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When attacked by herbivorous insects, plants emit volatile compounds that attract natural enemies of the insects. It has been proposed that these volatile signals can be manipulated to improve crop protection. Here, we demonstrate the full potential of this strategy by restoring the emission of a specific belowground signal emitted by insect-damaged maize roots. The western corn rootworm induces the roots of many maize varieties to emit (E)-[beta]-caryophyllene, which attracts entomopathogenic nematodes that infect and kill the voracious root pest. However, most North American maize varieties have lost the ability to emit (E)-[beta]-caryophyllene and may therefore receive little protection from the nematodes. To restore the signal, a nonemitting maize line was transformed with a (E)-[beta]-caryophyllene synthase gene from oregano, resulting in constitutive emissions of this sesquiterpene. In rootworm-infested field plots in which nematodes were released, the (E)-[beta]-caryophyllene-emitting plants suffered significantly less root damage and had 60% fewer adult beetles emerge than untransformed, nonemitting lines. This demonstration that plant volatile emissions can be manipulated to enhance the effectiveness of biological control agents opens the way for novel and ecologically sound strategies to fight a variety of insect pests. tritrophic interaction | biological control | transgenic crops | Zea mays | entomopathogenic nematodes

BACKGROUND: Cockroaches and mice, which are common in urban homes, are sources of allergens capable of triggering asthma symptoms. Traditional pest control involves the use of scheduled applications of pesticides [...]

Soil Actinomycetes particularly Streptomyces spp. have antagonistic activity against wide range of plant pathogens. In the recent decades they have attracted high interests as biocontrol agents. In search for finding such principles, in vitro suppression of Magnaporthe oryzae the causal agent of rice blast disease was studied by use of Streptomyces sindeneusis isolate 263 in greenhouse. Spray of rice seedling-leaves with of mixed spore suspension of the pathogen and S. sindeneusis isolate 263 resulted in strong inhibition of the pathogen and suppression of leaf symptoms. Propagation of the antagonist crude sap was performed in aqueous cultures and bioactivity was monitored in shaked cultures. Ongoing goals of this research include isolation, characterization and identification of the active metabolites and future goals include identification of active genes for use in development of recombinant DNAs in transgenic rice varieties bearing elevated resistance to infections by M. oryzae. Key words: Magnaporthe oryzae, Pyricularia oryzae, Streptomyces, Actinomycetes, Biocontrol, INTRODUCTION Streptomyces are one of the most attractive sources of biologically active substances such as vitamins, alkaloids, plant growth factors, enzymes and enzyme inhibitors (1-3). Soil Streptomycetes are of the [...]

Management of Oriental fruit moth, Grapholitha molesta (Busck), in apple using an 'Enhanced Integrated Pest Management (IPM)' program comprised of a hedgerow barrier, pheromone-based mating disruption and reduced-risk [non-organophosphorous (OP) or carbamate] insecticides was investigated over a 5-year period. The barrier was comprised of a planting of three rows of hybrid poplar, Populus deltoides Bartr. x Populus nigra L., one row of Italian alder, Alnus cordata L. (nectar reward), and one row of white pine, Pinus strobus L. The hedgerow completely surrounded the perimeter of the apple orchard and was treated with garlic and a low rate of pyrethroid insecticide in 4 of the 5 years. The Enhanced IPM program significantly reduced G. molesta populations as measured by moth captures in pheromone traps. Captures of G. molesta were significantly higher in apple orchards treated with OP and carbamate insecticides, 'Conventional IPM', and either not surrounded by the hedgerow or with the barrier present but not treated with the repellent compounds. To explain these differences in G. molesta control, and the potential non-lethal effect of hedgerow barriers on G. molesta orchard colonization, we studied the adult vertical movement in a traditional unsprayed standard apple orchard at three different heights: 0.95, 1.95 and 3.20m, respectively. In the overwintering generation at a height of 0.95 and 1.95 m, the mean number of moths captured per sampling period was 14.64 and 14.84, respectively, and only 2.95 at 3.20 m. However, the number of individuals captured in the second and third generations was not significantly different at the three different heights. Fruit damage evaluated before 'June drop' closely corresponded to the distribution of moths captured during the overwintering generation. Fruit damage at a height of 1.95 and 3.20m was 5.8 and 3.5%, respectively. These results indicated that G. molesta is a weak flyer and that hedgerow barriers exerted some influence in the colonization of the orchard by limiting the free movement of adults from the overwintering generation. Thus, hedgerow barriers seem to limit early migration and establishment of G. molesta in the orchard. This in turn may reduce the size of the following generations and makes subsequent control easier under the Enhanced IPM program. Key words: Grapholitha molesta, flight behavior, IPM, live hedgerows, reduced-risk insecticides

Byline: Sven Buchholz (1), Peter Neumann (2,3,4), Katharina Merkel (1), H. Randall Hepburn (3,4) Keywords: Aethina tumida; Bacillus thuringiensis; Coumaphos; Honeybee; Integrated pest management; Small hive beetle Abstract: Small hive beetles, Aethina tumida Murray, are parasites and scavengers of honeybee colonies, Apis mellifera L., and have become an invasive species that can cause considerable damage in its new distribution areas. An effective subspecies of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (=Bt) would provide an alternative to chemical control of this pest. Therefore, we tested three different Bt strains [B. thuringiensis, var. aizawai (B401.sup.(r)), B. thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Novodor.sup.(r)) and B. thuringiensis var. San Diego tenebrionis (Jackpot.sup.(r))] and Perizin.sup.(r) (3.2% coumaphos), each applied on combs with a pollen diet fed to pairs of adult beetles. This evaluates the products for the suppression of successful small hive beetle reproduction. While none of the tested Bt strains showed a significant effect on the number of produced wandering larvae, we could confirm the efficacy of coumaphos for the control of small hive beetles. We further show that it is also efficient when applied with a lower concentration as a liquid on the combs. We suggest the continued search for efficient Bt strains naturally infesting small hive beetles in its endemic and new ranges, which may become a part of the integrated management of this pest. Author Affiliation: (1) Institut fur Zoologie, Martin-Luther-Universitat, Halle-Wittenberg, 06099, Halle (Saale), Germany (2) Swiss Bee Research Centre, Swiss Federal Research Station for Animal Production and Dairy Products (ALP), CH-3003, Bern, Switzerland (3) Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, 6140, Grahamstown, South Africa (4) Eastern Bee research Institute of Yunnan Agricultural University, Heilongtan, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China Article History: Registration Date: 13/07/2006 Received Date: 01/02/2006 Accepted Date: 10/07/2006 Online Date: 15/08/2006 Article note: Communicated by Jurgen Gross An erratum to this article can be found at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10340-007-0161-1

Byline: A. S. Tuncbilek (1), A. Ayvaz (1) Abstract: Moth species Ephestia kuehniella and Sitotroga cerealella are serious pests in cereal-based food processing facilities and stores in Turkey. Control of these pests is undertaken by regular space treatment of infested areas with pesticides. An alternative control method could be the release of parasitic wasps of the genus Trichogramma. In laboratory tests, we use T. evanescens as a parasitic wasp reared on the eggs of Ephestia kuehniella. Adult wasps emerging from the host were maintained in glass tubes at 27+-1deg C, 60--70+-5% r.h and L14:D10 and fed on honey solution. Adults of T. evanescens in vials without food enclosed from host eggs and all died within 1.8days in comparison, in vials with honey, live adults were evident for 15.2days. Fresh (6--48h) and old (72--96h) host eggs were offered to T. evanescens and fresh eggs were more accepted than old. Host acceptance of females with males in vials was better than without males. The number of females in the vials also influenced the parasitization rate and single female parasitized more eggs. Adults living in light regime (L14:D10 and L6:D18) parasitized more eggs than in total darkness. Results are discussed with relation to enhancing parasitoid effectiveness in biological control in processing facilities and mills. Author Affiliation: (1) Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Erciyes University, 38039, Kayseri, Turkey Article History: Registration Date: 01/01/2003

Byline: E. Durmusoglu (1), Y. Karsavuran (1), I. Ozgen (1), A. Guncan (1) Abstract: In this study, the effects of two different commercial neem insecticides (NeemAzal T/S and Neem Oil) were determined on different stages of Nezara viridula (L.) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) under laboratory conditions. Neem Azal and Neem Oil were applied at concentrations of 0.5 % and 2 %, respectively. Mortality was recorded after 3, 7 and 14 days for nymphs and adults 7 and 14 days for old (4-day-old) eggs and 14 days for newly laid (one-day-old) eggs. Both products have no significant effect on adults and newly laid eggs. However Neem Oil was found to be more effective than NeemAzal T/S on nymphs and on old laid eggs after 7 and 14 days. It can be concluded that both neem products have potential for insecticidal efficacy (approximately 60 %) against nymphs of N. viridula. at concentrations recommended by manufacturers for registered pests. Author Affiliation: (1) Ege University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Plant Protection, 35100, Bornova-Izmir, Turkey Article History: Registration Date: 01/01/2003

Byline: B. Sechser (1), B. Reber (1), F. Bourgeois (1) Abstract: Pymetrozine is the first and only substance from the group of azomethine pyridines, a novel class of insecticides. The spectrum of activity covers sucking pests such as aphids, whiteflies and planthoppers. Tests were carried out in the laboratory and under field conditions to evaluate its impact on beneficial arthropods. In laboratory tests it demonstrated full selectivity against predaceous Coleoptera, Heteroptera, Neuroptera and the predatory mite Typhlodromus pyri. Following a single application at 250/200ag a.i./ha on cotton in Egypt and in the USA, the regular sampling of predators over a period of three weeks revealed a similar population development in the pymetrozine and the untreated control plots. On okra, a vegetable crop in Egypt, it suppressed populations of Aphis gossypii with two sprays at 100ag a.i./ha for the whole observation period of 23 days. It also allowed the survival of predators. These positive features make pymetrozine an ideal component in situations where sucking pests have to be controlled and natural enemies can play a substantial role as complementary control tools. Author Affiliation: (1) Syngenta Crop Protection AG, WRO-1004. 7. 30, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland () c/o Christine Kolb, Syngenta Crop Protection AG, WRO-1004. 7. 30, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland

Byline: M.S. Lababidi (1) Abstract: Different concentrations of Neem Azal-T/S, an insect growth regulator (IGR) (antiecdysone) and various other insecticides were tested against the pistachio psyllid (Agonoscena targionii) affecting pistachio (Pistacia vera L.), in northern Syria. From 1997a--a99, three applications were made annually, in April, May, June or July. Results revealed that Neem Azal-T/S, at the rate of 0.5 and 0.7%, Flufenoxuron, Teflubenzuron, and the antagonistic fungus Beauveria bassiana Bals. were highly effective against the psyllid especially on the 1.sup.st and 2.sup.nd nymph instars in the April application. The possibilities of using these pesticides in integrated management against pistachio psyllid in Syria are discussed. Author Affiliation: (1) Dept. Plant Protection, Fac. Agriculture, Aleppo University, P.O. Box 12052, Aleppo, Syria

Byline: C. Sengonca (1), B. Liu (2), Y. J. Zhu (2) Abstract: The present paper deals with the efficiency of the mixed biocide GCSC-BtA against vegetable pests of five orders of arthropod insects in the south-eastern China, i.e., diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) yellow-fanded flea beetle, Phyllotreta vittata Fabricius vegetable leaf miner, Phytomyza nigricornis Macquart and vegetable spider mite, Tetranychus neocaledonicus Andre. The results show that the mixed biocide GCSC-BtA has a higher efficacy of control against all of the five pests than the commercial biocide B.t. and insecticide Diazinon. GCSC-BtA gave a higher mortality value of 92.18% against P. xylostella as compared to the biocide B.t. with a value of 64.70% and Diazinon with a value of 50.00%. Similar mortalities were obtained with the other four pests regarding the efficacy of the three products tested against them. The concentration-mortality regression equations were calculated by the probit analysis, from which the average mortalities were calculated. The values calculated for GCSC-BtA were 81.13% for P. xylostella, 75% for M. persicae and T. neocaledonicus, 69.23% for P. vittata, and 61.03% for P. nigricornis as compared to those caused by Diazinon: 33.33%, 27.42%, 66.31%, 44.54%, 19.65% for P. xylostella, M. persicae, P. vittata, P. nigricornis, and T. neocaledonicus, respectively. Based on LC.sub.50, P. xylostella was most susceptible to GCSC-BtA with a LC.sub.50 value of 0.3445, followed by B.t. with a value of 0.8404 and Diazinon with a value of 1.3160. The LC.sub.50 value of GCSC-BtA for M. persicae was 0.4660 which was about three times less than that of Diazinon. LC.sub.50 value of GCSC-BtA for P. vittata was 0.3954 which was about the same as that of Diazinon. P. nigricornis and T. neocaledonicus were also much more susceptible to GCSC-BtA than to B.t. and Diazinon. It is concluded that GCSC-BtA kills more target pests than B.t. and is more effective than Diazinon in controlling the vegetable pests. Author Affiliation: (1) Dept. of Entomology and Plant Protection, Institute of Phytopathology, University of Bonn, Nussallee 9, D-53115, Bonn, Germany (2) Biotechnology Center, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou, PR China

Byline: Massimo Faccoli (1) Abstract: The possibility for the combined control of Ophiostoma novo-ulmi and Scolytus multistriatus was tested in Italy. Two elm clones [U. pumila x U. minor (clone B) and U. glabra var. pendula grafted onto U. pumila x U. minor pollards (clone A)] were treated by stem injection of different blend or concentrations of fungicides and insecticides. Then, adults of S. multistriatus, either loaded with spores of two isolates of O. novo-ulmi (H328 and 182) or provided of their natural load of conidia, were forced to feed in twig crotches of the treated trees. After 48 hours all insects were checked (dead or alive). One month later, the same twigs were cut off and brought to the laboratory. From each twig, three discs almost 1mm thick were then taken (0, 3 and 6cm over the point where the insect fed). The wood discs were inoculated in selective substrate and stored until the development of O.novo-ulmi colonies. All thesis containing insecticides give good results against S. multistriatus. Similarly, all thesis containing fungicides show a good fungus control independently from the fungal isolated. The percentage of fungal transmission obtained from insects carrying the natural load of conidia was lower than percentages obtained from beetles artificially loaded. Both beetle sex and position on the foliage never influence insect mortality or O. novo-ulmi infection. The best results were obtained injecting the Carbendazim+Acephate blend in the clone A. High chemical concentrations did not improve the general results. Author Affiliation: (1) Department of Environmental Agronomy and Crop Production -- Entomology, Agripolis, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Padua, via Romea 16/a -- 35020 Legnaro (PD)., Italy

Byline: Wedad Khafagi (1) Abstract: The reproductive potential of Microplitis rufiventris Kok. females resulted from Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) larvae topically treated by a constant dose (70 pg/5 pl) of the growth regulator precocene II at different intervals of post-parasitism was studied in the laboratory. The obtained results showed that the effects of PH vary according to the timing of treatment relative to larval development of the parasitoid. Reduction in reproductive capacity of the parasitoid occurred when PII was applied on host larvae containing young parasitoid larvae. Workers should be aware from the delayed effects of precocenes which may occur in later stages of the non-target insects. Author Affiliation: (1) Plant Protection Research Institute, Sabahia, Alexandria, Egypt

A study was conducted to understand a significantly large amount of siderophores produced by Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae 22d/93 compared to the pathogen pathogen P. syringae pv. glycinea. The provide insight into the indirect effect of siderophore production on the biocontrol activity of P. syringae pv. syringae 22d/93.

Byline: Morteza Chalak, Arjan Ruijs, Ekko C. Van Ierland Invasive plants can cause significant problems in natural and agricultural ecosystems. It is recognised that biological agents may assist in controlling invasions, but due to stochastic effects of biological control, the biological agent may not be effective. In this article, we analyse to what extent the stochastic effects of a biological control agent affect the optimal choice of control strategies to deal with the invasion of the Californian thistle in New Zealand. A stochastic dynamic optimisation model is set up that derives the path and combination of control options that maximise the expected net present value of returns from a pasture. The analysis focuses on two situations: a deterministic case and a second case in which the effect of introducing the insect Apion onopordi to reduce thistle density is stochastic. Although one would expect that the stochastic specification would lead to different results, we show that the stochasticity of the efficacy of the insect in this specific setting does not affect the optimal control measure adopted compared to the deterministic case. It is also shown that chemicals can be replaced as a control option by more environmentally friendly control options at relatively low costs.

Byline: Brahim Medjahed, Shamil Hadi, William I. Grosky The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has killed or infested millions of ash trees in the USA. It has the potential to decimate ash trees as a component of North American forests, which will have dramatic ecological and economic effects. Government agencies have joined forces to implement a long-term programme to contain and eventually eradicate the borer. One key requirement for the success of this programme is the underlying information-sharing infrastructure. In this paper, we propose an ontology-based service-oriented framework, called Sentinel, to automate the dissemination of EAB-related information. We also present experiment results to assess the performance of our framework.

A study was conducted to present a challenge to emergent critical social scientific approaches to biosecurity. It has been observed that biosecurity practices in New Zealand produce a complexity of semipermeable boundaries of control. Gorse, a woody, perennial shrub, is classified as a pest plant in the country. It is currently subject to the biosecurity rationalities of internal pest management.

Comparative analysis of various pest control management systems used in Australia and New Zealand is presented.

Thirteen of the most common lepidoteran-specific Cry proteins of Bacillus thuringiensis is tested for their efficacy against newly hatched larvae of two populations of the spiny bollworm, Earias insulana. It was observed that E. insulana is susceptible to Cry1Ab, Cry1Ac, Cry1Ba, Cry1Da, Cry1Ia, and Cry1Ac.

Aphthona nigriscutis was introduced into Montana grassland areas infected with the invasive species Euphorbia esula L. Aphthona release resulted in a 33% to 39% Euphorbia decline after five years, but did not necessarily produce an increase in species diversity. Biocontrol introductions should therefore be accompanied by community-level effects monitoring.