Detection and landing behavior of emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis, at low population density

The exotic emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), was first discovered in North America in southeastern Michigan, USA, and Windsor, Ontario, Canada in 2002. Significant ash (Fraxinus spp.) mortality has been caused in areas where this insect has become well established, and new infestations continue to be discovered in several states in the United States and in Canada. This beetle is difficult to detect when it invades new areas or occurs at low density. Girdled trap tree and ground surveys have been important tools for detecting emerald ash borer populations, and more recently, purple baited prism traps have been used in detection efforts. Girdled trap trees were found to be more effective than purple prism traps at detecting emerald ash borer as they acted as sinks for larvae in an area of known low density emerald ash borer infestation. The canopy condition of the trap trees was not predictive of whether they were infested or not, indicating that ground surveys may not be effective for detection in an area of low density emerald ash borer population. When landing rates of low density emerald ash borer populations were monitored on non-girdled ash trees, landing rates were higher on larger, open grown trees with canopies that contain a few dead branches. As a result of these studies, we suggest that the threshold for emerald ash borer detection using baited purple prism traps hung at the canopy base of trees is higher than for girdled trap trees. In addition, detection of developing populations of EAB may be possible by selectively placing sticky trapping surfaces on non-girdled trap trees that are the larger and more open grown trees at a site.

Clinical signs of deformed wing virus infection are predictive markers for honey bee colony losses.

The ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor acting as a virus vector constitutes a central mechanism for losses of managed honey bee, Apis mellifera, colonies. This creates demand for an easy, accurate and cheap diagnostic tool to estimate the impact of viruliferous mites in the field. Here we evaluated whether the clinical signs of the ubiquitous and mite-transmitted deformed wing virus (DWV) can be predictive markers of winter losses. In fall and winter 2007/2008, A.m. carnica workers with apparent wing deformities were counted daily in traps installed on 29 queenright colonies. The data show that colonies which later died had a significantly higher proportion of workers with wing deformities than did those which survived. There was a significant positive correlation between V. destructor infestation levels and the number of workers displaying DWV clinical signs, further supporting the mite's impact on virus infections at the colony level. A logistic regression model suggests that colony size, the number of workers with wing deformities and V. destructor infestation levels constitute predictive markers for winter colony losses in this order of importance and ease of evaluation.

Honey Bee Apis mellifera Parasites in the Absence of Nosema ceranae Fungi and Varroa destructor Mites

Few areas of the world have western honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies that are free of invasive parasites Nosema ceranae (fungi) and Varroa destructor (mites). Particularly detrimental is V. destructor; in addition to feeding on host haemolymph, these mites are important vectors of several viruses that are further implicated as contributors to honey bee mortality around the world. Thus, the biogeography and attendant consequences of viral communities in the absence of V. destructor are of significant interest. The island of Newfoundland, Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, is free of V. destructor; the absence of N. ceranae has not been confirmed. Of 55 Newfoundland colonies inspected visually for their strength and six signs of disease, only K-wing had prevalence above 5% (40/55 colonies = 72.7%). Similar to an earlier study, screenings again confirmed the absence of V. destructor, small hive beetles Aethina tumida (Murray), tracheal mites Acarapis woodi (Rennie), and Tropilaelaps spp. ectoparasitic mites. Of a subset of 23 colonies screened molecularly for viruses, none had Israeli acute paralysis virus, Kashmir bee virus, or sacbrood virus. Sixteen of 23 colonies (70.0%) were positive for black queen cell virus, and 21 (91.3%) had some evidence for deformed wing virus. No N. ceranae was detected in molecular screens of 55 colonies, although it is possible extremely low intensity infections exist; the more familiar N. apis was found in 53 colonies (96.4%). Under these conditions, K-wing was associated (positively) with colony strength; however, viruses and N. apis were not. Furthermore, black queen cell virus was positively and negatively associated with K-wing and deformed wing virus, respectively. Newfoundland honey bee colonies are thus free of several invasive parasites that plague operations in other parts of the world, and they provide a unique research arena to study independent pathology of the parasites that are present.

Linking Ah receptor mediated effects of sediments and impacts on fish to key pollutants in the Yangtze Three Gorges Reservoir, China – A comprehensive perspective

The Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR), created in consequence of the Yangtze River's impoundment by the Three Gorges Dam, faces numerous anthropogenic impacts that challenge its unique ecosystem. Organic pollutants, particularly aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonists, have been widely detected in the Yangtze River, but only little research was yet done on AhR-mediated activities. Hence, in order to assess effects of organic pollution, with particular focus on AhR-mediated activities, several sites in the TGR area were examined applying the "triad approach". It combines chemical analysis, in vitro, in vivo and in situ investigations to a holistic assessment. Sediments and the benthic fish species Pelteobagrus vachellii were sampled in 2011/2012, respectively, to identify relevant endpoints. Sediment was tested in vitro with the ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) induction assay, and in vivo with the Fish Embryo Toxicity Test and Sediment Contact Assay with Danio rerio. Activities of phase I (EROD) and phase II (glutathione-S-transferase) biotransformation enzymes, pollutant metabolites and histopathological alterations were studied in situ in P. vachellii. EROD induction was tested in vitro and in situ to evaluate possible relationships. Two sites, near Chongqing and Kaixian city, were identified as regional hot-spots and further investigated in 2013. The sediments induced in the in vitro/in vivo bioassays AhR-mediated activities and embryotoxic/teratogenic effects - particularly on the cardiovascular system. These endpoints could be significantly correlated to each other and respective chemical data. However, particle-bound pollutants showed only low bioavailability. The in situ investigations suggested a rather poor condition of P. vachellii, with histopathological alterations in liver and excretory kidney. Fish from Chongqing city exhibited significant hepatic EROD induction and obvious parasitic infestations. The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) metabolite 1-hydroxypyrene was detected in bile of fish from all sites. All endpoints in combination with the chemical data suggest a pivotal role of PAHs in the observed ecotoxicological impacts.

The Honey Bee Pathosphere of Mongolia: European Viruses in Central Asia

Parasites and pathogens are apparent key factors for the detrimental health of managed European honey bee subspecies, Apis mellifera. Apicultural trade is arguably the main factor for the almost global distribution of most honey bee diseases, thereby increasing chances for multiple infestations/infections of regions, apiaries, colonies and even individual bees. This imposes difficulties to evaluate the effects of pathogens in isolation, thereby creating demand to survey remote areas. Here, we conducted the first comprehensive survey for 14 honey bee pathogens in Mongolia (N = 3 regions, N = 9 locations, N = 151 colonies), where honey bee colonies depend on humans to overwinter. In Mongolia, honey bees, Apis spp., are not native and colonies of European A. mellifera subspecies have been introduced ~60 years ago. Despite the high detection power and large sample size across Mongolian regions with beekeeping, the mite Acarapis woodi, the bacteria Melissococcus plutonius and Paenibacillus larvae, the microsporidian Nosema apis, Acute bee paralysis virus, Kashmir bee virus, Israeli acute paralysis virus and Lake Sinai virus strain 2 were not detected, suggesting that they are either very rare or absent. The mite Varroa destructor, Nosema ceranae and four viruses (Sacbrood virus, Black queen cell virus, Deformed wing virus (DWV) and Chronic bee paralysis virus) were found with different prevalence. Despite the positive correlation between the prevalence of V. destructor mites and DWV, some areas had only mites, but not DWV, which is most likely due to the exceptional isolation of apiaries (up to 600 km). Phylogenetic analyses of the detected viruses reveal their clustering and European origin, thereby supporting the role of trade for pathogen spread and the isolation of Mongolia from South-Asian countries. In conclusion, this survey reveals the distinctive honey bee pathosphere of Mongolia, which offers opportunities for exciting future research.

Integrated pest management in multi-story public housing for the elderly in Houston, Texas

Integrated pest management is a viable alternative to traditional pest control methods. A paired sample design was utilized to measure the effect of IPM education on the number of cockroaches in a 200 unit, seven story public housing building for the elderly in Houston, TX. Glue traps were placed in 71 randomly selected apartments (5traps/unit) and left in place for two nights. Baseline cockroach counts were shared with the property manager, maintenance/janitorial staff, service coordinator, pest control professional and tenant representatives at the end of a one day “Integrated Pest Management in Multi-Family Housing” training course.^ There was a significant decrease in the average number of cockroaches after IPM education and implementation of IPM principles (P < 0.0003). Positive changes in behavior by members of the IPM team and changes in the housing authority operational plan were also found. Paired t-tests comparing the difference between mean cockroach counts at baseline and follow-up by location within the apartment all demonstrated a significant decrease in the number of cockroaches.^ Results supported the premise that IPM education and the implementation of IPM principles are effective measures to change pest control behaviors and control cockroaches. Cockroach infestations in multi-story housing are not solely determined by the actions of individual tenants. The actions of other residents, property managers and pest control professionals are also important factors in pest control.^ Findings support the implementation of IPM education and the adoption of IPM practices by public housing authorities. This study adds to existing evidence that clear communication of policies, a team approach and a commitment to ongoing inspection and monitoring of pests combined with corrective action to eliminate food, water and harborage and the judicial use of low risk pesticides have the potential to improve the living conditions of elderly residents living in public housing.^

La Sociedad Nacional de Agricultura (SNA) y el desarrollo de la fruticultura en Chile, 1838-1933

A partir de su fundación, la Sociedad Nacional de Agricultura (1838) comenzó a publicar revistas sobre temas agrarios. Generó así un singular corpus documental, dentro del cual el presente trabajo examina los textos dedicados a fruticultura. Se detectaron cerca de 300 artículos sobre el tema, referidos, principalmente, a la forma de cultivar las plantas, enfermedades y plagas, conservación de frutas y exportación. Se detectan relaciones con publicaciones agrarias extranjeras, sobre todo de EE.UU. y Argentina. La influencia de la SNA contribuyó a cambiar el paisaje de la fruticultura en Chile, según se reflejó en el censo agrícola de 1936

La Sociedad Nacional de Agricultura (SNA) y el desarrollo de la fruticultura en Chile, 1838-1933

A partir de su fundación, la Sociedad Nacional de Agricultura (1838) comenzó a publicar revistas sobre temas agrarios. Generó así un singular corpus documental, dentro del cual el presente trabajo examina los textos dedicados a fruticultura. Se detectaron cerca de 300 artículos sobre el tema, referidos, principalmente, a la forma de cultivar las plantas, enfermedades y plagas, conservación de frutas y exportación. Se detectan relaciones con publicaciones agrarias extranjeras, sobre todo de EE.UU. y Argentina. La influencia de la SNA contribuyó a cambiar el paisaje de la fruticultura en Chile, según se reflejó en el censo agrícola de 1936

Antagonistic interactions between the african weaver ant Oecophylla longinoda and the parasitoid Anagyrus pseudococci potentially limits suppression of the invasive mealybug Rastrococcus iceryoides

The ant Oecophylla longinoda Latreille forms a trophobiotic relationship with the invasive mealybug Rastrococus iceryoides Green and promotes the latter's infestations to unacceptable levels in the presence of their natural enemies. In this regard, the antagonistic interactions between the ant and the parasitoid Anagyrus pseudococci Girault were assessed under laboratory conditions. The percentage of parasitism of R. iceryoides by A. pseudococci was significantly higher on "ant-excluded" treatments (86.6% ± 1.27%) compared to "ant-tended" treatments (51.4% ± 4.13%). The low female-biased sex-ratio observed in the "ant-tended" treatment can be attributed to ants' interference during the oviposition phase, which disrupted parasitoids' ability to fertilize eggs. The mean foraging time, host handling time and number of successful oviposition in "ant-excluded" treatment were significantly higher compared to "ant-tended" treatments. When ant workers were allowed access to sterilized sand grains, mummified and unmummified R. iceryoides, they selectively removed the mummified mealybugs, indicating that they recognized the mummies as potential foods (1.2 ± 0.46 to 7.8 ± 1.17 mummies at 10 min intervals for 2 h). Percentage emergence from mummified R. iceryoides removed by the ants was significantly lower compared to emergence from mummies not exposed to ants. Although, host seeking parasitoids frequently evaded attacks, some were killed by the foraging ant workers (2.0 ± 0.38 to 6.0 ± 0.88 at 10 min intervals for 2 h). These results suggest for the first time that the presence of O. longinoda has a detrimental effect on the abundance, reproductive success and possibly oviposition strategy of female parasitoids, which might be a delimiting factor in field conditions if both natural enemies are to be recommended for use within the same agro-ecosystem.

La Sociedad Nacional de Agricultura (SNA) y el desarrollo de la fruticultura en Chile, 1838-1933

A partir de su fundación, la Sociedad Nacional de Agricultura (1838) comenzó a publicar revistas sobre temas agrarios. Generó así un singular corpus documental, dentro del cual el presente trabajo examina los textos dedicados a fruticultura. Se detectaron cerca de 300 artículos sobre el tema, referidos, principalmente, a la forma de cultivar las plantas, enfermedades y plagas, conservación de frutas y exportación. Se detectan relaciones con publicaciones agrarias extranjeras, sobre todo de EE.UU. y Argentina. La influencia de la SNA contribuyó a cambiar el paisaje de la fruticultura en Chile, según se reflejó en el censo agrícola de 1936

Abundance and biomass of planktonic diatom Proboscia alata and associated species, chlorophyll a, organic carbon and nitrogen concentrations in waters over the Bering Sea middle shelf in August 2001

During most of the vegetation season from late May to early September large-sized diatom alga Proboscia alata forms local patches with high abundances and biomasses in different oceanographic domains of the eastern Bering Sea shelf. For 0-25 m layer average abundance and biomass of species in these patches are 700000 cells/l and 5 g/m**3 (wet weight), while corresponding estimates for the layer of maximal species concentrations are 40000000 cells/l and 38 g/m**3 (wet weight) or 1.6 g C/m**3. These levels of abundance and biomass are typical for the spring diatom bloom in the region. Outbursts of P. alata mass development are important for the carbon cycle in the pelagic zone of the shelf area in the summer season. The paradox of P. alata summertime blooms over the middle shelf lies in their occurrences against the background of the sharp seasonal pycnocline and deficiency in nutrients in the upper mixed layer. Duration of the outbursts in P. alata development is about two weeks and size of patches with high abundances can be as large as 200 km across. Degradation of the P. alata summertime outbursts may occur during 4-5 days. Rapid sinking of cells through the seasonal pycnocline results in intense transport of organic matter to bottom sediments. One of possible factors responsible for rapid degradation of the blooms is affect on the population by ectoparasitic flagellates. At terminal stages of the P. alata blooms percentage of infected cells can reach 70-99%.

Routines in precision agriculture technology: an action research study

A crop management and precision agriculture software application facilitates the flow of information between disparate software/equipment and the network of individuals that work with them. A new generation of farmers are using precision technology to help them more efficiently manage their roplands. By measuring precisely the way their fields reflect and emit energy at visible and infrared wavelengths, precision farmers can monitor a wide range of variables that affect their crops,such as soil moisture, surface temperature, photosynthetic activity, and weed or pest infestations. Over thirty years have passed since Nelson and Winter put the concept of routines firmly at the center of the analysis of organizational and economic change. Taken as the central unit of analysis, routines would help understand energy and agriculture economy evolution.

Levantamento de ocorrência, alternativas de manejo, mecanismos de resistência e herança genética do capim-amargoso (Digitaria insularis) resistente ao herbicida glyphosate

O glyphosate é o principal herbicida utilizado no manejo de plantas daninhas na agricultura, aplicado em alguns sistemas de forma repetitiva ao longo de cada ano. Esta prática selecionou biótipos resistentes de espécies de plantas daninhas, sendo o capim-amargoso (Digitaria insularis) selecionado no Brasil. Portanto, se tornam necessários estudos para entender, manejar e reduzir a infestação do capim-amargoso resistente ao glyphosate. Dessa forma, esta pesquisa foi desenvolvida com os objetivos de: (i) mapear áreas do Brasil com possíveis infestações de capim-amargoso resistente ao glyphosate; (ii) avaliar alternativas químicas de seu manejo; (iii) elucidar os mecanismos de resistência ao glyphosate e; (iv) avaliar a herança genética dos genes que conferem resistência ao glyphosate. Para o desenvolvimento dos experimentos foram coletadas sementes de biótipos potencialmente resistentes de diversas regiões do Brasil onde ocorreram falhas de controle de D. insularis após a aplicação de glyphosate. Na primeira etapa da pesquisa foram realizados experimentos para determinação de uma dose discriminatória de triagementre as populações resistentes e suscetíveis ao glyphosate, através de curvas de dose-resposta, para identificar a resistência ao Glyphosate, sendo que estes dados foram utilizados para mapear a ocorrência de biótipos resistentes em algumas regiões do país. Na segunda etapa foi conduzido um experimento em casa-de-vegetação visando encontrar herbicidas alternativos ao Glyphosate para controle do capim-amargoso, utilizando herbicidas recomendados para as culturas do milho e algodão, tanto em condições de aplicação de pré como em pós-emergência da planta daninha. Na terceira etapa foram realizados ensaios para determinar a existência de absorção e translocação diferencial do glyphosate em biótipos suscetíveis e resistentes, juntamente com a análise molecular para comparar a região 106 do gene que codifica a EPSPs nestes biótipos. Por fim um estudo de polinização cruzada foi conduzido para avaliar se genes de resistência ao glyphosate são transferidos para a geração seguinte após inflorescências de biótipos suscetíveis serem acondicionadas com as de biótipos resistentes, submetendo a geração seguinte a experimentos de curva de dose-resposta com o glyphosate. Através do modelo de curva dose-resposta do programa estatístico R, determinou-se a dose de 960 g e.a ha-1, como a dose utilizada para triagem dos biótipos oriundos de diferentes regiões do Brasil. Com isto foram gerados mapas indicando a presença ou ausência de resistência ao herbicida, sendo que as região oeste do Paraná e sul do Mato Grosso do Sul apresentam maior número de localidades com a presença de biótipos resistentes. As alternativas de controle viáveis como pós-emergentes no estádio de um a dois perfilhos, foram os herbicidas Nicosulfuron, Imazapic + Imazapyr, Atrazine, Haloxifop-methyl e Tepraloxydim. Na pré-emergência do capim-amargoso os herbicidas Atrazine, Isoxaflutole, S-metolachlor, Clomazone, Diuron e Flumioxazin se apresentaram como eficazes para o controle desta espécie. Os resultados do experimento de absorção, translocação e comparação da região 106 não mostraram diferenças entre os biótipos resistente e suscetível. O experimento sobre cruzamento entre biótipos resistente e suscetível determinou a espécie D. insularis como autógama e sem transferência de genes que causam a resistência ao glyphosate.

Black maps/vivid waters : beauty and horror in David Maisel's The Lake Project and Terminal Mirage

"This paper examines The Lake Project and Terminal Mirage, the two components of David Maisel’s Black Maps series that concern water. Like the section of the Salt Lake chosen by Robert Smithson for his seminal Spiral Jetty, the alkaline waters Maisel photographs are subject to infestations of bacteria that that give them a visceral hue. Smithson provides a reference for this work; the artists are notable for their shared site, disorienting scale, and attraction to entropy"

Associations among Nosema spp. fungi, Varroa destructor mites, and chemical treatments in honey bees, Apis mellifera

Nosema spp. and Varroa destructor are common parasites of honey bee colonies. Beekeepers routinely treat colonies with the fungicide fumagillin to control Nosema and an array of miticides to control V. destructor. Interactions between these parasites and chemical treatments are poorly understood. We allocated honey bee colonies to distinct chemical treatment regimes and monitored parasite intensities in the subsequent year. Infections of Nosema and infestations of V. destructor were positively correlated. Fumagillin was effective at mitigating Nosema intensities only over the short term, suggesting that biannual application is essential. V. destructor intensities were higher in colonies that had been previously treated with miticides, reasons for this warrant further investigation.