Colony identity clues for Syntermes grandis (Blattodea: Termitidae) individuals using near-infrared spectroscopy and PLS-DA approach.

Termites are social insects with high species diversity in tropical ecosystems. Multivariate analysis with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and data interpretation can separate social insects belonging to different colonies of the same species. The objective of this study was to propose the use of discriminant analysis by partial least squares (PLS-DA) combined with NIRS to identify the colonial origin of the Syntermes grandis (Rambur, 1842) (Blattodea: Termitidae) in 2 castes. Six ground S. grandis colonies were identified and mapped; 30 workers and 30 soldier termites in each colony were submitted to spectral measurement with NIRS. PLS-DA applied to the termites' spectral absorbance was used to detect a spectral pattern per S. grandis colony by caste. PLS-DA regression with NIRS proved to be an approach with 99.9% accuracy for identifying the colonial origin of S. grandis workers and 98.3% for soldiers. The methodology showed the importance of qualitatively characterizing the colonial phenotypic response of this species. NIRS is a high-precision approach to identifying the colony origin of S. grandis workers and soldiers. The PLS-DA can be used to design ecological field studies to identify colony territorial competition and foraging behavior of subterranean termite species.

Aspen Plus simulation for effluent reuse in thermomechanical pulp mills.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the closing of the water circuit and reusing the treated effluent in the production of TMP, using simulations performed with the Aspen Plus®. The treated effluent was reused to replace 50, 75 and 100% of the well water. An adaptation of the Aspen Plus® program simulating the TMP production process and a dynamic simulation test to verify the accumulation of non-process elements (NPEs) in industrial processes at different proportions of reuse were evaluated. The quality of the final product was assessed in laboratory bleaching tests for pulp brightness and brightness reversion. The concentrations of the NPE were 0.00097, 0.00122 and 0.00145 kmol/h for Mn2+, 0.012929, 0.018368 and 0.023595 kmol/h for Fe2+ and 0.000542, 0.000722 and 0.000948 kmol/h for Cu2+, with the recycling of the treated effluent of 50, 75 and 100%, respectively. The brightness and brightness reversion of the pulp were similar with the different proportions of effluent reuse and with the use of fresh industrial water, with values ranging from 83.37 to 83.97% ISO and 5.43 to 6.38 ISO units, respectively. The use of treated effluent did not affect the pulp quality, which could diminish the water use a pulp mil.

Energetic characterization and radiographic analysis of torrefied coated MDF residues.

The use of wood panel residues as biomass for energy production is feasible. Heat treatments can improve energy properties while minimizing the emission of toxic gases due to thermoset polymers used in Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) panels. Torrefaction or pre-carbonization, a heat treatment between 200 and 300 °C with low oxygen availability accumulates carbon and lignin, decreases hygroscopicity, and increases energy efficiency. The objective of this work was to evaluate the energy parameters (immediate, structural, and elementary chemical composition, moisture content, and yield) and density in torrefied MDF panels. The torrefaction improved the energetic features of coated MDF, decreasing the moisture content, volatile matter, and consequently, concentrating the carbon with better results in the samples torrefied for 40 min. The densitometric profiles of the torrefied MDF, obtained by X-ray densitometry, showed a decrease in the apparent density as torrefaction time increased. The digital X-ray images in gray and rainbow scale enabled the most detailed study of the density variation of MDF residues.

Quality of Pinus sp. pellets with kraft lignin and starch addition.

Pellets are widely used for power generation because they use renewable raw material with easy storage, transport and high energy density. However, the structural fragility, disintegrating during handling, transport and storage, is one of the main problems of pellets, but the addition of binders/additives can minimize this fragility. The objective of this study was to evaluate the properties of wood pellets with the addition of starch (corn and wheat) and kraft lignin in different proportions. Pellets were produced with the addition of starch (wheat and corn) and kraft lignin in the proportions of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5% in relation to the mass of wood particles of Pinus sp., with 12% moisture (dry basis), classified in 3 and 1 mm sieves and compacted in a pelleting press in the laboratory, according to European standard EN 14961-2. Physical and mechanical properties of the pellets were evaluated and their densitometric profiles obtained from the Faxitron LX-60 X-ray equipment. Corn starch and kraft lignin additives at 4% improved pellet properties (density, fines and hardness), reducing their losses during handling, storage and transport.

Tetrastichus howardi (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae): first report of parasitism in Oxydia vesulia (Lepidoptera: Geometridae).

The adaptation of native lepidopteran species to eucalyptus plantations reduces the productivity of this crop in Brazil. Oxydia vesulia Cramer (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) is a secondary pest, frequently reported in eucalyptus plantations with population outbreaks and economic damages. Methods of biological control of this pest may include the use of the exotic pupae endoparasitoid Tetrastichus howardi Olliff (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), reported as efficient to controlling lepidopteran pests. The parasitism of O. vesulia caterpillars and pupae by T. howardi was evaluated under controlled conditions (25 ± 1 ºC, 60 ± 20% humidity and 12:12 h L:D). Each O. vesulia caterpillar or pupae was individually placed in a flat-bottom tube with 10 and 15 females of T. howardi for 48h, respectively. The parasitoids were removed after that period, the caterpillars were fed and the pupae were maintained until emergence of the parasitoid or formation of pupae and emergence of adults of this pest. The fourth-instar caterpillars of O. vesulia, after the parasitism period, were kept in pots with Eucalyptus urophylla leaves, changed daily until the end of the experiment. A total of 40% of the caterpillars died before the pre-pupae stage, 40% reached the pupae stage and died due to inadequate adult formation and 20% generated moths, but none adult parasitoid emerged from the caterpillars. All pupae of O. vesulia were parasitized and showed emergence of parasitoids. The parasitism of O. vesulia caterpillars and pupae by T. howardi shows the potential of this natural enemy for the integrated management of this defoliator pest in eucalyptus plantations.

Exposure to chlorantraniliprole reduces locomotion, respiration, and causes histological changes in the midgut of velvetbean caterpillar Anticarsia gemmatalis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

The anthranilic diamide, chlorantraniliprole is a systemic insecticide affecting ryanodine receptors. This insecticide is used to control caterpillars in soybean crops because it has low toxicity to non-target organisms. The objective was to identify side-effects of chlorantraniliprole on midgut histopathology, respiration and behavior of the velvetbean caterpillar Anticarsia gemmatalis in laboratoty. Chlorantraniliprole has LC50 = 0.61 (0.58-0.64) mg mL-1 for A. gemmatalis fourth instar caterpillars after 96 h. The insecticide causes severe histopathological effects in the midgut with epithelial disorganization, microvilli degeneration, cytoplasm vacuolization, cell fragmentation, and peritrophic matrix disorganization. The respiratory rate and the walking speed decrease, whereas the resting period increase for caterpillars exposed to this insecticide. Chlorantraniliprole is toxic to A. gemmatalis at median lethal concentrations causing severe histological and ultrastructural changes with degeneration of the midgut epithelium, reduction of respiratory rates and inducing an arresting behavioral response of this insect.

Tetrastichus howardi (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae): first report of parasitism in Oxydia vesulia (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) / Tetrastichus howardi (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae): primeiro relato de parasitismo em Oxydia vesulia (Lepidoptera: Geometridae)

The adaptation of native lepidopteran species to eucalyptus plantations reduces the productivity of this crop in Brazil. Oxydia vesulia Cramer (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) is a secondary pest, frequently reported in eucalyptus plantations with population outbreaks and economic damages. Methods of biological control of this pest may include the use of the exotic pupae endoparasitoid Tetrastichus howardi Olliff (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), reported as efficient to controlling lepidopteran pests. The parasitism of O. vesulia caterpillars and pupae by T. howardi was evaluated under controlled conditions (25 ± 1 ºC, 60 ± 20% humidity and 12:12 h L:D). Each O. vesulia caterpillar or pupae was individually placed in a flat-bottom tube with 10 and 15 females of T. howardi for 48h, respectively. The parasitoids were removed after that period, the caterpillars were fed and the pupae were maintained until emergence of the parasitoid or formation of pupae and emergence of adults of this pest. The fourth-instar caterpillars of O. vesulia, after the parasitism period, were kept in pots with Eucalyptus urophylla leaves, changed daily until the end of the experiment. A total of 40% of the caterpillars died before the pre-pupae stage, 40% reached the pupae stage and died due to inadequate adult formation and 20% generated moths, but none adult parasitoid emerged from the caterpillars. All pupae of O. vesulia were parasitized and showed emergence of parasitoids. The parasitism of O. vesulia caterpillars and pupae by T. howardi shows the potential of this natural enemy for the integrated management of this defoliator pest in eucalyptus plantations.

A adaptação de espécies nativas de lepidópteros a plantios de eucalipto reduz a produtividade dessa cultura no Brasil. Oxydia vesulia Cramer (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) é praga-secundária, frequentemente, relatada em plantios de eucalipto com surtos populacionais e danos econômicos. Métodos de controle biológico, dessa praga, podem incluir o uso do endoparasitoide exótico de pupas Tetrastichus howardi Olliff (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) relatado como eficiente para o controle de lepidópteros-pragas. O parasitismo de lagartas e pupas de O. vesulia por T. howardi foi avaliado em condições controladas (25 ± 1º C, 60 ± 20% umidade e 12h fotoperíodo). Cada lagarta ou pupa de O. vesulia foi colocada individualmente em tubos de fundo chato com 10 e 15 fêmeas de T. howardi por 48h, respectivamente e, após esse período, os parasitoides foram removidos, as lagartas alimentadas e as pupas mantidas até a emergência do parasitoide ou formação de pupas ou de adultos dessa praga. As lagartas de quarto ínstar de O. vesulia, após o período de parasitismo, foram mantidas em potes com folhas de Eucalyptus urophylla trocadas, diariamente, até o fim do experimento. Um total de 40% das lagartas de O. vesulia morreu antes da fase de pré-pupa, 40% atingiram o estágio de pupa e morreram devido à má formação ou problemas e 20% originaram mariposas, porém nenhum parasitoide adulto emergiu das lagartas. Todas as pupas de O. vesulia foram parasitadas e tiveram emergência de parasitoides. O parasitismo de lagartas e pupas de O. vesulia por T. howardi mostra o potencial desse inimigo natural para o manejo integrado desse desfolhador em cultivos de eucalipto.

Steinernema diaprepesi (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) parasitizing Gonipterus platensis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) can control pests due to mutualistic association with bacteria that reproduce and kill the host from septicemia, making the environment favourable for nematode development and reproduction. The objective of this study was to identify an EPN isolate collected in eucalyptus cultivation and to determine its pathogenicity with regard to Gonipterus platensis Marelli (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Four steel-mesh traps with two seventh-instar Galleria mellonella larvae were buried 5 cm deep in the soil in a commercial Eucalyptus plantation. After 7 days, the traps were packed in plastic bags and transported to laboratory to isolate the EPNs using White traps. The obtained nematodes were multiplied in G. mellonella larvae and identified by sequencing their D2/D3 expansion of the 28S rDNA region by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and specific primers for ITS regions. Steinernema diaprepesi was identified and inoculated into G. platensis pupae at doses of 500, 1000 and 5000 infective juveniles (IJs) to determine its pathogenicity to this pest. At 8 days after inoculation, the mortality rate of the G. platensis pupae was 80% with the lowest concentration and 100% with the others. The emergence of nematodes and the rapid degradation of G. platensis pupae were observed in those inoculated with IJs. The pathogenicity to the G. platensis pupae indicates potential for using this nematode in the integrated management of this insect.

Selectivity of the botanical compounds to the pollinators Apis mellifera and Trigona hyalinata (Hymenoptera: Apidae).

The toxicity of essential oils that can be used in insect pest management to pollinators needs further studies. Apis mellifera Linnaeus and Trigona hyalinata (Lepeletier) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) foragers were exposed by three pathways to ginger, mint, oregano and thyme essential oils to provide their LC50, LD50 and LC90, LD90. Oregano and thyme were more toxic through contact and topically for A. mellifera while the toxicity of mint and ginger was lower. Trigona hyalinata was more tolerant to the essential oils than A. mellifera. In the walking test, the area was treated (totally or partially) with sub-doses (LC50) obtained via contact. The area fully treated with oregano reduced the distance traveled and the movement speed increased the number of stops by A. mellifera. Similar results were observed for T. hyalinata with oregano and thyme oils. Apis mellifera showed irritability remaining shorter time in the area partially treated with ginger, mint and thyme essential oils while T. hyalinata had similar behavior with ginger and thyme. Essential oils did not repel A. mellifera or T. hyalinata, but those of ginger, mint and thyme reduced the time spent by A. mellifera in areas treated with sublethal doses. Oregano and thyme essential oils reduced the survival, mainly, of A. mellifera, while ginger and mint were selective for both pollinators.

The effect of soil nutrients and moisture during ontogeny on apparent wood density of Eucalyptus grandis.

Knowledge of the effect of soil nutrients, such as K and Na and their interaction with water availability, on the growth and wood properties of the eucalypts, is needed to increase the productivity of commercial plantation forests in Brazil that generate employment and taxes. The present study evaluates the apparent wood density (at 12% wood moisture) of Eucalyptus grandis trees at 12, 24, 36 and 48 months old under ambient and lower than ambient (66%) rainfall conditions and K and Na nutrient enrichment. The treatments were two water availability (100 and 66% of the rainfall) and the three nutrient treatments were: K (4.5 kmol/ha), Na (4.5 kmol/ha) and a control (natural conditions). The apparent wood density of samples at breast height (1.3 m) was determined by X-ray densitometry and digital images. Increased nutrients at all four ages and water availability at 36 and 48 months reduced apparent wood density in E. grandis trees, however, effects of nutrients are lower under water availability reduction. The radial profile of wood density was higher in four-year-old trees, but there was radial variation in apparent wood density at all ages. These findings predict that, under water stress, apparent wood density will not decline in commercial E. grandis plantations fertilized with potassium. The use of sodium, as a substitute of potassium, should consider their negative impacts on wood density of Eucalyptus grandis trees.

Resistance of in natura and torrefied wood chips to xylophage fungi.

The diversity of fungi allows for their colonisation in different environments, including wood destined for power generation, with an ability to degrade or hinder its use. Torrefaction or pre-carbonisation, a low oxygenation heat treatment with temperatures between 200 and 300 °C, accumulates carbon and lignin, decreases hygroscopicity, increases energy efficiency and reduces the wood attractiveness to xylophagous microorganisms. This work aimed to study the resistance of Eucalyptus urophylla wood chips, submitted to torrefaction temperatures of 180, 220 and 260 °C for 20 minutes, to xylophagous fungi, according to the ASTM D-2017 method (2005). The white rot fungi Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Pleurotus ostreatus and Trametes versicolor and the brown rot fungus Gloeophyllum trabeum were used. After 12 weeks of exposure, the mass losses of wood samples in natura and torrified at 180 °C attacked by Pleurotus ostreatus and Trametes versicolor was higher. Torrefaction increased the resistance to fungi; the treatment at 260 °C was the most efficient with lower mass losses caused by fungi attacks and, consequently, greater resistance to the fungi tested.

Chemical vs entomopathogenic control of Thaumastocoris peregrinus (Hemiptera: Thaumastocoridae) via aerial application in eucalyptus plantations.

The Thaumastocoris peregrinus spread to eucalyptus plantations in many countries. Chemical control is a questionable measure, mainly due to the environmental impact, high cost and moreover has the use restricted by the forest certifications. Bio-insecticides may have similar efficiency to chemical products to control T. peregrinus. The chemical thiamethoxam, thiamethoxam + lambda-cyhalothrin, acephate and the microbial Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae insecticides were tested at different doses to manage T. peregrinus. The products were sprayed on eucalyptus plants using aircraft and populations of this insect were counted before application and at 1, 14 and 21 days afterwards (DAA). Ten eucalyptus trees were evaluated per plot, with the collection of ten leaves from the middle third of the crown of each tree, and the number of T. peregrinus nymphs and adults obtained per leaf was determined. All the chemical insecticides had similar control at 1 DAA for T. peregrinus nymphs and adults. At 14 DAA, the number of T. peregrinus nymphs and adults on eucalyptus leaves was similar for the chemical and microbial insecticide treatments. At 21 DAA the control efficiency of T. peregrinus nymphs and adults was higher than 80% with all insecticides. The entomopathogenic insecticides have potential for aerial application to control T. peregrinus nymphs and adults and provide viable and environmentally-friendly alternative to manage this pest.

A multi-criteria decision analysis of management alternatives for anaerobically digested kraft pulp mill sludge.

The Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) procedure was used to compare waste management options for kraft pulp mill sludge following its anaerobic digestion. Anaerobic digestion of sludge is advantageous because it produces biogas that may be used to generate electricity, heat and biofuels. However, adequate management of the digested sludge is essential. Landfill disposal is a non-sustainable waste management alternative. Kraft pulp mill digested sludge applied to land may pose risks to the environment and public health if the sludge has not been properly treated. This study is aimed to compare several recycling alternatives for anaerobically digested sludge from kraft pulp mills: land application, landfill disposal, composting, incineration, pyrolysis/gasification, and biofuel production by algae. The MCDA procedure considered nine criteria into three domains to compare digested sludge recycling alternatives in a kraft pulp mill: environmental (CO2 emission, exposure to pathogens, risk of pollution, material and energy recovery), economic (overall costs, value of products) and technical (maintenance and operation, feasibility of implementation). The most suitable management options for digested sludge from kraft pulp mills were found to be composting and incineration (when the latter was coupled with recycling ash to the cement industry). Landfill disposal was the worst option, presenting low performance in feasibility of implementation, risk of pollution, material and energy recovery.

Tetrastichus howardi (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae): first report of parasitism in Oxydia vesulia (Lepidoptera: Geometridae)

Abstract The adaptation of native lepidopteran species to eucalyptus plantations reduces the productivity of this crop in Brazil. Oxydia vesulia Cramer (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) is a secondary pest, frequently reported in eucalyptus plantations with population outbreaks and economic damages. Methods of biological control of this pest may include the use of the exotic pupae endoparasitoid Tetrastichus howardi Olliff (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), reported as efficient to controlling lepidopteran pests. The parasitism of O. vesulia caterpillars and pupae by T. howardi was evaluated under controlled conditions (25 ± 1 ºC, 60 ± 20% humidity and 12:12 h L:D). Each O. vesulia caterpillar or pupae was individually placed in a flat-bottom tube with 10 and 15 females of T. howardi for 48h, respectively. The parasitoids were removed after that period, the caterpillars were fed and the pupae were maintained until emergence of the parasitoid or formation of pupae and emergence of adults of this pest. The fourth-instar caterpillars of O. vesulia, after the parasitism period, were kept in pots with Eucalyptus urophylla leaves, changed daily until the end of the experiment. A total of 40% of the caterpillars died before the pre-pupae stage, 40% reached the pupae stage and died due to inadequate adult formation and 20% generated moths, but none adult parasitoid emerged from the caterpillars. All pupae of O. vesulia were parasitized and showed emergence of parasitoids. The parasitism of O. vesulia caterpillars and pupae by T. howardi shows the potential of this natural enemy for the integrated management of this defoliator pest in eucalyptus plantations.

Resumo A adaptação de espécies nativas de lepidópteros a plantios de eucalipto reduz a produtividade dessa cultura no Brasil. Oxydia vesulia Cramer (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) é praga-secundária, frequentemente, relatada em plantios de eucalipto com surtos populacionais e danos econômicos. Métodos de controle biológico, dessa praga, podem incluir o uso do endoparasitoide exótico de pupas Tetrastichus howardi Olliff (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) relatado como eficiente para o controle de lepidópteros-pragas. O parasitismo de lagartas e pupas de O. vesulia por T. howardi foi avaliado em condições controladas (25 ± 1º C, 60 ± 20% umidade e 12h fotoperíodo). Cada lagarta ou pupa de O. vesulia foi colocada individualmente em tubos de fundo chato com 10 e 15 fêmeas de T. howardi por 48h, respectivamente e, após esse período, os parasitoides foram removidos, as lagartas alimentadas e as pupas mantidas até a emergência do parasitoide ou formação de pupas ou de adultos dessa praga. As lagartas de quarto ínstar de O. vesulia, após o período de parasitismo, foram mantidas em potes com folhas de Eucalyptus urophylla trocadas, diariamente, até o fim do experimento. Um total de 40% das lagartas de O. vesulia morreu antes da fase de pré-pupa, 40% atingiram o estágio de pupa e morreram devido à má formação ou problemas e 20% originaram mariposas, porém nenhum parasitoide adulto emergiu das lagartas. Todas as pupas de O. vesulia foram parasitadas e tiveram emergência de parasitoides. O parasitismo de lagartas e pupas de O. vesulia por T. howardi mostra o potencial desse inimigo natural para o manejo integrado desse desfolhador em cultivos de eucalipto.