Evaluation of secondary killing effect of Imidacloprid Gel Baits to control Blattella germanica (Linné 1767) (Blattaria: Blattellidae)

Blattella germanica (L.) (Blattodea: Blattellidae) is one of the major household pests worldwide, commonly named German cockroach. Application of gel baits is one of the most efficient management methods. This study investigated the effect of 3 commercially available Imidacloprid gel baits on the palatability of dead cockroaches and, consequently, on the efficacy of secondary killing. German cockroaches killed by the gel baits and others killed by freezing were offered to conspecifics, the numbers of cannibalistic cockroaches and dead cockroaches, as well as weight loss were recorded. Despite the content of Imidacloprid is identical in all the baits, the palatability of the cockroach killed by the gel consumption and used as food was different between the 3 commercial products, with consequences on the secondary killing effect. These results suggest as the bait co-formulants play an important role not only on the palatability of the bait but also in the palatability of the dead cockroaches which are eaten by conspecifics, and therefore, in the result of a pest control application.

Pest Biological Control: Goals Throughout My Life

This autobiography documents the life and accomplishments of Li Liying. Born into a poor family in China, she eventually became director of Guangdong Entomological Institute. After graduating middle school (1949), she was admitted to the Agronomy Faculty at Beijing Agricultural University but was shortly after redirected by the Chinese Government to Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, Moscow, Russia. The last year of her study at Timiryazev Agricultural Academy was a pivotal experience. She had the opportunity to conduct fieldwork on cotton pest control and became aware of the harmful practice of aerially spraying highly toxic organophosphates with workers present. She decided to dedicate herself to finding safer alternatives and became a leader in the development of mass-rearing techniques for insects beneficial to agriculture. She traveled to laboratories in several foreign countries to foster collaboration and exchange of ideas among colleagues. She is recognized for her service to entomological societies, teaching at universities, and love of entomology.

The attack intensity of Paracoccus marginatus Williams & Granara de Willink (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) on papaya

The mealybug, Paracoccus marginatus is one of the important insect pests in papaya (Carica papaya L.). The high potential for damage caused by this pest poses a threat to the production of papaya in Indonesia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the intensity of P. marginatus attack on papaya by observing variables such as plant varieties, planting seasons and cultivation methods. The area of observation plots was about 2.000 m2. The cultivation technique applied was monoculture with a spacing of 2.5 m x 2.5 m. Thirty plots of plants were collected from each plot of plants using diagonal sampling technique. The total number of leaves and the number of leaves attacked were recorded. Damage intensity was determined based on the category: no attack (score 0), mild 1-25% (score 1), moderate 26-50% (score 2), severe 51-75% (score 3), and very severe 76-100% (score 4). The attack intensity was higher in the dry season than rainy season. The results show that attack was higher in the dry season that rainy season. The intensity of the attack was also higher in Thai varieties both in the rainy and dry seasons. More intensive pest control shall be applied in the dry season and in the introduced varieties.

Pelatihan Agro Eco-System Analysis Petani Ketela Pohon dalam Teknik Pengelolaan Organisme Pengganggu Tanaman

<em><strong>Training on Agro Eco-System Analysis for Cassava Farmers in Plant Pest Organism Management Techniques</strong>. </em>Pest population fluctuations in cassava plants tend to increase and spread rapidly in drought fields and a monoculture cropping pattern with close spacing therefore the presence of pests planted is highly dependent on agro-ecosystem conditions. Therefore ecological-based pest control is very necessary. To maintain the stability of the plant ecosystem, basic skills are needed in conducting agroecosystem analysis (AESA). Based on the analysis results obtained recommendations for appropriate ecosystem management for each growing season and facilitate farmers in determining good cultivation techniques regarding pest control, cropping patterns, soil and water conservation as well as natural enemies that are appropriate for their plants. AESA activities are carried out so that farmers understand and are skilled in managing their cassava plantations because Randotonda Village is a producer of "Nuabosi" cassava which is known as a regional superior product. The activity is carried out in a participatory manner by directly involving the participating farmers as observers, fact seekers and decision-makers for the management of their agroecosystems through discussion and manifesting current real conditions with the hope that in the future they can manage their cropping agroecosystems properly. The highest increase in farmer understanding occurred in natural enemy components of 91.67% while the average increase in farmer understanding for all agro-ecosystem components was 57.14%. All participants were able to perform AESA very well which was indicated by the ability of farmers to make recommendations for managing cassava agroecosystems for the next planting season.