Insecticidal Activity of Bacillus thuringiensis Strains on the Nettle Caterpillar, Euprosterna elaeasa (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae)

In the present work, we evaluated the insecticidal activity of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) strains on Euprosterna elaeasa as an alternative for the organophosphate insecticide use in oil palm plantations in the Americas. The toxic effects of four Bt-strains (HD-1 var. kurstaki, SA-12 var. kurstaki, ABTS-1857 var. aizawai, and GC-91 var. aizawai) were evaluated against E. elaeasa caterpillars for toxicity, survival, anti-feeding, and mortality in field-controlled conditions. The Bt-strains, ABTS-1857 var. aizawai (LC50 = 0.84 mg mL−1), GC-91 var. aizawai (LC50 = 1.13 mg mL−1), and HD-1 var. kurstaki (LC50 = 1.25 mg mL−1), were the most toxic to E. elaeasa. The caterpillar survival was 99% without exposure to Bt-strains, and decreased to 52–23% in insects treated with the LC50 and 10–1% in insects exposed to LC90 after 48 h. Furthermore, Bt-strains decreased significantly the consumption of oil palm leaves of E. elaeasa 3 h after exposure. Mortality of E. elaeasa caterpillars caused by Bt-strains had similar lethal effects in the laboratory and in field conditions. Our data suggest that Bt-strains have insecticidal activity against E. elaeasa and, therefore, have potential applications in oil palm pest management schemes.

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Insecticidal activity of supernatant and crude extract of Bacillus thuringiensis-based bio-insecticide towards oil palm pests Oryctes rhinoceros (Coleoptera: ‘/Scarabaeidae)

IOP Conference Series Earth and Environmental Science ◽

10.1088/1755-1315/709/1/012070 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 709 (1) ◽

pp. 012070

Author(s):

Yulia Pujiastuti ◽

Sofia Sandi ◽

Arsi Arsi ◽

Dwi Probowati Sulistyani

Keyword(s):

Bacillus Thuringiensis ◽

Insecticidal Activity ◽

Crude Extract ◽

Oil Palm ◽

Oryctes Rhinoceros

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Effect of Benzoylphenyl Ureas on Survival and Reproduction of the Lace Bug, Leptopharsa gibbicarina

Insects ◽

10.3390/insects12010034 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 34

Author(s):

Luis Carlos Martínez ◽

Angelica Plata-Rueda ◽

José Eduardo Serrão

Keyword(s):

Survival Rate ◽

Oil Palm ◽

Adult Emergence ◽

Field Conditions ◽

Lace Bug ◽

Highly Effective ◽

Potential Applications ◽

Survival And Reproduction ◽

Benzoylphenyl Ureas ◽

Sublethal Concentrations

The lace bug, Leptopharsa gibbicarina is a vector of Pestalotiopsis fungal complex in oil palm crops in the Americas. The effects of four benzoylphenyl ureas (BPUs) (lufenuron, novaluron, teflubenzuron, and triflumuron) were evaluated against L. gibbicarina for toxicity, survival, reproduction, and mortality in semi-field conditions. Concentration-mortality bioassays demonstrated that novaluron (LC50 = 0.33 ppm), teflubenzuron (LC50 = 0.24 ppm), lufenuron (LC50 = 0.17 ppm), and triflumuron (LC50 = 0.42 ppm) are toxic to L. gibbicarina nymphs. The survival rate was 99% in control nymphs, decreasing to 50% in nymphs exposed to LC50 of triflumuron, 47% in nymphs treated with lufenuron, 43% in nymphs treated with teflubenzuron, and 43% in those treated with novaluron. Sublethal concentrations of BPUs showed detrimental effects on the adult emergence, longevity, fecundity, and fertility of this insect. The mortality of nymphs caused by these insecticides was similar in both laboratory and semi-field conditions. Our results suggest that novaluron, teflubenzuron, and triflumuron are highly effective against L. gibbicarina, and therefore, have potential applications for this oil palm pest.

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Knowledge Level on Bagworm in Oil Palm and its Control Using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Practices Among Independent Oil Palm Smallholders in Johor

Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities (MJSSH) ◽

10.47405/mjssh.v6i11.974 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 (11) ◽

pp. 296-305

Author(s):

Hasmiza Desa ◽

Nursuhana Dahari ◽

Nur Hanani

Keyword(s):

Integrated Pest Management ◽

Pest Management ◽

Oil Palm ◽

Insect Pests ◽

Control Measures ◽

Extension Agents ◽

Knowledge Level ◽

Level Of Knowledge ◽

Management Experience ◽

Nettle Caterpillar

Bagworm (Psychidae) and nettle caterpillars (Limacodidae) are among the major insect pests of oil palm in Malaysia. Bagworm from the species Metisa plana is the most destructive insect pests compared to nettle caterpillar in oil palm plantations. Outbreaks of bagworms were frequently occurred in various areas own by independent oil palm smallholders in Johor. At present, no scientific study has been conducted to indicate the level of knowledge among the independent oil palm smallholders on bagworm and its control, especially using the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine knowledge level on bagworm and its control using IPM among 313 independent smallholders in three infestation areas in Johor, which are Mukim Chaah Bahru, Mukim Chaah, Mukim Paloh and Mukim Chamek. Data were collected by interview guided with a questionnaire consisting 23 questions regarding bagworm and its IPM practices. Most of the respondents are more than 51 years (61.1%), with 77.7% males and 22.3% females. They are mostly having primary (47.1%) and secondary (47.5%) school qualifications. This study found that most of the respondents have a basic understanding of bagworm in oil palm and its control measures using IPM practices, but their knowledge is still at a low level. Correlation analysis showed a significant relationship between the level of knowledge on bagworm and its control methods with race, education level and field management experience among the respondents. Therefore, more focus should be given by extension agents to enhance smallholder knowledge on bagworm management, especially in the potential and affected areas in Johor.

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Faculty Opinions recommendation of Midgut bacteria required for Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal activity.

Faculty Opinions – Post-Publication Peer Review of the Biomedical Literature ◽

10.3410/f.1046263.497173 ◽

2006 ◽

Author(s):

Judy Wall

Keyword(s):

Bacillus Thuringiensis ◽

Insecticidal Activity

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“Predator-In-First”: A Preemptive Biological Control Strategy for Sustainable Management of Pepper Pests in Florida

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su12187816 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (18) ◽

pp. 7816

Author(s):

Vivek Kumar ◽

Lucky Mehra ◽

Cindy L. McKenzie ◽

Lance S. Osborne

Keyword(s):

Biological Control ◽

Pest Management ◽

Control Strategy ◽

Frankliniella Occidentalis ◽

Management Strategies ◽

Control Program ◽

Field Conditions ◽

High Rate ◽

Polyphagotarsonemus Latus ◽

Consistent Performance

The early establishment of a biocontrol agent in the production system, whether in the greenhouse, nursery, or field, is essential for the success of the biological control program, ensuring growers’ profitability. In an effort to develop a sustainable pest management solution for vegetable growers in Florida, we explored the application of a preemptive biological control strategy, “Predator-In-First” (PIF), in regulating multiple pepper pests, Bemisia tabaci Gennadius, Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande, and Polyphagotarsonemus latus Banks under greenhouse and field conditions during different growing seasons. In these studies, two bell pepper cultivars (7039 and 7141) and the phytoseiid mite Amblyseius swirskii Athias–Henriot were used as a model system. Pepper seedlings (~8 week) of each cultivar were infested with varying rates of A. swirskii (20 or 40 mites/plant or one sachet/10 plant) and allowed to settle on plant hosts for a week before planting in pots or field beds. Results showed a comparative consistent performance of the treatment with the high rate of phytoseiids (40 mites/plant) in regulating B. tabaci and F. occidentalis populations in greenhouse studies, and B. tabaci and P. latus pests under field conditions. During two fall field seasons, higher marketable yields of 12.8% and 20.1% in cultivar 7039, and 24.3% and 39.5% in cultivar 7141 were observed in the treatment with the high rate of phytoseiids compared to the untreated control, indicating yield benefits of the approach. The outcome of the study is encouraging and demonstrates that PIF can be an important tool for organic vegetable growers and a potential alternative to chemical-based conventional pest management strategies. The advantages and limitations of the PIF approach in Florida pepper production are discussed.

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