Egyptian Journal of Plant Protection Research Institute

Efficacy of foliar spraying of squash (Cucurbita pepo) with some elicitors for certain biochemical traits for Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) protection

Yomna N. M. Abd Allah — 2025-03-05

Secondary metabolites in plants are bioactive scaffolds that are crucial for plant growth and survival in the environment. Also, to maintain a defence mechanism from pests. Four basic elicitors, (Benzoic acid, salicylic acid and acetyl salicylic (Aspirin) acid) at the rate of approximately 0.01 mol/l of each (i.e. 1.25, 1.4 and 1.8 g/l, respectively) and sulfonic acid was used at the rate of 1 % of product (Potassium hydroxide 0.6 g/l was added as a dissolver to sulfonic acid) were applied on squash plants Cucurbita pepo L. as a foliar treatments during vegetative growth stage at 15 days after planting in the open field to reduce the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) infestation. The foliar application treatments of elicitors or inducers (Were applied at 15th after cultivation as one spray weekly for 3 weeks) over two successive growing seasons; 2022 and 2023 in autumn plantation. The effects of the four elicitors were close to each other in reducing B. tabaci numbers over the tested seasons compared to control treatments. The change in certain biochemical traits of the sprayed leaves particularly in different plant stages was successfully investigated. In the seedling or early stage (Represented by the period from seedling to 30 days after cultivation but leaves were taken for analysis after spraying at 21 days after cultivation), it was found in sprayed leaves that sulfonic, salicylic and benzoic acids treatments increased phosphorous versus control. Moreover, benzoic acid and sulfonic acid increased levels of total carbohydrates compared to those found in the control. However, salicylic, acetylsalicylic and sulfonic acids increased total phenols versus control. Sulfonic, acetylsalicylic, benzoic and salicylic acids increased titratable acidity. Sulfonic acid and benzoic acid increased the activity of alpha esterases. Also, sulfonic acid increased beta esterases activity versus control. Salicylic, acetylsalicylic and sulfonic acids increased peroxidase activity. In the late stage of plant (44 days after cultivation), data revealed that acetylsalicylic acid increased phosphorous content compared to control. Moreover, sulfonic, acetylsalicylic, salicylic and benzoic acids increased titratable acidity. While salicylic acid and sulfonic acid increased the activity of the peroxidase enzymes compared to control. This approach shed light on the efficiency of benzoic acid, salicylic acid, acetylsalicylic acid and sulfonic acid in reducing B. tabaci infestation via enhancement secondary metabolites and increasing defensive mechanisms of squash plants. In conclusion, these elicitors could be recommended to be used in combating the whitefly, B. tabaci in integrated pest management (IPM).

Efficacy of certain organic extracts at three concentrations on tomato plants infected with the root-knot nematode with reference to GC-MS analysis

M. I. Sergany — 2025-03-05

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to determine the efficacy of cumin, garlic, and black pepper as organic extracts at three concentrations against root-knot nematode,Meloidogyne arenaria . Garlic extract had the highest potential effects in reducing the number of galls, egg masses, and second- stage juveniles/250 g of soil by 63.97, 65.1, and 58.19%, respectively. Cumin extract was the most effective extract in reducing the number of eggs/g roots (60.91% reduction eggs/g root system). Pepper extract showed higher shoot fresh and dry weights (61.95 and 16.21 g/plant, respectively) without significant differences from other treatments. Ethanol and petroleum ether extracts were the most effective extracts in reducing the number of galls, egg masses, eggs per g, and juveniles/250 g soil. A positive correlation between concentration and the reduction of gall formation, egg masses, eggs per g, and juveniles. Ethanol extract from garlic gave the highest potential effect in reducing the number of galls, egg masses, and second-stage juveniles/250 g of soil, with percentages of reduction of 67.67, 67.9, and 65.53%, respectively. Ethanol extract of cumin was the most effective extract, as it reduced the number of eggs per gram root by 65.84%. GCMS analysis of crude ethanolic extracts of Allium sativum, Cuminum cyminum, and Piper nigrum revealed that the major compounds that were found in Allium sativum are trisulfide, di-2-propenyl with a peak area of 38.18%, disulfide, di-2-propenyl 9.95%, 4-(Methylthio) butyric acid 9.12%, propanal, 2 methyl-3-phenyl 7.86%, and tetrasulfide, di-2- propenyl 4.39%. The major compounds that were found in Cuminun cyminum Propanal, were 2-Methyl-3-Phenyl with a peak area of 29.44%, 4,5,6-trimethoxy-1H-indole-2-carboxylic acid 23.39%, 1- Ispropylidene-3-N-Butyl-2-Cyclobutene 16.48%, 2,3,3-Trimethyl-3Hindole 5.54%, and gamma-Terpinene 2.26%. Piperine with a peak area of 40.39%, 10-Hydroxy-10-(Phenylethynyl) Anthrone 5.57%, trans- Caryophyllene, 1,3-Dimethyl-4-azaphenanthrene 5.36%, Bicyclo [7.2.0] undec-4-ene, 4,11,11-trimethyl-8-methylene-5.50%, 1H-Indole- 2-carboxylic acid, and 6-(4-ethoxyphenyl) 3.09%, were the major five compounds that were found in P. nigrum. Thus, the ethanol extract of garlic had the highest potential as an alternative nematicide against M. arenaria.

Effectiveness of essential oils, clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and basil (Ocimum basilicum) on Ephestia cautella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Shaimaa Mohamed Mahdi — 2025-03-05

This study investigates the efficacy of essential oils derived from clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and basil (Ocimum basilicum) as ecofriendly alternatives for managing the almond moth, Ephestia cautella (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), a significant pest in stored-product systems. Essential oils were extracted via hydro distillation and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to determine their chemical compositions. The primary constituents identified were eugenol in clove oil. While in basil oil, Cyclohexane, 1-butenylidene, Chavicol, and linalool. All are known for their insecticidal properties. Bioassays evaluated the toxic, fumigant, and repellent effects of these oils across various life stages of E. cautella. For testing the feeding toxicity, 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 10, and 1 ppm/5g artificial media were used. In case of fumigate toxicity, 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 10, and 1 μl/l air). Clove oil demonstrated superior efficacy, with LC50 values significantly lower than basil oil for larvae, adults, and eggs, confirming its potent insecticidal properties. Mortality rates approached 100% at lower concentrations for clove oil compared to basil oil. Repellency assays further highlighted clove oil's effectiveness, achieving 100% repellency at higher concentrations. Statistical analyses reinforced these findings, underscoring clove oil’s potential as a preferred biopesticide. The results emphasize the promise of clove oil in integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, offering a sustainable and effective alternative to synthetic pesticides. Future research should address formulation development, cost-efficiency, and field efficacy to facilitate commercial application.

The ability of several plant species and inert dusts to suppress adults of rice weevil Sitophilus oryzae (Coleoptera: Curculiontdae)

Manar Y. Amin — 2025-03-05

This research aimed to compare the efficacy of different inert dusts, like zeolite and diatomaceous earth (DE), in controlling Sitophilus oryzae (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculiontdae) at 30+1oC and 65+5% relative humidity, in comparison to some plant dusts such as radish seed dust (Raphanus sativus), galangal rhizome dust (Alpina officinarum), and black pepper seed dust (Piper nigrum L.). The results indicated that the mortality of adults was influenced by the duration of exposure and the concentration of the dust. Higher concentrations and longer exposure times resulted in increased adult mortality. Based on the findings, DE was the most effective dust in controlling S. oryzae adults, followed by zeolite, radish seed dust, galangal dust, and the least effective was black pepper seed dust.

Comparative toxicity of certain compounds against terrestrial snails Monacha cantiana and Succinea putris (Gastropoda: Hygromiidae: Succineidae) under laboratory and field conditions

Nada M.T. Abbas — 2025-03-05

Monacha cantiana (Montagu) and Succinea putris (L.) (Gastropoda: Succineidae: Hygromiidae) are among the most significant harmful land snails affecting various economic crops in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, Egypt. This study compared the toxicity of different concentrations of certain pesticides against these two snail species using two methods under both laboratory and field conditions. The results indicated that, under laboratory conditions, the poison bait method was more effective than the leaf-dipping method. Among the pesticides tested, indoxacarb proved to be the most effective against M. cantiana when applied using the poison bait and leaf-dipping methods, followed by emamectin benzoate and tolfenpyrad, with LC50 values of (2.70, 8.29, and 87.92 ppm) and (1.62, 12.03, and 95.31 ppm) for the two methods, respectively. For the land snail S. putris, emamectin benzoate showed the highest effect, followed by indoxacarb and tolfenpyrad, the LC50 values were (2.79, 3.23, and 62.69 ppm) and (3.33, 4.19, and 67.14 ppm), for the poison bait and leaf-dipping methods, respectively. Conversely, under field conditions, the toxic baits of indoxacarb, emamectin benzoate, and tolfenpyrad achieved mortality rates of 99.5%, 85.83% and 83.07% for the land snail M. cantiana, respectively, after 21 days of application. Therefore, control programs targeting these land snails can effectively use these compounds, particularly indoxacarb, as molluscicides.

Spring-planted cover crops impact weed suppression, productivity and feed quality of forage crops in Northern Kazakhstan

Gani Stybayev — 2025-03-05

Integrating cover crops into crop rotation could provide options for herbicide-resistant weed control in farming systems. Suppression: Potential effectiveness of spring-planted cover crop oats (Avena sativa L.) on weed suppression, productivity, and feed quality of annual forage crops as sole crops and intercrops to determine the best agroecological technique: two–year experiments were laid out under arid conditions in the Akmolinsk region in Northern Kazakhstan. Three annual forage crops, including (Piper) Stapf. - Sudan grass (Sorghum sudanense) (Control), common millet (Panicum miliaceum L.), Japanese millet (Echinochloa frumentacea L.), and three annual intercropping systems, i.e., 50% pea (Pisum sativum L.) +50% barley (Hordeum vulgare L.); 40% pea (P. sativum L.) + 30% (Piper) Stapf. – Sudan grass (S. sudanense), 30% Barley (H.vulgare ); 50% pea (Pisum sativum L.) + 50% (Piper) Stapf. - Sudan grass (S. sudanense) and six mentioned treatments with the sole crops and intercrops plus cover crop oats (A. sativa ). Japanese millet is a promising newly introduced crop in northern Kazakhstan. It has been revealed that the cover crops significantly reduce weed density in the forage sole crops and their intercrops. In all cases, integrating the cover crop with annual forage crops showed higher quality and productivity than non-covered treatments. A highly productive annual crop grown with and without cover intercrop was Sudan grass. The highest yield among the three intercropping systems was recorded with the intercrop constituting 40% pea + 30% Sudan grass + 30% barley. The crude protein content was higher in biomass from sole crops and intercrops constituting cover crops. The overall view was that using oats as a cover crop on sole annual forage crops and their intercrops, including methods that could be integrated with chemical and non-chemical methods in the field, could be valuable ways to reduce weed pressure and improve quality and productivity during the vegetation period .

Correlation matrix on weed parameters, growth and yield attributes of onion (Allium cepa ) under Sudan savanna agro-ecological zone of Nigeria

Y. Garba — 2025-03-05

Controlling weed development during the onion crop cycle is essential to obtain high yields and marketable produce. Field experiments were conducted in a farmer ׳s field at Birnin Kebbi during the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 dry seasons to assess the association between weed parameters, growth, and yield attributes of onion (Allium cepa L.) under Sudan Savanna agro-ecological zone of Nigeria. The experiment was made up of three planting populations (500,000, 333,333, and 250,000 plants per hectare) and twelve weed control methods (Pre-emergence application of pendimethalin at; (i) 1.0 kg a.i. ha^-1, (ii) 1.5 kg a.i. ha^-1 and (iii) 2.0 kg a.i. ha^-1. Butachlor; (iv) 2.0 kg a.i. ha^-1, (v) 2.8 kg a.i. ha^-1 and (vi) 3.6 kg a.i. ha^-1. Postemergence application of fluazifop-p-butyl, (vii) 2.0 kg a.i.ha^-1, (viii) Oxyfluorfen at 1.0 kg a.i. ha^-1, (ix) Weeding at 3 WAT, (x). Weeding at 3 and 6 WAT, (xi) Weed free, and (xii) Weedy check given 36 treatment combinations replicated three times and arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Data collected were planted height, leaf area, weed control index, weed dry matter, weed control efficiency, crop vigor score, bulb diameter, fresh bulb weight, total bulb weight, marketable bulb yield, and cured bulb yield. Results showed that Fresh bulb yield, total bulb weight, bulb diameter and marketable yield correlated positively and highly significantly (p<0.01) with cured bulb weight. Correlations between any two parameters also showed that leaf area index and plant height, marketable bulb yield and bulb diameter were strongly and significantly correlated in both years. It is therefore recommended that fresh bulb weight, bulb diameter and marketable bulb yield should be used as higher yielding character for improving onion production in this agro-ecology of Nigeria.

New records of Ichneumonidae (Hy menoptera) from the Middle East

Janko Kolarov — 2025-03-05

In total, 17 species of Ichneumonidae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonoidea) in the subfamilies Acaenitinae, Anomaloninae, Banchinae, Campopleginae, Ctenopelmatinae, Ichneumoninae, Metopiinae, Orthocentrinae and Tryphoninae are recorded from Iran or Syria for the first time. In total, 13 species are new records for the fauna of the Middle East.

Effect of temperature on the development of Acari Caloglyphus berlesei (Acari: Astigmatina: Acaridae) reared on the root-knot nematode under laboratory conditions

Mohamed A. Nawar — 2025-03-05

The research aims to find many biological properties of the mites, Caloglyphus berlesei (Michael) (Acari: Astigmatina: Acaridae), when reared on yeast, cheese, and Meloidogyne sp. at 20, 25, and 30˚C. According to the study, the incubation times of C. berlesei fed on various diets did not change significantly. The life cycle of female and male mites fed on nematodes was much longer than those fed on cheese. The different types of prey at different temperatures showed no discernible effects on C. berlesei pre-oviposition and postoviposition times. However, there were clear variations in how the mites fed during their oviposition time on the same foods and temperatures. The study showed the longevity of C. berlesei. When the adult males and females dined on various diets at different temperatures, there were notable differences. Also, compared with mites given nematodes, the current study showed that feeding C. berlesei on cheese enhanced the number of eggs deposited by the mite female.

Efficacy of certain insecticides against black cutworm Agrotis ipsilon (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in cotton field

Youssra A. Naffea — 2025-03-05

The insecticidal activity and biological effects of four compounds (Dolf-X, Indoprim, Kofrothrin, Terraguard) against the fourth instar larvae of the black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), were examined by feeding and dipping techniques. In addition, its efficacy on cotton crops in open fields in two separate seasons (2023 and 2024). The results showed that all compounds exhibited good activity against larvae. Dolf-X has the lowest LC₅₀ value (highest potency) for both feeding and dipping methods. In addition, dipping generally displayed higher LC₅₀ values than feeding. The biological effects of all treatments prolonged larval duration, decreased pupation percentage, increased pupal malformation, and extended pupal duration compared to the control, where Terraguard showed the strongest effects on larval duration and pupation malformation (22.64 days and 59%, respectively) with the most significant impact on pupal weight and adult emergence (both normal and malformed). In the field evaluation, the data reported that all tested insecticides significantly reduced black cutworm larvae populations in cotton fields across two seasons (p < 0.05). Dolf-X and Terraguard consistently achieved the highest larval reduction percentages (90.44% and 98.83%, respectively), suggesting their potential as preferred choices for black cutworm control in these specific conditions. All four tested insecticides effectively controlled black cutworm larvae, but Dolf-X and Terraguard were the most potent.

Seasonal abundance of Cassida vittata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and associated insect predators in three sugar beet plantations

Maaly E. Wafy — 2025-03-05

Cassida vittata Vill. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a major pest of sugar beet, causing significant losses in root yield and sugar content. This work was done at the experimental farm of Sakha Agricultural Research Station during the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 seasons. In the first season, the population density of C. vittata was lowest (10.69 larvae /5 plants) in the first plantation, followed by the second plantation (13.20), while the highest insect density (28.06) was recorded in the third plantation. The corresponding values of the second season were 10.06, 12.86, and 32.26 for the three plantations, respectively. Population densities of the predators; Chrysoperla carnea Stephens (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), formicids, Coccinella undecimpunctata (L.) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and Paederus alfierii Koch (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae), were also highest in the third plantation compared to the first or second one. Correlations between C. vittata larval populations and its associated insect predators were highly significant positive in both study seasons. Thus, these predators play an important role in the integrated management of insect pests in sugar beet fields.

Performance of some Egyptian tomato cultivars to the tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) infestation and its distribution patterns

Inas M.Y. Mostafa — 2025-03-05

The current study examined the response of certain tomato cultivars to infestation by Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) and its spatial distribution patterns in the Mansoura region, Dakhlia Governorate, Egypt, over the course of two consecutive seasons (2022/2023 and 2023/2024). The results demonstrated that T. absoluta larvae were present on all tomato varieties throughout the season. The vulnerability of these cultivars to T. absoluta larvae varied greatly. The tomato cultivar Hybrid T4 84 had the greatest number of larvae and was classified as highly susceptible (H.S.) to T. absoluta larval infestation. The cultivars Maram and Rawan were found to be relatively resistant (RR), while Fiona and Hybrid T4 70 cultivars seemed to be susceptible (S). However, during both seasons, the Beto 86 cultivar was evaluated as relatively resistant to pests and exhibited the lowest estimates of T. absoluta larvae. This tomato variety should be promoted in areas where T. absoluta larvae infestation is high. Using distribution indices, all evaluated tomato cultivars showed a significant clustering behavior throughout each season. Also, the cluster analysis method and the T. absoluta larvae estimates were examined using correlation analysis to differentiate the six tomato cultivars. Following principal component analysis, two-dimensional analysis was conducted on six tomato cultivars to confirm their association. This data can help farmers develop an integrated approach to controlling pests caused by T. absoluta on tomato plants.

Chemical stability and biological toxicity of some fungicides sprayed on citrus fruits against Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) under storage conditions

Nahed M. M. Selim — 2025-03-05

The study investigates the effect of a storage stability test on the degradation of various fungicides. The fungicides tested in the study include Imacid (7.5% LS), which contains Imazalil; Citrocil Plus (27.4% EC), which contains a combination of Imazalil (5% EC) and Orthophenylphenol (22.4% EC); Ortosol (20% EC), which contains Orthophenylphenol; Scholar (23% SC), which contains Fludioxonil; Fruitgard (45% flow SC), which contains Thiabendazole; and Decco (36% SC), which contains Pyrimethanil as an active ingredient. The tested fungicides were stored at 54±2°C for 14 days. During the different storage periods, samples were taken after 7 and 14 days to determine the physical properties of the emulsion concentrate EC, suspension concentrate SC, and solution for seed treatment LS, and evaluate the chemical stability of the active ingredient by HPLC and GC/MS. The results show that the Imazalil, Ortho-phenylphenol, Fludioxonil, Thiabendazole, and Pyrimethanil active ingredients were 7.46, 19.92, 22.62, 44.99, and 35.96%, respectively, and reached 7.24, 19.70, 21.65, 44.76, and 35.88% after 14 days of storage at 54±2oC for Imacid 7.5% LS, Ortosol 20% EC, Scholar 23% SC, Fruitgard 45% flow SC, and Decco 36% SC, respectively. Also, Imazalil 5% active ingredients were 4.99% and reached 4.91% after 14 days of storage at 54 ± 2oC, and Orthophenylphenol 22.45 active ingredients were 22.43% and reached 22.05% after 14 days of storage at 54±2oC for Citrocil Plus 27.4% EC. Additionally, GC/MS was used for the degradation of Imazalil, Orthophenylphenol, Fludioxonil, Thiabendazole, and Pyrimethanil fungicides. From this, it was found that the major degradation products were 1-(2- ethoxy-2-phenylethyl)-1H-imidazole; [(3E)-penta-1,3-dien-3-yl] benzene; 2,2-difluoro-2H-1,3-benzodioxole; (E)-2-(1H-benzimidazol-2- yl) ethene-1-thiol; and 4,6-dimethylpyrimidin-2-amine, respectively. Furthermore, the biological data of the fungicide toxicity test proved its ability to kill larvae at small concentrations, and statistically no significant differences were found between treatments for the 4^th instar larvae of Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) that all revealed high toxicity levels, and Imazalil was the most effective one.