scholarly journals Optimising Vine Weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus F. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), Monitoring Tool Design

Insects ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 80
Author(s):  
Eugenia Fezza ◽  
Joe M. Roberts ◽  
Toby J. A. Bruce ◽  
Lael E. Walsh ◽  
Michael T. Gaffney ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Insect Pest ◽  
Tool Design ◽  
Binary Choice ◽  
Group Choice ◽  
Monitoring Tool ◽  
Black And White ◽  
Horticultural Crops ◽  
Otiorhynchus Sulcatus ◽  
Reliable Monitoring ◽  
Number Of Individuals

Vine weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus F. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is an economically important insect pest of horticultural crops. To identify an effective and reliable monitoring system for adult vine weevil, this study investigated the influence of colour, height and entrance position on the efficacy of a model monitoring tool using modified paper cups as refuges. Vine weevil preferences were determined by the number of individuals recorded within a refuge. When provided with a binary choice between black or white refuges, vine weevil adults showed a preference for black refuges. Vine weevils provided with a range of coloured refuges (blue, green, red and yellow) in addition to black and white refuges showed a preference for black and blue over the other colours and white refuges in group choice experiments. Refuge height and entrance position also influenced vine weevil behaviour with individuals exhibiting a preference for taller refuges and those with entrance openings around the refuge base. These results provide insights into refuge selection by adult vine weevils, which can be exploited to improve monitoring tool design. The importance of developing an effective monitoring tool for vine weevil adults as part of an integrated pest management programme is discussed.

Hydrolysis of Queensland Fruit Fly, Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt), Attractants: Kinetics and Implications for Biological Activity

2016 ◽  
Vol 69 (10) ◽  
pp. 1162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soo J. Park ◽  
Matthew S. Siderhurst ◽  
Ian Jamie ◽  
Phillip W. Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Insect Pest ◽  
Water Concentration ◽  
Population Monitoring ◽  
Fruit Fly ◽  
Mass Trapping ◽  
Atmospheric Conditions ◽  
Bactrocera Tryoni ◽  
Horticultural Crops ◽  
Flame Ionization ◽  
Hydrolysis Of

Queensland fruit fly (Q-fly), Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt), is a major insect pest of horticultural crops in Australia. Cuelure is the most commonly used attractant for monitoring as well as for management of Q-fly populations through the male annihilation technique and mass trapping. There has been some concern that cuelure is susceptible to hydrolysis, which would limit its usefulness under conditions of high humidity and give rise to inconsistent fly population monitoring. To give some insight into the hydrolysis of cuelure and two closely related compounds, melolure and a newly developed lure, 4-(4-(2,2,2-trifluoroacetoxy)phenyl)-2-butanone (RKTA), the kinetics of hydrolysis of these compounds were quantitatively investigated by gas chromatography–flame ionization detection. From the experimental data, we found the hydrolysis half-lives of cuelure, melolure, and RKTA, at a water concentration of 25 mol L–1, to be ~20 days, 22 h, and 1.2 min respectively. When extrapolated to a water concentration of 1.3 mmol L–1, corresponding to atmospheric conditions of 100 % relative humidity at 25°C, the half-lives are ~1660, ~51, and ~1.4 years respectively.

A Comparison of Symbol Transparency in Nonspeaking Persons with Intellectual Disabilities

1989 ◽  
Vol 54 (2) ◽  
pp. 131-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pat Mirenda ◽  
Peggy A. Locke
Keyword(s):  
The Other ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Severe Mental Retardation ◽  
Physical Impairments ◽  
Black And White ◽  
Self Talk ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Real Objects ◽  
Number Of Individuals ◽  
Picture Communication

This investigation compared the transparency of 11 different types of symbols representing objects with 40 nonspeaking subjects who experienced various degrees of intellectual disability. The subjects included a number of individuals with physical impairments or autism in addition to mild, moderate, or severe mental retardation. The symbol sets included: nonidentical objects, miniature objects, identical colored photographs, nonidentical colored photographs, black-and-white photographs, Picture Communication Symbols (PCS), Picsyms, Rebus, Self-Talk, Blissymbols, and written words. Statistical analyses indicated that real objects were more readily recognized than were any of the symbol sets and that Blissymbols and written words were more difficult than were any of the other sets. In addition, the results suggest the existence of a hierarchy of difficulty at the object (noun) level for the symbol sets assessed. The results are discussed in terms of their implications for selecting an initial symbol set for nonspeaking individuals. In addition, some suggestions for using the assessment protocols in clinical practice are presented, along with future research implications.

scholarly journals RNA interference-mediated tolerance to whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) in genetically engineered tomato

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolina Senhorinho Ramalho Pizetta ◽  
William Rafael Ribeiro ◽  
Amanda Lopes Ferreira ◽  
Matheus da Costa Moura ◽  
Kenny Bonfim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rna Interference ◽  
Transgenic Plants ◽  
Bemisia Tabaci ◽  
Insect Pest ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Horticultural Crops ◽  
Transgenic Tomato Plants ◽  
Atpase Gene ◽  
Transgenic Lines ◽  
Polyphagous Insect

Abstract Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) is a polyphagous insect that causes huge damage in several horticultural crops, including tomato, by sucking nutrients from the phloem and transmitting viruses. Whiteflies are particularly difficult to manage and the use of chemicals remains the common practice, which causes the development of insecticidal resistance. Thus, there is considerable interest in the introduction of whitefly resistance by classical and molecular breeding. Here, we explored the concept of using an RNA interference construct to silence a v-ATPase gene in whiteflies interacting with transgenic tomato plants that express siRNA molecules corresponding to a fragment from the B. tabaci vATPase. PCR analyses revealed the presence of both ΔATPase and nptII transgenes in all transgenic lines. siRNA expressing lines were challenged against whitefly and revealed a mortality rate of 57.1% in transgenic line 4.4.1, while in the control the mortality was 7.6%. Mortality of 2nd instar nymphs was higher on the transgenic plants and the development of 3rd instar nymphs was slightly longer than on the control plants. Although the attraction of insects was not significantly different between treatments, the number of eggs laid by the insects on the transgenic plants was significantly lower, compared to the controls. RT-qPCR revealed a decreased expression level of endogenous v-ATPase gene in whiteflies feeding on transgenic plants. No unexpected effect was observed on the non-target insects Myzus persicae or Tuta absoluta. Results presented here may form the foundation for the generation of elite tomato varieties resistant to whitefly, a devastating insect pest.

scholarly journals Effects of Spray Volume and Application Frequency on Insecticide Efficacy Against Adult Western Flower Thrips (Frankliniella Occidentalis) under Greenhouse Conditions

HortScience ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 55 (10) ◽  
pp. 1708-1714
Author(s):  
Devin L. Radosevich ◽  
Raymond A. Cloyd ◽  
Nathan J. Herrick
Keyword(s):  
Frankliniella Occidentalis ◽  
Insect Pest ◽  
Western Flower Thrips ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Horticultural Crops ◽  
Flower Thrips ◽  
Insecticide Efficacy ◽  
Percent Mortality ◽  
Application Frequency ◽  
Spray Volume

The western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), is a major insect pest of greenhouse-grown horticultural crops. Western flower thrips causes direct and indirect damage by feeding on plant leaves, flowers, and fruits, and by transmitting viruses that can result in greenhouse producers experiencing substantial economic losses. Consequently, insecticides are used to suppress western flower thrips populations. However, issues associated with applying insecticides may affect the suppression of western flower thrips populations. Therefore, experiments were conducted under greenhouse conditions to determine the effects of the spray volume applied and application frequency on insecticide efficacy against western flower thrips adults located in transvaal daisy, Gerbera jamesonii, cut flowers. Four spray volumes (5.0, 10.0, 12.5, and 25.0 mL), two application frequencies (one or two spray applications), and three insecticides [spinosad (Conserve), chlorfenapyr (Pylon), and flonicamid (Aria)], each with a different mode of action, were tested. The insecticide treatments had the greatest effects on the mean percent mortality of western flower thrips adults regardless of spray volume or application frequency. However, in Expt. 3, the 5.0- and 10.0-mL spray volumes resulted in a higher mean percent mortality of western flower thrips adults than the 2.5-mL spray volume. Spinosad and chlorfenapyr resulted in a mean percent mortality of more than 72% for western flower thrips adults, whereas flonicamid resulted in mean percent mortality between 40% and 91%. Our study demonstrates that certain insecticides are more effective against western flower thrips adults located in transvaal daisy flowers than others, which will help greenhouse producers effectively manage western flower thrips populations.

Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of the Native Banana-Spotting Bug, Amblypelta lutescens lutescens (Hemiptera: Coreidae), in Avocado Crops in North Queensland, Australia

2019 ◽  
Vol 112 (4) ◽  
pp. 1812-1820
Author(s):  
Karel R Lindsay ◽  
Myron P Zalucki ◽  
Ian R Newton ◽  
Michael J Furlong
Keyword(s):  
Riparian Vegetation ◽  
Temporal Dynamics ◽  
Spatial Clustering ◽  
Insect Pest ◽  
Persea Americana ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Horticultural Crops ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Dynamics ◽  
Polyphagous Insect ◽  
Main Components

Abstract The native banana-spotting bug, Amblypelta lutescens lutescens Distant, is a major polyphagous insect pest of many tropical and subtropical horticultural crops in Australia, including high-valued commodities such as avocado (Persea americana Mill. (Laurales: lauraceae)). The cryptic nature of A. l. lutescens makes it difficult to sample, and much about its ecology and behavior remains poorly understood. A lure based on the main components of the semiochemicals emitted by male A. l. lutescens, which is attractive to adult males, adult females, and nymphs, has been developed and incorporated into a trap, facilitating sampling of A. l. lutescens in the field. A 2-yr study investigated the spatial and temporal dynamics of the pest in two conventionally managed avocado (cv. Shepard) orchards using a grid (36 m × 36 m) of traps across each. In each year of the study, higher numbers of A. l. lutescens were recorded from October to June. In one field, spatial clustering of adults was detected in close proximity to an adjacent lime [Citrus aurantiifolia (Christm.) (Rutales: rutaceae) Swingle] crop that was not managed with insecticides during the study. Spatial clustering of nymphs was detected adjacent to native riparian vegetation in the other field. The results suggest that source populations of A. l. lutescens could originate from neighboring crops that host A. l. lutescens and from riparian vegetation. Focused sampling of trees at the interface with these vegetation types could lead to early pest detection, timely suppression, and therefore improved pest management.

Vine Weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), Management: Current State and Future Perspectives

2022 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
pp. 221-238
Author(s):  
Tom W. Pope ◽  
Joe M. Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Integrated Management ◽  
Crop Protection ◽  
Management Program ◽  
Pest Species ◽  
Horticultural Crops ◽  
Otiorhynchus Sulcatus ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Important Pest ◽  
Black Vine Weevil ◽  
Management Approaches

Vine weevil, also known as black vine weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus, has been one of the most economically important pest species of global horticultural crops for the past five decades. This period has seen many changes in crop protection practices, including wide-scale adoption of biological controls such as entomopathogenic nematodes and fungi in place of conventional synthetic insecticides. Despite the experimental efficacy of these controls, growers continue to report significant crop losses associated with vine weevil infestation. We argue that simply switching from synthetic insecticides to biological controls, rather than using these controls as part of an integrated management program, is a key factor in the continued importance of this pest. An improved understanding of vine weevil biology and ecology is at the center of the development of truly integrated pest management programs. To this end, we identify opportunities created through recent vine weevil research and highlight key knowledge gaps in which further research may contribute to improved future management approaches.

Feeding status influences adult vine weevil (coleoptera: curculionidae) behaviour to conspecific volatiles

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joe M. Roberts ◽  
Jhaman Kundun ◽  
Tom W. Pope
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Ecology ◽  
Aggregation Behavior ◽  
Strong Tendency ◽  
Control Methods ◽  
Monitoring Tool ◽  
Otiorhynchus Sulcatus ◽  
Aggregation Behaviour ◽  
Soft Fruit ◽  
Ornamental Crops ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACTVine weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus F. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is widely considered to be one of the most economically important pests of soft-fruit and ornamental crops. The chemical ecology of vine weevil has been extensively studied in the pursuit of a semiochemical lure to improve monitoring tool sensitivity/reliability and develop novel control methods. Although vine weevil adults exhibit a strong tendency to aggregate, the mechanism underlying this behaviour has not, to date, been identified. It is notable, however, that previous studies have not considered the impact of feeding status on vine weevil aggregation behaviour. To investigate the importance of feeding status on aggregation behavior, this study recorded the responses of satiated and starved vine weevil adults to the odour of starved conspecifics. Satiated adults exhibited a preference for the odour of conspecifics while starved vine weevils exhibited no such preference. Therefore, this study provides evidence to support the hypothesis that feeding status is an important factor for vine weevil aggregation.

scholarly journals Toxicity of green silver nanoparticles of plant extracts against citrus mealybug Planococcus citri

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Safian Bajwa ◽  
Muhammad Tariq ◽  
Asim Gulzar ◽  
Hassan Saeed ◽  
Zia-ur-Rehman Mashwani
Keyword(s):  
Silver Nanoparticles ◽  
Plant Extracts ◽  
Direct Relationship ◽  
Insect Pest ◽  
Exposure Period ◽  
Planococcus Citri ◽  
Citrus Mealybug ◽  
Horticultural Crops ◽  
Polyphagous Insect ◽  
Eucalyptus Plant

Planococcus citri is an economically important polyphagous insect pest and is a serious threat to horticultural crops especially mango and citrus. It is mainly controlled by synthetic insecticides which have deleterious effects on humans, livestock and environment. To dispense with the detrimental consequences of insecticides, plant extracts and their silver nanoparticles can be potential alternatives. The present study reports the effectiveness of four plant extracts and their silver based nanoparticles against P. citri. All the plant extracts and their silver nanoparticles caused mortalities of 2nd and 3rd instars of P. citri at all concentrations and exposure durations. The ginger extracts and their silver nanoparticles caused maximum mortality of 2nd and 3rd instars of P. citri (94 and 90% respectively) at the highest concentration after 72 hours followed by neem extracts and their silver nanoparticles. Similarly, the mortalities caused by garlic silver nanoparticles followed the similar pattern. Eucalyptus plant extracts and their silver nanoparticles were found to be the lease effective. It was also observed that with an increase in concentration and exposure period, the mortality also increased showing a direct relationship. Ginger plant extract and their silver nanoparticles gave the best results and lowest LC50 values by a large margin. Neem extracts ranked second followed by garlic and eucalyptus and gave significantly poor results as compared to the first two plants. The required concentration for killing 50% of the nymphal population was observed to decrease with the passage of time.

scholarly journals Roost-Site Characteristics of the Mediterranean Shag Phalacrocorax Aristotelis Desmarestii Along the Slovenian Coast

Acrocephalus ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 34 (156-157) ◽  
pp. 5-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dejan Bordjan ◽  
Matej Gamser ◽  
Aleksander Kozina ◽  
Jure Novak ◽  
Mitja Denac
Keyword(s):  
Bird Species ◽  
Artificial Structures ◽  
Black And White ◽  
Site Characteristics ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Communal Roosting ◽  
Shellfish Farms ◽  
Number Of Individuals ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract Several bird species utilize artificial structures for communal roosting. Between 26 May and 28 Jun 2012, the selection of buoys and times of departure by Mediterranean Shags Phalacrocorax aristotelis desmarestii were studied at three communal roosts within shellfish farms in the Bays of Sv. Jernej (Debeli rtič), Strunjan and Piran (Sečovlje). A total of 3,110 buoys were counted and categorized into two groups according to their shape (horizontal and vertical) and colours. The black horizontally floating buoys were of two types (barrelshaped and oval). The Shags chose to utilize the horizontally floating buoys only, most often black and white in colour. Owing to their poorer stability and smaller standing surface, the vertically floating buoys are clearly unsuitable for them. The highest share of Shags with regard to the number of buoys of separate types was registered on black barrel-shaped buoys. As the percentage of occupied buoys was similar at all roost sites (36-39%), it was deduced that Shags distribute evenly among roosts, regardless of the number of individuals present in the Slovenian sea. At the larger roost at Debeli rtič, the percentage of adult individuals (73.5%) was greater than at Strunjan (42.5%). This could be due to the competition for better places, given that competitively stronger individuals select safer larger roosts. Between 5.42 and 9.00 hrs, 53.3% and 69.1% of Shags departed from the roost sites at Debeli rtič and Strunjan, respectively, with the majority of departures recorded between 7.50 and 8.30 hrs. They left their roosts mostly individually (48.7%) or in pairs (23.3%), at Debeli rtič predominantly in the SW (58.9%) and W (16.9%) directions, and at Strunjan in the NE (42.3%) and N (38.5%) directions.

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