scholarly journals Intercropping With Peppermint Increases Ground Dwelling Insect and Pollinator Abundance and Decreases Drosophila suzukii in Fruit

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chelsea Megan Gowton ◽  
César Cabra-Arias ◽  
Juli Carrillo
Keyword(s):  
Adult Emergence ◽  
Fruit Fly ◽  
Pitfall Trap ◽  
Host Finding ◽  
Drosophila Suzukii ◽  
Apple Cider ◽  
Crop Fields ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Pollinator Abundance ◽  
Wide Range

Intercropping can be used to reduce pest insects within agricultural systems, e.g., through deterring pests directly or by increasing habitat for their natural enemies. For example, plant produced volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can deter or confuse host-finding by insects through olfactory disruption. Drosophila suzukii is an invasive fruit fly of agricultural concern as it can lay its eggs in both ripening and fresh fruits and, uses olfactory cues to identify its wide range of host plants. Peppermint plants (Mentha × piperita) produce high levels of VOCs while growing and may, therefore, be suitable as an intercrop to reduce D. suzukii infestations in the field, as peppermint essential oil VOCs have previously been shown to deter D. suzukii in olfactory trials. We conducted a field intercropping experiment to evaluate the effectiveness of peppermint plants compared to traditional ryegrass/clover mixes in reducing D. suzukii oviposition in the field, and the effect of peppermint intercrops on other invertebrates. In the field, we monitored sentinel fruit baits weekly for D. suzukii infestation. Additionally, we monitored intercropping effects on the invertebrate community through weekly pitfall trap collection and through a pollinator point survey. We monitored for local, farm level presence of D. suzukii through apple cider vinegar traps within crop fields and along hedgerows and found high abundance of D. suzukii (>3,000 individuals trapped). Peppermint intercrops had fewer D. suzukii emerge from fruit baits and supported greater beneficial insect abundance (predators and pollinators) compared to ryegrass/clover. However, levels of D. suzukii were low across both intercrop types. Overall, we found that peppermint intercrops could be a potential aromatic intercrop used to reduce D. suzukii adult emergence from fruit compared to conventional ryegrass/clover mixes, however this trial should be replicated over multiple growing seasons, geographic locations, and host fruits. Furthermore, further study should determine the effects of the intercrop on the focal crop of interest.

scholarly journals Mass-Rearing of Drosophila suzukii for Sterile Insect Technique Application: Evaluation of Two Oviposition Systems

Insects ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 448 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabiana Sassù ◽  
Katerina Nikolouli ◽  
Silvana Caravantes ◽  
Gustavo Taret ◽  
Rui Pereira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sterile Insect Technique ◽  
Adult Emergence ◽  
Mass Rearing ◽  
Invasive Pest ◽  
Great Promise ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Drosophila Suzukii ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Emergence Rate ◽  
Rearing Methods

Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) is an invasive pest of a wide range of commercial soft-skinned fruits. To date, most management tactics are based on spraying of conventional and/or organic insecticides, baited traps, and netting exclusion. Interest has been expressed in using the sterile insect technique (SIT) as part of area-wide integrated pest management (AW-IPM) programs to control D. suzukii infestations. Mass-rearing protocols are one of the prerequisites for successful implementation of the SIT. To establish mass-rearing methods for this species, two different egg-collection systems were developed and compared with respect to the number of eggs produced, egg viability, pupa and adult recovery, adult emergence rate, and flight ability. Female flies kept in cages equipped with a wax panel produced significantly more eggs with higher viability and adult emergence rate, as compared to the netted oviposition system. The wax panel system was also more practical and less laborious regarding the collection of eggs. Furthermore, the wax panel oviposition system can be adapted to any size or design of an adult cage. In conclusion, this system bears great promise as an effective system for the mass production of D. suzukii for SIT.

Soil moisture and relative humidity effects during postdiapause on the emergence of western cherry fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae)

2013 ◽  
Vol 145 (3) ◽  
pp. 317-326 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wee L. Yee
Keyword(s):  
United States Of America ◽  
Adult Emergence ◽  
Fruit Fly ◽  
Washington State ◽  
Humidity Effects ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Loam Soil ◽  
Dry Soil ◽  
Moisture Conditions ◽  
High Emergence

AbstractPupae of western cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis indifferens Curran (Diptera: Tephritidae), from Kennewick and Roslyn in Washington State, United States of America, were subjected to different soil and air moisture conditions to test the hypotheses that adult emergence from dry and moist soil is similar and is greater and occurs earlier at high than low relative humidities (RHs). Adult fly emergence from 0–57% saturated loam soil did not differ in Kennewick (64.8–75.1%) and Roslyn (81.7–86.6%) populations. Emergence did not occur from 76% saturated loam soil. In a RH experiment using dry soil, emergence of Kennewick flies was highest at 97% RH (76.8%), intermediate at 12–74% RH (66.4–69.6%), and lowest at 3% RH (58.0%). Emergence of Roslyn flies was higher at 97% RH (85.6%) than 3% (69.2%) and 12% RH (74.3%), but it did not differ from that at 33% (76.9%) and 74% RH (79.4%). Flies emerged ∼2–3 days earlier at 97% RH than at 3–12% RH. An unnaturally low RH of 3% caused more flies to be deformed than higher RHs. High emergence of R. indifferens in dry and moist conditions likely contributes to its presence in a wide range of native and nonnative habitats.

Drosophila suzukii (spotted wing drosophila).

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudio Ioriatti ◽  
Marco Stacconi ◽  
Gianfranco Anfor
Keyword(s):  
Fruit Fly ◽  
Reproductive Rate ◽  
Fruit Crops ◽  
Drosophila Suzukii ◽  
Wild Fruits ◽  
Economic Threat ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Rapid Spread ◽  
Short Generation Time ◽  
Summer Fruit

Abstract The fruit fly D. suzukii is a fruit crop pest and is a serious economic threat to soft summer fruit. A polyphagous pest, it infests a wide range of fruit crops, included grape, as well as an increasing number of wild fruits. D. suzukii is an economically damaging pest because the females are able to infest thin-skinned fruits before harvest and the larvae destroy the fruit pulp by feeding. The species is endemic in Asia. It was first recorded as invasive in Hawaii in 1980 and then simultaneously in California and in Europe in 2008. Since 2008 it has spread rapidly throughout the temperate regions of North America and Europe, due to global trade and the initial lack of regulation over the spread of any Drosophila. This species has a high reproductive rate and short generation time; D. suzukii can theoretically have up to 13 generations per year, which may contribute towards rapid spread, given available suitable hosts. D. suzukii is listed on the EPPO alert list.

scholarly journals Overview of fruit flies important for fruit production on the Montenegro seacoast

2019 ◽  
pp. 46-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanja Radonjić ◽  
Snježana Hrnčić ◽  
Tatjana Perović
Keyword(s):  
Fruit Fly ◽  
Fruit Production ◽  
Fruit Flies ◽  
Vegetable Production ◽  
Agricultural Pests ◽  
Drosophila Suzukii ◽  
Important Species ◽  
Economic Point ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Family

Description of the subject. Fruit flies are a large group of pests belonging to the order Diptera. The family Tephritidae is one of two fly families referred to as “fruit flies”. Tephritidae (true fruit flies) represent one of the largest families of flies and are part of a group of the most destructive agricultural pests in the world, attacking a wide range of fruits and fleshy vegetables. The other fruit fly family is the Drosophilidae, often called “vinegar flies”. There are also fly species from other Diptera families that attack the fruits of agricultural crops. Objectives. Due to its favorable geographic position and Mediterranean climate, the Montenegro seacoast is suited to fruit and vegetable production. The aim of this study was to make an inventory of the fruit fly species affecting fruit crops on the Montenegro seacoast. Method. The study area was 300 km along the Montenegro coast. Different types of traps (lure attractants, pheromone, and yellow sticky traps) were used for the monitoring, detection and recording of the spread of fruit flies in the area. Results. From an economic point of view, the most important species of fruit flies recorded were the Bactrocera oleae Gmel. and Ceratitis capitata Wiedem. Rhagoletis cerasi L. and Carpomya vesuviana Costa were also found to be present. Although several specimens of Rhagoletis cingulata Loew were detected in 2013-2014, this species has not, to date, been considered as established in the area of study. After the first detection of Drosophila suzukii Matsumura in 2013, this fruit fly was found to spread rapidly, and its presence is now observed along the whole Montenegro seacoast. One of the fruit fly species recorded, Silba adipata McAlpine, is considered to be one of the most destructive pests for fig production in Montenegro. Conclusions. Of seven species recorded in the study, five belonged to the family Tephritidae, and one each to Drosophilidae and Lonchaeidae.

scholarly journals Short communication: Laboratory approach to the use of sulphur and kaolin as preventive control against Drosophila suzukii

2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. e10SC01 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sergio Pérez-Guerrero ◽  
José M. Molina
Keyword(s):  
Adult Emergence ◽  
Lethal Effect ◽  
Adult Mortality ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Invasive Pest ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Drosophila Suzukii ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Preventive Method ◽  
Choice Assay

Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931) is an invasive pest from South East Asia that was detected for the first time in Southern Europe in 2008. This species can damage a wide range of soft-skinned fruits crops affecting ripening fruits and causing important economic losses. Since the exclusive use of chemical insecticides for controlling D. suzukii may prompt the appearance of resistance and environmental pollution, alternative methods compatible with sustainable management are required. In this study, commercial formulations of powdered sulphur and kaolin were tested as a preventive method applied to blueberry fruits under laboratory conditions. In no-choice assay, powdered sulphur had a significant effect on oviposition and adult emergency with reductions of 76% and 77%, respectively. In addition, sulphur displayed a significant toxicity on males and lethal effect with over 40% adult mortality seven days after exposure. The choice assay confirmed and improved the powdered sulphur effects, with reductions of 98% and 96% in oviposition and adult emergence, respectively. In contrast, kaolin produced no significant reduction in infestation and adult mortality during no-choice and choice assays. These outcomes suggest that preventive use of powdered sulphur could be considered for sustainable control of D. suzukii in some berry crops.

First Detection of Tobacco Mosaic Virus in Tobacco Fields in Northern Lebanon

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rami Obeid ◽  
Elias Wehbe ◽  
Mohamad Rima ◽  
Mohammad Kabara ◽  
Romeo Al Bersaoui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tobacco Mosaic Virus ◽  
Mosaic Virus ◽  
Viral Genome ◽  
Virus Genome ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Virus Family ◽  
Crop Fields ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Das Elisa

Background: Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) is the most known virus in the plant mosaic virus family and is able to infect a wide range of crops, in particularly tobacco, causing a production loss. Objectives: Herein, and for the first time in Lebanon, we investigated the presence of TMV infection in crops by analyzing 88 samples of tobacco, tomato, cucumber and pepper collected from different regions in North Lebanon. Methods: Double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA), revealed a potential TMV infection of four tobacco samples out of 88 crops samples collected. However, no tomato, cucumber and pepper samples were infected. The TMV+ tobacco samples were then extensively analyzed by RT-PCR to detect viral RNA using different primers covering all the viral genome. Results and Discussion: PCR results confirmed those of DAS-ELISA showing TMV infection of four tobacco samples collected from three crop fields of North Lebanon. In only one of four TMV+ samples, we were able to amplify almost all the regions of viral genome, suggesting possible mutations in the virus genome or an infection with a new, not yet identified, TMV strain. Conclusion: Our study is the first in Lebanon revealing TMV infection in crop fields, and highlighting the danger that may affect the future of agriculture.

scholarly journals Rattail fescue (Vulpia myuros) interference and seed production as affected by sowing time and crop density in winter wheat

Weed Science ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Muhammad Javaid Akhter ◽  
Per Kudsk ◽  
Solvejg Kopp Mathiassen ◽  
Bo Melander
Keyword(s):  
Winter Wheat ◽  
Grain Yield ◽  
Seed Production ◽  
Yield Components ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Sowing Time ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Crop Density ◽  
Wide Range

Abstract Field experiments were conducted in the growing seasons of 2017 to 2018 and 2018 to 2019 to evaluate the competitive effects of rattail fescue [Vulpia myuros (L.) C.C. Gmel.] in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and to assess whether delayed crop sowing and increased crop density influence the emergence, competitiveness, and fecundity of V. myuros. Cumulative emergence showed the potential of V. myuros to emerge rapidly and under a wide range of climatic conditions with no effect of crop density and variable effects of sowing time between the two experiments. Grain yield and yield components were negatively affected by increasing V. myuros density. The relationship between grain yield and V. myuros density was not influenced by sowing time or by crop density, but crop–weed competition was strongly influenced by growing conditions. Due to very different weather conditions, grain yield reductions were lower in the growing season of 2017 to 2018 than in 2018 to 2019, with maximum grain yield losses of 22% and 50% in the two growing seasons, respectively. The yield components, number of crop ears per square meter, and 1,000-kernel weight were affected almost equally, reflecting that V. myuros’s competition with winter wheat occurred both early and late in the growing season. Seed production of V. myuros was suppressed by delaying sowing and increasing crop density. The impacts of delayed sowing and increasing crop density on seed production of V. myuros highlight the potential of these cultural weed control tactics in the long-term management programs of this species.

scholarly journals Floral Plantings in Large-Scale Commercial Agroecosystems Support Both Pollinators and Arthropod Predators

Insects ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 91
Author(s):  
Eric G. Middleton ◽  
Ian V. MacRae ◽  
Christopher R. Philips
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Field Margins ◽  
Crop Fields ◽  
Pollinator Abundance ◽  
Arthropod Predators ◽  
Commercial Potato ◽  
Insect Populations ◽  
Beneficial Insect ◽  
Potato Crops

Beneficial insect populations and the services that they provide are in decline, largely due to agricultural land use and practices. Establishing perennial floral plantings in the unused margins of crop fields can help conserve beneficial pollinators and predators in commercial agroecosystems. We assessed the impacts of floral plantings on both pollinators and arthropod predators when established adjacent to conventionally managed commercial potato fields. Floral plantings significantly increased the abundance of pollinators within floral margins compared with unmanaged margins. Increased floral cover within margins led to significantly greater pollinator abundance as well. The overall abundance of arthropod predators was also significantly increased in floral plantings, although it was unrelated to the amount of floral cover. Within adjacent potato crops, the presence of floral plantings in field margins had no effect on the abundance of pollinators or predators, although higher floral cover in margins did marginally increase in-crop pollinator abundance. Establishing floral plantings of this kind on a large scale in commercial agroecosystems can help conserve both pollinators and predators, but may not increase ecosystem services in nearby crops.

Monitoring of Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in Okanagan Valley vineyards, British Columbia, Canada, and assessment of damage to table and wine grapes (Vitaceae)

2020 ◽  
Vol 152 (4) ◽  
pp. 415-431
Author(s):  
Susanna Acheampong ◽  
Etienne Lord ◽  
D. Thomas Lowery
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Wine Grape ◽  
Drosophila Suzukii ◽  
Wine Grapes ◽  
Apple Cider ◽  
Table Grapes ◽  
Soft Fruit ◽  
Grape Cultivars ◽  
Okanagan Valley

AbstractSpotted-wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii, (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae), has become a serious pest of soft fruit in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, Canada since its detection in 2009. The study was conducted to determine the distribution of D. suzukii and damage levels in grapes. Apple cider vinegar-baited traps placed in table and wine grape (Vitis vinifera Linnaeus; Vitaceae) vineyards during 2011–2013 demonstrated that D. suzukii was numerous in all sites, with earliest emergence and highest numbers recorded in 2013. Drosophila suzukii were reared from intact and damaged table grapes and damaged wine grapes collected from the field, but not from intact wine grapes. Drosophila suzukii were reared in low numbers in 2011 from intact fruit of 11 wine grape cultivars exposed artificially in the laboratory. Susceptibility of intact wine grapes under laboratory conditions in 2011 when sour rot was widespread might relate in part to undetected infections of berries due to weather conditions. Identification of Drosophila Fallén species revealed that D. suzukii comprised a small portion of the total. Our results demonstrate that healthy wine grapes in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia are largely undamaged by D. suzukii, while certain table grape cultivars should be protected from attack.

Urochloa platyphylla (broadleaf signalgrass).

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julissa Rojas-Sandoval ◽  
Pedro Acevedo-Rodríguez
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Crop Residue ◽  
Soil Surface ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Crop Fields ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Germinating Seeds

Abstract U. platyphylla is a weedy grass species commonly found in disturbed, open and sandy sites such as crop fields, ditches and roadsides. It is considered a troublesome weed because of its tolerance to some herbicides principally in maize plantations (Chamblee et al., 1982; Gallaher et al.,1999). U. platyphylla is highly adaptable and it is able to germinate and grow throughout a wide range of soil and environmental conditions (Burke et al., 2003). Additionally, its seeds may remain on the crop residue until pre-emergence herbicides are no longer effective in controlling the germinating seeds, at which time the seeds fall to the soil surface and germinate (Alford et al., 2005).

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