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Tea is the second most consumed beverage after water; thus, tea plants are economically important crops in many countries. The frequent application of chemical pesticides over large plantations of tea monoculture has led to pest outbreaks. In recent years, high amounts of highly water-soluble pesticides have been applied because of the proliferation of piercing-sucking insects; however, this method poses health hazards for humans and has negative environmental effects. This review outlines the effects of pesticide applications on the succession of tea pest populations, the risks posed by the use of highly water-soluble pesticides, and the principles of tea pest management. Various pest control techniques, including physical, biological, chemical-ecological, chemical pesticide, and cultural control methods, have been used in the last few decades. We discuss future prospects and challenges for the integrated pest management of tea plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This research primarily targets a severely harmful species of weevil, Eucryptorrhynchus brandti. By investigating its escape and ascending–descending behaviors, this study reveals that physical control represents an effective prevention and control method. Building upon previous studies, researchers developed a novel anti-escape trap net. The anti-escape trap net was very efficient in the prevention and control of this species and also features innovations in structure and materials that enable its wide application in the management of other pests. The anti-escape trap net constitutes a cost-efficient and environmentally sustainable approach to physical pest prevention and control. The weevil Eucryptorrhynchus brandti (Harold, 1880), a wood-boring pest of Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle, has caused significant ecological damage and economic loss in China. Physical control was effective against the related species Eucryptorrhynchus scrobiculatus (Motschulsky). One type of trunk trap net controlled the adult weevil population through blocking and trapping. However, the effectiveness of this device was compromised by their tendency to escape when encountering such trapping nets. Therefore, it is crucial to enhance and optimize both the material composition and structural design of trap nets to enhance weevil capture rates by mitigating escape behavior. In this study, we compared the capture efficacy of an anti-escape trap net (AETN) with novel materials (Velcro) and a double-layer trap net (DLTN). The results indicate that the mean recapture rate of AETNs (50%) was significantly higher than that of DLTNs (3%) in laboratory tests. The total number of E. brandti captured using AETNs was 11 times higher than that of DLTNs in field marker recapture tests and 4 times higher in capture tests on field populations. The new AETN structures could effectively prevent the escape behavior of E. brandti and capture weevils. The use of Velcro made the AETN easier to manufacture, more convenient to use, and less costly. Overall, the AETN is an economical and environmentally friendly physical control device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the context and the objectives of setting up a Planning Commission in a mixed economy framework that India had adopted in the post-colonial period. It also deals with its working, the method of framing a Five-Year Plan, the operation of a plan in the federal democratic system and its adaptation in the paradigm shift from a command economy to a market-driven system. The article further discusses both its contributions, as well as the various frailties that have crept into its functioning, and makes a case for restructuring and reforms. The article briefly indicates the shape of things to come after dismantling the Planning Commission in 2015 and replacing it with a new institution called the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog, with new mandates. JEL Code: O29 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The red-necked longhorn beetle, Aromia bungii (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), is a wood-boring pest of ornamental cherry trees in the Rosaceae family. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a preventive measure using fine-mesh netting in preventing A. bungii from oviposition on host cherry trees. Aromia bungii typically oviposits in cracks and crevices of host tree bark using its elongated ovipositor, leading to higher infestations on the lower trunk where there are abundant rough barks suitable for the beetle oviposition. Therefore, we assessed the effectiveness of netting with a gap that exceeded the reach of the A. bungii ovipositor from the tree surface. This evaluation involved laboratory experiments using cut branches and field experiments using lower trunks from standing trees. In the field, we determined the distribution of A. bungii body sizes and estimated the maximum ovipositor length based on their proportional relationship. This led to the establishment of a 10 mm gap for the test net, featuring a 0.4 mm mesh. Both laboratory and field experiments confirmed that the 0.4 mm mesh net with the specified gap effectively prevented A. bungii oviposition in netted areas. Field experiments also suggested a potential shift in oviposition sites from netted (lower) to un-netted (upper) areas in trees with nets, considering results from trees without nets. Although various measures, such as insecticide spraying, are necessary to safeguard areas without nets, our netting method can serve as a fundamental component of integrated pest management against A. bungii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT This study sought to identify the most effective weed control methods for enhancing growth, yield and grain quality in cowpea and to reduce weed interference during the major and minor rainy seasons of 2022 at Juaso in the Asante Akim South Municipality, Ghana. Sun‐zema at 30 mL/15 L of water, Supremo (90 mL/15 L of water), Vezir (90 mL/15 L of water), Ogyama (100 mL/15 L of water) and Benfop (100 mL/15 L of water), hoeing, cutlass weeding and no weeding were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Data on weed flora, plant height, number of leaves per plant, days to 50% flowering and pod formation, grain yield and yield components and proximate composition of cowpea grains were collected and subjected to analysis of variance using GenStat statistical package (11th edition). Differences in means were compared using the Fisher's protected least significant difference at a probability level of 5%. Significant (p

Brazil is one of the largest melon producers worldwide, with its northeast region contributing 96% of the national production. However, fruit quality has been affected by diseases, recently associated with different Fusarium species, which have caused significant losses. The chemical product Imazalil is the most used to control post-harvest diseases in melons in Brazil, however, it is in the process of being banned. Furthermore, the market is increasingly demanding about food and environmental safety, increasing the need to search for alternative methods. From this perspective, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of thermotherapy on the management of rot caused by Fusarium species in Galia melons. Six times of immersion of the fruits in hot water at 58 ºC (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 s) and one chemical treatment (Imazalil fungicide) were evaluated for each species of Fusarium evaluated (F. falciforme and F. sulawesiense). The severity of the disease in fruits subjected to heat treatment after 90 s did not differ from chemical treatment, indicating that thermotherapy treatment can be used as an alternative to Imazalil. Thermotherapy also maintained the firmness of the fruits and increased the activity of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase enzymes, increasing the fruits shelf life and activating defense pathways. Therefore, thermotherapy, at the temperatures and times evaluated, is recommended in the management of melon rot caused by Fusarium species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is an economically important commodity in the Intermountain Western United States. A major concern for alfalfa producers in this region is the alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica Gyllenhal). Insecticide resistance development coupled with regulatory changes in pesticide use has resulted in renewed interest by producers in non-chemical control methods such as cultural control. One such cultural control method is early harvest, which consists of producers timing their harvests early in the season to decrease alfalfa weevil damage. This method is thought to be effective by exposing weevil larvae to adverse conditions before significant damage occurs. Still, early harvest can be difficult to employ because recommendations are often vague. To better understand how early harvest impacts both alfalfa weevils and their natural enemies and how producers are using this method across the Intermountain Western United States, we conducted a study in alfalfa production fields in Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming over three growing seasons. We determined that the timing of the initial alfalfa harvest spanned more than 1 month across fields, and alfalfa plant stage at harvest ranged from late vegetative to early bloom. Harvest was more impactful on reducing alfalfa weevil densities the earlier it was implemented. Removing windrows in a timely manner is likely useful to further decrease alfalfa weevil densities. Harvest timing was not associated with parasitism rates of alfalfa weevil, but higher parasitism rates were associated with lower post-harvest alfalfa weevil densities. This work has increased our understanding of early harvest in an on-farm setting and to improve recommendations for producers across the Intermountain Western United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In the last decades, the number of available chemical pesticides for pest control has been dramatically reduced due to their possible negative effects on human health and the environment. Therefore, there is an immediate necessity to explore alternative products to chemical pesticides for pest control, with natural zeolites (zeolitic rocks) being among the potential options. The olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae Gmelin (Diptera: Tephritidae), is one of the most harmful pests of olives in Mediterranean countries and worldwide. In this study, we evaluated the oviposition-deterrent effect of a natural zeolite on the olive fruit fly under different temperatures and relative humidity conditions. The tested natural zeolite was highly effective in deterring egg laying in B. oleae females under all tested conditions. These findings are poised to advance our understanding of sustainable and eco-friendly strategies for pest control in olive orchards, presenting opportunities for the development of targeted interventions that align with both environmental conservation and effective agricultural practices. In recent years, the number of available chemical pesticides has been dramatically reduced, urging the need for the discovery of alternatives to chemical pesticide products such as, among others, natural zeolites (zeolitic rocks). We determined the mineralogical and chemical composition of a specific and continuous layer of zeolitic rock sample (ZeotP) from Petrota, Evros, Greece, and evaluated its oviposition-deterrent effect on the olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae Gmelin (Diptera: Terphritidae). The tested natural zeolite contained 70 wt. % clinoptilolite, 18 wt. % amorphous material, 7 wt. % feldspars, 4 wt. % cristobalite, and 1 wt. % quartz. We tested the oviposition-deterrent effect of ZeotP mixed or not with an emulsifier adjuvant, NU-FILM-P®, in water and applied it to the surface of olive fruits. The ZeotP oviposition-deterrent effect on the olive fly was very high under a series of tested temperatures (17 °C, 20 °C, 25 °C, and 30 °C) and RHs (23%, 33%, 55%, 75%, and 94%). In addition, the ZeotP residual deterrent effect after equable water spraying was high, like the respective effect of the pyrethroid insecticide Decis® (deltamethrin). Our results may contribute to the effective control of the olive fruit fly using an alternative to chemical pesticides: natural zeolite (zeolitic rocks) products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Potato tuber moth (PTM), Phthorimaea operculella Zeller (Lep.: Gelechiidae), is one of the key pests of potato in the fields and warehouses of this product. Considering that potato is one of the important sources of human food, the control of this pest by different and especially non-chemical methods is of interest to researchers. Therefore, in this research, the effect of UV-C radiation on the population parameters of PTM was examined in laboratory conditions at 0, 4, 6 and 8 minutes on one- and three- day- old eggs. Based on the results, the intrinsic rate of population increase (r) and the finite rate of population increase (λ) under the influence of different times of UV-C radiation in one and three-day-old eggs with an increase in the duration of radiation yield decreased, and this decrease was more in three-day-old eggs than one-day-old eggs. The longest length of immature period was obtained in three-day-old eggs irradiated with UV-C radiation (37.67 days) in 8 minutes treatment. The shortest lifespan of adult female in one-day-old and three-day-old eggs was estimated 8.58 and 8.38 days at the time of 8 minutes of irradiation, respectively. The lowest net reproductive rate (R0) in three-day-old eggs at 0, 4, 6, and 8 minutes of irradiation was obtained 4.54, 3.28, 0.98, and 0.28 (female offspring), respectively. The maximum mean generation time (T) in three-day-old eggs was recorded as 42.86 days in the treatment of 8 minutes of irradiation. The obtained results show the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation on biological parameters and population growth of PTM. Therefore, UV-C irradiation may be considered in the integrated management of this pest in the storage stage.

The flow duration curve (FDC) is the cumulative distribution function, which represents the relationship between the frequency and magnitude of streamflow, and the precipitation duration curves (PDC) follows the same principle. Nowadays, the correlation between the shape of PDC and FDCs, their respective physical control factors including human activities, and their fitting conditions in unmeasured catchments across China have not been fully understood. In this paper, daily precipitation and streamflow data with 30 years records from 224 hydrological stations in the middle and lower Yangtze River basin were chosen to fit PDC and FDCs through gamma distribution. Framework was proposed for modelling FDCs to analyse the relationship, similarity, regional patterns and response mechanism of fitting parameters between PDC and FDCs, dividing the streamflow time series into fast and base flow and stations into three categories in consideration of human activities to attribute the shapes of PDC and FDCs to catchment meteorological and geographical characteristics and physical processes under natural conditions. Results indicate that the parameters of PDC and certain FDCs (TFDC, FFDC, SFDC) share similar spatial patterns but vary for the different duration and interactions of the processes. The climate and catchment characteristics such as extreme properties of precipitation, base flow index (BFI), Pmax*αp and concentration ratio index (CIM) will influence the shape of PDC and FDCs. The relationship between BFI and SFDC/TFDC can be better reflected in "Regulated watersheds", while CIM/Pmax*αp and PDC/FFDC in "watersheds in the mainstream" are more related. This paper provides a deeper understanding and more accurate way of the application of these parameters in describing and predicting hydrological processes and estimation of PDC and FDCs in unmeasured catchments, and can be applied to more future research about processes based on catchment rainfall‐runoff responses and physical controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica Houtt.) is Poland's invasive weed, for which there is no efficient control method. The rhizomes of this species are rich in resveratrol. In this work, we evaluated (1) the effectiveness of electromagnetic microwaves (MV) in destroying Japanese knotweed using an original device, HOGWEED (MV of 2450 MHz), (2) the ecotoxic effect of the MV on the soil environment, and (3) the resveratrol content in knotweed rhizomes after MV treatment. The field studies were carried out in 2022 in southern Poland. Cut plants were MV-treated for times of 5.0–25.0 min. The MV efficiency was checked 10 and 56 days after treatment (DAT). After MV treatment, fresh soil samples were taken to analyze their ecotoxicity. As a result, at 56 DAT, knotweed was controlled if MV was used for at least 20.0 min. The MV did not affect the soil ecotoxicity. The MV-treated soils were classified as non-toxic or low-toxic. To analyze the resveratrol content, healthy knotweed rhizomes were dug out, treated with MV in the laboratory at 2.5–10.0 min, and analyzed for resveratrol content in HPLC-MS/MS. As a result, the resveratrol in the rhizomes significantly decreased in a time-dependent manner following MV exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potato tuber moth (PTM), Phthorimaea operculella Zeller (Lep.: Gelechiidae), is one of the key pests of potato in the fields and warehouses of this product. Considering that potato is one of the important sources of human food, the control of this pest by different and especially non-chemical methods is of interest to researchers. Therefore, in this research, the effect of UV-C radiation on the population parameters of PTM was examined in laboratory conditions at 0, 4, 6 and 8 minutes on one-and three- day-old eggs. Based on the results, the intrinsic rate of population increase (r) and the finite rate of population increase (λ) under the influence of different times of UV-C radiation in one and three-day-old eggs with an increase in the duration of radiation yield decreased, and this decrease was more in three-day-old eggs than one-day-old eggs. The longest length of immature period was obtained in three-day-old eggs irradiated with UVC radiation (37.67 days) in 8 minutes treatment. The shortest lifespan of adult female in one-day-old and three-day-old eggs was estimated 8.58 and 8.38 days at the time of 8 minutes of irradiation, respectively. The lowest net reproductive rate (R0) in three-day-old eggs at 0, 4, 6, and 8 minutes of irradiation was obtained 4.54, 3.28, 0.98, and 0.28 (female offspring), respectively. The maximum mean generation time (T) in three-day-old eggs was recorded as 42.86 days in the treatment of 8 minutes of irradiation. The obtained results show the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation on biological parameters and population growth of PTM. Therefore, UV-C irradiation may be considered in the integrated management of this pest in the storage stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to demonstrate the effect of the mass trapping of mosquitoes as an eco‐friendly physical control method. It was conducted at the Ansan Hwarang Auto Camping Site in Gyeonggi Province, Republic of Korea. The study period was approximately 1 month (from July 2 to July 30, 2018). Inner and outer traps were installed to control mosquitoes inside and outside the study area. The inner trap consisted of 5 digital mosquito monitoring system units placed inside the study area, whereas the outer trap included 26 MOSHOLE‐PRO units installed at 30 m intervals outside the study area. Both the inner and outer traps used carbon dioxide as an attractant. Additionally, the outer traps were grouped close to each inner trap using distance analysis and designated as Sn (n, inner trap number). According to the study results, analysis of the daily mean temperature and daily mean precipitation from 2017 to 2019 showed that the meteorological data were statistically insignificant. During the mass trapping period, the outer traps had the highest mean number of mosquitoes in the S1 group, whereas the other groups exhibited statistically similar results. Analysis of the mean number of mosquitoes in the inner trap confirmed a mean reduction rate of 59.39% through mass trapping, and the results were statistically significant (P < 0.001). This study confirms the effectiveness of mass trapping in reducing mosquito communities and suggests the possibility of creating mosquito‐free zones by targeting mosquitoes both inside and outside the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exclusion netting in some European and North American apple (Malus domestica Borkhausen, Rosaceae, Rosales) orchards has been documented to be an effective method of control for multiple insect pest species. By minimizing reliance on insecticides, these orchards have reduced costs, risks to the environment and non-target species, and reduced the risk of insecticide resistance. This study examined the use of commercially available hail netting (DrapeNet®; Prosser, WA) as a pest exclusion strategy under conditions in Minnesota, USA. In 2021 and 2022, we assessed the efficacy of hail netting as a tool for pest suppression in orchards by monitoring pest species in netted and open plots crossed with and without insecticide applications. Our findings show that both of the major pest species in Minnesota, the codling moth (Cydia pomonella L.; Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and the apple maggot (Rhagoletis pomonella Walsh; Diptera: Tephritidae), were significantly reduced inside the netting compared to open plots by 94% and 96%, respectively. For a secondary pest, the red-banded leafroller (Argyrotaenia velutinana Walker; Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), moth populations were reduced by 56%. We also found that insecticide application alone did not significantly reduce pest pressure in these species. Additionally, we investigated the subsequent effects of hail netting on fruit quality and yield. The use of hail netting and insecticide application resulted in significantly higher proportions of high-quality fruit at harvest. However, netting did not significantly influence yield. These findings suggest that hail netting can be used to control Midwest apple insect pests with limited insecticide applications while maintaining high fruit quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to summarize the precipitation characteristics in China and explore the distribution of precipitation duration,this paper selects 56 years of continuous daily precipitation data from 698 meteorological stations in China and analyzes the spatial distribution and inter-annual variations of precipitation characteristics in terms of seasonal distribution,extreme characteristics,and precipitation duration.The paper also uses the Gamma distribution to fit the precipitation duration curves and estimate the parameters and analyzes the potential factors that affect the fitting parameters.The results show that ① the precipitation generally shows an increase in the southeast part and a decrease in the central part of China,with an increase and a wider distribution of winter precipitation in the east,northwest,and northeast parts.From the southeast to the northwest of China, the trend of precipitation percentile change shows an increase,then a decrease,and then an increase again,and the distribution of the 99-percentile precipitation thresholds is more uneven.The trend of the precipitation percentile at the Linhe station shows the greatest decrease,especially the wet-day precipitation percentile.The wet period is in a decreasing trend in the southwest and central parts and in an increasing trend in the coastal and northwestern parts.The distribution characteristics of drought and flooding durations in the basin show the opposite state in most regions,and the inter-annual variation of the wet period is smaller than that of the dry period.② The Gamma distribution has a better fitting effect on precipitation.The scale parameter β has a higher correlation with precipitation amount and precipitation percentile and better performance on extreme precipitation thresholds for heavy precipitation events.These findings can provide theoretical support for the subsequent research on precipitation processes based on physical influencing factors.

Background and Objectives The escalating concerns regarding the adverse effects link to pesticide utilization against storedproduct pests have amplified interest in exploring safer alternative approaches, notably physical control methods. Temperature management, a prominent avenue within physical control, is considered one of the most promising strategies against these pests. This investigation scrutinizes the effectiveness of elevated temperatures on adult specimens of the warehouse beetle (Trogoderma variabile), four-spotted bean weevil (Callosobruchus maculatus), tobacco beetle (Lasioderma serricorne), saw-toothed grain beetle (Oryzaephilus surinamensis), and Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella). Materials and Methods Experiments employed one-day-old adults. High temperatures (40, 43, 46, 50 and 54 °C) were regulated using an electric oven (Memmert, Germany). Initially, each species underwent individual assessment in preliminary tests, establishing eight exposure durations for the main bioassays. Within each exposure duration, groups of one-day-old adults (4 replicates, comprising 25 male and 25 female adults per replicate) were housed in glass Petri dishes. Upon completion of the exposure period, adults were relocated to ambient room conditions (21-27 °C; 55-70% R.H.). Subsequently, deceased males and females were tallied after a 24-hour interval. Results Both male and female adults across all species exhibited equivalent sensitivity to supra-optimal temperatures. As anticipated, higher temperatures significantly reduced the LTs (lethal times); however, distinct response patterns were observed among the studied species. At 40 °C, the LT50s (time to induce 50% mortality) for T. variabile, C. maculatus, L. serricorne, O. surinamensis, and P. interpunctella were approximately 18, 9, 47, 34, and 7.5 h, respectively. At 54 °C, these times decreased dramatically to about 7, 4, 12, 8 and 8 min, respectively. Correspondingly, the LT95s (time to induce 95% mortality) at 40 °C these pests were approximately 3.7, 4.8, 5.7, 5.5, and 1.9 days, respectively, whereas at 54 °C, they reduced substantially to about 20, 18, 23, 14, and 26 min, respectively. For T. variabile adults, the LT50s at 43, 46, and 50 °C (approximately 13, 11.3, and 11 min, respectively) were roughly 1.7 times longer than that at 54 °C (around 7 min). Conversely, at 40 °C, the LT50 was considerably lengthier (1077 min). C. maculatus adults displayed LT50 values at 46 and 50 °C (around 8 and 9 min, respectively), roughly twice as long as those at 54 °C (4 min). At 40 and 43 °C, the LT50s were notably longer (543 and 67 min, respectively). In the case of L. serricorne, solely the LT50 at 50 °C was approximately twice as long as that at 54 °C (approximately 12 min). At 43 and 46 °C, however, the requisite LT50s were lengthier (about 167 and 80 min, respectively), while at 40 °C, the LT50 was substantially longer (about 2820 min). For O. surinamensis adults, the LT50s at 43, 46, and 50 °C were approximately 1.3 to 1.5 times longer (about 13, 12, and 11 minutes, respectively) than that at 54 °C (about 8 min, with the LT50 at 40 °C being notably longer (about 2048 min). Concerning P. interpunctella, the LT50s at 46 and 50 °C were roughly three (about 27 min) and two (about 18 min) times greater than the LT50 at 54 °C (about 8 min). At 40 and 43 °C, the LT50s were considerably longer (about 449 and 98 min, respectively). In general, based on both LT50 and LT95 values, L. serricorne emerged as the most tolerant species, while C. maculatus, according to LT50 values, and O. surinamensis based on LT95 values, appeared to be the most sensitive species to high temperatures. Discussion Despite the varied responses observed among adult stored-products insects to supra-optimal temperatures, the comparison between estimated LT50s and LT95s indicated the notable efficacy of high temperatures, particularly at 50 and 54 °C, in inducing substantial mortality rates. This effectiveness ranged from approximately 23 min for L. serricorne to 14 min for O. surinamensis, resulting in 95% mortality. Our findings underscore the potential of high temperatures as a pivotal tool in the management and mitigation of economic losses caused by the five studied pests. The outcomes of this research advocate for the significant role that elevated temperatures can play in addressing these pests. Considering our results in conjunction with existing reports on the effects and efficiency of high temperatures, the physical control method utilizing elevated temperatures emerges as a viable alternative to chemical insecticides for controlling stored-products moths and beetles. This method holds promise and can be incorporated into pest management programs targeting these particular pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose—The article seeks to determine what prevented North Koreans’ collective resistance against their leadership in the late 1980s when many of their East European comrades revolted. Approach—North Korea, Romania, and Albania were historically and comparatively analyzed in terms of some totalitarian traits. Romania and Albania were selected because they eventually diverged from North Korea with the anti-regime uprisings of their populations. What most distinguishes the North Korean political system from these other regimes is the sheer longevity of its existence, and one aspect of totalitarian regimes, isolation, more than physical control and indoctrination, seems to be the major cause of this divergence. However, the three elements reinforce one another. Findings—The ruling regimes of Romania and Albania, though unusually repressive by East European standards, were ultimately unsuccessful in isolating their populations from outside contact, whereas in North Korea, ordinary citizens have hardly been able to realize that their socioeconomic problems are a result of the policies of the country’s top leadership. Practical Implications—Organized dissent was unthinkable in North Korea for multiple reasons, and the people’s drive for revolution may begin to awaken if the thick blanket of isolation is lifted by the outside world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potato tuber moth is an important insect pest of potatoes, which has a serious impact on the potato industry in China. The unreasonable use of chemical control has led to increasing resistance of potato tuber moth, and it is urgent to develop new green control technologies. The domestic and international research progress of potato tuber moth physical control, biological control, physical and chemical lure control, and other green control technologies were reviewed, and the problems of potato tuber moth green control technologies such as unclear mechanism of action, few field application studies and lack of integrated application mode of control technology were discussed, which would provide reference for further optimization of potato tuber moth green control technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal treatment is frequently used to overcome dormancy in forest seeds; however, it can also be used to control seed-born pathogens. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of thermotherapy in controlling Fusarium sp. in angico seeds [Anadenanthera colubrina (Vell.) Brenan] collected in the state of Paraíba, Brazil, and its effect on physiological quality. Nine seed sources located in the municipalities of São João do Cariri - PB, Boa Vista - PB, and Sumé - PB were selected for this study. For the sanitary test, the treatments were composed of untreated seeds (control), chemical treatment, and thermal treatment at temperatures of 50, 60, and 70 °C immersed for 10, 20, 30, and 40 minutes. The same treatments were used in the germination test, and the percentage of germination, first count, dead seeds, seedling length, and germination speed index were evaluated. The results showed that the thermal treatments effectively reduced Fusarium sp. in the seeds. Thermotherapy did not negatively affect the physiological quality of angico seeds and led to an increase in germination percentage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New forms of weed control may be useful in apple orchards. Abrasive corn cob grit applied under high air pressure was tested for the control of weeds in an established apple orchard over two years. Additionally, efficacy of abrasive grit-weeding was compared to that of hand-weeding. As expected, hand-weeding nearly eliminated all weeds. In contrast, grit-weeding achieved about 90% control of broadleaf weeds, only 15% control of grass weeds, and 70 to 80% control of all weeds. Much of the time and amount of grit used was devoted to suppressing grass weeds. Relatively soft corn cob grit easily abraded and controlled broadleaf weeds. However, harder and more angular grit materials may be needed to control annual and perennial grasses.

Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica Houtt.) is Poland’s invasive weed, for which there is no efficient control method. The rhizomes of this species are rich in resveratrol. In this work, we evaluated (1) the effectiveness of electromagnetic microwaves (MV) in destroying Japanese knotweed using an original device, HOGWEED (MV of 2450 MHz), (2) the ecotoxic effect of the MV on the soil environment, and (3) the resveratrol content in knotweed rhizomes after MV treatment. The field studies were carried out in 2022 in southern Poland. Cut plants were MV-treated for times of 5.0–25.0 min. The MV efficiency was checked 10 and 56 days after treatment (DAT). After MV treatment, fresh soil samples were taken to analyze their ecotoxicity. As a result, at 56 DAT, knotweed was controlled if MV was used for at least 20.0 min. The MV did not affect the soil ecotoxicity. The MV-treated soils were classified as non-toxic or low-toxic. To analyze the resveratrol content, healthy knotweed rhizomes were dug out, treated with MV in the laboratory at 2.5–10.0 min, and analyzed for resveratrol content in HPLC-MS/MS. As a result, the resveratrol in the rhizomes significantly decreased in a time-dependent manner following MV exposure.

Apple growers have pursued the use of exclusion netting to reduce pesticide inputs and maintain control of codling moth.It is uncertain if these nets provide a physical or behavioural behaviour, and if they prevent codling moth establishment.To address this, we conducted field trials testing the ability of commercial netting to exclude codling moth using small (3 trees) and large (48 trees) cages. Experiments were conducted to evaluate both the permeability by releasing marked sterile moths either inside or outside the small cages, and the establishment of wild codling moth in the large cages.Results from the small cage study showed that netting reduced codling moth movement out of the netted plots, but virtually prevented codling moth dispersal into the plots. Codling moth capture inside the large cage plots was significantly less than in uncaged plots, but no differences were found in codling moth damage at harvest.These results indicate that the netting is physically permeable to codling moth adults; however, it acts as a behavioural barrier to moth immigration. These outcomes agree with existing literature that net enclosures can provide a non‐insecticidal tool to improve codling moth management, although it may not be a stand‐alone technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple electrostatic apparatus that generates an arc discharge was devised to control adult houseflies emerging from a soil bed in a greenhouse. Adult houseflies emerging from a soil bed in a greenhouse are a potential vector of pathogenic Escherichia coli O157, carried by animal manure used for soil fertilization. A simple electrostatic apparatus that generates an arc discharge was devised to control these houseflies. The apparatus consisted of two identical metal nets; one was linked to a negative-voltage generator to create a negatively charged metal net (NC-MN), and the other was linked to a grounded line to create a grounded metal net (G-MN). A square insulator frame was placed between the two nets, separating them by 6 mm, and a plastic grating with multiple cells was placed beneath the G-MN to provide a climbing path (54 mm in height) to the arcing sites of the apparatus for adult houseflies emerging on the soil surface. Houseflies that climbed up the wall of the grating and reached the arcing zone were subjected to arc-discharge exposure from the NC-MN and thrown down onto the soil by the impact of the arcing. The impact was destructive enough to kill the houseflies. The structure of this apparatus is very safe and simple, enabling ordinary greenhouse workers to fabricate or improve it according to their own requirements. This study developed a simple and safe tool that provides a physical method to manage houseflies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new electrostatic devices were developed to manage greenhouse insect pests. One was an electrostatic insect catcher (EIC) to trap small flying pests, and the other was an arc-discharge zapper (ADZ) to kill larger insects emerging from soil beds. The EIC consisted of negatively charged insulated conductor plates (NIPs) and grounded conductor plates (GCPs), which were alternately arrayed in parallel at defined intervals. The ADZ had the same framework as the EIC, except that the NIPs were replaced with negatively charged non-insulated iron plates (NNPs). The EIC formed a non-discharging electric field between the NIP and GCP to create an attractive force to capture insects. By contrast, the ADZ formed a discharge-generating electric field between the NNP and GCP that killed insects. The EIC was effectively applied to small pests, such as whiteflies, thrips, leaf miners, winged aphids, and shore flies, that can pass through the conventional insect-proof nets installed on greenhouse windows. The ADZ was effective for adult houseflies emerging from pupae in soil beds. Our electrostatic devices are useful for controlling insect pests of different sizes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Ultrasonic waves are mechanical waves that can adversely affect insects' biological and reproductive characteristics. On the other hand, low temperatures are regarded as a nonchemical and residue-free method for controlling stored-product insects because they affect the growth, development, population parameters, survival, reproduction, and various physiologic aspects of insects. In this research, due to the delayed effects of low temperatures, we examined the influence of pre-exposure of different developmental stages of the Mediterranean flour moth, Ephestia kuehniella Zeller, to ultrasonic waves on the lethal and sub-lethal effects of 4 °C temperature against emerged adults. The study's main goal was to mitigate the delayed effects of low temperatures. Materials and Methods All experiments were conducted at the Entomological Research Laboratory within the Department of Plant Protection at the Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. The insect utilized for the research was reared on wheat flour at room conditions. Ultrasonic waves (20-60 kHz) were applied to eggs, first- and fifth instar larvae, and pupae. In addition, the following developmental stages were continuously exposed to ultrasonic waves: 4 days: egg pre-exposure; 9 days: eggs and first-instar larvae; 14 days: eggs to secondinstar larvae; 19 days: eggs to third-instar larvae; 24 days: eggs to fourth-instar larvae; 33 days: eggs to fifth-instar larvae; and 40 days: eggs, five larval instars, and pupae. After preexposure treatments, emerged adults were exposed to 4 °C. Furthermore, LT50 and LT95 values were estimated for adults. Moreover, the sublethal effects of low temperature on male and female longevity, the fecundity of newly-emerged adults, and the percentage of egg hatches were investigated. Results According to the results, pre-treatment of Mediterranean flour moth eggs with ultrasonic waves for 3 and 4 days significantly reduced the LT50 and LT95 of the exposed eggs when exposed to low temperature. In addition, pre-treatment of first and fifth instar larvae to ultrasonic waves did not reduce LTs of low temperature on emerged adults, whereas pretreatment of pupae for eight days and consecutive pre-treatment of different developmental stages for 24, 33, and 40 days reduced LTs of low temperature significantly against emerged adults. In this study, although low temperature ultimately caused the death of adult insects, it increased the adults' longevity from 8-10 days up to 28-46 days. Furthermore, no significant effect of pre-treatment of eggs and first instar larvae with ultrasonic waves was observed on the longevity, fecundity and percentage of egg hatch of emerged adults. Moreover, pretreatment of fifth instar larvae and pupae had a noticeable effect on adult longevity and fecundity, but did not affect egg hatchability. In all cases, pre-treatment of newly emerged adults with low temperature had a major effect on these traits. According to the findings, the longevity of male and female adults exposed to low temperature was significantly shorter than that of the control group following their release from these conditions. The results demonstrated that low temperature reduced pre-treated adult insects' fecundity and egghatching rate. Discussion The current study's findings amply demonstrated that pre-exposure of some developmental stages (for example, larvae and pupae) of the Mediterranean flour moth could reduce LTs of low temperatures against emerged adults while also increasing the negative effects of these temperatures on their longevity, fecundity, and percentage egg hatch. This observation can be used to control stored-product insect pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID‑19 pandemic has increased the popularity of online shopping, and companies are looking for ways to provide consumers with experiences that online shopping cannot provide, such as touching products and imagining them in use. In this context, the importance of haptic imagery of products showcased online is increasing. This study replicated and extended Peck et al.’s (2013, Journal of Consumer Psychology, 23, 189–196) finding that physical control and psychological ownership mediate the influence of haptic imagery on purchase intention. This study showed that imagining touching a product increased purchase intention through the mediation of physical control and psychological ownership compared with not imagining, conceptually replicating Peck et al.’s study. This study also examined the moderating effect of product involvement and showed that there was no moderator role of product involvement. The findings would have a practical application in marketing, such as encouraging consumers to imagine touching the product.

Abstract Background Pulsed ultraviolet (UV)-C light sources, such as excimer lasers, are used in emerging non-thermal food-decontamination methods and also have high potential for use in a wide range of microbial decontamination applications. The acaricidal effect of an experimental UV-C irradiation device was assessed using female adults and eggs of a model organism, the two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae. Methods UV-C light was generated by a pulsed krypton fluoride excimer laser operating at 248-nm emission wavelength. The pulse energy and pulse repetition rate were 5 mJ and up to 100 Hz, respectively. The distance from the light source to the target was 150 mm; the target surface area was 2.16 cm2. The exposure time for the mites and fresh eggs varied from 1 to 4 min at 5–300 mW, which corresponded to UV doses of 5–80 kJ/m2. Post-irradiation acaricidal effects (mite mortality) were assessed immediately and also measured at 24 h. The effects of UV-C irradiation on the hatchability of eggs were observed daily for up to 12 days post-irradiation. Results The mortality of mites at 5 and 40 kJ/m2 was 26% and 92%, respectively. Mite mortality reached 98% at 80 kJ/m2. The effect of exposure duration on mortality was minimal. The effect of irradiation on egg hatchability was even more significant than that on adult mite mortality, i.e. about 100% egg mortality at an accumulated dose of as little as 5 kJ/m2 for each exposure time. Conclusions A high rate of mite mortality and lethal egg damage were observed after less than 1 min of exposure to 5 mJ UV-C pulsed irradiation at 60 Hz. Pending further developments (such as beam steering, beam shaping and miniaturisation) and feasibility studies (such as testing with mites in real-life situations), the reported results and characteristics of the UV-C generator (modulation of energy output and adaptability to varying spot sizes) open up the use of this technology for a vast field of acaricidal applications that require long-range radiation. Graphical Abstract

There is an urgent need to develop new compensatory and human-safe methods for controlling invasive Heracleum species. This research aimed to determine the effectiveness of H. sosnowskyi control under microwave radiation and biochemical changes in tissues and sap after irradiation. In field experiments in southern Poland, the plants were cut and irradiated with a device generating electromagnetic waves (2.45 GHz, 32.8 kW/m2). The control efficacy of plants in the rosette phase irradiated for 5, 10, or 15 min was 20%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. The control efficacy of plants in the flowering phase irradiated for 7.5 or 15 min was 66% and 100%. The metabolomic analysis of tissues and sap of irradiated H. sosnowskyi showed significant changes, mainly in the content and composition of proteins and sugars. In tissues, the treatments resulted in protein denaturation and significant changes in the metabolism of amino acids and the glyoxylate and galactose pathways. The sap was rich in sugars, glutamic acid, glutamine, homoserine, serine, and methionine. More changes in metabolite levels were observed in the tissues irradiated for 7.5 min. In conclusion, microwave radiation of H. sosnowskyi for longer times, e.g., 10 and 15 min, efficiently controls it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this review, numerous control methods for stored grain insects are discussed in detail with emphasis on the nonchemical/nonthermal methods. Grain infestation by insects and molds is one of the major problems that need attention as these pests deteriorate the quality of food grains and their products. A number of modern nonchemical methods have been found to be effective against insect pests, such as microwave and infrared heating. Besides those, nonthermal methods, such as ozone treatment and ultraviolet heating, are also gaining importance, as they prove to be much safer tools for the management of pests and molds. In a nutshell, these nonchemical/nonthermal methods have emerged as a plausible alternative to chemical fumigants which may have a deleterious effect on the food product quality from a nutritional point of view. Thus, the objective of this study was to explore the published research works on different control approaches applied on grains for protection against stored insect pests and molds. Three nutritionally and economically important cereal grains, wheat, rice, and maize, which contribute to the world economy in terms of production, are covered in the review. Also, the emphasis is given to the best physical nonchemical methods/nonthermal methods of disinfestation/disinfection of insects and molds: microwave, infrared, and ultraviolet heating as well as ozone treatment. Of all the nonchemical/nonthermal methods, microwave and ozone heating could be possible alternatives for achieving 100% mortality of insects and molds and 50–80% in the case of infrared and ultraviolet provided the grains are at the initial stage of infestation.

Date fruit is considered one of the most important fruits crop, that helps in the increment of national income. During storage, date fruits face a lot of problems such as infestation with insects, diseases and mites. The most damaging mite species are Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) (Astigmata: Acaridae) and Rhizoglyphus robini Claparede (Astigmata: Acaridae). Therefore, this work aims to evaluate two physical control methods, gamma radiation and ozone gas treatment in controlling these two mites. The two mites were irradiated with doses of 0 (control), 100, 200, 300 and 400 Gy in a source of Cobalt-60 type Indian Gamma cell with a dose rate of 0.7967 k Gy /hr. to control eggs and mobile stages. Obtained results concluded that the mites' mortality percentage increases by increasing irradiation doses and the dose for controlling 100% of the two tested mites' species was 400 Gy. While exposing the mites stages to concentrations of 0 (control), 100, 200, 300 and 400ppm of ozone gas, the results showed that the mites mortality percentage increases by increasing ozone concentrations and/or exposure period. The results indicated that ozone has the potential to control the tested mites, particularly at 200 ppm in just 4 hrs.exposure period and 99% at 400 ppm at the same exposure time. The results clearly showed that the mobile stages were more susceptible to radiation and ozone than the egg stage. Also, although radiation and ozone are safe and environmentally friendly methods of pest control, and effective to control the two mites' species with low risk but ozone control was faster and more efficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Modern Food Science & Technology is the property of Editorial Office of Modern Food Science & Technology 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.)

To evaluate the potential suitability of x‐ray irradiation as a physical control method for invasive Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB) (Oryctes rhinoceros Linnaeus 1758; Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), either through sterile insect technique (SIT) or through direct irradiation of naturally infested materials in the field, we recorded longevity of eggs, larval and adult life stages of CRB irradiated with different doses of x‐rays emitted from a tube energized at 92 kV. Eggs and larvae were highly susceptible to radiation at all tested doses (down to about 2–5 Gy), though adults required larger doses (at least 50 Gy) to render them incapable of reproducing. At exposures near 50 Gy sterilized adults nevertheless were observed to survive for more than a month, suggesting SIT may be a viable control approach for this beetle. Similarly, these results may facilitate the discovery of hidden breeding sites in the wild by tagging and releasing sterilized adults. While larvae were highly susceptible to x‐ray irradiation, irradiation would probably not be an effective tool for field control due to rapid attenuation of radiation energy (exponential decay coefficients ranging from about 0.3–0.6 cm−1) in the organic nesting materials we tested, and the tendency for CRB adults to burrow and oviposit deep in mulch (1 m or more). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pulsed ultraviolet (UV)-C light sources, such as excimer lasers, are used in emerging non-thermal food-decontamination methods and also have high potential for use in a wide range of microbial decontamination applications. The acaricidal effect of an experimental UV-C irradiation device was assessed using female adults and eggs of a model organism, the two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae. Methods: UV-C light was generated by a pulsed krypton fluoride excimer laser operating at 248-nm emission wavelength. The pulse energy and pulse repetition rate were 5 mJ and up to 100 Hz, respectively. The distance from the light source to the target was 150 mm; the target surface area was 2.16 cm2. The exposure time for the mites and fresh eggs varied from 1 to 4 min at 5–300 mW, which corresponded to UV doses of 5–80 kJ/m2. Post-irradiation acaricidal effects (mite mortality) were assessed immediately and also measured at 24 h. The effects of UV-C irradiation on the hatchability of eggs were observed daily for up to 12 days post-irradiation. Results: The mortality of mites at 5 and 40 kJ/m2 was 26% and 92%, respectively. Mite mortality reached 98% at 80 kJ/m2. The effect of exposure duration on mortality was minimal. The effect of irradiation on egg hatchability was even more significant than that on adult mite mortality, i.e. about 100% egg mortality at an accumulated dose of as little as 5 kJ/m2 for each exposure time. Conclusions: A high rate of mite mortality and lethal egg damage were observed after less than 1 min of exposure to 5 mJ UV-C pulsed irradiation at 60 Hz. Pending further developments (such as beam steering, beam shaping and miniaturisation) and feasibility studies (such as testing with mites in real-life situations), the reported results and characteristics of the UV-C generator (modulation of energy output and adaptability to varying spot sizes) open up the use of this technology for a vast field of acaricidal applications that require long-range radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to control the black foot disease of grapes using Physical control by immersing the cuttings in hot water (50o c for 30 minute) which reduced the severity of infected roots to 0.203 and in the Foliage decline from 0.560 (control) to 0.230. and hot water was also enhanced some characters of young plants throughout increasing of number of internode , plant height , number of Roots , dry weight for each of the roots and foliage.In vitro the hot water inhibited the ratio of the colony forming units of pathogens on PDA to 18.62 - 59.09 %, compared to the liquid Parafine which was not effective in reducing the severity of black foot. Fungicides of kareptanol SL , Topsin M and Tachigaren L in proved to be highly efficient in inhibiting fungal growth and their sporulation. Topsin M and kareptanol SL, were the best fungicides since reducing the infection of black foot from 0.553 to 0.210. affectivity of Topsin M and Tachigaren L were not varying significantly. Application of kareptanol SL produced highest number of internodes (8.95/young plant), with 20.50 cm in plant height largest number of roots and dry weight for each of the foliage and root growth (8.57 and 10.05 gm /plant respectively).

Copyright of Xinjiang Agricultural Sciences is the property of Xinjiang Agricultural Sciences Editorial Department 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.)

Psocids are damaging stored-product pests. In this study, eggs and early-instar nymphs, adults, and all life stages of Liposcelis entomophila , L. decolor , L. bostrychophila , and L. paeta were subjected to 43, 50, or 75% (Control) relative humidity (RH) for 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, or 16 d at 30.0°C. All adults of these species died within 8 d at both 43 and 50% RH, except for L. bostrychophila , which required 12 d at 50% RH for 100% mortality to occur. For all life stages and eggs and early-instar nymphs, maximum survival times (times to 100% mortality) at 43 or 50% RH for L. entomophila , L. decolor , L. bostrychophila , and L. paeta , were 8 and 10 d, 8 and 12 d, 12 and 14 d, and 12 and 16 d, respectively. During this study, numbers of nymphs and adults of all species 14 d after the RH treatments increased within the 75% RH Control arenas. Different species and life stages responded differently to 43 and 50% RH, as time to kill all stages of the four psocid species was 8–12 and 10–16 d, respectively. Results indicate that using a specific RH environment may be effective in psocid management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vine mealybug (VMB), Planococcus ficus, is a major grapevine pest worldwide, whose chemical control is often unsatisfactory due to its cryptic behavior, insecticide resistance and high fecundity rate. Recently, increasing restrictions have been applied to insecticides used for managing VMB. This review discusses sustainable VMB management strategies in organic viticulture. Pheromone-mediated mating disruption has been proved to be effective in both organic wine and table-grape vineyards. Biocontrol projects carried out through the release of parasitoids and/or predators have often provided inconclusive results, ranging from effective reduction of mealybug infestation to a marginal impact of parasitoids on VMB density. The latter outcome is likely due to constraints affecting the parasitoid activity, such as the disrupting activity of mealybug-tending ants and broad-spectrum insecticides, or untimely release of parasitoids. Ant suppression should be associated with the release of beneficial organisms, as mealybug-tending ants can severely affect the parasitoid activity. Cultural and physical control and the employment of entomopathogens and natural products mitigate the buildup of VMB populations, but they are not widely applied. VMB control in organic viticulture requires the integration of different strategies, as application of single control tools as a stand-alone treatment may not be effective, especially for high pest infestation. Future research to determine the density action threshold below which sustainable methods are effective and calibrate efforts in relation with pest infestation is needed. A multi-disciplinary approach is required to define the most appropriate sustainable control protocols in different environmental conditions and promote a further spread of organic viticulture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sweetpotato whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is challenging to control using chemical pesticides owing to its resistance to many insecticides. Thus, there has been an increasing demand for alternative control measures. Thus, this study evaluated the efficacy of a newly designed pest suction machine to manage whiteflies on tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.) (Solanales: Solanaceae) in greenhouses over 2 seasons. The suction machine comprised a battery-powered cart with a mounted suction unit, an ultrasonic device, and green lights. Ultrasonic irradiation provided non-contact vibration, facilitating the movement of adult whiteflies away from the plants, and green lights attracted them to the suction device. This combination effectively captured whitefly adults, even with a weak suction force, saving electricity consumption. The efficacy of suction machine was further evaluated by measuring the number of whitefly adults caught by the machine and the number of adults and nymphs remaining on the tomato leaves. The whitefly population was considerably lower in the treated blocks than in the non-treated blocks in the autumn trial. The machine reduced the density of whitefly adults without using chemical pesticides. Although a lot of optimizations would be required, suction control is an additional and alternative strategy that may be incorporated in the integrated pest management of whiteflies on greenhouse tomato plants., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Stalk rot in maize plants is commonly associated with many species of the genus Fusarium. This disease affects the seedbed and the establishment of maize crops because of seeds contaminated with different pathogens of this genus. Maize crops in the Ubate Valley, in the province of Cundinamarca, are currently infected by this disease, which reduces the yield and final quality of the maize seeds. This research evaluated the effects of thermal and fungicide treatments on pathogens of the genus Fusarium associated with maize seeds. Seeds were treated at 50°C, 55°C and 60°C with dry heat and hot water. Mycelial colonization of seeds, germination percentage, seedling length, and fresh weight were evaluated as variables. In in vitro tests, the fungicides fludioxonil + metalaxyl-M, tebuconazole + trifloxystrobin, prochloraz + difenoconazole and carboxin + captan were evaluated at 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 the commercial dose on the radial growth and conidial germination of Fusarium subglutinans and Fusarium graminearum isolates. The most effective heat treatments on Fusarium colonization of maize seeds were obtained with the two heat sources at 55°C without a significant reduction in the percentage of germination and seedling length and fresh weight. Commercial doses of the evaluated fungicides completely inhibited the radial growth of F. graminearum and only commercial doses of carboxin + captan and prochloraz + difenoconazole completely inhibited F. subglutinans growth. Germination inhibition of F. subglutinans and F. graminearum conidia was found with fludioxonil + metalaxyl-M at the three evaluated doses.

BACKGROUND A new physical control method using ultraviolet‐B (UV‐B) lamps and light‐reflecting sheets (UV method) significantly suppressed a spider mite population on greenhouse strawberries. Although UV‐B radiation may adversely affect the survival of phytoseiid mites, previous research has suggested that Neoseiulus californicus can improve its survival on exposure to UV‐B irradiation by consuming antioxidants contained in tea and peach pollen. In this study, we evaluated strawberry pollen as an alternative food source for N. californicus and examined whether antioxidants in the pollen mitigated UV‐B damage to N. californicus. RESULTS: The fecundity of N. californicus females reared on Tetranychus urticae decreased on shifting their diet to pollen. By contrast, females reared continuously on strawberry pollen produced as many eggs as females reared continuously on T. urticae. Survival and fecundity after UV‐B irradiation were higher in females on the pollen diet. Oxygen radical absorbance capacity analysis revealed that the high antioxidant activity of strawberry pollen was due to four hydroxycinnamoyl spermidine derivatives. CONCLUSION: Strawberry pollen was an adequate alternative food source for N. californicus. Feeding on strawberry pollen, which contains spermidine derivatives with high antioxidant activity, mitigated UV‐B damage. This shows the potential of combining the UV‐method with N. californicus for controlling T. urticae in strawberries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preservation of stored products is very important. Manufacturers prefer pesticides against pests that cause losses on these products. However, recent researches have revealed the negative effects of these chemicals in terms of environment and human health. Researchers have been turned to alternative methods in recent years to prevent this. Radiation techniques, one of these methods, have a sterilizing, growth-inhibiting, and lethal effect on the pests. Besides, these techniques have advantages, such as not causing resistance to pests and no residue on products. In this study, adult individuals were exposed to radiation at different power and time with the intent to reveal the effect of microwave irradiation on Tribolium castaneum (Herbst, 1797) (Coleoptera: Tenebirionidae). In the trials, 5 values (120, 350, 460, 600, 700 watts) and 7 times (5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 seconds) for microwave radiation were determined and applied. One hour after the trials were set up, live and dead individuals were counted and recorded. Considering the data obtained, it was determined that the amount of radiation and the duration of the application increased, and the deaths that occurred increased. When the data obtained as a result of this study are examined, it is determined that microwave radiation, which is a physical control method, has a lethal effect on adult individuals of T. castaneum, and can be used as an alternative method to the intensively used chemical control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]