Percevejos da soja e seu manejo.

Identificao de especies; Especies principais; Especies secundarias; Especies beneficas; Amostragens e niveis de danos; Amostragem; Danos; Medidas de controle; Controle quimico; Uso de doses reduzidas de inseticidas associados ao sal de cozinha; Uso de inseticidas em locais selecionados.

Práticas de manejo de pragas utilizadas na soja e seu impacto sobre a cultura.

2010

Selección de un aislado del nucleopoliedrovirus de Helicoverpa armigera (HearNPV) para su uso como base de un bioinsecticida

Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera; Noctuidae), conocida como el taladro del tomate, es una especie polífaga y de amplia distribución, responsable de grandes pérdidas económicas en más de 60 cultivos a lo largo de las regiones tropicales y subtropicales del mundo. Estas plagas se controlan mayoritariamente con plaguicidas químicos, aunque existe un gran interés por desarrollar otros agentes de control biológico. Entre estos, se encuentra el nucleopoliedrovirus de Helicoverpa armigera (HearNPV, Baculoviridae), que por sus características de seguridad y eficacia, sería útil para impulsar los programas de gestión integrada de plagas que se fomentan desde la Directiva 2009/128/CEE. El objetivo de este trabajo fue realizar una caracterización bioquímica y biológica de varios aislados de HearNPV : un aislado silvestre español (Badajoz) HearNPV-SP1, un aislado chino HearSNPV-G4, tres aislados sudafricanos (HearNPV-Whl, HearNPV-Kzn, HearNPV-Alb) y la materia activa de un producto comercial en uso en Europa (HearNPV-Hx). El análisis con las enzimas de restricción determinó que la enzima BglII generaba perfiles similares pero con fragmentos característicos en todos los casos a excepción de los aislados HearNPV-Kzn y HearNPVAlb, que no pudieron ser diferenciados entre sí con ninguna de las enzimas probadas. El análisis filogenético, basado en las secuencias parciales de los genes poliedrina (polh), lef-8 y lef-9, donde se incluyeron las secuencias correspondientes a 18 genomas mostró que el aislado HearNPV-Whl es filogenéticamente próximo a las cepas de origen ibérico, mientras que los aislados HearNPV-Hx y HearNPV-Alb comparten la misma rama que los aislados asiáticos y australiano. La caracterización insecticida de los aislados HearNPV-SP1, HearNPV-Hx y HearNPV-G4 reveló que la virulencia (TMM) del aislado HearNPV-SP1 (104 h) fue significativamente menor que la de los aislados HearNPV-G4 (109 h) y HearNPV-Hx (111 h). En este trabajo, se determinó que el tiempo de acción del HearNPV-SP1 es menor al de otros bioinsecticidas en uso en Europa, por lo que se confirma la posibilidad de mejorar los productos activos en uno de los aspectos más sensibles de cara a su comercialización como es su tiempo de actuación.

Entomofauna associated with the olive tree in southern Portugal

Since 2004 several studies have been carried out in order to identify the main insect species that usually inhabiting the olive ecosystem. The field trials have taken place in two olive groves, one situated in Olhão and the other one in Loulé, both in Algarve and also under Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The sampling techniques used differ according to their purpose (sticky traps, pheromone traps, pitfall traps and samples of aerial parts of the trees such as inflorescences, leaves, fruits and branches). Results showed that the main insect pests of olive tree in southern Portugal were the olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae Gmelin (Diptera: Tephritidae) and the olive moth Prays oleae Bernard (Lepidoptera: Hyponeumetidae). Other insect pests were also found in our olive groves namely the olive psyllid Euphyllura olivina Costa (Homoptera: Psyllidae), the olive dark beetle Phloeotribus scarabaeoides Bernard (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), the mediterranean black scale Saissetia oleae (Olivier) (Homoptera: Coccidae) and the olive thrip Liothripes oleae Costa (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae). Concerning the auxiliary insects that were found in our olives groves they belong to the following orders and families: Diptera (Syrphidae), Coleoptera (Carabidae, Coccinelidae and Staphylinidae), Hemiptera (Anthocoridae and Miridae), Neuroptera (Chrysopidae) and Hymenoptera (Braconidae, Encyrtidae, Eulophidae, Formicidae and Trichogrammatidae).

Comparison of Disposable Pipette Extraction and Dispersive Solid-Phase Extraction in the QuEChERS Method for Analysis of Pesticides in Strawberries

In this study, we sought to assess the applicability of GC–MS/MS for the identification and quantification of 36 pesticides in strawberry from integrated pest management (IPM) and organic farming (OF). Citrate versions of QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe) using dispersive solid-phase extraction (d-SPE) and disposable pipette extraction (DPX) for cleanup were compared for pesticide extraction. For cleanup, a combination of MgSO4, primary secondary amine and C18 was used for both the versions. Significant differences were observed in recovery results between the two sample preparation versions (DPX and d-SPE). Overall, 86% of the pesticides achieved recoveries (three spiking levels 10, 50 and 200 µg/kg) in the range of 70–120%, with <13% RSD. The matrix effects were also evaluated in both the versions and in strawberries from different crop types. Although not evidencing significant differences between the two methodologies were observed, however, the DPX cleanup proved to be a faster technique and easy to execute. The results indicate that QuEChERS with d-SPE and DPX and GC–MS/MS analysis achieved reliable quantification and identification of 36 pesticide residues in strawberries from OF and IPM.

Contributos para um Plano de Preservação no Arquivo Intermédio da Câmara Municipal de Sintra

Os aquivos municipais preservam a documentação definida legalmente como de conservação permanente, a memória e a experiência da Administração Local e, como tal, são agentes imprescindíveis à preservação dos direitos municipais. A preocupação com a preservação da documentação deve constituir um dos pilares principais do arquivo desde o início da sua criação. E não somente quando a documentação é transferida para o Arquivo Histórico, deve estar presente durante todo o ciclo de vida da documentação. Com a criação do PARAM (Programa de Apoio à Rede de Arquivos Municipais), os arquivos municipais ganham um novo incremento, não só a nível técnico como a nível financeiro, sendo-lhe reconhecido o seu devido valor e importância, na sua dupla dimensão, administrativa e cultural. Uma das funções do arquivo é disponibilizar a documentação que têm à sua guarda e que se encontra armazenada nos depósitos. Para tal é fundamental criar condições a curto, a médio e a longo prazo, implementando toda uma política integrada de preservação, envolvendo os demais serviços da instituição, fazendo-se o controlo do estado de conservação da documentação, aplicando uma metodologia da manipulação de documentos para disponibilizá-los tanto aos clientes internos como externos. O Arquivo Intermédio da Câmara Municipal de Sintra não possui plano de preservação documental, nem ações de preservação extensíveis aos objetos digitais, daí que a presente tese de mestrado pretenda ser um proposta de um contributo de um plano de preservação, que tenha em consideração os demais aspetos desde a localização e construção ou manutenção do edifício onde se encontra o arquivo, questões de segurança, de controlo ambiental, de luz/fotodegradação, o controlo integrado de pragas, danos causados por água, os desastres naturais, a poluição, a limpeza e vigilância na zona de depósitos e armazenamento e manuseamento dos documentos.

Application d’une stratégie de lutte intégrée contre le parasite Varroa destructor dans les colonies d’abeilles mellifères du Québec

Le parasite Varroa destructor provoque depuis plus de 30 ans la perte de nombreuses colonies à travers le monde. L’utilisation d’acaricides de synthèse s’est avérée inefficace au Canada et ailleurs dans le monde à la suite de la sélection de varroas résistants. Dans ce contexte, il est devenu impératif de trouver de nouveaux moyens pour contrôler cette peste apicole. Ce travail original de recherche a pour but de déterminer les paramètres fondamentaux d’une lutte intégrée contre la varroase fondée sur l’utilisation périodique de différents pesticides organiques (l’acide oxalique, l’acide formique et le thymol) associée à des seuils d’interventions. Les seuils d’intervention ont été déterminés à l’aide de régressions linéaires entre les taux de parasitisme par V. destructor et la formance zootechnique des colonies d’abeilles mellifères (production de miel et force des colonies). Un total de 154 colonies d’abeilles du Centre de recherche en sciences animales de Deschambault (CRSAD) ont été suivies de septembre 2005 à septembre 2006. Les seuils calculés et proposés à la suite de cette recherche sont de 2 varroas par jour (chute naturelle) au début mai, 10 varroas par jour à la fin juillet et de 9 varroas par jour au début septembre. L’efficacité des traitements organiques avec l’acide oxalique (AO), l’acide formique (AF) et le thymol a été vérifiée en mai (avant la première miellée) en juillet (entre deux miellées), en septembre (après la miellée et pendant le nourrissage des colonies) et en novembre (avant l’hivernage). L’acide oxalique a été appliqué en utilisant la méthode d’égouttement (4% d’AO p/v dans un sirop de sucrose 1 :1 p/v). L’acide formique a été appliquée sous forme de MiteAwayII™ (tampon commercial imbibé d’AF 65% v/v placé sur le dessus des cadres à couvain), Mitewipe (tampons Dri-Loc™ 10/15cm imbibés de 35 mL d’AF 65% v/v placés sur le dessus des cadres à couvain) ou Flash (AF 65% coulé directement sur le plateau inférieur d’une colonie, 2 mL par cadre avec abeilles). Le thymol a été appliqué sous forme d’Apiguard™ (gélose contenant 25% de thymol p/v placée sur le dessus des cadres à couvain). Les essais d’efficacité ont été réalisés de 2006 à 2008 sur un total de 170 colonies (98 appartenant au CRSAD et 72 appartenant au privé). Les résultats montrent que les traitements de printemps testés ont une faible efficacité pour le contrôle des varroas qui sont en pleine croissance durant cette période. Un traitement avec l’AF à la mi-été permet de réduire les taux de parasites sous le seuil en septembre mais il y a risque de contaminer la récolte de miel avec des résidus d’AF. Les traitements en septembre avec le MiteAwayII™ suivis par un traitement à l’acide oxalique en novembre (5 mL par égouttement entre chaque cadre avec abeilles, 4% d’AO p/v dans un sirop de sucrose 1 :1 p/v) sont les plus efficaces : ils réduisent les niveaux de varroase sous le seuil de 2 varroas par jour au printemps. Nos résultats montrent également que les traitements réalisés tôt en septembre sont plus efficaces et produisent des colonies plus fortes au printemps comparativement à un traitement réalisé un mois plus tard en octobre. En conclusion, ce travail de recherche démontre qu’il est possible de contenir le développement de la varroase dans les ruchers au Québec en utilisant une méthode de lutte intégrée basée sur une combinaison d’applications d’acaricides organiques associée à des seuils d’intervention.

Survey of Agricultural Practices and Alternatives to Pesticide Use to Conserve Water Resources in the Mojanda Watershed, Ecuador

Agriculture in the Mojanda Watershed is facing rainfall reductions caused by climate change. Reductions of water availability in the Watershed are also due to constant extension of the agricultural activities into the páramo ecosystem above 3000m a.s.l., with this ecosystem having immanently important functions in the local water balance. The application of pesticides threatens the quality of water and with less precipitation contaminations will further concentrate in the outflow. To analyze problems associated with agricultural practices in the area a questionnaire about agricultural practices (28) was conducted and fields (20) were surveyed for pests and diseases with a focus on potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.), tree tomatoes (Solanum betaceum Cav.) and peas (Pisum sativum L.). Potatoes were infected to a low degree with Phytophthora infestans and according to the farmers the Andean potato weevil (Premnotrypes spec.) caused biggest losses. To combat the weevil the soils are disinfected with toxic Carbofuran (WHO Class 1B). Tree tomatoes showed symptoms of various fungal diseases. Most important was Fusarium solani causing the branches to rot and Anthracnosis (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) causing the fruits to rot. Fungicide applications were correspondingly high. Peas were only minorly affected by Ascochyta blight (Mycosphaerella pinodes) and a root rot. Overall 19 active ingredients were applied of which fungicide Mancozeb (WHO class table 5) and insecticide Carbofuran (WHO Class 1B) were applied the most. Approved IPM methods are advised to reduce pesticide use. For tree tomatoes regular cutting of branches infected with F. solani and regular collection and disposal of infected fruits with Anthracnosis are advised. For potatoes plastic barriers around the fields prevent the Andean potato weevil from laying eggs thus reducing infestation with the larvae in the tubers. Local bioinsecticide “Biol” seems effective and without harm to the environment, although not used by many farmers. Organic fertilization promises to restore decreasing soil fertility, water holding capacity and reduce erosion. The here presented alternatives and strategies to reduce pesticide use pose an opportunity to preserve the water resources of the region.

Farmers’ knowledge and perceptions of potato pests and their management in Uganda

As we initiate entomological research on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in Uganda, there is need to understand farmers’ knowledge of existing insect pest problems and their management practices. Such information is important for designing a suitable intervention and successful integrated pest management (IPM) strategy. A farm household survey using a structured questionnaire was conducted among 204 potato farmers in six districts of Uganda (i.e., Kabale, Kisoro, Mbale, Kapchorwa, Mubende, and Kyegegwa) during August and September 2013. Diseases, insect pests, price fluctuations, and low market prices were the four highest ranked constraints in potato production, in order of decreasing importance. Cutworms (Agrotis spp.), aphids (Myzus persicae (Sulzer)), and potato tuber moth (Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller)) were the three most severe insect pests. Ants (Dorylis orantalis Westwood), whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius)), and leafminer flies (Liriomyza huidobrensis (Blanchard)) were pests of moderate importance. Major yield losses are predominantly due to late blight (Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary) and reached 100% without chemical control in the districts of Kabale, Kisoro, Mbale, and Kapchorwa. On average, farmers had little to moderate knowledge about pest characteristics. The predominant control methods were use of fungicides (72% of respondents) and insecticides (62% of respondents). On average, only 5% of the 204 farmers knew about insect pests and their natural enemies. This lack of knowledge calls for training of both farmers and extension workers in insect pest identification, their biology, and control. Empowering farmers with knowledge about insect pests is essential for the reduction of pesticide misuse and uptake of more environmentally friendly approaches like IPM. Field surveys would need follow-up in order to assess the actual field infestation rates and intensities of each insect pest and compare the results with the responses received from farmers.

The roles of olfaction and vision in host-plant finding by the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella

The relative roles of olfaction and vision in the crepuscular host-finding process of a major lepidopteran pest of cruciferous crops, the diamondback moth Plutella xylostella are investigated in a series of laboratory and semi-field experiments. Flying female moths use volatile plant chemical cues to locate and to promote landing on their host, even in complex mixed-crop environments in large cages. Multiple regression analysis shows that both the plant position (front, middle or back rows) and the type of plant (host plant, nonhost plant) are needed to explain the distribution of insects in such a mixed-crop situation. This strong plant position effect indicates that, when host plants are present in a mixture, foraging P. xylostella are more likely to alight on the first row of the plants. The findings are discussed with regard to current theories of host-plant location by phytophagous insects and the possible implications for integrated pest management.

Pathogenicity of the bacterium Pseudomonas putida from the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema abbasi and its secretion against Galleria mellonella larvae

The Entomopathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas putida from Steinernema abbasi and its metabolic secretions were lethal to the Galleria mellonella larvae. Different laboratory experiments on time interval, substrate, moisture, temperature, dose, penetration of cells, stored and dried metabolites were conducted in sand and filter paper bioassays. It was concluded that death was probably due to the toxic metabolites. This bacterium and its metabolites were found very effective at 30 degree C. Penetration of bacterium was rapid after application on G. mellonella larvae. P. putida cells were recovered from the haemocoele when suspensions containing bacterial cells were applied to the G. mellonella indicating that bacterial symbionts do have a free-living existence and can enter the haemocoele in the absence of nematode vector. Stored metabolite and dried metabolites were found persistent for long time. This bacterium or its toxic secretions can be used for insect control that can be important component of integrated pest management against different insect pests. P. putida and its secretions are suggested as the most appropriate suspension to apply against insect pest control program in tropical ecological regions.

Pathogenicity of the bacterium Xenorhabdus nematophila isolated from the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema carpocapsae and its secretions against Galleria mellonella larvae

The entomopathogenic bacterium, Xenorhabdus nematophila was isolated from the hemolymph of Galleria mellonella infected with Steinernema carpocapsae. The bacterial cells and its metabolic secretions have been found lethal to the Galleria larvae. Toxic secretion in broth caused 95% mortality within 4 d of application whereas the bacterial cells caused 93% mortality after 6 d. When filter and sand substrates were compared, the later one was observed as appropriate. Similarly, bacterial cells and secretion in broth were more effective at 14% moisture and 25 °C temperature treatments. Maximum insect mortality (100%) was observed when bacterial concentration of 4×106 cells/ml was used. Similarly, maximum bacterial cells in broth (95%) were penetrated into the insect body within 2 h of their application. However, when stored bacterial toxic secretion was applied to the insects its efficacy declined. On the other hand, when the same toxic secretion was dried and then dissolved either in broth or water was proved to be effective. The present study showed that the bacterium, X. nematophila or its toxic secretion can be used as an important component of integrated pest management against Galleria.

Agronomic techniques to control Lobesia botrana

The grapevine moth Lobesia botrana (Denis & Schiffermuller) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is a key pest of grapevines in Greece. As part of a broader study on integrated pest management, the effects were investigated of different cultural methods on the establishment and survival of L. botrana, specifically: application of different nitrogen levels (30 and 100 units of ammonium sulfate or 70 units of Agrobiosol); summer leaf and shoot pruning; application of growth regulators (Regalis, probexadione-calcium; or Falgro, gibberellic acid). There were significant differences among the three levels of N application. The lowest L. botrana infestation rates were found in plots treated with 30 units of (NH4)(2)SO4 and plots that received some summer pruning. Following the application of plant growth regulators, the lowest L. botrana infestation levels occurred in the plots treated with Regalis or Falgro at the manufacturers' recommended concentrations. On vines where growth regulators had been applied, the clusters had fewer berries than those not treated with growth regulators.

Greenhouse whitefly (Homoptera : Aleyrodidae) dispersal under different UV-light environments

The greenhouse whitefly, Dialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae), is known to respond to UV light (UV). Field studies were conducted to improve our understanding of the behavioral effects and practical implications of using UV-blocking plastic films for the control of whitefly. Adult whiteflies were released in outdoor-located choice-chamber experiments with compartments clad with a range of films that transmitted incident UV to different extents. In release-recapture experiments, a very small proportion of the whiteflies recovered had dispersed into compartments where the entire UV spectrum was blocked, whereas the major proportion preferred compartments with UV. Compartments clad with films that blocked LTV below 375 nm attracted significantly more whiteflies than films that blocked UV below 385 nm, whereas the absorption of LTV wavelengths above 385 nm did not show any further effect on whitefly numbers. A reduction in the side cladding of the compartments by > 20% significantly reduced the advantage of using LTV-blocking films. Adult whitefly did not discriminate between direct- and diffused-light environments, as long as the UV-absorbing properties of the films were equivalent. Whitefly dispersal was influenced by the time of the day when adult whitefly were released, with a higher proportion of whitelly avoiding compartments clad with LTV-blocking films, at times of the day when light intensities were higher. The future use of UV-blocking films as a potentially highly effective component of integrated pest management systems for the control of whitefly is discussed.