Plant age, crop stage and surrounding habitats: their impact on sucking pests and predators complex in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L) field plots in arid climate at district Layyah, Punjab, Pakistan / Idade da planta, estágio da cultura e habitats circundantes: seu impacto no complexo de pragas sugadoras e predadores em parcelas de algodão (Gossypium hirsutum L) em clima árido no distrito de Layyah, Punjab, Paquistão

Sucking pests are major threat to cotton field crop which cause unbearable losses to the crop yield. Aim of the current study was to record seasonal dynamics of major sucking insect pests including whitefly, jassid, thrips and their natural arthropod predators i.e. green lacewings and spiders in cotton field plots. The effects of surrounding field crops on pests' density and predatory efficiency of predators were also recorded. For sampling and survey of insects, the visual counting was found to be the most efficient method for recording the abundance of insects, trailed by net sweeping and tapping. Whitefly was the most dominant sucking pest found on the vegetative stage of cotton, followed by jassid and thrips. Fluctuated populations of predatory arthropods, spiders and green lacewings were also recorded during whole cropping season however, the densities of pests and predators varied with crop phenology. Spiders' population was encouraging at both vegetative and flowering stage and also the same trend of jassid and whitefly were observed at both stages of the crop. Surrounding habitats showed non-significant effect on population densities of insect pests and predators. For abiotic factors, the spiders showed strong positive correlation with humidity and temperature. However, green lacewing was only positively correlated with humidity. On the other hand, the populations of whitefly, jassid and thrips showed non-significant correlation with both temperature and humidity. Overall densities of sucking insect pests were found above economic threshold level. The plant age, crop stage and surrounding habitats effect on the population fluctuation of pests as well as the predators' abundance. The future studies are also warranted to investigate the altered habitats and multiple trap cropping to find out their impact on unattended insect predators and parasitoids in cotton crop.

As pragas sugadoras são uma grande ameaça para a cultura do algodão, causando perdas insuportáveis no rendimento da cultura. O objetivo do estudo atual foi registrar a dinâmica sazonal das principais pragas de insetos sugadores, incluindo mosca-branca, jassid, tripes e seus artrópodes predadores naturais, ou seja, crisopídeos e aranhas verdes em parcelas de algodão. Os efeitos das plantações circundantes na densidade de pragas e na eficiência predatória de predadores também foram registrados. Para amostragem e pesquisa de insetos, a contagem visual foi considerada o método mais eficiente para registrar a abundância de insetos, seguido por varredura e batida de rede. A mosca-branca foi a praga sugadora mais dominante encontrada na fase vegetativa do algodoeiro, seguida pelo jassid e tripes. Populações flutuantes de artrópodes predadores, aranhas e crisálidas também foram registradas durante toda a safra, no entanto as densidades de pragas e predadores variaram com a fenologia da cultura. A população de aranhas foi encorajadora tanto na fase vegetativa como na floração e também a mesma tendência de jassid e mosca-branca foi observada em ambas as fases da cultura. Os habitats circundantes mostraram efeito não significativo nas densidades populacionais de insetos-praga e predadores. Para os fatores abióticos, as aranhas apresentaram forte correlação positiva com umidade e temperatura. No entanto, lacewing verde foi apenas positivamente correlacionado com a umidade. Por outro lado, as populações de mosca-branca, jassid e tripes apresentaram correlação não significativa com temperatura e umidade. As densidades gerais de pragas sugadoras de insetos foram encontradas acima do nível do limiar econômico. A idade da planta, o estágio da cultura e os habitats circundantes afetam a flutuação populacional de pragas, bem como a abundância de predadores. Os estudos futuros também são necessários para investigar os habitats alterados e cultivo com armadilhas múltiplas [...].

The behavior of Aphis gossypii and Aphis craccivora (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and of their predator Cycloneda sanguinea (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in cotton-cowpea intercropping systems

ABSTRACT The intercropping is an important cultural practice commonly used in pest management. It is based on the principle that increased plant diversity in the agro-ecosystem can lead to reductions of pest populations in the crop. The current study aimed to assess the impact the colored fiber cotton-cowpea intercropped systems on Aphis gossypii and Aphis craccivora and on their predator Cycloneda sanguinea and the losses and the dispersion behavior of these aphids and their predator in these cropping systems. The experiment had a randomized block experimental design with two bioassays and four treatments. The number of apterous and alate aphids (A. gossypii) per cotton plant was 1.46 and 1.73 or 1.97 and 2.19 times highest in the solid cotton system than that found in the cotton-cowpea intercropped systems (S1) and (S2), respectively. On the other hand, the cotton-cowpea intercropped systems (S1 and S2) reduced, respectively, in 43% and 31% the number of apterousA. gossypiiper cotton plant compared to the control. Implementing cotton-cowpea intercropped system in the S1 scheme reduced A. gossypii infestation, favored the multiplication of C. sanguinea, and allowed obtaining heavier open bolls.

Population dynamics of Aphis gossypii Glover and in sole and intercropping systems of cotton and cowpea

ABSTRACT Population dynamics of aphids have been studied in sole and intercropping systems. These studies have required the use of more precise analytical tools in order to better understand patterns in quantitative data. Mathematical models are among the most important tools to explain the dynamics of insect populations. This study investigated the population dynamics of aphids Aphis gossypii and Aphis craccivora over time, using mathematical models composed of a set of differential equations as a helpful analytical tool to understand the population dynamics of aphids in arrangements of cotton and cowpea. The treatments were sole cotton, sole cowpea, and three arrangements of cotton intercropped with cowpea (t1, t2 and t3). The plants were infested with two aphid species and were evaluated at 7, 14, 28, 35, 42, and 49 days after the infestations. Mathematical models were used to fit the population dynamics of two aphid species. There were good fits for aphid dynamics by mathematical model over time. The highest population peak of both species A. gossypii and A. craccivora was found in the sole crops, and the lowest population peak was found in crop system t2. These results are important for integrated management programs of aphids in cotton and cowpea.

Effects of temperature on the feeding behavior of Alabama argillacea (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on Bt and non-Bt cotton plants

ABSTRACT The host acceptance behavior and environmental factors as temperature affect the feeding behavior of Lepidoptera pests. Thus, they must be considered in studies about the risk potential of resistance evolution. The current study sets the differences in the feeding behavior of neonate Alabama argillacea (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae exposed to Bt and non-Bt cotton plants, under different temperatures and time gap after hatching. Two cotton cultivars were used: the Bt (DP 404 BG - bollgard) and the non-transformed isoline, DP 4049. We found that the feeding behavior of neonate A. argillacea is significantly different between Bt and non-Bt cotton. Based on the number of larvae with vegetal tissue in their gut found on the plant and in the organza as well as on the amount of vegetal tissue ingested by the larvae. A. argillacea shows feeding preference for non-Bt cotton plants, in comparison to that on the Bt. However, factors such as temperature and exposure time may affect detection capacity and plant abandonment by the larvae and it results in lower ingestion of vegetal tissue. Such results are relevant to handle the resistance of Bt cotton cultivars to A. argillacea and they also enable determining how the cotton seeds mix will be a feasible handling option to hold back resistance evolution in A. argillacea populations on Bt cotton, when it is compared to other refuge strategies. The results can also be useful to determine which refuge distribution of plants is more effective for handling Bt cotton resistance to A. argillacea.

Araneofauna (Arachnida: Araneae) en cultivos de algodón (Gossypium hirsutum) transgénicos y convencionales en el norte de Santa Fe, Argentina

Arachnofauna (Araneae: Araneae) in transgenic and conventional cotton crops (Gossypiumhirsutum) in the North of Santa Fe, Argentina. Spiders have considerable potential importance for their role as predators to some pests in agricultural systems. The composition of spiders in transgenic and conventional cotton at the Research Station of INTA Reconquista (Santa Fe) was studied during the 2005-2006 season. The experiment was a complete randomized block design with three replications and three treatments: transgenic Bt cotton (ALBt), conventional cotton without chemical control (ALCSC), and conventional cotton with chemical control (ALCCC). Weekly, spiders were collected using nets, vertical cloth and pitfall-traps. A total of 1 255 specimens (16 families, and 32 species) were collected. Seven families were found in all the treatments, mainly Thomisidae (n=1 051, 84.04%) and Araneidae (n=83, 6.64%). The Hunting spiders guild ambushers (n=1 053, 83.91%), “Orb weavers” (n=85, 6.77%) and “Stalkers” (n=53, 4.22%) were more abundant. There were no significant differences in the indexes diversity between treatments. Spiders were presented during the whole crop season, with peaks about flowering and boll maturity, with the highest abundance in ALBt. This work is part of the first set of data registered in Argentina about spider’s community in cotton crops. Rev. Biol. Trop. 60 (2): 611-623. Epub 2012 June 01.

Las arañas tienen un valor potencial considerable por su rol depredador de insectos, estas son plagas de la agricultura. Durante la campaña agrícola 2005/06, en INTA Reconquista, Santa Fe (Argentina) se estudio la composición de arañas presentes en cultivos de algodón transgénico y convencional, mediante un diseño experimental de bloques completos al azar, con tres repeticiones y tres tratamientos: algodón transgénico Bt (ALBt), algodón convencional sin control químico (ALCSC) y con control químico (ALCCC). Semanalmente, se capturaron arañas, con una red entomológica de arrastre, paño vertical de 1m y trampas de caída. Asimismo se recolectaron 1 255 ejemplares (16 familias y 32 especies). Siete familias se presentaron en los tres tratamientos, donde predomino Thomisidae (n=1 051, 84.04%) y Araneidae (n=83, 6.64%). El gremio cazadoras por emboscada (n=1 053, 83.91%), “Tejedoras de telas orbiculares” (n=85, 6.77%) y “Cazadoras al acecho” (n=53, 4.22%) fueron las más abundantes. No hubo diferencias significativas en los índices de diversidad entre tratamientos. Las arañas se presentaron durante todo el ciclo del cultivo, con picos en las semanas de floración y madurez de las capsulas, además la mayor abundancia la encontramos en el ALBt. Este trabajo constituye el primer registro sobre la comunidad de arañas en cultivos de algodón para Argentina.

Efecto de las poblaciones de Alabama argillacea (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) en cultivos de algodón a dos distanciamientos / Effect of the populations of Alabama argillacea (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on cotton crop at two sowing distances

The objective of this research was to evaluate the incidence of damage by the leafworm Alabama argillacea (Hübner) on yields of cotton grown under rows spaced 0.38 m and 0.76 m at the irrigation area of Santiago del Estero, Argentina. The period evaluated was extended from first flower to first open boll. Treatments were T1 - without control of larvae, T2 - with control of larvae, T3 - control since first flower to the end of effective blooming, and T4 - with larval control since the end of effective blooming to first open boll. The effect of injuries on the crop was evaluated trough boll cotton yield. Larvae were sampled in a weekly basis and insects were present from the first flower until harvest. Populations of A. argillacea decreased crop yields in the two distances tested, by decreasing the weight or number of open bolls.

Sequential sampling of Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and Frankliniella schultzei Trybom (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) on cotton crop

The goal of this research was to use the sequential probability ratio test to establish a sequential sampling plan for Aphis gossypii Glover and Frankliniella schultzei Trybom infesting cotton. Field work was conducted at the agricultural experimental station of the Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados during the 2003/2004 and 2004/2005 agricultural years. Aphid colonies and individual thrips in the sampling area were counted and their numbers were recorded. The spatial distribution pattern of A. gossypii and F. schultzei in the cotton culture was aggregated. Sequential sampling plans were developed for aphids and thrips with type I and type II errors set at 0.1, common Kc = 0.6081 (aphids) and = 0. 9449 (thrips), and safety and management levels of 20 percent (aphids) and 40 percent (thrips) of infested plants. The sampling plans resulted in two decision boundaries for each species, as follows: the upper boundary, indicating when management (population control) is recommended: S1 = 4.6546 + 0.2849n (aphids), and S1 = 3.6514 + 0.1435n (thrips); and the lower boundary, indicating when population control is not necessary: S0 = -4.6546 + 0.2849n (aphids) and S0 = - 3.6514 + 0.1435n (thrips). The highest probability of error when making a decision was 3 percent for aphids and 2 percent for thrips, respectively. The maximum number of samples required to reach a decision was 63 for aphids and 95 for thrips.

Absorção foliar, caulinar e radicular dos inseticidas pymetrozine e flonicamid no controle do pulgão Aphis gossypii Glover, 1877 (Hemiptera: Aphididae) em algodoeiro / Leaf, stem and root absorption of pymetrozine and flonicamid to control the cotton aphid Aphis gossypii Glover, 1877 (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

O pulgão Aphis gossypii Glover, 1877 (Hemiptera: Aphididae) é uma praga da cultura do algodão e quando não controlado pode reduzir a produtividade e a qualidade da fibra. A descoberta de novos grupos químicos de inseticidas para o controle do inseto traz perspectivas novas de manejo, e dentre os aficidas recentemente descobertos destacam-se pymetrozine e flonicamid. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a eficiência destes dois inseticidas no controle de A. gossypii quando absorvidos pela folha, caule e raiz de algodoeiro. Utilizou o delineamento experimental fatorial (2 x 3) com 5 repetições, em blocos casualizados. Cada parcela foi constituída de um vaso com duas plantas, mantidos sob condições de casa-de-vegetação, no ano de 2005. Avaliou-se a densidade populacional do pulgão nas folhas durante dezesseis dias após a aplicação dos tratamentos. Os resultados permitem concluir: (1) flonicamid apresentou eficiência de controle quando absorvido pelo caule e pelas folhas; (2) pymetrozine apresentou eficiência de controle através da absorção foliar; (3) a rota de absorção radicular não propiciou controle satisfatório para ambos aficidas; e, (4) em aplicação foliar os dois inseticidas não diferiram entre si quanto ao controle do pulgão-do-algodoeiro.

Aphis gossypii Glover, 1877 (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is a cotton pest, and if not controlled can reduce yield and fiber quality. The discovery of new chemical groups of insecticides brings new perspectives to IPM; pymetrozine and flonicamid are examples of new launched pesticides. This study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of these two insecticides to control A. gossypii when they were absorbed by cotton root, stem and leaves. The statistical design was a randomized factorial (2 x 3) with five replications in blocks. Each plot consisted of a pot with two plants, kept under greenhouse conditions, in 2005. We evaluated the population density of aphids on the leaves during sixteen days after treatment. The results show: (1) flonicamid has efficiency when absorbed by stem and leaves, (2) pymetrozine efficacy is through foliar uptake, (3) the root absorption do not provide satisfactory control for both insecticides, and, (4) both insecticides control the aphid-cotton when is applied on leaves.

População de artrópodes benéficos em algodoeiro afetado por inseticidas em sistemas de manejo integrado e convencional / Beneficial insect population affected by pesticides in ipm and conventional cotton systems

Com o objetivo de estudar o impacto de inseticidas na redução da entomofauna benéfica na cultura algodoeira, conduziu-se um experimento na região Oeste da Bahia nos anos de 2002/2003. Dois sistemas de manejo foram adotados, o Manejo Integrado de Pragas (MIP) e o sistema convencional realizado na fazenda onde o experimento foi instalado. As populações de Orius spp., Chrysoperla externa, Sirfideos e Coccinelideos foram monitoradas por 19 semanas consecutivas, utilizando-se o pano de batida, com 100 batidas de pano por levantamento em cada um dos sistemas de cultivo. Estimou-se uma regressão linear para cada espécie monitorada, em cada sistema, tomando-se como variável independente o tempo, número de semanas, e como variável dependente a população de insetos, representada pela média das contagens dos 100 pontos de batida de pano em cada levantamento. Para as espécies em estudo, constatou-se que as taxas de crescimento representadas nas inclinações das retas de regressão foram sempre superiores no MIP.

Aiming to study the impact of insecticides on beneficial insects in the cotton crop, we conducted an experiment in the western region of state of Bahia, Brazil, in the 2002/2003 season. Two management systems were compared: the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and the conventional system, conducted at the farm where the experiment was installed. The populations of Orius spp, Chrysoperla externa, syrphid flies (Diptera: Syrphidae) and coccinellids (Coeloptera: Coccinellidae) were monitored for 19 consecutive weeks, using a beat cloth, beat 100 times per week at each cropping system. The evaluation was made based on linear regression for each species monitored in each system, taking "time," the number of weeks, as the independent variable, and, as the dependent variable, the insect population, represented by the average of the counts of the 100 beat cloth points in each survey. For these species, it was found that the growth rates given by the slopes of regression lines were always higher in the IPM.

Efecto ambiental de agroquímicos y maquinaria agrícola en cultivos transgénicos y convencionales de algodón / Environmental effects of agrochemicals and agricultural machinery in transgenic and conventional crops cotton

La producción de alimentos se basa en el uso de diferentes tecnologías agrícolas, que pueden derivar en conflictos entre medioambiente y agricultura. Es significativo estudiar el impacto ambiental de las nuevas tecnologías aplicadas a la agricultura, la más importante de las cuales es la transgénesis. Este trabajo se realizó en la zona algodonera del municipio del Espinal, departamento del Tolima, para la cosecha de algodón del primer semestre de 2009, usando las metodologías de Brookes y Barfoot (2006) y Kovach y colaboradores (1992). Se estudió el efecto ambiental de la aplicación de agroquímicos y el uso de maquinaria agrícola en cultivos de algodón transgénico y convencional. Se recogió información mediante encuestas en veinte fincas productoras de algodón. El análisis de las encuestas se realizó de forma descriptiva, determinando diferencias de tipo cuantitativo y cualitativo para los predios que utilizan la tecnología convencional o la tecnología transgénicas (doble gen, Bt/RR), para luego realizar una correlación con el “Enviromental Index Quotient” (EIQ). No se encontraron diferencias entre el EIQ de campo de las dos tecnologías, aunque la tecnología transgénica tiene ventajas ambientales en el control de algunas plagas de lepidópteros. En relación con el uso de maquinaria agrícola, se encontró que la tecnología convencional genera menor liberación de CO2, gas de efecto invernadero. La metodología de Brookes y Barfoot puede adaptarse para estudios comparativos de tecnologías agrícolas en países tropicales.

Food production is based on the use of various agricultural technologies, which can lead to conflicts between environment and agriculture. It is important to study the environmental impact of new technologies applied to agriculture, the most important of which is transgenesis. This work was carried out in the cotton belt of the town of Espinal, Tolima Department for the cotton crop in the first half of 2009, through methodologies Brookes & Barfoot (2006) and Kovach et al (1992). We studied the environmental impact of pesticide application and use of agricultural machinery for cultivation of transgenic and conventional cotton. Information was collected through surveys of 20 farms producing cotton. The analysis of the survey was conducted descriptively, by determining differences in quantitative and qualitative for the sites that use conventional technology, and transgenic (Bt gene and double RR / RR), and then make a correlation with the Environmental Index Quotient (EIQ). No differences were found between the fields EIQ the two technologies, although transgenic technology has environmental advantages in the control of some lepidopteran pests. In connection with the use of agricultural machinery, was found to conventional technology generates less release of CO2, greenhouse gas. The Brookes and Barfoot methodology could be adapted in comparative studies of agricultural technologies in tropical countries.

Caracterização dos danos de Spodoptera eridania (Cramer) e Spodoptera cosmioides (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) a estruturas de algodoeiro / Characterization of the damage of Spodoptera eridania (Cramer) and Spodoptera cosmioides (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to structures of cotton plants

The cotton plant, Gossypium hirsutum, hosts various pests that damage different structures. Among these pests, Spodoptera cosmioides (Walker) and Spodoptera eridania (Cramer) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) are considered important. The objectives of this study were to characterize and to quantify the potential damage of S. eridania and S. cosmioides feeding on different structures of cotton plants. For this purpose, newly-hatched larvae were reared on the following plant parts: leaf and flower bud; leaf and boll; flower bud or boll; and leaf, flower bud and boll. The survival of S. cosmioides and S. eridania was greater than 80 percent and 70 percent for larvae fed on cotton plant parts offered separately or together, respectively. One larva of S. eridania damaged 1.7 flower buds, but did not damage bolls, while one larva of S. cosmioides damaged 5.2 flower buds and 3.0 cotton bolls. Spodoptera eridania and S. cosmioides can be considered species with potential to cause economic damage to cotton plants because they can occur throughout cotton developmental stages causing defoliation and losses of reproductive structures. Therefore, the results validate field observations that these two species of Spodoptera are potential pests for cotton.

Ação residual de inseticidas para larvas e adultos do predador Cycloneda sanguinea Linnaeus, 1763 (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) / Residual action of insecticides to larvae and adults of the predator Cycloneda sanguinea Linnaeus, 1763 (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

A ação residual dos inseticidas imidacloprido/Beta-ciflutrina, clotianidina e clorfenapir foi avaliada para larvas de terceiro ínstar e adultos do predador Cycloneda sanguinea (Linnaeus). Sementes de algodão da cultivar BRS IPÊ foram semeadas em vasos de PVC e as plantas foram mantidas em casa de vegetação. Ao atingirem 25 dias de idade, as plantas foram pulverizadas com os produtos nas menores dosagens recomendadas pelos fabricantes, utilizando-se pulverizador manual. As concentrações foram em g i.a.L-1 de água: imidacloprido/Beta-ciflutrina (100/12,5 SC -0,25/0,03), clotianidina (500 PM ­ 0,33) e clorfenapir (240 SC ­ 0,80). Água destilada foi utilizada como testemunha. Folhas previamente marcadas em cada planta, de cada tratamento, foram retiradas e levadas ao laboratório e colocadas em placas de Petri contendo solução de ágar bacteriológico. Ovos de Anagasta kuehniella (Zeller) foram colocados sobre as folhas de algodoeiro e, em seguida, liberou-se um espécime por placa. As liberações ocorreram após 1, 12, 23 e 35 dias da pulverização dos compostos. Cada placa de Petri foi imediatamente vedada com filme de plástico PVC. O delineamento foi inteiramente casualizado com quatro tratamentos e doze repetições sendo que, para os testes com larvas, cada parcela foi formada por três espécimes e, para aqueles com adultos, cada repetição correspondeu a um casal. As avaliações de mortalidade foram feitas após 12, 24 e 48 horas das liberações. Os produtos foram classificados de acordo com o proposto pela Organização Internacional para Controle Biológico (IOBC). Todos os produtos foram enquadrados na classe 4 = persistentes, visto que mesmo a partir do trigésimo dia após sua aplicação causaram mais de 30,0% de mortalidade dos predadores.

The residual action of the insecticides imidacloprid/Beta-cyfluthrin, clothianidin and chlorfenapyr was evaluated in regard to third-instar larvae and adults of the predator Cycloneda sanguinea (Linnaeus). Cotton seeds of the cultivar BRS IPÊ were sowed in PVC pots and the plants were maintained in the greenhouse. Upon reaching 25 days of age, the plants were sprayed with the lowest dosages of the products recommended by the manufacturers, using a manual sprayer. The insecticides evaluated in g a.i.L-1 of water were imidacloprid/Beta-cyfluthrin (Imidacloprido/Beta-ciflutrina 100/12.5 CS ­ 0.25/0.03), clothianidin (Clotianidina 500 WP ­ 0.33) and chlorfenapyr (Clorfenapir 240 CS0.80). Distilled water was used as a control. Previously marked leaves, from each treatment, were removed from the plants and taken to the laboratory where they were placed in Petri dishes containing bacteriologic agar solution. Eggs of Anagasta kuehniella (Zeller) were placed on cotton leaves following the release of a Trichogramma specimen per dish after 1, 12, 23 and 35 days from pesticides application. Each Petri dish was immediately closed with plastic PVC film. A completely randomized experimental design was used, with 4 treatments and 12 replicates, each one formed by 3 third-instar larvae or 1 couple of adults. The number of dead larvae and adults in each treatment was examined 12, 24 and 48 hours after exposure to the chemicals. The products were classified according to categories proposed by the International Organization for Biological Control (IOBC). All the compounds tested were evaluated as class 4 = persistent, causing mortality above 30% up to 31 days after application on cotton leaves.

Avaliação do efeito de inseticidas sobre a joaninha Hippodamia convergens Guérin-Meneville (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) em algodoeiro / Evaluation of the effect of insecticides on lady beetles Hippodamia convergens Guérin-Meneville (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in cotton plant

A associação dos métodos químico e biológico no controle de pragas é fundamental na sustentabilidade do sistema agrícola, auxiliando a redução de químicos derivados de petróleo. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de inseticidas sobre o coccinelídeo predador Hippodamia convergens, na cultura do algodoeiro, em condições de laboratório e de campo. Foram estabelecidos os seguintes tratamentos, expressos em g ou mL de p.c. do inseticida por hectare: flonicamida a 50, 80 e 150 g, tiametoxam a 200 g, acetamiprido a 150 g, imidacloprido a 250 mL e testemunha sem aplicação. A avaliação do efeito dos inseticidas aplicados diretamente e indiretamente (efeito de contato em resíduo seco do inseticida) sobre H. convergens, foi realizada por meio da quantificação de insetos sobreviventes após a aplicação. Com base nos resultados dos experimentos, pode-se concluir que dentre os inseticidas avaliados, flonicamida ocasionou a menor mortalidade de H. convergens. Os inseticidas tiametoxam, acetamiprido e imidacloprido apresentaram comportamento semelhante, acarretando alta mortalidade de H. convergens.

The combination of chemical and biological methods to control pests is essential to ensure the sustainability of agricultural system, to reduce using of chemicals products. The objective this work was to evaluate the effects of insecticides on the coccinellid predatory Hyppodamia convergens, the cotton plant, in conditions laboratory and field. Were the following treatments established, expressed in g or mL of active ingredient of insecticide per hectare: flonicamid to 50, 80 and 150 g, thiamethoxam at 200 g to 150 g acetamiprid, imidacloprid to 250 mL and control without application. The evaluation effect of insecticides applied directly and indirectly (residual effects on leaves) on H. convergens, was performed by quantification of insects survived to 7 days after application. Based on the results of experiments, we can conclude that among the insecticides evaluated, flonicamid caused the lower mortality of H. convergens. The insecticides thiamethoxam, acetamiprid and imidacloprid showed similar behavior, causing high mortality of H. convergens.

Biologia comparada e comportamento de Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) e Phytoseiulus macropilis (Banks) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) em algodoeiro bollgardTM e Isolinha não-Transgênica / Compared biology and behavior of Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) and Phytoseiulus macropilis (Banks) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on BollgardTM and non-Transgenic Isoline Cotton

The two spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, is a nontarget herbivore of Bt-cotton, but acquires and accumulates higher levels of Cry toxin than that expressed by transgenic plants. This work investigated the development and reproduction of T. urticae and of the predator Phytoseiulus macropilis Banks, during three successive generations looking for potential nontarget effect. In addition, behavioral studies on feeding preference, oviposition, and predation were carried out on Bt and non-Bt cottons. The development and reproduction of T. urticae and P. macropilis was conducted using leaf discs of Bt and non-Bt cottons. Arena containing leaf discs from both cotton types connected by a slide coverslip were also used in the behavioral studies. Averages of the three generations showed that the Bt-cotton does not affect the development, survival of immature stages, and reproductive output of T. urticae and of the predator P. macropilis. Furthermore, the preference for feeding and oviposition of T. urticae and P. macropilis were similar on both cotton types. In addition, P. macropilis exhibited similar predatory behavior on T. urticae fed on both cotton types. Levels of Cry1Ac toxin in T. urticae was 3.97 times greater than that found in the Bt-cotton plants as determined using a ELISA test. Despite of the amount of toxin acquired by the prey (T. urticae), no detectable levels of Cry1Ac were found in the predatory mite P. macropilis.

Seleção de isolados de Beauveria bassiana para o controle de adultos do bicudo-do-algodoeiro Anthonomus grandis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) / Selection of Beauveria bassiana strains for the control of cotton boll weevil Anthonomus grandis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) adults

O bicudo-do-algodoeiro, Anthonomus grandis, é considerado uma das principais pragas da cultura do algodão, demandando uma grande quantidade de inseticidas para o seu controle. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar isolados deBeauveria bassianapara o controle deA. grandis. Para tanto, foram testados nove isolados provenientes de diferentes hospedeiros na concentração de 1 x 108 conídios/mL, em condições de laboratório. Todos os isolados testados foram patogênicos ao bicudo-do-algodoeiro, causando entre 50 e 85% de mortalidade confirmada. Os tempos letais para matar 50% dos insetos (TL50) variaram entre 2,30 e 8,66 dias. O isolado IBCB 241 destacou-se como o mais virulento, apresentando a maior percentagem de mortalidade confirmada e o menor TL50, podendo assim ser considerado um promissor agente de controle biológico para o bicudodo-algodoeiro A.grandis.

The cotton boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis, is one of the most important pests of the cotton crop, requiring an elevated quantity of insecticides for its control.The objective of this work was to evaluate the effectiveness ofBeauveria bassianastrains for A. grandis control. In this assay, 9 strains from different hosts were tested in the concentration of 1 x 108 conidia/mL, under laboratory conditions. All strains evaluated were pathogenic to the cotton boll weevil, causing between 50 and 85% confirmed mortality. The lethal time to kill 50% of insects (LT50) ranged between 2.30 and 8.66 days. The IBCB 241 strain stood out as the most virulent, presenting the highest percentage of confirmed mortality and the shortest LT50, and can therefore be considered as a promising agent for the biological control of the cotton boll weevil A. grandis.

Effects of some botanical extracts on the midgut, integument and fat body of the cotton leaf worm, spodoptera littoralis [lepidoptera: noctuidae]

Botanical extracts [8%] of four plants [Artemisia monosperma, Zygophyllum cocccineum, Lupinus termis and Brassica tournifortii] fed to the 4[th] larval in-stars of Spodoptera littoralis induced histopathological changes in the structure of the midgut, integument and fat body of the 5[th] instars. Zygophyllum coccineum and Lupinus termis induced severe damages in the midgut. The integument of treated larvae showed degeneration in the cuticle and epidermal cells which were also detached from each other. Water extracts of A. monosperma, Z. coccinieum and L. termis were the most promising in inducing shrinkage in the fat body cells and detachment of midgut muscle layers. Also, the degeneration of the midgut membrane and epithelial layer occurs in different degrees with the tested plants. This study supports the use of botanical extracts in pest control programs of lepidopterous insects

Ocorrência de Stethorus (Stehtorus) minutalus Gordon & Chapin (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) predando Bemisia tabaci biótipo B (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) em algodoeiro no Brasil / Occurrence of Stethorus (Stethotrus) minutalus Gordon & Chapin (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) preying Bemisia tabaci biotype B (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) on cotton plant in Brazil

Este comunicado tem o objetivo de registrar, pela primeira vez no Brasil, o predador Stethorus (Stethorus) minutalus Gordon & Chapin (Scymninae, Stethorini). Larvas e adultos de S. minutalus foram observados alimentando-se de ovos e ninfas de Bemisia tabaci Gennadius biótipo B em algodoeiro em condições de casa de vegetação em Piracicaba, SP. É provável que esse coccinelídeo seja uma espécie introduzida no país.

This report has the objective of registering, for the first time in Brazil, the predator Stethorus (Stethorus) minutalus Gordon & Chapin (Scymninae, Stethorini). Larvae and adults were observed feeding on eggs and nymphs of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci Gennadius biotype B (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), on cotton plants under greenhouse condition in Piracicaba, SP. Probably, this coccinelid is an introduced species in the Country.

Efeitos da adubação nitrogenada em algodoeiro sobre a biologia de Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae) / Effects of nitrogen fertilization in cotton crop on Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae) biology

O pulgão Aphis gossypii Glover é uma das pragas do algodoeiro e suas relações com o hospedeiro são dependentes da quantidade de nitrogênio disponível para a planta. A biologia do A. gossypii, em função do regime de adubação nitrogenada no algodoeiro, foi estudada em condições de casa-de-vegetação, em Dourados, MS. Para isto foi utilizado o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado com nove repetições, com os tratamentos arranjados em fatorial (2 x 4 x 2) + 1, com duas fontes de adubo nitrogenado, quatro doses de nitrogênio (50, 100, 150 e 200 kg ha-1), duas épocas de aplicação do nitrogênio em cobertura e um tratamento adicional sem a adição do nitrogênio. Foram avaliadas as durações dos estádios ninfais e da fase ninfal, os períodos pré-reprodutivo, reprodutivo e pós-reprodutivo, a longevidade, o ciclo biológico e a fecundidade dos pulgões. Concluiu-se que apenas as doses de nitrogênio influenciaram a biologia do pulgão-do-algodoeiro, independente da fonte e época de aplicação, favorecendo seu desenvolvimento e fecundidade.

The cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glove, is one of the pests of cotton crop and its relation with the host seem to depend on the amount of nitrogen available to the plant. The biology of A. gossypii using different cotton nitrogen fertility regimes was studied under greenhouse conditions, in Dourados, MS. A completely randomized design with nine replications in a factorial scheme (2x4x2)+1 was used. Two nitrogen sources (sulphate of ammonium and urea), four doses of nitrogen (50, 100, 150 and 200 kg ha-1), two different times of nitrogen application and one additional treatment without nitrogen were taken as factors. The nymphal phases, the pre-reproductive, reproductive and pos-reproductive periods, longevity, the life cycle and fecundity of the cotton aphid were evaluated. The doses of nitrogen influenced the cotton aphid biology in both sources and times of application, favoring its development and fecundity.

Ocorrência de Planococcus minor Maskell (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) em algodoeiro no Nordeste do Brasil / Occurrence of Planococcus minor Maskell (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in cotton fields of Northeast Region of Brazil

A cochonilha Planococcus minor (Maskell) é uma praga importante de mais de 250 culturas pertencentes a cerca de 80 famílias. Entre as plantas hospedeiras, várias espécies de Malvaceae são atacadas, incluindo o gênero Gossypium. Durante as safras de 2005 e 2006 constatou-se o ataque de P. minor em lavouras de algodão localizadas no semi-árido nordestino do Brasil. A constatação foi feita em diferentes localidades, onde altas densidades populacionais da cochonilha chegaram a ocasionar mortalidade de plantas. Esse inseto não é citado como praga do algodoeiro em nenhuma região onde se cultiva o algodoeiro no Brasil, apesar de constar na lista de Pragas e Doenças Globais. Conseqüentemente, não existem estudos sobre essa cochonilha como praga do algodoeiro o que torna o seu manejo difícil no momento.

The mealybug Planococcus minor Maskell is a significant pest of more than 250 cultivated plants belonging to at least 80 families. Among the host plants several Malvaceae species are attacked, including the genera Gossypium. In 2005 and 2006 the mealybug P. minor was observed infesting cotton fields in the arid area of northeast region of Brazil. The occurrence was registered in high densities and in several farms resulting in mortality of plants in some cases. This species is not cited as a cotton pest in any region of Brazil where cotton grows, although it is enlisted in the Global Pest and Disease Database. Hence, there is a lack of studies what makes this pest of great deal to control.

Biologia e não-preferência para oviposição por Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) biótipo B (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) em cultivares de algodoeiro / Biology and non-preference for oviposition by Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) biotype B (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) on cotton cultivars

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram avaliar alguns aspectos biológicos das fases de ovo e de ninfa de Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) biótipo B e avaliar a não-preferência para oviposição em testes com e sem chance de escolha e sua correlação com o número e tipo de tricomas nas cultivares de algodoeiro (BRS Ipê, BRS 186-Precoce 3, BRS Acala, BRS Verde, BRS 200-Marrom, BRS Cedro, BRS Ita 90-2 e BRS Aroeira). Os experimentos foram realizados em câmaras climatizadas (28 ± 2°C, 70 ± 10 por cento UR e fotofase de 14h), e em casa-de-vegetação. A viabilidade dos ovos não foi afetada pelas cultivares de algodoeiro, porém, a sobrevivência no período de ovo a adulto foi influenciada pelo hospedeiro. Não houve efeito das cultivares na duração da fase de ovo, do segundo, terceiro e quarto ínstares nem no período de ovo a adulto. As ninfas que se desenvolveram na cultivar BRS Ipê tiveram o primeiro ínstar alongado, diferentemente daquelas desenvolvidas nas demais cultivares. As cultivares BRS Aroeira, BRS Verde e BRS Ita 90-2 apresentaram baixo número de ovos nos testes com e sem chance de escolha, indicando um possível mecanismo de resistência, mas não foi possível estabelecer uma correlação entre a densidade de tricomas e a não-preferência para oviposição.

The purposes of this work were to evaluate some biological aspects of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) biotype B at egg and nymphal stages and to evaluate the non-preference for oviposition and its correlation with the number and type of trichomes on the cotton cultivars BRS Ipê, BRS 186-Precoce 3, BRS Acala, BRS Verde, BRS-200 Marrom, BRS Cedro, BRS Ita 90-2 and BRS Aroeira. The experiments were conducted in climatic chambers at 28 ± 2°C, 70 percent RH and photophase of 14h, and in greenhouse. Egg fertility was not affected by the cotton cultivars but survival in egg-adult period was influenced by the host plant. There was no influence of cultivars neither on the duration of egg stage, nymphs at 2nd, 3rd and 4th instars nor on the duration from egg to adult, but nymphs reared on the cultivar BRS Ipê had their 1st instar extended. Low number of eggs was detected on the cultivars BRS Aroeira, BRS Verde and BRS Ita 90-2 in both experiments with and without oviposition choice, indicating a possible mechanism of resistance, but no correlation could be established between trichome densisty and oviposition non-preference.