Correction: Jafari et al. Modeling Thermal Developmental Trajectories and Thermal Requirements of the Ladybird Stethorus gilvifrons. Insects 2023, 14, 11.

Following the publication of [...].

Thermal Oviposition Performance of the Ladybird Stethorus gilvifrons Preying on Two-Spotted Spider Mites.

The ladybird, Stethorus gilvifrons (Mulsant) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), is an important predator of two-spotted spider mites, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), in southeastern Europe and western and southwestern Asia, such as Iran, India, and Turkey. To enhance forecasting the occurrence and performance of this predator in natural control and improve its usage in biological control, we evaluated and compared four non-linear oviposition models, i.e., Enkegaard, Analytis, Bieri-1, and Bieri-2. The models were validated by using data of age-specific fecundity of female S. gilvifrons at six constant temperatures (15, 20, 25, 27, 30, and 34 °C). All four models provided good fit quality to age-dependent oviposition at 15 to 30 °C (R2 0.67 to 0.94; R2adj 0.63 to 0.94) but had a poor fit at 34 °C (R2 0.33 to 0.40; R2adj 0.17 to 0.34). Within temperatures, the best performing models were Bieri-1 (R2), Bieri-2 (R2adj), and Analytis (RSS) at 15 °C, Bieri-1 at 27 °C, and Analytis at 20, 25, and 30 °C. Analytis was the best suited model across the wide temperature range tested (from 15 to 30 °C). The models presented here allow for prediction of the population dynamics of S. gilvifrons in field and greenhouse crops in temperate and subtropical climates.

Seismic structural control using magneto-rheological dampers: A decentralized interval type-2 fractional-order fuzzy PID controller optimized based on energy concepts.

In this paper, a combination of the interval type-2 fuzzy logic controller (IT2FLC) with the fractional-order proportional-integral-derivative (FOPID) controller, namely optimal interval type-2 fractional-order fuzzy proportional-integral-derivative controller (OIT2FOFPIDC), is developed for enhancing the seismic performance and robustness in seismic structural control applications. Based on the energy concepts, a decentralized framework of the OIT2FOFPIDC is proposed for easy and simple implementation in structures during earthquakes. For this purpose, a coot optimization algorithm (COA), as a powerful optimization algorithm, is also applied to adjust the membership functions (MFs), scaling factors, and the main controller parameters. Three controllers, namely optimal type-1 fuzzy proportional-integral-derivative controller (OT1FPIDC), optimal interval type-2 fuzzy proportional-integral-derivative controller (OIT2FPIDC), and optimal proportional-integral-derivative controller (OPIDC), are also proposed for comparison purposes. The seismic performances of the suggested controllers are examined with the evaluation of nine seismic performance indices and different ground accelerations in a 6-story smart structure equipped with two dampers. The robustness of the four controllers in the presence of the stiffness uncertainties is also compared in this study. On average, a reduction of 25.0%, 18.8%, and 18.5% in peak displacement, inter-story drift, and acceleration of stories is obtained for the OIT2FOFPIDC over the OT1FPIDC, respectively. Similarly, these reductions in comparison with the OIT2FPIDC are 16.3%, 13.3%, and 12.0%. Also, these reductions, in comparison with the OPIDC, are 33.3%, 27.8%, and 25.8%. Furthermore, simulation results show that the OIT2FOFPIDC is more robust than the other proposed controllers against uncertainties due to structural stiffness.

Modeling Thermal Developmental Trajectories and Thermal Requirements of the Ladybird Stethorus gilvifrons.

The development rate of the predatory ladybird, Stethorus gilvifrons (Mulsant), fed on Tetranychus urticae Koch, was determined at 15, 20, 25, 27, 30, 34, and 38 °C. The total development time from egg to adult emergence for females was estimated to be 61.4, 31.6, 14.4, 13.3, 12.5, and 11.7 days, respectively. The development time decreased with increasing temperature from 15 to 34 °C, but all eggs failed to hatch at 38 °C. The lower temperature threshold (T0) for the entire development period and the thermal constant (K) for female S. gilvifrons were estimated to be 11.64 °C and 194.50 degree-days (DD) using the common linear model, and 11.96 °C and 187.87 DD using the Ikemoto and Takai model, respectively. Data were fitted to 20 non-linear development rate models and the thermal thresholds (Tmin and Tmax) and optimal temperature (Topt) were estimated. Among non-linear models, the Briere-2 and Ikemoto and Takai linear model provided adequate descriptions of the temperature-dependent development of S. gilvifrons. The upper-temperature threshold was estimated to be about 44 °C using the Logan-10 non-linear model. The estimated thermal development characteristics can be used to predict the occurrence and the population dynamics, as well as to improve the mass rearing and release, of S. gilvifrons for the biological control of T. urticae.

Intraguild Predation between Chrysoperla carnea (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) and Hippodamia variegata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) at Various Extraguild Prey Densities and Arena Complexities.

Intraguild predation (IGP) is a ubiquitous, important and common interaction that occurs in aphidophagous guilds. The effects of extraguild prey (EGP, i.e., aphids) density, predator life stage combinations and duration of the interaction on the level, asymmetry and direction of intraguild predation between lacewing Chrysoperla carnea and ladybird Hippodamia variegata were examined in simple laboratory arena and more complex microcosm environment. Three initial densities of 50, 150 and 400 Aphis fabae third instar nymphs and a control without aphids were provided to six combinations of predator life stages (2nd and 3rd larval instars of lacewing and 3rd and 4th instars and adult females of ladybird). The remaining aphid density and occurrence of IGP were checked after 24, 48 and 72 h. The IGP intensity (IGP level, IL) was similar in the simple arena (reaching 0.6 between larvae in absence of EGP and 0.3 between lacewing larvae and ladybird females) and microcosm environment (0.3 without EGP). In both environments, increasing EGP density lowered IL according to negative exponential relationship. IGP was asymmetric (general average asymmetry was 0.82 in simple arena and 0.93 in microcosm, the difference was not significant) and mostly in favour of larvae of C. carnea, except in the combination of 2nd larvae of C. carnea with the 4th larvae and adults of H. variegata. The direction of IGP, but not other characteristics, partially changed during the duration of the experiment. The incidence of IGP interactions among aphid predators under real conditions and its consequences on aphid biological control are discussed.

Fractional order PID control design for semi-active control of smart base-isolated structures: A multi-objective cuckoo search approach.

Fractional order PID (FOPID) controllers are introduced as a general form of classical PID controllers using fractional calculus. As this controller provides good disturbance rejection and is robust against plant uncertainties it is appropriate for the vibration mitigation in structures. In this paper, an FOPID controller is designed to adjust the contact force of piezoelectric friction dampers for semi-active control of base-isolated structures during far-field and near-field earthquake excitations. A multi-objective cuckoo search algorithm is employed to tune the controller parameters. Considering the resulting Pareto optimal front, the best input for the FOPID controller is selected. For seven pairs of earthquakes and nine performance indices, the performance of the proposed controller is compared with those provided by several well-known control techniques. According to the simulation results, the proposed controller performs better than other controllers in terms of simultaneous reduction of the maximum base displacement and story acceleration for various types of earthquakes. Also, it provides acceptable responses in terms of inter-story drifts, root mean square of base displacements and floor acceleration. In addition, the evaluation of robustness for a stiffness uncertainty of ±10% indicates that the proposed controller gives a robust performance against such modeling errors.

Effect of temperature and button mushroom varieties on life history of Lycoriella auripila (Diptera: Sciaridae).

Temperature-dependent development and population growth parameters of the fungus gnat, Lycoriella auripila (Winnertz), on button (737 and A15) mushroom were evaluated at nine constant temperatures, ranging from 8, 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 22.5, 25, 27, and 30 degrees C and developmental rates were modeled as a function of temperature. At 25 and 27 degrees C, an average of 20.89 and 22.43 d was needed for L. auripila to complete its development from oviposition to adult eclosion on 737 and A15, respectively. The population failed to survive at 8 and 30 degrees C. The developmental times of males or females on each variety at various constant temperatures differed significantly. The regression and Ikemoto and Takai linear models, in the absence of 10, 12.5, and 27 degrees C, described the relationship of developmental rate to temperature for male and female of L. auripila very well. Data were fitted to various nonlinear temperature-dependent models. The Logan 6 and Briere 1 nonlinear models provided the best estimation for Topt and Tmax and are highly recommended for the description of temperature-dependent development of L. auripila on 737 and A15, respectively. On 737 variety, significant differences were observed among all growth parameters at various temperatures. The intrinsic rate of natural increase (r(m)) for L. auripila was 0.134 on 737 variety at 25 degrees C, which was significantly >0.052 on A15 variety at the same temperature. No other data are available in using linear and nonlinear models to describe the relationship between temperature and L. auripila development. Understanding the influence of temperature on development of L. auripila is discussed with respect to pest management in mushroom production.

Multivariate statistical assessment of heavy metal pollution sources of groundwater around a lead and zinc plant.

The contamination of groundwater by heavy metal ions around a lead and zinc plant has been studied. As a case study groundwater contamination in Bonab Industrial Estate (Zanjan-Iran) for iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, cadmium and lead content was investigated using differential pulse polarography (DPP). Although, cobalt, copper and zinc were found correspondingly in 47.8%, 100.0%, and 100.0% of the samples, they did not contain these metals above their maximum contaminant levels (MCLs). Cadmium was detected in 65.2% of the samples and 17.4% of them were polluted by this metal. All samples contained detectable levels of lead and iron with 8.7% and 13.0% of the samples higher than their MCLs. Nickel was also found in 78.3% of the samples, out of which 8.7% were polluted. In general, the results revealed the contamination of groundwater sources in the studied zone. The higher health risks are related to lead, nickel, and cadmium ions. Multivariate statistical techniques were applied for interpreting the experimental data and giving a description for the sources. The data analysis showed correlations and similarities between investigated heavy metals and helps to classify these ion groups. Cluster analysis identified five clusters among the studied heavy metals. Cluster 1 consisted of Pb, Cu, and cluster 3 included Cd, Fe; also each of the elements Zn, Co and Ni was located in groups with single member. The same results were obtained by factor analysis. Statistical investigations revealed that anthropogenic factors and notably lead and zinc plant and pedo-geochemical pollution sources are influencing water quality in the studied area.

Effect of temperature on demographic parameters of the hawthorn red midget moth, Phyllonorycter corylifoliella, on apple.

The hawthorn red midget moth, Phyllonorycter corylifoliella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), is one of the most serious pests of apple and pear orchards in Iran, however little is known about its biology and relationship with environmental factors. The reproduction and population growth parameters of P. corylifoliella were examined at six constant temperatures (15, 20, 25, 30, 33 and 35° C) on apple var. golden delicious. At 35° C, P. corylifoliella failed to develop beyond the first instar. The lowest (13%) and highest (64%) mortality rates of immature stages occurred at 25 and 33° C, respectively. The life expectancies (ex) decreased with increasing of age and the life expectancies of one-day-old larvae were estimated to be 38.68, 33.34, 35.11, 26.28 and 16.11 days at 15, 20, 25, 30 and 33° C, respectively. The highest intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm), net reproductive rate (Ro) and finite rate of increase (lambda) at 25° C were 0.100 ± 0.003, 47.66 ± 5.47 and 1.11 ± 0.00, respectively. The mean generation time (T) decreased with increasing temperatures from 86.86 ± 0.53 days at 15° C to 33.48 ± 0.16 days at 30° C. Doubling time (DT) varied significantly with temperature and the shortest doubling time was obtained at 25° C. The results of this study provide direction for future research on evaluating the performance of P. corylifoliella and the efficiency of its natural enemies in apple orchards under variable environmental conditions.

Effect of temperature on life history of Aphidius colemani and Aphidius matricariae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), two parasitoids of Aphis gossypii and Myzus persicae (Homoptera: Aphididae).

The performance of two aphid parasitoids, Aphidius colemani Viereck and Aphidius matricariae (Haliday), against Aphis gossypii Glover on greenhouse cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) and Myzus persicae (Sulzer) on sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) were evaluated at various constant temperatures. Biological parameters of both parasitoids including developmental time, pupal survivorship, percentage of parasitism, and sex ratio of the progeny were studied at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 degrees C. At 25 degrees C, an average of 10.0 +/- 1.1 and 9.8 +/- 1.1 d was needed for A. colemani to complete its development from oviposition to adult eclosion on A. gossypii and M. persicae, respectively. The corresponding average times needed for A. matricariae were 11.9 +/- 0.9 and 11.5 +/- 1.1 d, respectively. The lower developmental thresholds for A. colemani reared on A. gossypii and M. persicae were estimated from linear regression equations to be 2.97 and 2.65 degrees C, respectively, whereas these values for A. matricariae were 3.37 and 3.51 degrees C, respectively. Parasitization rate of both parasitoid species, recorded as percent aphids mummified, increased almost linearly with increasing temperature to reach a maximum at 25 degrees C and decreased at 30 degrees C. The optimal temperatures for development of A. colemani and A. matricariae were approximately 30 and 25 degrees C, respectively, and high mortality occurred at higher temperatures. The Lactin 2 and Briere 1 developmental models were accepted based on their excellent goodness-of-fit to the data (residual sum of square and coefficient of determination) and estimable temperature thresholds and are strongly recommended for the description of temperature-dependent development of A. colemani and A. matricariae.