Biodiversity and Landscape Structure: Challenges for Insect Management Strategies in Lychee Orchards in the Mountains of Northern Thailand

Author(s):  
Dirk Euler ◽  
Konrad Martin ◽  
Joachim Sauerborn ◽  
Vichian Hengsavad
2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 115-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannah L Gray ◽  
David A Andow ◽  
Keizi Kiritani

Abstract Effective insect management strategies require a firm understanding of the factors determining host preference, particularly in highly mobile insect herbivores. Host preference studies commonly employ average or first position as a proxy for preference. Yet few studies have explored host preference in relation to transitory attraction and leaving rates, yet these are both components of host plant selection. We investigated the transitory dynamics of preference by the green rice leafhopper, Nephotettix cincticeps (Uhler) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) by conducting experiments on groups of females, males, or mixed-sex leafhoppers, and recording their position over time between low-N and normal-N rice plants. Utilizing a log-linear model and variants of a biostatistical model we used these positional data to extract attraction, leaving and tenure rates to better understand the process of host-plant selection. We found a general preference for normal-N over low-N plants at equilibrium. However, between sexes there was variation in the relative significance of attraction or leaving rates on that preference. Female leafhoppers were more attracted to host plants with higher nitrogen content. Male leafhoppers were less discriminate in their initial attraction to hosts but left low-N hosts at a faster rate. Whereas estimated tenure times on both normal- and low-N plants exceeded transmission times for the leafhopper-transmitted rice dwarf virus, longer tenure on normal-N plants likely increases the likelihood of virus acquisition from these plants. Our findings support previous recommendations that growers can mitigate the risks of leafhopper damage and pathogen transmission by optimizing their application of nitrogenous fertilizers.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Randa Jabbour ◽  
Shiri Noy

Pest management strategies involve a complex set of considerations, circumstances, and decision-making. Existing research suggests that farmers are reflexive and reflective in their management choices yet continue to employ curative rather than preventative strategies, and opt for chemical over biological solutions. In this piece, we detail work from a two-year, multidisciplinary, mixed-methods study of insect pest management strategies in alfalfa in Wyoming, integrating data from four focus groups, a statewide survey, and biological sampling of production fields. We outline how these different sources of data together contribute to a more complete understanding of the challenges and strategies employed by farmers, and specifically on biological pest control. We applied this approach across alfalfa hay and seed crop systems. Relatively few farmers acknowledged biological control in focus groups or surveys, yet biological exploration yielded abundant parasitism of common pest alfalfa weevil. On the other hand, parasitism of seed alfalfa pest Lygus was far less common and patchy across fields. It is only in integrating quantitative and qualitative, biological and social data that we are able to generate a more complete portrait of the challenges and opportunities of working with farmers to embrace a preventative paradigm. In doing so, we offer insights on possible barriers to the adoption of preventative insect management strategies and provide a case study of integrating social science and biophysical techniques to better understand opportunities to expand biological pest control in cropping systems.


Author(s):  
Nabil El-Wakeil ◽  
Nawal Gaafar ◽  
Abdellah Abdel-Moniem ◽  
Christa Volkmar

Chamomile Matricaria recutita (L) is an ancient healing plant; it is used for a sore stomach, a mild laxative, anti-inflammatory and a gentle sleep aid. Chamomile plants are infected by many insect pests. The flower heads are infested by chamomile smooth beetle Olibrus aeneus (Fabricius 1792). The dangerous insect is infestation with chamomile stem-weevil Microplontus rugulosus (Autumn 1795). Their infestations lead to a high reduction in chamomile yield. This work aimed to determine the adequate management strategies of Microplontus rugulosus and Olibrus aeneus, especially using entomopathogenic nematodes. Management of chamomile insects was conducted on plants moved from field to greenhouse using entomopathogenic nematodes; while the control plants were sprayed only with water. The efficiency of three types of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) was evaluated; each strain replicated 3 times; each was 50 chamomile plants (totally is 150 for each strain). Three treatment dates were carried out in May, June and July; the first one was mainly for controlling stem weevil, while the other two dates were for smooth beetle. Steinernema carpocapsae had more efficiency than S. feltiae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora. The lived larvae were higher in the untreated than treated plants. EPNS could be one of the most effective management strategies to control such insects to keep the environment clean and should be one of the suitable control strategies for integrated insect management practices which would be developed with the ecological requirements of insects in different chamomile fields.


HortScience ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 569A-569
Author(s):  
Kenneth A. Sorensen

The 199 sweetpotato growing season was one of extremes: early high temperatures, cool temperatures at planting, drought early and extended, and then hurricane floods. Insect species and population levels were highly variable. Thrips early and armyworms late. Insect control tactics and management strategies were used and include the following. Insect presentations and handouts were made at field days, annual meeting and at several county meetings. A sweetpotato insect field guide was prepared to assist fieldmen with insect scouting. Insect scouting schools were held in several counties to show insects, their damage, and traps to use in detecting their presence and numbers over time. Control studies with insecticide formulations and rates along with timing studies were conducted and prepared for the annual report. Spintor and Admire received registations for worms late and for early season insect control. Aphid vector studies centered on aphid suction traps, yellow sticky traps, and aphid identifications. Foliar and soil insecticides were discussed as to their use and impact. Insecticides of the future were presented and discussed. Cooperative studies and long term plans were discussed.


Weed Science ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 56 (3) ◽  
pp. 477-483 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jim S. Broatch ◽  
Lloyd M. Dosdall ◽  
John T. O'Donovan ◽  
K Neil Harker ◽  
George W. Clayton

Weed management strategies can influence insect infestations in field crops, yet no attempts have been made previously to manipulate weed populations in canola for integrated weed and insect management. Field studies were conducted during 2003 to 2005 at Lacombe and Beaverlodge, Alberta, Canada to manipulate weed and root maggot, Delia spp. (Diptera: Anthomyiidae), interactions in canola. Densities of monocot weeds were varied by altering herbicide applications, with rates ranging from 0 to 100% of the rate recommended. Weed populations declined, and yields were variable with increased herbicide rates. Root maggot damage decreased with increases in monocot weed dry weight for both canola species at both study sites. Results support the hypothesis that heterogenous environments, arising from mixed populations of monocot weeds with canola, minimize opportunities for females of Delia spp. to complete the behavioral sequence required for oviposition, leading to reduced infestation levels in weedy systems. However, effects of dicot weeds on root maggot infestations varied between sites as a result of site-related differences in weed species complexes. When wild mustard was common, crop damage increased, because this weed can serve as an alternate host for root maggots. The study emphasizes the importance of adopting crop management practices that are compatible for both weed and root maggot control.


2006 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 147-154
Author(s):  
D. Ames Herbert ◽  
Sean Malone ◽  
Susanne Aref ◽  
Joel Faircloth ◽  
Ozzie Abaye

In developing management strategies for hemipteran pests in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), it is important to understand the potential of plants to compensate for loss of the fruiting structures. Because of its northern latitude, Virginia has fewer available heat units relative to other cotton-producing states. Therefore, there may be limited opportunity for compensation relative to more southerly production areas. Previous work in Virginia demonstrated that cotton can sustain relatively high levels of first position square loss with no yield loss. This study evaluated the impact of a single event loss of 10–14-d-old bolls via mechanical removal on cotton lint yields with the premise that boll loss would have greater impact than square loss as less time and fewer heat units are available for compensation. Field experiments examining four levels of boll removal (0, 5,15 and 20%) were conducted in 2001,2002 and 2003. Each boll removal level was imposed at three different dates, beginning 2 wks after first flower and at 3- to 5-d intervals thereafter. Yields ranged from 1103–1422 in 2001, 909–1124 in 2002, and 843–1015 kg lint per ha in 2003. There were no significant differences in lint yields among the boll removal dates or removal levels. The results of our study showed that cotton in Virginia, which approaches the northernmost latitude for cotton production, is capable of sustaining losses as high as 20% of 10–14-d-old bolls at a single removal event without affecting lint yield. Results were consistent despite the wide variation in rainfall and temperatures during the 3 study years.


2005 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 72-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayres Oliveira Menezes Jr. ◽  
Adriana Yatie Mikami ◽  
André Keiiti Ide ◽  
Maurício Ursi Ventura

Host plant feeding preference is important basic information for the development of insect management strategies. Multiple-choice feeding preference assays were conducted in the laboratory for the chrysomelid beetle, Microtheca punctigera (Achard). Feeding was assessed 72 h after onset of experiments. With one larva per Petri dish, food items comprised watercress, Nasturtium officinale L., arugula, Eruca sativa L., mustard, Brassica juncea Cosson, Chinese cabbage, B. pekinensis (Lour.) Rupr. and wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum L.). Feeding ranking preferences were Chinese cabbage, mustard, wild radish, arugula and watercress (7.97, 1.85, 0.98, 0.36 and 0.11 mm², respectively). Feeding on Chinese cabbage was 4.31 times more intense than on mustard. The same experiment was repeated with one adult per dish. Responses of males and females were quite similar. Feeding was higher on mustard (87.2 and 142.8 for males and females, respectively). Feeding on arugula (51.5 and 132.7) and Chinese cabbage (51.8 and 89.0) were intermediate. Watercress (22.96 and 39.3) and wild radish (12.03 and 28.4) were the least preferred host plants. In a third experiment, ten larvae per dish were used and spinach, Tetragonia expansa Murr., radish, Raphanus sativus L. and collard, B. oleracea var. acephala L., were also included. Daily larval frequencies on each food were also measured. Feeding was similar on Chinese cabbage and mustard (47.89 and 53.78, respectively). Number of insects was greater on mustard, Chinese cabbage and wild radish. Probable explanations for results and proposals for further investigations are discussed.


PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e5996 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pakkanut Bansiddhi ◽  
Janine L. Brown ◽  
Chatchote Thitaram ◽  
Veerasak Punyapornwithaya ◽  
Chaleamchat Somgird ◽  
...  

Background Elephant camps are among the most attractive destinations in Thailand for tourists from many countries. A wide range of management strategies are used by these camps, which can have varied impacts on health and welfare of elephants. Methods This study surveyed 33 camps with 627 elephants in northern Thailand to quantify the types of management practices and work activities experienced by captive elephants. The survey consisted of an interview with camp owners, and direct observations of camp operations. Results Data revealed considerable variation in elephant demographics, work activities, elephant care (i.e., housing, restraint, nutrition, health care, and breeding), and mahout management among the camps. In general, older camps (those in existence for >16 years) were involved in more intensive activities, like riding with saddles and shows. By contrast, newer camps provided more one-on-one activities for tourists and elephants, and emphasized more intimate, relaxing experiences (e.g., feeding, bathing, walking) than entertainment. A demographic shift also was observed, with elephants 20 years of age and younger having a sex ratio closer to 1:1 compared to elephants in older age categories (1:4.1–1:9.8). Discussion Shifts in elephant management to less intensive activities were observed, which could have positive implications for elephant welfare. The shifting sex ratio suggests successful captive breeding is resulting in the birth of more males, which could present new welfare challenges in the future, because bulls can be more difficult to manage and socialize, and are more likely to be kept isolated during musth. Ultimately, the goal is to understand how camp activities affect welfare, and to develop science-based guidelines and standards to aid in the management of both male and female elephants used in tourism.


2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristin L. Getter ◽  
Bridget K. Behe ◽  
Heidi Marie Wollaeger

Declining bee populations has garnered media attention, which has pressured plant retailers to ask or demand the reduction or elimination of neonicotinoid insecticide use in greenhouse production. This study investigated consumer perspectives on eco-friendly ornamental plant production practices in combination with a variety of insect management practices. Data from an online study were collected from 1555 Americans in May 2015. Over half (55%), nearly half (48.2%), and more than 30% of the participants felt that “bees are not harmed,” “better for the environment,” or “plants that attract bees,” respectively, was a characteristic of bee-friendly insect management practices. The latter group erroneously confused bee-friendly insect management practices with plants that are a potential food source for bees. When asked to rate various insect management plant production practices on a five-point Likert scale, consumer mean scores were positive (defined here as 3.5 to 5.0) for “plants grown using bee-friendly insect management practices,” “plants grown using insect management strategies that are safe for pollinators,” “plants grown using best insect management practices to protect pollinators,” and “plants grown using insect management practices that leaves no insecticide residue on the plant.” Plant species accounted for 31.6% of the decision to purchase the plant, followed by price (25.1%), insect management strategy (23.3%), and eco-friendly practices (20.1%) that was similar to prior published findings. Analyses showed that plants labeled as “grown using bee-friendly insect management practices” were worth $0.26, $0.26, $0.89, and $1.15 more than plants labeled as “grown in a sustainably produced potting soil/mix,” “grown using recycled/recaptured water,” “grown using protective neonicotinoid insecticides,” and “grown using traditional insect management practices,” respectively. In addition, plants labeled as “grown using best insect management practices to protect pollinators” were worth $0.10, $0.10, $0.73, and $0.99 more than plants labeled as “grown in a sustainably produced potting soil/mix,” “grown using recycled/recaptured water,” “grown using protective neonicotinoid insecticides,” and “grown using traditional insect management practices,” respectively. Thus, selected insect management strategies were valued more, on average, than eco-friendly production practices.


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