Sexual Dimorphism, Diel Activity, and Mating Behavior of Eubulus cf. elongatus: an Emergent Pest Root in Cassava Crops.

Eubulus cf. elongatus Hustache (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a Neotropical species recently considered an important pest of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) in Brazil. This weevil feeds on cassava roots under the soil, which makes detection and control by traditional methods as pesticide quite ineffective. Besides that, no information is available about morphology, sex identification, and behavior. Given its recent category as a pest, its morphology, sex identification, and behavior were previously unknown. Laboratory reared adults of E. cf. elongatus emerged from pupal chambers originated from Embrapa Cerrados (Planaltina, Federal District, Brazil) were used to investigate sexual dimorphism, sex ratio, diel activity, and mating behavior. The visible sexual dimorphism was observed in the hind tibiae of females, which presents a more expansive distal portion than a proximal portion. The sex ratio analysis of E. cf. elongatus evidenced a proportion of males and females, approximately 1:1 in 2018, while 1.5:1, both similar to other species of curculionids. Males and females show predominantly nocturnal activity, including the mating attempts during scotophase. Three distinct phases of mating behavior developed by E. cf. elongatus are described: (i) pre-copulation, (ii) copulation, and (iii) post-copulation. The results obtained in this study provide essential information for developing monitoring and control strategies within an integrated management program for this critical pest species in cassava crops in Brazil.

Eight Decades of Dalbulus maidis (DeLong & Wolcott) (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae) in Brazil: What We Know and What We Need to Know.

The corn leafhopper Dalbulus maidis (DeLong & Wolcott) is one of the most important maize (Zea mays L.) pests in Latin America because of its ability to efficiently transmit pathogens [maize bushy stunt phytoplasma (MBSP) and corn stunt spiroplasma-Spiroplasma kunkelli Whitcomb et al. (CSS)] associated with corn stunt disease complex and maize rayado fino virus (MRFV). This leafhopper species, considered a secondary pest until a few years ago, was first reported in Brazil in 1938. Since 2015, corn stunt diseases have been the main phytosanitary threat to corn production in Brazil, and D. maidis has assumed the status of a key pest of the crop. In this study, we gathered pertinent information about the corn leafhopper, from the time it was first recorded in Brazil. Aspects such as origin, association with maize, bioecology, geographical distribution in the Americas, and its congeners are addressed. We present a history of studies performed with this species in the country, its importance as a pest, host plants, and survival strategies during the maize off-season. Based on the available scientific knowledge, the main management strategies for insect vectors and diseases are discussed. Finally, the main knowledge gaps for this insect vector and the prospects for future studies and actions to mitigate the damage caused by insect vectors in maize crops in Brazil are presented and discussed.

Evaluation of key parameters for developing a Metarhizium rileyi-based biopesticide against Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in maize: laboratory, greenhouse, and field trials.

BACKGROUND: The entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium rileyi is known to cause natural infections in some caterpillars. In this multiyear study, we carried out laboratory, greenhouse and three field trials with the aim of developing a sustainable option for control of the fall armyworm (FAW) in maize. Association of M. rileyi with Spodoptera frugiperda baculovirus (SfMNPV) and delivery strategies were also investigated. RESULTS: The selected isolate (CG381) was effective in the laboratory at a low concentration (~ 4 × 103 conidia cm-2 ), killing >95% of FAW larvae within 8 days. In the greenhouse assay, applications of conidia suspended in water or as dry powder in maize whorls (~ 6.3 × 106 conidia per plant) produced similar larval mortalities (88%-96%). In the field trials, conventional spraying of unformulated conidia (0.6 and 1.2 × 1012 conidia ha-1 ) caused low larval mortalities (27-31%). Simultaneous application of either unformulated or oil-based formulations of M. rileyi conidia and S. frugiperda baculovirus (SfMNPV) to plant rows caused larval mortalities comparable with each of the pathogens applied alone. However, when a formulation containing both pathogens was sprayed directly into the whorls, the overall mortality of S. frugiperda larvae due to pathogens (mostly to M. rileyi infections) reached ~ 59%, twofold higher than the other treatments with conventional spraying, whereas in the control, the overall mortality was only 1%. CONCLUSION: Optimizing exposure of S. frugiperda larvae to an inoculum of virulent entomopathogens through directed applications to maize whorls is critical to produce satisfactory mortality levels and is promising for integrated pest management.

First report on the natural occurrence of entomopathogenic fungi in populations of the leafhopper Dalbulus maidis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae): Pathogen identifications and their incidence in maize crops.

The corn leafhopper Dalbulus maidis is one of the most important pests of maize in Latin America. Here we report, for the first time, the natural occurrence of two fungal species infecting the adult stage of this pest. In 2020, insects killed by a pale bluish green fungus in irrigated maize fields located in Northeast Brazil were found attached to the abaxial surface of leaves. Using morphological characters and multigenic phylogeny, it was identified as Metarhizium brasiliense. In the beginning of 2021, the same pathogen was seen on adults in a maize field in the Central-Western region, alongside an entomophthoralean fungus during an epizootic. The latter pathogen was molecularly identified as a species in the genus Batkoa. The number of Batkoa-infected leafhoppers, displaying the typical swollen abdomen and extended wings, reached an average of 1.88 per maize leaf (86.42% of the sampled adults). The incidence of M. brasiliense was higher in plots in the Northeastern region (0.22 and 0.53 adult per leaf) when compared to the Central-Western region (0.04 adult per leaf). The report of D. maidis adults infected by M. brasiliense in agricultural settings located in different geographic regions and over 550 km apart indicates probable widespread occurrence of this pathogen in Brazil. Moreover, this opens the possibility of more applied biological control studies and, perhaps, the development of new tools to manage D. maidis populations.

Percolaspis cf. ornata (Germar) (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae): an Emergent Pest in Soybean, Maize, and Cotton Crops in the State of Mato Grosso, Brazil.

Percolaspis ornata (Germar) (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) is known in Brazil as an important pest of cocoa in the states of Bahia and Espírito Santo. We recently identified a Chrysomelidae species feeding and causing damage to soybean, corn, and cotton crops in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. The species was identified as Percolaspis cf. ornata. Adults feed on young leaves and sprouts and, in many cases, cut the stem of seedlings, causing stand reduction and yield losses. Its attacks have been recorded since 2016 in the central region of Mato Grosso. Because of the importance of the state of Mato Grosso as the main grain producer in the country, it is necessary to monitor crops for the occurrence of this insect in the next harvests and the development of basic and applied studies aimed at defining management strategies for this emerging pest. This is the first record of P. cf. ornata causing damage to soybean, maize, and cotton crops in Brazil.

Seasonality and distribution of Coleoptera families (Arthropoda, Insecta) in the Cerrado of Central Brazil

ABSTRACT Coleoptera order in Brazil presents 105 families with approximately 28,000 species. The life cycle and diversity of Coleoptera are strongly influenced by climate and vegetation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the seasonality and distribution of Coleoptera families in an area of the Cerrado in the Federal District (DF) of Brazil. The insects were collected monthly, between June 2015 and May 2016, using a light trap activated only in nights with a new moon, in an area of cerrado sensu stricto in Planaltina/DF, Brazil. The data were correlated with climatic variables. A total of 21,100 Coleoptera specimens belonging to 34 families were collected, with Melolonthidae (n = 11,075), Carabidae (n = 2,522), Scarabaeidae (n = 2,506), Bostrichidae (n = 1,196), and Chrysomelidae (n = 1,086) being the most abundant. Coleoptera were significantly more abundant in the first half of the rainy season. There was a significant and positive correlation between the abundance of Coleoptera and the climatic variables temperature and precipitation. The data presented in this study are related to an atypical year under the strong influence of the El Niño phenomenon, which may influence the abundance of Coleoptera. Circular analysis revealed that Coleoptera, and the most abundant families, presented seasonality throughout the year with a grouped distribution at the beginning of the rainy season (October to December). This study demonstrates that the richness and abundance of the Coleoptera order, in the Cerrado, is strongly influenced by the characteristic climatic seasons of the biome.

A Species of the Genus Eubulus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): A New and More Destructive Cassava Pest in the Brazilian Cerrado.

In 2009, a new pest of cassava crops was observed in the Federal District (Brazil) and identified as Eubulus (Kirsch) sp. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). The pest is currently distributed in the states of Goiás, Minas Gerais, Mato Grosso do Sul, and Paraná. The larvae consume roots, causing the tissue to rot and making it unfit for consumption. The damage can extend to 100% of the roots. Owing to the potential losses that this pest is capable of causing, studies are needed on its biology, ecology, and future management strategies aimed at minimizing the losses, allowing the continuity of cassava cultivation in Brazil. This study reports on the occurrence of the pest in Brazilian Cerrado, its distribution in Brazil, the symptoms of its infestation and estimates the damage caused.

A simple method for forward variable selection and calibration: evaluation for compact and low-cost laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy system.

This work presents a new method for forward variable selection and calibration and its evaluation for manganese determination in steel by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). A compact and low-cost LIBS instrument was used, based on a microchip laser and a grating mini-spectrometer containing a non-intensified, non-gated, and non-cooled linear sensor array. Sixty steel samples were analyzed, with known manganese concentrations from 0.106 to 1.696 wt%. The spectra (1757 variables between 200 and 850 nm) were acquired under the continuous application of laser pulses at 100 Hz and using 80, 400, and 1000 ms integration times. The new method generated a mathematic combination of the selected variables and the results were calibrated against the manganese content by linear or quadratic regression. The best results were obtained using the spectra from all integration times together, with 31 selected variables and root mean square errors of cross-validation and prediction of 0.015 and 0.033, respectively. Compared to Jack-knife partial least squares regression, the new method presented lower prediction errors and numbers of selected variables, with the advantages of no data pretreatment and a simpler mathematic calculation. Graphical abstract New method for forward variable selection and calibration applied to manganese determination in steel by laser induced breakdown spectroscopy.

Diversity of insects under the effect of Bt maize and insecticides / Diversidade de insetos sob a influência do milho Bt e inseticidas

The genetically modified maize to control some caterpillars has been widely used in Brazil. The effect of Bt maize and insecticides was evaluated on the diversity of insects (species richness and abundance), based on the insect community, functional groups and species. This study was conducted in genetically modified maize MON810, which expresses the Cry1Ab protein from Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner, and conventional maize with and without insecticide sprays (lufenuron and lambda-cyhalothrin) under field conditions in Ponta Grossa (Paraná state, Brazil). Insect samplings were performed by using pitfall trap, water tray trap and yellow sticky card. A total of 253,454 insects were collected, distributed among nine orders, 82 families and 241 species. No differences were observed in the insect community based on the richness, diversity and evenness indices. Predators and pollinators were more abundant in genetically modified maize. Parasitoids, detritivores, sap-sucking herbivores and chewing herbivores were more abundant in conventional maize with insecticide sprays. Significant differences were found for the species Colopterus sp., Colaspis occidentalis (L.) and Nusalala tessellata (Gerstaecker) which were most abundant in Bt maize, and Dalbulus maidis and Condylostylus sp.2 in conventional maize.(AU)

O milho geneticamente modificado visando ao controle de lagartas tem sido amplamente utilizado no Brasil. Em estudo de campo realizado em Ponta Grossa (Paraná, Brasil), compararam-se, com base na diversidade (riqueza de espécies e abundância), os efeitos do milho Bt e do controle químico sobre a comunidade de insetos, grupos funcionais e espécies. A comunidade de insetos foi amostrada no milho geneticamente modificado MON810, que expressa a proteína Cry1Ab de Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner, e no milho convencional com e sem a aplicação de inseticidas (lufenuron e lambda-cialotrina). As amostragens foram realizadas por meio da coleta de insetos utilizando-se armadilha de queda, bandeja-d'água e cartão adesivo. Foram coletados 253.454 insetos, distribuídos em nove ordens, 82 famílias e 241 espécies. Não foram observadas diferenças na comunidade de insetos para os índices de riqueza, diversidade e equitabilidade nos tratamentos avaliados. Predadores e polinizadores foram mais abundantes no milho geneticamente modificado, e parasitoides, decompositores, sugadores e mastigadores, no milho convencional com inseticida. Diferenças significativas foram detectadas para as espécies Colopterus sp., Colaspis occidentalis (L.) e Nusalala tessellata (Gerstaecker), mais abundantes no milho Bt, e Dalbulus maidis e Condylostylus sp.2, mais abundantes no milho convencional.(AU)

Diversity of insects under the effect of Bt maize and insecticides / Diversidade de insetos sob a influência do milho Bt e inseticidas

The genetically modified maize to control some caterpillars has been widely used in Brazil. The effect of Bt maize and insecticides was evaluated on the diversity of insects (species richness and abundance), based on the insect community, functional groups and species. This study was conducted in genetically modified maize MON810, which expresses the Cry1Ab protein from Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner, and conventional maize with and without insecticide sprays (lufenuron and lambda-cyhalothrin) under field conditions in Ponta Grossa (Paraná state, Brazil). Insect samplings were performed by using pitfall trap, water tray trap and yellow sticky card. A total of 253,454 insects were collected, distributed among nine orders, 82 families and 241 species. No differences were observed in the insect community based on the richness, diversity and evenness indices. Predators and pollinators were more abundant in genetically modified maize. Parasitoids, detritivores, sap-sucking herbivores and chewing herbivores were more abundant in conventional maize with insecticide sprays. Significant differences were found for the species Colopterus sp., Colaspis occidentalis (L.) and Nusalala tessellata (Gerstaecker) which were most abundant in Bt maize, and Dalbulus maidis and Condylostylus sp.2 in conventional maize.

O milho geneticamente modificado visando ao controle de lagartas tem sido amplamente utilizado no Brasil. Em estudo de campo realizado em Ponta Grossa (Paraná, Brasil), compararam-se, com base na diversidade (riqueza de espécies e abundância), os efeitos do milho Bt e do controle químico sobre a comunidade de insetos, grupos funcionais e espécies. A comunidade de insetos foi amostrada no milho geneticamente modificado MON810, que expressa a proteína Cry1Ab de Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner, e no milho convencional com e sem a aplicação de inseticidas (lufenuron e lambda-cialotrina). As amostragens foram realizadas por meio da coleta de insetos utilizando-se armadilha de queda, bandeja-d’água e cartão adesivo. Foram coletados 253.454 insetos, distribuídos em nove ordens, 82 famílias e 241 espécies. Não foram observadas diferenças na comunidade de insetos para os índices de riqueza, diversidade e equitabilidade nos tratamentos avaliados. Predadores e polinizadores foram mais abundantes no milho geneticamente modificado, e parasitoides, decompositores, sugadores e mastigadores, no milho convencional com inseticida. Diferenças significativas foram detectadas para as espécies Colopterus sp., Colaspis occidentalis (L.) e Nusalala tessellata (Gerstaecker), mais abundantes no milho Bt, e Dalbulus maidis e Condylostylus sp.2, mais abundantes no milho convencional.

Diversity of insects under the effect of Bt maize and insecticides / Diversidade de insetos sob a influência do milho Bt e inseticidas

The genetically modified maize to control some caterpillars has been widely used in Brazil. The effect of Bt maize and insecticides was evaluated on the diversity of insects (species richness and abundance), based on the insect community, functional groups and species. This study was conducted in genetically modified maize MON810, which expresses the Cry1Ab protein from Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner, and conventional maize with and without insecticide sprays (lufenuron and lambda-cyhalothrin) under field conditions in Ponta Grossa (Paraná state, Brazil). Insect samplings were performed by using pitfall trap, water tray trap and yellow sticky card. A total of 253,454 insects were collected, distributed among nine orders, 82 families and 241 species. No differences were observed in the insect community based on the richness, diversity and evenness indices. Predators and pollinators were more abundant in genetically modified maize. Parasitoids, detritivores, sap-sucking herbivores and chewing herbivores were more abundant in conventional maize with insecticide sprays. Significant differences were found for the species Colopterus sp., Colaspis occidentalis (L.) and Nusalala tessellata (Gerstaecker) which were most abundant in Bt maize, and Dalbulus maidis and Condylostylus sp.2 in conventional maize.(AU)

O milho geneticamente modificado visando ao controle de lagartas tem sido amplamente utilizado no Brasil. Em estudo de campo realizado em Ponta Grossa (Paraná, Brasil), compararam-se, com base na diversidade (riqueza de espécies e abundância), os efeitos do milho Bt e do controle químico sobre a comunidade de insetos, grupos funcionais e espécies. A comunidade de insetos foi amostrada no milho geneticamente modificado MON810, que expressa a proteína Cry1Ab de Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner, e no milho convencional com e sem a aplicação de inseticidas (lufenuron e lambda-cialotrina). As amostragens foram realizadas por meio da coleta de insetos utilizando-se armadilha de queda, bandeja-dágua e cartão adesivo. Foram coletados 253.454 insetos, distribuídos em nove ordens, 82 famílias e 241 espécies. Não foram observadas diferenças na comunidade de insetos para os índices de riqueza, diversidade e equitabilidade nos tratamentos avaliados. Predadores e polinizadores foram mais abundantes no milho geneticamente modificado, e parasitoides, decompositores, sugadores e mastigadores, no milho convencional com inseticida. Diferenças significativas foram detectadas para as espécies Colopterus sp., Colaspis occidentalis (L.) e Nusalala tessellata (Gerstaecker), mais abundantes no milho Bt, e Dalbulus maidis e Condylostylus sp.2, mais abundantes no milho convencional.(AU)

PiN photodiode performance comparison for dosimetry in radiology applications.

Performance comparison of selected photodiodes for usage as radiation detectors for radio-protection is presented. In this study, based on the criteria of minimum sensitive area of 5mm2, minimum half angle 60° and low cost, four commercial photodiodes are selected for evaluation: SFH205, SFH206, BPW34, and BPX90F. Photodiodes are low cost, small volume and lightweight detectors. As an electronic transducer, photodiode detector is an attractive approach for the development of low power portable electronic dosimeter for direct-reading real-time radiation dose measurement. The devices have been studied with respect to sensitivity (efficiency) in X-rays and gamma rays detection, repeatability and linearity in air kerma.

Post-herpetic neuralgia / Neuralgia pós-herpética

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Post-herpetic neuralgia is defined as pain persisting for more than three months after the resolution of skin eruptions observed in herpes-zoster. Post-herpetic neuralgia incidence is quite variable, increases with age, being more frequent among patients aged over 60, and is associated to reduced quality of life of affected individuals. The objective of this review is to discuss key aspects of post-herpetic neuralgia, particularly its pathophysiology, clinical signs, diagnosis, prevention and treatment. CONTENTS: Post-herpetic neuralgia pathophysiology is poorly understood and involves peripheral and central nervous system mechanisms. Associated clinical signs are variable and represented mainly by pain with neuropathic features and skin changes in dermatomes previously affected by herpes-zoster. Post-herpetic neuralgia prophylactic vaccination seems to be the best preventive option. Diagnosis of post-herpetic neuralgia is largely clinical and treatment involves an early-stage, multimodal approach. Among techniques described in the literature, there is pharmacological treatment which, when not effective, requires the implementation of interventional techniques. CONCLUSION: Post-herpetic neuralgia is a complex entity and should be treated in a multidisciplinary way aiming at improving patients' quality of life.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A neuralgia pós-herpética é conceituada como dor persistente por mais de três meses após a resolução das lesões de pele observadas no herpes-zoster. A incidência de neuralgia pós-herpética é bastante variável e dependente da idade, sendo mais frequente em pacientes acima de 60 anos e associada a redução da qualidade de vida do indivíduo. O objetivo deste estudo foi discutir os principais aspectos da neuralgia pós-herpética, atentando para a sua fisiopatologia, manifestações clínicas, diagnóstico, prevenção e tratamento. CONTEÚDO: A fisiopatologia da neuralgia pós-herpética é pobremente compreendida e envolve mecanismos periféricos e centrais. As manifestações clínicas a ela associadas são variáveis e representadas principalmente por dor com característica neuropática e alterações de pele no dermátomo acometido anteriormente pelo herpes-zoster. A vacinação profilática para a neuralgia pós-herpética parece ser a melhor opção para preveni-la. O seu diagnóstico é eminentemente clinico e o seu tratamento envolve a necessidade de uma abordagem precoce e multi-modal. Dentre as técnicas descritas encontram-se o tratamento farmacológico e, quando este não é efetivo, a implementação de técnicas intervencionistas. CONCLUSÃO: A neuralgia pós-herpética é uma entidade complexa que deve ser tratada de forma multidisciplinar com o intuito de aumentar a qualidade de vida dos pacientes.

Scarabaeoidea (Insecta: Coleoptera) no Cerrado brasileiro: estado atual do conhecimento / Scarabaeoidea (Insecta: Coleoptera) in the Brazilian Cerrado: current state of knowledge

Besouros pertencentes à superfamília Scarabaeoidea ocupam habitats variados, possuem hábitos alimentares diversificados, desempenham importante papel ecológico e diversas espécies apresentam importância agrícola. No entanto, estudos com esse grupo na região do Cerrado são escassos. Nesta revisão realizou-se um levantamento dos artigos publicados nos últimos 30 anos a respeito dos Scarabaeoidea no Cerrado. Foram recuperados 64 artigos, realizados em nove unidades da federação, que focavam quatro temas principais: espécies praga, aspectos bioecológicos, biodiversidade e importância ecológica, e técnicas e metodologias de coleta de Scarabaeoidea. Os resultados desta revisão indicam que poucos estudos foram realizados com os Scarabaeoidea no Cerrado brasileiro nas últimas décadas frente à importância e diversidade desse grupo de insetos.

Beetles belonging to the superfamily Scarabaeoidea occupy different habitats, present feeding habits diversified, play an important ecological role and several species have agricultural importance. However, studies with this group in the Brazilian Cerrado are scarce. In this review we carried out a survey of scientific articles published in the past 30 years concerning Scarabaeoidea in the Cerrado. Were found 64 studies in nine Brazilian states. The studies focused on four main topics: pest species, bioecology, biodiversity and ecological importance, techniques and methodologies for collecting Scarabaeoidea. The results of this review indicate that few studies have been conducted with Scarabaeoidea in the Cerrado in recent decades compared to the importance and diversity of this group of insects.

Scarabaeoidea (Insecta: Coleoptera) no Cerrado brasileiro: estado atual do conhecimento / Scarabaeoidea (Insecta: Coleoptera) in the Brazilian Cerrado: current state of knowledge

Besouros pertencentes à superfamília Scarabaeoidea ocupam habitats variados, possuem hábitos alimentares diversificados, desempenham importante papel ecológico e diversas espécies apresentam importância agrícola. No entanto, estudos com esse grupo na região do Cerrado são escassos. Nesta revisão realizou-se um levantamento dos artigos publicados nos últimos 30 anos a respeito dos Scarabaeoidea no Cerrado. Foram recuperados 64 artigos, realizados em nove unidades da federação, que focavam quatro temas principais: espécies praga, aspectos bioecológicos, biodiversidade e importância ecológica, e técnicas e metodologias de coleta de Scarabaeoidea. Os resultados desta revisão indicam que poucos estudos foram realizados com os Scarabaeoidea no Cerrado brasileiro nas últimas décadas frente à importância e diversidade desse grupo de insetos.(AU)

Beetles belonging to the superfamily Scarabaeoidea occupy different habitats, present feeding habits diversified, play an important ecological role and several species have agricultural importance. However, studies with this group in the Brazilian Cerrado are scarce. In this review we carried out a survey of scientific articles published in the past 30 years concerning Scarabaeoidea in the Cerrado. Were found 64 studies in nine Brazilian states. The studies focused on four main topics: pest species, bioecology, biodiversity and ecological importance, techniques and methodologies for collecting Scarabaeoidea. The results of this review indicate that few studies have been conducted with Scarabaeoidea in the Cerrado in recent decades compared to the importance and diversity of this group of insects.(AU)

Genetically modified corn on fall armyworm and earwig populations under field conditions / Milho geneticamente modificado e sua ação sobre a lagarta-do-cartucho e tesourinha em condições de campo

The effects of corn MON810 on the Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) and the earwig Doru luteipes (Scudder) were tested under field conditions in Brazil. Results from MON810 corn fields were compared with those fields of conventional corn with and without the application of insecticides in four harvests in the region of Barretos, SP. It was assessed the damage to S. frugiperda via direct counts of the number of fall armyworms and adults and nymphs of the predator D. luteipes on corn plants. The rate of S. frugiperda damage and the average numbers of larvae (large and small) were lower in the MON810 corn field relative to the control plot. There were no differences (P>0.05) between treatments regarding the predator abundance in corn plants. The second crop season ("safrinha") showed the greatest extent of S. frugiperda damage and the lowest average abundance of earwigs. MON810 was effective in controlling S. frugiperda and abundance of predator D. luteipes was similar in the three treatments under field conditions.(AU)

Avaliou-se o efeito do milho geneticamente modificado MON810 sobre o inseto praga Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) e o seu predador Doru luteipes (Scudder) em condições de campo no Brasil. As avaliações foram conduzidas em campos de milho MON810, comparadas com milho convencional com e sem aplicação de inseticidas, em quatro safras na região de Barretos, SP. Foram avaliados os danos de S. frugiperda em plantas e a contagem do número de lagartas de S. frugiperda e de adultos e ninfas do predador D. luteipes em plantas de milho. Verificou-se uma menor porcentagem de danos de S. frugiperda e os menores números médios de lagartas (pequenas e grandes) no milho MON810. Não foram observadas diferenças (P>0,05) entre os tratamentos na abundância do predador D. luteipes em plantas de milho. A segunda época de plantio apresentou as maiores porcentagens de danos de S. frugiperda e as menores médias do número de tesourinhas coletadas. O milho MON810 foi efetivo no controle de S. frugiperda e a abundância do predador D. luteipes foi similar nos três tratamentos, em condições de campo.(AU)

Genetically modified corn on fall armyworm and earwig populations under field conditions / Milho geneticamente modificado e sua ação sobre a lagarta-do-cartucho e tesourinha em condições de campo

The effects of corn MON810 on the Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) and the earwig Doru luteipes (Scudder) were tested under field conditions in Brazil. Results from MON810 corn fields were compared with those fields of conventional corn with and without the application of insecticides in four harvests in the region of Barretos, SP. It was assessed the damage to S. frugiperda via direct counts of the number of fall armyworms and adults and nymphs of the predator D. luteipes on corn plants. The rate of S. frugiperda damage and the average numbers of larvae (large and small) were lower in the MON810 corn field relative to the control plot. There were no differences (P>0.05) between treatments regarding the predator abundance in corn plants. The second crop season ("safrinha") showed the greatest extent of S. frugiperda damage and the lowest average abundance of earwigs. MON810 was effective in controlling S. frugiperda and abundance of predator D. luteipes was similar in the three treatments under field conditions.

Avaliou-se o efeito do milho geneticamente modificado MON810 sobre o inseto praga Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) e o seu predador Doru luteipes (Scudder) em condições de campo no Brasil. As avaliações foram conduzidas em campos de milho MON810, comparadas com milho convencional com e sem aplicação de inseticidas, em quatro safras na região de Barretos, SP. Foram avaliados os danos de S. frugiperda em plantas e a contagem do número de lagartas de S. frugiperda e de adultos e ninfas do predador D. luteipes em plantas de milho. Verificou-se uma menor porcentagem de danos de S. frugiperda e os menores números médios de lagartas (pequenas e grandes) no milho MON810. Não foram observadas diferenças (P>0,05) entre os tratamentos na abundância do predador D. luteipes em plantas de milho. A segunda época de plantio apresentou as maiores porcentagens de danos de S. frugiperda e as menores médias do número de tesourinhas coletadas. O milho MON810 foi efetivo no controle de S. frugiperda e a abundância do predador D. luteipes foi similar nos três tratamentos, em condições de campo.

Field biology of the beetle Aegopsis bolboceridus in Brazil, with a list of host plants.

The white grub, Aegopsis bolboceridus (Thomson) (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae), is an important vegetable and corn pest in central Brazil. The objective of this study was to examine the biology of A. bolboceridus in the field and to update the list of its host plants. The study was conducted in an area with vegetable crops and corn located in the Federal District of Brazil. Samplings were taken to observe the biological stages of A. bolboceridus, preferred oviposition sites, and the adult swarming period. A. bolboceridus exhibited a univoltine cycle that lasted approximately 12 months from egg to active adults. Its eggs were found from October to November. The larval stage lasted approximately eight months, occurring between October and May. Pre-pupae were observed between April and June, and pupae were found between May and July. Inactive adults were observed in July and August, and the swarming period was between September and October. The females preferred to oviposit in sites with taller plants. Four new plant species were identified as hosts for this pest, and two new locations were recorded for its occurrence. This study is the first to describe the biology of a representative of the tribe Agaocephalini in Brazil.

First record of damage by an insect pest in a commercial amaranth crop in Brazil

Insect pests have not been recorded for amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L.) in Brazil. Generalized plant lodging was observed after the grain-filling period in an irrigated commercial amaranth crop (7 ha), located in Cristalina, state of Goiás (Brazil), which was cultivated between Aug. and Dec. 2009. Almost all sampled plants presented internal galleries bored by lepidopteran larvae. The larvae were reared, and the adults were identified as Herpetogramma bipunctalis (F.) (Crambidae). This is the first report of an insect pest causing significant damage in a commercial amaranth crop in Brazil, which indicates the need to develop pest management strategies in order to support the increased production in Brazil.

First record of damage by an insect pest in a commercial amaranth crop in Brazil

Insect pests have not been recorded for amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L.) in Brazil. Generalized plant lodging was observed after the grain-filling period in an irrigated commercial amaranth crop (7 ha), located in Cristalina, state of Goiás (Brazil), which was cultivated between Aug. and Dec. 2009. Almost all sampled plants presented internal galleries bored by lepidopteran larvae. The larvae were reared, and the adults were identified as Herpetogramma bipunctalis (F.) (Crambidae). This is the first report of an insect pest causing significant damage in a commercial amaranth crop in Brazil, which indicates the need to develop pest management strategies in order to support the increased production in Brazil.