Rammohan R. Balusu

Bio: Rammohan R. Balusu is an academic researcher from Auburn University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Pentatomidae & Biology. The author has an hindex of 8, co-authored 20 publications receiving 151 citations. Previous affiliations of Rammohan R. Balusu include Agricultural Research Service.

Surveys of stink bug egg parasitism in Asia, Europe and North America, morphological taxonomy, and molecular analysis reveal the Holarctic distribution of Acroclisoides sinicus (Huang & Liao) (Hymenoptera, Pteromalidae)

Abstract: Halyomorpha halys is an invasive, widespread stink bug for which only short-term solutions are currently available for pest control worldwide. The need for long-term management solutions for H. halys has driven studies on augmentative and classical biological control of this species, especially by its egg parasitoids. Numerous investigations in Asia, USA, and Europe on native and exotic egg parasitoids of H. halys, and the effects on non-target pentatomids, have improved the global knowledge of parasitoid-host relationships, uncovered new associations, and led to the discovery of new species. This trend continues with Acroclisoides sinicus, a pteromalid that was described in the 1980’s from Asia. In this work we report recent findings of this species in North America and Europe. Moreover, we propose that Acroclisoides solus syn. nov., a species described originally from the USA, is conspecific with A. sinicus based on morphological and molecular analysis.

Host Finding and Acceptance Preference of the Yellowmargined Leaf Beetle, Microtheca ochroloma (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), on Cruciferous Crops

Abstract: The yellowmargined leaf beetle, Microtheca ochroloma Stal (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is an introduced pest of cruciferous crops in the southern United States, and arguably the most damaging pest of organic crucifer vegetable production in the region. Studies were conducted in the greenhouse and laboratory to investigate host finding and acceptance preference of M. ochroloma on four commonly grown cruciferous crops: cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. variety capitata), collards (B. oleracea L. variety acephala), napa cabbage [B. pekinensis (Lour.)], and turnip (B. rapa L.) First, adult beetles were allowed to choose among the four plants in a multiple-choice greenhouse cage experiment and host preference was evaluated by using three parameters: number of beetles on each plant, number of larvae on each plant, and plant damage ratings. The results showed that M. ochroloma adults actively discriminated among the four host plants, with significantly higher numbers recorded on turnip and napa cabbage than on cabbage or collards. Significantly higher numbers of larvae also were recorded on turnip and napa cabbage starting on day 10. Similarly, higher damage ratings were recorded on turnip and napa cabbage than on the remaining two hosts. Results of four-choice olfactometer experiments, which compared attraction of M. ochroloma to headspace volatiles of the four host plants, demonstrated that host preference is mediated primarily by plant volatiles. Both sexes were significantly more attracted to napa cabbage than to the remaining treatments, with turnip being the second most attractive plant. These results confirm that turnip and napa cabbage are two preferred host plants of M. ochroloma, and may support the development of a trap crop system and attractant-based strategies for managing M. ochroloma in crucifer production.

Evaluation of organically acceptable insecticides as stand-alone treatments and in rotation for managing yellowmargined leaf beetle, Microtheca ochroloma (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), in organic crucifer production.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Yellowmargined leaf beetle, Microtheca ochroloma, is the most damaging pest of organic crucifer crops in the southern United States. Experiments were conducted over four growing seasons (2007–2010) in Alabama to evaluate some botanical and microbial insecticides approved by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) against M. ochroloma in organically grown crucifer crops. Insecticides evaluated included PyGanic® (pyrethrum), Aza-Direct® (azadiractin), Entrust® (spinosad), Mycotrol O® (Beauveria bassiana strain GHA) and NOFLY® [Isaria ( = Paecilomyces) fumosoroseus strain FE 9901]. Two experimental organic formulations, Tick-Ex (Metarhizium anisopliae strain F52) and MBI-203 (Chromobacterium subtsugae), and one non-OMRI-listed formulation, Novodor® (Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies tenebrionis), were also evaluated. The insecticides were applied as stand-alone treatments at recommended field rates on a weekly schedule. In 2010, some of the treatments were also evaluated in rotation/alternation with Entrust®. Insecticide efficacy was determined by comparing densities of M. ochroloma larvae and adults and crop damage ratings in treated versus untreated turnip plots. RESULTS: Entrust® consistently performed well in suppressing M. ochroloma adults, larvae and crop damage. PyGanic® was the second best treatment. PyGanic® or NOFLY™ can be applied in rotation with Entrust® for effective management of M. ochroloma. CONCLUSION: Entrust® applied weekly or in alternation with PyGanic® or NOFLY™ provided acceptable control of M. ochroloma in organic crucifer production. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry

Topical and vapor toxicity of saturated fatty acids to the German cockroach (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae).

Abstract: Topical and fumigant toxicity of saturated aliphatic fatty acids with chain lengths of C1 through C14 were determined against the German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.). In the C1 to C11 series, topical toxicity (LD50 in milligram per adult male) ranged from 0.145 (C1) to 0.322 mg (C2). Toxicity declined dramatically with C12 and C14 acids whose LD50 values could not be calculated. The relative fumigation toxicity (LC50 in microliter per liter) of C1 through C5 acids was positively correlated with topical toxicity with values ranging from 6.159 (C3) to 12.302 microl/liter (C2). Fumigant toxicity decreased sharply with C6 (LC50 = 37.691 microl/liter) and there was no mortality of cockroaches exposed to vapors from C7 to C14 acids. The low fumigant toxicity of the C6 to C11 acids was correlated with their relatively low vapor pressure, but differences in diffusion of the vapors into the spiracles and subsequent passage to the target sites may have also been involved.

An Introduction To Genetic Analysis

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Biological control of invasive stink bugs: review of global state and future prospects

Abstract: Invasive stink bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) are responsible for high economic losses to agricul-ture on a global scale. The most important species, dating from recent to old invasions, includeBagrada hilaris (Burmeister), Halyomorpha halys (Stal), Piezodorus guildinii (Westwood), Nezara vir-idula (L.), and Murgantia histrionica (Hahn). Bagrada hilaris, H. halys,andN. viridula are nowalmost globally distributed. Biological control of these pests faces a complex set of challenges thatmust be addressed to maintain pest populations below the economic injury level. Several case studiesof classical and conservation biological control of invasive stink bugs are reported here. The mostcommon parasitoids in their geographical area of origin are egg parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Scelion-idae, Encyrtidae, and Eupelmidae). Additionally, native parasitoids of adult stink bugs (Diptera:Tachinidae) have in some cases adapted to the novel hosts in the invaded area and native predatorsare known to prey on the various instars. Improving the efficacy of biocontrol agents is possiblethrough conservation biological control techniques and exploitation of their chemical ecology.Moreover, integration of biological control with other techniques, such as behavioural manipulationof adult stink bugs and plant resistance, may be a sustainable pest control method within organicfarming and integrated pest management programs. However, additional field studies are needed toverify the efficacy of these novel methods and transfer them from research to application.

Altering Plant Defenses: Herbivore-Associated Molecular Patterns and Effector Arsenal of Chewing Herbivores

Abstract: Chewing herbivores, such as caterpillars and beetles, while feeding on the host plant, cause extensive tissue damage and release a wide array of cues to alter plant defenses. Consequently, the cues can have both beneficial and detrimental impacts on the chewing herbivores. Herbivore-associated molecular patterns (HAMPs) are molecules produced by herbivorous insects that aid them to elicit plant defenses leading to impairment of insect growth, while effectors suppress plant defenses and contribute to increased susceptibility to subsequent feeding by chewing herbivores. Besides secretions that originate from glands (e.g., saliva) and fore- and midgut regions (e.g., oral secretions) of chewing herbivores, recent studies have shown that insect frass and herbivore-associated endosymbionts also play a critical role in modulating plant defenses. In this review, we provide an update on a growing body of literature that discusses the chewing insect HAMPs and effectors and the mechanisms by which they modulate host defenses. Novel "omic" approaches and availability of new tools will help researchers to move forward this discipline by identifying and characterizing novel insect HAMPs and effectors and how these herbivore-associated cues are perceived by host plant receptors.

Assessing the Distribution of Exotic Egg Parasitoids of Halyomorpha halys in Europe with a Large-Scale Monitoring Program.

Abstract: The brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys is an invasive agricultural pest with a worldwide distribution. Classical biological control has been identified as the most promising method to reduce the populations of H. halys. Adventive populations of two candidates for releases, Trissolcus japonicus and Trissolcus mitsukurii, have recently been detected in Europe. To assess their distribution and abundance, a large-scale survey was performed. From May to September 2019, a wide area covering northern Italy and parts of Switzerland was surveyed, highlighting the expanding distribution of both Tr. japonicus and Tr. mitsukurii. Within four years after their first detection in Europe, both species have rapidly spread into all types of habitats where H. halys is present, showing a wide distribution and continuous expansion. Both exotic Trissolcus showed high levels of parasitism rate towards H. halys, while parasitization of non-target species was a rare event. The generalist Anastatus bifasciatus was the predominant native parasitoid of H. halys, while the emergence of native scelionids from H. halys eggs was rarely observed. The presence of the hyperparasitoid Acroclisoides sinicus was also recorded. This study provided fundamental data that supported the development of the first inoculative release program of Tr. japonicus in Europe.

Synthetic and Natural Insecticides: Gas, Liquid, Gel and Solid Formulations for Stored-Product and Food-Industry Pest Control

Abstract: The selective application of insecticides is one of the cornerstones of integrated pest management (IPM) and management strategies for pest resistance to insecticides. The present work provides a comprehensive overview of the traditional and new methods for the application of gas, liquid, gel, and solid physical insecticide formulations to control stored-product and food industry urban pests from the taxa Acarina, Blattodea, Coleoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Psocoptera, and Zygentoma. Various definitions and concepts historically and currently used for various pesticide application formulations and methods are also described. This review demonstrates that new technological advances have sparked renewed research interest in the optimization of conventional methods such as insecticide aerosols, sprays, fumigants, and inert gases. Insect growth regulators/disruptors (IGRs/IGDs) are increasingly employed in baits, aerosols, residual treatments, and as spray-residual protectants for long-term stored-grain protection. Insecticide-impregnated hypoxic multilayer bags have been proven to be one of the most promising low-cost and safe methods for hermetic grain storage in developing countries. Insecticide-impregnated netting and food baits were originally developed for the control of urban/medical pests and have been recognized as an innovative technology for the protection of stored commodities. New biodegradable acaricide gel coatings and nets have been suggested for the protection of ham meat. Tablets and satchels represent a new approach for the application of botanicals. Many emerging technologies can be found in the form of impregnated protective packaging (insect growth regulators/disruptors (IGRs/IGDs), natural repellents), pheromone-based attracticides, electrostatic dust or sprays, nanoparticles, edible artificial sweeteners, hydrogels, inert baits with synthetic attractants, biodegradable encapsulations of active ingredients, and cyanogenic protective grain coatings. Smart pest control technologies based on RNA-based gene silencing compounds incorporated into food baits stand at the forefront of current strategic research. Inert gases and dust (diatomaceous earth) are positive examples of alternatives to synthetic pesticide products, for which methods of application and their integration with other methods have been proposed and implemented in practice. Although many promising laboratory studies have been conducted on the biological activity of natural botanical insecticides, published studies demonstrating their effective industrial field usage in grain stores and food production facilities are scarce. This review shows that the current problems associated with the application of some natural botanical insecticides (e.g., sorption, stability, field efficacy, and smell) to some extent echo problems that were frequently encountered and addressed almost 100 years ago during the transition from ancient to modern classical chemical pest control methods.