Seasonal Population Abundance of Bactrocera Dorsalis Hendel (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Selected Districts of Northern KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

The fruitfly Bactrocera dorsalis is an economically important pest that requires management for the sustainability of agriculture in South Africa. This pest has spread from the country's Northern parts within a decade, where it has completely established and spread to other neighbouring provinces. The pest spreads at various rates due to different factors given biotic and abiotic factors. Understanding factors that influence pest prevalence will assist with practical management strategies. Temperature is one of the factors that assist the invasive potential of B. dorsalis. KwaZulu Natal province is among the hotspot provinces in the country besides Limpopo and Mpumalanga. Trap catches in Northern KwaZulu Natal, uMkhanyakude and King Cetshwayo districts show that the seasonal populations of B. dorsalis are continuously present all year round, even with the application of management options to reduce pest populations. Host availability plays a significant role in the invasion and total outcompeting of other native fruitflies e.g. Ceratitis punctata.

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Thermal Biology and Seasonal Population Abundance of Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel (Diptera: Tephritidae): Implications on Pest Management

International Journal of Insect Science ◽

10.1177/1179543319863417 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

pp. 117954331986341 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Rebaone Motswagole ◽

Nonofo Gotcha ◽

Casper Nyamukondiwa

Keyword(s):

Pest Management ◽

Developmental Stages ◽

Insect Pest ◽

Management Strategies ◽

Bactrocera Dorsalis ◽

Population Abundance ◽

Lethal Temperature ◽

Thermal Biology ◽

Trap Catches ◽

Seasonal Population

Since the first detection of Bactrocera dorsalis in Botswana in 2010, the establishment, spread, and response to prevailing Botswana microclimates under rapidly changing environments remain unknown. This study investigated the presence, seasonal population abundance, and thermal biology of B. dorsalis in Botswana. We measured B. dorsalis thermal tolerance vis critical thermal limits (CTLs) and lethal temperature assays (LTAs) to understand how temperature largely impacts on fitness and hence invasive potential. Seasonal monitoring results indicated B. dorsalis establishment in the Chobe district (its first area of detection). Trap catches showed continuous adult flies’ presence all year round and high average monthly trap catches as compared with other districts. Furthermore, B. dorsalis was detected south of Botswana, including Kgatleng, Kweneng, South-east, and Southern districts. Critical thermal maxima (CTmax) to activity for adults and larvae were 46.16°C and 45.23°C, whereas critical thermal minima (CTmin) to activity for adults and larvae were 9.1°C and 7.3°C, respectively. Moreover, we found an improved CTmin for larvae at a slower ramping rate, indicating potential rapid cold hardening. The lower lethal temperature (LLT) and upper lethal temperature (ULT) assays revealed a reduction in survival at all the developmental stages as severity and duration of both temperature extremes increased. Microclimatic temperatures recorded in Botswana showed that environmental temperatures fall within the thermal breath of B. dorsalis activity measured here, indicating a potential conducive climate niche for the insect pest across the country, albeit other factors, e.g., host availability, play a significant role. These results therefore suggest that Botswana microclimatic temperatures aided B. dorsalis activity and invasion pathway are thus significant in mapping invasions and pest risk analysis, and may also aid in designing pest management strategies.

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Tiered healthcare in South Africa exposes deficiencies in management and more patients with infectious etiology of primary adrenal insufficiency

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0241845 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (11) ◽

pp. e0241845

Author(s):

Thabiso Rafaki Petrus Mofokeng ◽

Kwazi Celani Zwakele Ndlovu ◽

Salem A. Beshyah ◽

Ian L. Ross

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Adrenal Insufficiency ◽

Online Survey ◽

Management Strategies ◽

Adrenal Crisis ◽

Public Healthcare ◽

Antibody Testing ◽

Management Options ◽

Primary Adrenal Insufficiency ◽

The Public

Objective We wished to determine the prevalence, etiology, presentation, and available management strategies for primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) in South Africa (SA), hypothesizing a prevalence greater than the described 3.1 per million. There is great inequity in healthcare allocation, as two parallel healthcare systems exist, potentially modifying PAI patients’ clinical profiles, private being better resourced than public healthcare. Methods An online survey of physicians’ experience relating to PAI. Results The physicians were managing 811 patients, equal to a prevalence of 14.2 per million. Likely causes of PAI in public/ academic vs private settings included: AIDS-related [304 (44.8%) vs 5 (3.8%); p<0.001], tuberculosis [288 (42.5%) vs 8 (6.0%); p<0.001], autoimmune disease [50 (7.4%) vs 88 (66.2%); p<0.001], malignancy [27 (4.0%) vs 7 (5.3%); p = 0.500], genetic including adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) [5 (0.7%) vs 16 (12.0%); p<0.001], respectively. Overall, more patients presented with nausea [101 (74.3%) and vomiting 89 (65.9%), than diarrhoea 76 (58.9%); p = 0.008 and 126 (15.5%) in adrenal crisis. Features suggestive of a crisis were hypoglycaemia [40 (78.4%) vs 42 (48.8%); p = 0.001], shock [36 (67.9%) vs 31(36.9%); p<0.001], and loss of consciousness [25 (52.1%) vs 27 (32.9%); p = 0.031]. Greater unavailability of antibody testing in the public vs. the private sector [32 (66.7%) vs 30 (32.1%); p = 0.001], [serum-ACTH 25 (52.1%) vs 16 (19.5%); p<0.001] and glucocorticoids were [26 (54.2%) vs 33 (40.2%); p = 0.015]. Many patients, 389(66.7%) were not using identification, indicating that they need steroids in an emergency. Conclusion A survey of South African physicians suggests a higher prevalence than previously reported. Patients presented with typical symptoms, and 15.5% presented in adrenal crisis. Significant disparities in the availability of physicians’ expertise, diagnostic resources, and management options were noted in the public versus private settings. Greater awareness among health practitioners to timeously diagnose PAI is required to prevent a life-threatening outcome.

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Acridid ecology in the sugarcane agro-ecosystem in the Zululand region of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Journal of Orthoptera Research ◽

10.3897/jor.29.34626 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 29 (1) ◽

pp. 9-16

Author(s):

Adrian Bam ◽

Pia Addison ◽

Desmond Conlong

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Activity Patterns ◽

Management Strategies ◽

Abundant Species ◽

Population Characteristics ◽

Nomadacris Septemfasciata ◽

Egg Diapause ◽

Kwazulu Natal ◽

Outbreak Areas ◽

Grazing Lands

Grasshoppers and locusts are well known crop and pasture pests throughout the world. Periodically they cause extensive damage to large areas of crops and grazing lands, which often exacerbate food shortage issues in many countries. In South Africa, acridid outbreaks rarely reach economic proportions, but in sugarcane plantations, localized outbreaks of native acridid species have been reported for the last eight years with increasing frequency and intensity in certain areas. This study was undertaken from May 2012 to May 2013 to identify the economically important acridid species in the sugarcane agroecosystem in these outbreak areas, to monitor seasonal activity patterns, to assess sampling methods, and to determine the pest status of the major species through damage ratings. Five acridid species of particular importance were identified: Nomadacris septemfasciata (Serville), Petamella prosternalis (Karny), Ornithacris cyanea (Stoll), Cataloipus zuluensis Sjötedt, and Cyrtacanthacris aeruginosa (Stoll). All species are univoltine. Petamella prosternalis was the most abundant species and exhibited a winter egg diapause, while N. septemfasciata, the second most abundant species, exhibited a winter reproductive diapause. Petamella prosternalis and N. septemfasciata were significantly correlated with the damage-rating index, suggesting that these two species were responsible for most of the feeding damage found on sugarcane. This study, for the first time, identified the acridid species complex causing damage to sugarcane in the Zululand area of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and documented their population characteristics and related damage. These data are important information on which to base sound integrated pest management strategies.

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Impact of abiotic factors on population dynamics of Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel and Bactrocera zonata (Saunders) at different ecological zones in NW Plains of India

Journal of Agrometeorology ◽

10.54386/jam.v22i3.186 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (3) ◽

pp. 250-257

Author(s):

REENA ◽

AMANDEEP KAUR ◽

MAHENDER SINGH ◽

BHAV KUMAR SINHA ◽

ANIL KUMAR ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Population Dynamics ◽

Fruits And Vegetables ◽

Abiotic Factors ◽

Economic Loss ◽

Fruit Flies ◽

Bactrocera Dorsalis ◽

North West ◽

Ecological Zones ◽

Bactrocera Zonata ◽

Trap Catches

In India, fruit flies have been identified as one of the ten most serious problems of agriculture because of their polyphagous nature and the huge economic loss it causes to the fruits and vegetables (2.5 to 100%). Study was carried to determine the population dynamics of fruit flies (Bactrocera dorsalis and Bactrocera zonata) and establish the correlation with abiotic factors in guava and citrus fruits crops in two agro ecological zones of North West India. Fruit flies population was recorded by installation of pheromone traps in different fruit crop ecosystems during the fruiting season of this zone. The data of trap catches of both the locations was correlated with the significantly influencing abiotic parameters. The peak fruit fly incidence varied between 31st to 34th standard weeks in guava ecosystem at both the locations. In citrus ecosystem, the incidence was highest during 35th and 39th standard weeks coinciding with the ripening of the fruits. At both the locations, trap catches of guava ecosystem were positively correlated with all the weather parameters, while under citrus ecosystem minimum temperature and rainfall showed negative correlation, but relative humidity was positively correlated. Information may be utilized in targeting suitable pest management techniques for respective zones.

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Talent Management Strategies and Employees’ Job Performance in the Retail Sector of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: A Structural Model

African Journal of Business and Economic Research ◽

10.31920/1750-4562/2021/v16n3a11 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (3) ◽

pp. 215-233

Author(s):

Miriam Chisom Nnenna Onwugbolu ◽

Emmanue Mutambara

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Job Performance ◽

Structural Model ◽

Management Strategies ◽

Talent Management ◽

Retail Sector ◽

Kwazulu Natal

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Thirty years of monitoring traditional fish trap catches at Kosi Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and management implications

African Journal of Marine Science ◽

10.2989/1814232x.2013.769905 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 35 (1) ◽

pp. 67-78 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

R Kyle

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Management Implications ◽

Fish Trap ◽

Kwazulu Natal ◽

Trap Catches

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Physiotherapy management strategies for woman post-ceasarean section delivery in public hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

South African Journal of Physiotherapy ◽

10.4102/sajp.v69i1.365 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 69 (1) ◽

Author(s):

P. Reddy ◽

J. Frantz

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Caesarean Section ◽

Management Strategy ◽

Management Strategies ◽

Public Hospitals ◽

Steady Increase ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Breathing Exercises ◽

Kwazulu Natal ◽

Caesarean Section Delivery

South Africa has seen a steady increase in the rate of caesarean section deliveries, and while physiotherapists are often requested to treat these patients, there are no guidelines on their physiotherapeutic management. Current treatment is therefore based on clinical presentations of the patient. This paper reports on the physiotherapy management strategies for women post-caesarean section delivery used at four public hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal during 2011-2012. The study used a quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive design. The sample consisted of 31 physiotherapists who completed an anonymous self-administered questionnaire, of whom eight had not treated post-caesarean section delivery women at all in the one year period. The results showed mobilization (100%), breathing exercises (94%) and education (94%) were common choices, with 68% selecting pelvic floor exercises as part of their management strategy. The study concluded that the current physiotherapy management strategy for women post-caesarean section delivery is based mainly on the doctors’ referral. Due to their limited knowledge about physiotherapy treatment, doctors overlook other complication(s) and potential complication(s) that could benefit from treatment post-delivery. The study showed that there is a need to improve the role and influence of physiotherapists in the multidisciplinary team.

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Management Options for Ixodes ricinus-Associated Pathogens: A Review of Prevention Strategies

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17061830 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (6) ◽

pp. 1830 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jiří Černý ◽

Geoffrey Lynn ◽

Johana Hrnková ◽

Maryna Golovchenko ◽

Natalia Rudenko ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ixodes Ricinus ◽

Private Property ◽

Abiotic Factors ◽

Management Strategies ◽

Landscape Management ◽

Ecological Factors ◽

Anthropogenic Factors ◽

Management Options ◽

Tick Activity ◽

The Usa

Ticks are important human and animal parasites and vectors of many infectious disease agents. Control of tick activity is an effective tool to reduce the risk of contracting tick-transmitted diseases. The castor bean tick (Ixodes ricinus) is the most common tick species in Europe. It is also a vector of the causative agents of Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis, which are two of the most important arthropod-borne diseases in Europe. In recent years, increases in tick activity and incidence of tick-borne diseases have been observed in many European countries. These increases are linked to many ecological and anthropogenic factors such as landscape management, climate change, animal migration, and increased popularity of outdoor activities or changes in land usage. Tick activity is driven by many biotic and abiotic factors, some of which can be effectively managed to decrease risk of tick bites. In the USA, recommendations for landscape management, tick host control, and tick chemical control are well-defined for the applied purpose of reducing tick presence on private property. In Europe, where fewer studies have assessed tick management strategies, the similarity in ecological factors influencing vector presence suggests that approaches that work in USA may also be applicable. In this article we review key factors driving the tick exposure risk in Europe to select those most conducive to management for decreased tick-associated risk.

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