Ant Group Effects on the Insecticide and Dye Flow Among Atta sexdens rubropilosa (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Workers

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Density and spatial distribution of Atta sexdens rubropilosa and Atta laevigata colonies (Hym., Formicidae) in Eucalyptus spp. forests

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Desenvolvimento de "Nezara viridula" (L., 1758) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) em genótipos de soja

The soybean (Glycine max (L.)) has been significantly compromised by the attack of insect pests. The stink bug Nezara viridula (L.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is pointed as one of the most damaging species, reducing the quantity and quality of grain produced and requiring a large number of applications of insecticides in crops. Al-though chemical control is still the most widely used method of control, the use of resistant genotypes may represent a viable alternative in the management of this insect, reducing costs and impacts on the environment. This study evaluated the performance of nymphs of N. viridula in nine soybean genotypes under laboratory conditions (T = 25 + 2[degree]C, RH = 70 [plus or minus]10% and photoperiod = 12 h), aiming to detect possible resistance mechanisms. Thus, 25 nymphs/genotype were monitored daily by assessing the duration and mortality of the nymphal stage, the weight of nymphs and adults and the developmental period from egg to adult. The data revealed that the genotypes 'TMG-103', 'TMG-121, IAC-19', 'TMG-117', and 'IAC-24' caused 100% mortality of nymphs, indicating high levels of antibiosis and/or feeding non-preference expression. 'IAC-17' also prolonged the nymphal period, indicating the occurrence of resistance. The insects from 'PI-227687' showed the lowest average weight, also indicating the occurrence of antibiosis and/or feeding non-preference. Our results may be useful for soybean breeding programs focusing on development of genotypes resistant to insects.

Improving the field production environment for soybeans

During the past 10 years, soybeans have reached a prominent position among crops in the world. A substantial contribution to world production has been achieved by tropical countries, due to favorable conditions for high yields. Two limitations keep commercial yields below those obtained in experimental results (above 3,000 kg/ha): one is the lack of local adapted varieties and the other is an adequate field production environment. Solutions must be obtained by local research data. Seedbed preparation is one of the most important production steps, since the other production practices are dependent on it. Conventional methods and minimum tillage, when soybeans follow another crop, are being used, with the problem of soil compaction and losses by erosion. Looking for superior strains of Rhizobium is crucial because nitrogen can be supplied by a proper symbiosis. The addition of limestone to the soil is a common practice used to raise the pH to proper levels. The use of fertilizers should be guided by local research findings. Chemical control of weeds, pests and diseases is needed to prevent yield losses, but possible effects on the environment should be considered. © 1981 American Oil Chemists' Society.

Programa de controle de surto de escorpião Tityus serrulatus, Lutz e Mello 1922, no município de Aparecida, SP (Scorpiones, Buthidae).

A scorpion control program was proposed for the town of Aparecida (SP), an endemic region of Tityus serrulatus. Clusters of scorpions in urban and rural areas, environmental degradation of the town's outskirts and new scorpion procreation and dispersal habitats were studied. In addition, infrastructure problems such as the disposal and collection of residential and municipal refuse, sanitation (sewage and storm sewer), condition of vacant lots and constructions in the urban area were evaluated. After an epidemiological study, educational measures such as the distribution of pamphlets, cleaning group work, visits to residences and cooperation from High School teachers and students were also suggested. Chemical control was indicated in high-risk sites, especially those of near-school buildings. Furthermore, the use of natural predators was also mentioned within the present sanitation regulations for urban areas. The authors assert that these procedures must be integrated and continued uninterruptedly for several years. They also suggest a collaborative work with those responsible for the dengue eradication program, as well as the institution of the scorpion study week, which would greatly contribute to the education of the population, to preventive programs and to scorpion control.

Manejo de brachiaria decumbens e seu reflexo no desenvolvimento de Eucalyptus grandis

A field trial was carried out in Santa Rita do Passa Quatro, SP, on sandy soil, between February 1993 to February 1995, aiming to study the effects of fertilizer doses and brachiaria grass control on the growth of E. grandis. In the field the plots (9×9 plants, spacing 2×3 m) were located following a randomized block experimental design with four repetitions. The treatments were arranged in a factorial design with four systems of brachiaria grass control in the space between the Eucalyptus rows: mowing, cultivation, chemical control with glyphosate (2,08 kg eq. ác./ha) and hand hoeing were developed when the population reached the early flowering stage and four doses of the fertilizer 20-05-20: 0, 115, 230 and 345 kg/ha, handled at 3, 6 and 12 monthes after the transplantation. The hand hoeing was the most effective method of brachiaria grass control. However the hand hoeing controlled plots showed a decrease on the E. grandis growth exhibiting slower growth rate, shorter plants, thinner stems, smaller leaf area results and reduction on dry matter accumulation than the plants from the other plots under different weed control management's. The glyphosate promoted an excellent brachiaria grass control while the E. grandis plants grow better. Both remainder weed control management systems were intermediary in terms of efficacy. The mowing management was the most similar method as compared to the hand hoeing one and the cultivation treatments to the chemical control method. The growth rate differences observed between the hand hoeing and chemical control treatments were not caused directly by late fertilizations. There were no significative interactions among the weed control systems and the fertilization doses. Considering the brachiaria grass that grew between the E. grandis rows there were detected benefits to the crop and these effects increased when the chemical control was used for weed management.

Amostragem seqüential (presença-ausência) para Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) na cultura do milho

The sequential sampling of insect pests (presence-absence) has become important in the last years, specially when the insects are difficult to be quantified. To solve this problem in relation to Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), a sequential sampling plan was developed. The sample unit was evaluated considering the presence or absence of the insect, independently of its total number. The experiment was conducted in Jaboticabal, São Paulo State, Brazil, in three fields of 0.5 ha divided in 100 plots of 50 m2 (5 × 10 m). Each plot was identified with a number from 1 to 100. A threshold level of 20% was assumed to set the sampling plan. The analyzed data allowed two lines to be generated: the superior one, representing the condition in chemical control is recommended (S1=1.7095+0.1452N); and the inferior one, when chemical control is not recommended (S0=-1.7095+0.1452N). The sequential sampling was efficient to indicate if control of S. frugiperda on corn crop was necessary or not.

External and internal structure of Atta bisphaerica Forel (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) nests

This work was carried out to determine the internal and external structures of Atta bisphaerica (Forel) nests. Six nests were excavated and during excavation, all data referring to chambers and tunnels were recorded. Three nests had been internally cement-moulded, which enabled a better view of the chamber and tunnel structures. Atta bisphaerica nests presented a similar structural pattern, varying only in the number of chambers as a function of external mound area. Chambers were spherical with two communication tunnels. Internal tunnels had an elliptical section, sometimes circular, indirectly linked to chambers through ramifications and directly through short tunnels. Entrance holes were linked to the area of highest chamber concentration by tunnels from the elliptical section, which led to the nest in a radial manner. Knowledge of the colony's three-dimensional architecture permits successful application of chemical control processes, reduces the quantity of product applied, and consequently diminishes costs and environmental damage.

Reproductive strategy of Coptotermes gestroi (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in Brazil

The termite Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann) (Rhinotermitidae) is an exotic species in Brazil. This species forms colonies headed by primary reproductives, however, non-functional neotenics are commonly found even in the presence of the imaginai pair. The presence of non-functional neotenics in C. gestroi colonies may correspond to a strategy of this termite species for rapid colonization in foreign areas, instead of a response to chemical control methods.

Standardization of bioassays for monitoring resistance to insecticides in Aedes aegypti

Since the reintroduction of Aedes aegypti in Brazil in the 1980s, insecticide use for its control is routine. The chemical control efficacy is threatened by vectors developing resistance to insecticides. The World Health Organization, recognizing the impact of insecticide resistance in vector control programmes, proposed standardizing bioassays for detecting and monitoring resistance using a diagnostic dose method. As Brazil has a national programme for monitoring the resistance of Ae. aegypti populations to insecticides, this study was designed to compare diagnostic bioassays at WHO suggested concentrations and those estimated for local conditions. Populations were resistant to both temephos doses. But important differences were seen for fenitrothion and malathion, which could lead to under- or over-estimation of resistance respectively. These results and inclusion of a diagnostic dose bioassay standard for larvae are discussed.

Plant nutrients in a degraded soil treated with water treatment sludge and cultivated with grasses and leguminous plants

The objective of this work was to evaluate rates for applications of water treatment sludge (WTS) as a nutrient source for grasses and leguminous plants cropped in a soil degraded by tin mining in the Amazon Region (Natural Forest of Jamari, Rondonia State, Brazil). The treatments consisted of three rates of nitrogen supplied by WTS (100, 150 and 200 mg kg -1 soil), five combinations of plants, two controls (absolute control, without fertilization; and chemical control, soil+lime+chemical fertilizers). WTS modified the contents of macro and micronutrients in the degraded soil, but it was not, as used in the present study, sufficient for the rehabilitation of the degraded area. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Efeito da chuva sobre a ação do herbicida imazapyr no controle de plantas daninhas aquáticas

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different periods of rainfall that occurred after the application of the imazapyr herbicide on the control efficiency of Pistia stratiotes and Eichhornia crassipes. We studied 10 mm rainfall, applied for 5' at different time periods (0h, 2h, 4h, 6h, 8h, 12h, 24h, not simulated rainfall) after the application of imazapyr formulation Arsenal NA, 250 g ai ha -1 (1.0 L cp ha -1). The experiment had completely randomized design with four replications. Plants were evaluated at 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days after application (DAA), and the results submitted to analysis of variance by F test and treatment means compared by Tukey's test (p <0. 05). The occurrence of rainfall up to 6 hours after herbicide application, plants of P. stratiotes, negatively affected its efficiency and control; rainfall intervals over 8 hours had no effect in control. The occurrence of rainfall at all time intervals did not affect the control of E. crassipes plants.

Controle da mancha angular do feijoeiro com uso de fungicidas e seu efeito na produção das plantas

The angular leaf spot of dry bean caused by the fungus Phaeoisairopsis griseola is a very important disease on dry bean crops in Brazil. In propitious weather conditions, susceptible cultivars have significant losses due to this disease. In these conditions, fungicide usage is an important step for angular leaf spot management. Since the effects of this method of control on plant physiology are not known, this study had the following objectives: a) Verify the action of fungicide in physiological changes in dry beans (photosynthesis rate and stomatal conductivity); b) evaluate the efficacy of some fungicides for the control of angular leaf spot; and c) examine the effects of these fungicides on other agronomic parameters; weight of 100 grains, number of grains per pod and number of pods per plant. The dry bean cultivar used in this study was Perola. Four trials were conducted, two in a net greenhouse and two trials under field conditions. A spray of piraclostrobin, tebuconazol and tebuconazol+ trifloxistrobin increased photosynthesis rates, although stomatal conductivity was not changed. In addition, sprays of tebuconazol, piraclostrobin, metiram+piraclostrobin and azoxistrobin provided better levels of disease control and also higher weight of 100 grains, with the exception of azoxystrobin for this parameter.

Entomopathogens isolated from invasive ants and tests of their pathogenicity

Some ant species cause severe ecological and health impact in urban areas. Many attempts have been tested to control such species, although they do not always succeed. Biological control is an alternative to chemical control and has gained great prominence in research, and fungi and nematodes are among the successful organisms controlling insects. This study aimed to clarify some questions regarding the biological control of ants. Invasive ant species in Brazil had their nests evaluated for the presence of entomopathogens. Isolated entomopathogens were later applied in colonies of Monomorium floricola under laboratory conditions to evaluate their effectiveness and the behavior of the ant colonies after treatment. The entomopathogenic nematodes Heterorhabditis sp. and Steinernema sp. and the fungi Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, and Paecilomyces sp. were isolated from the invasive ant nests. M. floricola colonies treated with Steinernema sp. and Heterorhabditis sp. showed a higher mortality of workers than control. The fungus Beauveria bassiana caused higher mortality of M. floricola workers. However, no colony reduction or elimination was observed in any treatment. The defensive behaviors of ants, such as grooming behavior and colony budding, must be considered when using fungi and nematodes for biological control of ants. Copyright © 2012 Maria Fernanda Miori de Zarzuela et al.

Desempenho de fungicidas no controle da mancha-de-macrospora na cultura do milho

Fungicide application is one of the control strategies of fungal diseases in corn leaves. In Brazil, there are no fungicides recorded for the control of corn macrospora leaf spot (MLS). The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of 16 fungicides on MLS control in a protective, curative and eradicant form. Fungicides of the chemical groups of benzimidazoles, strobilurins and triazoles were used alone or in mixture, in completely randomized block design, with six replicates of five plants, totaling 30 plants per treatment. The experiments were carried out in a greenhouse with the single-cross hybrid AS 1565 in phenological stage of two to six expanded leaves, using an isolate of S. macrospsora from the same hybrid. The inoculum was deposited into the cartridge of plants at 48 hours after, 48 hours before and 10 days before fungicide applications for preventive, curative and eradicant action, respectively. The experiment was repeated twice. The data underwent analysis of variance (p<0.05), and the means of treatments were compared by using the Scott-Knott test (p<0.05). Severity was estimated at 21 days after inoculations. All fungicides significantly differed from the control treatment in the preventive, curative and eradicant action. For the preventive action, mean disease control was 85%. The mixture of triazoles plus strobilurins controlled, on average, 75% of the disease severity, while the isolated products such as strobilurins reduced it by 62%, benzimidazoles by 55% and triazoles by 38% for the curative action. The lowest control was obtained for the eradicant action, with mean reduction of 40.1% in the disease severity and no significant difference among fungicides.