Rodents and their control in orchards

The number of mouse-like rodents was monitored based on the traces and the estimates of the active holes in a private orchard from February to October 2019. Based on the appearance and spatial arrangement of the active holes on the observed orchard plot, the presence of the field vole Microtus arvalis (Pallas 1778) and the field mouse Apodemus agrarius (Pallas, 1771) was determined. Until 2019, the control of the rodent population at this location was successfully implemented through an integrated approach and the application of many non-chemical methods and procedures. Considering the mass appearance of these organisms during the research period, which was determined by constant monitoring, the chemical control had to be implemented to avoid major economic damage and defects to young seedlings. In the chemical control a zinc-phosphide based rodenticide with 2% active substance, which belongs to the group of fast-acting rodenticides with an acute and respiratory effect, was used. The effectiveness of rodenticide formulations was evaluated according to the Henderson & Tilton formula, based on the number of active holes for 7, 14 and 28 days. The best efficiency of the applied rodenticide was registered in the 28-days spring control period (85.11%) and in the 14days autumn period (74.03%) and 28days autumn period (82.14%).

The possibility of using bifenazate and pyridaben in control of the plum rust mite (Aculus fockeui) on sour cherry

In the field trial conducted in 2020 at the locality of Mačvanski Metković (municipality of Bogatić, Serbia), the efficacy of products based on bifenazate and pyridaben in the control of the plum rust mite (Aculus fockeui) on sour cherry was examined. Product Acramite 480 SC (bifenazate) was tested in two application rates, 0.375 l/ha and 0.75 l/ha, while Sanmite 20 WP (pyridaben) was applied in an amount of 500 g/ha. The experiment was performed according to the standard, partially adapted EPPO method for testing the efficacy of acaricides in the control of spider mites in fruit orchards. Based on trial results, it can be concluded that the efficacy of bifenazate was different depending on the application rate of the product. The efficacy of this compound applied in the amount of 0.75 l/ha of the product Acramite 480 SC was very high and ranged between 94.85% and 98.96%, respectively. The same product in the amount of 0.375 l/ha showed low efficacy, which ranged from 55.27% to 88.22%, respectively. The efficacy of pyridaben was high in all evaluations (90.43% - 95.25%).

Hidden risk of the presence of weed species: Tropane alkaliods in food and cereals

This paper evaluates the occurrence of the TAs in 71 food products samples. The analysis comprised the following samples: 18 corn puffs, 12 popcorn, 16 corn and 25 corn grits samples, obtained from the shops in Belgrade and Novi Sad during 2019. and 2020. The overall number of the samples with the atropine and scopolamine detections below the LOQ was 61,97%. The percentage of the detection of the tropane alkaloids above the limit of quantification, which may have a negative effect on the health of humans and animals, was 29,57%. The atropine and scopolamine detections are equal in the number of corn puffs, popcorn and corn samples, while 7 samples of corn grits contained the atropine, and 6 of them contained the scopolamine. The highest mean concentrations of the atropine and scopolamine were detected in corn grits, followed by popcorn, then in the corn, while the lowest were in the corn puffs.

Pseudomycosis and mycosis of rocket plant (arugula)

As plant pathogens cause significant yield losses in all crops, much effort is put into diseases prevention and control. The importance of rocket has increased in many countries, and also in Serbia interest in cultivation this species is raising. Rocket production is threatened by various pathogenic microorganisms, fung-like, fungi and bacteria being among the most significant ones. For successful rocket production, knowledge on possible pathogenic causers of the diseases is of high importance. In this paper, a review of the literature of diseases caused by fungi and fungi-like organisms of rocket known so far, is presented.

The analysis of presence and abundance of moths Agrotis segetum, A. exclamationis and Hyphantria cunea during 2018, 2019 and 2020, and the forecast for 2021 in Bačka region

The results of monitoring the number and flight dynamics of butterflies of Agrotis segetum, A. exclamationis and Hyphantria cunea using a light trap type RO Agrobečej in Sombor and Čelarevo during the period from 2018 to 2020 are presented. Weather conditions during the research period were analyzed. Based on the results, a positive long-term forecast for 2021 of all listed species was announced. The first generation of caterpillars of all named species will be more numerous than last year. The need for control of first generation caterpillars of A. segetum and A. exclamationis on later sown maize varieties, as well as on peppers, tomatoes, melons and cabbages, which are sown in late May and early June, is anticipated. The caterpillars of the first generation of H. cunea will have to be controlled in plantations of walnuts, hazelnuts, plums, cherries, sour cherries, mulberries and on many ornamental plants in late May and early June. Short-term forecast and signals for the optimal time of suppression will be announced on the website www.agroupozorenje.rs.

Molecular detection and identification of 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum'

"Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum" is a gram-negative, fastidious bacterium that inhabits and multiplies in the phloem of host plants. The bacterium causes economically important diseases of solanaceous crops such as "zebra chips" of potatoes, and chlorotic weakening of cultivated plants of the Apiaceae family. Beside potatotes, this pathogen causes significant economic losses in tobacco, peper and tomato production. Insect vectors classified in the family Triozidae play an important role in the epidemiology of this bacterium. Insects transfer bacterial cells from infected to healthy plants by feeding on the plant juice from the phloem tissue. This pathogenic bacterium could be transmitted by infected seeds which result in long-distance spread. Based on the analysis of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), nine haplotypes (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, U) from different geographical regions, host plants and insect vectors have been described. Considering to impossibility of isolation of this bacterium on a nutrient medium, detection and identification are based on the application of molecular methods (conventional PCR, real-time PCR, multiplex PCR, nested PCR and LAMP PCR). Taking into consideration the increasing spread of "Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum" in Europe, as well as its recent detection in Serbia, the aim of this paper was to raise an awareness about importance of this bacterium and summarize the protocols and molecular methods for its detection and identification.

Allelopathic properties of plant extracts as potential bioherbicides

Weeds are constant companions of plant production. For their control chemical substances, ie herbicides are used. In addition to a number of properties, the use of herbicides has numerous consequences, for the living world and for the environment, as well. Considering their negative effects, there is a need to find alternative methods of weed control. In recent decades, numerous researches have been done within the framework of biologically and eco-friendlier acceptable ways of controlling various pests, including weeds. Bioherbicides are compounds that contain microorganisms (such as bacteria or fungi), products of their metabolism, or plant extracts that have an effect on certain weed species. In this paper, the application of plant extracts that show allelopathic effects, as potential bioherbicides, in modern agricultural production, will be discussed.

A quarter century since the journal 'Plant Doctor' was reestablished

Brief overview of the 25-year (1995-2019) period since of the journal "Plant Doctor" resumed publication. A retrospective analysis with a summary of accomplishments, and assessment of challenges and opportunities for improvement. Focus on content, technical aspect and regular publication schedule.

Weed control in bean and green bean crops

Phaseolus vulgaris (beans; green beans) as a food of high nutritional value occupies an important place in the human diet. In addition to all the basic growing conditions, one of the key requirements for achieving high yields is successful weed control. Weeds such as Amaranthus retroflexus, Chenopodium album, Datura stramonium, Abutilon theophrasti, Xanthium strumarium, Cirsium arvense, Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Sorghum halepense and others appear as the most dominant species in our agroecological conditions. The application of the concept of integrated weed control implies the application of all available measures (crop rotation, proper and timely tillage, application of herbicides, etc.). Although there is a wider range of registered herbicides for weed control in beans and green beans in the world, preparations based on active substances: clethodim, quizalofop-P-tefuril, imazamox and bentazone have been registered in Serbia.

Importance and epidemiology of tomato spotted wilt virus

Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) is the most economically important plant viruses from genus Tospovirus. It has a polyphagous character and infects a wide range of very significant agricultural crops. Vectors of viruses are insects from order Thysanoptera (Thripidae) and till know eight species are known to transmit tospoviruses of which Frankliniella occidentalis is considered to be economically most important vector. TSWV is transmitted by thrips in a persistent and propagative manner. Relationship between vector and TSWV is very specific because vectors acquire the virus in the larval stages, while imago plays a key role in transmission of the virus. TSWV causes wide range of symptoms depending on host plant, external environmental conditions and type of viruses. In addition to affecting the fruit quality of cultivated crops, greatly reduces the yield to agricultural producers. Tomato is the most commonly attacked by TSWV, and after the symptoms manifested on leaves in the form of a bronze color, the virus was name. Protection of agricultural crops is very challenging and difficult due to wide distribution of viruse vectors, their hidden way of life as well as wide range of TSWV hosts.