An entomopathogenic strain of Bacillus sp. was isolated from diseased red slug caterpillars of the leaf-feediug pest of tea, Eterusia magnifica, from the Darjeeling foothill region. Analysis of the bacterimn based on ...An entomopathogenic strain of Bacillus sp. was isolated from diseased red slug caterpillars of the leaf-feediug pest of tea, Eterusia magnifica, from the Darjeeling foothill region. Analysis of the bacterimn based on polyphasic approach such as growth phase, biochemical tests, whole body＂ protein, crystal protein profiles along with bioassay （i.e. LC50 and LT50 values） established it as a different strain but close to Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki （Btk）, the commercial microbial pesticides of lepidopterans. Among biochemical parameters differences were noted between the new strain and Btk in ONPG, lysine decarboxylase, omithin decarboxylase, urease, nitrate reduction, V-P and glucose utilization tests. PAGE analysis of the whole body protein for the new strain recorded a 34 kDa band which was absent in Btk （used as reference）. Crystal protein profile of the newly isolated bacterial strain showed 53 and 49 kDa bands whereas in Btk only 52 kDa band was evident. Although the LC50 values of the new strain and Btk were close, their LT50 values were much different, the new strain showing a lower value than Btk. In light of the above differences and in absence of any report of entomopathogenic bacterial strain of E. magnifica, the isolated strain of Bacillus appeared to be new to science and hence was designated as RS01. The new strain opens up the possibility of its futttre use as microbial pesticide after standardizing its formulation and checking its safety aspects.展开更多
Biological control is usually the first choice of control and prevention method for integrated pest management （IPM） strategies and has now been widely implemented by Indonesian oil palm plantations. Entomopathogeni...Biological control is usually the first choice of control and prevention method for integrated pest management （IPM） strategies and has now been widely implemented by Indonesian oil palm plantations. Entomopathogenic fungus, i.e., Metarhizium anisopliae, Cordyceps militaris and Beauveria bassiana have been demonstrated to control renowned pests of oil palm. Metarhizium has been used to control Oryctes larvae and the mortality has ranged from 91.67% to 100% in laboratory and 7.4% to 88.75% in the field. Metarhizium has been applied in combination with a termite baiting system （TBS） to control termites in the field for preventive and curative action as well. In many oil palm plantations in Indonesia, Cordyceps has been used to reduce the field moth population ofSetothosea asigna. Application of Cordyceps within the oil palm circle was able to infect S. asigna pupae up to 80%. Meanwhile, Beauveria in an effervescent formulation was demonstrated to have better efficacy on Darna trima larvae. A significant finding on the biological control of basal stem rot disease （Ganoderma） was the isolation of Trichoderma sp. and Gliocladium sp.. The efficacy was conducted with promising result and techniques on the application of Triehoderma have been developed, i.e., hole-in-hole system, surgery and a mounding method. However, as the roots developed, Trichoderma was no longer able to protect the palm from Ganoderma. In spite of that, the use of Trichoderma still prolonged the life ofoil palms by up to 2-3 years. Another fungi belonging to vesicular arbuscular mychorrhiza （VAM） has been developed to control Ganoderma. The efficacy in the nursery showed promising results and the Ganoderma incidence remained low compared to the untreated control. Large scale field trials are ongoing. Challenges on the implementation of biological control in oil palm plantations are because of application and availability of biopesticides/natural enemies. Therefore, advances in research on the formulation of biological control agents are still needed.展开更多
This study was aimed at determining the effects of mixed and single cropping agroecosystems on the prevalence of different species of insect pests and coccinellids. It involved six growing crops： maize Zea mays L., b...This study was aimed at determining the effects of mixed and single cropping agroecosystems on the prevalence of different species of insect pests and coccinellids. It involved six growing crops： maize Zea mays L., beans Phaseolus vulgaris L. and cowpeas Vignaunguiculata L. Walp in single and mixed stands and sampling throughout the phenology of the crops. Eight insect pest species were recorded on maize grown alone, while thirty seven insect species were endemic on cowpea mono cropped and were of six orders whereas twenty two insect pest species occurred on beans. The predator population was most abundant in the mixed stands of maize and beans （2.33 predators per 30 aphids） as compared to their occurrence in pure stands of cowpeas （0.85 predators per 30 aphids） as there were numerous aphids on beans at pre-flowering phase that supported a higher population level of coccinellids. Also, predator population was at the peak during the tussling stage of maize as they fed on the pollen grains while aphids on cowpeas co-existed mutualistically with black ants that protected them against predation. The genus Cheilomenes spp. was the most ubiquitous predator with a mean of 4.00 individuals per 30 aphids while Hippodamiavariegata was the least abundant predator species with a mean of 0.92 individuals per 30 aphids in all the agroecosystems as the Cheilomenes spp. had a faster discovery rate, range of perception, effective capture efficiency and a shorter handling time of a prey.展开更多
Effects of four commercial ornamentals on the development, survivorship and reproduction of the whitefly B biotype Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) were studied in the laboratory (temperature 26 ±1℃; relative humidity...Effects of four commercial ornamentals on the development, survivorship and reproduction of the whitefly B biotype Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) were studied in the laboratory (temperature 26 ±1℃; relative humidity 75%-90%; L: D 14:10). The total survivorship from egg to adult on hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.), poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima Will), cottonrose hibiscus (Hibiscus mutabilis L.) and variegated leafcroton (Codiaeum variegatum ‘Aucubaefolium') were 33.69%, 40.55%, 79.11%, and 29.39%,respectively. The developmental periods from egg to adult varied from 23.12 days on cottonrose hibiscus to 32.13 days on hibiscus. The average longevity of adult females ranged from 6.87 days on variegated leafcroton to 21.07 days on poinsettia. The average numbers of eggs laid per female were 9.20, 25.13, 54.45, and 26.79 on the above respective hosts. The intrinsic rates of natural increase (rm) for B biotype B. tabaci on cottonrose hibiscus was the highest. Based on life table analyses of whitefly populations, cottonrose hibiscus was the most suitable host for B biotype B. tabaci in this study.展开更多
Pocket gophers （Geomyidae） have an extensive impact on both natural and agricultural systems. Trapping is a tech- nique often used to sample and manage these populations. The identification of an attractant that inc...Pocket gophers （Geomyidae） have an extensive impact on both natural and agricultural systems. Trapping is a tech- nique often used to sample and manage these populations. The identification of an attractant that increases capture rates of pocket gophers would greatly assist researchers and pest management professionals alike. Therefore, we tested the attractiveness of four attractants （peanut butter, anise, grapefruit attractant, and carrot） plus a control （no attractant） using uncovered and covered trap sets to determine what impact they have on visitation and capture rates of pocket gophers. We also determined how the impact of cover status and attractants differ across varying weights and gender of pocket gophers. We found no direct effect of any attracrant on visitation and capture rates of pocket gophers, nor on the gender of captured individuals. However, when no attractant was used, the mtmber of pocket gophers captured per 100 trap nights was greater when trap sets were uncovered vs. when covered, and capture rates were generally high and consistent when using peanut butter as an attractant. Additionally, we noted that covered trap sets that were baited with peanut butter yielded heavier pocket gopher captures than uncovered trap sets using this same attractant. This is key, given the difficulty associated with capturing older, more experienced individuals. Combined with data from a previous investigation, this suggests that there is no advantage to using any attractant when utilizing uncovered trap sets, but there is likely some benefit to using peanut butter in covered trap sets [Current Zoology 60 （4）： 472-478, 2014].展开更多
Since forestation of pure forest of Pinus massoniana is liable to suffer from pest calamity, soilerosion, decrease of soil fertility, and difficulty in wood production in the hilly areas of southern China, weconducted...Since forestation of pure forest of Pinus massoniana is liable to suffer from pest calamity, soilerosion, decrease of soil fertility, and difficulty in wood production in the hilly areas of southern China, weconducted an investigation on the three types of forests in Gaoan County of Jiangxi Province, namely, thepure forest of Pinus massoniana, the pure forest of Schima superba, and the mixed forest consisting of thetwo species, setting up standard stand, measuring and studying the growing stock, biomass, leaf area, roots,soil, vegetation, pests, litters, soil erosion, microclimate, etc., with the following results. ① The averageheight, diameter at chest height, and volume of the mixed forest are higher than those of the pure forest ofPinus massoniana by 30.9%, 31.7% and 10.6%, respectively. ② The biomass of the mixed forest is 2.24times as much as that of the pure forest of Pinus massoniana. ③ The litters of the mixed forest is 3.37 timesand 1.96 times as much as the litters of the pure forest of Pinus massoniana and the pure forest of Schimasuperba respectively. ④ The occurrence of pest calamity per tree is lower and the conditions of soil erosionand microclimate are better than those of the pure forest of Pinus massoniana. ⑤ The mixed forest of the twospecies is an excellent mixed type of needle-leaf and deciduous forest worth being popularized in Chinassubtropical areas, especially in the low hilly areas. It is recommended in plantation that the mixed patterns bebetween trees, lines, small blocks, or scattered-dots, the ratio of mixture of Pinus massoniana and Schimasuperba be 5 to 1, or 3 to 1, and the initial space between trees be 1.2, 1.5, or 2.0 m while the initial densitybe 6 944 to 4 440 trees per square hectare.展开更多
文摘An entomopathogenic strain of Bacillus sp. was isolated from diseased red slug caterpillars of the leaf-feediug pest of tea, Eterusia magnifica, from the Darjeeling foothill region. Analysis of the bacterimn based on polyphasic approach such as growth phase, biochemical tests, whole body＂ protein, crystal protein profiles along with bioassay （i.e. LC50 and LT50 values） established it as a different strain but close to Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki （Btk）, the commercial microbial pesticides of lepidopterans. Among biochemical parameters differences were noted between the new strain and Btk in ONPG, lysine decarboxylase, omithin decarboxylase, urease, nitrate reduction, V-P and glucose utilization tests. PAGE analysis of the whole body protein for the new strain recorded a 34 kDa band which was absent in Btk （used as reference）. Crystal protein profile of the newly isolated bacterial strain showed 53 and 49 kDa bands whereas in Btk only 52 kDa band was evident. Although the LC50 values of the new strain and Btk were close, their LT50 values were much different, the new strain showing a lower value than Btk. In light of the above differences and in absence of any report of entomopathogenic bacterial strain of E. magnifica, the isolated strain of Bacillus appeared to be new to science and hence was designated as RS01. The new strain opens up the possibility of its futttre use as microbial pesticide after standardizing its formulation and checking its safety aspects.
文摘Biological control is usually the first choice of control and prevention method for integrated pest management （IPM） strategies and has now been widely implemented by Indonesian oil palm plantations. Entomopathogenic fungus, i.e., Metarhizium anisopliae, Cordyceps militaris and Beauveria bassiana have been demonstrated to control renowned pests of oil palm. Metarhizium has been used to control Oryctes larvae and the mortality has ranged from 91.67% to 100% in laboratory and 7.4% to 88.75% in the field. Metarhizium has been applied in combination with a termite baiting system （TBS） to control termites in the field for preventive and curative action as well. In many oil palm plantations in Indonesia, Cordyceps has been used to reduce the field moth population ofSetothosea asigna. Application of Cordyceps within the oil palm circle was able to infect S. asigna pupae up to 80%. Meanwhile, Beauveria in an effervescent formulation was demonstrated to have better efficacy on Darna trima larvae. A significant finding on the biological control of basal stem rot disease （Ganoderma） was the isolation of Trichoderma sp. and Gliocladium sp.. The efficacy was conducted with promising result and techniques on the application of Triehoderma have been developed, i.e., hole-in-hole system, surgery and a mounding method. However, as the roots developed, Trichoderma was no longer able to protect the palm from Ganoderma. In spite of that, the use of Trichoderma still prolonged the life ofoil palms by up to 2-3 years. Another fungi belonging to vesicular arbuscular mychorrhiza （VAM） has been developed to control Ganoderma. The efficacy in the nursery showed promising results and the Ganoderma incidence remained low compared to the untreated control. Large scale field trials are ongoing. Challenges on the implementation of biological control in oil palm plantations are because of application and availability of biopesticides/natural enemies. Therefore, advances in research on the formulation of biological control agents are still needed.
文摘This study was aimed at determining the effects of mixed and single cropping agroecosystems on the prevalence of different species of insect pests and coccinellids. It involved six growing crops： maize Zea mays L., beans Phaseolus vulgaris L. and cowpeas Vignaunguiculata L. Walp in single and mixed stands and sampling throughout the phenology of the crops. Eight insect pest species were recorded on maize grown alone, while thirty seven insect species were endemic on cowpea mono cropped and were of six orders whereas twenty two insect pest species occurred on beans. The predator population was most abundant in the mixed stands of maize and beans （2.33 predators per 30 aphids） as compared to their occurrence in pure stands of cowpeas （0.85 predators per 30 aphids） as there were numerous aphids on beans at pre-flowering phase that supported a higher population level of coccinellids. Also, predator population was at the peak during the tussling stage of maize as they fed on the pollen grains while aphids on cowpeas co-existed mutualistically with black ants that protected them against predation. The genus Cheilomenes spp. was the most ubiquitous predator with a mean of 4.00 individuals per 30 aphids while Hippodamiavariegata was the least abundant predator species with a mean of 0.92 individuals per 30 aphids in all the agroecosystems as the Cheilomenes spp. had a faster discovery rate, range of perception, effective capture efficiency and a shorter handling time of a prey.
文摘Effects of four commercial ornamentals on the development, survivorship and reproduction of the whitefly B biotype Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) were studied in the laboratory (temperature 26 ±1℃; relative humidity 75%-90%; L: D 14:10). The total survivorship from egg to adult on hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.), poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima Will), cottonrose hibiscus (Hibiscus mutabilis L.) and variegated leafcroton (Codiaeum variegatum ‘Aucubaefolium') were 33.69%, 40.55%, 79.11%, and 29.39%,respectively. The developmental periods from egg to adult varied from 23.12 days on cottonrose hibiscus to 32.13 days on hibiscus. The average longevity of adult females ranged from 6.87 days on variegated leafcroton to 21.07 days on poinsettia. The average numbers of eggs laid per female were 9.20, 25.13, 54.45, and 26.79 on the above respective hosts. The intrinsic rates of natural increase (rm) for B biotype B. tabaci on cottonrose hibiscus was the highest. Based on life table analyses of whitefly populations, cottonrose hibiscus was the most suitable host for B biotype B. tabaci in this study.
文摘Pocket gophers （Geomyidae） have an extensive impact on both natural and agricultural systems. Trapping is a tech- nique often used to sample and manage these populations. The identification of an attractant that increases capture rates of pocket gophers would greatly assist researchers and pest management professionals alike. Therefore, we tested the attractiveness of four attractants （peanut butter, anise, grapefruit attractant, and carrot） plus a control （no attractant） using uncovered and covered trap sets to determine what impact they have on visitation and capture rates of pocket gophers. We also determined how the impact of cover status and attractants differ across varying weights and gender of pocket gophers. We found no direct effect of any attracrant on visitation and capture rates of pocket gophers, nor on the gender of captured individuals. However, when no attractant was used, the mtmber of pocket gophers captured per 100 trap nights was greater when trap sets were uncovered vs. when covered, and capture rates were generally high and consistent when using peanut butter as an attractant. Additionally, we noted that covered trap sets that were baited with peanut butter yielded heavier pocket gopher captures than uncovered trap sets using this same attractant. This is key, given the difficulty associated with capturing older, more experienced individuals. Combined with data from a previous investigation, this suggests that there is no advantage to using any attractant when utilizing uncovered trap sets, but there is likely some benefit to using peanut butter in covered trap sets [Current Zoology 60 （4）： 472-478, 2014].
文摘Since forestation of pure forest of Pinus massoniana is liable to suffer from pest calamity, soilerosion, decrease of soil fertility, and difficulty in wood production in the hilly areas of southern China, weconducted an investigation on the three types of forests in Gaoan County of Jiangxi Province, namely, thepure forest of Pinus massoniana, the pure forest of Schima superba, and the mixed forest consisting of thetwo species, setting up standard stand, measuring and studying the growing stock, biomass, leaf area, roots,soil, vegetation, pests, litters, soil erosion, microclimate, etc., with the following results. ① The averageheight, diameter at chest height, and volume of the mixed forest are higher than those of the pure forest ofPinus massoniana by 30.9%, 31.7% and 10.6%, respectively. ② The biomass of the mixed forest is 2.24times as much as that of the pure forest of Pinus massoniana. ③ The litters of the mixed forest is 3.37 timesand 1.96 times as much as the litters of the pure forest of Pinus massoniana and the pure forest of Schimasuperba respectively. ④ The occurrence of pest calamity per tree is lower and the conditions of soil erosionand microclimate are better than those of the pure forest of Pinus massoniana. ⑤ The mixed forest of the twospecies is an excellent mixed type of needle-leaf and deciduous forest worth being popularized in Chinassubtropical areas, especially in the low hilly areas. It is recommended in plantation that the mixed patterns bebetween trees, lines, small blocks, or scattered-dots, the ratio of mixture of Pinus massoniana and Schimasuperba be 5 to 1, or 3 to 1, and the initial space between trees be 1.2, 1.5, or 2.0 m while the initial densitybe 6 944 to 4 440 trees per square hectare.
