Showing papers in "Pest Management Science in 2015"

Wild boar populations up, numbers of hunters down? A review of trends and implications for Europe.

Abstract: Across Europe, wild boar numbers increased in the 1960s-1970s but stabilised in the 1980s; recent evidence suggests that the numbers and impact of wild boar has grown steadily since the 1980s. As hunting is the main cause of mortality for this species, we reviewed wild boar hunting bags and hunter population trends in 18 European countries from 1982 to 2012. Hunting statistics and numbers of hunters were used as indicators of animal numbers and hunting pressure. The results confirmed that wild boar increased consistently throughout Europe, while the number of hunters remained relatively stable or declined in most countries. We conclude that recreational hunting is insufficient to limit wild boar population growth and that the relative impact of hunting on wild boar mortality had decreased. Other factors, such as mild winters, reforestation, intensification of crop production, supplementary feeding and compensatory population responses of wild boar to hunting pressure might also explain population growth. As populations continue to grow, more human-wild boar conflicts are expected unless this trend is reversed. New interdisciplinary approaches are urgently required to mitigate human-wild boar conflicts, which are otherwise destined to grow further.

Flupyradifurone: a brief profile of a new butenolide insecticide

Abstract: BACKGROUND The development and commercialisation of new chemical classes of insecticides for efficient crop protection measures against destructive invertebrate pests is of utmost importance to overcome resistance issues and to secure sustainable crop yields. Flupyradifurone introduced here is the first representative of the novel butenolide class of insecticides active against various sucking pests and showing an excellent safety profile.

Azole fungicides - understanding resistance mechanisms in agricultural fungal pathogens.

Abstract: Plant fungal pathogens can have devastating effects on a wide range of crops, including cereals and fruit (such as wheat and grapes), causing losses in crop yield, which are costly to the agricultural economy and threaten food security. Azole antifungals are the treatment of choice; however, resistance has arisen against these compounds, which could lead to devastating consequences. Therefore, it is important to understand how these fungicides are used and how the resistance arises in order to tackle the problem fully. Here, we give an overview of the problem and discuss the mechanisms that mediate azole resistance in agriculture (point mutations in the CYP51 amino acid sequence, overexpression of the CYP51 enzyme and overexpression of genes encoding efflux pump proteins). © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry

A renaissance for botanical insecticides

Abstract: Botanical insecticides continue to be a subject of keen interest among the international research community, reflected in the steady growth in scientific publications devoted to the subject. Until very recently though, the translation of that theory to practice, i.e. the commercialisation and adoption of new botanical insecticides in the marketplace, has seriously lagged behind. Strict regulatory regimes, long the bane of small pesticide producers, are beginning to relax some of the data requirements for 'low-risk' pesticide products, facilitating movement of more botanicals into the commercial arena. In this paper I discuss some of the jurisdictions where botanicals are increasingly finding favour, some of the newer botanical insecticides in the plant and animal health arsenal and some of the specific sectors where botanicals are most likely to compete effectively with other types of insecticidal product.

Control methods against invasive Aedes mosquitoes in Europe: a review

Abstract: Five species of invasive Aedes mosquitoes have recently become established in Europe: Ae. albopictus, Ae. aegypti, Ae. japonicus japonicus, Ae. koreicus and Ae. atropalpus. These mosquitoes are a serious nuisance for people and are also competent vectors for several exotic pathogens such as dengue and chikungunya viruses. As they are a growing public health concern, methods to control these mosquitoes need to be implemented to reduce their biting and their potential for disease transmission. There is a crucial need to evaluate methods as part of an integrated invasive mosquito species control strategy in different European countries, taking into account local Aedes infestations and European regulations. This review presents the control methods available or in development against invasive Aedes mosquitoes, with a particular focus on those that can be implemented in Europe. These control methods are divided into five categories: environmental (source reduction), mechanical (trapping), biological (e.g. copepods, Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis, Wolbachia), chemical (insect growth regulators, pyrethroids) and genetic (sterile insect technique and genetically modified mosquitoes). We discuss the effectiveness, ecological impact, sustainability and stage of development of each control method. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry

Chemical control of the Asian citrus psyllid and of huanglongbing disease in citrus.

Abstract: By 2014, huanglongbing (HLB), the most destructive disease of citrus, and its insect vector, the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri (Kuwayama), became established in all major citrus-growing regions of the world, including the United States, with the exception of California. At present, application of insecticides is the most widely followed option for reducing ACP populations, while application of antibiotics for suppressing HLB disease/symptoms is being practiced in some citrus-growing regions. Application of insecticides during the dormant winter season, along with cultivation of HLB-free seedlings and early detection and removal of symptomatic and asymptomatic trees, has been very effective in managing ACP. Area-wide management of ACP by application of insecticides at low volume in large areas of citrus cultivation has been shown to be effective in managing HLB and reducing management costs. As insecticide resistance is a major problem in sustainable management of ACP, rotation/alternation of insecticides with different chemistries and modes of action needs to be followed. Besides control of the insect vector, use of antibiotics has temporarily suppressed the symptoms of HLB in diseased trees. Recent efforts to discover and screen existing as well as new compounds for their antibiotic and antimicrobial activities have identified some promising molecules for HLB control. There is an urgent need to find a sustainable solution to the HLB menace through chemical control of ACP populations and within HLB-infected trees through the judicious use of labeled insecticides (existing and novel chemistries) and antibiotics in area-wide management programs with due consideration to the insecticide resistance problem. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry

Biopesticides--towards increased consumer safety in the European Union.

Abstract: The introduction of new food safety regulations in the European Union has resulted in the withdrawal of many synthetic active substances used in plant protection products, in light of their potential or actual harmful effect on human and animal health, as well as on the environment. Alternatives to these compounds are being developed – naturally occurring pesticides, also referred to as biopesticides. The use of biopesticides in crop protection leads to decreased levels of pesticide residues in foods, and as a result to lower risk levels for the consumer. Biologically active agents defined as biopesticides are varied, and therefore application of the same environmental and consumer safety criteria to all of them is impossible. This presents serious complications in the approval of these pesticides as active plant protection products and in their registration. It needs to be stressed that, in the registration procedure of the European Union, biopesticides are subject to the same regulations as synthetic active substances. This situation has resulted in the need to introduce numerous new provisions in the legislation, as well as the preparation of new guidelines facilitating the registration of biopesticides. These activities aim to promote naturally originating pesticides. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry

Integrated pest management and weed management in the United States and Canada

Abstract: There is interest in more diverse weed management tactics because of evolved herbicide resistance in important weeds in many US and Canadian crop systems While herbicide resistance in weeds is not new, the issue has become critical because of the adoption of simple, convenient and inexpensive crop systems based on genetically engineered glyphosate-tolerant crop cultivars Importantly, genetic engineering has not been a factor in rice and wheat, two globally important food crops There are many tactics that help to mitigate herbicide resistance in weeds and should be widely adopted Evolved herbicide resistance in key weeds has influenced a limited number of growers to include a more diverse suite of tactics to supplement existing herbicidal tactics Most growers still emphasize herbicides, often to the exclusion of alternative tactics Application of integrated pest management for weeds is better characterized as integrated weed management, and more typically integrated herbicide management However, adoption of diverse weed management tactics is limited Modifying herbicide use will not solve herbicide resistance in weeds, and the relief provided by different herbicide use practices is generally short-lived at best More diversity of tactics for weed management must be incorporated in crop systems

The Red Queen in a potato field: integrated pest management versus chemical dependency in Colorado potato beetle control.

Abstract: Originally designed to reconcile insecticide applications with biological control, the concept of integrated pest management (IPM) developed into the systems-based judicious and coordinated use of multiple control techniques aimed at reducing pest damage to economically tolerable levels. Chemical control, with scheduled treatments, was the starting point for most management systems in the 1950s. Although chemical control is philosophically compatible with IPM practices as a whole, reduction in pesticide use has been historically one of the main goals of IPM practitioners. In the absence of IPM, excessive reliance on pesticides has led to repeated control failures due to the evolution of resistance by pest populations. This creates the need for constant replacement of failed chemicals with new compounds, known as the 'insecticide treadmill'. In evolutionary biology, a similar phenomenon is known as the Red Queen principle - continuing change is needed for a population to persevere because its competitors undergo constant evolutionary adaptation. The Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), is an insect defoliator of potatoes that is notorious for its ability to develop insecticide resistance. In the present article, a review is given of four case studies from across the United States to demonstrate the importance of using IPM for sustainable management of a highly adaptable insect pest. Excessive reliance on often indiscriminate insecticide applications and inadequate use of alternative control methods, such as crop rotation, appear to expedite evolution of insecticide resistance in its populations. Resistance to IPM would involve synchronized adaptations to multiple unfavorable factors, requiring statistically unlikely genetic changes. Therefore, integrating different techniques is likely to reduce the need for constant replacement of failed chemicals with new ones.

Perspectives on transgenic, herbicide-resistant crops in the United States almost 20 years after introduction.

Abstract: Herbicide-resistant crops have had a profound impact on weed management. Most of the impact has been by glyphosate-resistant maize, cotton, soybean and canola. Significant economic savings, yield increases and more efficacious and simplified weed management have resulted in widespread adoption of the technology. Initially, glyphosate-resistant crops enabled significantly reduced tillage and reduced the environmental impact of weed management. Continuous use of glyphosate with glyphosate-resistant crops over broad areas facilitated the evolution of glyphosate-resistant weeds, which have resulted in increases in the use of tillage and other herbicides with glyphosate, reducing some of the initial environmental benefits of glyphosate-resistant crops. Transgenic crops with resistance to auxinic herbicides, as well as to herbicides that inhibit acetolactate synthase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase and hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase, stacked with glyphosate and/or glufosinate resistance, will become available in the next few years. These technologies will provide additional weed management options for farmers, but will not have all of the positive effects (reduced cost, simplified weed management, lowered environmental impact and reduced tillage) that glyphosate-resistant crops had initially. In the more distant future, other herbicide-resistant crops (including non-transgenic ones), herbicides with new modes of action and technologies that are currently in their infancy (e.g. bioherbicides, sprayable herbicidal RNAi and/or robotic weeding) may affect the role of transgenic, herbicide-resistant crops in weed management. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Insect P450 inhibitors and insecticides: challenges and opportunities.

Abstract: P450 enzymes are encoded by a large number of genes in insects, often over a hundred. They play important roles in insecticide metabolism and resistance, and growing numbers of P450 enzymes are now known to catalyse important physiological reactions, such as hormone metabolism or cuticular hydrocarbon synthesis. Ways to inhibit P450 enzymes specifically or less specifically are well understood, as P450 inhibitors are found as drugs, as fungicides, as plant growth regulators and as insecticide synergists. Yet there are no P450 inhibitors as insecticides on the market. As new modes of action are constantly needed to support insecticide resistance management, P450 inhibitors should be considered because of their high potential for insect selectivity, their well-known mechanisms of action and the increasing ease of rational design and testing.

Cross-resistance, the stability of acetamiprid resistance and its effect on the biological parameters of cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae), in Pakistan.

Abstract: BACKGROUND Acetamiprid is a neonicotinoid insecticide that is effective against both soil and plant insects, including insects of the orders Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Homoptera and Thysanoptera. In order to estimate the effects associated with insecticide exposure and devise better pest management tactics, a field population of Phenacoccus solenopsis was exposed to acetamiprid in the laboratory. Subsequently, cross-resistance and the effects of acetamiprid on the biological parameters of P. solenopsis were investigated. RESULTS Following five rounds of selection with acetamiprid, P. solenopsis developed a 315-fold greater resistance to this chemical compared with an unexposed control population. The selected population also demonstrated very high to moderate cross-resistance to other tested insecticides. Furthermore, acetamiprid resistance remained unstable when the acetamiprid-selected population was not exposed for a further five generations. The acetamiprid-selected population had a relative fitness of 0.22, with significantly lower survival rate, pupal weight, fecundity, percentage hatching, net reproductive rate, intrinsic rate of natural increase, biotic potential and mean relative growth rate, with prolonged male and female nymphal duration, developmental time from egg to female adult and male and female longevity compared with the control population. CONCLUSION P. solenopsis biological parameters are greatly affected by acetamiprid, and it is of significant cost for the insects to counter these effects. This study will be a valuable source of information for further understanding of acetamiprid resistance and for assisting the development of resistance management programmes. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry

Pesticides and reduced-risk insecticides, native bees and pantropical stingless bees: pitfalls and perspectives.

Abstract: Although invertebrates generally have a low public profile, the honey bee, Apis mellifera L., is a flagship species whose popularity likely derives from the products it provides and its perceived ecological services. Therefore, the raging debate regarding honey bee decline has surpassed the realm of beekeepers, academia, industry and regulatory agencies and now also encompasses non-governmental agencies, media, fiction writers and the general public. The early interest and concern about honey bee colony collapse disorder (CCD) soon shifted to the bigger issue of pollinator decline, with a focus on the potential involvement of pesticides in such a phenomenon. Pesticides were previously recognised as the potential culprits of the reported declines, particularly the neonicotinoid insecticides owing to their widespread and peculiar use in agriculture. However, the evidence for the potential pivotal role of these neonicotinoids in honey bee decline remains a matter of debate, with an increased recognition of the multifactorial nature of the problem and the lack of a direct association between the noted decline and neonicotinoid use. The focus on the decline of honey bee populations subsequently spread to other species, and bumblebees became another matter of concern, particularly in Europe and the United States. Other bee species, ones that are particularly important in other regions of the world, remain the object of little concern (unjustifiably so). Furthermore, the continuous focus on neonicotinoids is also in need of revision, as the current evidence suggests that a broad spectrum of compounds deserve attention. Here we address both shortcomings. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry

Synthesis, crystal structure, herbicidal activities and 3D-QSAR study of some novel 1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a]pyridine derivatives

Abstract: BACKGROUND 1,2,4-Triazolo[4,3-a]pyridine derivatives represent a new series of compounds that possess good herbicidal activity against Echinochloa crusgalli (L.) Beauv., Setaria faberii, Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop., Brassica juncea Coss., Amaranthus retroflexus L. and Eclipta prostrata L. RESULTS A total of 23 novel 1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a]pyridine derivatives were synthesised and identified by 1H NMR, IR, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, mass-spectroscopic and elemental analysis, and their herbicidal activities were tested against E. crusgalli (L.) Beauv., S. faberii, D. sanguinalis (L.) Scop., B. juncea Coss., A. retroflexus L. and E. prostrata L. at 150 g a.i. ha−1. It was found that the title compound 8-chloro-3-(4-propylphenyl)-[1,2,4]-triazolo[4,3-a]pyridine possesses high herbicidal activity and a broad spectrum against the 22 test weeds, with an inhibition effect of about 50% at a dosage of 37.5 g a.i. ha−1, and is safe for corn, cotton and rice at a dosage of 150 g a.i. ha−1. Furthermore, comparative molecular field analysis contour models were established to study the structure–activity relationship of the title compounds. CONCLUSION It is possible that, with further structure modification, 1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a]pyridine derivatives, which possess good herbicidal activities, may become novel lead compounds for the development of herbicides against dicotyledonous weeds. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry

Manipulating behaviour with substrate-borne vibrations--potential for insect pest control.

Abstract: This review presents an overview of the potential use of substrate-borne vibrations for the purpose of achieving insect pest control in the context of integrated pest management. Although the importance of mechanical vibrations in the life of insects has been fairly well established, the effect of substrate-borne vibrations has historically been understudied, in contrast to sound sensu stricto. Consequently, the idea of using substrate-borne vibrations for pest control is still in its infancy. This review therefore focuses on the theoretical background, using it to highlight potential applications in a field environment, and lists the few preliminary studies that have been or are being performed. Conceptual similarities to the use of sound, as well as limitations inherent in this approach, are also noted. © 2014 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

IPM‐CPR for peaches: incorporating behaviorally‐based methods to manage Halyomorpha halys and key pests in peach

Abstract: BACKGROUND The invasive brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stal) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), has emerged as a key pest in mid-Atlantic peach production Current management of H halys has disrupted IPM programs by relying exclusively on frequent, repeated, season-long insecticide applications We developed a behaviorally-based tactic termed IPM-CPR (Crop Perimeter Restructuring) that utilizes border sprays for H halys, groundcover management for Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois) (Hemiptera: Miridae) and mating disruption for Grapholita molesta (Busck) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) RESULTS IPM-CPR reduced insecticide usage by 25–61% Generally there was less, and at times significantly less, catfacing injury (attributable to H halys) in peaches in the IPM-CPR blocks relative to the standard, and minimal differences in injury due to G molesta or L lineolaris These results suggest that perimeter applications of insecticides exploit the border-arrestment behavior of H halys by controlling them at the orchard edge, reducing damage throughout the block CONCLUSION IPM-CPR significantly reduces the area managed by growers for control of H halys, while simultaneously managing key pests at levels equal to current grower standard practices This approach brings IPM tactics back into the orchard system after disruption by the invasive H halys and potentially supports beneficial insects © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry

Design, synthesis and herbicidal activity of novel quinazoline-2,4-diones as 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase inhibitors.

Abstract: BACKGROUND 4-Hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) (EC 1.13.11.27) has been identified as one of the most promising target sites for herbicide discovery. To discover novel HPPD inhibitors with high herbicidal activity and improved crop selectivity, a series of novel triketone-containing quinazoline-2,4-dione derivatives possessing a variety of substituents at the N-1 position of the quinazoline-2,4-dione ring were designed and synthesised. RESULTS The results of in vitro tests and greenhouse experiments indicated that some analogues showed good HPPD inhibitory activity, with promising broad-spectrum herbicidal activity at a rate of 150 g AI ha−1. Most surprisingly, compound 11 h, 1-ethyl-6-(2-hydroxy-6-oxocyclohex-1-enecarbonyl)-3-(o-tolyl)quinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)-dione, showed the highest HPPD inhibition activity, with a Ki value of 0.005 μM, about 2 times more potent than mesotrione (Ki = 0.013 μM). Further greenhouse experiments indicated that compounds 11d and 11 h displayed strong and broad-spectrum post-emergent herbicidal activity even at a dosage as low as 37.5 g AI ha−1, which was superior to mesotrione. More importantly, compounds 11d and 11 h were safe for maize at a rate of 150 g AI ha−1, and compound 11d was safe for wheat as well. CONCLUSION The present work indicated that the triketone-containing quinazoline-2,4-dione motif could be a potential lead structure for further development of novel herbicides. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry

Biofumigation with Brassica juncea, Raphanus sativus and Eruca sativa for the management of field populations of the potato cyst nematode Globodera pallida.

Abstract: The viability of potato cyst nematode (PCN) populations (Globodera pallida) was evaluated in three field experiments using Brassica juncea, Raphanus sativus and Eruca sativa amendments. These species were summer cultivated and autumn incorporated in experiment 1; in experiment 2, overwintered brassicaceous cover crops were spring incorporated. Experiment 3 involved determination of effects of metconazole application on biomass/glucosinolate production by B. juncea and R. sativus and on PCN pre- and post-incorporation. Glucosinolate contents were determined before incorporation. Following cover crop incorporation, field plots were planted with susceptible potatoes to evaluate the biofumigation effects on PCN reproduction. RESULTS: In experiment 1, PCN population post-potato harvest was reduced (P = 0.03) in B. juncea-treated plots, while R. sativus prevented further multiplication, but in experiment 2 there were no significant effects on PCN reproduction. In experiment 3, B. juncea or R. sativus either untreated or treated with metconazole reduced PCN populations. Glucosinolate concentrations varied significantly between different plant regions and cultivation seasons. Metconazole application increased the sinigrin concentration in B. juncea tissues. Glucosinolate concentrations correlated positively with PCN mortality for summer-cultivated brassicaceous plants. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrated that B. juncea and R. sativus green manures can play an important role in PCN management, particularly if included in an integrated pest management scheme.

First report of Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean (Q biotype) species in Brazil

Abstract: BACKGROUND The whitefly Bemisia tabaci is a major cosmopolitan pest and comprises a complex of more than 36 cryptic species that cause serious damage to agricultural crops worldwide. In this study, the Mediterranean species of B. tabaci, formerly known as Q biotype, was identified for the first time in Brazil. RESULTS Adult B. tabaci were collected from different localities and hosts from Rio Grande do Sul, the southernmost state of the country that borders Uruguay and Argentina. Partial sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mtCOI) gene indicated that B. tabaci MED species appears to be restricted to the province of Barra do Quarai, infesting Capsicum annuum cultivated in greenhouses and Ipomoea batatas in open fields. The partial mtCOI sequences obtained shared 100% nucleotide identity with reference sequences for the Q biotype reported from Uruguay. The secondary endosymbionts Hamiltonella and Cardinium were detected by PCR in the new identified MED species from Brazil, similarly to the Q biotype from Uruguay. CONCLUSION Our results indicate the presence of the MED species in Brazil. The close monitoring of this new identified species in the southern region of Brazil is essential to avoid its geographical expansion to more important agricultural areas in the country. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry

Field-evolved resistance to four modes of action of herbicides in a single kochia (Kochia scoparia L. Schrad.) population.

Abstract: BACKGROUND Evolution of multiple herbicide resistance in weeds is a serious threat to weed management in crop production. Kochia is an economically important broadleaf weed in the US Great Plains. This study aimed to confirm resistance to four sites of action of herbicides in a single kochia (Kochia scoparia L. Schrad.) population from a crop field near Garden City (GC), Kansas, and further determine the underlying mechanisms of resistance. RESULTS One-fourth of the GC plants survived the labeled rate or higher of atrazine [photosystem II (PSII) inhibitor], and the surviving plants had the Ser-264 to Gly mutation in the psbA gene, the target site of atrazine. Results showed that 90% of GC plants survived the labeled rate of dicamba, a synthetic auxin. At least 87% of the plants survived up to 72 g a.i. ha−1 of chlorsulfuron [acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitor], and analysis of the ALS gene revealed the presence of Pro-197 to Thr and/or Trp-574 to Lue mutation(s). Most GC plants also survived the labeled rate of glyphosate [5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) inhibitor), and the resistant plants had 5–9 EPSPS gene copies (relative to the ALS gene). CONCLUSION We confirm the first case of evolution of resistance to four herbicide sites of action (PSII, ALS and EPSPS inhibitors and synthetic auxins) in a single kochia population, and target-site-based mechanisms confer resistance to atrazine, glyphosate and chlorsulfuron. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry

Lethal and sublethal effects of cyantraniliprole on Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae).

Abstract: BACKGROUND The oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), is one of the most globally important insect pests. Studies were conducted with the novel anthranilic diamide insecticide cyantraniliprole to determine its lethal and sublethal effects on B. dorsalis. RESULTS An ingestion toxicity bioassay showed that cyantraniliprole was active against B. dorsalis, and the 72 h feeding LC50 was 3.22 µg g−1 in adult diet for a susceptible strain. Sublethal doses of cyantraniliprole (1.30 µg g−1 adult diet) induced a hormesis effect on B. dorsalis. The mating competitiveness of B. dorsalis treated with cyantraniliprole at 3.27 µg g−1 adult diet was significantly lower when compared with the controls. The lower dose (1.30 µg g−1 adult diet) of cyantraniliprole improved the total mating times of both mating pairs in treated groups and also the mating competitiveness of the treated males when compared with the higher dose and controls. Cyantraniliprole-treated females of the mated pairs with the lower dose laid more eggs. On the fifth day, female receptivity in the treated group was significantly reduced when compared with the controls. CONCLUSION These results indicate that cyantraniliprole is effective against B. dorsalis. The inhibition and stimulation effect of cyantraniliprole on the adult's mating performance at different concentrations was proved. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry

Detection of knockdown resistance mutations in the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius (Hemiptera: Cimicidae), in Australia

Abstract: BACKGROUND Pyrethroid resistance in the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius L., has been reported worldwide. An important resistance mechanism is via knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations, notably V419L and L925I. Information regarding this kdr-type resistance mechanism is unknown in Australia. This study aims to examine the status of kdr mutations in Australian C. lectularius strains. RESULTS Several modern field-collected strains and museum-preserved reference collections of Australian C. lectularius were examined. Of the field strains (2007–2013), 96% had the known kdr mutations (L925I or both V419L/L925I). The ‘Adelaide’ strain (2013) and samples from the preserved reference collections (1994–2002) revealed no known kdr mutations. A novel mutation I936F was apparent in the insecticide-resistant ‘Adelaide’ strain, one strain from Perth (with L925I) and the majority of the reference collection specimens. The laboratory insecticide-resistant ‘Sydney’ strain showed a mixture of no kdr mutations (20%) and L925I (80%). CONCLUSION The novel mutation I936F may be a kdr mutation but appeared to contribute less resistance to the pyrethroids than the V419L and L925I mutations. The detection of high frequencies of kdr mutations indicates that kdr-type resistance is widespread across Australia. Hence, there should be a reduced reliance on pyrethroid insecticides and an integrated management approach for the control of C. lectularius infestations. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry

Concerted action of target-site mutations and high EPSPS activity in glyphosate-resistant junglerice (Echinochloa colona) from California.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Echinochloa colona is an annual weed affecting field crops and orchards in California. An E. colona population carrying a mutation in the EPSPS gene endowing resistance to glyphosate, the most widely used non-selective herbicide, was recently identified in the Northern Sacramento Valley of California. Plants from this population, from a suspected glyphosate-resistant (GR) population, and from one susceptible (S) population collected in the Northern Sacramento Valley of California, were used to generate three GR and one S selfed lines to study possible mechanisms involved in glyphosate resistance. RESULTS: Based on the amount of glyphosate required to kill 50% of the plants (LD50), GR lines were 4–9-fold more resistant than S plants and accumulated less shikimate after glyphosate treatment. GR and S lines did not differ in glyphosate absorption, translocation or metabolism. A different target-site mutation was found in each of two of the GR lines corresponding to Pro106Thr and Pro106Ser substitutions; the mutations were found in different homoeologous EPSPS genes. No mutation was found in the third GR line, which exhibited 1.4-fold higher basal EPSPS activity and a fivefold greater LD 50 than S plants. Quantitative RT-PCR revealed that GR lines had similar or lower EPSPS expression than S plants. CONCLUSION: It is demonstrated that individuals with different glyphosate resistance mechanisms can coexist in the same population, individuals from different populations may carry different resistance mechanisms and different mechanisms can act in concert within single E. colona plants. However, other plant factors or resistance mechanisms appear to modulate plant expression of EPSPS sensitivity to glyphosate. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry Supporting information may be found in the online version of this article.

Potential and actual uses of zeolites in crop protection

Abstract: In this review, it is demonstrated that zeolites have a potential to be used as crop protection agents. Similarly to kaolin, zeolites can be applied as particle films against pests and diseases. Their honeycomb framework, together with their carbon dioxide sorption capacity and their heat stress reduction capacity, makes them suitable as a leaf coating product. Furthermore, their water sorption capacity and their smaller particle sizes make them effective against fungal diseases and insect pests. Finally, these properties also ensure that zeolites can act as carriers of different active substances, which makes it possible to use zeolites for slow-release applications. Based on the literature, a general overview is provided of the different basic properties of zeolites as promising products in crop protection.

Identification of putative kdr mutations in the tropical bed bug, Cimex hemipterus (Hemiptera: Cimicidae).

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Bed bugs [both Cimex hemipterus (F.) and Cimex lectularius L.] are highly resistant to pyrethroids worldwide. An important resistance mechanism known as ‘knockdown resistance’ (kdr) is caused by genetic point mutations on the voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) gene. Previous studies have identified two point mutations (V419L and L925I) on the VGSC gene in C. lectularius that are responsible for kdr-type resistance. However, the kdr mutations in C. hemipterus have not been investigated. RESULTS: Four novel mutations, L899V (leucine to valine), M918I (methionine to isoleucine), D953G (asparticacid to glycine) and L1014F (leucine to phenylalanine), were identified in the domain II region of the C. hemipterus VGSC gene. This region has been widelyinvestigatedforthestudyofkdr-typeresistancetopyrethroidsinotherinsectpests.TheV419LandL925Ikdr mutations as previously identified in C.lectulariuswere not detected in C.hemipterus. CONCLUSION:M918IandL1014Fareconsideredtobeprobablekdrmutationsandmayplayessentialrolesinkdr-typeresistance to pyrethroids in C. hemipterus. Further studies are under way in the authors’ laboratory to determine the non-kdr-type resistance mechanisms in C.hemipterus. ©2 014 Society of Chemical Industry

Frequency of V1016I and F1534C mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel gene in Aedes aegypti in Venezuela.

Abstract: BACKGROUND The V1016I and F1534C mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel gene have been associated with resistance to pyrethroids and DDT in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. A study was carried out to determine the frequency of I1016 and C1534 by real-time PCR in five natural populations of Ae. aegypti in Venezuela during 2008, 2010 and 2012, as well as in a strain selected with 0.14 µg of deltamethrin for 15 generations. RESULTS In natural populations, frequencies of I1016 varied between 0.01 and 0.37, and frequencies of C1534 between 0.35 and 1.0. In the Pampanito strain, the frequency of I1016 increased from 0.02 in F1 up to 0.5 in F15 and from 0.35 up to fixation for C1534 after selection with deltamethrin. CONCLUSION The results showed that C1534 frequencies are higher than I1016 frequencies in natural populations of Ae. aegypti in Venezuela, and that deltamethrin selected the C1534 more rapidly than I1016. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry

Can poisons stimulate bees? Appreciating the potential of hormesis in bee–pesticide research

Abstract: Hormesis, a biphasic dose response whereby exposure to low doses of a stressor can stimulate biological processes, has been reported in many organisms, including pest insects when they are exposed to low doses of a pesticide. However, awareness of the hormesis phenomenon seems to be limited among bee researchers, in spite of the increased emphasis of late on pollinator toxicology and risk assessment. In this commentary, we show that there are several examples in the literature of substances that are toxic to bees at high doses but stimulatory at low doses. Appreciation of the hormetic dose response by bee researchers will improve our fundamental understanding of how bees respond to low doses of chemical stressors, and may be useful in pollinator risk assessment. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry

Termite (order Blattodea, infraorder Isoptera) baiting 20 years after commercial release

Abstract: Termite baiting is now one of the two main management tools in developed countries after 20 years of commercial release. It has two main goals: to use small amounts of active ingredient and ‘colony elimination’, i.e. death of all individuals in the colony. We consider how well baiting has been evaluated from 100 studies in the scientific literature. Studies have included 15 active ingredients, 23 termite species and 16 countries, yet most studies have focused on the chitin synthesis inhibitor hexaflumuron, Reticulitermes and the United States. Baiting has mostly met its goals: typically about 0.5 g of active ingredient was used, and colony elimination achieved, albeit with rates varying from 0 to 100%, and sometimes supplemented with liquid insecticide. Baiting was most successful using chitin synthesis inhibitors against Reticulitermes and Coptotermes (Rhinotermitidae), in temperate locations, although colony elimination was usually inferred indirectly – mostly by termite absence from baits – and was often slow, from 25 to 450 days. Baiting has been less tested and less successful against higher termites in tropical locations, where they are most diverse and abundant. Future research may have to consider greater termite species diversity and other active ingredients to reduce control times in order to fulfil the potential of baiting. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry

Cross-resistance and baseline susceptibility of Mediterranean strains of Bemisia tabaci to cyantraniliprole.

Abstract: BACKGROUND The whitefly Bemisia tabaci Gennadius is a severe pest in many field and greenhouse crops worldwide and has developed resistance to insecticides from most chemical classes The ease with which this pest develops resistance makes it essential to incorporate new compounds with different modes of action and no cross-resistance with those previously used into insecticide resistance management strategies To that end, the systemic effect of the new diamide cyantraniliprole was tested with multiresistant, selected and field populations of Q-biotype B tabaci from the Mediterranean area RESULTS Bioassays with multiresistant and laboratory-selected populations indicated no cross-resistance to cyantraniliprole in the B tabaci strains exhibiting resistance to other insecticides The LC50 values for nymphs from 14 field populations varied between 0011 and 0116 mg L−1, a 105-fold natural variability The LC50 values for adults from three strains ranged from 0060 to 0096 mg L−1 CONCLUSION These baseline data will be helpful for monitoring future potential shifts in susceptibility to cyantraniliprole in Mediterranean whitefly populations within an IRM programme Cyantraniliprole may play an important role in mitigating insecticide resistance in B tabaci because of its high efficacy and its lack of cross-resistance to other insecticides, even in multiresistant Q-biotype populations collected from a highly problematic insecticide resistance area © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry

Differential mechanisms of action of the novel γ-aminobutyric acid receptor antagonist ectoparasiticides fluralaner (A1443) and fipronil.

Abstract: BACKGROUND Fluralaner (A1443) is an isoxazoline ectoparasiticide that is a novel antagonist of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors (GABARs), with a potency comparable to that of fipronil, a phenylpyrazole ectoparasiticide. To clarify the biological effectiveness of fluralaner against fipronil-resistant pests, differences in the actions of fluralaner and fipronil on GABARs that possess resistance to dieldrin (rdl)-type mutations were evaluated. RESULTS Fipronil had neither pest control nor GABAR-antagonistic activities against two-spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) that had two different rdl-type amino acids (A301 → H and T350 → A: Drosophila melanogaster GABAR numbering) and against small brown planthoppers (Laodelphax striatellus) that had a novel rdl-type (A283 → N) mutation in GABARs. In contrast, fluralaner showed not only high pest control activities against these pests, but also excellent antagonistic activities for these rdl-type GABARs. CONCLUSION The findings indicate that rdl-type fipronil-resistant pests do not show cross-resistance to fluralaner owing to the differential actions of fluralaner and fipronil on the GABAR. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry