabon treatment of 9 and 10 ml/L, 100.0% ± 0.0% and the lowest percentage was observed in Palizin treatment of 1.5 ml/L, 34.7% ± 2.9%. In the second instar nymph, the highest mortality was seen in the Dursban treatment of 2 ml/L, 94.7% ± 2.4% and the lowest mortality in the Palizin treatment of 1.5 ml/L, 30.0% ± 2.3%. Also, for overwintering adults Dayabon 10 ml/L caused the highest mortality, 96.0% ± 4.0% during 24 h. In the case of ladybird insects, the highest and lowest percentage of mortality was observed in the Dursban treatment of 2 ml/L, 76.7% ± 8.8%, Dayabon 5 ml/L, and Palizin 2 ml/L, 3.3% ± 3.3%, respectively. The highest and lowest mortality rate of larvae of ladybird was estimated in the Dursban treatment of 2 ml/L, 83.3% ± 3.3% and Dayabon 5 ml/L, 3.3% ± 3.3%, respectively. Also, for overwintering predator adults Palizin 1.5 ml/L had the lowest mortality, 3.3% ± 3.3% during 24 h and this rate remain unchanged after 96 h after treatment. According to the results obtained, treatments with Dayabon 9 and 10 ml/L, can be a viable alternative to other high-risk chemical pesticides in addition to effectively controlling citrus cottony scale without having any adverse impacts on predator ladybird.

Repellent usage against rodents is almost not provided anymore. Permission to use many rodent repellent substances under European Union (EU) plant protection regulations has not been renewed in recent years. Some approval for chemical substances have not been renewed due to their toxicological properties, and for some biorational approvals have also not been renewed due to lack of financial support together with other concerns. Some other rodent repellent substances possessing accurate properties in a secondary way have also been withdrawn. Thus, the use of almost ten active substances is now illegal. The lack of support and the resultant orphan use may be explained by the relatively small market and possible business together with the expectations of modern substance application requirements. As a result, the opportunity to consider new biorational substances as candidates is therefore open. Plant based food substances are preferred candidates for plant protection considering their favourable toxicological characteristics. Capsicum oleoresin, a mixture obtained from two spice species (Capsicum annuum and C. frutescens), is one of them with appropriate repellent properties. An application under EU Plant Protection Product regulation has recently been submitted and may become a new repellent for biological control agent against seed predators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historically, stored product insect pest management has been based around the use of methyl bromide and phosphine as fumigants. However, methyl bromide has been phased out for structural fumigations, and there is increasing worldwide insecticide resistance to phosphine. One potential alternative, environmentally friendly option is the use of methyl benzoate (MBe), which is considered a food safe compound. In this study, we evaluated the direct and sublethal effects of MBe exposure on the survivorship and mobility of four stored product species with diverse life histories, including Rhyzopertha dominica , Tribolium castaneum , Sitophilus zeamais , and Trogoderma variabile. Sets of insects were exposed to a control, low, or high MBe concentrations in flasks with or without food for 24 or 72 h in the laboratory. Furthermore, we assessed phosphine exposure under similar conditions. Overall, R. dominica was the most susceptible to MBe exposure, followed by T. castaneum. By contrast, S. zeamais and T. variabile were relatively unaffected by MBe exposure. Exposure to MBe induced multiple-fold decreases in the total distance moved and velocity of adults still considered alive or affected after assays. By comparison, phosphine effectively killed all individuals of all species. Our data suggest that while MBe was effective for R. dominica , it was not competitive in comparison to phosphine for controlling susceptible strains of these species at the specified experimental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orange rust (Hemileia vastatrix Berk. & Broome) is the main disease of coffee cultivation, and given the need to reduce the losses it causes, ecological alternatives have been implemented for its control and under this concept this research aimed to quantify the effect of four homeopathic preparations and 0.5% Bordeaux mixture in the severity, foliar infestation and defoliation caused by this fungus, the experiment was carried out in the East Regional Center of the Autonomous University Chapingo in Huatusco, Veracruz, Mexico, from September to November of 2014, where the homeopathic plants were sprayed every week for 60 d, with four repetitions/trees per treatment in a randomized complete block design. The Bordeaux mixture at 0.5% was applied twice for 60 days and the control trees were not applied. At 60 d the severity was recorded in 10 leaves per tree and at 30 and 60 d the foliar infestation and defoliation were quantified. The results showed that the severity was not affected at 60 d or the foliar infestation at 30 d, the plant polypharm (mixture of 72 anti-stress homeopathic preparations and diseases, nutrients, pests and plants of agricultural importance)/212 Centesimal Hahnemanniana, 49.75% decreased the defoliation at 30 d and the homoeopathic mixture reduced 26.65 and 45.06% foliar infestation and defoliation at 60 d. The homeopathic mixture allows to protect the plant rather than to manage or eliminate the pathogen, it is an ecological and organic alternative to solve the current contingency of coffee rust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Preemptive treatment of dry habitats with an ultra-low volume (ULV) residual larvicide may be effective in an integrated vector management program to control populations of container-inhabiting Aedes mosquitoes, key vectors of Zika, dengue, and chikungunya viruses. We exposed dry, artificial containers placed in exposed and protected locations to Natular 2EC (spinosad) larvicide applied with a truck-mounted ULV sprayer in a simulated urban setting in North Florida, and later introduced water and Ae. aegypti or Ae. albopictus larvae to conduct bioassays. Up to 50% mortality was observed in bioassays, indicating further analysis of spinosad as a residual treatment application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT We investigated the efficacy of a liquid larvicide, Natular 2EC® (spinosad), applied with ultra-low volume sprayer as a residual application during the dry season in southeastern Thailand against 4 medically important species—Aedes aegypti, Ae. albopictus, Anopheles dirus, and An. minimus. We found that this larvicide could be applied as a residual to dry areas known to collect water and potentially still be effective after rains or irrigation, which could increase the flexibility and efficiency of an integrated vector management program targeting these species. This investigation also demonstrated, for the 1st time, efficacy of spinosad against An. minimus and An. dirus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

San Jose scale (Comstockaspis perniciosus Comstock) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) is a cryptic sap-sucking pest in temperate orchards. In recent years, San Jose scale has become more challenging to manage, in part due to the loss of registered insecticides and difficulty in timing insecticide applications with the appropriate life stage. For insects like San Jose scale whose sex pheromones are known, mating disruption presents a biorational alternative to insecticide use in orchards. In 2020 and 2021, we evaluated this approach for San Jose scale in on-farm trials in Michigan apple orchards. ISOMATE® twin-tube reservoir dispensers primed with San Jose scale mating pheromone were placed into small orchard plots with densities ranging from 62 to 926 per ha to determine optimum density for control. In both years, male capture using baited traps was significantly reduced in plots under mating disruption, suggesting competitive population suppression. Optimum density of dispensers was determined to be 247 per hectare. A separate comparison study of the ISOMATE® twin-tube and CIDETRAK® MESO pheromone dispensers showed comparable efficacy despite differing release rates between the two types of dispensers. However, higher rates did provide greater suppression during the lower population densities in the first generation. We suggest there is some flexibility with rate and dispenser types for efficacious control. We also provide updated information on the phenology of the male San Jose scale flight activity. These results provide evidence for the potential utility of pheromone mating disruption for managing San Jose scale in apple orchards and highlight focus for further optimization. • San Jose scale is a cryptic and increasingly important pest of temperate orchards. • Pheromone mating disruption is a biorational alternative to insecticide use. • Pheromone distribution and dispenser type were tested for suppressing male flight. • Male San Jose scale exhibit a competitive response to increasing dispenser density. • Pheromone mating disruption shows promise for suppressing San Jose scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The betel vine (Piper betle L.) is one of the plantation crops commercially cultivated for its leaf in South and Southeast Asia. The leaf production is often threatened by different insect pests including Aleurocanthus rugosa Singh (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). Currently, infestations of A. rugosa in betel vine are primarily controlled using excessive conventional broad-spectrum chemical pesticides that pose serious human health risks due to the masticatory nature of consumption. This study was carried out to investigate the performance of colored sticky traps and biopesticides against A. rugosa as an ecofriendly approach by conducting multilocation field trials from 2019 to 2021. It was observed that the A. rugosa population prevailed throughout the year, however, insect infestation was higher in May and October due to the high temperature. Among the sticky traps, A. rugosa was highly attracted to the yellow-colored traps compared to white or blue traps. Whereas alternating sprays of either D-lemonine (Bio clean® 5% SL) or spinosad (Success® 2.5% SC) with sodium lauryl ether sulphate (Fizimite® 10%) reduced the A. rugosa population by 71.4–79.0% over control. Further, a combination of these spray regimes with yellow-colored sticky traps as IPM packages showed improved results in reducing pest populations by 83.8–86.0% and increasing leaf yield by 60.4–63.6% over control. Even the performance of the IPM packages was better than farmers' practice i.e., broad-spectrum chemical pesticides. Thus, the outcome of this study indicates that the IPM program could be a sustainable and environmentally friendly method of controlling A. rugosa in betel vine production. [Display omitted] • Aleurocanthus rugosa in betel vine appears throughout the year with peaks in May and October. • Yellow colored sticky trap is more effective to capture A. rugosa adult. • Alternate spraying of D-Lemonine or Spinosad with sodium lauryl ether sulphate are effective to control A. rugosa. • Yellow colored sticky traps with spraying of biopesticides are an effective IPM package against A. rugosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The citrus cottony scale,Pulvinaria aurantiiCockerell, is the most important pest of citrus orchards in northern Iran in recent years. Owing to the harmful impacts of chemical insecticides, the use of biorational pesticides seems a safe and convenient way to control this pest. The present investigation was set up to study contact toxicity of various biorational and chemical compounds on the first, second instar nymph and overwintering adult of the citrus cottony scale,P. aurantii,and its predator,Cryptolaemus montrouzieriMulsant under field conditions. The results indicated that the highest percentage of mortality of first instar nymph of the citrus cottony scale was observed in the Dayabon treatment of 9 and 10 ml/L, 100.0% ± 0.0% and the lowest percentage was observed in Palizin treatment of 1.5 ml/L, 34.7% ± 2.9%. In the second instar nymph, the highest mortality was seen in the Dursban treatment of 2 ml/L, 94.7% ± 2.4% and the lowest mortality in the Palizin treatment of 1.5 ml/L, 30.0% ± 2.3%. Also, for overwintering adults Dayabon 10 ml/L caused the highest mortality, 96.0% ± 4.0% during 24 h. In the case of ladybird insects, the highest and lowest percentage of mortality was observed in the Dursban treatment of 2 ml/L, 76.7% ± 8.8%, Dayabon 5 ml/L, and Palizin 2 ml/L, 3.3% ± 3.3%, respectively. The highest and lowest mortality rate of larvae of ladybird was estimated in the Dursban treatment of 2 ml/L, 83.3% ± 3.3% and Dayabon 5 ml/L, 3.3% ± 3.3%, respectively. Also, for overwintering predator adults Palizin 1.5 ml/L had the lowest mortality, 3.3% ± 3.3% during 24 h and this rate remain unchanged after 96 h after treatment. According to the results obtained, treatments with Dayabon 9 and 10 ml/L, can be a viable alternative to other high-risk chemical pesticides in addition to effectively controlling citrus cottony scale without having any adverse impacts on predator ladybird. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Sinaloa the vegetable and cucurbits production are important agricultural activities, so each year a high volume of chemicalinsecticides are applied to pest control that attack these crops. This paper present the main pests insects in the region, as wellas an analysis about effects of biorational insecticides on these pests. Was found that for control of Bemisia argentifolii Bellows & Perring (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is used Neem oil 0.2%., for kill nymphs of Bactericera cockerelli Sulc. (Homoptera: Psyllidae) soursop Annona muricata L. (Annonales: Annonaceae) at doses of 2500-5000 mg/L., for Liriomyza trifolii Burgess (Diptera: Agromyzidae) neem seeds 2%., to Myzus persicae Sulzer (Hemiptera: Aphididae) rapeseed oil at doses 920 g/L (2% v/v)., to Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) spinosad (Conserve®) 48-60 mg/L., and for Phthorimaea operculella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) granular viruses (105 OBs/mL) combined with neem (DalNeem TM emulsifiable oil and NeemAzal TM -T/S at doses of 8 mg/L, everyone). The use of these products and the dose depends on the type of pest and crop. In general these products cause insect mortality greater than 95%, besides having low toxicity on natural enemies, so that these can be used individually or in combination in integrated pest control schemes against vegetable pests, and also for disease vectors insects in the northern of Sinaloa.

In Sinaloa Mexico the presence of mosquitoes is a important health problem, and each spring-summer season appear several species which include: Aedes aegypti (Linneus), Anopheles albimanus (Wiedemann), Culex quinquefasciatus (Say) and black flies of the Simulidae family. The control of larvae and adults of these insects are usually performed with chemical insecticides, so the use of biorational insecticides for control of these insects is novel, due to that have low environment impact. The objective of this work is to give known to the different biorational insecticides and their biological effects (inhibitor, insect repellent, larvicide, adulticide), that can be used to combat to different development stages of these insects. As well as show the progress of a study on the effectiveness of neem extracts, garlic, cinnamon, albahaca and cypermethrin at low doses (0.25,0.5 and 1ml/L), for control of larvae and adults of black flies in the unicipality of El Fuerte, Sinaloa. By the mode of action, the biorational that can doing use for the control of theseinsects were: Spinosad, and Bacillus thuringiensis (Berliner) var. israeliensis for larvae control, Spinosad and Beauveria bassiana (Vuill.) for adults; as well as extracts of neem, garlic, cinnamon and albahaca for both stages. The preliminary results of the study showed that the effectiveness application in tourist sites, through aerial spraying of cypermethrin at low doses and the plants extracts, allow low the index of larvae and infestation of mosquitoes and blackflies, decreasing the discomfort caused by these insects in the place of study.

To evaluate population fluctuations in relation to weather parameters and biorational management of sucking insect vectors in chili (Capsicum annuum L.), we conducted a study at the experimental field of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, in 2020 and 2021. It has been shown in this study that sucking insects (aphids, jassids, whiteflies, and thrips) were active throughout the study period. The highest count of sucking insect vectors (24.67 aphids, 13.72 whitefly, and 56.56 thrips) in March and (14.83 jassid) in April was recorded at average temperatures of 34-36°C and 31°C, respectively. There was a positive correlation between pest abundance and temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall for all insects, with the exception of a negative correlation between whiteflies and temperature and rainfall. The results of linear regression models showed that abiotic factors contribute to pest abundance levels, with 100R 2 values of 14.9 (thrips), 46.3 (jassids), 7.1 (whiteflies), and 0.67 (aphids); the results were statistically significant for all models in the case of thrips, jassids, and whiteflies, but not significant in the case of aphids. The most effective treatment was spinosad 45SC, a bacterium-derived pesticide recommended for the control of sucking insect vector complexes in chili. The results from the spinosad-treated plot, in terms of insect counts and corresponding mortality rates, were as follows: aphids (3.68), 68.89%; jassids (3.52), 72.01%; whiteflies (3.00), 66.69%; and thrips (3.40), 69.20%. The results of this study will aid in developing predictive models of different control agents against sucking insect vectors in vegetable crops., (© 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Cacopsylla pyricola(Förster) (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) is an important pest of commercial pear in all pear-growing regions of Iran. In the scope of an integrated pest management, a research was carried out on the impact of treatment with biorational compounds in comparison with conventional chemical insecticides for controlling the pear psyllid. The experiments were done with five treatments consisted of diflubenzuron and lufenuron as biorational insecticides and thiacloprid and diazinon as conventional chemical insecticides and untreated check. The trials were set up in a randomised complete block design. The treatments were replicated four times. Samplings were carried out one day before spraying and 3, 7, 15, 30 and 45 days after spraying through clipping 15 leaves in each replicate and counting the number of pear psyllid live nymphs. Mortality percentage was calculated using Henderson–Tilton formula. The data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the means comparison was performed using Duncan’s multiple range test. The results indicated that the highest mortality in diflubenzuron and lufenuron treatments occurred after 15 days, with 82.09% and 71.01% mortality, respectively. In comparison with conventional chemical insecticides, the efficacy of biorational compounds was higher or not significantly different. The results of the trials are discussed in terms of improving management of the populations of pear psylla. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Key pecan insect pests include the black pecan aphid, Melanocallis caryaefoliae (Davis), pecan weevil, Curculio caryae (Horn), and stink bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). Alternative control tactics are needed for management of these pests in organic and conventional systems. Our objective was to evaluate the potential utility of several alternative insecticides including three plant extract formulations, eucalyptus extract, citrus extract-8.92%, and citrus extract-19.4%, and two microbial insecticides, Chromobacterium subtsugae (Martin et al.) and Isaria fitmosorosea (Wize). In the laboratory, eucalyptus extract, citrus extract-8.92%, citrus extract-19.4%, and C. subtsugae caused M. caryaefoliae mortality (mortality was reached ͭ78, 83, and 96%, respectively). In field tests, combined applications of I. fumosorosea with eucalyptus extract were synergistic and caused up to 82% mortality in M. caryaefoliae. In laboratory assays focusing on C. caryae suppression, C. subtsugae reduced feeding and oviposition damage, eucalyptus extract and citrus extract-19.4% were ineffective, and antagonism was observed when citrus extract-19.4% was combined with the entomopathogenie nematode, Steinernema carpocapsae (Weiser). In field tests, C. subtsugae reduced C. caryae damage by 55% within the first 3 d, and caused 74.5% corrected mortality within 7 d posttreatment. In the laboratory, C. subtsugae and eucalyptus extract did not cause mortality in the brown stink bug, Euschistus serous (Say). Applications of C. subtsugae for suppression of C. caryae, and eucalyptus extract plus L fitmosorosea for control of M. caryaefoliae show promise as alternative insecticides and should be evaluated further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we evaluated the effects of the biorational pesticide, Spinosad (GF-120 formulation), on foraging behavior in the stingless bee Plebeia moureana (Ayala). Several foragers were individually trained to collect an unscented 1.0 M sucrose solution (31% sucrose wt:wt) from a blue plate in one arm of a Y-tube maze. The other arm offered plain water on a yellow plate. Afte 20-30 visits to the setup, the sucrose solution was exchanged for a sucrose solution mixed with one of five concentrations of GF-120 and 30 consecutive choices of each bee were recorded. Interestingly, the foragers collected the sucrose solution with GF-120 at all concentrations. Our results show that: 1) the GF-120 formulation, when applied at the recommended concentration and mixed with food does not discourage engaged foragers and, 2) foraging behavior over time is not significantly impaired by the continuous collection of GF-120. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a great need for novel insecticides to control mosquitoes. VectoMax™ is a new mosquito larvicide that combines toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Bti) and Bacillus sphaericus (Bs), and is designed to provide extended mosquito control. We tested the initial efficacy and longevity of control of mosquitoes using one of the formulations, VectoMax CG, in a full-scale study conducted in seasonal wetlands. VectoMax CG was applied by air at 8.9 kg/ha to 3 wetlands and 3 others were untreated controls. VectoMax CG controlled Culex tarsalis through day 28 and showed activity against Aedes melanimon. Use of this dual-material, extended-action formulation could minimize inspection visits and reduce application costs compared to Bti and Bs alone, and its combination of toxins may forestall resistance development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Southeast Asian citrus-feeding butterfly Princeps (Papilio) demoleus (L.) was recently introduced into the Americas, causing an imminent threat to citrus production and ornamental flora. The human nutrient amino acid methionine has been shown by us to disrupt aminoacid-modulated ion transport systems in caterpillars and other insect larvae that possess an alkaline midgut. Heraclides (Papilio) cresphontes was bioassayed as a United States Department of Agriculture permitted surrogate of the Florida quarantined P. demoleus to test the potential efficacy of methionine. Larvae were allowed to feed ad libitum on wild lime plants with leaves treated with methionine or proline. Methionine caused 100% mortality in first through fourth instars in a time- and dose-dependent manner, as determined by probit analysis whereas proline was not toxic. Wild lime host plants did not exhibit phytotoxicity with methionine treatments during a 14 d test period. It is concluded that methionine is an effective larvicide against H. cresphontes, and therefore may be a candidate environmentally safe biorational pesticide for use against invasive P. demoleus in the Americas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficacy of some biorational and conventional insecticides against different stages of the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) was evaluated under laboratory conditions. Seven different commercial products were tested, including the biorational insecticides: Spinosad, Mectin, Fitoverm, Match, Neemix in addition to two conventional insecticides: Actara and Actellic. Data indicated that all tested insecticides showed low toxic effect to L. decemlineata eggs, but most hatching neonates died shortly after hatching. All tested insecticides, at their field rates showed high toxicity to larvae of L. decemlineata. Highest mortality was obtained in earlier instars compared to older ones and mortality increased with the time of exposure. Moreover, the lower concentrations (up to 25% of the field rate) of Actara, Mectin, Spinosad and Fitoverm showed high efficacy against L. decemlineata 3rd instar larvae. Also, Actara caused highest mortality in L. decemlineata adults, followed by Spinosad, Mectin and Fitoverm compared to Actellic, Match and Neemix. In pupal bioassay, Fitoverm caused highest reduction in L. decemlineata adults' emergence followed by Mectin, Actara, Actellic and Spinosad. In Translocation bioassays, Actara caused highest mortality in L. decemlineata 3rd instar larvae or adults followed by Spinosad and Mectin. Residual activity of the tested insecticides against 3rd instar larvae was also evaluated. Actara, Spinosad and Mectin exhibited residual effect under field conditions, as the percentages of mortality after 30 days of application were 46.67, 44.44 and 35.56%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), B biotype, presents a unique problem for vegetable growers by serving as a vector of plant viruses and by inducing physiological disorders of leaves and fruit. An action threshold of a single whitefly is necessary because of the threat of disease in many areas and growers rely heavily on a single class of insecticides (neonicotinoids) for whitefly control. Additional control methods are needed to manage this pest in commercial vegetables. Extracts of wild tobacco contain natural sugar esters that have previously been shown effective in controlling many soft-bodied insects. We developed a novel tomato leaf bioassay system to assess a synthetic sugar ester derivative, sucrose octanoate, for insecticidal activity against the eggs, nymphs, and adults of B tabaci. The LC50 values for sucrose octanoate against adults, second instars, and fourth instars of the whitefly were 880,686, and 1,571 ppm, respectively. The LC50 against whitefly eggs was higher (11,446 ppm) but indicated that some egg mortality occurred at the recommended application rate of 0.8-1.2% (3,200-4,800 ppm [AI]). Toxicity of sugar esters to whitefly eggs has not been reported previously. The tomato leaf bioassay produced reliable and repeatable results for whitefly toxicity studies and predicted that effective nymph and adult whitefly control can be achieved with sucrose octanoate at application rates⩽1% (4,000 ppm [AI]). Field efficacy studies are warranted to determine whether this biorational pesticide has application in commercial tomato production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the toxicological effects of a new biorational, synthetic sucrose octanoate (AVA Chemical Ventures L.L.C., Portsmouth, NH), on brown citrus aphid, Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy), nymphs and adults and to its native parasitoid Lysiphlebus testaceipes (Cresson). Sucrose octanoate topically applied was equally toxic to brown citrus aphid adults and nymphs with LC50 and LC90 values ranging from 356 to 514 and 1029 to 1420 ppm, respectively. Mortalities of both stages did not differ significantly over time during the 3-24-h sampling period. Dry residues of sucrose octanoate exhibited similar levels of toxicity to both nymphs and adults. Mortality ranged from 60 to 70% at 6,000 ppm 4 h after exposure. L. testaceipes was not harmed by treatments as high as 4,000 ppm of sucrose octanoate as long as the parasitoid had mummified before treatment. Based on these results, sucrose octanoate would be a useful biorational in citrus integrated pest management programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]