The Impact of Microbial and Botanical Insecticides on Grape Berry Moths and Their Effects on Secondary Pests and Beneficials

According to the European Directive 2009/128/EC and the subsequent provisions activated in member states, conventional pesticides should be progressively replaced by “non-chemical tools and/or measures”. The identification of reliable alternatives to pesticides is crucial to achieve this objective. A European project (PURE) was funded to investigate this topic with reference to annual and perennial crops. In this framework, a number of natural insecticides, in particular microbial and botanical ones (Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki, Beauveria bassiana, azadirachtin, pyrethrins and spinosad) were selected to test their effectiveness against grape berry moths, the key pests in most European vineyards. Trials were conducted in 2011 and 2012 in two experimental vineyards located in Italy (Tuscany and Veneto regions), following a randomized block design. Additional investigations were carried out in the Veneto region during 2013. Trial results stressed the high performance of spinosad and B. thuringiensis in controlling berry moth densities and the related damage. The use of B. bassiana mixed with B. thuringiensis did not significantly improve the impact of B. thuringiensis alone. Azadirachtin, and especially pyrethrins, proved to be less effective on berry moths than previous insecticides. The use of selected insecticides caused side-effects on a number of secondary pests, in particular leafhoppers. In 2011, densities of Empoasca vitis were more abundant in spinosad-treated plots probably because of a reduced egg parasitism rate. One year later, population densities of Zygina rhamni were more abundant on spinosad and pyrethrin-treated plots. This trend was confirmed on spinosad-treated plots in the last experimental year. At the same time, spinosad and pyrethrins significantly reduced the predatory mite populations compared to other treatments. The use of these insecticides in viticulture is discussed in the framework of organic viticulture and Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

TREE SPECIES SUSCEPTIBILITY TO LEAF-CUTTING ANTS ATTACK IN CARBON NEUTRALIZATION PLANTATIONS

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions neutralize planting are one of the options for climate changes mitigating. Leaf-cutter ants attack is a threat to the plantations proper development. Ants have selective foraging, which makes it important to know this selectivity and, thus, choose more suitable species to neutralization planting compose. Thus, the goal of the present study was to evaluate the tree species susceptibility to be attacked by leaf-cutter ants in carbon neutralization plantations. The study was carried out in mixed plantations in Viçosa-MG and a classification was created for the present species. The Damage Index (DI) was created by multiplying the Mean of Severity (MS) and the Frequency of Attacks (FA). The species were classified according to the indication for neutralization plantations (indicated, moderately indicated, and not indicated) and potential species for the extraction of natural insecticides. From the 59 species evaluated, 22 were classified as suitable for neutralization plantations, 6 as moderately indicated, 24 as not indicated, and 7 as potential species for extracting natural insecticides. Keywords: forest carbon; pest control; carbon offset; mixed plantings.

Application of science and technology for farmer groups facing the cabbage caterpillar explosion in The Village of Sembalun Lawang, East Lombok Regency.

The implementation of science and technology for community (IbM) farmer groups who are facing the problem of the cabbage caterpillar population explosion was carried out in Sembalun Lawang Village, East Lombok Regency. The IbM activity was designed based on the agreement between the IbM team and the Village Head of Sembalun Lawang together with the Sangka Bira Farmers Group and the Sebun Kedit Farmers Group in Sembalun Lawang Village. IbM activities are carried out with the stages of socialization, practice, and tutorials with various media used including blackboards, LCDs, manuals (leflet), seeds, saplings, specimens, and leaf dry powder of jayanti plants (S. sesban). Partners also provide media for this IbM activity, which includes cabbage plantations and water facilities. The results achieved at this stage are that farmers in Sembalun Lawang Village recognize jayanti plants as a source of natural insecticides, are skilled at drying leaves properly and making leaf solutions from Jayanti plants and trying to apply them as natural insecticides to control cabbage caterpillars on cabbage plants. The results of trials by farmers showed that direct administration of 50 ppm Jayanti leaf solution could kill 52 to 56% of cabbage caterpillars on cabbage plants. If the Jayanti leaf solution was stored for the previous 24 hours, then 50 ppm of the solution could only kill 15 to 16% of cabbage caterpillars. After participating in this IbM activity, the farmers were also able to identify the type of parasitoid insect, Diadegma semiclausum, which can control the cabbage caterpillar population. The outputs of this IbM activity include 1) Farmer's Guide Book (leflet) Making and Application of Insecticides from Jayanti Plants for Integrated Control of Cabbage Caterpillars, 2) IbM results publication at national seminars (poster presenter certificate), and 3) Publication of IbM results in national scientific journal (submitted). The next stage to be carried out is to monitor and continue the mentoring (tutorial) by the team to IbM participants in the implementation of Jayanti plant cultivation and the manufacture and use of Jayanti insecticide in controlling cabbage caterpillars on cabbage plantations in Sembalun Lawang Village, East Lombok Regency.The implementation of science and technology for community (IbM) farmer groups who are facing the problem of the cabbage caterpillar population explosion was carried out in Sembalun Lawang Village, East Lombok Regency. The IbM activity was designed based on the agreement between the IbM team and the Village Head of Sembalun Lawang together with the Sangka Bira Farmers Group and the Sebun Kedit Farmers Group in Sembalun Lawang Village. IbM activities are carried out with the stages of socialization, practice, and tutorials with various media used including blackboards, LCDs, manuals (leflet), seeds, saplings, specimens, and leaf dry powder of jayanti plants (S. sesban). Partners also provide media for this IbM activity, which includes cabbage plantations and water facilities. The results achieved at this stage are that farmers in Sembalun Lawang Village recognize jayanti plants as a source of natural insecticides, are skilled at drying leaves properly and making leaf solutions from Jayanti plants and trying to apply them as natural insecticides to control cabbage caterpillars on cabbage plants. The results of trials by farmers showed that direct administration of 50 ppm Jayanti leaf solution could kill 52 to 56% of cabbage caterpillars on cabbage plants. If the Jayanti leaf solution was stored for the previous 24 hours, then 50 ppm of the solution could only kill 15 to 16% of cabbage caterpillars. After participating in this IbM activity, the farmers were also able to identify the type of parasitoid insect, Diadegma semiclausum, which can control the cabbage caterpillar population. The outputs of this IbM activity include 1) Farmer's Guide Book (leflet) Making and Application of Insecticides from Jayanti Plants for Integrated Control of Cabbage Caterpillars, 2) IbM results publication at national seminars (poster presenter certificate), and 3) Publication of IbM results in national scientific journal (submitted). The next stage to be carried out is to monitor and continue the mentoring (tutorial) by the team to IbM participants in the implementation of Jayanti plant cultivation and the manufacture and use of Jayanti insecticide in controlling cabbage caterpillars on cabbage plantations in Sembalun Lawang Village, East Lombok Regency.

Comparing the effects of crude and refined Mammea americana (Mamey apple) leaf extracts on Doralis symphyti (aphids) on ochro (Hibiscus esculentus) plants

The aphid, Doralis symphyti (Homoptera: Aphididae), a harmful pest of many crops, causes direct damage by consuming all plant parts, reducing plant vigour, and indirect damage by honeydew secretion and transmission of several viruses. Due to the problem of pesticide resistance, alternative techniques for chemical control, such as the use of natural insecticides with minimal effects on the environment and natural enemies also coincide with organic agriculture have been the objective of this research. The effects of Mammea (Mammey americana) leaf extracts on the mortality of aphids were evaluated. The mammey extracts (Crude and refined) were tested in the laboratory (bioassays) at 100%, 90%, 80%, 70% and 60% dilution. The 80% was determined to be the most efficient dilution. The refined extract resulted in 100% mortality at 84 hours while the dry leaf and green leaf extracts gave 100% mortality in 96 hours. In the field, the refined extract resulted in 65% mortality, dry leaf crude extract obtained in 43% mortality and the green leaf crude extract gave 25% mortality. The mamey leaf extracts were efficient against the aphid in the laboratory since 100% mortality was obtained for all treatments. The field study found that the green leaf extract obtained 29% mortality, dry leaf extract achieved 47% mortality and the refined extract attained 63% mortality of aphids.

The use of Annona squamosa seed, leaf and bark as an alternative in the control of Cryptotermes brevis

The changes in human behavior towards the environment, the disorderly urban development, globalization and climate change are some of the factors that promote the occurrence and spread of pests that somehow bring damage. This occurrence is aimed at termites, which are insects known for their habit of feeding on cellulose, that is, papers, books, and wooden structures, causing accidents. Cryptotermes brevis are a major cause of damage to various wood species commonly used throughout the country, which cause major public health problems. Annonaceae have been extensively investigated because they present many species as a source of insecticidal compounds with different modes of action on insects. Therefore, this work aims to develop a natural, economical and sustainable product by using the extracts of the seeds of the fruit of the earl (Annona squamosa) as a resource to combat dry wood termites. From the results, it was possible to prove the veracity of the hypothesis that the natural insecticides developed from the extract of the seeds of the fruit of the earl (Annona squamosa) are very efficient, and are effective in the issue of mortality rates of Cryptotermes brevis.

The Control of the American Leafhopper Erasmoneura vulnerata (Fitch) in European Vineyards: Impact of Synthetic and Natural Insecticides

The American leafhopper Erasmoneura vulnerata, detected in Europe in the early 2000s, has recently become a pest in North-Italian vineyards. Infestations were recorded in organic and conventional vineyards despite the application of insecticides targeting other pests. Erasmoneura vulnerata completes three generations per year, and the second generation is frequently associated with large populations. The selection of appropriate active ingredients and the timing of their application is crucial for effective pest control. Field trials were carried out in Northeastern Italy, using a randomized design, to evaluate the impact of insecticides applied against other grapevine leafhoppers on E. vulnerata populations. The beginning of the second generation was selected as the best time for insecticide application. For natural products, two applications were planned. Among the selected insecticides, the most effective were acetamiprid, flupyradifurone and lambda-cyhalothrin. Regarding natural products, the most effective was kaolin which could represent an alternative to pyrethrins in organic vineyards. The identification of pest threshold levels and the evaluation of side effects of the most effective insecticides on key natural enemies occurring in vineyards are required.

The Control of the American Leafhopper Erasmoneura vulnerata (Fitch) in European Vineyards: Impact of Conventional and Natural Insecticides

The American leafhopper Erasmoneura vulnerata, detected in Europe in early 2000s, has recently become a pest in North-Italian vineyards. Issues were recorded in organic and conventional vine-yards despite the application of insecticides devoted to the control of other pests. Erasmoneura vulnerata completes three generations, and the second generation is frequently associated to large populations. The selection of appropriate active ingredients and the timing of their application is crucial for effective pest control. Field trials were carried out in North-eastern Italy, using a randomized design, to evaluate the impact of insecticides applied against other grapevine leafhoppers on E. vulnerata populations. The beginning of the second generation was selected as best timing for insecticide application. For a number of natural products, two applications were planned. Among the selected insecticides, the most effective were acetamiprid, flupyradifurone and lamb-da-cyhalothrin. Regarding natural products, the most effective was kaolin that could represent an alternative to pyrethrins in organic vineyards. The identification of pest threshold levels and the evaluation of side effects of the most effective insecticides on key natural enemies occurring in vineyards are required

Fermentation as an Alternative Process for the Development of Bioinsecticides

Currently, insect pest control is carried out through the application of synthetic insecticides which have been related to harmful effects on both human and environmental health, as well as to the development of resistant pest populations. In this context, the development of new and natural insecticides is necessary. Agricultural and forestry waste or by-products are very low-cost substrates that can be converted by microorganisms into useful value-added bioactive products through fermentation processes. In this review we discuss recent discoveries of compounds obtained from fermented substrates along with their insecticidal, antifeedant, and repellent activities. Fermentation products obtained from agricultural and forestry waste are described in detail. The fermentation of the pure secondary metabolite such as terpenes and phenols is also included.

The Role of Secondary Metabolites Obtained from Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in Our Lives

Medicinal plants, which are used as drugs to prevent diseases, maintain health or cure diseases, take place in areas such as nutrition, cosmetics, body care, incense or religious ceremonies, while aromatic plants are used in different industrial areas to give fragrance and taste are used. Flora of Turkey has a rich plant diversity. Secondary metabolites such as essential oils, alkaloids, glycosides, saponins etc. are the most basic products of the industry directly or indirectly. The vast majority of medicinal and aromatic plants rich in secondary metabolites exhibit strong biological activity (antioxidant, antibacterial, etc.). Therefore, these secondary metabolites are widely used in the pharmaceutical industry. The most common and practical use of secondary metabolites, which are also used as natural insecticides, is in the form of herbal tea. In recent years, the more side effects of synthetic origin substances, especially the resistance of organisms against synthetic drugs used as antimicrobials, have increased the importance of natural herbal resources and medicinal plants carrying these substances. Therefore, there is no doubt that the demand for secondary metabolites, which are natural products, will increase in the future. Flora of Turkey is an important source for natural products which will be developed newly.