Egyptian Journal of Plant Protection Research Institute

Pollinator activity on the flowers of safflower Carthamus tinctorius and its effect on some qualitative and quantitative parameters of the plant in Sohag Governorate, Egypt

A.R. Mazeed — 2024-12-20

Safflower, Carthamus tinctorius L., has been cultivated for its seeds. Pollinators can affect the seed yield, so the current studies were conducted at the Research Farm of Agricultural Research Center at Shandaweel, Sohag Governorate, for two successive growing seasons, 2021/2022 and 2022/2023, to study the role of pollinators on the productivity of three varieties of safflower, (Giza 1, Kharga 1, and L. Assad 1). The results indicate the presence of 9 species of arthropods belonging to 5 families and 3 orders. In both seasons, Apis mellifera L. was detected during the last week of February. The population increased gradually and reached its peak, which recorded (6.0, 4.3, and 2.7) and (5.7, 3.3, and 2.0) individuals/m2/5min. for the cultivars, Giza1, Kharga1, and L. Assad 1, respectively, on the 1^st week of March. Statistically, significant differences were found among tested safflower varieties, either open pollination or control pollination plants, for all quantitative and qualitative safflower yield parameters over two years. The pollinators of uncaged plants significantly increased the measured parameters than caged plants for all studied traits, except Oil % during both seasons. The highest oil% in our study was obtained from L. Assad 1, (19.84 and 20.21%). While the lowest oil content was determined as (18.04 and 19.03%) in the Giza 1 variety, at both seasons, respectively. L. Assad 1 is a promising line and can be used for large-scale production of edible oil.

Efficiency of gibberellic acid on feeding, biological and biochemical parameters of Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on tomato Solanum lycopersicum

M. Abaza Anwaar — 2024-12-20

The plant growth regulators (PGRs), such as gibberellic acid (GA₃), are used to improve the quality and quantity of the tomato crop, Solanum lycopersicum. The effect of different concentrations of GA₃ on feeding, biological, and biochemical parameters of Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae was studied. After foliar spray of GA₃ concentrations on S. lycopersicum plants, the treated leaves were brought to the laboratory for this study. The larvae fed on treated leaves with GA₃ exhibited feeding inhibition, where feeding inhibition indices (FII) increased as the concentration increased and days post-treatment. The calculated sublethal concentration (LC₅₀) of GA₃ caused disturbance in the biological parameters of S. littoralis; it prolonged larval and pupal periods. The pupation (68.75%) and emergence (80%) percentages were decreased for treated larvae. The reduction in larvae weights can only result from insufficient feeding caused by the anti-feeding activity, which appears from the results of FII indices. Some malformations were observed when larvae reached the pupation stage, these malformations may be responsible for mortality and decreasing in pupation percentage. The LC₅₀ of GA₃ decreased the phenoloxidase and protease enzyme activities relative to control larvae by (-20.79%) and (- 60.16%), respectively. It slightly increased the activity of α-and β-esterase enzymes by 3.74 and 20.18%, respectively. It also decreased the amount of total carbohydrates in treated larvae by (-25.26%) compared with control ones. This study supported the idea that plant growth regulator GA₃ can be used as a potential insecticide against S. littoralis larvae. GA₃ treatment caused feeding inhibition and disturbance in both biological and biochemical parameters of S. littoralis larvae.

Examination and comparison of certain heavy metals in honey

M.A. Farag Rasha — 2024-12-20

Given the importance of honeybees and their products, in addition to the fact that the products are considered a mirror of the environmental conditions surrounding the bees, which affect the health of individuals and the stability of the colony and affect the food chain that follows it. Random twelve honey samples from four countries, China, Lebanon, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, were compared for four heavy elements: Lead, Cadmium, Molybdenum, and Cobalt. Using dried samples in a temperature-controlled muffle furnace at 550 °C, and determination of minerals by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The results obtained showed that the general residues of lead (67.17 mg/100 g) and molybdenum (72.52 mg/100 g) recorded a significant increase over the elements Cadmium (15.08 mg/100 g) and Cobalt (21.42 mg/100 g), which were equal in significance, and this was regardless of the countries. As for the total contamination with the four elements, honey samples taken from Saudi Arabia showed the highest significant increase (57.86 mg/100 g) compared to the rest of the countries, China, Lebanon, and Egypt, (35.73 mg/100 g, 41.72 mg/100 g, 40.89 mg/100 g), respectively. Mitigating these risks involves reducing environmental contamination, promoting practices that support bee health, and increasing awareness about the impact of heavy metals on pollinators.

Population dynamics of the citrus leaf miner Phyllocnistis citrella (Lepidoptera: Gracillaridae) on four citrus crops in the Surman region, Libya

A. R. Elkhouly — 2024-12-20

The present study aimed to investigate the population abundance of the citrus leaf miner (CLM), Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillaridae), and determine the number of mines/leaflets on the studied host plants in the Surman region. Four citrus species were selected as host plants, and 100 infected leaves were collected from each host plant. Samples were kept in plastic bags and transferred for examination in the laboratory. The results showed that P. citrella larvae recorded four peaks of abundance on lemon occurred on the 21^st of July, the 18^th of August, the 17^th of November, and the 1^st of December, and five peaks of abundance on Washington navel occurred on the 14^th of July, the 25^th of August, 8^th of September, 22^nd of September and 6^th of October respectively, while recorded five peaks of abundance on Tarocco, occurred on the 30^th of June, the 21^st of July, the 1^st of September, the 15^th of September, and the 10^th of November. Moreover four peaks of abundance recorded on Hasna occurred on the 14^th of July, the 11^th of August, the 25^th of August, and the 1^st of September, and P. citrella prepupa recorded four peaks of abundance on citrus lemon that occurred on the 7^th of July, the 25^th of August, the 27^th of October, and the 1^st of December, and three peaks of abundance on Washington’s navel occurred on the 7^th of July, 14^th of July, and 20^th of October and recorded three peaks of abundance on Tarocco occurred on the 30^th of June, the 7^th of July, and the 20^th of October, while recorded on Hasna three peaks of abundance occurred on the 7^th of July, the 11^th of September, and the 20^th of October. While P. citrella Pupa recorded five peaks of abundance on citrus lemon occurred on the 16^th of June, 30^th of June, 10^th of January, 17^th of January, and 8^th of March, and recorded five peaks of abundance on Washington's navel occurred on the 22^nd of May, 9^th of June, 16^th of June, 30^th of June and 7^th of July and recorded four peaks of abundance on Tarocco occurred on the 9^th of June, the 30^th of June, the 20^th of October, and the 27^th of October while recorded three peaks of abundance on Hasna occurred on the 30^th of June, the 7^th of July, and the 20^th of October respectively, further, recorded an increase in the number of mines in autumn and summer in all host plants in the study, while decreasing the number of mines during the winter for both Abusora, Washington Navel, and Tarocco. and at the beginning of spring in lemon and the late autumn for Hasna blood orange.

The effect of weather factors on the activity of peach fruit fly Bactrocera zonata (Diptera: Tephritidae) on guava orchards in Dakahlia and Kafr ElShaikh Governorates

Kh. Ragab Salma — 2024-12-20

Peach fruit fly (PFF) Bactrocera zonata (Saunders) (Diptera: Tephritidae) thought about one of the most harmful pests destroying guava fruits. This study was carried out to evaluate the efficiency of weather factors on the activity of PFF in Dakahlia and Kafr El-Shaikh Governorates during 2023. The results suggested that the population of PFF noted three distinct peaks of activity during the guava fruiting season of 2023 in Dakahlia and Kafr El-Shaikh Governorates. These results showed that PFF had three peaks in the mean of infestations per fruit and percentage of infestations at Dakahlia and Kafr ElShaikh Governorates. Data illustrated that the percentage of infestations per fruit of PFF increased by (0.128) in Dakahlia, while it increased by (0.116) in Kafr El-Shaikh Governorate. The obtained results revealed that low responses to the mean temperature and low responses to RH% in Dakahlia the correlation coefficient value was insignificant at Dakahlia (r = 0.02), % in response to RH% the correlation coefficient value was insignificant negative (r= -0.3), at Kafr El-Shaikh Governorate. Temperature degrees, whereas the correlation was significant (r= 0.76). In response to relative humidity, the correlation value was insignificantly negative (r= -0.35).

Aggregation pheromone of locusts contributes to its control

Fathy Zeinab — 2024-12-20

Locusts may form large swarms that can quickly consume enormous amounts of crops and vegetation, which can have a disastrous effect on agriculture. These swarms are capable of covering great distances, eradicating crops of grains, vegetables, and other vital food supplies, causing large crop losses, and jeopardizing the security of food in the affected areas. Numerous crops are targeted by the locusts, including grains that are basic diets for many populations, such as wheat, rice, and maize. Their feeding has the potential to bare entire fields, costing farmers money and raising food prices. Furthermore, outbreaks of locusts can harm pasturelands over time, decreasing the amount of feed available to cattle and negatively affecting agricultural livelihoods. In this study, we used the aggregation pheromones presented in the feces of aggregation locust culture to attract mature adult females to lay their eggs. Egg pods were then treated with a 50% locust feces extract solution to study its effects on egg hatching. The physiological analysis investigated that the total lipids, protein, and carbohydrates of the treated egg pods were significantly reduced compared to the control ones. This may be used as a good trap for controlling locust egg pods.

Use of botanical extracts to control the land snail Eobania vermiculata (Gastropoda: Helicidae) under laboratory conditions

G.H. Ismail — 2024-12-20

The laboratory experiment was conducted at Plant Protection Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Egypt, in March 2024 to study the efficacy of three plant extracts (Allium sativum, Croton tiglium, and Senecio cineraria) with three concentrations (20, 25, and 30 mg/ml) for each on the land snail, Eobania vermiculata (Müller) (Gastropoda: Helicidae). Results showed that C. tiglium had the highest mortality rate (21.48%), followed closely by A. sativum mortality rate (20.20%), while S. cineraria had the lowest mortality rate 18.24%. Mortality rates increased with higher concentrations of the extracts, with A. sativum achieving the highest mean mortality rate of 30.68% at 30 g/l. The study evaluated the lethal effects of various plant extracts on the land snail species; E. vermiculata over exposure durations from 1^st to 7^th days, focusing on lethal concentrations (LC₅₀ and LC₉₅). S. cineraria demonstrated the highest effectiveness (LC₅₀: 34.95 mg/ml, LC₉₅: 89.43 mg/ml), while C. tiglium and A. sativum exhibited moderate effectiveness (LC₅₀: 32.28 mg/ml and 29.89 mg/ml, respectively). A positive correlation was observed between extract concentration and mortality rates. The phytochemical analysis of all three extracts revealed flavonoids and alkaloids, which indicate possible molluscicidal activities.

Fungal and biochemical impacts of the best fungal isolate against the adult cabbage aphid insect Brevicoryne brassicae (Hemiptera:Aphididae) and the white garden snail Theba pisana (Gastropoda: Helicidae)

Lokma Noha — 2024-12-20

Several fungal species were isolated from various samples of soil and cabbage aphids in this investigation using Czapek-dox agar conditions, tested its toxicity, and compared Trichoderma asperellum with accession number (OQ616502) against cabbage aphids and white garden snail, which gave the high biocontrol effect against cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae (L.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), while giving the lowly effect against the white garden snail, Theba pisana (Müller) (Gastropoda : Helicidae) at 10⁸ spore suspension after 5 days as 89.42% and 28 days as 26.67%, respectively. On the other hand, for an enzyme (three and seven days of treatment), biochemical studies revealed a very high decrease in the concentrations of amylase and invertase enzymes at the highest concentration of 10⁸ spore/ml, which caused the highest reduction compared to the control recording (-39.94, - 40.32, - 41.16%) and (-26.48, - 27.34, -28.32%) of the amylase enzyme (-16.53, -17.37, -34.19%) and (-24.42, -29.31, - 45.76%) of the invertase enzyme of T. pisana and B. brassicae, respectively.

Comparative studies on the effect of camphor leaves and green algal extracts against house sparrow bird Passer domesticus niloticus (Passeriformes:Passeridae) under laboratory conditions

A. Adawy Asmaa — 2024-12-20

The avicidal repellent effects of camphor plant leaves and green algal extracts were studied under laboratory conditions, crude plant and algal extract when solved by ethanol and hexane. For the free and one-choice feeding test, the ethanol and hexane extracts were coated with sorghum seeds to introduce them as bait to target birds in different concentrations and were tested to clarify their repellent activity against house sparrow bird Passer domesticus niloticus (Passeriformes: Passeridae). The results proved that ethanol extract was more effective than hexane. The assessment of phytochemicals of camphor extract indicated that sterol and triterpenes, phenols, anthraquinone, saponin flavonoid, alkaloid carbohydrates, and glycosides were found in high amounts, and they may be responsible for the avicidal repellent effect observed in the present study. Therefore, camphor could be used as an avicide repellent more than algal extract.

Genetic variation in different field strains of fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae resistance treated with two insecticides

A.A. Khidr — 2024-12-20

Discriminating concentrations of the tested products, namely the diakoks (Emamectin benzoate) as well as the tracer (Spinosad), were used to determine the resistance in different strains collected from three governorates, namely Qalubia, Assiut, and Sharkia. It was revealed that diakoks insecticide was more toxic against the 4^th instar larvae of the tested pest than the tracer insecticide. It was clear that the discriminating concentration (LC₉₉) of diakoks and tracer insecticides against the baseline laboratory strain caused 82.35 and 44.12; 73.53 and 29.41 and 88.24 and 58.32% mortality in the 4^th instar larvae collected from Qalubia, Assiut, and Sharkia Governorates, respectively, whereas the corresponding resistance percentages were 16.82 and 55.43; 25.73 and 70.29 and 10.87 and 40.09%; respectively. Genetic diversity in the field colony of 4^th larval instars of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) collected from three different Egyptian Governorates compared with the baseline laboratory strain was investigated. Primer OP-A3 generated 16 fragments in the three fields colony as well as the baseline laboratory strain of S. frugiperda 4^th instar larvae. Primer OP-A3 detected 16 fragments in the threefield colony as well as the baseline laboratory strain. Primer OP-A5 generated 18 fragments in the three fields colony and laboratory strain. Primer OP-B3 generated 13 fragments in the three fields colony and laboratory strain of S. frugiperda 4^th larval instars. Primer OP-C15 generated 16 fragments in the three fields colony as well as the laboratory strain of the tested insect. Primer OP-D1 generated the highest number of fragments, which were 29 fragments in the three fields colony as well as the baseline laboratory insect.

Physiological concepts and bioassays of Beauveria bassiana and Paecilomyces lilacinus attacking the corn leaf aphid Rhopalosiphum maidis (Hemiptera:Aphididae) in Assiut, Egypt

H.A. Hammam Gamal — 2024-12-20

Enzymatic activity and pathogenicity of Beauveria bassiana and Paecilomyces lilacinus against the corn leaf aphid Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) were studied in the laboratory. The results showed that two isolates of B. bassiana and one isolate of P. lilacinus were found effective at all concentrations on R. maidis, but the uppermost concentration (2×10⁷ conidia/ml) of P. lilacinus provided maximum mortality (100%). While B. bassiana isolate No. (1) and B. bassiana isolate No. (2) provide mortality rates of 85% and 95% at their highest concentrations of 1.8×10⁷ and 1.30×10⁷ , respectively. All isolates revealed enzymatic activity such as lipase, protease, and chitinase, but P. lilacinus showed the highest activity. B. bassiana (2) isolate was more aggressive than other isolates, as indicated by the low value of LC₅₀ compared with other isolates.

Allocation and survey dynamics of Monacha cartusiana (Gastropoda: Hygromiidae) terrestrial snail at Fayoum Governorate cultivations

K. Khidr Eman — 2024-12-20

A field allocation and survey for Monacha cartusiana (O. F. Müller) (Gastropoda: Hygromiidae) terrestrial snail was done at Fayoum governorate in three districts of Zawyt-Alkradesa, Talat village, and Nazlat AlHarrishi during the two growing seasons of 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 on different crops and vegetables cultivated in the mentioned districts. Results revealed that only one species of terrestrial snail, M. cartusiana, showed a varied allocation range in all surveyed villages. Highly dense populations of snails were found on the clover, followed by lettuce, cabbage, and wheat. While brood bean, courgette, and onion showed fewer populations and zero on garlic, the initial infestation of M. cartusiana on the clover appeared in October with a low population (1, 2 snails per quadratic sample) and (2, 2.4 snails per quadratic sample) at the beginning and mid-October months, whereas it reached its maximum on 15^th April (64.6, 75.2 snails per quadratic sample) during the two seasons. Meanwhile, the initial infestation with M. cartusiana appeared on wheat during December with a low population and reached its maximum on 15^th April (32.2, 36.2 snails per quadratic sample) during the two growing seasons. Population dynamics in M. cartusiana juveniles and adults fluctuated at a partially low population during the October and November months. Meanwhile, it gradually increased during December, January, February, and March, reaching its maximum on April 15^th for juveniles and adults. Then, the infestation had another decline during May.

Relation of allelochemicals and nutritive value of mango cultivars Mangifera indica to infestation with the scale insect Aulacaspis tubercularis (Hemiptera: Diaspididae)

A. Tharwat Asmaa — 2024-12-20

The effect of mango (Mangifera indica L.) chemical composition of different cultivars (Keitt, Fagriklan, and Alphonso) on the infestation level with the white mango scale insect Aulacaspis tubercularis (Newstead) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) was evaluated. The highest seasonal abundance of A. tubercularis was recorded on 1^st May. The number of insects of different instars (Nymph, adult, and gravid) that infested mango leaves were 1200, 748, and 630 individuals/25 leaves for Keitt, Fagriklan, and Alphonso, respectively. Mango cultivars' susceptibility levels could be grouped in the following way: Keitt>Fagriklan>Alphonso. The lowest abundance occurred during mid-January for different cultivars. Analysis of fresh leaf composition on 1^st May revealed that A. tubercularis numbers that infested mango leaves had a strong positive correlation with leaf protein (r= +0.997), Nitrogen (N) (r= +0.994) and Potassium (K) (r= +0.999). On the contrary, it had a high negative correlation with terpenoids (r= -0.949), and a medium negative correlation (r= -0.442) with carbohydrates. Phosphorus (P), allelochemicals such as phenols, and flavonoids showed a weak negative correlation. Variations in chemical content among different mango cultivars were also discussed. It can be concluded that nutritive components and some allelochemicals of mango leaves may play a significant role in the susceptibility of mango leaf cultivars to infestation with the white mango scale insect, A. tubercularis.

Field application of wild thyme extract Thymus serpyllum for controlling land snails Monacha cartusiana (Gastropoda: Hygromiidae)

Ahmed Ayyad Mohamed — 2024-12-20

One of the available and the safer medicinal and aromatic plants is Thymus serpyllum. Like most natural compounds of plant origin. Thyme oil extract was used in this research paper as a potential alternative in controlling the land snail Monacha cartusiana (O. F. Müller) (Gastropoda: Hygromiidae). The volatile oil of T. serpyllum was obtained via steam distillation and analyzed using the GC/MS technique; the monoterpenoid alcohol; thymol compound was separated by chromatographic technique, and its structure was elucidated using ¹H-NMR, in addition to testing thyme extract in open field conditions, which gave an acceptable percentage population reduction of 66.58 and 51.22 when compared to the recommended pesticide, neomyl, which poses 75.76 and 59.74 for the residual and the mean population reduction percentage, respectively. The results obtained can be largely relied upon in terms of using thyme extracts extensively in the control process of land snails in general, especially since these compounds are safe and environmentally friendly and their results are respectable when applied in field conditions.

Semiochemicals: The future of pest management

M. Albeltagy Abdallah — 2024-12-20

The Revolution of chemical pesticides in industry and agricultural production which began with the discovery of DDT insecticidal properties by Paul Hermann Muller in 1939 (Noble Prize in medicine 1948) started its decline (As a false revolution) in 1962 with the deceleration of Rachel Carson in her magnificent book " The Silent Spring " about the harmful effects of chemical pesticides on both the environment and human health. The true revolution – from the aspect of pest control – began in 1959 (20 years after the false one) with the discovery and identification of the first insect pheromone, Bombykol, the silkworm Bombyx mori sex – pheromone by Adolf Friedrich Johann Butenandt (The Noble Prize in Chemistry 1939, discovery of human female sex – hormones, estrone and other primary female sex hormones, received in 1949). Since then, Semiochemicals (especially pheromones and Kairomones) have been pointed out as the future tool of integrated pest management (IPM). By the beginning of the 21st century, the era of chemical pesticides started their end in the industry (Many pesticide companies closed or converted to Semiochemicals manufacturing) and agriculture production (Too many pesticides proved to be environmental pollutants), while the era of Semiochemicals has begun to take its role in human development and civilization, as a clean industry and clean pest management tools. Semiochemicals are very important to the whole world, to African countries and especially to The Nile Basin countries not only in industry and agricultural production, but in public health also, that is because of its multiple advantages which will be mentioned in this review.