Regional selection of insecticides and fungal biopesticides to control aphids and thrips and improve the forage quality of alfalfa crops

The efficacies of biological and conventional chemical insecticides against two major insect pests of alfalfa(aphids and thrips)were compared in three sites across China’s alfalfa belt.In addition,the persistence of the residues of chemical insecticides in alfalfa and their influence on the quality of alfalfa hay were examined.Efficacy varied among the different biological and chemical insecticides.The chemical insecticides were significantly more effective than biopesticides in a short time-frame.The efficacy period of biopesticides was significantly longer than that of chemical insecticides,and the corrected mortality rate of aphids in all regions was above 50%at 14 days after application.The analysis of pesticide residues showed that the residual doses of all the pesticides were within the allowed ranges after the safe period.The acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber contents in alfalfa hay were higher and the protein content was lower in chemical insecticide treatments than in biopesticide treatments in Hebei.The relative feeding value of alfalfa hay treated with Metarhizium anisopliae IPP330189 was the highest among the treatments.Compared with chemical insecticides,the yield of alfalfa hay was higher in the biopesticides treatments.Biopesticides show a stronger control effect on insect populations and also a better improvement in the quality of alfalfa hay than chemical insecticides.This study provides a basis for exploring and developing a comprehensive control regime for alfalfa insect pests in the different alfalfa-growing regions in China,and for reducing chemical insecticide usage and improving forage quality.

Efficacy of High-efficiency Formula Pesticides for Controlling Sesamia inferens Walker and Ceratovacuna lanigera Zehntner

[Objectives]This study was conducted to screen high-efficiency formula pesticides and precise and efficient application techniques for the prevention and control of Sesamia inferens Walker and Ceratovacuna lanigera Zehntner.[Methods]Field efficacy trials were conducted using different combinations of 70%directed enhanced thiamethoxam seed treatment dispersible powder and 46%monosultap·Bacillus thuringiensis wettable powder.[Results]70%directed enhanced thiamethoxam ZF 450 g/hm^(2)+46%monosultap·B.thuringiensis WP 2250 g/hm^(2)had good control effects on both S.inferens and C.lanigera,so it was an ideal high-efficiency formula pesticide for controlling sugarcane S.inferens and C.lanigera.From January to May,combining with new plant or perennial root cultivation management,70%directed enhanced thiamethoxam ZF 450 g/hm^(2)can be evenly spread on sugarcane ditches and sugarcane stumps after being well mixed with fertilizers applied per hectare,and covered with soil in a timely manner,and during the peak incubation period of the first and second generation of S.inferens eggs from March to May,46%monosultap·B.thuringiensis WP 2250 g/hm^(2)was sprayed to the leaf surface in the mixture with water 675 kg with an electric backpack or a motorized sprayer.In such a way,the control efficacy on dead heart seedlings could reach over 89.8%,and that on C.lanigera could reach 100%.Meanwhile,it could effectively and concurrently control thrips,and the increases in yield and sugar content could reach 29310 kg/hm^(2)and 5.9 percentage points,respectively.[Conclusions]The promotion and application of the formula pesticide could achieve precise application and control of sugarcane pests,and improvement of sugarcane quality and planting efficiency,and help promote green prevention and control of sugarcane diseases and pests and the sustained high-quality development of the sugar industry.

Design and Application of Water, Fertilizer and Pesticide Integrated Automatic Control Device

Integration of water, fertilizer and pesticide is the final stage of agricultural development, which improves the utilization efficiency of water, fertilizer and pesticide. Starting from the design and realization of water, fertilizer and pesticide integrated automatic control device, the paper discusses selection and application of fertilizer pesticides, use procedure, water, fertilizer and pesticide saving effect and receptive crowd in the application process of modern planting industry, so as to provide the basis for promotion and popularization of water, fertilizer and pesticide integration.

Control Efficiency of Four Biological Pesticides against Pieris rapae Linne and Their Impacts on Yield and Benefit of Chinese Cabbage

[ Objective] The paper was to screen out ideal biological pesticides, in order to provide guidance for pollution-free control against Pieris rapae Linne. [Method] Taking Chinese cabbage variety Taiyuan Erqing as the test material, the field control efficiencies of four pesticides including PrGV · Bt WP 1 000 times dilution, NPV · Bt SC 750 times dilution, 0.5% azadirachtin EC 750 times dilution, and 0.3% matrine AS 500 times dilution against P. rapae were studied, and their impacts on yield and planting benefits of Chinese cabbage were also determined. Using foliar spray method, the pesticides were sprayed for the first time when the second or third instar larvae of P. rapae first occurred in fields, and sprayed for the second time with the interval of 15 d. The fields sprayed with beta-cypermethrin EC （organic chemical pesticide） and water were set as control. [ Result] NPV · Bt SC 750 times dilution had the best effect after spraying for two times： the control efficiency against P. rapae at 15 d after spraying was 90.11% ; the damage rate of Chinese cabbage was only 0.21%, while the commodity rate reached 100% ; compared with chemical pesticide spraying, the commodity yield （177 262.5 kg/hm2 ） and the income after deducting spraying cost （48 858.5 yuan/hm2 ） were increased by 14.7% and 13.75%, respectively. [ Conclusion] Although biological pesticides are more expensive, they have long persistence and good control effect, resulting in green and safe Chinese cabbage with high commodity rate and yield, and higher eventual economic benefit after deducting spraying cost.

Case Control Study of Impulsivity,Aggression,Pesticide Exposure and Suicide Attempts Using Pesticides among Farmers

A case-control study was conducted to investigate associations between organophosphate pesticide（OP）exposure,aggression,impulsivity,and attempted suicide.Questionnaires were used to collect information;impulsivity and aggression were measured by the Barratt Impulsivity Scale（BIS）and the Aggression Inventory（AI）.

Control Effect of Slow-release, Long-acting and Multi-functional New Pesticides on Sugarcane Borders and Woolly Aphids

In order to select the long-acting,low toxic,low-risk and multi-functional new pesticides for the control of sugarcane borders and woolly aphids and precise and efficient application technology,the control effect of 10% monosultap · thiamethoxam granular formulation and 1% Bt · clothianidin granular formulation on sugarcane borders and woolly aphids were studied.The results showed that 10% monosultap·thiamethoxam GR and 1% Bt·clothianidin GR had good control effects on sugarcane borders and woolly aphids.They were ideal slow-release,long-acting,low toxic and multi-functional new pesticides used to control sugarcane borders and woolly aphids.They could be used alternately with other pesticides to delay the emergence and development of pest resistance to pesticides.The best dosage of the two pesticides in the field was 45 kg/hm^2.They could be mixed with fertilizer( 1200-1800 kg/hm^2),scattered in sugarcane ditches or at the base of sugarcane plants,and covered with soil or film from January to July.The control effect on dead heart seedlings damaged by borers could be up to above 79.2%,and the control effect on sugarcane woolly aphids could reach more than 98.8%.In comparison with the control group,the actual yield and sugar content of sugarcane increased by above 41 555 kg/hm^2 and 6.5% respectively.The application of slow-release,long-acting,strong systemic and multi-functional new agents with fertilizer around roots is convenient,precise and efficient,labor-saving,time-saving and environmentally friendly,and is worthy of being widely applied in sugarcane areas.

Evaluation of Control Effects against Sugarcane Pests：A New Sustained-release and Long-lasting Pesticide and Convenient and Efficient Pesticide Application Technology

[Objective]The paper was to screen a new ideal sustained-release,long-lasting and low-toxic pesticide and convenient and efficient pesticide application technology for controlling Ceratovacuna lanigera and Baliathrips serratus. [Method]2% Imidacloprid GR were selected and applied in the soil for field efficacy trial. [Result] The optimum dosage of 2% imidacloprid GR was 30 kg/hm^2（ active ingredient 600 g）,which can be mixed with fertilizer（ 30 kg pesticide and 40-80 kg fertilizer per hm^2） once combined with sugarcane planting management or big ridging during February and June. The control effects against C. lanigera and B. serratus could be more than 98. 2% and 81. 1%,respectively. The actual yield and sugar content in various pesticide treatments were increased by 33 390 kg/hm^2 and 6. 6% respectively compared to blank control. [Conclusion]2% imidacloprid GR has good control effects on C. lanigera and B. serratus. It is a new pesticide with ideal sustained-release,long-lasting and low-toxin effects against C. lanigera and B. serratus. Therefore,it could be used alternatively with other pesticides,to delay production and development of drug resistance.

Application of Synergist Beichuang in Dose-reduced Chemical Control of Bradysia odoriphaga Yang et Zhang

[ Objective] The paper aimed to explore the dose-reduced pesticide control technique of Bradysia odoriphaga Yang et Zhang. [ Method] The field trids were carried out by routine spraying method, and the control effects of mixtures of Beichuang （ Liangfenbao and Jianweikang） and less dose of phoxim than conrentional against B. odoriphaga larvae were examined. [Result] The results indicated that the control effects of mixtures （containing 14% of Liandeibao or Jian- veikang and 30% -40% less phoxim than conventional dosage） against B. odoriphaga larvae were 84.01% -2.46% and 81.07% -86.12%, respectively. The mntrol effects were equivalent to the conventional dose of phoxim （89.42%）. [ Conclusion] When Beichuang is mixed with phoxim in controlling B. odor/phaga arvae, the suitable reduction level of phoxim is 30% -40%.

Development of GPS-Based Multi-Channel Controllers for Research Plot Pesticide Applicators

Pesticide efficacy tests are typically conducted in experimental plots which involve applying multiple chemical treatments at different application rates and timings. Utilizing a single boom pesticide applicator requires navigating to individual plots, applying a pesticide assigned to those plots and when all replications are completed, cleaning the equipment and reloading the next pesticide treatment into the tank. It usually takes several hours to accomplish this task, especially when the left hand side of a plot requires a different pesticide treatment than the right hand side. In order to facilitate application of pesticide treatments in experimental plots, two map-based controller systems were developed to drive multi-channel pesticide applicators. The Clemson “Multi-Channel Chemical Controllers” consist of solid-state relays controlled by custom software, solenoid valves, and GPS receivers. The first system can control up to 24 individual booms which could independently apply up to 24 different chemical treatments in each field plot area. The second system is the Clemson “Intelligent Farm Controller” (iFc), which could be connected to a variety of devices, such as spray and motor actuators. For this study, the controller was designed to handle four output pins to control four relays;however, it could easily be expanded to control more relays, if needed. On average, these systems reduced application times in test fields from six hours to 20 minutes, compared to single-boom applicators (p = 0.001), thereby reducing the time interval between treatment applications and significantly reducing the potential effect of adverse weather.

Advances in Measures of Reducing Chemical Pesticides to Control Plant Diseases

In order to provide the technological support for further implementing measures of reducing chemical pesticide to control plant diseases,the research progress on non-chemical pesticide measures to control plant diseases are reviewed from the aspects of agricultural control,botanical pesticide control and microbial pesticide control,and the development prospects are proposed,including accelerating innovative research on botani-cal pesticide control such as Chinese herb extracts,and screening microbial pesticides from valuable bio-control bacteria or plant endophyte metabolites for commercial production and utilization.

Pesticide Residue Control in the Years 1983-1985

Levels of organochlorinated, organophosphate, dithiocarbamic, benzimidazolic, and phthalimidic compounds, as well as some other pesticide residues obtained from Regional Laboratories in the years 1983-1985, were assembled and presented as a part of a study aimed at evaluating food contamination. Approximately 2000 samples of vegetables, fruits, cereals, and food of animal origin were analyzed by local laboratories during the years 1983, 1984, and 1985. Samples were randomly obtained from the market, at production levels, or sometimes at custom sites. Approximately 10,000 determinations of single compounds or classes of compounds were carried out. The analytical results are presented and compared with the Italian maximum residue limits. In the majority of the samples analyzed, either there were no residues or the residues were below the permitted level for the specific pesticide in each commodity. High levels of residues were present in a few cases, mainly with respect to some fungicides in fruits and vegetables and chlorinated compounds in some animal products. (c)1989 Academic Press, Inc.

Pesticide Residue Control in the Years 1986-1987

Results of analytical surveys on pesticide residue levels in foods for the years 1986-1987 are presented. Analytical data obtained from regional laboratories are tabulated in terms of various commodity groups (vegetables, fruit, cereals, processed or derived foodstuffs, other commodities, legumes, environmental samples, others) and are compared with maximum legal tolerances established by the ministerial ordinance (Italian Ministry of Health) 6.6. 1985.On a total number of 4715 determinations of classes of compounds or of single compounds made on 1601 commodities samples, only N 53 (1.1 %) violative results appeared. No residue was found at levels exceeding regulatory limits or found in commodities where a tolerance had not been established for a specific pesticide/commodity combination.

Pesticide Residue Control in the Years 1988-1989 in Italy

The paper reports the monitoring for pesticide residue contamination of foodstuffs carried out in the years 1988-1989 by the Italian peripheral laboratories officially commissioned for the task. The tables show the analytical data for each class of substrate versus the limits in force at the time. 2506 food samples and 555 samples from the environment were analysed and a total of 16259 determinations made.The residues were absent in 90% of the cases; the percentage of irregularities was 1.52%. These results confirm the data obtained in previous years, which is particularly significant considering the much larger number of analytical determinations performed this time.It has been deemed convenient to survey specific types of foodstuffs (for example, cereals and animal products) by examining a larger number of samples.

Productivity effect and overuse of pesticide in crop production in China

Chinese farmers are often accused of overusing pesticides that play a crucial role in enhancing crop yield by reducing losses to crop pests. Pesticide overuse has caused a series of negative health and environmental externalities. This paper quantiifes the productivity effect and the optimal amount of pesticides in rice, cotton and maize production in China from the economic perspective. Using survey data col ected in 2012 and 2013, both Cobb-Douglas and Weibul damage control speciifcations are used to estimate the production function. Results show that pesticides have statistical y signiifcant pro-ductivity effect on crop yield. On the condition of Weibul damage control speciifcations, the marginal products of 1 kg of the active ingredients of pesticides for rice, cotton and maize are 71.06, 22.73 and 98.45 kg, respectively. However, 57, 64 and 17%of the actual amount of pesticides are overused for rice, cotton and maize, respectively. Moreover, the productivity effect of pesticides would be overestimated using Cobb-Douglas speciifcation without incorporating a damage control agent.

Proficiency Testing Scheme for Pesticides in Honey

Agricultural contamination with pesticides is a challenging problem for both human and bee health. Consequently, a number of laboratories performing pesticides residues analyse in honey and honey products has gradually increased in recent years. In the framework of their accreditations according to ISO 17025 standard, these laboratories must control their performances through interlaboratory comparison. Interprofessional Bureau of Analytical Studies (BIPEA) organizes regular proficiency testing schemes (PTS) in many analytical domains, including the analysis of pesticides in honey, to compare the performances of the laboratories. As an example, one test was conducted in October 2015 using an organic honey spiked with 21 pesticides, at levels between 15 ^g/kg and 200 ^g/kg, with 27 participating laboratories. This test was intended for the identification and quantification of 21 molecules of pesticides residues. The techniques used by the laboratories were GC-MS-MS, LC-MS-MS, GC-MS and GC-ECD, according to the molecules. Participating laboratories were required to return their results on a dedicated website after a period of one month, and a statistical treatment of the data was performed according to ISO 13528 standard. Assigned (consensus) values were calculated from the participants’ results and the performances of the laboratories could then be evaluated individually and collectively according to ISO 17043 standard. The results of this test were satisfactory for detection and quantification, whatever the analytical technique. The molecules were correctly identified by the laboratories and the recovery rates ranged from 56% up to 88%. The dispersions of the results, studied through the coefficients of variation, were also satisfactory ranging from 7% to 30%. This test showed that the laboratories participating routinely in this kind of tests are very competent in the analysis of pesticides residues in honey. It also allowed the participating laboratories to draw up a general inventory of their analytical skills, and it was a very useful tool to detect bias or non-compliant results. It acted as a warning signal for the implementation of corrective and/or curative actions in the laboratories.

Application Effect of Pesticide Synergist‘Jijian' on Wheat Stripe Rust

The aim of this study is to clarify the application effect of pesticide decrement synergist ＇ Jijian＇ on wheal stripe lUSt. Sampling investigation, randomized block design and statistic analysis were carried out to find out the field efficacy of adding ＇ Jijian＇ to triadimefon WP and propiconazole EC on controlling wheat stripe rust. The results showed that during the epidemic period of stripe rust, the control effects on the 7^th and the 19^th d reached more than 93% and 100% , respectively, by the application of 15% triadimefon WP of 1 200 g/hm^2 and 25% propiconazole EC of 600 mlhm^2 , respectively for 2 times ; when 15% triadimefon WP of 840 g/hm^2 ＋ ＇ Jijian＇ of 225 g/hm^2 or 25 % propiconazole EC of 420 mlhm^2 ＋ ＇ Jijian＇ of 225 g/hm^2 were applied （ adding ＇ Jijian＇ and reducing the dosage of the 2 pesticides by 30% ） , the control effect on the 7^th d was 89.4% and 91.7% , respectively, while the control effect on the 19a＇ d was 99.8 - 100% ; when 15% triadimefon WP of 720 - 600 g/hm^2 ＋ ＇ Jijian＇ of 225 g/hm^2 or 25% propiconazole EC 360 - 300 mlhm^2 ＋ ＇ Jijian＇ of 225 g/hm^2 were applied （ adding ＇ Jijian＇ and reducing the dosage of the 2 pesticides by 40% - 50% ） , the control effect on the 7a＇ day reached more than 78.0% , while the control effect on the 19^th day was 97.7% - 99.8%. There was no significant difference on the control effect at the 7^th d between the treatments using the 2 pesticides alone and the treatments adding ＇ Jijian＇ and reducing the dosage of the 2 pesticides by 30%, but all had significant differences from the treatments adding ＇ Jijian＇ and reducing the dosage of the 2 pesticides by40% -50%. There was no significant difference on the control effect of the 19^th d among different treatments. Therefore, if the disease is not serious, the application of ＇ Jijian＇ can reduce the application amounts of pesticides by 40% -50%, that is, 15% triadimefon WP of 720 -600 g/hm^2 ＋ ＇ Jijian＇ of 225 g/hm^2 or 25 % propiconazole EC of 360- 300 ml/hm^2 ＋ ＇ Jijian＇ of 225 g/hm^2, which is helpful to reduce the pesticide application amounts and pesticide residue pollution, and save the control costs.

Applied Technology of Botanical Pesticides against Empoasca pirisuga Matumura

[Objectives] The paper was to explore the control effects of different botanical pesticides against Empoasca pirisuga Matumura. [Methods] 5% Eucalyptol SL, 0.5% matrine SL and 50% thiacloprid WDG were used to control E. pirisuga , and the decline rate of insect population was investigated. [Results] Eucalyptol had good control effect on E. pirisuga , with slow effect but long duration. It was harmless to natural enemies in tea gardens, with high safety and no chemical injury. [Conclusions] The study provides a theoretical basis for the application of botanical pesticides in tea production.

Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) Registered andTheir Use in Sub-Saharan Africa

To sustain agricultural production,pesticides are highly recommanded.In sub-Saharan Africa,two regulatory bodies are in charge of pesticide registration,for more than 10 years of duty,the impact of their activity has not yet best carried out.The present investigation aimed to evaluate the evolution in the quality of pesticides in agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa.Registration of pesticides began in Cameroon in 1996.There,less than 5%of pesticides used in 2004 were registered and more than 80%of producers were not aware of this legal process.In 2014,85%of pesticides used are registered.In sub-Saharan Africa,Highly Hazardous Pesticides(HHPs)registered are rondenticides,insecticides and nematocides.They are frequently used for the protection of stored products.Ilicit Persistent Organic Pollutants(POPs)(heptachlore,chlorobenzene)and HHP(alluminium phosphide,terbufos,abamectine,ethropophos,etc.)are frequently used to protect stored grains.And 40%are registered for use in intensive bananas production(28%for nematodes control alone and 10%for control of both insects and nematodes).Moreover,20%of HHPs registered are for the control of rondents.

Research Advances in Mechanization of Pesticide Spraying Technology for Facility Agriculture

Firstly,this paper introduced the special requirements of pesticide application technical equipment for the facility agriculture. Secondly,it analyzed domestic situation of pesticide application technical equipment for the facility agriculture. Then,it discussed existing controlled droplet pesticide sprayer from operating principle,structural characteristics,and innovation points,and pointed out existing research findings and future research modules of the controlled droplet pesticide sprayer. Finally,in line with main research points and development direction of controlled droplet pesticide sprayer for the facility agriculture,it came up with pertinent recommendations and measures. It is intended to provide references for the application and development of pesticide application technical equipment for the facility agriculture in China.

Effect of 30% Tiange Multifunctional Pesticide-Fertilizer on Sugarcane Pests and Yield

In order to study the effect of 30% Tiange multifunctional pesticide-fertilizer on sugarcane pests and sugarcane yield,the field test was conducted with conventional compound fertilizer and 3% carbofuran fertilizer granules as control. The results showed that 30% Tiange multifunctional pesticide-fertilizer could effectively suppress some pests such as sugarcane borer,thrip,aphid and cockchafer. 90 d after pesticide-fertilizer application,the sugarcane withered heart rate was 1. 55% and 2. 55% in the two test points,respectively,significantly lower than the rate of 15. 40% and 19. 40% under control. Before harvest,the sugarcane borer damage rate in the two test points under pesticide-fertilizer treatment was 8. 70% and 9. 47%,respectively,significantly lower than the rate of 34. 50% and 33. 50% under control,and the sugarcane yield was 21. 16% and 22. 14% higher than under control,respectively. 30% Tiange multifunctional pesticide-fertilizer had nutritional and insecticidal effect,which could help to achieve sugarcane pesticide-fertilizer integration and save labor and costs.