Egyptian Journal of Plant Protection Research Institute

Effectiveness of the blue-green algae Anabaena flos-aquae in controlling Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Mohamed R. G. Abo Elela, Mohamed F. Abdel Aziz, Ali R. El-Gabaly — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The blue-green algae are known as Anabaena flos-aquae, which is a nutrient-rich food supply. The 2^nd and 4^th larval instars of the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) were tested in a lab using a crude extract of the cyanobacterial isolates of the Anabaena flos-aquae alga. The algal extract was administered to larvae via contact and feeding techniques. Depending on the larval instars and the applying technique, the algal extract's effects changed. Contact algal treatment was more successful than the feeding treatment. Also, the second larval instar was more vulnerable than the fourth. In terms of contact treatment, the LC₅₀ value for the second larval instar was 0.0125 ml/l, while the fourth instar's 0.025 ml/l. In terms of feeding treatment, the LC₅₀ value was 0.05 and 0.1 ml/l for the second and fourth instars, respectively. In contrast to controls, where adults emerged at a rate of 100% compared to 85%- 86% adults emerged as second instar and fourth instar in terms of feeding method, respectively. While adults emerged of second instar and fourth instar in terms of contact method was 81%-93%, respectively. The contact method's LC₅₀ value for the second larval instar caused a highly significant increase in larval and pupal durations and a drop in adult emergence. Also, the contact method's LC₅₀ value for the second larval instar caused the greatest percentage of pupation malformation 37%, and adult malformation (19%). Also, adults that emerged from the contact-treated 4th larval instar showed a significant decrease in egg hatchability to 82.4%. It was found that the proportion of pupation had significantly decreased. Additionally, adult longevity and adult emergence percentage were decreased for contact or feeding treatments on the fourth larval instar .

Comparative effects of microwave energy and gamma radiation of the red flour beetleTribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Reda E. Omar, Refaat A. Mohamed, Amira M. El-Shewy, Heba H. Baume — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The rust flour beetle Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera:
Tenebrionidae) is the most prevalent pest in stored food for human and animal consumption. The current study was conducted to determine the efficacy of microwave energy and gamma radiation on T. castaneum larvae, pupae, and adults. Microwave was applied with exposure times of 30, 60, 120, 180, 240, and 300 sec. at the powers of 180, 300, and 450W. In addition, gamma radiation was applied at a dosage of 200, 400,600, 800, and 1000 Gray. Mortality percentage was recorded after 1, 2,3, 4, 7, and 10 days, and LD₅₀ was recorded after 7 days of treatment. The results indicated that the mortality of T. castaneum increased with increasing doses and exposure time. The mortality of T. castaneum increased, reaching 100% at power levels of 300 s and 450 W. The LT50 and LT90 decreased as power levels and exposure time increased. Moreover, the dosage of 1000 Gray caused 85.0 and 65.0% mortality after 7 days of irradiation for larvae and adult stages. The required dosage of gamma radiation to kill 50% (LD₅₀) of adults after 7 days was 580.1 Gray. Therefore, the use of microwave energy and gamma radiation is a very important alternative method to protect stored grains and their products against T. castaneum.

Survey and taxonomy of phorid flies (Phoridae: Diptera) with newly recorded genus in Egypt

Mostafa H. Elsheakh, Hamedy A. Mohamed, Mohammed Kamel Abied, Ayman M. Ebrahim — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The study was carried out successfully from October 2020 to
December 2023 throughout 9 Governorates (Sharquia, Giza, Qalyubia,Monufia, Beheira, Alexandria, Fayoum, Beni Suef, and Kafr El-Shaikh). The Governorates of Kafr El-Shaikh and Beni Suef were among the Governorates in which samples of large specimens were collected, especially Megaselia scalaris (Loew, 1866), of which large numbers were collected in both Governorates, followed by Fayoum and then Alexandria. Giza, Qalyubia and Monufia, in ascending number. It is noted that the samples of this family are present in general throughout the year, but they increase in the months of July, August and September, and the numbers decrease significantly during the months of December, January, and February. The species Megaselia koffleri Schmitz, 1935 Name updated by Megaselia curtineura (Brues, 1909); Megaselia luttela Schmitz, 1929; Megaselia xanthozona (Strobl, 1892); Spiniphora bergenstammii (Mik, 1864). The study gave a newly recorded genus and species Conicera tibialis Schmitz,1925 (Diptera: Phoridae) in Egypt was collected from Wadi El-Natron, Beheira, and Giza Governorates. In this paper, the economic importance, survey, morphology, and taxonomy were studied. Also, keys for two subfamilies Phorinae and Metopininae, and genera are provided.

Effect of mean temperature and relative humidity on the population abundance of the serpentine leaf miner Liriomyza trifolii (Diptera: Agromyzidae) and its parasitoids Diglyphus isaea (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) and Opius pallipes (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

A. R. Elkhouly — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The present study was carried out in Surman region kidney beans and broad beans were selected as summer and winter host plants during seasons 2020/2021. Correlation values between the population of Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess) (Diptera: Agromyzidae) and mean temperature (°C) were recorded (0.81 and -0.27) in the summer and winter seasons, respectively. A negative correlation was calculated between the population of L. trifolii and relative humidity (RH.) in the summer season (-0.27) and a positive correlation occurred in the winter season recording (0.19). Correlation recorded between the population of Diglyphus isaea (Walker) Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) and mean temperature °C recorded (0.70 and -0.1) in the summer season and winter, respectively. On the other hand, correlation values were calculated (-0.17 and 0.36) between the population of D. isaea and (RH.) in the summer and winter seasons respectively. Positive correlations were recorded between the population of Opius pallipes (Wesmeal) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and mean temperature °C in summer andwinter seasons with r values (0.61 and 0.035). Moreover, a negative correlation was calculated between the population of O. pallipes and (RH.) in the summer and winter seasons with r values (-0.30, and -.19), respectively.

Population dynamics of Vespa orientalis wasp, including both the queen and workers, by using bait traps in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate

Zienab A.E. Hassanein, H.M.A Konper, Marwa B. M. Gomaa — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Vespa orientalis L. (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) is a significant
threat to beekeeping worldwide. This study aims to study the population dynamics that manage the oriental hornet. The baits used included a pollen substitute, fermented solution, and tuna. The research was conducted from the first week of September until the last week of November 2022 during worker wasp activity. Traps were set up and baited from the first week of March until the last week of May in 2023 during the queen wasp activity. Results indicated that the pollen substitute bait was the most successful in attracting V. orientalis, followed by the fermented solution, while tuna was the least effective. Based on the study, the recommendation is to use a pollen substitute bait for the most effective wasp control method.

Pathogenicity of Meloidogyne species on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) in soil amended with different sources of green manure in Ishiagu, Southeast Nigeria

S.I Ogwulumba, F.C. Ariri, E.A. Nwankwo, A. I. Mkpuma — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Pathogenicity of root-knot nematodes on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in soil amended with different sources of green manure was investigated at the research and teaching farm of Federal College of Agriculture Ishiagu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, during the 2022 and 2023 cropping seasons. Hedge fig plants, African peach plants, and banana leaves at 10t/ha were used as green manure sources while the control plots did not receive any treatment. The experimental design used was a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with the four treatments replicated three times. Growth and yield parameters were evaluated from plant height, number of leaves, number of fruits, and weight of fruit at harvest while disease parameters were obtained from number of galled roots and number of galls per root. Data collected were averaged over the two cropping seasons and analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and
significant treatment means were separated using least significant difference (LSD). All inferences were made at a 5% level of probability. The results showed that the treatments significantly (P<0.05) increased the plant heights at 6 and 9 weeks after transplanting. The treatments did not have any significant (P>0.05) effect on the number of leaves produced by the plants. The number and weight of fruits at harvest were significantly (P<0.05) increased by the treatments. The number of galled roots was significantly (P<0.05) reduced at the application of hedge plant leaves at 10 t/ha while there was no significant (P>0.05) effect on the gall index of the treatments at harvest when compared with other treatments and it was recommended for tomato farmers as an alternative to inorganic nematicide .

Chrysoperla carnea ( Neuroptera :Chrysopidae) and biocides: Efficacious tools in controlling certain sugar beet insects

Ekram A. Abdou, M.M. Ismael, R.A. Taha — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

During two successive sugar beet growing seasons; 2021/2022 and 2022 / 2023. This field study was carried out at the Experimental
Farm of Sakha Agricultural Research Station for recording the various prey of Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) (Neuroptera :Chrysopidae)
larvae predator by visual examination method, this predator feed upon their prey in the field. Moreover, investigated the toxicity of
conventional, Clozemail, and biocides Xentari® insecticides on Spodoptera spp. (Noctuidae :Lepidoptera) and C. carnea larvae. The
obtained results proved that the total numbers of prey were 197 and 196 individuals in two seasons, respectively. The most common prey was Spodoptera spp. (Eggs + larvae), leafhoppers, aphids, Pegomyia mixta Vill. (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) larvae, and Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) throughout the two seasons. In addition, the general meaning of reductions to Spodoptera spp. Larvae population due to Clozemail® and Pleo® was (82.17 and 84.11%) and (83.33 and 89.9%) during the two seasons, respectively. While Xentari® caused (77.36 and 77.65%) in two seasons, respectively. On the other hand, the general mean reduction in C. carnea larvae numbers was (83.33 and 89.90%) for Clozemail®, and (92.32 and 89.95/) for Pleo® in two seasons, respectively. Regarding the biocide, Xentari® induced reductions to the same predators with (26.85 and 22.85%) in two seasons, respectively. In conclusion, the combination and integration between C. carnea predator and biocides application are very good tools in IPM of sugar beet insects.

Taxonomic revision of genus Trachyderma Latreilli, 1829 (Coleoptera: Pimelliinae, Tenebrionidae) in Egypt

Dalia A. El-Shewy — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

A taxonomic review of the genus Trachyderma of the subfamily Pimelliinae from Egypt is given. The gathered information indicated that the genus Trachyderma is represented in Egypt by 9 species. Their diagnostic characters illustrated the habits of adults and illustrations of male genitalia were given. Also concerns the specific name, type locality, classification, and nomenclature of genus and each species.

Primary parasitoids and hyperparasitoids associated with the striped mealybug Ferrisia virgata (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) infesting the ornamental host plant,Leucaenia leucocephala in Giza region, Egypt

Angel R. Attia, Kamal T. Awadallah, Mohamed M. Abo-Setta — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

A survey of the parasitoids and hyperparasitoids associated with the striped pseudococcid mealybug, Ferrisia virgata (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) infesting the ornamental host plant, Leucaenia leucocephala was carried out during October of the three years 2017, 2020 and 2023. Each October sample was presented by 400 mummified individuals. They were sorted as mummified third nymphal instar, female, and gravid female. The survey revealed the presence of three primary endoparasitoids and two hyperparasitoids. The two primary parasitoids, Blepyrus insularis (Cameron) and Acerophagus gutierreziae Timberlake (Are solitary and the third Acerophagus sp. is gregarious. The two hyperparasitoids, Chartocerus subaeneus (Forster) (Hymenoptera: Signiphoridae) and Prochiloneurus aegyptiacus (Mercet) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) were presented. The first one is gregarious, while the second is solitary. B. insularis and C. subaeneus were recorded as the most dominant species over the three years. P.aegyptiacus was recorded only in October 2023. Its sex ratio (Females/total) varied according to the mummified host stage. It was 21.05, 58.33 and 86.15% for the considered stages, respectively. This was attributed to in reverse the host size and subsequently the nutritional value available to the parasitoid as a survival technique. During 2023, B.insularis was the dominant followed by P. aegyptiacus, C. subaeneus, Acerophagus sp., and A. gutierreziae at 59.25, 30.00, 18.33, 6.67 and 5.75%, respectively. The mean number of C. subaeneus that emerged from one mummified host stage were 2.46±0.50, 3.90±0.82, and 6.58±0.77 from a mummified host of a third nymph, female and gravid female, respectively. A number of Acerophagus sp. that emerged from one mummy of a mummified adult female ranged from 2-4 individuals (mean of 3.25±0.75), compared with 6-8 individuals (Mean of 7.11±0.75) from a mummified gravid female.

Bio-efficacy of eco-friendly insecticides against Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in sugar beetroot ecosystem

Yasmin A. Fergani, Alaa M. Khorchid, Ekram A. Abdou, Elsayed A. Refaei — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The field study conducted at Sakha Agricultural Research Station over two consecutive sugar beet growing seasons (2021-2022) aimed to assess the effectiveness of three eco-friendly insecticides in controlling Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) infestations while considering their impact on associated predator populations. The tested insecticides included Abhold® 36% SC (Spinetoram 6% + Methoxyfenozide 30%), Robek® WP 50% (Acetamiprid 22.7% + Bifenthrin 27.3%), and Pyridalyl 50% EC. Results revealed significant efficacy of all three insecticides in reducing S. littoralis larval populations, with Abhold®) demonstrating sustained efficacy over time causing an overall reduction of 93.05 and 97.34% during the 1^st and 2^nd seasons. However, Robek®) and Pleo®) treatments led to rapid reductions in associated predator populations, while Abhold®) maintained a more balanced approach, preserving predator populations. These findings highlight the importance of considering not only pest control efficacy but also the potential impacts on predator populations for long-term ecosystem stability in agricultural settings. Further research is warranted to comprehensively assess the ecological implications of these insecticides.

Influence of pollen traps on some biological activities and bee venom quantity of honeybee colonies

Ayman M.M. Ghania, Ashraf M.A. Abo-Eladab, Tarek E. Abd El-Wahab — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The relation between pollen trap types (Outside and inside pollen traps) and some biological activities including the weight of collected
bee venom was conducted during the experimental period. Results show that colonies with outside pollen traps recorded a higher value of sealed worker brood cells, bee honey, and bee bread than those with inside pollen traps. Significant differences were recorded between inside and outside pollen traps in the amount of stored bee bread on all dates. The mean weight of captured pollen gives significant values in colonies with inside pollen traps during the treatment period. A negative correlation was recorded between the amount of bee bread and pollen weight in colonies with outside pollen traps. A positive correlation was recorded between the sealed brood area and the amount of bee bread in colonies with inside pollen traps. The highest significant amounts of bee venom were collected in colonies without pollen traps. A remarkable decrease in bee venom and bee bread amounts was observed in colonies provided with pollen traps. Colonies with inside pollen traps showed a negative correlation coefficient between pollen weight and the amount of collected bee venom.

Simulation model to determine the effect of climate change on the population density of the cotton mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) infested cucumber

Mona I. Ammar, H. A. Hassan, A.K. Rahouma — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Climate change and sustainable development have become among the most important global changes that have attracted the attention of the scientific community around the world. We aimed to remodel a simulation model to study the potential effect of rising
temperatures because of the climatic change on the generation’s number of cotton mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis (Tinsley) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). Firstly, generation numbers among three periods including reference period (2021 and 2022), current temperature effect, nearby future (2021–2040), and a far-future (2041–2060), were studied using the future climatic data obtained based on GHG-emissions scenarios (SSP-4.5). Our result highlights that there is a statistically significant difference in the mean quantities among the various levels of climate and generation in the Qalubiya, Beheira and El-Fayoum governorates, respectively. Moreover, there is significant differentiation in the data distribution among DDUs-values in the future than those during the current climatic state compared to 2021,2040 and 2060 in different locations. These results show great differentiation of needed DDUs for each generation in 2021-2040 and 2041-2060 compared with the current climatic state and among each other. This is mostly related to
the expected temperature rise with mention to the significant differentiation from DDUs needed for the first generation compared to the consecutive following generation. The value of DDUs in the future compared to those under the current climatic state differs in the data distribution. These findings offer knowledge that will influence how future modifications to the pest will be controlled .

Biochemical effects of three insect growth regulators against cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

M. M. Thabet, S. M. Elawdy, M. El-Ansari, M. M. M. Megahed — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The current study was carried out to evaluate the biochemical effects of 4^th and 6^th instar larvae of S. littoralis provided with treated castor bean leaves for three different insect growth regulators (IGRs) (Novaluron, Pyriproxyfen, and Cyromazine). To determine the effect of these IGRs on total protein, total carbohydrate, total lipids, the activity of chitinase, the activity of acetylcholinesterase and carbohydrates hydrolyzing enzymes (Amylase, invertase, and trehalase activities) at LC₅₀ concentrations of this treatment. The results showed that total proteins, lipids, and carbohydrate content were significantly decreased with all tested IGRs, except for an increase in total carbohydrates with Novaluron and Cyromazine for the 6^th instar larvae of S. littoralis. Cyromazine induced a significant decrease in chitinase activity, followed by Pyriproxyfen then Novaluron. The tested IGRs significantly increased the acetylcholinesterase activity. A significant decrease in the activity of amylase and Invertase activity was induced by the tested IGRs, except with Novaluron for 6^th instar larvae in the case of amylase and increased with all treatments for 6^th instar larvae of Invertase, in contrast, all tested IGRs led to an increase in the activity of Trehalasec except Cyromazine decreased the enzyme activity.

Molluscicidal effect of some pesticides on Monacha cantiana ( Gastropoda: Hygromiidae) and its injury on sugar beet plants in vitro and in vivo

M. E. A El-Nasharty, E. I. Ghoniem, R. S. Kandil — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This investigation was carried out to examine the influence of four pesticides namely, Acrobat® Copper 73.2% WP, Lannate® 90% SP, Delta Star® 10% EC and Mesurol® 2% bait on the mortality of the land snail Monacha cantiana (Montagu) ( Gastropoda: Hygromiidae) and their effects on the characteristics of sugar beet plants in both in vitro and in vivo during the fall season of 2022/2023. Under the laboratory conditions (in vitro), the results revealed that Mesurol® induced the highest mortality percentage among the tested pesticides after a 72-hour exposure period, followed by Acrobat Copper®. Mesurol® also demonstrated the highest toxic effect, as indicated by its LD₅₀ and LD₉₅ values after 72 hours of exposure, along with the most favorable LT (Lethal time) values. Acrobat Copper® and Lannate® showed a moderate effect with LD₅₀ and LT values (LT₅₀ and LT₉₅). Concerning damage criteria, Mesurol® resulted in the lowest number of infested sugar beet leaves and the least leaf-eating area, leading to the lowest injury, while Acrobat Copper® and Lannate® showed a moderate effect on the number of infested leaves and leaf-eating area. In the field experiment (in vivo), Mesurol® produced the highest foliage, and roots, as well as total fresh and dry weight compared to other treatments. This trend was also observed with Acrobat Copper®, which had a similar pattern of Mesurol, but with lower values. Furthermore, using Mesurol® resulted in the highest quantities of top, root, and sugar yields, followed by Acrobat Copper®.

Seasonal abundance of the prevalent arthropods inhabiting cowpea plantations with reference to the relative susceptibility of certain cowpea cultivars to the main sap sucking pests

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Species composition, dominance, and seasonal abundance of the prevalent arthropod pests and associated natural enemies inhabiting cowpea plantations during the 2020 and 2021 cowpea growing seasons were evaluated in Assiut Upper Egypt. Except for the two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), the obtained results revealed the presence of 23 arthropod species belonging to 14 families and 7 insect orders in association with cowpea plantations. The collected species were divided into 5 groups. Group1 contained 12 phytophagous species, group 2 contained 3 predominantly phytophagous (predacious in part) species, group 3 contained 6 predatory species, group 4 contained 1 predominantly predacious (Phytophagous in part) species and group 5 contained 1 parasitoid species. Concerning the dominance percentages of the phytophagous group, Empoasca spp. ( Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) ranked the first in both seasons with an average of 84.63 and 89.84 %, respectively. In the predatory group, the ladybird beetle Coccinella undecimpunctata (L.) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) ranked first in the first season with an average of 41.10 %. However, Orius spp.(Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) ranked first in the second season with an average of 44.84 %. It is important to note that the predatory group constituted 5.12 and 9.03 percent of the phytophagous group during both seasons of study, respectively. The examination of cowpea leaves revealed the presence of three sap sucking species viz. Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), Thrips tabaci Linderman (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and T. urticae. The tested cowpea cultivars showed diverse susceptibility degrees against the leaves sap sucking arthropod pests. In general (Kafr-Elsheikh1 and Kaha1) appeared as low resistant (LR) cultivars against the whitefly B. tabaci, the leafhopper T. tabaci and T. urticae. Resistant cowpea cultivars were hoped for but not found. Therefore, cowpea cultivars that showed some sort of resistance can be included among advanced breeding programs to select new varieties resistant to sap sucking pests infesting cowpea plantations.

Assessment of fruit fly Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) infestation levels on three different fruit varieties in Alexandria Governorate, Egypt

M. El-Mahdy Seham, A. A. Gab Alla Mahenaz, Y. E. Afia — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is the most important insect pest of fruits. Indicated that adult females lay their eggs under the skin of the fruit and hatch into larvae that feed on the fruit flesh. Infested fruits rapidly rot and become inedible or fall on the ground, which causes serious damage in production. This study aimed to evaluate the infestation levels of three different fruit varieties mango, pomegranate, and navel orange by C. capitata insect at Alexandria Governorate during seasons 2021 and 2022. The levels of infestation with the Mediterranean fruit fly (MFF), C. capitata on three different fruit varieties, mango, pomegranate, and navel orange were studied at Borg El-Arab, Alexandria Governorate during two successive seasons (2021 and 2022). Results obtained indicated that the levels of infestation by C. capitata were significant in both seasons in the three different varieties, where the variance of ratio was (97.9 - 97.6%), for mango, (97.3 - 98.1%) for pomegranate with no differences between the mango and pomegranate where recorded (96.4 – 94.5%) for navel orange for two successive seasons, respectively. The relation between the average numbers of dropping fruits, infested dropping, and percentages of infestation for the three different fruit varieties, mango, pomegranate, and navel orange for two successive seasons 2021 and 2022 were (81.3-87.1%) for mango, (81.6-73.5%) for pomegranate and (92.8-85.4%) for navel orange. Statistical analysis showed that the simple correlation of % infestation dropping fruits of mango and max. and min. temperatures were highly significant whereas (r = 0.1931 & 0.4955) for max. & min. the temperature in the first season of 2021, respectively. Relative humidity was negatively significant, (r = - 0.1919). While in pomegranate was no significant with max., the mini. temperatures were (r = 0.7411, 0.5493) while being negative and significant with relative humidity were (- 0.6297). In navel orange max. the temperature was significant (r= 0.0690), mini. the temperature was highly significant (r = 0.1567). While relative humidity was negative and insignificant (r = - 0.5662) for the first season, 2021. The second season, 2022, follows the same trend. Regarding the percentages of infestation during two successive years, navel orange recorded the highest infestation percentage (92.6% - 85%), then (81.7% - 87.1%) for mango and (80.6%-71.8%) for pomegranate .

Effectiveness of entomopathogenic fungi and plant extract against the rust-red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) adults

M.A. Abdel-Raheem, Manar Y. Amin, Eman, M. Elgohary — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The darkling beetle, also known as the rust-red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), is a major pest that destroys grains and flour. It is also commonly used for research on ethology and food safety. The use of entomopathogenic fungi (Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, and Verticillium lecanii) and chemical insecticides to control T. castaneum has been limited due to concerns about environmental sustainability. As a result, there is a pressing need to find environmentally friendly insecticides against this pest. This study evaluates the effects of entomopathogenic fungi and an extract from the green shoots of Arta, Calligonum comosum L'Hér., on adult T. castaneum. The fungi used in this study were isolated from soil in Egypt, while the plant extract samples were collected from natural vegetation in southern Sinai, Egypt. Different concentrations of the ethanolic plant extract (50, 75, and 100%) were applied to T. castaneum, and the effects were observed every 3 hours over a 24 hrs. period. The entomopathogenic fungi proved to be effective against adults of T. castaneum, B. bassiana, and V. lecanii causing 86.67% and 60.0% mortality, respectively, after seven days of infection at a concentration labeled as (C3). M. anisopliae, on the other hand, resulted in 100% mortality after seven days when infecting the (C3) concentration. The shoot extract of Arta, C. comosum, also exhibited effectiveness, with total mortality rates recorded after 48, 72, and 72 hrs. corresponding to concentrations of 100, 75, and 50, respectively. This study concludes that both the entomopathogenic fungi and C. comosum extract contain bioactive compounds that are toxic to T. castaneum.

Impact of contaminated diet with heavy metals, cadmium and lead on the protein content and longevity of honeybee workers

A.D. Yousef, I.A. Shehata , M. Lutfy, E.A. Nafea — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Heavy metal toxicity is an environmental concern in all areas affected by mining, industrial, and agricultural operations. At high concentrations, heavy metals are lethal to honeybees, but little is known about how different concentrations and doses affect honeybees or whether they will consume contaminated food. We studied the effect of feeding honeybees with a contaminated sucrose solution at two concentrations of 1.5 and 5.00 ppm for both cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) on the protein content in the honeybee’s body and their survival time. The results indicated that there was a significant difference between the control and the heavy metal contamination under examination; it led to a decrease in the percentage of total protein in the bee’s body and a decrease in its survival time, and there was a significant correlation between them.

Impact of different spraying techniques on chemical control of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on cowpea at Sharqia Governorate, Egypt

A.E. Ammar, Walaa M. Salloum — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In the current study, three equipment were used to control fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on cowpea (Vigna unguiculata). This equipment was a knapsack motor sprayer (Armitsu) (120 L/fed.), knapsack sprayer (Sunflower) fitted hollow cone nozzle (Tx-6) (40 L/fed.), and even a flat fan nozzle (80 L/fed.), and conventional motor sprayer (300 L/fed.), at Facous, Sharqia Governorate. The present study aimed to determine the effects of application technique with different equipment on initial and late biological efficacy using two recommended insecticides, methomyl (Top cromic SP 90% w/w) 300g/fed [Carbamate group] and indoxacarb (Dronz EC 15% w/v) 25cm3/100L [Oxadiazine]. Regarding the efficacy of the two used insecticides results showed that indoxacarb and methomyl on the larval populations of S. frugiperda on cowpea were insignificant ("F" value = 14.75), whereas indoxacarb produced reduction percent with the used equipment (95.6%, 93.3%, 89.53% and 74.0%) and methomyl recorded (91.83%, 85.13%, 84.00%, and 69.97%). Also, comparative between the equipment, showed that the most effective equipment was the knapsack motor sprayer which recorded (95.6% for indoxacarb and 91.83% for methomyl) percent reduction, then the knapsack sprayer with Tx-6 recorded (93.27% for indoxacarb and 84.0% for methomyl), subsequent with knapsack fitted with an even flat fan recorded (89.53% for indoxacarb and 85.13% for methomyl), and followed by conventional motor sprayer which recorded (74.0% for indoxacarb and 69.97% for methomyl), respectively "F" value was 14.75 and LSD was 1.73. Also, the sprayer recorded 13 and 20 droplets with methomyl and indoxacarb, respectively. In the case of the knapsack motor sprayer, the loss was 10 and 7 droplets with methomyl and indoxacarb respectively, the knapsack sprayer with Tx-6 went down the lowest as 5 and 2 droplets with methomyl and indoxacarb respectively, whereas the same equipment with even flat fan gave lost 5 droplets with both two insecticides.