Showing papers in "Pest Management Science in 2008"

Glyphosate: a once-in-a-century herbicide.

Abstract: Since its commercial introduction in 1974, glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine] has become the dominant herbicide worldwide. There are several reasons for its success. Glyphosate is a highly effective broad-spectrum herbicide, yet it is very toxicologically and environmentally safe. Glyphosate translocates well, and its action is slow enough to take advantage of this. Glyphosate is the only herbicide that targets 5-enolpyruvyl-shikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS), so there are no competing herbicide analogs or classes. Since glyphosate became a generic compound, its cost has dropped dramatically. Perhaps the most important aspect of the success of glyphosate has been the introduction of transgenic, glyphosate-resistant crops in 1996. Almost 90% of all transgenic crops grown worldwide are glyphosate resistant, and the adoption of these crops is increasing at a steady pace. Glyphosate/glyphosate-resistant crop weed management offers significant environmental and other benefits over the technologies that it replaces. The use of this virtually ideal herbicide is now being threatened by the evolution of glyphosate-resistant weeds. Adoption of resistance management practices will be required to maintain the benefits of glyphosate technologies for future generations. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry

Applied aspects of neonicotinoid uses in crop protection.

Abstract: Neonicotinoid insecticides comprise seven commercially marketed active ingredients: imidacloprid, acetamiprid, nitenpyram, thiamethoxam, thiacloprid, clothianidin and dinotefuran. The technical profiles and main differences between neonicotinoid insecticides, including their spectrum of efficacy, are described: use for vector control, systemic properties and versatile application forms, especially seed treatment. New formulations have been developed to optimize the bioavailability of neonicotinoids through improved rain fastness, better retention and spreading of the spray deposit on the leaf surface, combined with higher leaf penetration. Combined formulations with pyrethroids and other insecticides are also being developed with the aim of broadening the insecticidal spectrum of neonicotinoids and to replace WHO Class I products from older chemical classes. These innovative developments for life-cycle management, jointly with the introduction of generic products, will, within the next few years, turn neonicotinoids into the most important chemical class in crop protection.

Neonicotinoids—from zero to hero in insecticide chemistry

Abstract: In recent years, neonicotinoids have been the fastest-growing class of insecticides in modern crop protection, with widespread use against a broad spectrum of sucking and certain chewing pests As potent agonists, they act selectively on insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, their molecular target site The discovery of neonicotinoids can be considered as a milestone in insecticide research and facilitates greatly the understanding of the functional properties of insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors Because of the relatively low risk for non-target organisms and environment, the high target specificity of neonicotinoid insecticides and their versatility in application methods, this important class has to be maintained globally for integrated pest management strategies and insect resistance management programmes This review comprehensively describes particularly the origin, structure and bonding as well as associated properties of neonicotinoid insecticides

Fate of glyphosate in soil and the possibility of leaching to ground and surface waters: a review.

Abstract: The very wide use of glyphosate to control weeds in agricultural, silvicultural and urban areas throughout the world requires that special attention be paid to its possible transport from terrestrial to aquatic environments. The aim of this review is to present and discuss the state of knowledge on sorption, degradation and leachability of glyphosate in soils. Difficulties of drawing clear and unambiguous conclusions because of strong soil dependency and limited conclusive investigations are pointed out. Nevertheless, the risk of ground and surface water pollution by glyphosate seems limited because of sorption onto variable-charge soil minerals, e.g. aluminium and iron oxides, and because of microbial degradation. Although sorption and degradation are affected by many factors that might be expected to affect glyphosate mobility in soils, glyphosate leaching seems mainly determined by soil structure and rainfall. Limited leaching has been observed in non-structured sandy soils, while subsurface leaching to drainage systems was observed in a structured soil with preferential flow in macropores, but only when high rainfall followed glyphosate application. Glyphosate in drainage water runs into surface waters but not necessarily to groundwater because it may be sorbed and degraded in deeper soil layers before reaching the groundwater. Although the transport of glyphosate from land to water environments seems very limited, knowledge about subsurface leaching and surface runoff of glyphosate as well as the importance of this transport as related to ground and surface water quality is scarce.

Evolved glyphosate-resistant weeds around the world: lessons to be learnt

Abstract: Glyphosate is the world's most important herbicide, with many uses that deliver effective and sustained control of a wide spectrum of unwanted (weedy) plant species. Until recently there were relatively few reports of weedy plant species evolving resistance to glyphosate. Since 1996, the advent and subsequent high adoption of transgenic glyphosate-resistant crops in the Americas has meant unprecedented and often exclusive use of glyphosate forweedcontroloververylarge areas.Consequently, in regionsoftheUSA wheretransgenic glyphosate- resistant crops dominate, there are now evolved glyphosate-resistant populations of the economically damaging weed species Ambrosia artemissifolia L., Ambrosia trifida L., Amaranthus palmeri SW atson,Amaranthus rudis JD Sauer, Amaranthus tuberculatus (Moq) JD Sauer and various Conyza and Lolium spp. Likewise, in areas of transgenic glyphosate-resistant crops in Argentina and Brazil, there are now evolved glyphosate-resistant populations ofSorghum halepense (L.) Pers andEuphorbia heterophylla L. respectively. As transgenic glyphosate- resistant crops will remain very popular with producers, it is anticipated that glyphosate-resistant biotypes of other prominent weed species will evolve over the next few years. Therefore, evolved glyphosate-resistant weeds are a major risk for the continued success of glyphosate and transgenic glyphosate-resistant crops. However, glyphosate-resistant weeds are not yet a problem in many parts of the world, and lessons can be learnt and actions taken to achieve glyphosate sustainability. A major lesson is that maintenance of diversity in weed management systems is crucial for glyphosate to be sustainable. Glyphosate is essential for present and future world food production, and action to secure its sustainability for future gene rations is ag lobal imperative.  2008 Society of Chemical Industry

Botanical insecticides: for richer, for poorer.

Abstract: Botanical insecticides presently play only a minor role in insect pest management and crop protection; increasingly stringent regulatory requirements in many jurisdictions have prevented all but a handful of botanical products from reaching the marketplace in North America and Europe in the past 20 years. Nonetheless, the regulatory environment and public health needs are creating opportunities for the use of botanicals in industrialized countries in situations where human and animal health are foremost--for pest control in and around homes and gardens, in commercial kitchens and food storage facilities and on companion animals. Botanicals may also find favour in organic food production, both in the field and in controlled environments. In this review it is argued that the greatest benefits from botanicals might be achieved in developing countries, where human pesticide poisonings are most prevalent. Recent studies in Africa suggest that extracts of locally available plants can be effective as crop protectants, either used alone or in mixtures with conventional insecticides at reduced rates. These studies suggest that indigenous knowledge and traditional practice can make valuable contributions to domestic food production in countries where strict enforcement of pesticide regulations is impractical.

Glyphosate-resistant crops: adoption, use and future considerations.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Glyphosate-resistant crops (GRCs) were first introduced in the United States in soybeans in 1996. Adoption has been very rapid in soybeans and cotton since introduction and has grown significantly in maize in recent years. GRCs have grown to over 74million hectares in five crop species in 13 countries. The intent of this paper is to update the hectares planted and the use patterns of GRC globally, and to discuss briefly future applications and uses of the technology. RESULTS: The largest land areas of GRCs are occupied by soybean (54.2million ha), maize (13.2million ha), cotton (5.1million ha), canola (2.3million ha) and alfalfa (0.1million ha). Currently, the USA, Argentina, Brazil and Canada have the largest plantings of GRCs. Herbicide use patterns would indicate that over 50% of glyphosateresistant (GR) maize hectares and 70% of GR cotton hectares receive alternative mode-of-action treatments, while approximately 25% of GR soybeans receive such a treatment in the USA. Alternative herbicide use is likely driven by both agronomic need and herbicide resistance limitations in certain GR crops such as current GR cotton. Tillage practices in the USA indicate that >65% of GR maize hectares, 70% of GR cotton hectares and 50% of GR soybean hectares received some tillage in the production system. Tillage was likely used for multiple purposes ranging from seed-bed preparation to weed management. CONCLUSION: GRCs represent one of the more rapidly adopted weed management technologies in recent history. Current use patterns would indicate that GRCs will likely continue to be a popular weed management choice that may also include the use of other herbicides to complement glyphosate. Stacking with other biotechnology traits will also give farmers the benefits and convenience of multiple pest control and quality trait technologies within a single seed.  2007 Society of Chemical Industry

Glyphosate applied at low doses can stimulate plant growth.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Glyphosate blocks the shikimic acid pathway, inhibiting the production of aromatic amino acids and several secondary compounds derived from these amino acids. Non-target plants can be exposed to low doses of glyphosate by herbicide drift of spray droplets and contact with treated weeds. Previous studies have reported that low doses of glyphosate stimulate growth, although these data are very limited. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of low glyphosate doses on growth of a range of plant species. RESULTS: Growth of maize, conventional soybean, Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex Maiden, Pinus caribea L. and Commelia benghalensis L. was enhanced by 1.8–36g glyphosate ha −1 . Growth of glyphosate-resistant soybean was unaffected by any glyphosate dose from 1.8 to 720g AE ha −1 . The optimum doses for growth stimulation were distinct for plant species and tissue evaluated. The greatest stimulation of growth was observed for C. benghalensis and P. caribea. Shikimic acid levels in tissues of glyphosate-treated soybean and maize were measured and found to be elevated at growth-stimulating doses. CONCLUSION: Subtoxic doses of glyphosate stimulate the growth of a range of plant species, as measured in several plant organs. This hormesis effect is likely to be related to the molecular target of glyphosate, since the effect was not seen in glyphosate-resistant plants, and shikimate levels were enhanced in plants with stimulated growth.  2008 Society of Chemical Industry

Weed species shifts in glyphosate-resistant crops

Abstract: The adoption of glyphosate-based crop production systems has been one of the most important revolutions in the history of agriculture. Changes in weed communities owing to species that do not respond to current glyphosate-based management tactics are rapidly increasing. Clearly, glyphosate-resistant crops (GRCs) do not influence weeds any more than non-transgenic crops. For most crops, the trait itself is essentially benign in the environment. Rather, the weed control tactics imposed by growers create the ecological selection pressure that ultimately changes the weed communities. This is seen in the adoption of conservation tillage and weed management programs that focus on one herbicide mode of action and have hastened several important weed population shifts. Tillage (disturbance) is one of the primary factors that affect changes in weed communities. The intense selection pressure from herbicide use will result in the evolution of herbicide-resistant weed biotypes or shifts in the relative prominence of one weed species in the weed community. Changes in weed communities are inevitable and an intrinsic consequence of growing crops over time. The glyphosate-based weed management tactics used in GRCs impose the selection pressure that supports weed population shifts. Examples of weed population shifts in GRCs include common waterhemp [Amaranthus tuberculatus (Moq ex DC) JD Sauer], horseweed (Conyza canadensis L), giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida L) and other relatively new weed problems. Growers have handled these weed population shifts with varying success depending on the crop.

Insecticide resistance management strategies against the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis

Abstract: Western flower thrips (WFT), Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), is an economically important pest of a wide range of crops grown throughout the world. Insecticide resistance has been documented in many populations of WFT. Biological and behavioural characteristics and pest management practices that promote insecticide resistance are discussed. In addition, an overview is provided of the development of insecticide resistance in F. occidentalis populations and the resistance mechanisms involved. Owing to widespread resistance to most conventional insecticides, a new approach to insecticide resistance management (IRM) of F. occidentalis is needed. The IRM strategy proposed consists of two parts. Firstly, a general strategy to minimise the use of insecticides in order to reduce selection pressure. Secondly, a strategy designed to avoid selection of resistance mechanisms, considering cross-resistance patterns and resistance mechanisms.

The presence of Rickettsia is associated with increased susceptibility of Bemisia tabaci (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) to insecticides.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The presence of certain symbiotic microorganisms may be associated with insecticide resistance in insects. The authors compared the susceptibility of two isofemale lines, Rickettsia-plus and Rickettsia-free, of the sweet potato whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) to major insecticides from different chemical groups, including imidacloprid, acetamiprid, thiamethoxam, pyriproxyfen, spiromesifen and diafenthiuron. RESULTS: While the Rickettsia-plus and Rickettsia-free lines showed no differences in their susceptibility to imidacloprid and diafenthiuron, higher susceptibility of the Rickettsia-plus line to acetamiprid, thiamethoxam, spiromesifen and especially pyriproxyfen was observed. LC90 values indicated that the Rickettsia-free line was 15-fold more resistant to pyriproxyfen than the Rickettsia-plus line. CONCLUSION: Findings indicate that the infection status of B. tabaci populations by Rickettsia is an important consideration that should be taken into account when performing resistance monitoring studies, and may help in understanding the dynamics of B. tabaci resistance, symbiont-pest associations in agricultural systems and the biological impact of Rickettsia on whitefly biology.  2008 Society of Chemical Industry

Stabilized polymeric nanoparticles for controlled and efficient release of bifenthrin.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Nanoparticle formulations of pesticides have been proposed to produce a better spatial distribution of the pesticide on leaf surfaces, which provides better efficiency. Nanoparticles are well studied for drug delivery and sustained release but not in the agricultural sciences, because of the difficulty in generating stable pesticide nanoparticles with controlled particle size distribution and because the processes to generate nanoparticles are usually costly. In this paper, a model pesticide, bifenthrin, has been prepared in nanoparticle form by using the Flash NanoPrecipitation process. The process involves rapid micromixing to effect supersaturation, and polymer assembly to control particle size. RESULTS: A multi-inlet vortex mixer (MIVM) was developed to provide rapid micromixing, high supersaturation and rapid nucleation and growth of bifenthrin nanoparticles. Several polymeric stabilizers were tested. With an increase in pesticide loading from 50 to 91%, nanoparticle size increased from 100 to 200 nm. The stability of the nanoparticle dispersions was followed for more than 12 days. The steric stability caused by the corona structure of the hydrophilic block of the polymers prevents nanoparticles aggregation. Ostwald ripening is responsible for the slow particle size growth observed. CONCLUSION: Flash NanoPrecipitation using an MIVM provides a cost-effective process to produce stable pesticide nanoparticle suspensions. Nanoparticle size depends on supersaturation, pesticide loading and type of polymer. Nanoparticle pesticides potentially provide higher efficiency, better uniformity of coverage for highly active compounds and less exposure to workers, relative to compounds solubilized in organic solvents.

Recent developments in the molecular discrimination of formae speciales of Fusarium oxysporum

Abstract: Rapid and reliable detection and identification of potential plant pathogens is required for taking appropriate and timely disease management measures. For many microbial species of which all strains generally are plant pathogens on a known host range, this has become quite straightforward. However, for some fungal species this is quite a challenge. One of these is Fusarium oxysporum Schlechtend:Fr., which, as a species, has a very broad host range, while individual strains are usually highly host-specific. Moreover, many strains of this fungus are non-pathogenic soil inhabitants. Thus, with regard to effective disease management, identification below the species level is highly desirable. So far, the genetic basis of host specificity in F. oxysporum is poorly understood. Furthermore, strains that infect a particular plant species are not necessarily more closely related to each other than to strains that infect other hosts. Despite these difficulties, recently an increasing number of studies have reported the successful development of molecular markers to discriminate F. oxysporum strains below the species level.

Metabolism of imidacloprid and DDT by P450 CYP6G1 expressed in cell cultures of Nicotiana tabacum suggests detoxification of these insecticides in Cyp6g1-overexpressing strains of Drosophila melanogaster, leading to resistance.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: With the worldwide use of insecticides, an increasing number of pest insect species have evolved target-site or metabolism-based resistance towards some of these compounds. The resulting decreased efficacy of pesticides threatens human welfare by its impact on crop safety and further disease transmission. Environmental concentrations of some insecticides are so high that even natural populations of non-target, non-pest organisms such as the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster Meig. have been selected for resistance. Cyp6g1-overexpressing strains of D. melanogaster are resistant to a wide range of chemically diverse insecticides, including DDT and imidacloprid. However, up to now there has been no evidence that the CYP6G1 enzyme metabolises any of these compounds. RESULTS: Here it is shown, by heterologous expression in cell suspension cultures of Nicotiana tabacum L. (tobacco), that CYP6G1 is capable of converting DDT (20 µg per cell culture assay) by dechlorination to DDD (18% of applied amount in 48 h), and imidacloprid (400 µg) mainly by hydroxylation to 4-hydroxyimidacloprid and 5-hydroxyimidacloprid (58 and 19% respectively in 48 h). CONCLUSION: Thus, the gap between the supposed resistance gene Cyp6g1 and the observed resistance phenomenon was closed by the evidence that CYP6G1 is capable of metabolising at least two insecticides. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry

Species-specific insecticide resistance to imidacloprid and fipronil in the rice planthoppers Nilaparvata lugens and Sogatella furcifera in East and South-east Asia.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In 2003 the development of insecticide resistance against neonicotinoids in the brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (StÅl) (Homoptera: Delphacidae), was first observed in Thailand and has since been found in other Asian countries such as Vietnam, China and Japan. However, the LD 50 values of BPH and the whitebacked planthopper (WBPH), Sogatella furcifera (Horvath), against both neonicotinoid and phenylpyrazole insecticides have been poorly reported in many Asian countries. RESULTS: The topical LD 50 values for imidacloprid in the BPH populations collected from East Asia (Japan, China, Taiwan) and Vietnam in 2006 were 4.3-24.2 μg g -1 and were significantly higher than those collected from the Philippines (0.18-0.35 μg g -1 ). The BPH populations indicated a positive cross-resistance between imidacloprid and thiamethoxam. Almost all the WBPH populations from Japan, Taiwan, China, Vietnam and the Philippines had extremely large LD 50 values (19.7-239μg g -1 or more) for fipronil, except for several populations from the Philippines and China. CONCLUSION: Species-specific changes in insecticide susceptibility were found in Asian rice planthoppers (i.e. BPH for imidacloprid and WBPH for fipronil). Insecticide resistance in BPH against imidacloprid occurred in East Asia and Indochina, but not in the Philippines. In contrast, insecticide resistance in WBPH against fipronil occurred widely in East and South-east Asia.

Pyrethroids, knockdown resistance and sodium channels

Abstract: Knockdown resistance to DDT and the pyrethrins was first described in 1951 in the housefly (Musca domestica L.). This trait, which confers reduced neuronal sensitivity to these insecticides, was subsequently shown to confer cross-resistance to all synthetic pyrethroid insecticides that have been examined to date. As a consequence, the worldwide commercial development of pyrethroids as a major insecticide class over the past three decades has required constant awareness that pyrethroid overuse has the potential to reselect this powerful resistance mechanism in populations that previously were resistant to DDT. Demonstration of tight genetic linkage between knockdown resistance and the housefly gene encoding voltage-sensitive sodium channels spurred efforts to identify gene mutations associated with knockdown resistance and understand how these mutations confer a reduction in the sensitivity of the pyrethroid target site. This paper summarizes progress in understanding pyrethroid resistance at the molecular level, with particular emphasis on studies in the housefly.

Susceptibility to neonicotinoids and risk of resistance development in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) (Homoptera: Delphacidae).

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In recent years, outbreaks of the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stal), have occurred more frequently in China. The objective of this study was to determine the susceptibility of N. lugens to neonicotinoids and other insecticides in major rice production areas in China. RESULTS: Results indicated that substantial variations in the susceptibility to different insecticides existed in N. lugens. Field populations had developed variable resistance levels to neonicotinoids, with a high resistance level to imidacloprid (RR: 135.3–301.3-fold), a medium resistance level to imidaclothiz (RR: 35–41.2-fold), a low resistance level to thiamethoxam (up to 9.9-fold) and no resistance to dinotefuran, nitenpyram and thiacloprid (RR < 3-fold). Further examinations indicated that a field population had developed medium resistance level to fipronil (up to 10.5-fold), and some field populations had evolved a low resistance level to buprofezin. In addition, N. lugens had been able to develop 1424-fold resistance to imidacloprid in the laboratory after the insect was selected with imidacloprid for 26 generations. CONCLUSION: Long-term use of imidacloprid in a wide range of rice-growing areas might be associated with high levels of resistance in N. lugens. Therefore, insecticide resistance management strategies must be developed to prevent further increase in resistance. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry

Mutations of the ALS gene endowing resistance to ALS-inhibiting herbicides in Lolium rigidum populations.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In the important grass weed Lolium rigidum (Gaud.), resistance to ALS-inhibiting herbicides has evolved widely in Australia. The authors have previously characterised the biochemical basis of ALS herbicide resistance in a number of L. rigidum biotypes and established that resistance can be due to a resistant ALS and/or enhanced herbicide metabolism. The purpose of this study was to identify specific resistance-endowing ALS gene mutation(s) in four resistant populations and to develop PCR-based molecular markers. RESULTS: Six resistance-conferring ALS mutations were identified: Pro-197-Ala, Pro-197-Arg, Pro-197-Gln, Pro-197-Leu, Pro-197-Ser and Trp-574-Leu. All six mutations were found in one population (WLR1). Each Pro-197 mutation conferred resistance to the sulfonylurea (SU) herbicide sulfometuron, whereas the Trp-574-Leu mutation conferred resistance to both sulfometuron and the imidazolinone (IMS) herbicide imazapyr. A derived cleaved amplified polymorphic sequences (dCAPS) marker was developed for detecting resistance mutations at Pro-197. Furthermore, cleaved amplified polymorphic sequences (CAPS) markers were developed for detecting each of the six mutant resistant alleles. Using these markers, the authors revealed diverse ALS-resistant alleles and genotypes in these populations and related them directly to phenotypic resistance to ALS-inhibiting herbicides. CONCLUSION: This study established the existence of a diversity of ALS gene mutations endowing resistance in L. rigidum populations: 1–6 different mutations were found within single populations. At field herbicide rates, resistance profiles were determined more by the specific mutation than by whether plants were homo- or heterozygous for the mutation. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry

Resistance to glyphosate from altered herbicide translocation patterns

Abstract: Glyphosate-resistant weeds have evolved as a result of the intensive use of glyphosate for weed control. An alteration in the way glyphosate is translocated within the plant has been identified as a mechanism of glyphosate resistance in populations of Lolium rigidum Gaud., L. multiflorum Lam. and Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronq. In these resistant plants, glyphosate becomes concentrated in the leaves rather than being translocating throughout the plant. This type of resistance is inherited as a single dominant or semi-dominant allele. Resistance due to reduced translocation appears to be a common mechanism of resistance in L. rigidum and C. canadensis, probably because it provides a greater level of resistance than other mechanisms. This type of glyphosate resistance also appears to reduce the fitness of plants that carry it. This may influence how glyphosate resistance can be managed.

Are azole fungicides losing ground against Septoria wheat disease? Resistance mechanisms in Mycosphaerella graminicola

Abstract: There has been a recent rapid decline in the efficacy of some, but not all, azole fungicides in controlling the Septoria leaf blotch pathogen of wheat, Mycosphaerella graminicola. Hans J. Cools and Bart A. Fraaije ask the question: can widespread resistance to all azoles develop in this pathogen?

Neonicotinoid resistance in rice brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Rice brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens StÅl, is a primary insect pest of cultivated rice, and effective control is essential for economical crop production. Resistance to neonicotinoid insecticides, in particular imidacloprid, has been reported as an increasing constraint in recent years. In order to investigate the extent of resistance, 24 samples of N. lugens were collected from China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam during 2005 and 2006. Their responses to two diagnostic doses of imidacloprid (corresponding approximately to the LC 95 and 5 x LC 95 of a susceptible strain) were examined. RESULTS: Ten of the 12 samples collected during 2005 were found to be susceptible to imidacloprid, but two late-season samples from India showed reduced mortality at both diagnostic doses. All 13 strains collected in 2006 showed reduced mortality at both doses when compared with the susceptible strain. Dose-response lines showed resistance in one of the most resistant field strains to be approximately 100-fold compared with the susceptible standard. CONCLUSION: The data demonstrate the development and spread of neonicotinoid resistance in N. lugens in Asia and support reports of reduced field efficacy of imidacloprid.

Preference of birds for zinc phosphide bait carriers

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Zinc phosphide baits are used for controlling pest rodents but are also highly toxic to other vertebrates. The base for rodent baits containing zinc phosphide is usually wheat kernels which are highly attractive to birds. In this study, wheat-based pellets of different shapes and colours without zinc phosphide were tested for their attractiveness for pigeons (Columba livia Gmelin) and Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica Temm. & Schleg.) in aviaries and for pigeons and corvids (Corvus monedula L., Corvus corone L., Pica pica L.) in the field. RESULTS: In aviaries, wheat was clearly preferred over other bait. In the field, some bait formulations were avoided by birds in certain conditions. However, no formulation was avoided consistently across species to lower the potential uptake of zinc phosphide below the LD50 for highly susceptible bird species (8mgkg−1 body weight). The formulations that were not rapidly eaten by birds (blue granules, red lentil-shaped pellets) were not avoided consistently at low and high vegetative cover. CONCLUSIONS: The bait formulations tested may not considerably enhance the safety of birds when using zinc phosphide for rodent control. Field testing other combinations of bait colour and shape to minimise background contrast may result in bait with higher potential for bird protection. Copyright Jens Jacob and Angela Leukers, employees of the Federal Biological Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, Germany. Printed with permission

Gene flow from glyphosate-resistant crops.

Abstract: Gene flow from transgenic glyphosate-resistant crops can result in the adventitious presence of the transgene, which may negatively impact markets. Gene flow can also produce glyphosate-resistant plants that may interfere with weed management systems. The objective of this article is to review the gene flow literature as it pertains to glyphosate-resistant crops. Gene flow is a natural phenomenon not unique to transgenic crops and can occur via pollen, seed and, in some cases, vegetative propagules. Gene flow via pollen can occur in all crops, even those that are considered to be self-pollinated, because all have low levels of outcrossing. Gene flow via seed or vegetative propagules occurs when they are moved naturally or by humans during crop production and commercialization. There are many factors that influence gene flow; therefore, it is difficult to prevent or predict. Gene flow via pollen and seed from glyphosate-resistant canola and creeping bentgrass fields has been documented. The adventitious presence of the transgene responsible for glyphosate resistance has been found in commercial seed lots of canola, corn and soybeans. In general, the glyphosate-resistant trait is not considered to provide an ecological advantage. However, regulators should consider the examples of gene flow from glyphosate-resistant crops when formulating rules for the release of crops with traits that could negatively impact the environment or human health.

Monitoring of beet armyworm resistance to spinosad and methoxyfenozide in Mexico.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Resistance to spinosad and methoxyfenozide has been studied in several insect pests, but there is a lack of information on Spodoptera exigua (Hubner) in Mexico. Therefore, evidence for the development of resistance in this pest to both compounds was examined. The effects of methoxyfenozide on reproductive parameters of S. exigua adults were also determined. RESULTS: Third instars from a field population were exposed for 24 h to the LC50 of spinosad or methoxyfenozide for over six generations (G2–G7). No significant reduction in susceptibility to either compound was detected for up to five generations. In G7, LC50 values for insects exposed to spinosad and methoxyfenozide were respectively 2.75-fold and 1.25-fold greater than for G1 larvae. Oral treatment with methoxyfenozide reduced the fecundity and fertility of G7 adults, confirming sublethal effects on reproduction. Finally, five populations (Se-La Floriza, Se-Lazareto, Se-Bachigualato, Se-Los Agustinos and Se-Villa de Arista) of S. exigua were collected from fields in three states of Mexico for resistance monitoring to spinosad and methoxyfenozide. With the exception of Se-Villa de Arista, the other populations showed significant resistance to spinosad, with resistance ratios between 16- and 37-fold, compared with a susceptible laboratory colony. In contrast, only one population (Se-Lazareto) showed significant resistance to methoxyfenozide (13-fold). CONCLUSION: Resistance management programmes should be established, particularly in areas where S. exigua has developed resistance to spinosad. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry

Economic impacts of glyphosate-resistant crops.

Abstract: Glyphosate-resistant crops have been widely planted since their introduction in 1996. Growers have numerous choices for herbicide treatments and have chosen to plant glyphosate-resistant crops on the basis of economic factors. The economic effects of the widespread planting of glyphosate-resistant crops have included reductions in herbicide expenses, increases in seed costs, increased yield and changes in the relative profitability of crops that has resulted in changes in which crops are planted. In addition, non-pecuniary benefits have accrued as a result of the simplicity of weed management in the glyphosate-resistant crop systems.

Insect growth regulator effects of azadirachtin and neem oil on survivorship, development and fecundity of Aphis glycines (Homoptera: Aphididae) and its predator, Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae).

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Aphis glycines Matsumura, an invasive insect pest in North American soybeans, is fed upon by a key biological control agent, Harmonia axyridis Pallas. Although biological control is preferentially relied upon to suppress insect pests in organic agriculture, approved insecticides, such as neem, are periodically utilized to reduce damaging pest populations. The authors evaluated direct spray treatments of two neem formulations, azadirachtin and neem seed oil, under controlled conditions for effects on survivorship, development time and fecundity in A. glycines and H. axyridis. RESULTS: Both azadirachtin and neem seed oil significantly increased aphid nymphal mortality (80 and 77% respectively) while significantly increasing development time of those surviving to adulthood. First-instar H. axyridis survival to adulthood was also significantly reduced by both neem formulations, while only azadirachtin reduced third-instar survivorship. Azadirachtin increased H. axyridis development time to adult when applied to both instars, while neem oil only increased time to adult when applied to first instar. Neither neem formulation affected the fecundity of either insect. CONCLUSIONS: Results are discussed within the context of future laboratory and field studies aimed at clarifying if neem-derived insecticides can be effectively integrated with biological control for soybean aphid management in organic soybeans.

Influence of concentration, temperature and humidity on the toxicity of phosphine to the strongly phosphine-resistant psocid Liposcelis bostrychophila Badonnel (Psocoptera: Liposcelididae).

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The psocid Liposcelis bostrychophila Badonnel, is a widespread, significant pest of stored commodities, has developed strong resistance to phosphine, the major grain disinfestant. The aim was to develop effective fumigation protocols to control this resistant pest. RESULTS: Time to population extinction of all life stages (TPE) in days was evaluated at a series of phosphine concentrations and temperatures at two relative humidities. Regression analysis showed that temperature, concentration and relative humidity all contributed significantly to describing TPE (P < 0.001, R2 = 0.95), with temperature being the dominant variable, accounting for 74.4% of the variation. Irrespective of phosphine concentration, TPE was longer at lower temperatures and high humidity (70% RH) and shorter at higher temperatures and low humidity (55% RH). At any concentration of phosphine, a combination of higher temperature and lower humidity provides the shortest fumigation period to control resistant L. bostrychophila. For example, 19 and 11 days of fumigation are required at 15 °C and 70% RH at 0.1 and 1.0 mg L-1 of phosphine respectively, whereas only 4 and 2 days are required at 35 °C and 55% RH for the same respective concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: The developed fumigation protocols will provide industry with flexibility in application of phosphine.

Glyphosate-resistant weeds of South American cropping systems: an overview.

Abstract: Herbicide resistance is an evolutionary event resulting from intense herbicide selection over genetically diverse weed populations. In South America, orchard, cereal and legume cropping systems show a strong dependence on glyphosate to control weeds. The goal of this report is to review the current knowledge on cases of evolved glyphosate-resistant weeds in South American agriculture. The first reports of glyphosate resistance include populations of highly diverse taxa (Lolium multiflorum Lam., Conyza bonariensis L., C. canadensis L.). In all instances, resistance evolution followed intense glyphosate use in fruit fields of Chile and Brazil. In fruit orchards from Colombia, Parthenium hysterophorus L. has shown the ability to withstand high glyphosate rates. The recent appearance of glyphosate-resistant Sorghum halepense L. and Euphorbia heterophylla L. in glyphosate-resistant soybean fields of Argentina and Brazil, respectively, is of major concern. The evolution of glyphosate resistance has clearly taken place in those agroecosystems where glyphosate exerts a strong and continuous selection pressure on weeds. The massive adoption of no-till practices together with the utilization of glyphosate-resistant soybean crops are factors encouraging increase in glyphosate use. This phenomenon has been more evident in Argentina and Brazil. The exclusive reliance on glyphosate as the main tool for weed management results in agroecosystems biologically more prone to glyphosate resistance evolution.  2007 Society of Chemical Industry

New multiple-herbicide crop resistance and formulation technology to augment the utility of glyphosate.

Abstract: Glyphosate has performed long and well, but now some weed communities are shifting to populations that survive glyphosate, and growers need new weed management technologies to augment glyphosate performance in glyphosate-resistant crops. Unfortunately, most companies are not developing any new selective herbicides with new modes of action to fill this need. Fortunately, companies are developing new herbicide-resistant crop technologies to combine with glyphosate resistance and expand the utility of existing herbicides. One of the first multiple-herbicide-resistant crops will have a molecular stack of a new metabolically based glyphosate resistance mechanism with an active-site-based resistance to a broad spectrum of ALS-inhibiting herbicides. Additionally, new formulation technology called homogeneous blends will be used in conjunction with glyphosate and ALS-resistant crops. This formulation technology satisfies governmental regulations, so that new herbicide mixture offerings with diverse modes of action can be commercialized more rapidly and less expensively. Together, homogeneous blends and multiple-herbicide-resistant crops can offer growers a wider choice of herbicide mixtures at rates and ratios to augment glyphosate and satisfy changing weed management needs.

Buprofezin susceptibility survey, resistance selection and preliminary determination of the resistance mechanism in Nilaparvata lugens (Homoptera: Delphacidae).

Abstract: RESULTS: Eleven-year surveys showed that most field populations were susceptible before 2004. However, substantially higher levels of resistance (up to 28-fold) were found in most of the rice fields in China after 2004. A field population was collected and periodically selected for buprofezin resistance in the laboratory. After 65 generations (56 were selected), the colony successfully obtained 3599-fold resistance to buprofezin. Synergism tests showed that O,O-diethyl-O-phenyl phosphorothioate (SV1), piperonyl butoxide (PBO) and diethyl maleate (DEM) increased buprofezin toxicity in the resistant strain by only 1.5‐1.6 fold, suggesting that esterases, P450monooxygenases and glutathione S-transferases had no substantial effect on buprofezin resistance development. CONCLUSION: The results from this study indicate that N. lugens has the potential to develop high resistance to buprofezin. A resistance management program with rotation of buprofezin and other pesticides may efficiently delay or slow down resistance development in the insect. Further investigation is also necessary to understand the resistance mechanisms in N. lugens.  2008 Society of Chemical Industry