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Soybean (Glycine max) is the world's most cultivated legume; currently, most of its varieties are Bt. Spodoptera spp. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) are important pests of soybean. An artificial neural network (ANN) is an artificial intelligence tool that can be used in the study of spatiotemporal dynamics of pest populations. Thus, this work aims to determine ANN to identify population regulation factors of Spodoptera spp. and predict its density in Bt soybean. For two years, the density of Spodoptera spp. caterpillars, predators, and parasitoids, climate data, and plant age was evaluated in commercial soybean fields. The selected ANN was the one with the weather data from 25 days before the pest's density evaluation. ANN forecasting and pest densities in soybean fields presented a correlation of 0.863. It was found that higher densities of the pest occurred in dry seasons, with less wind, higher atmospheric pressure and with increasing plant age. Pest density increased with the increase in temperature until this curve reached its maximum value. ANN forecasting and pest densities in soybean fields in different years, seasons, and stages of plant development were similar. Therefore, this ANN is promising to be implemented into integrated pest management programs in soybean fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Tikrit University for Humanities is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Combining tree ring data with remote sensing data can help to gain a deeper understanding of the driving factors that influence vegetation change, identify climate events that lead to vegetation change, and improve the parameters of global vegetation index reconstruction models. However, it is currently not well understood how climate change at different elevations in the central Tianshan Mountains affects radial tree growth and the dynamics of forest canopy growth. We selected Schrenk spruce (Picea schrenkiana) tree core samples from different elevations in the central Tianshan Mountains. We analyzed the relationships of various tree-ring parameters, including tree-ring width, maximum latewood density (MXD), and minimum earlywood density (MID) chronologies, with 1982–2012 GIMMS (Global Inventory Modelling and Mapping Studies) NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index), 2001–2012 MODIS (moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer) NDVI, and meteorological data. (1) There were strong correlations between tree-ring width chronologies and the lowest temperatures, especially in July. Tree-ring width chronologies at higher altitudes were positively correlated with temperature; the opposite pattern was observed at lower altitudes. MID chronologies were positively correlated with July temperature in high-altitude areas and mean temperature and highest temperature from May to September in low-altitude areas, and negatively correlated with precipitation during this period. MXD chronologies were mainly negatively correlated with precipitation. MXD chronologies were mainly positively correlated with temperature in April and May. (2) The correlations between MXD chronologies at each sampling point and NDVI in each month of the growing season were strong. Both MID and MXD chronologies were negatively correlated with GIMMS NDVI in July. The overall correlations between tree-ring parameters and MODIS NDVI were stronger than the correlations between tree-ring parameters and GIMMS NDVI in high-altitude areas; the opposite pattern was observed in low-altitude areas. Drought stress may be the main factor affecting tree ring parameters and NDVI. In the future, we should combine tree ring parameters with vegetation index to investigate a larger scale of forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extended Abstract Introduction and Objective: For about two decades, the Zagros forests have been facing a declining issue, and the effects of this crisis are visible in various regions. Material and Methods: In the current study, the effect of climate change on the decline of Persian oak in the Zagros forest stands is probed using meteorological data and sample plots over time. To conduct this research, in order to collect field data, a regular random sampling model with fixed sample plots with two sampling periods in 1998 and 2018 was used. Furthermore, the trend of four climatic elements of precipitation, temperature, frost, and relative humidity in Gilan-e-Gharb station from 1988 to 2018 was studied. Results: The results showed that the frequency and stock of Persian oak species in the second period compared to the first period was decreased. The cross-sectional per hectare of Iranian oak was decreased from 5.2 in the first stage sampling to 4.4 in the second sampling. The results of comparing the quality and health conditions in two samples showed that in the first period, 11.9% of Persian oak trees were decayed and dried, while in the second period it was 71.55%. The oak decline rate in the second-period sampling was higher in health and quality grades 2 and 1 (41.9% and 28.5%, respectively) and was decreased in grades 4 and 5 (8.2% and 3/1%, respectively). However, the deterioration in higher degrees leads to the death of Persian oak trees. The Mann-Kendall analysis results of climatic elements showed that during the study period, the trend of precipitation, frost, and relative humidity was decreasing and the temperature was increasing. In the first decade and to some extent in the second decade, noticeable stability was observed in the studied indices, but in the third decade, there were many fluctuations. Conclusion: According to the obtained results, it can be said that climate change and the occurrence of severe drought stresses cause oak trees to suffer from physiological weakness. By creating physiological weakness in the trees, the conditions for the invasion of pests and various diseases are provided to them and the oak tree goes to dryness and decay.

Copyright of Pearl River is the property of Pearl River Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Geomatik is the property of Murat Yakar and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Ecology of Iranian Forest is the property of Sari Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources University (SANRU) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Iraqi National Journal of Earth Sciences is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Climate elements are one of the most important factors for tourism development. This study aims to show the values of the tourist climate comfort index based on monthly values. For the needs of the research, the method of tourist climate comfort (TCCI) was used, on the example of the city of Novi Sad. Meteorological data for the climatological period of 30 years (1991-2020) from the meteorological station Rimski Šančevi were analysed. Meteorological data that were observed, analysed, and statistically processed are: mean monthly air temperature, monthly temperature amplitude, mean monthly humidity, monthly insolation, and number of rainy days. The obtained results indicate that May and September are the most climatologically suitable months for tourist activities. Data on the number of tourist arrivals and their overnight stays in this area covers the period from 2004-2020. In this paper, a linear correlation between the value of climate comfort and the number of tourists has been made in order to provide local authorities and tourism organizations a more precise overview of the perception and valorisation of climate elements for the improvement of tourist potential.

Background: Leishmaniasis, a common parasitic disease between humans and animals, which is currently one of the major health problems in many parts of Iran. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Aran and Bidgol and the effects of climatic factors on that during 2016-2019. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed by referring to the health records of 964 cutaneous leishmaniasis patients in Aran and Bidgol during 2016-2019 and epidemiological information was recorded. In addition, the climatic characteristics of the study area, including temperature, humidity, and precipitation were collected from the meteorological station of the study area. Then correlation analysis was performed between meteorological elements and the incidence of the disease. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16. Results: 60% of the patients were male. The age group of 0-10 years had the highest frequency (23.9%) among patients. Also, 47.7% of the patients had a history of traveling to endemic areas and the highest rate of leishmaniasis was related to urban residents. There was also a weak positive correlation between humidity and rainfall with leishmaniasis incidence (r = +0.55). A weak negative correlation was also observed between temperature of the environment and leishmaniasis incidence (r = -0.42). Conclusion: Due to the significant increase in cutaneous leishmaniasis in recent years in the area, as well as the appropriate ecological conditions of the area for sand fly activity, it is recommended to conduct the necessary training to observe health in hot seasons and field controls, such as baiting.

Copyright of Journal of Surra Man Raa is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Al-Adab / Al-ādāb is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Colombiana de Ciencias Hortícolas is the property of Revista Colombiana de Ciencias Horticolas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of The Iraqi University is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The spatial distributions and variation mechanism of key soil indices in the Qinling-Daba Mountains are important indicators for the identification of the transitional effect and regional characteristics of the north—south transitional zone in China. This manuscript analyzes the spatial variations in soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) and corresponding relationships with major geographical factors based on spatial analysis and geostatistics considering data obtained from the Second National Soil Survey. The results indicate that the spatial distributions of the SOC and TN contents are consistent, and three high-content areas, one secondary high-content area and one low-content area are observed. High content values are located in the high-altitude regions of the Qinling-Daba Mountains and mountainous areas to the west of the Jialing River, the low-content area occurs on the north slope of the Qinling Mountains, and the secondary high-content area mainly encompasses both sides of the Hanjiang River and regions in the Qinling-Daba Mountains at altitudes below 1000 m. The SOC and TN contents vary between the above two ranges, with the gradual increase in content revealing a horn-shaped pattern. Considering the spatial variations and functions of vegetation, topography and climate factors, it is found that the SOC/TN range in the secondary high-content area remains consistent along the 1000 m contour line, the upper limit of the transitional mountain altitudinal belt, the 0°C isotherm line in January and the 24°C isotherm line in July. This region constitutes the main body of the transitional zone between the subtropical and warm temperate zones, and the northern boundary is roughly distributed along the Dujiangyan-Maoxian-Pingwu-Wenxian line to the west of the Jialing River and the 1000 m contour line on the southern slope of the Qinling Mountains, while the southern boundary occurs along the Dujiangyan-Beichuan-Qingchuan line to the west of the Jialing River and the 1000 m contour line on the northern slope of the Daba Mountains. SOC/TN spatial variation provides a reference for the demarcation of the subtropical and warm temperate zones, and further identification of the soil processes and ecological effects in typical regions can help reveal multidimensional transitional characteristics and variation mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate is one of the factors that affect military plans, tactics and doctrines, command, troop selection, military equipment, clothing, readiness, maintenance, construction, and support. One of the concerns of battlefield commanders for long-term planning in the future is awareness of the likelihood of occurrence and the impact of climate elements on military operations. To assess the probability of occurrence and the impact of climatic elements in the planning of future military operations in the Khuzestan region, eight synoptic stations in the region were selected that had a statistical period of more than 30 years. Climatic data related to temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and direction, cloudiness, field of view, rain and snow were received from the Meteorological Organization. Then the thresholds of climatic elements affecting military operations were determined and the probabilities of occurrence of parameters affecting military operations were calculated. The results showed that most desirable military climate in Khuzestan is related to winter and autumn seasons. In winter, the military climate index in Khuzestan region varies between 13.5 to 26 percent and the highest value with more than 20 percent in Omidieh, Abadan and Dezful stations and the lowest with less than 15 percent is related to Ramhormoz station. The lowest level of desirability of the military climate in Khuzestan is related to summer and spring seasons. In summer, the military climate index in Khuzestan region varies between 35.5 to 47%, which in Abadan, Ahvaz, Bostan, Bandar Mahshahr and Omidieh stations, the index is more than 41% and there are unfavorable conditions for military activities. Finally, considering the possible future climate change in the patterns of temperature, precipitation, relative humidity, etc. in the Khuzestan region, it is predicted that the probability of occurrence and the impact of weather hazards such as heat waves, torrential rains, military tensions with Iraq over Dust, the activation of ethnic and religious divisions due to the loss of food security, migration and emptying of the country's borders, and the cost of providing security for the country's military forces, etc., will increase and affect future military operations more than before.

Attention to climatic and environmental potentials for exploitation and meeting human needs has been considered for many years. But the optimal and correct use of this potential requires accurate knowledge and subsequent careful planning. Today, the use of climate and productive energy from the environment is more of a concern for researchers. This investigation aims to appraise the feasibility of establishing solar thermal power plants (solar panels) by examining eight climatic and atmospheric parameters in the environment based on fuzzy logic in northwestern Iran. In this study, the weather datum of 22 Urban Climate Synoptic stations were prepared to evaluate the climatic conditions for the feasibility of establishing a thermal solar power plant for sustainable development using fuzzy logic in the north-west of Iran for each synoptic station during a statistical period of 31 years (1990–2020). This research used eight climatic parameters: average max temperature, average temperature, average min relative moisture, mean relative moisture, total monthly precipitation, and a daily average of Sunny hours, altitude, and wind speed in this systemic model. MATLAB software was used to combine the input data from fuzzy logic and ANFIS Adaptive Neural Network. The climate zoning map for establishing a thermal solar power plant with the scores obtained for each of the parameters and finally the final map was drawn using the ArcGIS. The results show that the fuzzy logic method showed a great variety of options for the establishment of solar thermal power plants using climatic parameters. In total, after obtaining the final rating for each of the 22 stations, Bonab station, with a coefficient score of (0.544–0.589), and Miyaneh station with a score (0.543–0.577), located in East Azarbaijan Province, in the north-west of Iran are appropriate for the establishment of a solar power plant. The Northwest of Iran is suitable to meet the needs of various energies, including domestic electricity, due to the potential stemming from its favorable climatic conditions climate; therefore, it is necessary to take steady steps to develop this important industry. Also, the accuracy of MATLAB and ArcGIS software with a high level of 0.96% confidence in finding a suitable place for the establishment of solar power stations was confirmed. According to the final results obtained from the integration and fuzzification of 8 climatic parameters and zoning of suitable and unsuitable areas for prioritization, Ardabil station with a score of 0.345% in the priority of inconvenient location, and Bonab station with a score of 0.589% in the priority of where the best places were for the establishment of solar power stations. Considering the findings of the present study, the central region and distant locales in mountainous areas were suitable places for the establishment of solar panels. The valuable results of the present study can be given more attention by the sectors that use a lot of sustainable energy. The results of this research in the field of sustainable energy production from the environment are more in the spotlight.

Abstract The use of technology and planning in agricultural production is essential in Northeastern Brazil, which is the region of the country that most suffers from water shortage. For the best irrigation management, it is necessary to know the potential evapotranspiration rate for water control in order to increase productivity. There are several direct and indirect methods for estimating evapotranspiration, but the standard method recommended by the United Nations Agriculture Organization (FAO) is the Penman-Monteith (PETpm) method because it has higher accuracy than other methods. However, it is a difficult method to be used due to the need for a large number of meteorological elements. In this context, the objective of this study was to estimate potential evapotranspiration by the Penman-Monteith method in the micro-region of Baixo Parnaíba in Maranhão state using artificial neural networks. Agro-meteorological data were collected daily over 34 years, from 1984 to 2017, and these data were obtained from the NASA/POWER website. Subsequently, liquid radiation and potential evapotranspiration were calculated by the Penman-Monteith standard method (1998). To predict potential daily evapotranspiration, the Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) was chosen, which is a traditional Artificial Neural Network. The period that presented a higher evapotranspiration index was the same one that showed precipitation with a lower volume and higher temperatures. The artificial neural network model that best adapted to estimate PETpm was MLP 2-5-1. It is concluded that artificial neural networks estimate with accuracy and precision the Penman-Monteith daily potential evapotranspiration of the Lower Parnaiba in Maranhão, and potential evapotranspiration can be estimated by the Penman-Monteith method using neural networks with inputs of air temperatures.

Copyright of Al-Adab / Al-ādāb is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Variations in climatic elements directly affect the productivity of agricultural activities. Temperature is one of the climatic elements that varies in space and time. Therefore, understanding spatial variations in temperature is essential for many activities. Given the above, the objective of this work was to compare the performance of the proposed spatiotemporal analysis model with that of purely spatial analysis using temperature data obtained by remote sensing. The experimental data were arranged in a grid with 403 spatial locations, with 22 samples collected in a 24-hour period. The statistical software R Core Team (2020) was used to perform the analysis. The packages used in the analyses were 'geoR', 'CompRandFld', 'scatterplot3d', and 'fields'. For making the maps, the software ArcGIS was used. The behavioural analysis of spatiotemporal dependence indicated, through the covariogram graph of the data, that there is a strong spatial dependence. For the cases of purely spatial analysis of phenomena, a separate spatial model for each time is justified because this type of model presents a smaller prediction error and requires simpler processing than the space-time model. It was possible to compare the space-time analysis with the purely spatial analysis using temperature data obtained by remote sensing images. The data modelled with the purely spatial analysis had, on average, lower error than those with the space-time model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat is one of the most important strategic agricultural products which is crucial in providing food for the people of our country. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of AquaCrop plant simulation model, as one of the newest models, in determining the yield and planting date of rainfed and irrigated wheat in Kermanshah province. For this purpose, the rainfed and irrigated wheat yield was simulated by AquaCrop model using daily climatic data of five synoptic stations, including precipitation, maximum and minimum temperatures, potential evapotranspiration, wind speed and sunshine hours in a 22-year (1992-2013) period, as well as other environmental information. Among the dates entered to the model, the date that had the highest yield was selected as the best planting date. The results showed that from the point of view of yield, Ravansar and Sarpole-Zahab plains are more susceptible for planting rainfed and irrigated wheat, respectively. Wheat yield showed great sensitivity to changes in planting date. Planting dates in the stations were proposed from October 10 to November 20 for rainfed wheat, and from October 10 to November 10 for irrigated wheat, that match well with the actual dates of planting in the region. In general, AquaCrop model well simulated the different stages of growth and yield of rainfed and irrigated wheat according to the climatologic conditions of Kermanshah Province, and therefore could be an important tool to evaluate the potential wheat yield in the province and other regions with similar climates.

Climatic elements such as angles, amounts of solar radiation, relative humidity, and the amount of rain interfere with each other in their effect on the plant through the northwest winds as finding a variation in the amount of daily, monthly or seasonal evaporation and with the help of influencing external factors that are directly related to the plant type, its morphological characteristics and its variation from one location to another in the region. The study, as the wind is one of the climatic factors with a significant direct and indirect effect on the plant by affecting the physical and chemical properties of the soil and causing various types of damage and benefits, either directly through the process of stripping and deposition of its surface layers, the size of water losses, the effectiveness of capillary property, drought and salinization The wind also has an indirect role through its role in soil erosion, especially in dry areas, and the rate of evaporation and transpiration from plants and the dredging of the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of The Iraqi University is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Suitable climate is a natural resource and economic wealth for tourism. It also can be considered as an element which provides some attractions for tourists and thereby can increase the number of tourists and satisfaction. All climate elements are involved in the health, comfort, entertainment and tourist attraction, but some elements such as temperature, relative humidity, sunshine and wind are more important which were studied in this article to indicate the effect of thermal comfort in Tourism attraction in the cities of the Sabalan hillside, which due to their geographical position can be considered as a valuable potential for the development of tourism. This research was a descriptive – analytic one and data collection was done through a library method. In this study, the data and climatic data were collected during the period of 1981-2010 to study the tourism potentials in the Sabalan region. Tourism climate index TCI (Mieczkowski) was used to analyze the data, this index shows climate Tourism for each month of the year in the form of numerical and descriptive index. The results showed that the months of June, July, August and September due to providing best welfare conditions for tourism were the ideal ones. The months of January, February, March, April, November and December had low importance and were in acceptable level but were not so good for tourists. The months of May and October had average conditions for tourism activities. Overall, the best months of the year, June and September and worst months were December, January and February for tourism activities in the cities of the Sabalan hillside.

The process of anthropization of the Cerrado has generated diverse environmental liabilities, such as a reduction in biodiversity, degradation of water resources, and alteration of the quality and quantity of water in local water bodies. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the evolution natural regeneration processes of environments under anthropic influences in relation to variations in climatic conditions and the recovery of environmental services in watersheds in the Cerrado. For this purpose, the watershed in the Federal Institute of the Triângulo Mineiro (IFTM) Uberaba-MG Campus was used. The dynamics of natural regeneration were evaluated using the vegetation index (MOD13Q1) and gross primary production (GPP; MOD17A2), which were correlated with the climatic variables and waterflow in the watershed. The characteristics of vegetation dynamics, climatic variables, and flow were determined by descriptive analysis and deviations, and the relationship among variables was determined using multivariate analysis. The process of natural regeneration presented a positive pattern of vegetation expansion in environments under anthropic influence in the Cerrado, which was due to the seasons, time, and climatic elements, and was observed through the temporal dynamics of normalized difference vegetation index NDVI and GPP in the watershed. Natural regeneration is determined by two climatic elements rain and air temperature with rain driving vegetation growth, thereby directly influencing the dynamics of natural regeneration and the recovery of environmental services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is based on an area in Hatay, Turkey, and involves examining all weather and climate-related data that can be used to determine its suitability for the bioclimatic comfort. It attempts to explain bioclimatic comfort and describes in detail all the variables that make this contemporary concept and why it is important from a landscape architecture planning point of view. According to Köppen climate classification, the general climate character of the study area is classified as medium-altitude, warm summer, and climate type with mild or winters with Csa-Csb letters. As the area is very large in terms of total area, the findings were different across the whole area; which means that some parts were bioclimatic-comfort-friendly and other parts were not to varying degrees. June is the month in which suitable areas cover the province's largest area. Because temperatures have reached a suitable level in terms of climatic comfort, humidity and wind speed have increased. In climatic map result, it shows that Hatay is the highest region area with high altitudes of regions in the center. The examination for thermal comfort took place for months. Hatay's results show that it serves as a helper in future planning of landscape: planning that brings the comfort of bioclimatic to the level of highest and that helps determine new region settlement in Hatay. The study finally proposes that it paves the way for future researches and studies to ultimately standardize bioclimatic comfort in landscape architecture and urban planning that allows achieving the optimal planning objectives in all aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper assessed the vagaries of climatic elements on crop yield in Kwara State with a view to predicting the future climatic suitability level for selected crops in the state. Descriptive and infrential statistics analytical methods were used to examine the pattern of climatic elements for a period of 30 years. Analysis of variance was used to examine the variations in crop yield and also to determine whether or not significant differences in the harvests of the period under investigation. Correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between climatic elements and crop yield while multiple regression analysis was used to determine the contribution of each climatic elements to crop yield. Time series analysis was used to project crop yield from 2014 to 2025. GAEZ model was adopted to determine the climatic suitability for the selected crops over time 1960 - 2050 and ArcGIS 10.3 software was used to produce the crop suitability maps. The result revealed that cassava, yam, maize and cowpea would be less suitable for production with the rate at which the climate is changing. The result also revealed that the climatic suitability level for cassava, yam, maize and cowpea would reduce drastically with time. The prediction shows severe impacts of changes in the selected climatic elements on both overall climatic suitability and crop the selected crops yield for by 2050.

Investigation of ranges of soil and climate characteristics appropriate for the tolerant species: Pistacia atlantica subsp. mutica according to field study was the main objective of this research. This study was carried out based on random sampling across 20×20 km wild pistachio forests of Fars province (Iran). Results showed that mountainous and hilly lands are the main land types that pistachio species have evolved on. Statistical analysis of physical and chemical soil characteristics based on principal component analysis (PCA) method showed that wide ranges in soil characteristics, even up to about 40% differentiation in some measured properties, did not restricts this subspecies natural growth. The main growth limiting factors were shallow soil depth and light soil texture that decreased storage capacity of soil moisture, necessary for wild pistachios survival during drought and long dry periods. Climatic elements were analysed through the same approach and showed that temperature, precipitation and wind with overall variability of 85.9% were the most effectual factors. Pistacia atlantica subsp. mutica is one of the species refractory to various soil conditions and adapted to weak soils for the establishment and rehabilitation of forests in semi-arid regions.

Shpat mountainous ridge represents a morphological unit with extremely prominent natural borders and rich natural resources. This abstract presents the natural potentials of Shpat mountainous ridge and a synthesized analysis of key aspects of tourism, mineral and water resources, forests and pastures management, etc. Shpat unit, is integral part of Bukanik ultrabasic massive, where are explorated cooper resources. The geological content of this mountain, contribues the mesozoic ultrabasic and flysch, calcareous rocks and quaternary deposition are also present. The morphologic and morphogenetic complex of the relief was created during the tectogenic period, especially during the tecto-orogenesis, where as consequence diverse magmatic, terrigenous and carbonates rocks were created. Structural relief landforms, are structural benches, flat surfaces formed in the aclinal structure, structural surfaces, denudational surfaces and concave fragment of front of the cuestas. The karstic surface forms were developed on limestones of different age and character. There is a conspicuously small number of dolines on the surface of the hardly dissolvable crystalline limestone, and the debris covering the surface is high enough for agriculture. The water infiltrating on the plateau surfaces in the karst springs. The knowledge of present morphodynamics implies features concerning the positive and restrictive role of each factor, which, by association, defines the potential of some gropus of processes and state of morphologic hazards in certain area. Such analyses multiplied in the last couple of years, when the occurrence of some mass wastings determined many geomorphologic risk situations allover Shpat mountainous ridge. The climate by regional and local differences of the weathering elements favorable to the development of morphological processes. In periglacial environments solifluction frequently occurs in association with permafrost or seasonally frozen ground, and under these circumstances it is more specifically described as gelifluction. Snow provides both and as ground insulation. The erosional potential of nivation is controlled primarily snow thickness or absence underlying permafrost. Cryoplanation terraces (also known as altiplanation terraces) are level or gently sloping surfaces found in the periglacial zone which are cut into bedrock on hill summits or upper peaks. The natural potentials of Shpat mountainous ridge have been analyzed as key elements of this area for sustainable development. The effects of the use of the natural resources and their influence on the economic structure have been analyzed defining the directions of the development on perspective of the rural area. The current developments at the agricultural rural area have produced changes to the physical-geographical elements, accelerating the pace of slope processes, where the predominant part of the settlements is established on the terrace levels, causing environmental degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Açaizeiro is a palm of great socioeconomic importance at national and mainly regional level, with the state of Pará as the largest producer. The high market demand provided the growing emergence of commercial açai plantations, some of which were managed with irrigation. However, little is known about the proper management of Acai berry, for example, regarding its hydric demand. Knowing the dynamics of atmospheric elements and their relations with the plant is indispensable for the rational use of techniques, such as irrigation. The evaporating power of the Air (EA) is a parameter of great relevance for the comprehension of evapotranspiration. The objective of this work was to analyze the variability of Ea in a cultivation of açaí in the climatic conditions of Castanhal-PA. To this end, the Ea was calculated for the municipality of Castanhal, in which the data of temperature (°c), relative humidity (%) and wind velocity (m s-1) were obtained from a Micrometeorologica tower installed and instrumised in a commercial Açaizeiro located on the premises of the Fazenda Escola de Castanhal (FEC). The vapor pressure deficit (VPD) was calculated from the Tettens methodology and the EA was obtained as a function of wind velocity. The mean Ea value of 0.31 mm dia-1 (± 0.13) was obtained for the period analyzed. The results found match those of the literature and reaffirm the importance of the study of the evaporating power of the air for the estimation of evapotranspiration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: weather conditions of each region play an important role in the dispersion of diseases; leishmaniosis dispersion is also affected by climatic elements. This disease in Iran also creates important health issues in some geographic areas of the country. Therefore, in this study, we make a comparison review of the effects and changes in temperature, precipitation and relative humidity, on the incidence of cutaneous leishmaniosis in two Gilane- Gharb and Kermanshah counties in Kermanshah province. Method: This research is an applied one. Meteorological data related to temperature, precipitation and relative humidity variables have been collected from the Weather Administration of the province. Also, the data on the leishmaniosis disease during the statistical period of 2006-2016, were provided from Kermanshah Health Center. All statistical calculations were done using SPSS software, and the ARC GIS software being used to indicate infected areas. Research aim: The main purpose of this research is the Spatial-temporal analysis of cutaneous leishmaniosis in Kermanshah province; while, its sub-aims are to identify the main centers and the time course of the disease, and reviewing the relationship between climatic elements and of ' distribution in Kermanshah province. Results: findings of this study showed that temperature, precipitation and relative humidity affects differently on the incidence of leishmaniosis disease in Gilan-e-Gharb and Kermanshah counties. In a way that in the city of Gilan-e-Gharb, temperature, precipitation and relative humidity affects the incidence of the factors of this disease. Such that there is a significant negative correlation between mean of minimum temperature and the incidence of disease with correlation coefficient (r = 0.246) at 99% level. But in Kermanshah, they have no effect on the disease appearance. Also, in case of the disease incidence process, it showed that these two cities are different in terms of the incidence of disease. Gilan-e-Gharb is a region wherein, the sandflies of the disease lives locally, while in Kermanshah it is not able to transmit the disease. resultantly, Climate changes and different seasons, affect on the growth and distribution of adult mosquitoes. This is why the of human infection pattern in the two cities of Gilan-e-Gharb and Kermanshah are different climatically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seasonal variation in natural mortality of phytophagous insects is determined by the relative importance of biotic and abiotic factors in agroecosystems. Knowledge regarding these factors throughout the year represents a key concern for IPM programmes. Seasonal population fluctuations of tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta, led to an investigation of its natural mortality factors during the rainy season when the population level is low and during the dry season when population peaks occur. The aim of this study was to verify the seasonal variation in T. absoluta mortality factors in tomato crops. Immature stages of T. absoluta were obtained from laboratory‐rearing in the laboratory. These were taken to the field and monitored over two years. The mortality causes for each stage of insect development from egg to adult were assessed daily. Multiple biotic and abiotic mortality factors affected the immature T. absoluta stages such as rainfall, physiological disturbances, diseases, parasitoids and predators. The key T. absoluta mortality factor during summer–spring was predation. In addition, larvae predation correlated positively with temperature, wind velocity, photoperiod and rainfall. Nevertheless, during winter–fall, the key mortality factor was parasitism. Therefore, the critical stage for mortality was 3rd‐ and 4th‐instar larvae, being more vulnerable to natural control factors. Finally, the results showed the importance of vertical and horizontal action on natural mortality factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated the effects of climatic changes on malaria parasite prevalence, morbidity and mortality in Taraba State, Nigeria. Using a retrospective study design, the study relied on secondary data covering a period from 2005 to 2014, obtained from Meteorological Station Jalingo and Health facilities. Mean annual rainfall, temperature and relative humidity from 2005 to 2014 were 1 886 mm, 24.2 °C and 70%, respectively. Per 1 000 people, mean malaria morbidity was 228.9 and mortality 0.311. Years with peak malaria morbidities (2006, 2011 and 2014) had lowest annual rainfalls (1 488-1 677 mm). Monthly, malaria morbidity had a significantly negative linear relationship with rainfall (r = −0.536, p < 0.0001) and relative humidity (r = −0.509, p < 0.001), and a significantly positive linear relationship with temperature (r = 0.305, p = 0.001). Within the decade, malaria morbidity and mortality increased by 0.298% and 0.0007%, respectively. This study provides information on the malaria situation in Taraba State that could be useful to the National Malaria Control Programs and public health service providers in formulating policies that might promote the mitigation of malaria in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of a potato crop differs according to the environmental conditions and growing season of an area. Periods of high temperatures and drought have been frequent in recent years, and this has affected crops worldwide. The effect of meteorological factors on the plant morphology of potato cultivars growing in A Limia was analyzed for three consecutive years. The crop cycle with the highest temperatures and least accumulated rainfall (2016) showed plants with a higher number of leaflets, which were shorter in length. The crop cycle (2014) with a lower temperature and more rainfall had the tallest plants, the highest degree of flowering, fewer pairs of leaflets and the highest length of the floral peduncle. Kennebec and Fontane were the varieties that showed the least variability in morphological characteristics during the seasons analyzed. Considering the meteorological and morphological data, a principal component analysis was carried out, which explained 80.1% of the variance of the data. Spearman rank correlations showed higher significant coefficients between the temperature and foliar characteristics. The leaf size of plants was estimated using a multiple linear regression analysis, which included the mean temperature, explaining 64% of the variability of the data.

Dengue is one of the biggest problems of global public health in developing and underdeveloped countries. Nowadays, researchers in climate changes are concerned about the impact of these changes on human health, particularly with increased this epidemic. Dengue is among the largest public health problems in Brazil and is higher in the months with high temperatures, which is the Aedes aegypti's reproductive period climax. Reported dengue cases via DATASUS from 1994 to 2014 were analyzed. Mann-Kendall (MK), Run and Pettit nonparametric tests; were applied to time series. The run test indicated that the time series is homogenous and persistence free. There is a non-significant trend of increase of a number of reported dengue cases only in Rio de Janeiro. Based on the test, three positive trends were identified in the time series of São Paulo, Minas Gerais and the Espírito Santo States of dengue cases reported in Southeast of Brazil. Pettitt test was able to identify the years classified as El Niño events and that had a significant impact on the increase of dengue cases in the southeastern region of Brazil.

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Climate change that has occurred at the end of the last and at the beginning of this century, among other things, has a certain impact on forests as well. For the territory of Eastern Serbia, for two periods of climate observations, the reference period 1961-1990 and the period 1991-2012, a comparative analysis of the following climatic elements was done: air temperature, amount of precipitation and relative humidity of air. Calculations were performed on the basis of collected and systematized data from 11 meteorological stations (6 synoptic/main climatological and 5 regular climatological) that were part of the Republic Hydrometeorological Service, situated in the area of Eastern Serbia. Analysis of the anomalies of air temperature and precipitation as indicators of climate change for the period 1991-2012 compared to the reference period 1961-1990 was done separately for each of the four seasons (winter, spring, summer, autumn) and summarized for each period. The results of the comparative analysis show that in the period 1991-2012 compared to the reference period 1961-1990, there was an increase in the average annual air temperature, as well as the increase in the average air temperature for all four seasons, and a decrease in the average annual amounts of precipitation and the decrease in the relative humidity of air. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 37008]

مقدمه: ناخنك یکی از بیماری‌های شایع چشمی است که از عناصر اقلیمی تأثیر می‌پذیرد. هدف از انجام این پژوهش، بررسی میزان تأثیر عناصر آب ‌و‌هوایی بر بیماری ناخنک چشم در شهرهای مشهد و زاهدان در نیمه‌ی شرقی ایران است. روش‌ها: از آمار مراجعین به کلینیک‌های چشم‌پزشکی الزهرا (س) زاهدان با تعداد 130464 بیمار و تعداد 28776 بیمار مبتلا به ناخنک چشم و خاتم‌الانبیا (ص) مشهد با تعداد 974542 بیمار و تعداد 20222 بیمار مبتلا به ناخنک چشم از طریق نمونه‌گیری مبتنی بر هدف در بازه‌ی زمانی (1390-1385) استفاده شد. با توجه به هدف مطالعه، بیماران به طور تصادفی از تمام شغل‌ها انتخاب شدند. داده‌های مربوط به عناصر اقلیمی شامل ساعات آفتابی، روزهای گرد ‌و ‌غباری، سرعت باد، تابش ‌کل، حداکثر و حداقل دما و رطوبت برای دو ایستگاه هواشناسی زاهدان و مشهد از سازمان هواشناسی کشور اخذ گردید. جهت بررسی و مقایسه‌ی ارتباطات از مدل‌ همبستگی، برای تأخیرهای زمانی از توابع خودهمبستگی، بررسی تفاوت‌های فصلی شیوع بیماری ناخنک از آزمون ANOVA و برای مقایسه‌ی شیوع بیماری در بین مراجعین چشمی در دو شهر از آزمون Student-t استفاده شد. یافته‌ها: در شهر زاهدان روزهای گرد‌ و ‌غباری، ساعات آفتابی، سرعت باد، شاخص ماورای بنفش و تابش به ترتیب بیشترین تأثیر را بر بیماری ناخنک نشان می‌دهند. در شهر مشهد سرعت باد، روزهای گرد‌ و ‌غباری و شاخص ماورای ‌بنفش در اولویت تأثیرگذاری قرار دارند. مدل ANOVA تفاوت معنی‌داری از حیث شیوع بیماری در فصول مختلف نشان نمی‌دهد. همچنین نتایج آزمون Student-t نشان داد که شیوع بیماری در بین مراجعین بیماران چشمی در شهر زاهدان بیشتر از مشهد می‌باشد. اعمال تأخیرهای زمانی نیز حاکی از وجود یک تأخیر زمانی فصلی در تأثیرپذیری بیماری ناخنک از عناصر آب و هوایی است. نتیجه‌گیری: به طور کلی می‌توان نتیجه گرفت که بروز بیماری ناخنک در زاهدان بیشتر از مشهد می‌باشد و عناصر آب و هوایی در زاهدان نقش پر رنگ‌تری در بروز و تشدید این بیماری دارند.

Evapotranspiration is the process of water loss of vegetated soil due to evaporation and transpiration, and it may be estimated by various empirical methods. This study had the objective to carry out the evaluation of the performance of the following methods: Blaney-Criddle, Jensen-Haise, Linacre, Solar Radiation, Hargreaves-Samani, Makkink, Thornthwaite, Camargo, Priestley-Taylor and Original Penman in the estimation of the potential evapotranspiration when compared to the Penman-Monteith standard method (FAO56) to the climatic conditions of Uberaba, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. A set of 21 years monthly data (1990 to 2010) was used, working with the climatic elements: temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and insolation. The empirical methods to estimate reference evapotranspiration were compared with the standard method using linear regression, simple statistical analysis, Willmott agreement index (d) and performance index (c). The methods Makkink and Camargo showed the best performance, with "c" values ​​of 0.75 and 0.66, respectively. The Hargreaves-Samani method presented a better linear relation with the standard method, with a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.88.A evapotranspiração é o processo de perda de água do solo vegetado devido à evaporação e à transpiração, podendo ser estimada por vários métodos empíricos. Objetivou-se, com o presente trabalho, realizar a avaliação do desempenho dos métodos de Blaney-Criddle, Jensen-Haise, Linacre, Radiação Solar, Hargreaves-Samani, Makkink, Thornthwaite, Camargo, Priestley-Taylor e Penman Original na estimativa da evapotranspiração potencial em comparação com o método-padrão Penman-Monteith (FAO56), para as condições climáticas do município de Uberaba-MG. Utilizou-se um conjunto de dados mensais de 21 anos (1990 a 2010), trabalhando-se com os elementos climáticos temperatura, umidade relativa, velocidade do vento e insolação. Os métodos empíricos para a estimativa da ETo foram comparados com o método-padrão utilizando-se de regressão linear, análise estatística simples, índice de concordância de Willmott (d) e índice de confiança ou desempenho (c). Os métodos de Makkink e de Camargo apresentaram os melhores desempenhos, com valores de "c" de 0,75 e 0,66, respectivamente. O método de Hargreaves-Samani apresentou a melhor relação linear com o método-padrão, com coeficiente de correlação (r) de 0,88.

The main objective of the present research is to examine trends change in climatic elements in the north of Iran. The daily data of minimum and maximum temperatures and precipitation of 6 stations of the area under study are retrieved from Iranian meteorological organization and the are used to calculate other parameters such as average and range of temperature in seasonal and annual scale. Then, Mann Kendal and T-test methods are used for cal-culating the change in aforementioned climatic parameters on seasonal and annual scale. The results of the research indicate a meaningful increasing trend in minimum, maximum and mean temperature and a meaningful decreasing trend in temperature range. Precipitation on seasonal and annual scale do not have significant trends.

A estimativa da evapotranspiração de referência (ETo), usada no balanço hídrico, possibilita quantificar o armazenamento de água no solo, auxiliando no manejo da irrigação. O objetivo do trabalho foi comparar métodos mais simples de estimativa da evapotranspiração de referência com o método Penman-Monteith (FAO), nas escalas diária e de 5, 10, 15 e 30 dias, e mensal, para os municípios de Frederico Westphalen e Palmeira das Missões, no RS. Os métodos avaliados tenderam a melhorar a eficiência com o aumento da escala temporal de estudo, mantendo o mesmo desempenho para ambas as localidades. Os maiores e menores valores de ETo ocorreram nos meses de dezembro e junho, respectivamente. A maioria dos métodos subestimou os valores de ETo. Em qualquer escala temporal, os métodos de Makking e da Radiação FAO24 podem substituir o modelo de Penman-Monteith.The estimation of reference evapotranspiration (ETo), used in water balance, allows to determine soil water content, assisting on irrigation management. The present study aimed to compare simple ETo estimating methods with the Penman-Monteith (FAO), in the folowing time scales: daily, 5, 10, 15 and 30 days and monthly in the counties of Frederico Westphalen and Palmeira das Missões, in the Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. The methods tested had their efficiency improved by increasing the time scale of analysis, keeping the same performance for both locations. The highest and lowest ETo values occurred in December and June, respectively. Most methods underestimated ETo. For any of the time scales Makking and Radiaton FAO24 methods can replace the Penman-Monteith for estimating ETo.

Com o objetivo de verificar a incidência de grãos esverdeados, foi conduzido o presente trabalho, avaliando-se oito cultivares de soja em seis ambientes de Mato Grosso do Sul, na safra 2004/2005. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados com trêsrepetições. Os dados de temperatura média e precipitação foram obtidos em estações meteorológicas próximas a dois locais dos experimentos. Avaliou-se o rendimento de grãos e, aos seis meses de armazenamento, o percentual de grãos esverdeados e a massa de cemgrãos. A localidade Barreirão destacou-se com rendimento de grãos superior a 4000 kg ha-1. Para o percentual de grãos esverdeados, constatou-se grande instabilidade no comportamento das cultivares influenciadas diferentemente em cada local. A partir dosdados climáticos, não se pôde caracterizar o principal efeito que justifique a grande variação no percentual de grãos esverdeados, observada em Ponta Porã e Sidrolândia. This study was conducted aiming to verify the occurrence of green grains. Eight soybean cultivars were tested in six environments ofMato Grosso do Sul State during 2004/2005 crop season. The experimental design was a randomized block, with three replications. Average temperature and precipitation data were collected in meteorological stations near two experimental fields. Grain yield was evaluated and, after six months of storage, the green grains, the percentage and the mass of one hundred seeds were evaluated. Barreirão locality was superior, with grain yields above 4000kg ha-1. For the percentage of green grains, a great instability was observed, with the cultivars being differently influenced in each place. Based on climatic data, it was not possible to characterize the main effect that justifies the great variation in the percentage of green grains, as observed in Ponta Porã and Sidrolândia.

Under the background of frequent anthropogenic activities and global environment change, it is necessary to carry out the study of future climate change, for understanding of the characteristics of temporal and spatial evolution of future climate is of great significance to agricultural production and local water resources planning and management. Located in the middle of the Loess Plateau, China, the Jinhe River basin, the second largest river in Guanzhong area, is the major base of grain production in Shaanxi Province, which has flat land and developed agriculture since ancient times. With the establishment of the Guanzhong-Tianshui economic zone, which is a national key economic development zone and will greatly promote the rapid development of the economy in the whole western region, the security of water resources in Jinhe River basin is becoming more and more important for the economic development and local peace and stability. Therefore, in this paper, we took Jinhe River basin as the research object. Then the variation characteristics of rainfall and temperature in the future were focused and analyzed by using downscaling method and CMIP5 (coupled model intercomparison project 5) global climate models, which were applied to simulate and predict climatic elements in Jinghe River basin. There were 3 steps to establish the statistical downscaling models: firstly, determinate forecast factors based on the relationship between the factors and rainfall as well as the air temperature; then normalize the forecasting factors in the NCEP (national centers for environmental prediction) reanalysis data; eventually based on the reanalysis data and historical meteorological observation data of monthly precipitation and temperature from 7 weather stations in or around the basin from 1960 to 2010, the models were set up through screening major factors by using stepwise regression. In order to evaluate the effect of the model, the fitting degree R2, the relative error of the mean Rmean and the relative error of standard deviation Rsd were selected as the evaluation index. These models were calibrated so that the results could be satisfactory. Then, on the foundation of the calibrated models, future precipitation and temperature in the Jinhe River basin were predicted by atmospheric circulation factors came from CMIP5 experiments: the RCP8.5 (highest emission of greenhouse gases) and RCP4.5 (median emission of greenhouse gases) forcing pathways under CNRM-CM5. Finally, we analyzed the characteristics of temporal and spatial of future precipitation and temperature in the basin. The results show that: (1) The statistical downscaling models function better in simulating temperature than precipitation with higher fitting degree and lower relative error in average and standard deviation; (2) Precipitation in the basin from 2011 to 2050 showed a decreasing trend from south to north direction, and would increase only in winter with different magnitudes under 2 scenarios; moreover, the annual average precipitation was 356.41 mm under the RCP8.5 scenario, which was lower than RCP4.5 forcing pathway (374.19 mm); (3) The predicted temperature in the future was much higher under RCP8.5 scenario (9.32℃) compared to RCP4.5 scenario (8.96℃) because of greenhouse gas emission with different concentration; spatial distribution of future temperature in Jinghe River basin was characterized by higher in the north and west; besides, temperature in the basin would decrease in the late winter and early spring, but significantly increase in summer, and it was inferred that there was the possibility of occurrence of extremely high temperature in summer and extremely low temperature in winter. In conclusion, there is not only a trend of decreasing in precipitation, but also a risk of extreme weather events in Jinghe River basin, which should be paid attention to in the future water resources management and planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on the seasonal variation of agricultural pest species are important for the establishment of integrated pest control programs. The seasonality of pest attacks on crops is affected by biotic and abiotic factors, for example, climate and natural enemies. Besides that, characteristics of the host plant, crop management, location and the pests' bioecology also affect this seasonality. The mites Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Prostigmata: Tarsonemidae) and Tetranychus bastosi (Prostigmata: Tetranychidae) are the most important pests in the cultivation of physic nut, Jatropha curcas (Euphorbiaceae). All parts of J. curcas can be used for a wide range of purposes. In addition many researchers have studied its potential for use as neat oil, as transesterified oil (biodiesel), or as a blend with diesel. However studies about physic nut pests have been little known. The objective of this study was to assess the seasonal variation of P. latus and T. bastosi in physic nut. This study was conducted at three sites in the state of Tocantins, Brazil. We monitored climatic elements and the densities of the two mite species and of their natural enemies for a period of 2 years. Attack by P. latus occurred during rainy seasons, when the photoperiod was short and the physic nut had new leaves. In contrast, attack by T. bastosi occurred during warmer seasons with longer photoperiods and stronger winds. Populations of both mites and their natural enemies were greater in sites with greater plant diversity adjacent to the plantations. The predators found in association with P. latus and T. bastosi were Euseius concordis (Acari: Phytoseiidae), spiders, Stethorus sp. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and Chrysoperla sp. (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]