Showing papers in "Biocontrol Science and Technology in 1996"
TL;DR: This paper addresses three major issues: molecular taxonomy and its application to elucidate the biodiversity and biogeography of entomopathogenic nematodes, and a brief consideration of the Convention on Biological Diversity and its implications for future work with entomopathic nematode and biological control.
Abstract: This paper addresses three major issues. Firstly, molecular taxonomy and its application to elucidate the biodiversity and biogeography of entomopathogenic nematodes is considered. Accurate identification is fundamental for understanding biodiversity, and because these nematodes are morphologically conservative, molecular techniques will provide the insights necessary to develop a robust, morphologically based taxonomy. Secondly, a review of the knowledge on their biogeography and habitat specificity, including a consideration of the limitations to the available data is given. Much of the information is presented in two tables which summarize the distributions of recognized species at continental and national levels. Thirdly, this paper provides a brief consideration of the Convention on Biological Diversity and its implications for future work with entomopathogenic nematodes and biological control.
207 citations
TL;DR: Based on current knowledge, nematode reproduction strategies are discussed and indications of the risk involved in the release of non-indigenous nematodes are given.
Abstract: The natural host range of entomopathogenic nematodes of the genera Steinernema and Heterorhabditis can be defined as the range of insects which indigenous nematode populations use for propagation. Information on the natural host range is rare. However, based on records of insects found to be naturally infected with nematodes, some conclusions regarding the natural host range of some Steinernema spp. and Heterorhabditis spp. are presented. Reports of indigenous nematode populations impacting on insect populations can be divided between relatively balanced, long-lasting nematode-host associations and unbalanced, short-lasting epizootics. Examples of the augmentation and inoculative introduction of nematodes in agriculture and forestry ecosystems are presented. Based on current knowledge, nematode reproduction strategies are discussed and indications of the risk involved in the release of non-indigenous nematodes are given.
195 citations
TL;DR: In plots treated with entomopathogenic nematodes, the impact on the non-target fauna proved to be negligible and the possible impact of introduced exotic nematode species is discussed and regulatory measures for the release are proposed.
Abstract: Biological pest control has been thought to be ecologically safe for many years More recently, it has been questioned whether entomopathogens and beneficial arthropods or nematodes truly have no impact on non-target species Only a few studies deal with the action of entomopathogenic nematodes on non-target animals, although a broad spectrum of species has been tested in the laboratory Entomopathogenic nematodes do not affect vertebrates under natural conditions Mortality caused by the release of entomopathogenic nematodes among non-target arthropod populations can occur, but will only be temporary, will be spatially restricted and will affect only part of a population In plots treated with entomopathogenic nematodes, the impact on the non-target fauna proved to be negligible The possible impact of introduced exotic nematode species is discussed and regulatory measures for the release are proposed
154 citations
TL;DR: Five phases can be distinguished in the post-application persistence of entomopathogenic nematodes and each phase is associated with a specific set of mortality factors.
Abstract: Five phases can be distinguished in the post-application persistence of entomopathogenic nematodes and each phase is associated with a specific set of mortality factors. Pre-application factors associated with production, storage and transport conditions determine the survival rate and quality of nematodes at the time of application. The phase of tank mixing and application with a sprayer, hose or other equipment does not usually cause mortality as nematode dauer juveniles are quite tolerant of shear forces. The most critical periods for survival are the first few minutes and hours directly after application. High losses, in the order of 40-80%, often occur during this phase. Ultraviolet radiation and dehydration are probably the most important mortality factors. The remaining nematodes settle in the soil and their numbers gradually decrease at levels of 5-10% per day. Predation, infection by antagonists, depletion of energy and desiccation are probably the main mortality factors during this period. In mo...
147 citations
TL;DR: Cytological observations on root samples from FORL-inoculated plants revealed that the beneficial effect of chitosan in reducing disease was associated with increased plant resistance to fungal colonization.
Abstract: The potential of chitosan, a non-toxic and biodegradable polymer of beta -1,4-glucosamine, for controlling fusarium crown and root rot of greenhouse-grown tomato caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. radicis-lycopersici (FORL) was investigated. The amendment of plant growth substratum with chitosan at concentrations of 12.5 or 37.5 mg l-1 significantly reduced plant mortality, root rot symptoms and yield loss attributed to FORL. Maximum disease control was achieved with chitosan at 37.5 mg l-1, when plant mortality was reduced by more than 90% and fruit yield was comparable with that of non-infected plants. In the absence of FORL, chitosan did not adversely affect plant growth and fruit yield. Cytological observations on root samples from FORL-inoculated plants revealed that the beneficial effect of chitosan in reducing disease was associated with increased plant resistance to fungal colonization. In chitosan-treated plants, fungal growth was restricted to the epidermis and the cortex. Invading hyphae showed...
141 citations
TL;DR: Large-scale, outdoor application of entomopathogenic nematodes of the genera Steinernema and Heterorhabditis will require additional scientific and technical progress in the areas of production, storage, formulation and application.
Abstract: Constraints about the use of chemical insecticides have limited the availability of control measures against soil-borne insect pests. Entomopathogenic nematodes of the genera Steinernema and Heterorhabditis provide an environmentally safe and economically reasonable alternative. Their life cycle and current production, storage and formulation technology are described. An overview of their safety, use in integrated pest management and current market potential (US$10 million in 1994) is also given. The costs of research and development efforts and the scale-up of production technologies are discussed in relation to the current and future market potential. Large-scale, outdoor application will require additional scientific and technical progress in the areas of production, storage, formulation and application. Besides public funding, the current niche markets will need to provide the financial basis for further development, provided that regulatory conditions will not limit the exploitation of the nematodes'...
137 citations
TL;DR: This review emphasizes that the relationship between these non-symbiotic bacteria and nematodes cannot be considered to be a risk for humans because they do not support the growth of nematode during long-term mass rearing or they doNot persist during storage of nem atodes, so their purposeful use is necessarily excluded for industrial productio...
Abstract: This paper reports on several aspects of the taxonomy and biology of the symbiotic bacteria, Xenorhabdus spp. and Photorhabdus spp., associated with entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), which may be used to define the boundaries with pathogenic bacteria of medical, veterinary or agronomic importance. All the result of tests undertaken to assess the effects of these bacteria on warm-blooded vertebrates were negative, indicating that the bacteri would pose no hazard to vertebrates in practice. Non-symbiotic microorganisms are also associated occasionally with EPNs, and some of them, e.g Providencia rettgeri, belong to taxa which include opportunistic pathogens of man. This review emphasizes that the relationship between these non-symbiotic bacteria and nematodes cannot be considered to be a risk for humans because they do not support the growth of nematodes during long-term mass rearing or they do not persist during storage of nematodes, so their purposeful use is necessarily excluded for industrial productio...
132 citations
TL;DR: In laboratory studies, intra-specific and inter-specific competition reduces nematode fitness, andInter- specific competition can cause local extinction of a nematodes species.
Abstract: Antagonistic factors, broadly identified as antibiosis, competition and natural enemies, impact on entomopathogenic nematodes. Antibiosis can occur through the release of plant chemicals from the roots into the soil, which may adversely affect the host-finding behavior of the infective stage nematode, or the presence of these chemicals in the host insect may negatively affect nematode reproduction. In laboratory studies, intra-specific and inter-specific competition reduces nematode fitness, and inter-specific competition can cause local extinction of a nematode species. For example, after concomitant infection of a host, a steinernematid species usually excludes a heterorhabditid species. The mechanism for the steinernematid superiority has been postulated to be a bacteriocin(s) produced by Xenorhabdus, the symbiotic bacterium of the steinernematid, which prevents Photorhabdus, the symbiotic bacterium of the heterorhabditid, from multiplying. Inter-specific competition between two steinernematid species ...
127 citations
TL;DR: The effect of the host plant on the efficacy of Verticillium chlamydosporium as a biological control agent for root-knot nematodes was investigated, and the susceptibility of the plant host to M. incognita attack influenced the numbers of nematode eggs parasitized by the fungus.
Abstract: The effect of the host plant on the efficacy of Verticillium chlamydosporium as a biological control agent for root-knot nematodes was investigated in four experiments. The growth of the fungus in the rhizosphere differed significantly with different plant species, the brassicas kale and cabbage supporting the most extensive colonization. The presence of nematodes in roots increased the growth of the fungus on most plants, and this effect was associated with the emergence of egg masses on the root surface; the presence of Meloidogyne incognita did not stimulate growth of the fungus in the rhizosphere until 5 weeks after the addition of infective juveniles to soil. The susceptibility of the plant host to M. incognita attack influenced the numbers of nematode eggs parasitized by the fungus. The control of the nematode was less effective on tomato roots, which produced large galls as a result of nematode infection compared with control on potato roots where galls were smaller, despite the greater abundance o...
124 citations
TL;DR: The consensus view of the participants was that entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) possess specific biological and ecological features, which make their use in biological control exceptionally safe and it was recommended that EPNs should not be subject to any kind of registration.
Abstract: Fifteen invited experts from 10 Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and European countries participating in the European Commission's Cooperation in the Field of Science and Technical Research (COST) Action 819, along with 12 other participants, met to review and debate the potential problems associated with the introduction and commercial use of non-indigenous nematodes for insect biological control. The consensus view of the participants was that entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) possess specific biological and ecological features, which make their use in biological control exceptionally safe. All the scientific evidence available supports the conclusion that EPNs are safe to the environment, as well as to production and application personnel, the general public and the consumers of agricultural products treated with them. Only a few potential, but very remote, risks could be identified. Therefore, it was recommended that EPNs should not be subject to any kind of registration. T...
103 citations
TL;DR: This paper reviews the literature on the biology, ecology, efficacy, rearing and augmentation of endemic parasitoid and predators, as well as exotic parasitoids introduced and released in India.
Abstract: Helicoverpa armigera Hubner Lepidoptera: Noctuidae is one of the most serious insect pests in the Old World. In India, it causes substantial losses to legume, fibre, cereal oilseed and vegetable crops. This paper reviews the literature on the biology, ecology, efficacy, rearing and augmentation of endemic parasitoids and predators, as well as exotic parasitoids introduced and released in India. It also provides updated lists of H. armigera natural enemies native to India. In addition, reports of augmentative releases of Trichogramma spp., the most extensively studied natural enemy of H. armigera are summarized.
TL;DR: Penetration rate (the percentage of the initial infective juvenile inoculum that invades an insect host) was tested as an indicator of entomopathogenic nematode infectivity and several host-parasite-substrate combinations were evaluated for penetration rate.
Abstract: Penetration rate (the percentage of the initial infective juvenile inoculum that invades an insect host) was tested as an indicator of entomopathogenic nematode infectivity. Several host-parasite-substrate combinations were evaluated for penetration rate. Four steinernematids, Steinernema carpocapsae, S. glaseri, S. feltiae, S. riobravis and two strains of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora were tested in a contact bioassay against the wax moth, Galleria mellonella, the yellow meal worm, Tenebrio molitor, the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua, the black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon, and the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis. The insect larvae were confined individually in sand and filter paper arenas and exposed to 200 infective juveniles. After incubation, dead insects were dissected in order to count the nematodes penetrated. The data were analyzed for the effects of nematode strain and substrate on penetration rate. The bioassay substrate had a variable effect depending on the insect species. The nematode ...
TL;DR: The effects of moisture content and temperature on the medium-term storage of conidia of Metarhizium flavoviride were investigated and conidia harvested after 24 days of culturing on rice showed greater tolerance to long storage than conidia from 12-day cultures.
Abstract: The effects of moisture content and temperature on the medium-term (3-4 months) storage of conidia of Metarhizium flavoviride were investigated. Conidia harvested after 24 days of culturing on rice showed greater tolerance to long storage than conidia from 12-day cultures. The moisture content of the conidia was of greatest importance; at harvest from the culture, conidial moisture contents could be 40%, while the optimal moisture content for storage was found to be 4-5%. Dried conidia stored in oil benefited from the addition of dried silica gel, as did conidia stored as powder. A range of mineral oils proved satisfactory for storage, and when dried silica gel was added to suspensions, germination levels were 79.8% after 105 days at 28-32 C. Dried conidia stored in oil maintained germination levels of up to 96 and 85% after 80 days at 10-14 C and 28-32 C respectively. Dried conidia stored as powder retained germination levels of 95% at 10-14 C, but only up to 27% at 28-32 C. In another experiment, dried ...
TL;DR: Five bioassays were compared for their usefulness to determine the virulence of four nematode strains to develop standard assays for particular nematodes species.
Abstract: Five bioassays were compared for their usefulness to determine the virulence of four nematode strains. The objective of this study was to develop standard assays for particular nematode species. In all assays, the nematodes Steinernema feltiae (strain UK), S. riobravis, S. scapterisci Argentina and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora HP88 were exposed to Galleria mellonella larvae. All bioassays except the sand column assay were conducted in multi-well plastic dishes. In the penetration rate assay, the number of individual nematodes invading the insect was determined after a 48-h exposure to 200 infective juveniles (IJs). In the one-on-one assay, each larva was exposed to an individual nematode for 72 h before insect mortality was recorded. In the exposure time assay, insect mortality was recorded after exposure to 200 IJs for variable time periods. The dose-response assay involved exposing larvae to different nematode concentrations over the range 1-200 IJs/insect and recording mortality every 24 h for a 96-h ...
TL;DR: The fungal antagonist Gliocladium virens colonized tap roots and secondary roots of cotton in non-sterile soil after seed treatment with preparations of G. virens, and inhibited F. oxysporum f.
Abstract: In a growth chamber at 25 C, the fungal antagonist Gliocladium virens colonized tap roots and secondary roots of cotton in non-sterile soil after seed treatment with preparations of G. virens. Colonization of tap roots by G. virens increased over time, and decreased with root depth. Seed treatments with G. virens strains G-4 and G-6 and with Bacillus subtilis strains GB03 and GB07 reduced the colonization of tap roots and secondary roots of cotton seedlings by Fusarium spp. Under greenhouse conditions, the same seed treatments suppressed the incidence and severity of fusarium wilt of cotton in soil infested with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum and Meloidogyne incognita. Gliotoxin, produced by 'Q-group' strains of G. virens, inhibited F. oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum in vitro. The seed treatments with G. virens strain G-6 and B. subtilis strains GB03 and GB07 did not affect the reproduction of root-knot nematodes. The results of this study may help to explain why the treatment of cotton seed with bioc...
TL;DR: The efficacy of a formulation of Trichoderma harzianum T39 for control of grey mould (Botrytis cinerea) on grapevine was examined in 133 experiments conducted under diverse commercial conditions.
Abstract: The efficacy of a formulation of Trichoderma harzianum T39 for control of grey mould (Botrytis cinerea) on grapevine was examined in 133 experiments conducted under diverse commercial conditions. The experiments were carried out between 1988 and 1994 in 19 countries and on 34 varieties. The average disease incidence in the untreated plots of all experiments was 42 2.3% (mean standard error). In general, the reduction of disease achieved by T. harzianum application was lower than that obtained by chemical fungicides: 36.3 2.7% disease reduction in biocontrol treatments and 52.3 2.6% in the exclusively chemical treatments. Control efficacy declined when the interval between application and assessment dates increased to 5 weeks. The experiments also included treatments in which T. harzianum was integrated with chemical fungicides, the two being applied alternately, and a reduced chemical treatment in which only chemicals were applied, and only at the times when chemicals were applied in the integrated treatm...
TL;DR: The pathogenicity of 159 isolates of Metarhizium and Beauveria spp.
Abstract: The pathogenicity of 159 isolates of Metarhizium and Beauveria spp. was screened using Schistocerca gregaria adults. The median lethal time MLT , the average survival time and its standard deviation SD were used to describe the rate of kill from the cumulative observed response curve over time, following the application of conidia in bioassays. All screens included a standard strain of Metarhizium sp. from a single spore of IMI 330189ss , which gave an average MLT value of 4.4 days SD 0.4 in 46 assays. Approximately 50 isolates, all belonging to the genus Metarhizium, showed virulence that was comparable with this strain. Two previously unreported preliminary tests were carried out. The first test assessed the response to the standard isolate by an established laboratory stock of desert locusts compared with a recently introduced locust stock from Niger. There were insignificant differences in MLT and LD50 on day 5 between the different locust strains. The second test assessed the effects of inoculation a...
TL;DR: Two isolates, one of Bacillus pumilus and one of Pseudomonas fluorescens, were as effective or more effective than standard dichlofluanid sprays and may therefore be of potential value as antagonists of B. cinerea.
Abstract: A screening programme is described for the assessment of the potential of biocontrol agents to control grey mould of strawberries caused by Botrytis cinerea. Bacteria were isolated from strawberry fruits, leaves and flowers from a commercial field site and screened for antagonism towards B. cinerea using two in vitro and one in vivo screening techniques. From 559 microorganisms isolated, 108 inhibited pathogen growth on agar plates and 27 of these prevented spore germination on Cellophane membranes. The ability of these 27 isolates to inhibit infection of young strawberry leaves by B. cinerea on whole plants under glass was then tested. Seven isolates reduced grey mould development and were subsequently assessed in a field trial. Two isolates, one of Bacillus pumilus and one of Pseudomonas fluorescens, were as effective or more effective than standard dichlofluanid sprays and may therefore be of potential value as antagonists of B. cinerea.
TL;DR: Conidia of Colletotrichum truncatum, a fungal pathogen of the weed, hemp sesbania, were produced in shake flasks and on Emerson Yp Ss agar and formulated in wheat flour± kaolin granules (`Pesta’), and Sucrose (5% w/w) partially counteracted the detrimental effect of high water activity on the shelf-life of C. trunCatum when incorporated in the granules.
Abstract: Optimization of shelf-life is critically important for biocontrol products containing living microorganisms. Conidia of Colletotrichum truncatum, a fungal pathogen of the weed, hemp sesbania (Sesbania exaltata), were produced in shake flasks (corn meal± soya flour medium) and on Emerson Yp Ss agar and formulated in wheat flour± kaolin granules (`Pesta’). The granules were conditioned at water activities of 0, 0.12, 0.33, 0.53 and 0.75 during storage at 25°C over desiccant or saturated salt solutions. The longest shelf-life (conidial inoculum viability) was found in samples in the water activity range 0± 0.33, where the water was bound by the matrix and not readily available to the fungus. At a water activity of 0.12, granules were 100% viable (on water agar) for at least 24 weeks, and were 87% viable after 1 year. Sucrose (5% w/w) partially counteracted the detrimental effect of high water activity on the shelf-life of C. truncatum when incorporated in the granules.
TL;DR: The mechanisms of infection and pathogenicity of Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae in insect hosts are discussed as factors influencing the host specificity of these nematodes.
Abstract: The mechanisms of infection and pathogenicity of Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae in insect hosts are discussed as factors influencing the host specificity of these nematodes. The invasion and evasion of host defences are important steps in the pathogenic process. The ability of the nematode to penetrate into the insect haemocoel, achieved by the release of proteolytic enzymes, is one specific factor. Another specific factor in the nematode-insect relationship is the ability of the nematode to evade insect defences through failure to be recognized and/or by destruction of insect antibacterial factors. Toxins and extracellular enzymes are important virulence factors released by these nematodes, apparently exhibiting a specific activity against certain insect hosts.
TL;DR: Establishment was not as successful on golf-courses; however, pest populations were reduced 27% in areas where the nematode persisted, and commercial applications facilitate the establishment of S. scapterisci infective juveniles.
Abstract: Steinernema scapterisci Nguyen & Smart (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) was established in Florida in 1985 for the control of mole crickets, Scapteriscus spp. Infected hosts were collected in sound traps 23 km from the nearest release, indicating long-distance dispersal and area-wide establishment. In a subsequent pasture study, the nematode dispersed, on average, 60 m in 20 months; dispersal in some pastures was 150 m in 1 year. Establishment was not as successful on golf-courses; however, pest populations were reduced 27% in areas where the nematode persisted. Inoculative applications were successful at 10 of 29 sites in Florida, where sound traps attracted flying Scapteriscus to relatively small numbers of S. scapterisci infective juveniles. The differences in the susceptibility to the nematode for mole cricket life stages and species were determined in laboratory and field trials. The nematode became commercially available in 1993; commercial applications facilitate the establishment of S. scapterisci i...
TL;DR: The effects of two formulations (oil and water) and two bait substrates (lettuce and bran) on infection of grasshopper nymphs by Beauveria bassiana were investigated, and significantly more conidia averaged over time were recovered in frass from the water than from the oil formulation.
Abstract: The effects of two formulations (oil and water) and two bait substrates (lettuce and bran) on infection of grasshopper nymphs (Melanoplus sanguinipes) by Beauveria bassiana were investigated. More nymphs died of mycosis after they had ingested substrates inoculated with conidia in oil than in water, but there was no difference between the lettuce and bran substrates. Of the conidia recovered in frass, most (95%) were recovered within 24 h of ingestion of the lettuce and bran substrates by nymphs. Significantly more conidia averaged over time were recovered in frass from the water than from the oil formulation. A higher incidence (33-82%) and more rapid onset of mycosis was observed in nymphs that were surface-sterilized before ingestion, compared with those surface-sterilized after ingestion of lettuce and bran substrates inoculated with B. bassiana in both formulations. A similar trend was observed in nymphs receiving the sterilization treatment before, rather than after, ingestion of wheat leaves spraye...
TL;DR: Alginate prills were formulated with the biomass of isolates of Gliocladium virens and Trichoderma spp.
Abstract: Alginate prills were formulated with the biomass of isolates of Gliocladium virens and Trichoderma spp. and various food bases (wheat bran, corn cobs, peanut hulls, soy fiber, castor pomace, cocoa hulls and chitin). Alginate prills with G. virens (Gl-21) biomass and all food bases except cocoa hull meal significantly reduced the damping-off of zinnia in a soil-less mix caused by Rhizoctonia solani and Pythium ultimum. The prills with bran, soy fiber, castor pomace or chitin resulted in stands similar to those in the non-infested control. In soil, prills with all the food bases and Thrichoderma hamatum (TRI-4) biomass controlled the damping-off of cotton caused by R. solani and gave stands comparable to, or better than, those in the non-infested control soil. Prills with all the food bases resulted in a proliferation of Gl-21 in a soil-less mix and of Gl-21 and TRI-4 in soil. Prills with food bases and TRI-4 biomass reduced the survival of R. solani in infested beet seed to less than 30%, with bran and chi...
TL;DR: Entomopathogenic nematodes of the Heterorhabditidae and Steinernematidae appear to be capable of long-distance dispersal and local migration, and they may be sensitive to sex-related factors in their own populations.
Abstract: Entomopathogenic nematodes of the Heterorhabditidae and Steinernematidae appear to be capable of long-distance dispersal and local migration. Their transmission strategies include both highly active seek-and-destroy behaviours and ambusher strategies, and they may be sensitive to sex-related factors in their own populations. Their host-finding abilities are poorly understood, despite the fact that these abilities are fundamental to their success as biocontrol agents in soil. Like the vast numbers of exotic hymenopterans and other natural enemies that have been released for biological control over the past century, they may be used in their ecologically competent wild-type form. On the other hand, because they are applied inundatively, they may be tailored, by breeding or transformation, to their intended purpose and to ecological incompetence, improving both their efficacy and their ecological safety.
TL;DR: Using plants grown in large field cages, it was shown that heavy feeding by the weevil, Lixus cardui, reduced both the plant growth and reproductive capacity of Onopordum thistles.
Abstract: Using plants grown in large field cages, it was shown that heavy feeding by the weevil, Lixus cardui, reduced both the plant growth and reproductive capacity of Onopordum thistles. At high initial densities of adult weevils, the plant height and biomass were reduced by up to 50%. Fewer capitula were produced on Lixus -attacked plants, and these were smaller, suffered higher levels of abortion and produced ca. 80% fewer viable seeds. Attacked plants senesced 2-3 weeks earlier than unattacked plants and late-developing capitula aborted, causing a shortening of the normal flowering period. At extreme density levels, where survival of the weevils themselves was affected, damage levels were even greater. It was not possible to separate the contributions of damage by adults, which destroyed 30-40% of leaf tissue, from that by larvae, which hatched from eggs laid in the stems and mined the pith and cambium tissue. This was, however, not essential for the purpose of demonstrating the weevil's potential to contrib...
TL;DR: A survey of the pathogenic fungi associated with mites on cassava in Benin, West Africa, revealed both geographical and seasonal variation in the presence of Neozygites cf.
Abstract: A survey of the pathogenic fungi associated with mites on cassava in Benin, West Africa, revealed both geographical and seasonal variation in the presence of Neozygites cf. floridana (Weiser and Muma) and Hirsutella thompsonii Fisher on Mononychellus tanajoa (Bondar) and Oligonychus gossypii (Zacher). Few dead and infected mites were found during the dry season, regardless of vegetation zone. In three of 30 surveyed sites, N. floridana was found infecting 1% of the dead M. tanajoa and 2% of the dead O. gossypii, while H. thompsonii was observed infecting 20% of the dead M. tanajoa in a single site. The frequency of sites having infected mites during the wet season was 3.5 times greater than that seen during the dry season. N. floridana infected 10% of the dead M. tanajoa and 19% of the dead O. gossypii on young leaves. Mites infected with N. floridana were found either in the coastal Southern Forest Mosaic (SFM) or in the Northern Guinea Savanna vegetation zones. N. floridana was rare in the low mite dens...
TL;DR: The development of the Neotropical predatory pentatomid Brontocoris tabidus on an artificial diet based on beef meat and liver was evaluated and the predator showed significantly longer nymphal development and lower adult weights on this diet than when reared on pupae of the mealworm Tenebrio molitor.
Abstract: The development of the Neotropical predatory pentatomid Brontocoris tabidus on an artificial diet based on beef meat and liver was evaluated. The predator showed significantly longer nymphal development and lower adult weights on this diet than when reared on pupae of the mealworm Tenebrio molitor. The survival of nymphs fed exclusively on the artificial diet was somewhat lower compared with feeding on T. molitor pupae. When B. tabidus was bred on this artificial diet during part of its nymphal period i.e. during the second; second and third; and second, third and fourth instars , and was subsequently returned to T. molitor pupae, the predator nymphs completed the nymphal stage with a developmental rate similar to that of nymphs fed on live prey throughout. The adults attained after switching from the artificial diet to live prey from the third and fourth instar onwards had similar weights to those in the control. Considering the relatively good results obtained with B. tabidus and other members of the pe...
TL;DR: First instar larvae suffered the highest mortality rates, while pupae had the lowest, and thermal summation and polynomial regression methods were used to predict developmental periods under glasshouse conditions.
Abstract: Developmental and immature survival rates of the coccidophagous coccinellid Chilocorus nigritus (F.) were examined under constant, cycling and glasshouse temperatures in order to determine its suitability for use as a biological control agent in temperature glasshouses. First instar larvae did not complete development at 18 C. However, within the range 20-30 C, the developmental rate increased with rising temperature. The theoretical lower thermal threshold for development was found to be 16.6 C. Thermal summation and polynomial regression methods were used to predict developmental periods under glasshouse conditions. The predictions were accurate to within a mean of 10% in relation to observed data. Under laboratory conditions, immature survival rates were highest 28 C (52%) and lowest at (and below) 20 C (17%). First instar larvae suffered the highest mortality rates, while pupae had the lowest. Under glasshouse conditions, the survival rates were much lower (9% in the winter months and 20% throughout t...
TL;DR: Conidia exposed to natural sunlight in West Africa showed cubic relationships in their germination responses and greater inactivation/increment of ultraviolet (UV) dose compared with that from simulated sunlight.
Abstract: The effects of natural and simulated sunlight on conidia of Metarhizium flavoviride Gams and Rozsypal formulated in oil were investigated. The germination responses of conidia exposed to simulated sunlight usually followed an exponential pattern, but a cubic relationship was better in one instance when the conidia were allowed a longer time to germinate. Conidia exposed to natural sunlight in West Africa showed cubic relationships in their germination responses and greater inactivation/increment of ultraviolet (UV) dose compared with that from simulated sunlight. This was probably due to the greater intensity of UV irradiation compared with simulated sunlight, but an interaction with temperature occurs naturally in the field. Under laboratory and field conditions, UV light caused increasing levels of damage as the temperature rose; with simulated sunlight, UV levels that caused a 20% reduction in germination at 20 C caused an 80% reduction at 50 C.
TL;DR: Main survival mechanisms involved in the long-term persistence of nematodes: extreme temperature tolerance, desiccation tolerance, osmotic tolerance, pesticide resistance and limitations of aeration are focused on.
Abstract: Entomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae) are isolated from a wide variety of ecosystems ranging from sub-Arctic to arid and tropical climates. It is expected that natural populations of these nematodes will be pre-adapted to specific ecological conditions in their environments. However, little is known about the survival strategies of entomopathogenic nematodes. This review focuses on the main survival mechanisms involved in the long-term persistence of nematodes: extreme temperature tolerance (cold and heat), desiccation tolerance, osmotic tolerance, pesticide resistance and limitations of aeration. Physiological and biochemical mechanisms for survival are discussed. The review addresses the implications of the survival strategies on the establishment of exotic and indigenous steinernematids and heterorhabditids.