Search

Maintenance of an aggregated population structure implies within-species communication. In mixed-species environments, species-specific aggregations may reduce interspecific competition and promote coexistence. We studied whether movement and aggregation behavior of three entomopathogenic nematode species changed when isolated, as compared to mixed-species arenas. Movement and aggregation of Steinernema carpocapsae, S. feltiae and S. glaseri were assessed in sand. Each species demonstrated significant aggregation when alone. Mixed-species trials involved adding two species of nematodes, either combined in the center of the arena or at separate corners. While individual species became less aggregated than in single-species conditions when co-applied in the same location, they became more aggregated when applied in separate corners. This increased aggregation in separate-corner trials occurred even though the nematodes moved just as far when mixed together as they did when alone. These findings suggest that maintenance of multiple species within the same habitat is driven, at least in part, by species-specific signals that promote conspecific aggregation, and when the species are mixed (as occurs in some commercial formulations involving multiple EPN species), these signaling mechanisms are muddled.

The article provided insights into why local government and service delivery must be rethought in light of digital transformation. It exposed the significance of digital transformation in solving local government and service delivery challenges. The article followed a qualitative research approach. It employed document analysis and literature review as data collection instruments. It argued that digital transformation can help local governments in South Africa fulfil constitutional obligations and meet policy goals. It demonstrated how digitally transformed local government can solve service delivery problems through the deployment of digital technologies that improve decision-making, cut costs, streamline operations, and offer efficient services. The article revealed that the digital divide, lack of technical expertise, data security concerns and resource constraints are some of the challenges that can affect the digital transformation of local government and service delivery in South Africa. These challenges must be resolved for digital transformation to play a significant role in improving the effectiveness of local government in service delivery. The article recommended that local governments in South Africa digitally transform in ways that foster equality and deliver local government services to all citizens. The article contributes to scholarship advocating for public sector innovation broadly, and specifically, illustrates the criticality of embracing digital transformation of local government and service delivery.

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) provide economic control of various insect pests. However, field efficacy can be inconsistent. The ability of a nematode to find and infect (invade) a host insect is critical to successful pathogenesis. Thus, behaviors including dispersal and infectivity play important roles in improving efficacy. Previously, we discovered that EPN-infected host substances enhance nematode dispersal. Later we found that a mixture of pheromones in the infected host induced dispersal and improved EPN efficacy. In this study, we determined if dispersal-inducing pheromone extracts also increase nematode infectivity (the propensity to invade a host insect). Two nematode species, Steinernema carpocapsae and Steinernema feltiae, and two insect hosts, Galleria mellonella and Diaprepes abbreviatus, were tested. We discovered that conspecific dispersal pheromone extracts of each EPN species enhanced infectivity. These results indicate that the utility of dispersal pheromone extracts for enhancing EPN activity and biocontrol efficacy is improved not only due to increased nematode movement, but also due to increased host infection.

Miscanthus × giganteus is considered as a perspective energy crop for biomass production in Ukraine where its commercial production has been observed. The herbivorous pest may pose a risk of yield reduction when an energy crop is growing on monoculture. The herbivorous diversity, species composition and potential damage associated with growing M. × giganteus were studied on seven experimental sites at three locations in Ukraine. The different life stages of herbivorous insects from seven orders representing thirteen families were found on M. × giganteus during the herbivorous survey and most of the insects had a pest status. Research indicated that crop was an alternate host for key cereal pest the Hessian fly Mayetiola destructor (Say) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae). A comparative analysis of the biodiversity of herbivorous insects across research locations was done using statistical analysis. It was found that site location played a significant role in the level of biodiversity and an increase in the insect’s herbivores diversity was associated with the type of researched lands. The massive scale commercial use of M. × giganteus should take into account a responsible consideration of the benefits and risks associated with that crop in order to protect agroecosystems.

Cultivation of short rotation coppice energy willow (SRC EW), Salix viminalis L., has a great potential in Ukraine as a source of biomass for biofuel production. Commercial production of this species was recently initiated in the country. The growing of SRC EW in Western and Northern Europe for a long time showed that leaf beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) are key pests causing significant biomass reduction. However, data about the pest complex for energy willow growing in Ukraine is not available. Our three-year experiment in Poltava region, Ukraine showed that foliar damage caused by Clytra laeviuscula Ratzeburg (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) occurred at energy willow plantations in the second year of production, which could have an effect on commercial production. Accordingly, information about seasonal activity, population dynamics, host range and the role of natural enemies in pest regulation are requested for developing pest control program.