Steinernema Feltiae- Xenorhabdus Bovienii: More Information about this Bactohelminthic Complex from Iran

Background: Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) of the families Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae that are symbiotically associated with Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus bacteria are one of the effective biological control agents of insect pests. Native isolates can probably be more efficacious to control insect pests than exotic ones due to their adaptability to indigenous environmental conditions. Results: In this study, Steinernema feltiae isolate FUM221 was recovered from soil samples collected from the Fandoghloo pasture, Ardabil province, Iran. Morphological investigations of the first and second-generation adults, infective juveniles, and molecular characterizations were given based on ITS and 18S rDNA genes. Besides, molecular analysis based on the 16S rRNA region and phenetic data recognized Xenorhabdus bovienii as its symbiont bacterium. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images verified the identification of this isolate.Conclusion: The molecular characterization using two loci and phylogenetic analyses provided more evidence for the classification of this steinernematid and its difference of the same species from other countries. Moreover, molecular and phenetic characterizations of its symbiotic bacterium were provided with low variations compared to other isolates. Herein, the comprehensive taxonomic data of this steinernematid from Iran is presented.

Evaluation Efficacy and Persistence of Some Volatile Plant Oils on Immature Stages of Galleria mellonella (L.)

The Experiment was carried out to measure the effect of four natural plant oils (namely: Cinnamonium zeylanicum L., Syzygium aromatic L., Citrus aurantium amara, and Lavandula spica) on controlling the greater wax moth and their ability to persist. The methodology included collecting and rearing the greater wax moth under laboratory conditions to be able to isolate the target tested stages. The immature stages (eggs and larvae) of the experiment moth were exposed to fumes of tested oils (50 µl/500 ml) to calculate hatchability and mortality percentage. The results were clear that fumes of C. zeylanicum and S. aromatic were caused 100% unhatching eggs after zero time as the same recorded by comparable compound (paradix) and able to persist their effect at the closed and limited zone for 60 days. On another side, C. zeylanicum and S. aromat were affected on last larval instars and emerged adults. The accumulative effect was appeared in the case of treatment by C. zeylanicum which was caused sterility to emerged adults and reduced eggs deposition to zero. The data indicated that some natural product compounds could be used as an alternative way of control insect pests.

Entomopathogenic Fungi Biodiversity in the Soil of Three Provinces Located in Southwest China and First Approach to Evaluate Their Biocontrol Potential

Entomopathogenic fungi (EF), who represent active agents to control insect natural populations, usually persist in terrestrial habitats. Southwest area in China has various climate conditions and abundant plant biodiversity (crop, forest, grassy, orchard and arable areas). Nevertheless, the potential of soil-inhabitant EF as insect pest biocontrol agents, is unknown. In this study, first the EF biodiversity from soil of three provinces (Guizhou, Sichuan, and Yunnan) was surveyed. Then, the virulence of 29 isolated strains against Bemesia tabaci and Spodoptera litura was assessed. After analyzing 212 soil samples, 497 isolated fungi were identified. Out of them, 490 isolates were classified in 45 species of 24 genera, whereas the other seven isolates, belonging to Paecilomyces and Purpureocillium genera, were not identified under species level. Furthermore, the EF biodiversity from soil of Sichuan, Yunan, and Guizhou areas, analyzed by Shannon Wiener Index (SWI) was rated at 2.98, 1.89, and 2.14, while SWIs-biodiversity in crop, forest, grassy, orchard and arable areas was rated at 2.88, 2.74, 3.05, 2.39, and 2.47. SWI data suggested that soil from Sichuan area and grassy had higher EF biodiversity compared with other analyzed provinces and areas. Virulence bioassay results indicated that, out of the 29 isolates tested, 24 were pathogenic against B. tabaci and S. litura, resulting in mortality rates >10%. In conclusion, this study reports the EF distribution and biodiversity in soil from three provinces located at Southwest China, whereas their potential use as a tool for the B. tabaci and S. litura biocontrol must be further investigated.

Comparison of the effectiveness of phostoxin fumigants for controlling insect pests warehouse Lassioderma serricorne and Pholcus phalangioides

Insects warehouse pests contained in commodities, especially tobacco, can cause a decrease in the quantity and quality of commodities. The main pest insects found in tobacco storage warehouses are Lassioderma serricorne and Pholcus phalangioides. This study aims to analyze and compare the effectiveness of phostoxin fumigants to control insect pests L. serricorne and P. phalangioides. Methods used in this study include preparation of test insects, fumigation application, identification, calculation of mortality, and data analysis. The data were analyzed using one way ANOVA test. The results showed that there was a significant difference in morphility between groups of test insects. The highest mortality was in the group of test insects L. serricorne, which indicated that phostoxin fumigants effectively controlling barn insect pests, especially L. serricorne. To control insect pests warehouses in the future, it is recommended to use biopesticides to be safer for food.

Comparison of the effectiveness of fumigant storin to control insect pests warehouse Lassioderma serricorne and Pholcus phalangioides

Insects warehouse pests contained in commodities, especially tobacco, can cause a decrease in the quantity and quality of commodity. The main pest insects found in tobacco storage warehouses are Lassioderma serricorne and Pholcus phalangioides. This study aims to analyze and compare the effectiveness of the use of fumigant storin to control insect pests L. serricorne and P. phalangioides. Methods used in this study include preparation of test insects, fumigation application, identification, calculation of mortality, and data analysis. The data were analyzed statistically using the One Way ANOVA test. The results showed that there was a significant difference in morphility between groups of test insects. Mortality is highest in the L. serricorne test insect group, which indicates that fumigant storin is very effective in controlling barn pest insects, especially L. serricorne. To control insect pests warehouses in the future, it is recommended to use biopesticides to be safer for food.

Pheromone-Mediated Mating Disruption as Management Option for Cydia spp. in Chestnut Orchard

(1) Background: Pheromone-based devices are successfully used to control insect pests in agriculture. (2) Methods: Investigations were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of mating disruption (MD) to control the chestnut tortrix moths, Cydia fagiglandana and Cydia splendana. Surveys were performed in northern Italy in 2019–2020. MD was carried out using the pheromone dispenser Ecodian® CT. The effectiveness of MD was assessed by recording male adult catches in pheromone-baited sticky traps and larvae in chestnut fruits, comparing MD and control plots. (3) Results: The total number of trapped males was significantly lower in MD plots than in control ones, for all sites and years. Trap catch suppression in MD plots averaged 89.5% and 93.8% for C. fagiglandana and 57.4% and 81% for C. splendana in 2019 and 2020, respectively. The larval infestation rate in fruits did not vary between plots except for one site where a reduction of about 71% in the MD plot was recorded in 2019. (4) Conclusions: Low catches in MD plots turned out to be a good measure of the effectiveness of communication disruption, but no satisfactory data have been obtained regarding fruit infestation, highlighting how the reduction of male catches cannot always be considered as a reliable indicator of successful control. Specific investigations about background population density, dispersal and mating/oviposition behavior are thus essential for a viable management strategy.

Prospects for Use of Biological Control of Insect and Mites for the Food Industry in North America

There are a number of strategies used to mitigate and control insect infestations in stored products and stored product facilities in North America and globally. Fumigation remains one of the main techniques used, particularly in bulk grain. Other techniques are also utilized effectively, such as the use of extreme temperatures and the use of biological control agents, but are mainly restricted to organic products and to Europe, respectively. Here, we review the past research conducted in the field of biological control for pests of stored products in North America and in Europe, its past and present successes in Europe, its challenges, and what we can learn from them to develop biological control as a viable option to problems of insect pests of stored products in North America.

Prevalence of Insects in Traditionally Stored Rice at Farmhouses in Bangladesh

A survey was conducted to investigate rice storage practices at the farmer’s level and the prevalence of insects’ status through a pretested questionnaire in Mymensingh and Jashore districts, Bangladesh. For seed purposes, large, medium, and small farmers store about 40, 10, and 5 kg, respectively in the Aman season for 7 months whereas in the Boro season large and medium farmers keep about 80 and 20 kg for 5 months. Average storage time was the highest (7 months) for Boro and Aman rice by large and small farmers, respectively for consumption. Eleven storage items namely, Dole, Motka, Tin, Plastic Drum, Gunny Bag, Bamboo Gola, Dhari, Bamboo Auri, Berh, Steel Drum, and Plastic Bag were found. About 57 and 74% of farmers stored rice, among them 47 and 58% used traditional Dole in Jashore and Mymensingh, respectively. Tin and Berh (1%) were the least used storage structures. About 11 and 17%; 3 and 4% of farmers used neem leaf and chemicals especially phostoxin in storage as an insect repellent in these areas, respectively. The use of Plastic Bags increased sharply due to lightweight, availability, and low price, whereas Bamboo Gola, Berh, Motka users decreased remarkably. Relative abundance of the insect species was: Rice Moth Sitotroga cerealla, Rice Weevil Sitophilus oryzae, Red Flour Beetle Tribolium castoreum, and Lesser Meal Worm Alphitobious diaperinus. Maximum insect infestation was found in stored paddy in Dole followed by Motka, and Plastic Bag; and the least amount was observed in Plastic Drum in both regions. Three fourth of the respondents took no measures to control insect pests in stored rice.

Musca Domestica: A Vector of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Biocontrol Approaches

House fly “Musca domestica” Linnaeus is a common insect widely distributed all over the world and is one of the domestic insect pests found associated with human and animal. Due to their habits and habitats, house flies are able to transmit several pathogenic microorganisms to man such as: bacteria, fungi and virus. House flies are not just annoying human and animal, but they also have been known as vectors of infectious microorganisms either mechanically or biologically. Chemical insecticides have been used for many years and have been known as the most effective approach in house fly management but due to their side effects on the environment and the increasing development of pest resistance to each new chemical, studies tended to explore new alternative methods in pest control. Biological methods including different predators, parasites, entomopathogenic micro-organisms and botanical extracts showed in the last years a practical and effective ecofriendly method to control insect pests including house fly and at the same time safe on human and animal.